This project required us to design a nature appreciation center with some complexity that includes the complexity of site topography and vegetation, socio-cultural events, and variety of strategies for sustainable design.

 

The site given is located in Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak. Pulau Banding is a 243-hectare man-made island located within the majestic Temenggor Lake. The Island sits amidst the 130 million year-old Royal Belum Rainforest, known for nature based activities such as fishing, bird watching, camping and visiting orang asli settlements. It operates the Belum Rainforest Resort that offers opportunity to get up close and personal with the natural world. We were divided into groups to carry out site analysis and investigation before developing our design.

 

The nature appreciation center is experienced as a continuous route through the forest. As much as both human and nature are conscious of the existence of each other, cluelessneww and uncertainties divide them. Nature lovers are invited to explore the beauty of nature through crossing, discovering and pausing. The continuous form allows a direct relation with the environment by opening up towards the surroundings and incorporating the green elements in the programs. It established an intimate and interactive relationship with trees, blurring the boundaries between private and shared, interior and exterior.

 

The pathway articulates the whole building by connecting the spaces and serve as a guide to visitors for smooth circulation As people go through the journey, different views of the surroundings are framed. The focal point draws people together to promote interaction, fostering a sense of community. where people can engage in communication and as the visitor infos are are made open with the use of pivot walls, a large open interactive space is created. Reading area is lifted upwards to eliminate the feeling of being trapped and allow a dircect circulation crossing through the center to the jungle trail. 

 

Also there are some introvert spaces like gallery and reading are for people to reflect and contemplate. The welcoming and inviting environment encourages people to actively engage in activities and take responsibilities as human. Orientation depends on sun and quality views of the surrounding. Cafe is built cantilevered on the slope and is placed lower than ground level to place people in the middle of nature. Wood and concrete are the main materials used mostly woods and thus natural aesthetics of the plants are combined with the natural materials used in this building.

 

Towards the end of journey, people are enlightened with less curiousity to think the relevance among human, nature and society.

 

Learning Outcomes:

• Learnt to design based on the unique character and conditions of the site context.

• Gained better understanding about spatial planning for a public building.

• Able to generate design through conscious consideration of section-plan relationship with various considerations.

• Able to incorporate larger context into designing.