S
E
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
DESIGN STUDIO 5
COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE
The community-based services in CSI module for SABD are to expose students to the real community living in the real life situation. We are to work together as a team for architectural, culture and environmental enhancing activities in the communities of different socio-economic status and social groups.
WEEK 2 // PROJECT BRIEFING
We were to form in a group of eight and we had our first group discussion once the project brief was out. From the group discussion, we have listed down our target organisations.
WEEK 3 // SITE VISIT
On this week, we had another group meeting to finalise our potential site for the visitation and we have all chosen an orphanage shelter located at Seksyen 8, Petaling Jaya; Agathians Shelter. It is a shelter housed for 38 boys. We have also contacted the person in charge (PIC) for further information about the shelter and set the date and time for our site visit.
​
After getting the confirmation date of the site visit, my group and I went to the shelter and introduced ourselves to the PIC, Ms Inthira and briefed her once again about our project and what we are going to do. We also had an interview session with Ms Inthira regarding the needs of their shelter that we can contribute. Based on the interview session, we were clearly notified that the shelter is currently sourcing for some basic furniture; one of them is a dish rack which they highly needed at the moment. Ms Inthira have also described to us what kind of dish rack they needed; a dish rack that can hold up to 40 customised plates. However, due to past experiences working with students, she have also stated her concerns regarding the durability of the dish rack.
​
After interviewing Ms Inthira, we went onto touring the site, especially the outdoor kitchen area where the dish rack is going to be placed at. We recorded the condition of the current arrangement of the plates and the potential problems. We have also jotted down the dimensions of the plates and the area of where the dish rack would be placed at.
​
Attached below are some photos taken during our site visit.
WEEK 4 // DISCUSSION
After having our first site visit, we have a group meeting where we proposed ideas on the design of the dish rack. We have also discissed on the buildability and the materiality of the dish rack.
​
Below is our proposed design of the dish rack.
WEEK 5 // 2nd SITE VISIT
On our second site visit to the shelter, we have a thorough tour around the shelter. Later then, we found out that ever since the owner of the shelter have passed away, the shelter is currently a stand-alone organisation, not being subsided by any religious government or charity organisations and with the monthly living expenses of approximately RM6000. Besides that, the current income that they get is from donations by various parties. At times, the shelter need to carry out charity sales in order to get more donations.
​
During the site visit, we have analysed the site and listed down several problems that have been bothering the shelter for quite some time;
1. Safety and privacy issues whereby a total of seven break ins have occurred before.
2. Growth of molds on the floor of outdoor kitchen area.
3. Slippery floor at the outdoor kitchen area which is very dangerous for the kids especially when the floor is wet.
​
With this problems stated above, we have come to the conclusion of what they need in their shelter that we can contribute and we listed them out. The things they need in order to solve these problems are;
1. Curtain blinds for the safety and privacy issues especially at the office.
2. Water pressure gun which they have always wanted to wash away the molds on the floor.
3. Anti-slip floor mat for the slippery floor at the outdoor kitchen area to ensure safety for the children.
​
Attached below are the pics from our second site visit to the shelter.
WEEK 6 // PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
After having our second site visit, we have jotted down the problems and the solutions which then lead us to the listing of the necessary items that the shelter needs;
1. Roller blinds
2. Water pressure gun
3. Anti-slip floor mat
​
Besides that, we have also discussed and came out with the idea of how to engage more with the children at the shelter. We then listed down some of the potential activities and games that we can carry out on our next site visit to the shelter.
​
Attached below is our design proposal report.
WEEK 7 & 8 // UPDATES
On this week, we have contacted Ms Inthira regarding our proposal and also to get confirmation on our upcoming site visit to the shelter. We have also asked permission from her regarding the engagement with the children in so that we can carry out some activities with them.
After we were informed by Ms Inthira about the strict rule especially engaging with the children, we were then given permission to carry out the activities with them. What we have planned was to have a creative thinking session whereby we play the "Don't Break The Egg" game which tests the creativity of the children to come out with solutions to protect the egg thrown from the first floor. We will also be providing several materials for this game where they can choose from. After the game, we will also be providing gifts for them.
WEEK 9 // 3rd SITE VISIT
Our third and final site visit is where we carry out the activities and helped them to install the items bought.
​
Below is the itinerary of the visitation day;
11.30am : Arrival and greeting session.
12.00pm : Lunch with all 38 boys of the shelter.
12.45pm : -"Don't Break the Egg" game.
- Installation of curtain blinds with the help of elder boys in the shelter
​
1.15pm : Results for "Don't Break the Egg" game.
1.30pm : - End of game and prize giving ceremony.
- Mold cleaning with water pressure gun.
- Installation of anti-slip floor mat.
​
2.30 pm : - Final interview session with Ms Inthira.
- Group photo session.
Attached below is some of the pictures taken during the site visit.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment where I can sort of take a break from Studio life and go out and help those in need. It was a fun experience too to get the opportunity to engage with the children, sharing ideas with them and learning together with them. I am also glad to know that Ms Inthira and the rest of the occupants really appreciate and how the items that we have donated and helped to installed have helped them so much in many ways in terms of improving the condition of the shelter.
​
Upon finishing this assignment, I have came to a realisation on the importance of having this module to be included in one of the modules as it can really help the students to be more open minded and have some empathy towards those in need and use our creativity and knowledge in the world of architecture towards benefiting the community.
