COLLAGE & OVERLAP

Typology: Art Center

Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

Status: Proposal

Year: 2019

Collage as Concept

In the 1580’s, Kajang’s community and main demographic has been shifting due to political, geographical and economic factors. And each period brought about a different community which displaces its last, leaving behind physical manifestation in buildings. This physical framework of old and new facilitates the functional uses of the city. The amalgamation of elements of contrast in Kajang fit like a puzzle into the whole context of Kajang. Thus, leading the project to interpret the contrast as a collage of varying elements.

The Typology of the 5-foot-way

The streets of Kajang are understood by its public life which are facilitated by the main vessel of thoroughfare in the form of the 5-foot walkway. This typology allows for the osmosis between public storefronts and private interiors, there is no clear line of demarcation between in and out.

An intention is then derived from the current typology of streets and their purpose of facilitating more than movement. A spiral into space pursues the idea of allowing street to extend into space by incorporating the typology of 5-foot walkways that blur the boundary between in and out. The main draw for the building will be facilitated through a functional programme and the performing arts will play a supplementary role to it. This increased contact between the utilitarian and recreational will normalize the spontaneity found within performing arts, celebrating public life even on a street scale.

Overlap as Opportunity

The chosen site is situated right in between the old and new districts of town and opens up the opportunity to ease and mediate the disconnect between the different demographics. An alley that is currently under-utilised harbors the potential for rejuvenation and activation as a linkage between the two districts.