SITTA Magazine- A Design Proposal

PIECE OF

A B S T R A C T

The main goal of the project is to push forward a design that is in relation to fulfill this project of revitalisation of Al Ghazali Road . It involves the designing of façade , flood mitigation and SHAHS Mosque lower courtyard . The concept idea is Little Piece of Paradise . The concept refers to the design that will relate the users about the journey to paradise based on Imam Al - Ghazali quotes .

Architecture and landscape architecture students then play an important role in providing and designing a space that betters the quality of users life and helps to improve their day to day activities . Apply Art and Design students do their task by inserting the best suitable material for every design in order to make the design sustainable while Quantity Surveyor student do their costing to find the most affordable cost related to design .

In the context of IIUM , to relate the users about the journey to paradise is to create islamic design . The issue of over flooding along the Al Ghazali road affects the society in a way that the local community no longer has any sense of attachment to the buildings there . This project therefore aims to restore the sense of place within the community using the design that related to the road name itself .

INTRODUCTION

P R O J E C T B R I E F

The site for this proposed project is the Al Ghazali Road which is located in the International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ) , Gombak Specifically , the road is situated beside the main rectory building of IIUM . This area comprises Al Ghazali road in between the two boom gates starting from the Automated Teller Machine ( ATM ) area to the Human Sciences ( HS ) café area . It also includes the lower courtyard in front of Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah ( SHAS ) Mosque of IIUM Gombak and the parking area in front of the SMART Center .

The ultimate goal is to renovate and revitalize the space to strengthen the

T A R G E T U S E R S

S T U D E N T S S T A F F

SUSTAINABLE

GOALS

4 QUALITY EDUCATION

Asthemainbuildingtypologyisan educationfacility,thegoalofQuality EducationisoneofthefocalSustainable goalswherebytheendresultshouldprovide equalaccesstoaneducationalplatformto allstudents,staffandusers.Thisgoalis targetedtotheusersofthefacilitythus designingasolutionaroundit.

AFFORDABLE&CLEANENERGY

Ingeneral,transportationisusedforthe movementofpeople,animals,andother things.Eachmodeoftransporthasa fundamentallydifferenttechnological solution,andsomerequireaseparate environment.

CLEAN WATER & SANITATION

CleanwaterandsanitationGoalensuresthat theprovisionofgoodquality/gradeof pipes/connections/coversetcareprioritizedin thedesign.Furthermoreasfloodingisakey issueintheproject,thestrategiesusedto overcomeitwillbethroughsustainable measuresandensurethehealthandsafetyof theusersandtheenvironment Forshortdistancesorinplaceswithout runways,helicopterscanbepractical. Othertypesofaircraft,likeautogyros andairships,arenotasignificant portionofairtransport.)

LITERATURE

REVIEW

A B U H A M I D M U H A M M A D B M U H A M M A D B O R N I N K H U R A S A N K N O W N A S T H E P R O O F O F I S L A M , T H E O R N A M E N T O F R E L I G I O N , T H E G U I D E O F T H E T R U E F A I T H ( S U L L I V A N , 1 9 9 4 ) I N T H E A S P E C T O F S O C I A L U T I L I T Y , H E D I S T I N G U I S H E D T H E 1 . N E C E S S I T I E S 2 . C O M F O R T 3 . L U X U R I E S

A

A system with 3 key components :

1. The green roof

With its rainwater tanks and museum underneath, this is the largest green roof in Thailand The accumulated rain can be used to water the park for up to a month in the dry season

2 The wetland

With the native water plants, the runoff from the green roof then falls into wetland to help filter and clean the water

3. The retention pond

The pond collects all of the water at the end. The pond also has water bikes so that people can paddle and help clean the water Their exercise is an active part of the park water system

CENTENARY PARK

Bangkok is a town with 15 million residents and workers on the top of a muddy river delta. It sinks more than a centimetre per year which is four times faster than the expected increase in sea level and may be below sea level by 2030.

Bangkok is a flat area, so by inclining the entire park to catch every drop of rain, the construction specialist teams engineered the power of gravity. From the highest point, the gravity force brings down the runoff to its lowest point.

Centenary Park offers people room and space for water, which is just what the city of Bangkok needs As it can carry and store a million gallons of water, this is an amphibious design and not a single drop of rain is wasted in this park

STUDIES SITE

ZONING

NATURAL FEATURES

The study on the existing natural features include along the Al Ghazali road and courtyard .

A L G H A Z A L I R O A D

Erosion along the road can be control by reducing the effect of erosive forces using their root systems and foliage . Vegetation there also function as noise barrier by absorbing or deflecting the sound of the vehicles mainly

WEAKNESS : Not enough vegetations to work as softener to lessen the rigidity of the surrounding architecture

C O U R T Y A R D

There are good amount of plant materials there to compiment . However , they are not grow enough to complement the surrounding hardscape and also cannot give shades there .

WEAKNESS : Do not provide shades

N G

M A P P

O R

N

UTILITIES

The study on the existing utility systems of the Al Ghazali road and courtyard includes the drainage system , electrical supply system , and water distribution system .

D R A I N A G E S Y S T E M

The drain facilities observed at site include 4 storm drain inlets which are raised above surface level and are ineffective to the flash floods at the existing road . The surface drains are French Drain and the curb inlets are 60mm high which is insufficient to flush water quickly and get clogged up by debris easily .

WEAKNESS : Weathering of manmade features THREAT : Water borne diseases

E L E C T R I C A L S U P P L Y

The electrical facility on the site includes 4 lampposts in the courtyard , 3 light sensor bridge lights and 8 bollards . This is not sufficient to light up the road and pathway for users . The distribution board was located at the entrance of Al Ghazali road .

Some underground electric connections are found in the courtyard to connect to food trucks and other electricity powered mechanics as shown below .

OPPORTUNITY : Change ambience by introducing different lighting techniques

E S U R F A C E R O A D T O T R A N S F O R M I N T O P E D E S T R I A N W A L K W A Y U N D E R G R O U N D R A I N W A T E R H A R V E S T I N G S Y S T E M F O R S U S T A I N A B L E W A T E R S U P P L Y

R O V I D E A D D I T I O N A L

T O R M D R A I N S T O R E M O V E

O O L I N G O F W A T E R

O A D S U R F A C E

E X I S T I N G D R A I N I N L E T

R M D R A I N S

N T R O D U C E M O R E T R E E S A N D W A T E R F E A T U R E

T O P R O V I D E A D E Q U A T

N

A N

CASE STUDIES

B R I E F :

The objective of this project was to beautify the yard and attract birds and butterflies by providing flowery and fruity tree. Trees also planted in a row so that the canopy tree continued to make a path for birds to fly around.With a colorful array of edible and ornamental plants, a bird bath and bird feeder, the garden provides food, water, cover and places for wildlife to raise their young.

ISSUE: XISTING GETATION

There is not enough vegetation to work as softener to lessen the rigidity along the Al Ghazali road and not welcoming enough especially in terms of colors and shapes

study area

Evanston, Illinois

Existing Vegetation

to create landscape design to attract birds and butterfly as their path and habitat

There are some areas at the Al Ghazali walk that will give the glare effect in a certain time that shows the lack of facade Other than that, the facade also is dull and unattractive. There are ialso inadequate amount of green environment in the site.

University of Leicester

existing site with green environment.

B R I E F :

The addition of green facades or living wall increase the green environment that gives a refreshing looks on the site The green facades or living wall also helps in decreasing the temperature and acts as insulator for heat and noise Lastly, it improves the buildings energy efficiency and produces ecological benefits for a more sustainable urban environment. The green envelope also reduces the quantity of UV light and causes a positive effect on building durability.

B R I E F :

The purpose of providing sufficient ligh during night is to make sure the safety user is secured. lighting can do a lot to alleviate the fear of crime, and therefo encourage greater use of them, makin truly open for all.It also can make spac more inviting and help create visual experiences Hence, the proper lightin provided with bollard lights and wall lig

ISSUE: LIGHTING

The courtyard has no sufficient lighting during night Poor lighting at public space will cause inconvenience to the user in terms of safety. For example the user might trip or fall while walking at night Poor lighting also leads to crime and unusual activities which is very opposite with Islamic environment in IIUM In terms of design, the user will not be able to enjoy a night view at the courtyard so it will waste the effort of designers

LOCATION: Masjid AL Bukhary Alor Setar

Lighting FUNCTION: To provide proper lighting for safety

FLOODING

There is one main drain running parallel on both sides of the road which collects water from the inner and outer courtyards, the gutter, and the discharge points from the road The Al Ghazali road accumulates water during heavy rainfall due to several factors such as: Inadequate/ blocked discharge outlets High water level in river causing backflow Capacity of drainage system In order to understand the integrity of the problem and cater to its solution, two studies on the following have been made:Urban storm water systemRainwater harvesting system

FLOODING AT AL GHAZALI ROAD

The objective of this project was to design an alternative solution of using a roundabout as a Storm Water Detention Pond. The study also resolves the aesthetic purposes of drainage system by using softscapes of landscape elements are deemed to represent local heritage or identity In this research, the concept of utilising roundabout as a component of the urban stormwater system is explored.

ISSUE: SEATING

The current Al Ghazali walk and courtyard has inadequate seating for public users such as benches and chairs which resulted to lack of visitation either from student or visitors at both sites. LOCATION: University of Toronto Scarborough TYPOLOGY: Seating FUNCTION: Increase visitation from students and visitors. Promotes educational and relax environment.

DESIGN

CONCEPT

CONCEPT

The inspiration of the concept is derived from the Philosophies of Imam Al Ghazali. As the site name is after one of the Greatest Islamic Scholars, it is only fitting to tribute to the Imam by spreading awareness of his works; especially Hujjatul Islam.This shares the beauty of life delivered by Islam.

LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

CONCEPT STATEMENT

The beauty of life is captured by the cascading stream, luscious vegetation and green shady trees. The soundscapes of trickling water, chirps of birds and buzzing bees along with the visual attractiveness reminds one of the bountiful blessings of life on Earth and remember God.

PLANTING CONCEPT

SEEDS O BLESSIN

“SEEDS OF BLESSING” refers to th interpretation and scientific findin of plants specifically mentioned in the qur ’ an The plants in the qura are generally said to be more beneficial than other plants base on analysis of the scholars interpretation of the quran, such a in treating many types of disease, releasing a natural scent to the surrounding,and producing food the users

The plants that are being propose to the designated site are plants t resembles those in the al quran, b are suitable in malaysia’ s tropical climate. These plants produce sw fruits such as grape (vitis vinifera), strawberry (fragaria x ananassa), c (manilkara zapota), and black mulberry (morus nigra). while the are also scented vegetations such cape jasmine (gardenia jasminoid mint (mentha x piperita), and kenanga (cananga odorata)

Trees that provide shades and blooming flowers, african tulip tre (spathodea campanulata), golden shower (cassia fistula), pink poui (tabebuia rosea), and kerukup siam (muntingia calabura)

DESIGN

FINALIZATION

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

Thecurrentcourtyardlacksthepresenceofanorganizedspace.

Open seating's exposed to the unpredictable weather are unfavorable to the users. Other than holding booths every now and then, the mass space remains barren which students cut through without any notice. The existing courtyard doesnotbreakthemonotonousblocksofsandblastedbuilding.

Courtyards can be a space for gathering, events, as well as relaxing spots which are not catered for in the existing space. By understanding and creating functionalspacesinthecourtyardwillincreaseitsvalueanduses. Agreenzonecanrevitalizethecentralfocusofthearea. Thereisnodesignatedloadingareaforthecommercialspaces. Loading service hours are usually earlier in the morning but occasionally these servicesareseendoneopenlyinpublic. This concerns the unaesthetic view of truck goods unloading openly as well as thesafetyofpedestriansinthecourtspacefrommovingvehicles.

PLAN

I D E E L E V A T I O N

SYSTEMS

THE WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM

One of the sustainable approaches in this design is to collect, store and recycle rainwater runoff.

For this facility, two underground water harvesting tanks along with additional 20 storm drains with filtration system and submersible pumps are used to distribute water to the water features

SPECIAL

STUDIES

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces , products and systems so that they fit the people who use them . Ergonomics are important in understanding of human movement and cognitive functioning . Hence , its aspects also be considered in all spaces like al ghazali road , courtyard and parking area design since the target users included all society for example PWD , elderly and kids . The ergonomic element will be implemented in the hardscape which is the furniture on the site .

C O U R T Y A R D S E A T I N G

A D I N G A R E A

MATERIAL CONSIDERATION

Materials play an important role in everyday life . It encourages the usage , or creates an ambience to a space or an object . Hence considering a sustainable and attainable material into the design will promote its benefits to the space and users .

The current manmade features of the site include sand blasted planter boxes which multi function as the only seating space of the open courtyard . The existing ground is also a mixture of clay tile and cracked sandblasted flooring . There is sparse natural element to complement and cool the hardscape . This creates a lack of welcoming elements as they are constantly exposed to the abrupt weather changes of a tropical climate making it unsuitable for users to find comfort in the courtyard .

The timber strip seatings allow for a more welcoming space . It also provides comfort and coolness to the users .

Resurfacing the road with a pedestrian pathway increases the comfortability and aesthetic value of the space .

Using glass wall is durable and not affected by weathering from heavy / acid rain .

LCD screens in the place of Bulletin boards eliminates the use of printing papers for temporary announcements .

REVENUE GENERATING PROPOSAL

A C T I V I T Y S P A C E

The newly designed space is open to public users but can also multi function as a space to generate some income for the University. Here are some proposals as to how the space can be utilized and beneficial to many.

By eliminating the vehicle pass from the Al Ghazali Walk, it has now become a mini botanical garden in the center of the University.

Further developments such as a Butterfly

Farm and many more attractions can be incorporated into this design theme to challenge the boundaries of a typical education facility

N T S P A C E R E N T A L

COSTING

CATALOG

This concept brings about a journey that begins with the twists and turns of a stream walkway to remind us that the flow of life comes with ups and downs ; and leads us to a central “ piece of Paradise ” in IIUM . Every path we take will come to a resolution , and when we reach that end goal is where we can reflect upon our journey . The understanding of special spaces to the needs of the facility users are thoroughly explored along with the care for flora and fauna .

CONCLUSION

The project of renewing and revitalizing the Al Ghazali walk and Courtyard in IIUM aims to uplift the space and its functionality for the local users and public visitors . The strategies are fully aimed to resolve the current lack of assets of the courtyard and other maintenance features for the health and safety of the space using sustainable measures and as well as addressing its ergonomic and economic concerns .

The elements of design that strengthen the ambience of the existing space and strive to achieve a passive solution to current issues are observed and reflected in the final proposal . By enhancing the potential use of the courtyard , it will give students , staff and guests of IIUM a special place to develop connections with the surrounding nature , socialize and create new bonds , as well as a space to unwind and relax .

Finally , the concept and organization of the design hopes to successfully translate and truly reflect upon the AlGhazali inspiration of the space ; thus being an educational guide to the site explorers .

O D E L M A K I N

G A N I S A T