Standing Point

Mohamad, Kalsom and Teh, Teh Min Shen (2009) Standing Point. Sustainable Tropical Environmental Design Exhibition (STEDex’09), 1. pp. 82-83. ISSN 2180-0685

Abstract

The concept is ‘Standing Point’ which literally means the courage to stand, again and again, to a new point even after the most resounding defeat. Going through its history, Malacca started as a small village and became an important harbour-which is the starting point that built up its very own cultural heritage- and continued to maintain its importance even after numerous destructive wars and the test of time. The CIQ complex is located at the site which is in the middle of the river and facing the straits of Malacca where ships were anchored and set sail from this point. With a total of six floors, the proposed CIQ complex gives a new standing point to Malacca. A pragmatic approach is taken to interpret the importance and the long history of the site with emphasis on the spirit of the site where it was once an important port for ships and traders to anchor and set sail. As a new gateway to the state, the proposed important public building has been sensitively translated into a visual language of long and lean horizontal lines. It ecumulates the scale of the urban fabric where it is sited while representing a ship guarding the water, ever ready to welcome the visitor and proudly stand for the country. In response to the stringent zoning required for this building, the series of transparent walls created between the processed and unprocessed public managed to create a pleasant environment around the activities without compromising the safety and security issues of the building. This scheme is a commendable attempt to translate vernacular -inspired climatic responses in a stylised manner by having deeper floor, rainwater catchment, good orientation, natural ventilation and lighting focused at the public realm.

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