community service initiative (CSI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQWDDLeFjek
As I was introduced to the project brief of CSI, I chose the site of PPR along with 8 of my classmates out of the 3 options. We have collaborated with SOED students to share and learn together along the journey, hopefully we gain some knowledge and values from each other.
5th of September
Our first visit to the PPR in Klang. We were assigned to an Indian family of 6; (father) Aladayan, (mother) Latchmy, (Eldest sister) Vaiznavy, (Second sister) Lavina, (third sister) Turga, (youngest sister) Morisha. The family is pretty much happy with what they currently have, except for one struggle. They have no space left for study space, so they have to squeeze their study room into the storage together with prayer area. All these are squeezed within a 8sqm space, used by all of the sisters to study. As Vaiznavy is having SPM soon, and Lavina having PT3 soon, we are to solve this issue wisely without disturbing their study time. So the first session is more of a quick look-around tour, measurement taking, and with an ice breaking session for us to get to know better of the family.
8th of September
With the measurements of the room taken, we built a 3D model in Revit to visualise the space and the possibilities of changes in the room. With the Revit model as a reference, we began experimenting the arrangement of layouts to maximise the use of space.
We consulted Ms.Reene too to improve on our design. I was very moved when Ms. Reene told us that this project’s main aim is not to excel and exceed other people or win in a competition, but to help the family.
26th of September
We had a proposal presentation. We knew that our ideas are a bit raw, but fortunately the tutors gave us a lot of suggestions of to how we should design the space. Most importantly, is to personalise the spaces for them, to make them feel that this room is made specially for them. We took that into consideration and started working on the actual furniture and the arrangement of spaces that will work for them.
The day after, we went to IKEA and the Furniture Store in LDP to look for suitable furniture. Eventually, we found out that the furniture in IKEA was cheaper and they are easier to install too. As IKEA have lots of different models that we can choose from, we also found the suitable furniture sets that could provide them with enough study space and place for them to put their books and their stationaries.
20th of October
We visited the family with our proposed design. They are very glad with the proposal and looking forward for the changes we are going to make. We cleared and cleaned the room to see the spaces available in actual. Trash were cleared out, and books were cleaned and arranged in categories. We then re-measured the width and length of the room to double confirm that our furnitures are able to fit in the room.
27th of October
We went to visit the family for the last time to install the furniture. In the morning, Kenn went to IKEA with his father to get the furniture, while the rest of the team went to clean up the room before the installation. As the furnitures arrived, we installed them straight away but not yet carry into the room. The father, Mr.Aladayn was really friendly, he gave us advice on how we should assemble the furniture and helped us with some of the works too.
Not long later, Shivon’s dad arrived and they started changing the sockets and rewiring the room. The room was immediately brightened up with the lighting. The problem of shadow casting on the table was solved immediately. As all the furniture were moved in, we started installing the mesh boards onto the wall.
In the end, the family was really happy about the outcome and the requested us to take photos of them with a thumbs up. I was really happy to see that liked what we did for them.
Personal Comment
I'm really glad that this projects exposed me to a new experience. My doubt towards architecture has solved, and I do believe that architecture is able to change humanity. Just a small random act of kindness is able to give a family a big change in their future path. Although the household that we were assigned are not like other household, that allows them to change many more things in the house, but I guess just a single study room changes their faces and brings them a bright wide smile. I wish the kids all the best for their future and may they have a better studying environment and enjoy reading better.