Community Service Initiative
Community Service Initiative is an elective module with the intention to reveal the students to the real community and work together as a team for architectural, culture and environmental enhancing activities in the communities of different social economic status and social groups.
Individual E-journal
This individual E-journal is a component of our final submission that requires us to document the entire process of our project from the start till the end. All observation, individual contribution and personal reflection is included into the journal, along with the documentation of other submissions that lead up to the final outcome.
[ WEEK 1 ]
Prior to starting this project, we have assembled a team of eight which are James Tay, Kong Xhiang Lynn, Chong Yi Qi, Yong Yu Joon, Lum Si Chu and Alan Koo Ka Lok, Janice Lee and myself. We carried out a discussion regarding the direction of our project and carried out precedent studies to further develop our ideas. Based on the project brief handed out to us via Taylor's Integrated Moodle E-Learning System, (TimeS), we have chosen the topic, the beneficiaries to be people of the street community. We came to the agreement that enhancing the street community would allow us to think more critically and also a different user group compared to our Design Studio modules, also, we wanted it to be a more challenging project for us upon completing this task.
[ WEEK 2 ]
After much discussion and researching for a suitable site, we had chosen SK SS19, located in SS19 as one of our site which has lack of vegetation. However, we were turned down by the vice principal as there are no space that need to be beautify anymore. Also, the principal was on leave. Hence, we have to choose another spot. Which leads us to our backup plan.
[ WEEK 3 ]
We then proceeded in looking for more places focusing on schools and we came up with a run down primary school located at PJS 7 called SK Bandar Sunway. As we went there on Monday, the principal was on leave and will only be available on next Monday. This primary school is located next to the low cost flat of Bandar Sunway which consists of majority Indians and Malays.
[ WEEK 4 ]
After arranging a suitable time, we managed to meet up with the principal in charge of the chosen primary school. She agreed upon our idea of enhancing the lives of the young students in SK Bandar Sunway, making more interactions for the students and the environment from a young age. She recommended to enhance the aesthetic of the clock tower area (picture). But we also explored the site and came across few potential spaces in the school as they are dormant or abandoned spaces. The principal was very keen to know our proposal and wants us to return the following week to show her the proposed ideas.
[ WEEK 5 ]
A the clock tower is already filled with vegetation,we still analyzed the site and measured the area at the clock tower. Then, we came out with different ideas consisting of shrubs and combination of recycled items.
1. Steel grid plantation alongside of the clock tower area which incorporates vegetation crippling onto the grid plantation as time goes by. It forms a green wall as vegetation cripples onto it.
2. Recycled bottles act as a new home for vegetation. Lightweight floating structure which are not too bulky, also it will be easier to source for the materials to build this.
3. Built in vegetation area with furniture to sit and table to read. Furniture to be made out of timber and concrete for foundation.
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[ WEEK 6 ]
Next, we discussed with the principal about our proposed ideas in 3D modelling and the chosen sites ( dormant space in front of canteen, and clock tower area). She commented on the design and how it could be better in different ways. We also explained that the current clock tower is already a lush green area where it is redundant for us to create another green space in it. Then, we came back with the amended 3D Models. She agreed upon our idea and allow us to proceed with the dormant space in front of the canteen. Then, we went to analyze what are the materials and how big do we want it to be.
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[ WEEK 7 ]
This week, we finalized our ideas and made the A0 size poster by gathering information gathered by all of us. Besides that, we also managed to get information regarding students towards the space and teacher's comment about how the dormant space was not used and could be better with our proposed design, which we are happy with and excited for the final outcome.
[ WEEK 8 ]
After completing the A0 sized poster, we figured out what are the steps to construct the idea, and also materials needed to start the project. We passed a message to the principle that we will start the construction the following week and James Tay and Janice have gathered and purchase materials such as ropes and L-brackets, I managed to gather loads of bottles from my house to recycle (a collection over the past year), and others have bought the soils, shrubs and equipment needed for this project.
[ WEEK 9 ]
This week, we started the project and it took 2 days to complete the construction, as it needed drilling and nailing and so. Also, precise measurement is needed for the ropes and more. Kong Xhiang Lynn, Yong Yu Joon, and Janice are in charged of the bottles, Lum Si Chu and Alan Koo in charged of the ropes, whereas Chong Yi Qi and James Tay are in charged of the drilling and set up of materials. On the other hand, Me and Xhiang Lynn and I are in charge of transferring shrubs to each recycled bottles while I also did the video shooting of the process which can be seen in the video.
[ WEEK 10 ]
Finally, in this last week of this course, we produced videos and also completed this E-Journal this week. Also, we visited the school and turned out the shrubs were all growing really well and the students are loving their new background of their school. All thanks to the students who water them during recess time, some flowers bloomed well and it became a colorful area for the school. It no longer functions as a dormant space, but it actually interacts with the young students now.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this whole process as a group effort as it creates an impact towards the schooling life of the students in SK Bandar Sunway. I was touched by how eager the students were in watering the plants and the smiles on their faces while doing them , showing how much they love their school and how important this project means to them.
