Innovative Learning Centre

Innovative Learning Centre UNDERSTANDING THE SIGFICANCE OF TIMBER CULTURE IN MALAYSIA AND ITS UTILISATION IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE

Timber Culture Future

Muhammad Zhafri Azman | GS56108 | M. Architecture 2020/2021 | Year 5/Sem 2

ABSTRACT

UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TIMBER CULTURE IN MALAYSIA AND ITS UTILISATION IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE By MUHAMMAD ZHAFRI AZMAN July 2021 Supervisor : Ar. Wooi Lok Kuang Faculty : Faculty of Design and Architecture

The history of Malaysia, namely the traditional culture of Malays, had utilised locally sourced timbers to create meaningful architecture, ranging from simples houses to government and institutional buildings such as palaces and mosques. In contemporary times however, Malaysia has lost its past culture of creating said meaningful architecture out of locally sourced timber due to factors such as cultural assimilation.

Although there are attempts at utilising timber for architecture, it is considered unsustainable due to the methods of acquiring the timber. Thus, there is a need to educate and raise awareness on timber culture to adopt sustainability and instil a sense of identity in our future architecture along the process. The proposal seeks to delve into an innovative way of looking at educational building and program typology.

One of the keys to an innovative thinking is within a proper institution, such as a learning centre. The ideation focuses on creating an educational space to develop awareness amongst the communities in Malaysia. This educational space uses the institution project as a platform to showcase the application of alternative sustainable construction material, specifically the use of contemporary timber prefabrication technology.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

For all the guidance given to me throughout my thesis period, my deepest gratitude goes to my supervisor, Ar. Wooi Lok Kuang, who nudged me to see that architecture is always for the people, not the building. Thank you for sharing your interest and knowledge on timber architecture with me. It is a great privilege and honour to work and study under his guidance. I am also extending my heartfelt thanks to my subject coordinator, Ar. Wan Sofiah Ishak, for guiding me through this previously unknown realm of thinking with much vigour and an enthusiastic persona.

To my parents, I am extremely grateful for the love, prayers, food and sacrifices they made for my sake. To my siblings, thank you for all the help on things I couldn't manage to do myself. My genuine love for all of you knows no bound.

To my close friends and colleagues, I give all the thanks in the world for being there to share all the good, the bad, and the ugly with me. Without all of you, I would be the same person as yesterday. My gratitude also goes to the unsung heroes who have directly or otherwise, contributed to the completion of this thesis work.

Finally, for my partner who helped my thesis with cheat sheets, tough comments and undying support, I owe you one.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

i ii iii iv v

CHAPTER 1 THESIS BACKGROUND Malaysian Timber Timber Culture Loss of Architecture Identity Issues and Challenges on Awareness Comparative Studies Existing Bodies on Timber Advocation Future of Malaysia’ timber culture Thesis Objectives Thesis Statement NABC model

1 2 3 7 8 9 10

CHAPTER 2 CONTEXTUAL RESPONSE Site Selection Criteria Site Selection Site Study Site Context Analysis CHAPTER 3 DESIGN INVESTIGATION Target Group Precedent Site Intervention Spatial Relation Visual Inspiration Design Generator Spatial Arrangements

13 16 21 23 27 28 29 31 31 34

CHAPTER 4 DESIGN RESOLUTION Site Plan Feasibility Study

37 49

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION REFERENCES

51 52

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Early timber structure.

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Figure 2: Drawing of Traditional Malay House.

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Figure 3: Example of a Colonial Building in Malaysia.

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Figure 4: Over Harvesting of the forest in Sarawak.

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Figure 5: Diagram of Sustainable Forest Farming Method.

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Figure 6: Taylors University and Mactan Airport.

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Figure 7: Logo for the timber advocating bodies.

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Figure 8: Taman Botani FRIM Site Plan.

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Figure 9: UPM Site Plan.

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Figure 10: Cyberjaya Site Plan.

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Figure 11: Cyberjaya’s Land Use Zoning.

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Figure 12: Limkokwing University.

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Figure 13: Cyberjaya City Centre MRT Station.

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Figure 14: Main Entrance to Cyberjaya Urban Forest.

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Figure 15: Plan of Rolex Learning Centre.

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Figure 16: Views of Site for Intervention.

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Figure 17: Rendering by Influx Studio.

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Figure 18: Malaysia’s scenic forest.

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

MET CIDB IBS FRIM MTIB MTC Glulam CLT UPM UTM UTHM MTCC

: : : : : : : : : : : :

Modular Engineered Timber Construction Industry Development Board Industrialised Building System Forest Research Institute Malaysia Malaysian Timber Industry Board Malaysian Timber Council Glue Laminated Timber Cross Laminated Timber Universiti Putra Malaysia Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kolej Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysian Timber Certification Council

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CHAPTER 1

THESIS BACKGROUND

Introduction This chapter explored on the idea of a past Malay timber culture which was lost as modernisation began in Malaysia. Issues were identified, and this led to the proposal to potentially solve the issue using contemporary timber architecture.

Malaysian Timber Malaysia is a tropical climate country situated near the equatorial line, being hot and humid throughout the year. With all of Malaysia’s development and modernisation going on, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment states that 62% of Malaysia is still covered by biodiverse forests with 2,650 known tree species.

Northern European countries commonly use softwood for their timber construction.

Since Malaysia’s forest is dominated by hardwood with little softwood available, traditional Malay structures uses hardwood such as Jati (Teak) and Chengal for their construction.

Hardwood are deciduous trees that shed their leaves seasonally. They are slow growing trees found scattered within Malaysia. Hardwoods are dark and reddish brown in colour and are more durable and weather resistant than softwood. Despite this positive trait, hardwood is heavier and more expensive than softwood due to being harder and longer to process and is considered to have a more environmental impact.

The length of time required to process is attributed to the drying of the natural oil it contains but requires little maintenance after. Currently, it is generally used in furniture and indoor elements.

Hardwoods are divided into three categories, namely heavy, medium, and light hardwood based on their properties. Some of the more commonly used heavy

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hardwoods are Chengal, Balau, Merbau, Belian, and Resak. Hardwoods such as Kempas, Keruing, and Kapur are categorised as medium hardwoods while Meranti, Rubberwood, Nyatoh, Ramin, Kembang, Semangkuk, Sepetir, Tualang, Jelutong, Sesendok, Durian are examples of light hardwood in Malaysia.

Timber Culture According to research done by Wong (1995), the tree has always been a symbol of shelter, an embodiment of security. He states that the earliest building materials use by the first inhabitants of Malaysia were the branches of trees, laid against each other and tied together to form free standing structures In the Malay timber culture, there are several building typologies with the prominent ones being the Malay traditional house, traditional palace, and traditional mosque.

Figure 1: Early timber structure. (Wolfram, 1990).

Although these structures are built for different purposes, there are several recurring commonalities between them. Despite each structure typology having different layouts, all of them follows a hierarchy of space where some spaces are regarded as higher and more important than others. For example, based on the research done by Wong (1995), the traditional Malay house consists of two basic building units, the main house (rumah ibu) and the kitchen (rumah dapor).

Wong (1995) further details those variations in form and scale of buildings are achieved by different combinations or arrangements of these basic units which reflect the traditions of a particular region.

Malay timber structures follow the traditional post and beam method with slight differences between them. Wong (1995) states that the system of construction of

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domestic architecture is applied uniformly to palaces and mosques because Malay architecture represents a continuum of one basic construction system planned on a linear grid. The advantage of timber skeleton structures planned on a grid is that it allows flexibility for internal structures to be added later, according to need.

Figure 2: Drawing of Traditional Malay House.

As there were little to no means of acquiring timber from great distances at the time, all the traditional Malay buildings were built using locally sourced hardwood timber found readily in their vicinity. Over time this became part of their culture and heritage which differs from external influences such as the colonial era.

Loss of Architecture Identity Loss of identity can be attributed to acculturation, assimilation and modernisation. The paper by Tahir et al (2010) states the English colonial period was instrumental in eliminating the Malay’s identity and introducing their own culture. After the independence, many intellectual pursued their studies abroad and returned to establish their role in Malaysia’s nation development as architects and in other professional fields.

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Figure 3: Example of a Colonial Building in Malaysia.

However, the philosophy and approach brought back by these western trained professionals did not in any way coincide with the aspiration of creating a national identity based on locality and context. The paper further explained that the intellectuals were carried away by the ideas that they have been exposed to throughout their stints overseas and has resulted in the ’internationalism’ of our nation’s development. More distressing was the fact that the traditional architectural values which have achieved a level of excellence were now left neglected. Tahir et al (2010) concludes that we still need to own our historical cultural beliefs and preserved lifestyle and identity to achieve a national architecture identity.

Issues and Challenges on Awareness According to Ibrahim et al (2015), low public awareness in housing design have indirectly give chance to the developers or contractor to exploit the development of housing scheme.

Due to lack of understanding of the traditional Malay house, the approaches toward the use of the traditional Malay house form for the creation of Malaysian identity have been superficial and uncreative, Kamal et al (2004).

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Wong (1995) mentions that the development of form and detail in timber building in Malaysia has not progressed. Various issues related to legislation, technical problems, standards and social economy are responsible for the lack of use of timber in the construction sector.

Malay timber culture is not obsolete, but rather is associated with an archaic remnant of old times passed and viewed as the opposite of modernisation. A more refined and coordinated approach is required to integrate timber culture into contemporary architecture to actively reduce the use of high carbon footprint materials such as concrete and steel and more importantly to rejuvenate our identity as a Malaysian society.

Awareness on Malaysian timber -

Sustainabilit y

Identity

-

Environme nt Future Renewabl

-

Culture Heritage

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Biophilic

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Image: Hardwood texture. wallup.net

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Wellness Space Quality Environmen

Having realised this, there is a challenge that even for those who have discovered the value of timber, they would abuse it by over harvesting and illegal logging. Due to the lack of awareness, there is a need for a centre to constantly educate not just the industry on ethics and sustainability, but also the younger generations who would be championing sustainable efforts in the future.

Figure 4: Over Harvesting of the forest in Sarawak.

Not only can timber be viewed as our national resource, it is also a renewable source of material that is potentially infinite provided that the harvesting and replanting is properly managed. Timber is essential because in the past, it was a part of our culture.

However, it should also be a part of our present and future culture and identity.

Figure 5: Diagram of Sustainable Forest Farming Method.

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Comparative Studies In the past, Malay culture can be seen in its architecture, not just in their home, but also in prominent administrative building such as the traditional Malay palace as well as in religious building such as the traditional mosque. In modern times however, it is debatable as to what our architecture identity is; it’s not farfetched to say that our administrative and institutional building can fit in just about anywhere in the world.

Case in point is the Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in Malaysia where the contemporary design adopts a heavy use of bare concrete and glass. Although it was designed in a tropical climate, it does not have any discernible architecture identity that can relate it to Malaysia.

The Mactan Cebu International Airport in Philippines act as an international gateway to the central Philippines with its modular design which allows for anticipated future expansion. The approach to its concept is contextual, like a grand tropical indigenous house in the Philippines.

With undulating roof reminiscent of the shimmering surface of the surrounding ocean, the superstructure is built using sustainable materials buildable by local craftsman and the emphasis on its design tries to break from the institutional coldness typified by other airports.

The use of laminated timber is selected for its low carbon footprint to create a celebrated and sustainable landmark.

Figure 6: Taylors University and Mactan Airport.

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Existing Bodies on Timber Advocation Currently, there are several entities in Malaysia that advocates sustainable timber use.

For example, there is the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) which is a federal statutory body responsible for the development of the timber industry of the country.

There is also the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) which is a company that promotes the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry. The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is an institution that has expertise and facilities covering all aspects of tropical forestry research and development.

Figure 7: Logo for the timber advocating bodies.

However, despite having several entities advocating timber and its proper sustainable use in Malaysia, these are catered to professionals such as contractors and consultants. MTC has its specific focus area on exporting timber goods overseas such as for furniture. FRIM on the other hand is dedicated to the research of timbers and its application in Malaysia. Currently there are no entity that focuses on bringing awareness not just to the working classes, but also to the youths of our generation.

Thus, the thesis’s role is to fill this gap and bring awareness on the value of timber to the community.

Future of Malaysia’ timber culture Instead of looking at our future cities as a concrete and steel dominated buildings with lack of our context and culture, this thesis attempts to explore on the innovative way of transforming Malaysia’s futures cities with timber-based buildings. In order to realise this distant future, the first step is to educate on the awareness of timber amongst the communities.

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This thesis attempts to address the issue of awareness on timber culture by proposing an institution centre in the form of an Innovative Learning centre that uses Malaysian hardwood timber as a major construction material to solidify our timber culture. This institution would serve as a learning ground for people to study, not just in its programs, but also in its architecture as well.

The Innovative Learning Centre would use a two-pronged approach to tackle the issue. The first is the fostering of creativity and innovation amongst the community, and the second is the revival of timber culture in contemporary context.

Thesis Objectives i.

To rejuvenate timber as cultural identity in relation to construction material in Malaysia.

ii.

Increase the awareness of timber culture in terms of its identity to Malaysian.

iii.

Utilise Malaysia’s timber as a major role in the contemporary construction industry.

Thesis Statement i.

Timber should play a more vital role in a construction project, especially in government and institutional buildings to give a sense of identity to our culture and architecture.

ii.

An educational reintroduction into our timber culture is required as a lack of timber culture awareness is one of the key factors that gives rise to the overuse of concrete and steel.

iii.

As government and institutional buildings in Malaysia is built by the people to serve the people of Malaysia, it is appropriate that they should carry our identity as Malaysians.

iv.

Contemporary architecture should adopt the timber culture to redirect our society towards sustainable material use.

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v.

As part of a more sustainable approach, timber can reduce the carbon footprint level in Malaysia as opposed to the high carbon emission of concrete and steel.

NABC model Needs i.

To develop a new Malaysian timber architecture identity in this borderless age.

ii.

Need to create a contemporary research and innovation centre for the public.

iii.

Need to promote the major use of timber in Malaysian architecture.

Approach

i.

Using the institution project as a platform to showcase the application of alternative sustainable construction materials.

ii.

Integrating innovative contemporary timber prefabrication technology.

iii.

Developing a new timber architectural identity for a public building.

Benefit

i.

Preservation of traditional timber architecture essence in contemporary typology.

ii.

Creation of opportunity for application of infinite building material resource when managed properly.

iii.

Support of low embodied energy for construction industry life cycle.

iv.

Develop local industry while reducing foreign labour dependency.

Competitors

i.

Current concrete domination of construction market.

ii.

Indonesia’s cheaper hardwood price compared to Malaysia.

iii.

Current negative perception (fire & cost) of timber in construction industry.

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CHAPTER 2

CONTEXTUAL RESPONSE

Introduction This chapter explains on the topic relating to site investigation based on the background study of the issues. Several site options were chosen based on the suitability relative to the site selection criteria, and the outcome was further explored in terms of its site context and demography which was then translated into a TOWS strategy.

Site Selection Criteria The thesis brief calls for a site with a land area totalling roughly around 2.5 acres.

Studies were done to ascertain the site selection requirement relating to the innovative learning centre.

Due to the need to raise awareness amongst the youth in the community, the site is required to be situated in a modern city context such as a city centre and be publicly accessible by being near a public transportation station. As the building is also aimed at gathering university students, it should also be located within proximity of other education facilities to synergies and create a surrounding educational environment.

Finally, due to the building programme, the site would synergies well if it’s located next to a forest or nature park.

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Site Selection 1.

Taman Botani FRIM, Kuala Lumpur

Figure 8: Taman Botani FRIM Site Plan.

The first proposed site is located in Taman Botani FRIM Near the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve. The reason for choosing this location is the idea of creating a timber-based education institute next to a forest reserve. However, it is far from the city centre, and without proper public transportation access. Furthermore, the only education centre is the FRIM research centre. This might be counter intuitive as it might be seen as rivalling FRIM itself. Therefore, the idea was rejected.

2.

Serdang, Selangor

Figure 9: UPM Site Plan.

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The second proposed site is located inside Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) campus in Serdang. This site was chosen for its proximity to numerous education facilities housed under UPM nearby as well as being nearby the UPM MASS Rapid Transit (MRT) public transport station. However, this location is conducive for an education centre to thrive, the site area of 8 acres is considered too large for the scale of the project. Although it is arguable that the extra plot of land could be converted into forest area, it is deemed unfeasible in terms of the land price and its use, which is the reason the location was ultimately rejected.

3.

Cyberjaya, Selangor

Figure 10: Cyberjaya Site Plan.

The third proposed site is located in Cyberjaya, Selangor. This site was chosen for its proximity to the Cyberjaya City Centre MRT station. Furthermore, it is located next to a nature park called the Cyberjaya Urban Forest. The site is also situated around several education institutes with the closest one being the adjacent Limkokwing University. Cyberjaya is considered a futuristic city in terms of its planned development as well as its use of technologies such as the Multimedia Super Corridor, which is expected to leapfrog Malaysia into the information and knowledge age. This site was chosen to represent this thesis as the notion of a future city is in line with the thesis that attempts to project timber culture into the future as the proposed centre would portray the architecture of the future in a more sustainable approach.

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Site Study 1. Zoning

Figure 11: Cyberjaya’s Land Use Zoning.

The site is located in the central business district of Cyberjaya with the land zoning falling under the jurisdiction of Sepang Municipal Council, which had designated the site as a commercial land with an area totalling 2.5 acres. The site is surrounded by mostly commercial and enterprise zoned lands, with little to no residential areas save for mixed-used residentials. The Cyberjaya Urban Forest is designated as a recreational land use, which potentially allows for a future integration with the site itself.

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2. Urban Elements

The study of the urban elements shows the site being adequately connected via paths and edges. The site is also situated next to the boundary between Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. There are several landmarks as well that dots the surrounding of the site, with the biggest one being the ongoing construction of the Cyberjaya City Centre Development.

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3. Linkages

There are several major highways as well as public railways that connects the site to and from greater Kuala Lumpur. Internally, there are primary roads that connects the site to the CBD of Cyberjaya, allowing for personal vehicle and feeder bus access in and around Cyberjaya.

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4. Basic Services

The site is surrounded by several amenities such as a business park, offices, mixeduse residentials and petrol station. There are also planned but undeveloped commercial lands in the area that could see the potential rise of amenities as well as land value in the future.

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5. Greeneries

Although there are significant areas of greeneries located around the site, it is mostly attributed to undeveloped lands, which could see it being reduced in the future as construction developments progresses. However, the Cyberjaya Urban Forest will undoubtedly remain due to its designated land zone use.

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6. Education Institutes

Limkokwing University

University Islam Malaysia University of Cyberjaya

Multimedia University

Several universities are dotted around Cyberjaya. These universities, though of different entities, could potentially merge in limited capacity with the help of the learning centre, creating a strong educational community within the area of Cyberjaya.

Site Context

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The site sits on 7 meters of sloped greenfield space with an area totalling 2.5 acre and is designated as a commercial zone land. It is within walking distance to the Cyberjaya City Centre SSP MRT station. The site is also situated next to Limkokwing University and The Place @ Cyberjaya which is a mixed-use residential development as well as several ongoing developments around the site. The Cyberjaya Urban Forest is situated west of the site.

Figure 12: Limkokwing University.

Figure 13: Cyberjaya City Centre MRT Station.

Figure 14: Main Entrance to Cyberjaya Urban Forest.

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Analysis 1. SWOT Strengths i.

Proximity to MRT station.

ii.

Proximity to education facilities.

iii.

Ease of accessibility to and from multiple highways.

iv.

Strong public transport connection.

v.

Pedestrian friendly pathway.

Weaknesses

i.

Lack of nearby public activities.

ii.

Lack of community-based places.

iii.

Current high reliance on private vehicle.

iv.

Disconnection between development.

v.

No shelter from site to MRT station.

Opportunities

i.

Community placemaking.

ii.

Iconic building.

iii.

Potential carbon footprint reduction.

iv.

Collaboration of activities between education centres.

v.

Integration between site and nearby park.

Threats

i.

Uncertain surrounding future development.

ii.

Continuation of on-going pandemic.

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iii.

2. TOWS

i.

Introduce community-based activities in and around site.

ii.

Promote pedestrianisation by creating shelter for pedestrians to rest.

iii.

Propose direct connection to nearby public park to enhance community activities.

iv.

Focus on collaboration between education centres to reduce dependency on immediate surrounding demography.

v.

Promote pedestrian oriented activities to reduce the carbon footprint level.

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CHAPTER 3

DESIGN INVESTIGATION

Introduction The exploration on the ideation for a contemporary timber solution was explored in this chapter, based on the issues and site analysis done in previous chapters. The design exploration involves the integration of the Cyberjaya Urban Forest as well as the intervention of the site surrounding to better integrate the project with the surroundings.

Target Group

Due to the intention to address awareness amongst the community, the target group consist largely of the youths. However, the target group also addresses the professionals, researchers and innovators to pursue their field.

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Precedent

Figure 15: Plan of Rolex Learning Centre.

The Rolex Learning Centre was developed by SANAA architecture firm as a hub in a France polytechnic campus to bring its inhabitants into a singular space for learning and exchange of knowledge. The plan is devoid of walls to blend the programme and facilitate interaction between the users. This interaction would create conversations and knowledge exchange that would otherwise be isolated if designed with closed walls.

Site Intervention The site intervention consists of the design strategies used to enhance the area surrounding the site. The first strategy is to create a pedestrian walkway through Limkokwing University which would reduce the walking distance from 600 metres to 350 metres. The second strategy promotes a pedestrian connection between the site and Cyberjaya Urban Forest by proposing landscape features underneath the powerline. The third strategy is to replant the trees in the Cyberjaya Urban Forest with hardwood trees to acclimate with programme & create pedestrian friendly spaces.

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Figure 16: Views of Site for Intervention.

Spatial Relation

1. Arboretum

4. Flexi-hall

7. Laboratory

2. Amphitheatre

5. Makerspace

8. Workshop

3. Library

6. Work-Study Space

9. Meeting Pod

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Proposed Spaces i.

Arboretum - a botanical garden filled with Malaysian tropical hardwood trees.

ii.

Amphitheatre - central gathering space for communal activities.

iii.

Flexi-hall - multi-purpose hall used for scheduled activities.

iv.

Library - collection of books relating to timber culture and architecture.

v.

Work/Study Space - co-working and co-study space blended together in a singular space.

vi.

Maker Space - creative space where visitor can engage in creativity using provided materials such as Lego bricks.

vii.

Laboratory - rentable space for researchers to utilise over a period of time.

viii.

Workshop - rentable space for innovators to utilise over a period of time.

The Innovative Learning Centre is essentially divided into 2 parts; the learning space and the innovation space. The programmes would be arranged accordingly based on the target groups. The arboretum is an essential space as it connects all of the target groups and programmes together.

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Visual Inspiration BAB Urban Oasis, Manama, Bahrain, by Influx Studio

Figure 17: Rendering by Influx Studio.

The Urban Oasis is a shopping mall that seamlessly blends the natural and built environment to develop appreciation for nature inside the building itself.

Design Generator 1. The Site

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One of the key features of the site is the slope terrain, where the difference between the highest and lowest point is 7.5 metres and this height difference would influence the design of the learning centre as part of the architecture experience.

2. The Forest

Figure 18: Malaysia’s scenic forest. (cleanmalaysia.com).

The emotional experience of walking on the forest floors creates a feeling of appreciation for nature. This evocation of experience is taken as a design influence to lend in the raising of the community’s awareness of timber culture.

3. The Tree

In a forest, the tree trunk is the structural support for the canopy layer of the forest.

The idea of a tree as a structural element becomes an idea generator for the support

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of a roof canopy design. The structural element would lend to the evocation of spatial experience of the spaces.

4. Spatial Quality

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Spatial Arrangements

The programmes’ spatial arrangement is designed based around the importance of a central space. This central space would create a link to the other spaces be it physical or visual, allowing for a hierarchy of space. Based on the precedent, the spatial arrangement is combined to create seamless transitions between spaces. For example, the arboretum can be combined with the amphitheatre to create a multi-use central space, which creates harmony between the programme and with the added benefit of the vista view to the Cyberjaya Urban Forest as well.

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CHAPTER 4

DESIGN RESOLUTION

Introduction The design resolution is the manifestation of the thesis’s study in the form of an Innovative Learning Centre that deals with the raising of the community’s awareness on timber culture through its program and contemporary building technology and design.

Site Plan The site plan showcases the building roof plan as well as the landscape intervention done the surrounding of the site, specifically the Cyberjaya Urban Forest. The landscape intervention’s purpose is to seamlessly connect the site to Cyberjaya Urban Forest to create the feeling of housing the extension of the forest within the building itself.

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Feasibility Study

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the thesis is the design of the Innovative Learning Centre that is situated in a well-connected urban area to facilitate the raising of awareness on timber culture amongst the youths in the community. Furthermore, this centre celebrates knowledge by creating a gathering space for users to interact and help in the transfer of knowledge from different generations.

The centre is designed with the application of contemporary timber-based technologies as its main structural material option as well as its defined quality of space. Ultimately, the Innovative Learning Centre is hoped to become the stepping stone for the rejuvenation of the timber culture, which in the future, could be a part of Malaysia’s architecture identity.

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Innovative Learning Centre UNDERSTANDING THE SIGFICANCE OF TIMBER CULTURE IN MALAYSIA AND ITS UTILISATION IN CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE Muhammad Zhafri Azman | GS56108 | M. Architecture 2020/2021 | Year 5/Sem 2

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