Architectural Portfolio 2013-2020

ARCHITECTURAL PORTFOLIO 2013 - 2020 ACADEMIC + PERSONAL

KEVIN KUAH KAI YING e: kuahkevin@gmail.com m: +65 93666539

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ACADEMIC 2013

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AN EXTENSION TO TAFE

2014

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DWELLING @ GILLMAN

2015

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VIND

2016

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CO-HOUSING:

2019

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URBAN WIND ENVIRONMENT REPORT

2019

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REGENERATIVE FORESTRY LIVING

UNSW

NUS

NUS

NUS

NUS

NUS

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1.KIOSK 2.BIKE REPAIR 3.GALLERY

BETWEEN BLOCK 6 & 7

REMODELING OF SCHOOL CAFETERIA

ADDRESSING ACTIVE AGING THRU ART

SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND VILLAGE LIVING IN GUNUNG KIDUL, JOGJAKARTA

VOLUNTARY 2019 RSG

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WFSH* @ KUTULAPONG REFUGEE CAMP PROVIDING REFUGE WITHIN A REFUGEE CAMP

COMPETITION 2020 SELF

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ZOMI BATTI

TOILET AS A LIGHTHOUSE FOR WOMEN’S PROTECTION IN REFUGEE CAMPS

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AN EXTENSION TO TAFE 1.KIOSK 2.BIKE REPAIR 3.GALLERY Tutor: Samantha Donnelly / UNSW / 2013 Keywords: Materiality, Controlled Circulation, Spatial Experience Location: 33°52’22.7”S 151°13’15.5”E

An extension for a fictional TAFE campus located in Wooloomooloo, Sydney. The project is divided into three stages, each one with a new program addition. First - a kiosk, second - a bike workshop and parking, and third - an art gallery tower. The precedents used were key to the design foundations. Four fundamental ideas to the project’s design are: 1. Making use of the boundaries and axes to create a planned linear circulation around the site 2. Providing an experience for the users through a series of compressed and expanded spaces 3. Giving respect to the site surroundings by setting a height limit while keeping the design simple and honest.

4. Focusing on the construction and materials and the relationship between heaviness of bricks and lightness of timber. recedent Studies: Brick House by P Mies van der Rohe , Leca Swimming pool by Alvaro Siza, Housing Projects by Le Corbusier

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SITE MODEL: 1:500

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FINAL MODEL 1: 100

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PROJECT 1: KIOSK LEGEND: 1. CAFE COUNTER 2. ART SUPPLIES COUNTER 3. PREPARATION 4. WAITING AREA 5. STAIRWAY 6. ROOF TOP BALCONY 7. BIKE PARKING 8. BIKE WORKSHOP 9. STOREROOM 10. RAMP 11. ART GALLERY

The concept of designing the kiosk comes from the site itself, particularly the axis and boundaries. The bricks walls accentuate the linear axis and circulation. The kiosk and storeroom are placed at ground level for easy access. The long stairway lead to a more ‘private’ public relaxation spot, as opposed to the open lawn below.

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PROJECT 2: KIOSK + BIKE WORKSHOP

Long walls create a muted facade which hides the designed spaces. Only through a walk around the enclosed circulation, the spaces slowly reveal.

The workshop is positioned behind the three walls. The service areas (workshops, kiosk, store) are on the ground level, while public area on the top. This separates and emphasize spatial experiences by the controlled circulation.

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LEGEND: 1. CAFE COUNTER 2. ART SUPPLIES COUNTER 3. PREPARATION 4. WAITING AREA 5. STAIRWAY 6. ROOF TOP BALCONY 7. BIKE PARKING 8. BIKE WORKSHOP 9. STOREROOM 10. RAMP 11. ART GALLERY

FRONT ELEVATION

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PROJECT 3: KIOSK + BIKE WORKSHOP + GALLERY

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01

02

Perspective renders: 01 Kiosk 02 Gallery Tower 03 Layered Bike Workshop

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03

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1:50 Kiosk Construction Plan

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1:20 Kiosk Detail Section

Model Deconstructed

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DWELLING @ GILLMAN BETWEEN BLOCK 6 & 7 Tutor: Sio Lim / NUS / 2016 Keywords: Bridge, Harmonise disconnection, Juxtaposition, Rainforest structure, Privacy hierarchy Location: 1°16’38.1”N 103°48’16.6”E

The architectural intervention aims to respectfully harmonise the disconnection between the northern and southern segments of Gillman Barracks, and to design an artist dwelling for two clients without affecting the existing attributes of the site. Located on a lush green valley, along the axis of disconnection, the building functions as a ‘bridge’, drawing the human traffic from the northern to the southern while keeping vehicles away. In order to achieve this, the placement of the entrance is nestled between Block 6 and 7 - a gesture of juxtaposing a foreign object between two buildings from the colonial era.

The issues of intertwining the public and private domains within the architecture is resolved by first understanding the demands of each space and its function. The spaces are configured based on the translation of rainforest structure. Assigning the ground level as a datum, being the most public domain, the subsequent basement spaces below gradually become more private.

Clients: Land Artist + Dendrologist

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Site Map

Similarities and Demands of professions To harness green spaces within and around Gillman Barracks as spaces for research, inspiration and exhibition. The architecture as a dwelling and space for collaboration between professionals.

Clients

Andy Goldsmith

István Rácz

Land Artist [Top] “Land Art is a work of art created with and embodied by the physical landscape. The movement sought to take art out of museums and set it within a natural context.” (Arthistory.net)

Dendrologist [Below] “Dendrology is derived from two Greek words meaning trees and discourse or study, or the study of trees.” (agroforestry.org)

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Northern

Southern

Unbalanced sensory activity and human traffic lead to disconnection

01 - Green Spaces

02 - Entrances & Circulation

Condition of Existing Site

Juxtaposition of architecture 24

03 - Human Traffic

01 SITE DISCONNECTION SPACE BETWEEN EXISTING BLOCKS AS OPPORTUNITY

?

02 ARCHITECTURE AS A BRIDGE FOR HORIZONTAL CIRCULATION

03 LADDER CORE FOR VERTICAL CIRCULATION AND THRESHOLD BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

Design Process 25

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CIRCULATION SEQUENCE WITH ARCHITECTURAL IMPLEMENTATION Harmonising the disconnection between northern and southern segments of gillman barracks 27

Roof Plan

01 02

A

03

Ground Level

01 04 05

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Basement 01 Hand-drawn Plans 28

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02

01

02

03 04

A

05 06

02 07 08 10

LEGEND 01- Ladder core 02- Entrance/Exit/ Events 03- Gallery 04- Washroom 05- Artist’s Studio 06- Shared Workshop 07- Research’s Workshop 08- Ramp 09- Shared Living Space 10- Individual Bedrooms

09 10

A- Trapped Door Hand-drawn Exploded Axonometric 29

VIND

REMODELING OF SCHOOL CAFETERIA Tutor: Kazuhiro Nakajima / NUS / 2016 Keywords: Thermal Comfort, Wind Funnels, Venturi Effect, Visual Connections, Controlled Circulation Location: 1°17’52.7”N 103°46’17.6”E

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Site Issues: Thermal Comfort and Human Traffic Congestion

Dominant prevailing wind directions: NNE-NE-SSW-S

Located at the centre between two faculties, the School of Design and

Environment and the Faculty of Engineering, the projects calls for a remodelling of the existing Techno Edge, along with intention to ‘discover’ an architectural element, the roof. Functioning as a food canteen, VIND forms a focal public domain for students, staff and visitors alike.

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Site Conditions

Located at the centre between two faculties, the School of Design and Environment and Faculty of Engineering, the project calls for a remodelling of the existing Techno Edge and to rediscover the roof as an architectural element. Functioning as a food canteen, VIND forms the focal public domain for students, staff and visitors alike.

VIND comprises of three main blocks (service and function) that differ from their programmes and functions.

Preserving the character of the sloping terrain as an utmost importance, the design of VIND aims to resolve the several existing challenges.

The architectural solutions to these challenges are developed as the conceptual framework. The framework - ‘Optimisation of internal thermal comfort’, ‘Creation of visual connections between building volumes and landscape’, ‘Controlled circulational routes’ and ‘Roof as main design element’ are achieved.

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‘The Eco-cooler’

[source: https://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2016/06/ Eco-Cooler-Plastic-Bottle-Air-Conditioner-889x693.jpg]

Deriving from inspirations from a recent invention from Bangladesh, ‘The Eco-Cooler’ helps to reduce internal heat gain without the use of electricity. Constructed out of recycled plastic bottles, these bottles are cut, assembled in a grid and then fitted on the opening of a wall.

The shape of the bottles acts as wind funnels, channelling external hot air to the narrow bottle necks. This results to a change of air pressure which leads to an increase of air velocity. The compressed hot air is then converted into cool air, which reduces the internal temperatures.

The scientific term, Venturi effect, is explains this concept. Scaling it to an architectural dimension, the curved form plays around with a calculated arrangement of expanded and compressed spaces, creating a wind funnelling effect.

Based on a set of site studies and research, the strategic orientation of the central volume sits on the axis of NNE-SSW to capture the dominant prevailing winds. In addition, the numerous subvolumes and planes are designed to peel off from the main volume, capturing winds from all angles; harnessing nature as an advantage. The volumes, which feature staggering walls, roof and the interplay of floor levels help to increase air velocity.

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Conceptual Sketches: Translation of Venturi Effect to Building Scale

Service Axis

Function Axis

Service Axis

Section

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4

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GROUND LEVEL PLAN LEGEND

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1. FOOD STALLS & KITCHEN 2. INDOOR AIR CONDITIONED DINING 3. MAIN DINING AREA 4. LINK BRIDGE 5. WASHROOM 6. SERVICE/UNLOADING BAY 7. ENTRANCE FROM SDE 8. ENTRANCE FROM ENGINEERING 9. ENTRANCE FROM COMP. CENTRE 10. TO BASEMENT FAST FOOD RESTAURANT 11. STAFF ENTRANCE TO BASEMENT KITCHEN

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM 5

MAIN

STAFF

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Controlled circulation from service block to function block to reduce traffic congestion 37

1 3

2

4

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BASEMENT LEVEL PLAN LEGEND 1. FAST FOOD RESTAURANT [RELOCATED FROM EXISTING SITE] 2. INDOOR AIR CONDITIONED DINING 3. LINK BRIDGE 4. LOWER DECK DINING AREA

WIND DIAGRAM WIND

Adhering to Bernoulli’s principle, compressed and expanded space, increase wind velocity, improving internal thermal comfort 39

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SECOND LEVEL PLAN LEGEND 1. UPPER DECK DINING AREA

PROGRAMME ARRANGEMENT STRATEGY FUNCTION AXIS

SERVICE AXIS

The separation of programmes into function and service to reduce congestion.

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Perspective renders: 01 Main dining area 02 Curved brick wall construction

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Physical Model: Boxboard

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ROOF TO GROUND WALL SECTION 44

D1

D2

D3

ROOF PLAN

1 2

3 4 5 6

7 8 9

1 2 3

4

5 6

1

7 8

2

5

10

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3 4

10

D1

D2

D3

ROOF DETAILING D1: C CHANNEL RAIN GUTTER 1. Aluminium roof sheeting bolted to plywood 2. 2mm waterproof membrane 3. 10mm Metal Purlins bolted to H-Beam 4. 2mm Aluminum flashing bend at site 5. 75mm deep C-channel rain gutter 6. 220mm Galv steel wide flange 7. 12mm thk Marine plywood 8. 35mm thk insulation with galv. wire mesh 9. 160mm Galv. steel H Beam bolted to WF at 4 degrees 10. 100mm Galv steel circular hollow section

D3: CANTILVERED ROOF WITH EXTENDED EAVES 1. Aluminium flashing bend at site 2. 3mm Aluminium extended eaves trim to edge 3. Nosing rain drip 4. 160mm Galv steel H Beam, built to edge 5. 2mm Steel to conceal roof composites

D2: ROOF CONSTRUCTION AT DIFFERENT ANGLES 1. Aluminium roof sheeting bolted to plywood 2. 2mm waterproof membrane 3. 12mm thk Marine plywood 4. 10mm Metal Purlins bolted to H-Beam 5. Rectangular Hollow section 6. 220mm Galv steel wide flange 7. 35mm thk insulation with galv. wire mesh 8. 160mm Galv. steel H Beam bolted to WF at 8 degrees 9. 160mm Galv. steel H Beam bolted to WF at 4 degrees 10. 100mm Galv steel circular hollow section

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COHOUSING:

ADDRESSING ACTIVE AGING THRU ART Tutor: Assoc. Prof Fung John Chye / NUS / 2017 Keywords: Site Isolation, Belt Extension, Sharing spaces, Mobility Spine, Art therapy Location: 1°18’09.1”N 103°51’17.8”E

The project entitled, “Co-housing: Active Aging Population + Art Hub” is set in the year 2047. The project calls for the imagination of future cohousing spaces which addresses two inevitable issues in Singapore - Rapid Aging and Population Growth. Located at Rochor Centre, the project extract ideas from the immediate site conditions across scales as well as the present and future state of Singaporeans as a nation.

Harnessing the emerging local creative industry and neighbouring art districts, art may be engaged to reduce the health concerns of Rapid Aging, such as dementia and loneliness. The role of art provides vibrant and active living spaces for the elderly and immediate communities.

From the site analysis, the site is seen as an isolated plot despite its location on a junction between five districts; with each having a strong identity. The solution of mobile connectivity, extends the creative belt and park connector horizontally; which increases human traffic on the site. The architecture itself, continues the creative belt vertically, by staggering shared spaces that lead to the Community Art Boxes. The main feature of the masterplan is the independent elevated mobility spine that performs as five functions: 1. To bring the curious public into the site 2. As a park connector to Rochor Canal 3. To divide the site into different zones which each is defined by a type of art programmes that is performed 4. To connect the zones above ground level 5. To extend the creative belt between the art district of Bencoolen and Kampung Glam (refer to masterplan diagram pg 54-55)

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Zone 1: Floral + Urban Garden for Active Aging

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DENSITY 2047 [BASED

SITE IN ISOLATION, CON 48

ON 2014 MASTERPLAN]

NNECTIVE IS A SOLUTION 49

Surrounding districts

Transport [Park Connectors, Highways, Roads] + Blue + Green landscapes

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Condition of Existing Site

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESS

The site is sandwiched between 5 different districts which each with their own character

Identity Crisis?

Eg. Bencoolen and Kampong glam as an art enclave

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

Should the public realm create a dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood or cater to a specific demographic or ignore the site context in search of an identity

Future developments and residential housing could destabilize the identity structure?

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESS

Cycling path connecting Rochor Canal to Kallang Basin and North-South Corridor (Cycling community)

Surrounded by dense road networks

Close Proximity to 4 different MRT stations

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

The wide roads that run along the site, isolates the site and enhances privacy

The site is flanked with wide roads with ingress and egress ramps in NSE, will roads isolate the site?

Can the site be a ‘pit stop’ for pedestrians and bikers?

Issues of health and safety

SWOT Analysis

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Emerging creative hub

Can the emerging local creative industry contribute to Active Aging for the elderly?

+ Rapid Aging

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Creative Art

Demographics for Co-housing

Art Students / Professionals

Elderly

Co-housing between Elderly and A younger generation of students and Art Professionals.

The mix of intergeneration forms mutual respect and understanding, enhances well beings and reduces isolation for the elderly

Film Performance Art

Music

Photography Handy Craft

Elderly Florist & Gardening

Gastronomy Fashion Visual & Media Art

Network of interdependence 53

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ZONE 1 [FLORAL + URBAN GARDEN]

ZONE 2 [PERFORMANCE ART + MUSIC]

ZONE 3 [GASTRONOMY]

01 Community based Art Studios 02 Workshops 03 Offices 04 Event Spaces 05 Community Garden 06 Residential Tower 07 Retail Units by Residents

01 Community based Art Studios 02 Workshops 03 Offices 04 Event Spaces 05 Residential Tower 06 Retail Units

01 Community based Art Studios 02 Community Kitchen 03 Event Spaces 04 Residential Tower 05 Retail Units

The red dotted lines border out Zone 1 which the area to be emphasized and detailed. Zone 1 is dedicated to Floral and Garden Art where elderly and the residents within the community can engage with artists and the interested public. A list of programmes are designed for social interaction and environmental awareness the elderly.

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D

C

C

D

A

A

B

B

A

PLAN: MODULAR 1 (M1)

D

C

D

C A

B

A

B

PLAN: MODULAR 2 (M2)

D

B

B

B

B

A

B

B

A

A

PLAN: MODULAR 3 (M3)

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D

LEGEND A. Co-sharing Spaces B. Studio Apartments [Elderly/ Singles] C. 3 Room Units D. 4 Room Units E. Community Art Space

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E

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View of Art space from Studio Apartment

D

A

A

B

B

B

B E

PLAN: MODULAR 4 (M4)

LEGEND A. Co-sharing Spaces B. Studio Apartments [Elderly/ Singles] C. 3 Room Units D. 4 Room Units E. Community Art Space

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D

Double volume Art space at the doorstep

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C

C

A

D

A E

PLAN: MODULAR 5 (M5)

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LEGEND A. Co-sharing Spaces B. Studio Apartments [Elderly/ Singles] C. 3 Room Units D. 4 Room Units E. Community Art Space MODULAR STACKING ARRANGEMENT M1 M2 M3 M4 M5

M3 M2 M1

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

M5 M4 M3 M2 M1

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URBAN WIND ENVIRONMENT REPORTS Tutor: Dr Yuan Chao / NUS / 2019 Link:https://issuu.com/kevinkuah/docs/final_submission_assignment_1_group_ report?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

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Link: https://issuu.com/kevinkuah/docs/kevin_kuah_ar5959d_report_two?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

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REGENERATIVE FORESTRY LIVING

SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN COMMUNITY FORESTRY AND VILLAGE LIVING IN GUNUNG KIDUL, JOGJAKARTA Master of Architecture Thesis Project Tutor: Assoc. Prof Shinya Okuda / NUS / 2018 - 2019 Keywords: Aqueduct, Natural and Productive forestry, Gunung Kidul, Mass timber movement, Network of capitals, Rural development, Symbiosis, Value chain Location: 7°57’08.4”S 110°29’27.4”E

The thesis premises on the concept of symbiotic relationship between Community Forestry (CF) and village living in Gunung Kidul regency in , Jogjakarta, Java, Indonesia. Defined as ‘the close relationship between two organisms from different species’, the principle of Symbiosis challenges and redefines the existing relationship; that is expressed in the roles of timber plantation and the current effectiveness of land use in village planning. The three-tiered agenda of CF – a. Rehabilitation of widespread forest degradation, b. Satisfaction of timber market demand and c. Alleviation of poverty within communities, has been impeded due to the adverse effects from natural and socio-economic conditions.

The intention of the thesis ultimately aims to assist the community’s livelihood and welfare, financial returns and maintain the natural environment based on sensitivity and pragmatism.

Built upon a network of capitals, the proposal will be manifested by an 8-year Revitalisation plan, recognized as a universal village planning model; where it seeks to be retrofitted and adaptable in villages around Gunung Kidul. Thus, improving and enhancing the entire region to achieve symbiosis.

link to thesis report:https://issuu.com/kevinkuah/docs/kevin_kuah_a0147107l_thesis_report?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

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The new village centre performs as central node for capital multiplier- A bridge between villagers and forestry. A place to extend social living and an integration of programmes. The village centre forms the core of revitalisation for self-sufficient village living.

SCALE: VILLAGE CAPITAL: NATURAL, PHYSICAL, HUMAN 67

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[A] 72

[A]

[B]

[C]

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[B] 74

[A]

[B]

[C]

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[C] 76

PLAN OF IMPLEMENTATION

[A]

[B]

[C]

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CORRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POVERTY AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY

CHAIN OF ISSUES

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SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD FRAMEWORK - as an analytical study of Community Forestry in Gunung Kidul An integrated approach to poverty and represents the key factors that influences people’s livelihood decisions, outcome, and relationship - Solesbury 2003 Establishing Network of Capitals

Targeted Capitals

Systematic approach In order to alleviate poverty, financial capital must be increased to gain self-sufficency in community forestry. Thus, a network of capitals needs to be established and translated architecturally.

The targeted capitals need to perform across various scales: regional, village, cluster and household. The Network of Capitals seek to strike a balance between resource need for human livelihood and nature preservation through the reorganisation and renewed perspective of forestry, nurturing of skills and the provision of infrastructural services.

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HUMAN CAPITAL 01 EXPANDING VALUE CHAIN WITHIN THE VILLAGE + EDUCATION AND SKILL TRAINING

TRADITIONAL VALUE CHAIN OF TIMBER CULTIVATION IN JAVA, INDONESIA

01

SEEDLING

02

03

SEED PRODUCTION

NURSERY MAINTENANCE

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08

END USER

INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING

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TREE PLANTING

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TIMBER DEPORT & PROCESSING

By centralised source / middlemen / industry By villagers Proposed [to increase human capacity development]

The traditional value chain shows the range of activities of timber cultivation. Community forest villagers in Gunung Kidul and the island of Java are currently involved in two stages - 04 Tree Planting and 05 Forestry Maintenance. The villagers can take more ownership of the value chain in order to increase financial capital by expanding their scope of timber cultivation. To realise this, the addition of new programs can allow the villagers to engage in more stages of timber cultivation.

The proposal therefore aims to also enhance human capital by introducing skill training and education to allow villagers to be more involved in the value chain; particularly, 06 Harvest and 07 Timber Deport & Processing. From reports, the pricing of processing timber by the villagers would significantly increase their financial returns.

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05

FORESTRY MAINTENANCE

06

HARVEST

07 Existing district timber processing plant away from village [exterior]

07 Existing district timber processing plant away from village [interior]

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NATURAL CAPITAL 02 RECONFIGURATION OF FOREST LANDSCAPE + INCREASING NATURAL CAPITAL BETWEEN PRODUCTIVE AND NATURAL FORESTRY

EXISTING LANDSCAPE AND FUNCTIONS OF FORESTLAND

100% PRODUCTIVE AND MONOCULTURED 463 011.93m2

The villager’s preceptive towards forestry is seen as a commodity and a financial safety net. Trees are harvested when money is needed for various purposes, ie. the villagers’ daily necessity, education fees for their younger generation, investments etc. The occurrences of tree harvesting typically happens at unpredictable timings. During dry seasons, villagers seek jobs in urban centres, adding environmental and social pressures to cities. The current practice of monoculture for productivity results in a dry condition around the region. To enhance natural conditions and increase biodiversity & ecosystems, a balance between natural preservation and resources required for human livelihood is required.

PROPOSED LANDUSE AND FUNCTIONS OF FORESTLAND + CONSTRUCTING FOREST CORRIDOR TO CONNECT TO WANAGAMA

63%

37%

NATURAL 301 686.59m2

PRODUCTIVE 161 324.41m2

The universal village proposal allows the idea of connecting village forestry to Wanagama’s Conversation Forestry. A ring of natural forestry will be constructed around each village, providing a continuous forest corridor.

A list of pioneer trees are chosen to reconstruct natural forest. For the productive forest, Sengon trees will be planted due to its fast maturity.

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FOREST CORRIDOR TO WANAGAMA FOREST CONSERVATION EXISTING LANDSCAPE Wanagama Forest Conservation

BANTUL REGENCY

Site: Menggoran II

GUNUNG KIDUL REGENCY

PROPOSED LANDSCAPE LEGEND CONSERVED FORESTRY

3

PRODUCTIVE FORESTRY NO DATA FORESTRY TRANSPORT NETWORKS WATER BODIES

2 2 1

2 2

2 2

GREEN BELT IMPLEMENTATION

2

2 2

1 Mengoran II 2 Surrounding villages 3 Wanagama Forest Conversation

SCALE: REGIONAL CAPITAL: NATURAL 85

RECONFIGURATION OF EXISTING FORESTLAND WITH DECENTRAILISED TIMBER PROCESSOR, DETENTION BASIN FOR IRRIGATION AND SHELTERED WALKWAY - A RENEWED PERSPECTIVE ON FORESTRY

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24

X

8 YEAR OLD SENGON TREES/YEAR/HOUSEHOLD TO BE HARVESTED

To be self sufficient financially within 8 years

Total productive forestry area:

161 324.41m2 Min. to be sufficient:

109 824m2 24 trees x 8 yrs x 143 household = 27 456 trees Additional financial reserves:

51,500.41m2

The common issue with the existing forestry management is the irregular planting distance. This leads to low financial returns due to poor growth. The prices of Sengon trees reveals that if trees are cultivated with appropriate silviculture management and required planting distances; a monthly harvesting two 8-year-old Sengon trees, would provide a household a daily income of USD7.98 (annually harvesting of 24 Sengon Trees). This is approximately sevenfolds of the current daily income of Gunung Kidul of US$0.97 Furthermore, it is comparable to the average daily income of Yogyakarta City of US$7.96.

This would not only enhance the financial capital of the villager but provides stability to the natural environment and regular harvesting practice for the villagers. Beyond this, the existing forestland will be reconfigured, with pockets of productive forestry within afforested natural forestry as seen in the rendered image.

SCALE: VILLAGE CAPITAL: NATURAL, PHYSICAL, HUMAN 87

NATURAL CAPITAL 03 AQUEDUCT SYSTEM IN INCREASE WATER SUFFICIENCY REASONS FOR DRY AND POOR NATURAL CONDITIONS CLIMATIC CONTEXT: GUNUNG KIDUL’S AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL AMOUNT

EXISTING WATER SITUATION Water source: Delivered from centralised location Volume: -unknownRemark: Water is sufficient for human usages during wet and dry seasons, however, insufficent for farming in dry seasons.

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KARST SOIL PROFILE 89

CLIMATE CONDITION - DRY SEASON

WATER SUFFICIENCY STUDY 2

1 SOURCE

Period of Wet Season in a Year

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Average rainfall in Wet Season in Gunung Kidul for the past 4 years

HUMAN DEMAND Average family size in Jogjakarta Region

Average water consumption / person / day in Indonesia

No. of Families in Menggoran

Average water consumption / family / day in Indonesia

- A scenario if each roof in Menggoran II village, performs as a rain collector during wet seasons

OUTCOME

100% SUFFICIENCY OF FARMING ACTIVITIES DURING DRY SEASON

ADDITIONAL CROP CYCLE

2.48 MTHS SUFFICIENCY OF HUMAN USAGE DURING DRY SEASON

The rainwater collection is designed to capture rainfall during wet seasons and store for dry seasons. The relationship between water source, catchment area, demand and storage volume is required. The outcome of the aqueduct system provides full sufficiency for farming activities during dry seasons. The excess allows the villagers 2.48 months of sufficiency during dry seasons for human demand.

CROP DEMEND

3

4

CATCHMENT AREA

STORAGE

Requires 4000L/Day

542 223.7L - 360 000L = 182 223.7L [Human Use]

934m2

Total Roofscape Area

Volume for Crop Use / Month

542 223.7L

Rainwater collected

x 3 = 360 000L

120 000L

Months in Crop Season

26 240L x 4 = 104 960L [Additional Water Stroage]

580.54 mm

Total Rainwater during Wet Season

= 287 183.7L Total Excess water for use

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THE OVERLAY OF CAPITALS BY THE ARRANGEMENTS OF MODULAR AQUEDUCT SYSTEM

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HIGH PT: 158m LOWEST PT: 84m CROP FIELDS: 142m

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SITE TOPOGRAPHY: WATER FLOW ANALYSIS

The modular aqueduct system is a tool to transport the collected rainwater from villagers’ roofs to detention basins, shared among clusters of villagers. The rainwater is stored and used during dry seasons for farming; providing villagers an extra crop cycle. Walkway and shelter structures may be attached on the system to create space for human circulation. The aqueduct system is also able to form an arrangement as a pavilion for resting and meeting area. The overlay of programmes multiplies the capitals.

SCALE: CLUSTER CAPITAL: NATURAL, PHYSICAL, HUMAN 95

WFSH* @ KUTULAPONG REFUGEE CAMP PROVIDING REFUGE WITHIN A REFUGEE CAMP Women Friendly Sports Hall*

Pro-bono project for Relief SG (RSG) In collaboration with Celine Tan and advised by Ar. Sweet Woon Stage: Preliminary Design Development Date: Sept 19 - Jan 20 (halted due to global pandemic) Keywords: Rohingya Refugees, Women’s protection, Safety, Sports, Privacy, Empowerment Location: 21°10’45.6”N 92°09’10.2”E

A Personal Encounter and Project Description

Side Elevation @ Design Development Stage: Locally sourced materials and high-tech steel structures

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This project seeks to be a ‘refuge’ for the oppressed Rohingya females in Kutupalong Refugee Settlement. Designed as a Women Friendly Sports Hall, this space provides them freedom to socialise and be empowered through psychosocial support programmes. Each of them has potential to excel and live with dignity. To achieve this, a good space and contextually sensitive architecture can be the right tool.

Kutupalong Refugee Settlement was once a dense tropical forest, home to roaming wild elephants, until August 2017. The site currently serves as the world’s largest refugee settlement, home to fleeing Rohingya minorities from the unspeakable ethnic cleansing in their hometown of Rakhine. To this present moment, the population of the camp continues to grows in a rapid pace.

I joined RSG as a volunteer on their 6-day mission trip in August 2019. RSG is a local NGO and social enterprise that “focuses on providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for communities affected by conflicts, calamities and climate change”. This mission trip to Kutupalong was not a one-off assistance. But it was a series of mission trips to provide psychosocial support to the Rohingya girls. The trips involve basic training in a particular sport, Badminton. Through sports, RSG believes that it will bring joy and opportunities to the beneficials.

We arrived at Cox’s Bazar tired, after several flights and transits from Singapore.

The journey took approximately 12 hours. We stayed at Cox’s Bazar for our accommodation which was 3-hours away from the settlement. This is due to tight restrictions that all

NGO personnels are required to leave the camp before dusk.

Upon entering Kutupalong, we were greeted with a sight of countless makeshift tents with remains of natural greenery.

The tents were closely packed on the hilly terrain. Many tents were constructed with basic and fragile bamboo framings as structure members and waterproof tarpaulin sheets as walls. Roofs were weighted down with rocks and covered with mini solar panels. Some looked in a bad condition, while others appeared visually steadier - fortunate ones that were managed by international NGOs. As we alighted the van, I could remember the sudden sensory change. There was a strong smell of stagnant sewage water aggravated by the warm humidity. Crowds of Rohingyas, largely males stood and sat around. Some stared at us in curiosity, while others were socialising with

the other males. The landscape looked busy and chaotic. We walked past the tents towards the direction of the Women Friendly Space (WFS) in Camp 3; in haste.

The living conditions of the tents looked uncomfortable - hot, dark, dusty and claustrophobic. We could not spot many females outside their tents despite having a larger population than the males. As my senses were overwhelmed, I did not think much at that moment.

We reached the WFS and prepared our sessions with the reserved but eagerly waiting girls. They sat neatly along the parameters of the room, freeing up space for our demonstration. Their faces looked emotionless and weary as though they had seen something horrific the day before. As our mission leader, Jon, started his demonstration; I could

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imagine scenes of the girls fleeing the Naf River with their families, seeking refuge at Kutupalong. This fueled my motivation make the session worthwhile for the girls.

As Jon continued, I took a chance to observe existing conditions of the WFS and human factors - essentials to design an ideal female sports hall. The existing one storey WFS was designed to block out interior views from the outside. This provides privacy for the females. The walls consist of one-third concrete and two-third metal fence for ventilation. Thin concrete columns are positioned at intervals to support the metal fence and roof above. Along the parameter, colourful curtains are fixed and drawn to block out views.

The colourful curtains add the vibrancy to the dull interior. Few minutes into the

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demonstration, we were started to perspire profusely. We also noticed that the curtains were being drawn by curious onlookers from the outside.

Additionally, the interior space constraints were not suitable for sports and skills development.

I then realised the gender inequality, especially in the developing countries.

Females experience limited freedom in mobility, educational opportunities, social interaction and the fundamental human right. In the context of Kutupalong, spaces are zoned out by gender; which at face value seems practical for women protection. However, the issue lies in the disproportionate spaces where men inhabit the far greater proportion.

The spaces for females are strictly limited to the constraints of WFS and their

tents.

During our session, we could see their emotions changed when they held the racket for the first time. The atmosphere of the room was relaxed and encouraging. We continued our sessions at other WFS for the next few days.

On the last day, we drove to our potential site at Camp 12. The site, hidden from the main market road, was formerly a padi field owned by a Rohingya family. The site was divided into 5 plots of land. We studied and measured each plot, and recorded all potential hazards and public circulation. As dusk was approaching, our site visit only last 20 minutes. We headed off as the camp gates were closing.

With the knowledge and enthusiasm, we started the design process once we reached home.

Under the guidance of a local architect, Ms Sweet Woon, we began to explore possible design directions and ideas. The project reached the design development stage but was unfortunately halted by the global pandemic.

Nevertheless, this experience enlightened me the hopes and struggles of the humanitarian support and architecture.

Top Left

An abandoned padi field as the site for WSFH Demonstration of basics in Camp 3

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Women’s Potential Architecture

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Design Approach 01 Space in Society: This is a conceptual representation of the sociopsychological space in Rohingya society 02 Current Woman Potential: Women in Rohingya society are highly self aware and tend not to express themselves openly, which restricts their potential 03 Role of Architecture: The project seeks to craft a secure sense of enclosure for Rohingya women 04 Safe space for growth: With this sense of security, women can develop themselves better 05 Increased Women potential: This leads to a growth in their potential 06 Potential Contribution back: The architecture will also provide spaces for them to exercise this increased potential back to society

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07 Strategic Programmes Category A: Self-Nurturing 01 Sport Hall 02 Shower Area 03 Learning Area 04 Conselling & Nursing Room 05 Caretaker + Administrative quaters Category B: Expression 01 Public Courtyard 02 Communal Kitchen & Cafe 03 Mini Handicraft Shopfront 04 Permaculture Garden 05 Extension for Fathering Centre 101

Points to Address A) Creating an open but safe space for adolescent girls/women: 01 Current spaces are dark with little natural ventilation 02 Height of space currently not conducive for sports 03 Sense of privacy can be externally tampered with (curtains not secure) 04 Insufficient thresholds to create buffer zones B) Cultural Sensitivity 01 Foster a sense of inclusiveness & allow the Rohingya society to see the value of women safe spaces 02 Allow them to realise that cultural values can still be respected without causing isolation of women

Idea Generation 01 Site and Circulation: The site was previously a padi field. The main circulation aligns with the boundary of the site.

02 Placement of Court: The court is placed at the corner, away from the main circulation.

This is crucial to protect the girls from wandering eyes of the public. The courtyard provides openness and views.

03 Architecture as a Shield: The architecture performs as a shield to protect the girls.

04 Breaking of Volumes: The architecture is broken into segments according to programmes requested by the NGO. The gaps in-between volumes allow ventilation while minimising internal views.

05 Insertion of Roof: The roof is made up of low-tech and hightech structures. The low-tech structure consists of locally grown bamboo and palm leaves for the periphery volumes. The hightech structure for the badminton court consist of steel trusses and columns.

06 Final Design

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1 Badminton Court 2 Entrance 3 Reception and Guard Room 4 Store Front 5 Caretaker & Water Distribution 6 Counselling Centre 7 Workshop 8 Kitchen 9 Permaculture 10 Toilet 11 Storage 12 Exit 13 Shared courtyard 5

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Ground Level Plan @ Design Development Stage

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Top Right

Interior perspective of Badminton Courts being protected by periphery volumes

Bottom Right

Interior spaces in parallel projection view

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ZOMÁ BATTI

TOILET AS A LIGHTHOUSE FOR WOMEN’S PROTECTION IN REFUGEE CAMPS Competition: The Little Big Loo Rethinking Public Toilet 2020 In collaboration with Celine Tan and Jansen Yip

Keywords: Women’s protection, Sanitation, Toilet, Lighthouse, Rohingya Refugee Location: Kutupalong Refugee Camp

The story begins in the largest refugee camp of our times, Kutupalong. This is where the Rohingya ethnic minority have fled to for sanctuary, where they can feel more free. But when night falls, the camps are not as safe as it seems.

Gang activity is rampant within the camp grounds.

Vulnerable groups such as women and children are apprehensive about moving around at night, even to visit the washrooms in near vicinity.

In Rohingyalish, the Rohingya language; zomá = gathering of people and batti = lamp or light.

In the day, the family gathers in the space, where toilet waste is processed through a biogas generator. In turn, the lights of the designed structure are illuminated at night. For those who feel threatened, Zomá Batti can be transformed into a beacon light for the community. Across the camps, the land is lit up with sculptural lamps, that help to safely guide everyone home.

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Zoma Batti as sculptural lamps that light up Kutupalong Refugee camps at night

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Zoma Batti as beacon light that help send distress signals across the camp

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“How can we enhance visibility of toilets in the sea of refugee tents?

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“Can toilet be constructed as decorative sculptures or lighthouses across the camps?”

“What is the role of the community in protecting the vulnerable groups?”

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01 EXISTING TOILET

02 MASSING

03 SPLITTING OF SPACE

04 CRAFTING OF SPACE

05 CREATION OF BEACON

06 SHADE FOR ALL

Day Function

Night Function

Community waste as a form of protection Community waste is processed by a biogas reactor. The by-product, methane is converted into electricity by a generator; which in-turn powers the lantern. When women feel threatened, the lantern helps send distress signals; alerting the community for assistance.

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Gendered Spaces Male Female

Ground Level Plan A. Female wash basin B. Staircase to Women’s Safe Space + Watchtower C. Ingress/Egress to Female toilets D. Female Cubicles with wash area (*2) E. Female Cubicles (*2) F. Male Cubicles (*4)

G. Biogas generator room (*2) H: Biogas outlet collection basin (*2) I: Community space and Playground * Total floor area: 88.2m2

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Lantern powered by toilet waste of community First Level: Women’s safe space + Watch Tower [Size:16m2, Open-to-sky]

Bamboo lattice Structure [Size:15m high]

Facade skin opens as day shade for community space [Size:approx. 9m in length]

Ground level: Toilet cubicles separated by gendered spaces for women protection

Foundation Level: Biogas Reactor Facility and Structural foundation

Sectional pie cut displaying internal circulation, biogas reactor facility and community space 116

Exploded Isometric

First Level Plan A. Women’s Safe Space + Watchtower B. Staircase

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Section A. Lantern/Beacon Light B. Women’s safe space + Watchtower C. Female shared wash basin D. Male Cubicles E. Ingress/Egress to Female Toilets (equipped with Pivot Doors that mix waste in reactor) F. Biogas reactor and Structural 118

foundation G. Biogas outlet collection tank (Bio slurry as natural fertilizer) H. Community space and Playground for all I. Facade skin opens as day shade for community space

Competition Panel

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