A Cultural Anthology — Land Of The Kenyalang
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Sixteen architecture students from Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) arrived in Kuching on August 13th for a 24-day internship. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Eric Chen and Teaching Assistant Wang Jing-Hua, they have been split into two groups for distinct projects:
• Kenyalang Park Collective Memories with the People of Kenyalang Park
• Narratives of Soil with Wendy Teo Atelier and Borneo Laboratory
Eight students are working on the Kenyalang Park Collective Memories project, exploring how architectural elements and spaces can reflect both memories and future visions through interviews, research, and model-making. Interviews began on August 21, with support from the Kenyalang Park Community Association (KPCA) leaders, local researchers, and architects.
The other eight students are engaged in the Narratives of Soil project in Think and Tink under the tutelage of Wendy Teo, founder of Wendy Teo Atelier and Borneo Laboratory. They are investigating topics such as sound, plants, geology, and soil while developing knowledge and materials for construction and designing an exhibition scheduled for October.
Students from CYCU with Eric Chen and Wang Jing Hua, alongside KPCA committee members Penghulu Tan Heng Kee, Penghulu Chan Siok Choon, Kapitan Sim Bee Kim, Kapitan Tang Teck Ping, Chiew Kok Lian, and Chieu Ah Mui; researcher Chai Kit Siang; Goodwill Ambassador Su Chua Pin; and local architects Chai Si Yong and Tay Tze Yong
Wendy Teo leading the discussion with Eric Chen and the students
Developed in three phases during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Kenyalang Park was a pioneering affordable housing project by the Borneo Development Corporation, featuring low-cost terraced housing and footpaths linking residential areas to commercial zones, markets, and public parks with unique themes.[1] However, the development now faces decline due to design limitations and urban pressures. For example, the first phase of development consisted of single-storey terrace houses with 3-metre-wide lanes connecting the house frontages. It was designed without anticipating the proliferation of vehicles, which has now become a problem for future homeowners due to the lack of vehicular adaptability. Meanwhile, rapid urban growth has exacerbated social issues, leading to knee-jerk solutions such as gated public spaces, which have resulted in fragmented pedestrian networks.[2] Additionally, its once-popular commercial areas have become outdated.
Despite these challenges, Kenyalang Park’s strategic location and historical charm present opportunities for revitalization. There is growing interest in revitalizing curbside commercial spaces and community efforts to preserve green areas.
Chai Si Yong, together with Chai Kit Siang and Su Chua Pin, explaining Kenyalang Park to the students
The Chairman of KPCA, Penghulu Tan Heng Kee, leading the discussion with the students and Eric Chen, alongside fellow committee members
Drawing on 'Bangkok Bastards'[3][4] —the brainchild of Chatpong Chuenrudeemol of CHAT architects—as precedents, the outcome of both projects aims to transform research, oral histories, and documentation into tangible architectural representations. Utilising fundamental architectural drawings—plans, sections, elevations, and isometrics—the projects seek to present narratives as valuable, context-driven architectural examples that capture the essence of daily life, with the potential to serve as prototypes and design references for the rejuvenation of Kenyalang Park.
In this context, Leon Krier’s principles of human-scale design, pedestrian-friendly environments, and mixed-use development[5] resonate strongly. Krier’s critique of car-centric modernism aligns with Kenyalang Park’s original vision of a connected, functional community. Although the park’s design did not initially incorporate contemporary pedestrian ideals, its layout reflects Krier’s emphasis on vibrant, integrated urban spaces. This connection underscores the potential for Kenyalang Park’s revitalisation to incorporate Krier’s traditional urbanism concepts, providing a foundation for future development.
Chai Kit Siang briefing the students on the background of Kenyalang Park before the projects commenced
Eric Chen explaining to the students the expected outcomes of the projects, as well as the importance of good manners and expressing gratitude to the local Kuching supporters
Chai Si Yong recounting his experiences growing up in Kenyalang Park
The first phase of interviews and architectural documentation focuses on presenting the collective memory of Kenyalang from various perspectives, incorporating images, language, objects, architectural drawings, and models. The findings will be showcased in a report exhibition in Kenyalang, with the possibility of displaying them in Taiwan later in the year.
GALLERY
References :
[1] JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award (2023) Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan - JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award. [Online] Available at: https://sda.jcimalaysia.cc/winner/majlis-bandaraya-kuching-selatan/ [Accessed 24 August 2024].
[2] Tong, B. & Goh, T.Z. (2024) 4 Nations Live Design Discourse Workshop 2023 - Chapter 3: The Workshop, INTERSECTION NEWS PAMSC Circular 42. Available at: https://pamsc.org.my/new/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NEWS-PAMSC-CIRCULAR-42-20240223-LR.pdf [Accessed 24 August 2024].
[3] Bangkok Bastards (n.d.) Bangkok Bastards. Available at: https://www.bangkokbastard.com/about [Accessed 24 August 2024].
[4] PAM Sarawak Chapter (2019) PDF2019 - Chatpong Chuenrudeemol (Chat Architects). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeJO5INOh_g [Accessed 24 August 2024].
[5] Krier, L. (2014) Leon Krier on sustainable urbanism and the legible city, Architectural Review. Available at: https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/leon-krier-on-sustainable-urbanism-and-the-legible-city [Accessed 24 August 2024].
Photo credits :
The BA.J Editorial Team | Students of CYCU | 一起吃风 My Easy Moment