Alone.Together
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Alone.Together – a crowdfunded new norms park
In 2020, at the peak of the pandemic during the Movement Control Order (MCO); like Malaysians nationwide, it was our first time working from home.
I remember clearly that it was a Wesak day afternoon. We were having a conversation on how the pandemic has redefined our roles as architects, the designers of the built environment. That conversation went on to spark the defining discussion on what we, as young professionals under mentorship, can do to develop and provide something for the community in the New Normal.
The installation reactivates a forgotten space, re-integrating it into surrounding recreation parks encircling the Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan City Hall
To us, architecture is a form of functional art, where its beauty is derived from the narratives associated by the community that it serves.
We designed a public installation that explores how architects, designers of the built environment, can raise awareness on environmental sustainability whilst encouraging outdoor activities; and to stay safe through promoting good design in facilitating proper social distancing. Imbued with symbolism and life; the installation is a grassroots movement, a project by the people, for the people.
The installation brings a series of prefabricated reversible additions constructed using upcycled materials
With the design in one hand, and its narrative in another; we pitched our idea to our Mayor of Kuching City South Council, that we will volunteer our time, resources, and develop the design from the installation’s inception to conception on a pro-bono basis. Under the patronage of our Mayor, the project was born!
Our Mayor launched a ground-breaking crowdfunding drive through social media, which exceeded its crowdfunding goals in less than 24 hours! It is a testament of collaborative joint endeavour between the architects, and the local council; with strong support of the community.
The installation has steadily encouraged streams of discourse on how we as a community, can collaborate in opportunities to reshape our existing built environment in adapting to the new normal
Following through with the successful crowdfunding, we secured sponsorship from Trans Paint Sdn Bhd, a local paint manufacturer; and facilitated the engaged fabricator, Wan Li Wan Welding Works, in material procurement.
We managed the coordination in its entirety between the fabricator, painter, and council officials through the entire process which ranges from detailing, mock-up prototyping, off-site fabrication, installation on site, and landscaping works.
Crowdfunded under the Mayor’s patronage, this installation demonstrates public and private joint effort
To encourage thoroughness and transparency, we have also created a regularly updated blog that documents the entire process from initiation, delivery, and beyond. A plaque bearing an engraved QR code has been installed, linking patrons with access to the documentation and to an online space to continue discussion and conversations.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY