BATEK-TECTURE: BLOODTHORN TERRARIA

With the strictness of the paternal Malaysian and grace of the maternal Canadian, there is at times, I struggle with identity to build lasting relations with people. Each character of my identity, is a story to tell that holds value and meaning that I inculcate in my architecture. However, when thinking hard enough, identity can be accelerated or decelerated by not halted, as part of identification succession, an everlasting changing cycle that forms historical sentiment in the future.

The words of wisdom that my work is influenced upon is derived by Daniel Libeskind’s quotation of creating meaningful architecture is not parodying history but to articulate it in ways that reflects user identify and history. It is a constant reminder that designing as well is part of a ever-changing morphology of improvement in regards to understand users, context and building needs; and providing meaningful architecture, and personally I should not settle for less just to fulfil the assignment brief.

SIDNEY LUKE CHIN WEN JIAN 1001851356, SEMESTER 5, ANAK SABAH

The design sense of whole projection is not only founded upon prolonging the historical-cultural identity of the Batek, but to learn from Batek, and to utilise their idea of nomadism into ephemeral architecture that targets site solutions quickly and effectively. Without further utterances, I present to you, the religious ritual courts of the Batek people, the Bloodthorn Terraria.

When analysing any site, it is significant to identify the demarcation of the isolatable site and the ownership in which it identifies to. Taking a step further is to understand the set of rights that may be freely exercised as a function of their ownership ( Jacobs, 1954). In the situation of the Batek community of west Malaysia, they are in a grey area due to their cultural roots of Animistic nomadism.

Animistic nomadism is a system of sedentary and mobility periodically from place to place, that is influenced by Animism, either to conduct rituals, meetings, trade etc. Therefore, when considering for the exact demarcation of Batek orang asli land rights, it can be said to be “limitless” within the bounds of the rainforest of Taman Negara which stretches states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.

This “limitless” site area of Batek are regarded as nihility to government authorities and multi-billion-dollar companies as futile to the national GDP. As much as the shade of national media attention covers, little has been done to improve the Batek quality of life.

Ironically, most efforts by government entities such as JAKOA has only brought counter-intuitive efforts towards Batek cultural extinction, as well as the “hothands” of Kelantanese state Islamic pressures of conversion.

“Want your users to fall in love with your designs?

Fall in love with your users.”

Dana Chisnell, Project Redesign

Protect us, O heart of the forest, we the ‘people’, the ‘humans’, the Batek; Shout proudly your chorus O ancient of days, haste now embolden your quake.

Through high and lows, the winds shall blow, and waters splash into springs; Your strength that covers, from lightning and thunder, that Katei when angered he brings.

Poem by Sidney Chin

Your prescence we experience, In floral adornment we follow in obedience, but your eminence we fear manifests in fauna through appearance.

We sprint, we hike, we climb when assigned, for rituals, for health from time-to-time, Though game or botany I have personal autonomy, a protected community is priority.

Behold an anticipated journey transpires, with kin we conform to rebuild for reform, Each season in time, the earth re-chime a new sentiment of your glory divine.

No doubt our peers disperse below, nimbly and dwindly our nation crumble; Among other people they sedent and settle, “for better or for worse” they know no story betold.

O speechless and spaceless lifeline we cling, imminent times of uplifting begin, Who we were, am, is and is to become shall be no more than a chasing after a wind.

Jan 2022

An overall composition sketch serves the function of compiling important useful data, such as user and site potential assessments, alternate sites suitability, site suitability criteria, user & site requirements, user & site preferences, user daily activities, user & site predicaments and others. This platform created is used as a reference to bound ideas into the following concept art pieces representing the Batek.

Present conceptual art piece, The heart is a symbol of mothernature. Since Batek’s livelihood and reverence is towards the mothernature, the heart both define Batek and mother nature. This art shows a relative balance of Batek-mothernature relationship, where they interact in groups with the outside world from point-to-point with introverted, careful interactions.

Future conceptual art piece, A view of what is to come if no intervention is conducted to help Batek people. A heart as through a slide of the heart has been shaved off and the blood vessels have been cut many different locations.

Interpreting, compositing, and ensuring site information is presented in a artistic conceptual way that defines my design methodology, ideas and pragmatic flow of design.

RESPONSE MODELS

After understand the site subject/client, i.e., the Batek community, it is important to analyse the demarcated site context, as every project that is conducted. However, problems and struggles arise when we are site planning for a nation of people who are not sedentary like city-folk, but mobile like the wind, according to their Animistic roots.

As a demarcated site is not available for nomadic Batek people, site conditions are the factors that will be analysed. As a case study, the Batek people of Kuala Koh, North of Kelantan shall be the case study site.

Daily activities around the river – Batek livelihood relies significantly on water resource for transportation, food like fish, drinking, washing

Rainforestry trees – A huge variance of trees the rainforest offers a different type of environment, for e.g. lower levels have herbs and shrooms for eating whilst higher levels have monkeys for hunting

Foot mobility fundamental to survival – The mobility of the Batek are often by foot among the grounds of the rainforest. From young, Batek are trained to have fit physiques to walk places, run after game, or climb trees.

Undulating landscape – Batek can adapt to any form of landscape that they are provided with. Their expert hunting and jungle sense makes them excellent hunters.

Flora fauna interaction – Animism is believed by Batek to be an interconnected relationship of reciprocity with mother nature. The more Batek engage with the forest the more knowledge they gain from mother nature and in term act as guardians of the forest.

Low-visibility, misty, lush forestry – Batek living environment in the forest often involve low visibility due to the multilayered forestry. Hence great visibility and great ears are needed to identify game, along with accurate smell.

Zone B is considered as a National Park that included Recreational Park with activities and Chalet for visitors to spend a time at the park.

It is also surrounded by Bateq tribe. Habitation.

Zone A site carried the majority of Bateq tribe communities and only one or to NGOs/government agencies settled there to supposedly handle the affairs of the Bateq tribe.

Zone A

The current site coverage in Taman Negara consists of a mix of lush green forest with 2 populated zones, A(right) and B(left), that is threatened by the encroaching plaque of palm oil plantations. The current site is a depiction of government and state agencies caught red-handedly provided counter-intuitive methods of supposedly helping the Batek but instead has led to far worse poverty and spartan living conditions.

RIVER RESOURCE PALM OIL PLANTATION BATEK RAINFOREST

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Proposed

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Programmatic ideation

EAST ENTRANCE the eccentric anticipation of the walkway is aimed to tease the users but simultaneously subconsciously quieting down their mind and soul for what lies ahead

END OF THE LINE the journey towards the building is surrounded by flora & fauna. Upon reaching, one point of view is seen whilst the fins of the rooves direct movement through anticipation.

TRANSPORTATION HUB the special service provided includes a buggy service that circulates. this area is situated in a way that they have access directly to the foyer.

‘HUNTERS’ CAFE the cafes name is in recognition of Batek hunters nomadic lifestyle of hunting. this café has access directly to the rainforest combined with state of the art features for butchering and cooking.

BATEK MEDICAL this medical center is situated in relationship with the main central ritual space due to Batek rituals that may cause self harm. furthermore, it is a good outreach-exchange program between batek shamans (doctors) and pro-bono doctors that want to volunteer.

MAIN ENTRANCE the main entrance is a foreshadow of the central space shown in the materiality of “oscillating” rattan, bamboo accents, tree bark columns and OPT screeded floors

ARTS & CRAFT CENTER this is a high interaction zone between public and batek. the batek have unique skills that qualify tourism & learning centers to chip in. this includes singing rituals, coffin making, housing construction, etc

LIBRARY & MEDITATION CENTER this zone is situated to be a bridge of education for the Batek. if interested to learn more of outside common knowledge, this is the library / relaxation area. to enter private meditation area, follow the bamboo.

HOLY OF HOLIES holy of holies is the central nave in which rituals can be carried out. in addition, people can come to relax as well in while waiting the ritual being conducted or just to chill.

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