Phase 3 - Gentrification of Dilapidated Public Housing
The SPHERE - Socio-spatial connectivity
Flat PKNS Jalan Kuching was first built for squatters in 1974. With the waves of development in its surrounding areas such as Mont Kiara, Batu Caves, Bandar Sri Damansara, and Kuala Lumpur in the last few decades, coupled with the relocation of the army, this area has been slowly abandoned and marginalized. Field study and analysis show that Flat PKNS Jalan Kuching is facing the issues of segregation and isolation from its surrounding fast-developing areas. Such issues can lead to the problem of the aging population in the community as young people are moving out to seek better opportunities elsewhere. To mediate these issues, we need to regenerate the community (philosophy). The implementation of this philosophy will follow the concept of “Socio-spatial Connectivity”, which is to increase connectivity by changes in space (infrastructure) and socio (activities). In this project, the concept of “Socio-spatial Connectivity” will be implemented in 3 categories, that is, urban scale, site scale, and building scale to achieve both economic and social benefits. Under these categories, more than 14 main strategies will be applied. With the implementation of this concept, it is expected to improve connectivity and bring in dynamic and vibrant vitality to the community. Ultimately, the philosophy of regenerating the community will be achieved.
Final Presentation Board
Final presentation
Online crit
COMMENTS: The overall studies and research are comprehensive. Can see a lot of effort. Unfortunately, lack of time management and practice during the final presentation, cannot able to finish presenting all the works. Panels can only comment based on what had been presented. Panels cannot see any architectural solutions which I believed will be shown in the end part of the presentation. The glass roof design seems not efficient due to the hot weather of Malaysia. Lack of solutions and connections for the existing residents of flat PKNS.
RESPONSES: Regarding the comment on the lack of architecture solutions, I believe that I had shown it in the end part of my presentation and also in my presentation boards. Regarding the glass roof, the roof is not designed for sun shading purposes but for natural lighting and ventilation purpose. It can integrate with Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to become one of the sustainable strategies if the developer willing to invest. I have shown the strategies in terms of spaces and activities on-site scale for the interaction between the existing residents and future residents. All these are shown in both urban intervention strategies and site planning which include commercial shared street, inter-activity park, linear park, link park, container food park, multipurpose hall, and futsal court.
interim 1
Online crit
COMMENTS: The main issue is missing a design concept implementation that would become a guideline for the whole project. The site planning is not connecting to the neighborhood as proposed in phase 2 urban intervention. The unit plan is not efficient, especially the kitchen.
RESPONSES: Implement the socio-spatial connectivity concept. Rearrange the site zoning. Amend the unit planning design.
interim 2
Online crit
COMMENTS: Spent too much time on precedent studies, should focus on those that are related to the design. Need to improve graphic presentation. Provided a clear approach to low-cost public housing. Housing strategies are good especially verandah but need to do further study on how to make it work. There is a good connection between the site and neighborhood but lack of connection between the vertical connection. The unit layout is too square which will explore more walls and increase the building cost.
RESPONSES: Improve the way of presentation in terms of verbal and graphics. Did further study on Verandah in the micro-level that show how the shared spaces work such as section, elevations, and plans. Slightly amended the unit layouts. Shows more strategies in graphics forms. Shows more interaction activities in proposed spaces. Show the overall connection between the spaces of the project.
interim 3
Online crit
COMMENTS: The inter-generational garden in front of the private drop-off area needs to be amended to avoid people from crossing the road. Study on the safety of the corridor for social activities. Need further study on sustainable design, which is RWHT, urban farming, and solar panel. Provide a plan of how this works. Need to show the details of RWHT strategies. Provide a diagram on the scenario of how flexible housing strategies work.
RESPONSES: Re-planned the connection private drop-off area and inter-generational garden and solve the issue. Provide a safer railing design and implement a planter box. Did details and diagrams for all the sustainable strategies. Provide more detailed diagrams for all the housing strategies.