Kenyalang Park Collective Memories — Collaborative Insights
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Communities, like individuals, experience a natural lifecycle, with aging as an inevitable part of this process. Over time, they accumulate a rich tapestry of physical and cultural assets, including shared memories and experiences that become integral to their identities—much as collective memories shape generations.
The concept of ‘collective memory,’ first introduced by the French sociologist Maurice Halbwachs in the early 20th century, refers to the way groups and societies collectively remember and interpret their shared past. Halbwachs argued that memory is not solely an individual process, but one shaped by social contexts and collective experiences[1]. This idea is further explored by the architect Aldo Rossi in ‘The Architecture of the City’, where he emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the narratives embedded within a community's history, particularly through the built environment[2].
In modern cities, where identity crises are prevalent and distinct character often fades, the challenge becomes reclaiming and reinterpreting these shared histories. By critically examining the architectural implications of collective memory and the spatial qualities of each site, architects can foster a sense of belonging and continuity, reviving narratives that contribute to the community's identity.
In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscape, shaped by globalization and technological advancements, the architect's role extends beyond mere design. It entails a deep engagement with the dynamic environments in which they work, coupled with a commitment to sustainable practices. Thus, by embracing the interplay between memory, context, and revitalization, architects can create spaces where past and present converge, ultimately enriching both the built environment and the communities they serve.
As the Year 2 Architecture students from Chung Yuan Christian University concluded their first phase of field survey, their experiences and memories of Kenyalang Park have now been woven into the broader collective memory of the area. These insights will enrich future possibilities for revitalization, encompassing curatorial actions, artistic participation, and spatial integration. Below are the thoughts of the students who participated in the field survey.
Chao Yu Hsuan
In a short span of three weeks, we went from being unknown to the Kuching community to becoming familiar faces around Kenyalang Park. This transformation was the result of the support and trust gained through our conversations with local shop owners and residents, as well as the support from Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Penghulu Tan Heng Kee, and Kapitan Sim Bee Kim.
Our initial interactions with the people of Kenyalang Park revealed a sense of lost hope and enthusiasm for their area. However, following our meeting with the Mayor and subsequent media coverage, we observed a renewed sense of optimism during our follow-up visits. The local residents and sellers became more open to sharing their aspirations for the future, along with their interesting experiences and memories that had occurred within Kenyalang Park.
The ‘Kenyalang Park Collective Memories Exhibition’ is a modest showcase we organised, highlighting the area's history and culture based on our interactions and research. During the opening day, many local residents and business owners brought their families to view the exhibits, which included calligraphy, paintings, and photographs. The previously evident sense of disillusionment had been replaced by a feeling of pride in their community.
For us, the most rewarding aspect of the exhibition was witnessing the residents of Kenyalang Park reclaiming their sense of belonging and collective identity. We hope that this event will inspire further interest and investment in the area, to restore some of its past glory while preserving its rich cultural and historical legacy.
(Front to back) Shih Chen Hsi Ching, Wu Yun Chen, and Ding Bo Siang engaging in discussion with the Kui Seng's shopkeeper
Yang An Chi
When I first arrived in Kuching, it was completely different from what I had imagined. The greenery, combined with a mix of old and new residential areas, and the food courts, which serve as a melting pot of diverse cultures, all contrasted with the lifestyle in Taiwan. The more I got to know the place, the more I was drawn to it. The Kenyalang Park community, in particular, stands out as a unique existence, with its division between green spaces and commercial areas, and the gathering of people and street vendors, which has shaped the charming garden city it is today. Strolling through, the blessings and generous goodwill from all around gradually helped us gain a deeper understanding of this community. Walking through Kenyalang Park, observing what I saw, recording my thoughts through photography, painting, and interviews, I wrote about this community, which has been around for nearly six decades, from a fresh perspective, uncovering every enchanting aspect of it.
Planning an exhibition from scratch was undoubtedly unfamiliar and awkward, yet the gradually filled walls tell the story of the efforts put in over the past two weeks. The short time frame was not enough to fully present the results, but the potential and possibilities of Kenyalang Park are undeniable. I look forward to returning to this charming city once again, to give back what I have learned.
Zhong Ding Hua
In the process of documenting Kenyalang Park, I gradually realised that connecting with and engaging the community goes beyond simple interviews. Each greeting as we passed by brought us a step closer to the locals. Over time, this connection developed, and through collaboration with the residents and the land, we were able to exchange ideas and generate new collective wisdom, which in turn could drive development projects beneficial to the area. During the exhibition, through numerous interviews, we gradually pieced together the images of the vendors, which presented this growing connection in a more structured and visible way for everyone to see.
This exhibition was not just an opportunity to showcase Kenyalang Park to the wider public; it was also an important step in strengthening the community’s self-awareness. It helped foster a deeper sense of belonging among the residents, leading to a discussion of more fundamental issues, such as the revitalisation of the community through reconnecting with its roots.
The issue of ageing came up repeatedly in our conversations. Hearing it directly from the residents conveyed a sense of helplessness, highlighting the need for outside support to gain a fresh understanding of the area’s traditional culture and how it can be improved. This exhibition aimed to raise awareness among the people of Kuching about this culturally rich community, inspiring both the government and the public to take an active interest in the area. It also encouraged them to engage with the community’s traditional cultural spaces, such as markets and theatres, which hold collective memories for many. The transformation of the old vendors into a hawker centre is a prime example of preserving these memories. Not only did it bring the businesses together and enhance their competitiveness, but it also created a new point of collective memory for the community. In the future, we believe there will be further efforts to revitalise Kenyalang Park and preserve its cultural heritage.
Chen Pin Yan
The exhibition at Kenyalang Park was a rewarding experience that highlighted the warmth and enthusiasm of the local community. Whether engaging in interviews or documenting our journey, the residents’ passion for their area made a lasting impression on us. As we delved deeper, we were touched by the hospitality shown to us, from being offered free meals to being sent home with an array of gifts, and the generous sponsorship of refreshments for the exhibition day. These gestures made us feel welcomed and at home.
Throughout the planning stages, I particularly gained insight into how to collate and record the information we collected, identifying common themes across different interviews. It became evident that the older generation harbours a deep attachment to Kenyalang Park, despite recognising its decline. They are not optimistic about its rejuvenation. Our hope is that our efforts will spark a continuation of projects that care for the area, not necessarily to bring immediate change, but to show that there are people who are invested in its future.
At the exhibition’s opening, it was gratifying to see the turnout from local businesses. We hope they found value in our work and illustrations. Looking forward to our next encounter again in Kuching!
Shih Chen Hsi Ching
Over the three hectic weeks of exhibition preparation in Kuching, our team delved into the heart of the Kenyalang Park community, interacting with numerous shop owners and local residents to gather insights into the historical memories and stories of the area. These stories and memories were then carefully presented in the form of drawings and photographs before being shared with a wider audience. Despite our exhaustion, our hearts were filled with a profound sense of joy. After roaming around all day, we would spend our nights organising photos until midnight. Despite the tiredness, we persisted in waking up early the next morning to enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Kenyalang Park Market, marking a wonderful start to our day.
Not to forget, the stall owners at Kenyalang Park Market are truly remarkable! 👍 With just a few visits, they not only remembered us but also our individual food preferences, which was quite impressive.
Throughout our interviews, we formed warm connections with the welcoming shop owners and residents, who treated us with the best hospitality one could ask for, even offering us those remarkable delicacies. 😍
We became regulars at Kui Seng convenience store, where the usually quiet and reserved shop owner gradually started to engage with us more each time we visited. He always asked about our return to Taiwan, and I truly believe he will miss our company when we leave Kuching.
Our acquaintance with the owner of Mayflower Cake House came a little later, but his enthusiasm was infectious, warming us with his sincerity. 😍 Not only did he treat us to a generous serving of delicious cakes, but he also introduced us to the owner of the flower shop across the street. His generosity extended beyond food, as he gifted us souvenirs to take back to Taiwan.
Uncle Zhou, who resides in the Phase 3 residential area of Kenyalang Park, welcomed us with open arms. He was more than happy to pose for photos and gave us a tour, sharing stories about the neighbourhood’s evolution.
There was a time when I accidentally tripped while taking a photo at Traffic Garden, and the news quickly spread throughout the entire commercial area of Kenyalang Park. It was quite touching that ever since then, people would check on me every time we spoke. Over time, I have come to love the vibrant life at Kenyalang Park.
Moreover, Kenyalang Park’s scenic beauty is captivating. The parks, streets, and shops are picturesque, making them ideal for photography. I captured numerous vintage-style photos and even recreated old photographs of Kenyalang Park.
After returning to Taiwan, I will definitely miss the moments spent in Kuching, from the comforting dinners at Grandma’s house with Min, to the enjoyable chats with Jenny, the morning runs with Lance, and even the detour we would take to avoid that one scary dog. I will also miss the flavours of Kim Garden’s fried bananas, the coconut kaya cake from Mayflower Cake House, the ‘cha kueh’ from the food court, the cheese naan from the Indian restaurant, and the milk tea treated by Sister Hong Luan… these flavours will be sorely missed. 😍
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone we met in Kuching. Your warmth and assistance truly enriched our journey. I am grateful for several remarkable experiences, such as receiving a tetanus jab abroad, being granted a precious medical card, meeting university students from different countries, witnessing the down-to-earth nature of the Mayor of MBKS, learning about the history of Sarawak, and trying on various traditional clothes. Additionally, I have gained a deeper understanding of leadership challenges, language barriers, the difficulties of event organisation, and the importance of embracing everyone’s differences. I will cherish these moments and am deeply thankful to everyone who shared them with me. 😊
Tsai Mu Hua
During our visit to Kenyalang Park, we met numerous people who greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm wherever we went. Eating there felt almost like a free treat, and the food was absolutely delicious. Everyone was incredibly kind to us. Kenyalang Park is located in the heart of Kuching city, offering huge convenience when travelling to every corner of Kuching. However, it is a regrettable fact that, with an ageing population, outward migration, and ongoing urban development, Kenyalang Park is gradually declining.
This exhibition not only introduced this wonderful place to foreigners like us, but it also aimed to raise awareness about Kenyalang Park among a broader audience. It is hoped that through this initiative, the local residents of Kenyalang Park will rediscover its hidden beauty, which may have gone unnoticed. It must be said, Kenyalang Park is truly the world’s, or even the universe’s, most invincible, super-fantastic place!
Wu Yun Chen
The 'Kenyalang Park Collective Memories Exhibition’ was a completely new experience for me, evolving from nothing to something, from unfamiliarity to intimacy. Kuching is truly a place brimming with character, whether it is food, scenery, or culture, and Kenyalang Park is an indispensable part of it. Through interviews, I learned that this is a place filled with childhood memories and memorable spaces for many. Through their narratives, I could almost imagine its former prosperity, whereas now, I can only witness the current desolation, which I find very regrettable. Although the preparation for the exhibition took less than three weeks, it has left me with very fond memories of Kenyalang Park – the breakfast laksa, Milo, the architectural forms and facades, the market, the elderly folks in the shopping streets, all brimming with a rich sense of community spirit. I truly adore it all. These wonderful aspects should not only be experienced by me; I hope that through this preliminary research and exhibition, more people will come to see and engage with this community. In the future, I wish to have the opportunity to return here, to witness the changes and to delve deeper into the myriad facets of this place.
Ding Bo Siang
This was my first trip to Malaysia, and I noticed that the environment and weather are quite similar to those in Taiwan. However, the integration of lifestyles, languages, and ethnic groups in Malaysia has been an eye-opener for me. People from different racial backgrounds live together amicably, communicating in various languages and respecting each other’s cultures. This friendliness made me grow fond of the place very quickly within just a month.
The local delicacies, such as Milo, ‘teh tarik’, ‘teh c special’, laksa, kolo mee, fried kway teow, chicken rice, nasi lemak, curry chicken rice, satay, durian, and fried bananas, form a true food paradise, creating a daily dilemma of choices for a food enthusiast like me. These culinary delights of Kuching are something I find hard to forget, and I long to return.
My time working in Kenyalang Park was particularly memorable. Everyone, from shop owners to local residents, was incredibly welcoming and provided us with a great deal of support, which was very heartwarming. Under the sweltering heat, it was especially touching that shop owners would often offer us refreshing drinks and ice lollies. Moreover, the residents were also eager to assist us in resolving the issues we faced in our daily lives.
Upon entering Kenyalang Park, I was immediately drawn to the area’s historical narrative. Both its past grandeur and current simple living reflect the timeless allure of Kenyalang. From the evolution of its architecture, the formation of commercial districts, to city planning, every part is a testament to its history. I have documented these moments through art and writing, hoping to preserve this beauty. If the opportunity arises, I would love to return to Kuching and the charming Kenyalang Park.
References :
[1] ScienceDirect (n.d.) Maurice Halbwachs. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/maurice-halbwachs [Accessed 5 October 2024].
[2] Rossi, A. (1982) The Architecture of the City. Translated by D. Ghirardo and J. Ockman, revised ed. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.
Bibliography :
[1] Szacka, L. and Patteeuw, V. (2019) Critical Regionalism for our time. The Architectural Review. Available at: https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/critical-regionalism-for-our-time [Accessed 5 October 2024].
[2] Jo, S. (2003) Aldo Rossi: Architecture and Memory. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 2(1), pp. 231-237. Available at: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jaabe/2/1/2_1_231/_pdf [Accessed: 5 October 2024].
[3] History and Theory of Architecture. (2024) Aldo Rossi - Architecture, City and Memory [online]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFQ5jSUwWOY [Accessed 5 October 2024].
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