ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME
PRECEDENT STUDIES
HISTORY OF PENANG Timeline
started off as a fishing village by Francis Light at the mouth of Sungai Gelugor
Sri Veerama Kaliamman Devasthanam temple was built on land allocated by Brown Estate
abandoned by British due to World War II
Gelugor house was converted into a barrack
forest clearing around Gelugor for agriculture purposes
Gelugor remained as rural area
development of residential estate including Minden Heights
Barrack was decommisioned and replaced by USM
Penang Bridge linked Gelugor and Georgetown brought urbanisation
Kampung Buah Pala, last remaining settlement by Brown estate was demolished
coconut plantation & spices
imported labrourers from Southern India
Penang Island is a melting pot of history, culture and tradition. It was once hailed as one of Asia’s greatest trade routes, acting as an intersection that linked historic empires. Today, as vibrant murals adorn ancient walls and rustic shophouses, and along buildings both new and old, Penang’s historical essence still thrives, preserved with a taste of the colonialera that defines Georgetown and the Island.
Gelugor, a township about 20 minutes from Georgetown. was once a British barrack during the colonial times. Ever since independence, the area has been transformed into the site for University Sains Malaysia (“USM”). The development of USM, Penang’s first university has spurred growth in the Gelugor area, with new thriving neighborhoods for academicians and professionals, in areas such as Minden Heights.
View of the Site
INTRODUCTION
ZONING & CIRCULATION
The analysed site is located in Minden Heights, a neighborhood in the Gelugor township of Penang Island. The site is nestled within a housing area, currently serving as a community park for residences. One of the unique qualities of the site is the contour, which was formed due to both natural and man-made activities. The site contains a bright and spacious open field, with a sudden slope up to a more natural, organic park with rich flora and fauna. Aside from the geographic characteristics of the site, the history and culture of the locals in the neighborhood also contribute to the identity of the park, and Minden Heights as a housing estate. The site was analysed for the planning and designing of an AEP-based school, which could make full use of the unique qualities of the site, to yield the most benefit from the intricacies of the natural environment to benefit the students of the school.
It was observed on site that a number of termite nests A parallel can be made with the neighborhood of Another relatoinship in the colonial way of life can be were infesting and destroying the trees around the Minden Heights, whereby the residence were relatively traced back to the history of Penang, where it was one vicinity. hostile towards outsiders. of the first British colony in Malaya. Termites have a colonial way of life, following orders Minden heights was originally part of Bukit Gambir, but More than 50 years post-independence, the city holds and having a bigger mission in mind. was flattened to be developed for housing. on to it’s colonial identity. Wherever they build a nest, the surrounding geography Similarly, the site was cut and razed to create a playing The site, the neighborhood, and the Island are bound will be altered to suit their needs. field. together by the idea of colonialism. They are protective of their homes and do not welcome These show the similarities between humans who are outsiders. complex, with simple beings like the termites.
MICRO ANALYSIS Sun
Win d
Pa
R e os
th
WALKING / JOGGING No is e
FIELD SPORTS
SITE
Vie ws
ARCHERY
SCHOOL
RESIDENTIAL
BUKIT GAMBIR
ACTIVITIES
Type of Roads Main
Secondary
Normal Traffic
Dead End
Inner
Heavy
Moderate
School Hour Traffic
Smooth
Heavy
Moderate
Smooth
A school based on an Alternative Education Programme can be ideally built in the neighborhood as it is walkable and tucked away from the busy main road. Access is relatively easy despite limited entry and exit points. Even though there may be issues relating to school hour traffic in the vicinity, an AEP with a flexible / adjusted hours can be implemented in order to avoid the congestion caused by the schoolhour traffic.
Pedestrian Circulation Hot Spots
Walkway / Path
VEGETATION Yellow Flame
Neem
15 - 20m Native to the forests of Southeast Asia. A popular ornamental tree.
15m Believed to be able to cure more than forty different diseases.
CULTURE
Pong Pong
Ashoka
Red Flame
6m Usually grown as a hedge between compounds. It yields a poisonous fruit.
12m Prized for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers.
15m Known for its broad umbrella-shaped crowns, providing shade.
MATERIALITY
Asphalt
SIGHT + Lush Vegetation Nestled within a neighborhood, the site is a residential park that is rich in flora and fauna. The vegetation is mostly concentrated at the Western end of the site, providing shade to the area, which can be integrated into the design of the school.
Masonry Brick
Flora & Fauna Leaves & Grass
Natural Rock
Bark & Branches
Fauna
+ Contour The contour on site creates a contrast in terms of sight and the overall feeling of each area. The contour can be used in the spatial planning of the school. - Littering Beer bottles and drug containers can be spotted around the site, especially around the shaded areas.
SITE SECTION
20 to 49 Peaceful
Upper middle class / White collar
0 to 19
Stays mostly indoor
SENSES
Built Environment Stone Wall
50 and above
Racial distribution
SWOT TOUCH + Variation in Textures Lush vegetation naturally yelds a variation in material textures within the site. These include the textures of different species of trees and other elements on site such as rocks and leaves. These elements can be beneficial in an AEP-styled learning environment for children to experience nature first-hand. + Animals/Insects The site is also home to myriads of insects, including termites, grasshoppers and hornets, which can again enhance the learning experience of students in an AEP-styled classroom.
SMELL + Nature The smell of nature, which includes wet grass after the rain and the breeze, providing a sweet excape from the hustle and bustle of city life in Georgetown. - Animal Faeces The site is sometimes contaminated by cow dung and other animals which can be unpleasant and also a threat to the health of the students and quality of learning should a school be built on the site.
HEAR + Rustling Leaves The rustling of the leaves each time the wind blows creates an ambiance that is hard to be replicated in a man-made environment. Schools set in a pleasing setting can yield a more effective learning environment. + Sounds of Animals Throughout the site, various animal sounds can be heard. which is expected of a tropical park. These sounds range from wild animals such as birds and hornets, as well as pet dogs from the surrounding neighborhood. - Vehicles Noise coming from vehicles within the neighborhood and surrounding village can pose a threat to the serenity of the site.
S
O
Privacy of the neighborhood
W
Limited access for school bus / vehicles
Quiet
Shady activities from neighboring villagers
Lush vegetation providing canopy / shelter against sun
Lack of public amenities (bus shelter, parking areas etc.)
Unobstructed wind path / low-rise buildings
Low and exposed electrical cabling
Richness of flora and fauna
Permanent structures (communication tower)
Combination of both shaded and open area Difference in elevation Trail access to neighboring houses Natural canopy can be incorporated into design
T
Protest from house owners Park is shared within community (events) Risk of vandalism / looting
Open playing field can be developed
Wild animals / termite attack
Land development to prevent illegal activities
Dengue risk
Underutilised