Little Giraffe Story House

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

Edited by: Kylie Lee Yun Qi

LITTLE GIRAFFE STORY HOUSE Members

Kylie Lee Yun Qi 20102384/1 / Ronan Low Jia Lian 20104043/1 / Emily Wong Pei Wen 20104046/1 / Yap Hui Yee 20104044/1 / Eve Er Zhi Ni 20102380/1

Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

INTRODUCTION

Edited by: Yap Hui Yee Figure 1.1 For the past five years, the Little Giraffe Book Club has been housed in a container at a park in Cheras, Selangor. Recently, the community library decided to expand out of its limited space and establish a new premise an old house in a Chinese new village.

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Community community

Money

Community Service, Financial Support

Customers, Space

A journey with sharing stories and creating memories within space

Product

Rental, Utilities, Time, Food Allowance for volunteers

Design Services

社区，大众 Money

Design Service, Rental

Space

Edited by: Ronan Low Jia Lian Diagram 1.1 Partnership between Little Giraffe Story House, Little Moment Cafe and Little Friends Studio as sustaining source for the Little Giraffe, also encouraging community involvement together to strengthen the bond and warmth within The Batu 11 Chinese Village.

Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

CONTENTS

Introduction

2

History of Site

4-5

History of Building

6-7

Design Details

8-9

People

10-11

Programmes

12-13

Appendix

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Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

HISTORY OF SITE

Typical New Village Street Section

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Typical Terrace Housing Street Section

The kampung baru front yard merges well with the street. Porch benches and extended roofs create a grey zone which is both street and house. Modern terrace housing on the other hand is exclusive.

There isn’t much exchange that happens between street and house.

T

he New Village is a child of the Emergency. After World War 2, communism marched its way aggressively into the regional political foreground. Western colonial powers throughout Monsoon Asia were facing local uprisings fuelled by the momentum in Russia and China. In Malaya, the British administration was seriously challenged by communist guerrillas - of whom up to 95% came from ‘illegal’ rural squatters - who had taken to the jungle. They were a potent yet invisible force.

the Emergency could not be won solely through military means unveiled the Briggs Plan- the forced resettlement of rural squatters into barbed wirefenched communities throughout the country to cut off links with communist cells.

THE KAMPUNG BARU TODAY

New Village pekans have retained their urban form for the most part. These low-rise, high-density nodes Scanned are typified with CamScanner by narrow streets and zero setbacks. This scale is uncommon in contemporary urban design ECONOMIC IMPACT in Malaysia and beckons us

The establishment of to reflect on our current urban new villages had a high cost. spaces.

Aside from costing an average M$300,000 in the setting up of Economic growth in larger cities Scanned with CamScanner a 1,000 person village, it also have also impacted the settleaffected economy and goods ments gently. In the Klang Valproduction - rubber fell from ley new villages such as Batu 697,000 tons in 1948 to 573,000 11, many of the original woodin 1953 as smaller estates went en houses have made way to It required a bold plan. In 1950, out of production. Daytime food newer concrete structures. The Director of Operations General restrictions also cut short work- uses have also greatly diversiHarold Briggs, in admitting that ing hours. fied. Many of the properties Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

have been converted into commercial or light-industrial outlets.

The Kampung Baru is an extremely versatile urban cell absorbing new technologies, lifestyles and cultural shifts over the decades.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF CHERAS

Figure 1.2 Guards, barbed wire and gate: These evoke strong memories among pioneers even till today.

URBAN FABRIC: FIGUREGROUND Comparisons between New Village and Contemporary Developments

Batu 11 Cheras

Jinjang

Putrajaya

Mont Kiara

SCALE

Latter developments in Malaysia have moved towards the large scale, where streets are wide and buildings have huge footprints. As a result, there is a loss of place and the sense of cozy neighborhood. Perhaps the new village offers an alternative for today.

History of Site done by: Kylie Lee Yun Qi

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Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

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Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

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History of Building done by: Yap Hui Yee

Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

Design Details

Outdoor Theatre/ Facade Typical new village facade to be transformed into outdoor theatre.

existing timber beam mildsteel structure as support

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concrete base to strength the existing timber beam

existing timber beam mildsteel structure as support concrete base to strength the existing timber beam

Cafe Area - Living area to be converted into open space cafe with raised platform.

- Rear facade wall had arranged to windows for ventilation purpose.

Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

Counter Area Reclaimed wood bookcases as divider from cafe counter and reading library.

Bookcases - Built by reclaimed wood from existing building.

new roof as JackRoof Construction

upper eaves roof to be changed to polycarbonate as skylight roof to receive more skylight

canvas used to shade the skylight existing timber trusses

Food Preparation Area Typical kitchen is used as cafe kitchen.

Food Counter - Innovative form of brick counter top Design Details done by: Emily Wong Pei

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Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

PEOPLE LITTLE GIRAFFE STORY HOUSE

LEE SOON YONG PARTNERSHIP OF ARCHITECTURE FIRM

(CURATOR/FOUNDER)

ZHANG MING YI

LOKE CHEE YUNG

(CO-FOUNDER)

(CO-FOUNDER)

ALEX & KERRY BARISTA

(CONSTANT COLLABORATOR)

CHUA BAN CHUAN (CO-FOUNDER)

JODEN PU

(CO-FOUNDER)

BIKO NG ARTIST

(CONSTANT COLLABORATOR)

LITTLE “GIRAFFE” BACKGROUND Name : Lee Soon Yong (Founder aka Curator) Background : Graduated from Taiwan National Yunlin University of Sains& Technology in degree Architecture, diploma in I.A from New Era Job Scope : Lead the whole team with a vision, like a brainmaster. Also event planner or dealing with public media

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Name : Zhang Ming Yi (Co-Founder) Background : Graduated same as Soon Yong, both of them started architecture design firm name BT11, Part time based in club Job Scope : Role are organizing stuffs, books including key in book to system Name : Loke Chee Yong (Co-Founder) Background : Graduated from New Era U.C in degree I.A. Full time manager based in the club.

Job Scope : Handling cafe, taking care all the costs and other expenditure

Name : Joden Pu (Co-Founder) Background : Graduated from Tar U.C in mass com, part time curator work with Chee Yong, A youtuber, own shooting studio name “Little Stone Production” Job Scope : Same as Chee Yong, only 2 of them making and doing the discussion and decision on changes in the club. But he is more toward marketing and promoting LGSH in social media Name : Chua Ban Chuan (Co-Founder) Background : Graduated from UCSI in degree Architecture. Part time based, have own full time work in a company Job Scope : Helping in cafe, read story to kids. He used to organize Architecture/ Interior Design sharing/seminar event

Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

Name : Alex & Kerry (Constant Collaborator) Background : Husband and wife relationship, live nearby in the community, renting a space in book club selling coffee.

Job Scope : Serving fresh brew vietnamnese coffee

Name : Biko Ng (Local Artist) Background : Malaysia local artist, currently rent a long term space in book club for doing his art. Some time will cooperate in festival or event from book club, to produce some art pieces/T-shirt sell on festival.

Job Scope : Having art class to teach kids in book club, got his nick name from kids as “Da Xiang Lao Shi“

CHALLENGES

Some big challenges included a house structure that was infested by termites, a leaky roof, an original skylight window that had been sealed, and the limited built-up area of the original house.

The team had to add on several design details to solve these problems.

The termite infestation area extended from the wall to the main structure, so the team chose to use a steel mesh wall to replace the wood structure and the windowsill. This had three advantages: lower costs, natural ventilation and a green wall for plants.

The lower part of the house columns had mostly decayed. To maintain the original structure while increasing the overall stability, the lower part was removed and replaced with metal structures and stabilised with reinforced concrete. This method prevented another termite infestation, while maintaining the original appearances of a historical new-village house.

A nearby steel factory ensured that the team could replenish materials quickly when needed. The metal structures were painted with dark green anti-rust paint, creating a stark contrast between the original wooden structure and new steel structures.

The whole project was completed within six months at a total cost of RM40,000, excluding the team’s salary and materials sponsored by hardware shops.

People done by: Eve Er Zhi Ni

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Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

PROGRAMS The Little Giraffe Book Club community library’s new location has become not only a place for families and friends to come together to read, but a home for F&B purveyors like Rojak Wan, which has served rojak buah from a truck in TTDI since the 1990s, and Alex Lee, an interior designer by profession who brews good filter coffee on weekends. Lots of heart and soul here. Furthermore, their passions were spread through the neighborhood of Batu 11 while creating solid unity and strong bonds among the residents surfacing the harmony in the community of Batu 11.

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Community Art Gallery / Artist Studio Studio Office & Loft

Library

Outdoor Theatre

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Entry Hall Kitchen

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Courtyard Rojak Wan & Cafe

Diagram 1.2: Isometric of building with roof details

FLEXIBILITY IN TRANSFORMATION OF SPACE Use as usual

Occupied for events

Launching Events, Art & Craft Class Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Talks, Story Telling Activities

Auditorium Movie Screening

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

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Community Art Gallery, Artist Studio, Studio Office and Loft The Giraffe not only brings the wisdom of words, but it also brings aspirations of arts to the community. This versatile art hall allows abundant creativities found within to be exhibited. Local artists settle in for months, using the space as their studio, working on their artworks, and contributing rental fees to support The Giraffe’s expenses.

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Library, Outdoor Theatre, and Story-telling Platforms The books are the soul of Little Giraffe, and as its core program — The Library. The library’s books are often up-to-date by being selective on book purchases and donations to help children in the neighborhood grows and learns new knowledge. Besides, the highlight story-telling of each month’s last Saturday, inviting well-known storytellers to share stories and enlight inspirations to the children of the community. Besides, the library also helps earn funds for commercial uses for rent as it can be transformed for more purposes such as talks, performing stages, theatre and more.

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Commercial Space ( Rojak Wan & Cafe ) To sustain the space independently as long term, The Giraffe aims to start up a business as their core funding as it falls on a rented old house. Rojakwan and Wells Café joined The Giraffe as it’s commercial partners to serve foods and beverages, drawing outsiders into the neighborhood for the unique concept of the space. Nonetheless, this also creates recreation corners for parents to accompany their children to read while enjoying the local delights.

Programs done by: Ronan Low Jia Lian

Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

APPENDIX Interview Transcript For Founders & Collaborations:

1) Why is this house call Little giraffe story house, is there any story behind? Why not other animals, like little owl or little rabbit?

A : The idea behind is starting from a group of aunty they wanted to have library with use of giraffe because it gentle, standing height and have far vision.

2) What is the culture here you intent to promote or bring out to the community other than to cultivate the reading habits among the littles?

A : Via a story telling method, and foster reading interest for the kids in community 3) Previously, you were an interior designer, are you still work as a designer now? What inspire you to contribute and transform the old container home of Little Giraffe Home into this current one?

A: Now fully working in little giraffe, what inspired us is we would like to donate back to the community, create awareness of reading and building up an iconic new village 4) Is Little Giraffe story house have other collaboration partners or organizations, other than Little Stone Production and Little Moments Café?

A : Yes, we do have 5 partners, consist of 4 architects and 1 media to promote message to public

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5) What is the vision/concept/mission/ecology of 长颈鹿 故事馆 x 故食馆=容易搵? What do you think the social and economic impact of the Little Giraffe story house to the community?

A : We would like to provide a platform or a bridge to connect with community to solve problem which is the problem of educations level provided in this new village. Generate more neighbourhood activities, via one the activities name “ Community Chief “ through sharing of food we can analize the village problem.

6) Is there any difficulties to sustain the library especially at the early stage in constructing the building and operating the library? What made you persist until today? What is yours believe?

A : It was though in the early stage of progress, we are short of funding and manpower, with the fund of 5 thousand and 4 ppls), we even look for donation in night time. 4 of us are the main manpower doing construction installation, we’ve spent half year working day and night to completed it. What makes us persist and believe is when during construction, the resident in this community offer helped in construction site or treat us meals.

Building:

1) What was the design concept of this space? or philosophy vision for the space?

A : We are intent to let those community aunty uncle to involve in business 2) Most of the designer are intend to preserve the historical roots of old houses and rebuild it as original design. We do see some new adaptions or functions given to the old house? What is your intention for that?

A : The use of Green paint color in the building is new wood and metal while pink is maintaining original color and wood. The flooring kept because lack of funding, also it helped differentiate by its original resident zoning previously. The raise up platform have more ventilation and zoning separation. We wanted to have a fusion of history and new adaption.

3) How much is the cost to build up this Little Giraffe Story House?

A : RM 50-60K Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

Funding and Sustainability:

1) Do this library have government bodies or private companies provide sponsorship to sustain the club? We do know there is a commercial space which is cafe taking half of the space here.

A : We did received donation from local government and private companies and volunteer ( in money or building materials) during construction.

2) What is the source of funding to sustain this club?

A : Mainly from cafe 3) Are you experienced insufficient funds when operating here at the beginning?

A : So far still meet the minimum to sustain 4) Staffs here are basically full timer or part timer? As what we had researched, primary school teachers and some neighbourhood mummy are the volunteer to help out in this book club, any others else?

A : We have part time and full timer here. Full timer is the cafĂŠ coffee rented stall and few of the partner here. Part timer mostly are mommy around the community, and they take care of library during weekend.

Programmes:

1) Can you tell us more about the workshop or program here?

A : We have our own studio here, and an artist studio rent out constantly for artist, library and cafĂŠ.

2) What will you consider when selecting the appropriate activities proposal that held in this place?

A : Tie back to communities and suitable for parents 3) Any public engagement activities that targeted to have to promote the culture Little Giraffe story house?

A:4) Is the target user mainly to focus on kids for library? We do see the art classes or story sessions mainly for kids?

A : Initially is for kids and peoples who like reading to increase their awareness of reading. This club is welcome kids to use this space do their homework

Conclusion:

1) Do you know what is creative hub? Do you think here is the place to bring the creative people together, providing space and support for networking, community engagement within creative, cultural and tech sectors?

A : Yes, we consider here as a creative hub, so far we have several functions of spaces are joint under a building 2) Do you agree that little giraffe story house as one of the creative hub?

A : Yes

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Co:Lab Part I Site Name : Little Giraffe Story House

For Staff or Volunteer & Visitors & Parents:

1) How long have you been working/helping here? How often you been here?

A : Partner – I working daily here, consider full time staff but other partner might not comes here often Staff – I am a part time staff here and have been working for half year, but only a weekend staff as I am still a student, I knowing this place vacancy from a friend 2) What you think the good parts for this space? Do you like it?

A : Staff -I like the café part because comparing to reading area, café is always lively, can see more people interacting and movement.

3) What the lovely scene have you been meet in this space?

A : Every event they held those residents always help out each other to complete the event 4) Anythings you think can be improved in this space?

A : Roof leaking issue need to be improve when raining

For Kids:

1) Do you like this space? Why? A : ( Age 10 ) Because here with food, and can play with cat

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2) Is it fun here?

A : ( Age 10 ) Isn’t so fun for me, sometimes there are kids running here and there when I doing my homework here.

3) Have you learnt somethings here?

A : ( Age 10 ) I learnt something through reading books here, knowing more variety of book like “ Dream of the Red Chamber”.

4) How often you come here?

A : Twice a week but not constantly, depends on my mom if she drop by this area to do business, I will be staying in this café with my homework

Interview Transcript typed by: Eve Er Zhi Ni Co:Lab Collaborative Practice

Team Members Names Kylie Lee Yun Qi, Ronan Low Jia Lian, Emily Wong Pei Wen, Yap Hui Yee, Eve Er Zhi Ni

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