Activation Of Riverside Communities Along Igan River, Sibu With Shipyard As Catalyst by Thomas Ling

ACTIVATION OF RIVERSIDE COMMUNITIES ALONG IGAN RIVER, SIBU WITH SHIPYARD AS CATALYST

Thomas Ling Teck Yaw | GS55346 | 2020/2021 Year 5 Sem 2 Master of Architecture | ARC5004 Architecture Thesis Studio 2 Supervisor: Ar Wan Sofiah Wan Ishak

ABSTRACT

Sibu, Sarawak has a unique identity which is located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan River, dividing into urban and sub-urban zoning. The captured issue is Igan river has separated the riverside community in Sibu, resulting in a wide disparity in urban patterns and quality of life. Therefore, the intention is to capitalize the strong presence of the shipyard at river edges as a catalyst to bring Sibu riverside community together. The selected site is located at historical sub-urban context beside Maling ferry port, Igan River, Sibu; with the first development expanded from here, and potential to be ferryorientated development. The potential program for riverside community is to celebrate the riverside activities, integrating as catalyst platform to inspire and connect the riverside community. Subsequently, ensuring future generation’s knowledge and appreciation to shipyard, and utilizing the leftover materials for learning purpose, which intended to attract riverside community from the opposite urban area as a celebration to the learning journey. The architecture discovers various approaches to the users’ activities on-site via modularity, doubleness, experiential, sense of scale, porosity, and curvature; intended to activate and contribute to the riverside community as learning and gathering nodes.

Keywords: Riverside, Local Community, Shipyard

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful and appreciate for all the constructive comments and feedback gained from each tutorial, crits, and discussion with the mentors. It is a good opportunity for me to rethink the gaps in between of my thesis, which make it more fruitful and workable. I am here to express my highest gratitude to Ar. Wan Sofiah Wan Ishak, who encourage me throughout the semester to continue for my journey here.

TABLE OF CONTENT ABSTRACT ................................................................. I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................II

TABLE OF CONTENT ................................................ III

INTRODUCTION AND DESIGN THESIS STATEMENT ....1 Background Study ...................................................................... 2 Issue Statement ........................................................................ 6 Thesis Statement ....................................................................... 6 Thesis Question ......................................................................... 6 Thesis Aim ................................................................................ 6 Thesis Objectives ....................................................................... 6 Ideation Manifestation Poster ....................................................... 7 Summary – NABC ...................................................................... 7 Proposed building typology, client, users ....................................... 8

SUPPORTING DATA AND INVESTIGATION .................9 Importance of shipyard industry................................................. 10 Process of ship manufacture ...................................................... 11 River edges study in Sibu .......................................................... 11 River edges impact ............................................................. 12 Riverbank response to water level ........................................ 12 Riverfront development guideline ............................................... 13 Summary ................................................................................ 14

iii

SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSES .............................. 15 Site selection criteria ................................................................ 16 Selected site ............................................................................ 18 Site history .............................................................................. 19 Macro analysis and response ..................................................... 20 Micro analysis and response ...................................................... 26 Summary on site and contextual response .................................. 30

STUDY CASES LEADING TO PROGRAM ..................... 31 Maritime Education Centre, Danish ............................................. 32 The Ship Campus, Penang ......................................................... 33 Melopee School, Ghent docklands ............................................... 34 Proposed programme................................................................ 35

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PROPOSAL ............................ 36 Design generator explorations ................................................... 37 Mind map exploration ............................................................... 38 Design strategy ideations .......................................................... 40 Strategy to building .................................................................. 45 Building massing development progress ...................................... 48

FINAL DESIGN PROPOSAL ....................................... 51 Final floor planning ................................................................... 52 Visual illustrations .................................................................... 56 Sections and elevations............................................................. 65

CONCLUSION ........................................................... 68

REFERENCES ............................................................ 69

1.0

INTRODUCTION AND DESIGN THESIS STATEMENT

This chapter explains for background study, issue statement, thesis statement, thesis question, aim, objectives, conceptual framework scope, limitation, idea manifestation poster, summary, and proposed building typology.

BACKGROUND STUDY Sibu is an inland town located in east Malaysia – Sarawak. It is one of the administrative divisions of Sarawak which located at the junction of the Rajang and Igan River. Sungai Rajang originates from Iran Mountain towards the lower stream South China Sea which segregated the Sibu into unique context with 2 zones of sub-urban and 1 zone of urban area.

Sibu

In 1901, ancestors from Fujian, China came to Sibu, and settled down at the confluence of Rajang River and Igan River. Therefore, the waterways

naturally

became

the

most

important

mode

transportation. The needs for river transportation led to the emergence of shipbuilding industry in 1930. Timber industry started in 1940 and it led to rise of shipbuilding to produce bigger scale of wooden boats and steel ships to serve for passenger and cargo transport.

From the past till now, river still serve as main daily routine for community which provides alternative means of transportation. The boats are responsible to carry groceries to rural communities living along the river which do not have access to roads. Today, there are still active trading, economy, transportation, and recreational happening on or by the river which create unique identity of Sibu.

River supposed to be connector to community from sub-urban and urban area, but it split both sides and create duality of the context. Plus, there is difficulty for people to access shipyard industry due to limited road access and publicity. The presence of Igan River creates two issues. First, it disconnected the community from sub-urban and urban area. Second, communities are not aware of their roles in contributing towards shipyard industry that is located at sub-urban areas.

ISSUE STATEMENT Igan river has separated the community in Sibu, resulting in a wide disparity in urban pattern and quality of life.

THESIS STATEMENT The thesis is addressing this issue by capitalizing the strong presence of shipyard at river edges as a catalyst to bring Sibu community together to the river edge.

THESIS QUESTION

How to activate the disparity of riverside communities along Igan River, Sibu?

THESIS AIM The aim of this thesis is to reconnect Sibu community through various river-based activities at Igan River

THESIS OBJECTIVES •

Create impactful riverside activities that benefit the community

•

Develop shipyard related program that create sense of attachment

IDEATION MANIFESTATION POSTER

SUMMARY – NABC The significance is to show the transformation of the strong presence of shipyard industrial at river edges into educational community platform.

Need

There is a need for the local community to

(N)

celebrate the historical pride of Sibu which is

Approach

To reconnect Sibu community through activation

(A)

of riverside activities with presence of shipyard as

known as “heartland for shipbuilding”

catalyst along Igan River, Sibu. Benefits

Enhancement

riverside

(B)

environment

Competition

Vehicles and plane as alternative means of

(C)

transportation

improve

both

and

shipyard

riverbanks

local

community’s bonding through education platform.

PROPOSED USERS Proposed

BUILDING

building

typology

Client

TYPOLOGY,

CLIENT,

Strata 1 - Shipyard Interpretation Strata 2 – Recreational transportation

Sibu

Government

and

Shipyard

Association

Target users

Students, tourists

community,

researcher,

2.0

SUPPORTING DATA AND INVESTIGATION

This chapter explains about the importance of shipyard industry, process of ship manufacture, river edges impact, riverfront development guideline, and main takeaway leading to the thesis.

IMPORTANCE OF SHIPYARD INDUSTRY •

Sibu is also known for “heartland for shipbuilding”.

•

Play a key role in the economy

•

Out of the 100 shipyards in Malaysia, 60 can be found in Sarawak. Out of the 60 shipyards, 42 are in Sibu, most of them located at the Rantau Panjang Integrated Shipbuilding Industrial Zone.

•

They produce small to medium-sized vessels tug boats for towing logs, barges for carrying logs, anchor handlers, Offshore Support Vessels (OSV), ferries, and express boats for carrying passengers.

•

Sarawak exported 70 per cent of the ships manufactured, with the remaining for the local market.

PROCESS OF SHIP MANUFACTURE The author learns some process of ship manufacture in Sibu for timber and steel, which provides idea for the program manifestation.

RIVER EDGES STUDY IN SIBU Before the starting of design exploration, the author explored the overall legacy studies for riverfront projects. This is the overall riverbank edges impact at sub-urban and urban area to see the type of riverbank design, which is more suitable for the existing site. There are reclamation activities due to new development over the 40 years and the river response to water level in Sibu.

1. River edges impact

2. Riverbank response to water level

RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINE There are restrictions for riverside design guidelines, which is to preserve and sustain the development through legacy guidance. Therefore, it is important and crucial to study prior to site development.

SUMMARY In sum, it is vital to understand the existing conditions of shipyard and use for justification to relate the importance of shipyard industry to Sibu. Also, Igan River as most significant identity which represent the daily lifestyle of communities. Thus, this chapter concludes the studies as fundamental knowledge for author before starting any physical design and site investigation.

3.0

SITE AND CONTEXT RESPONSES

This chapter explains about the site selection criteria, history, macro and micro analysis and response to the site. Therefore, leading to summary on the general site and contextual response.

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA There are three site selection criteria which are accessibility, context and built form. Then, site is sorted based on the three criteria to generate three potential site 1, site 2 and site 3. The explanation of site selection is as follows:

Criteria Accessibility: •

Due to limitation of road bridge to connect both urban and suburban areas, the main accessibility will be based on water transportation.

Context: •

To expand the existing shipyard into design which the context is to be by the river and near to existing shipyard industry which is located in sub-urban area.

Built form: •

Selected site to be open space along Igan river, reduce the impact of the site clearance which may affect the natural contour especially by the riverbank.

SELECTED SITE After analyzing for the site justification of three criteria, potential site 1 is selected for this thesis project exploration. The following are the site justification statement:

Accessibility: •

Walking distance to existing Maling Ferry Port

•

Potential to be ferry-orientated development to expand water transportation to local community

Context: •

Historical context of Maling Ferry Port as Sibu first expand the development from here.

•

Sandwiched

two

existing

shipyard

which

potential

cooperation as catalyst for local community.

Built form: •

Open space along Igan River, create less impact to the environment.

•

Potential to get abandoned ships or boats for reused or recycled as part of the integral learning.

SITE HISTORY •

The selected site is located in the sub-urban area, along Igan River, the site is memorable due to the location that is directly beside Maling ferry port, the first ferry port in Sibu and the development expanded from here.

•

The immediate shipyard namely Far East shipyard is the first shipyard established in Sibu, which had contributed for Sibu economy to international level.

•

Due to the imbalance of road bridge connectivity, here is the opportunity for this site to promote river transportation as a linkage which transfer and connects people to and from the urban area, to have friends and family engagement here.

•

Also, the site has a distinctive historical value to the neighbouring community. The community have their daily leisure activities such as fishing or bath by riverside, which activate the riverbank to be more contextually localized.

MACRO ANALYSIS AND RESPONSE The following section explain for the macro analysis pattern with the responses for 6 patterns namely: solid and void, mobility, shipping, industry, education, and recreational.

Solid and void pattern Analysis: There is a need to propose more activities in sub-urban areas to balance and improve the segregation between the development at both sides.

Response: Propose buildings which immersed with greenery in between, to create more voids for refreshment on site.

Mobility pattern Analysis: Due to the imbalance of land parcels, there is an opportunity to promote river transportation as linkage at riverside to activate the connectivity in between.

Response: Prioritize ferry orientated development which encourage people to travel via Igan river, reducing lesser carbon footprint via vehicles.

Shipping pattern Analysis: There is a need for local community to celebrate the pride of Sibu as a shipyard heartland and an opportunity to promote it as an education platform.

Response: Elevated platform at different level which enable users to have multi directional visibility to surrounding.

Industry pattern Analysis: There is an opportunity to recycle the leftover or unused materials from the nearby factory for repurposing on site.

Response: Partial building materials are made of recycled or leftover materials to educate the students and community on appreciation of the available resources.

Education pattern Analysis: There is an opportunity to cooperate with shipyard industry to provide non-academic knowledge and hands on experiential activities as a subsidiary learning platform.

Response: Education on site to be incorporate and inclusive to community from all ages, which don’t limit to certain ages of user group.

PROPOSED DESIGN Kids

Teenagers

Family

A platform for different ages of local community as a gathering node and learning.

Recreational pattern Analysis: There is a need to integrate programs and maximize river activities usage which are beneficial to the local community and bring memories and identity of Sibu.

Response: Places for the community to have more leisure activities engage with the natural greenery and river.

MICRO ANALYSIS AND RESPONSE Going into micro site, this shows the location of my proposed site. The site is an empty open space, sandwiched by two existing shipyards, namely Far East and Nyik Lee dockyard. It is potential for community to celebrate the pride of shipyard, integrate as educator catalyst platform to

bring

the

community

together,

ensuring

future

generation’s

knowledge and appreciation to shipyard industry, and also utilising the leftover materials for learning purpose, which intended to attract community from opposite urban area to join.

Next, is the context facing the site at urban area. This shows the overall compactness of the city with riverfront development. The site has great potential as it offers views to riverside, opposite riverfront promenade and buildings, and surrounding community with lush greenery. Therefore, the riverbank edges need to consider on existing profile for both sub-urban and urban area, which is to balance and soften the edges, and reflect on flooding issue, to minimize the impact to the existing river, and integrate possible activities for community which brings identity of Sibu.

The micro patterns are working environment, architectural, living environment, accessibility, recycling, and human movement pattern. There is richness of sub-urban context which includes shipyard, ferry port, water chalet, abandoned ship. Maling Ferry port has the advantage with Sibu first development, it has a potential to upgrade the working environment to the community. Plus, it serves as a potential node which link and connect people together for learning activities here.

The following picture shows panoramic views towards the site. Currently the site is open space which it benefits and reduces the needs for site clearance. In overall, there is current illegal shelter built, plus there is some unused materials from the industry areas which may be beneficial for repurposing usage. There is a potential to increase the awareness of site by improving the accessibility through road or river. Plus, the expansion of the shipyard knowledge could act as catalyst to site.

SUMMARY RESPONSE

SITE

AND

CONTEXTUAL

Generally, the site benefits from the existing impactful history of Maling ferry port, which potential to expand the project as main economical income; with the additional

program

convey

shipyard-related

knowledge to the communities. Thus, the project is responding

the

existing

riverside

activities,

riverside edges design, jetty design, contextual program which are relevant to the shipyard, to further reconnect the communities together.

3.0

STUDY CASES LEADING TO PROGRAM

This chapter explored three case study for site, program, and usage of spaces. Therefore, leading to the proposed program for this project.

MARITIME EDUCATION CENTRE, DANISH

To learn: Site context placement •

Design is based on 3 elements: sea, ship and navigation that related to shipping

•

Architecture is emphasized by the distinctive balcony which look like a ship deck

•

Takes advantage of the views to magnificent sea

THE SHIP CAMPUS, PENANG

To learn: industrial program connection •

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to bridge the gap between academia and industry located beside it

•

Program: classroom, open deck, terraces and a retail walking street, library, administration offices, auditorium.

MELOPEE SCHOOL, GHENT DOCKLANDS

To learn: transparency of multi usage •

Surrounding richness of community, face green area on south, dock on west, public square and housing on north, harbour on east

•

Program: Primary school, after school care centre, a nursery, and sports facilities

•

The interior functions are stacked with outside space, that path crosses over volume. 34

PROPOSED PROGRAMME The proposed program is riverside shipyard interpretation hub, which shipyard interpretation is the main program to activate the long-run activities to sustain the building. The program are split into research, learning, practical, display. Then, these program are supported by supplementary

program

which

community-based

engagement

comprise of welcome area, recreational area, transportation area, and economic area.

4.0

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PROPOSAL

This chapter explains about design generator explorations, mind map, design strategy, and building development progress.

DESIGN GENERATOR EXPLORATIONS

Main Design Concept

Adaptive Floating Lagoon Catalyst Michael Fox (2016) once said, if an environment could adapt to our desires, it would have the ability to shape our experience. He inspired my main design concept which is adaptive floating lagoon catalyst which the building can react to adapt to community needs in real-time. Also, to provide flexible and interchangeable spaces for the community. The five application of adaption are applied to consideration of shipyard, river, culture, activities and climate.

MIND MAP EXPLORATION Before application of idea on site, the author explored two design massing options, which the first option is focusing on split blocks, while second option is focusing on linear blocks. Generally, the exploration of these two options provides an insight on how people use the spaces, through their experiential imagination throughout the spaces, which connects people between the land and river.

The following figure shows mind map exploration with models on site. I explored the idea of modularity which retain repetition of river profile rhythm, doubleness of the connectivity platform and bridge, experiential walk to encourage people to connect with surrounding elements, sense of scale with low building profile near riverfront allowing for clear river views, porosity to increase visible openness on ground level, and curvature with fluidity and softness.

DESIGN STRATEGY IDEATIONS The design strategy explored in 6 steps namely modular, doubleness, experiential, sense of scale, porosity, and curvature.

Step 1: Modular The exploration started with repetition of square modular element, which are fragmented arrangement to blend with surrounding sheds which are in separated blocks. Then, they are combined with square & rectangular modular element, to add some elongated elements to increase the gaps in between, allowance for more plaza and green space in between. Later, the usage of rectangular modular element is maximized. The use of repetitive rectangular shape design is to minimize the heat gain from the elongated side at east-west direction. Plus, giving maximum opportunity for greenery and river views.

Step 2: Doubleness The

author

design

with

connectivity between blocks by using bridge and stairs to link the platform and deck between serve

the

viewing

split

blocks,

connector deck

surrounding (shipyard,

and

towards

environment greenery,

and

river). Multi-level connectivity allows users to have more social interaction in between, also to celebrate the vibrant of

open-air

higher

level,

spaces that

from create

active movement

Step 3: Experiential Then,

experiential

from

ground to roof. The linear way of connectivity between level, ground

which to

direct

roof,

from

promote

clear visibility which could allow

for

integration

landscape in between. Also, to continue with overlapping path. The overlapping path below the ramp connects across the spaces, which also act as gateway for the people to go through, to create

multi

crossing

different layering.

Step 4: Sense of scale It responds to scale at different direction. Slanted surface with increasing

sense

scale

gradually from ground to roof, that

allow

users

frame

different views and respond to the context with greenery and Igan River.

Step 5: Porosity Ground level is elevated with voids in between promoting openness and welcome feeling to provide groundbreaking free activities for the users. It is followed by reducing ground plinth to minimize the solid spaces, allow for more porosity towards the spaces across on street eye level.

Step 6: Curvature Next,

the

author

softens

edges via curve connector. Wavy journey on the upperlevel

bridge

enhances

the

users feeling on ground, which reduces the sharp corner and edges facing to them, also to interlace at different direction for the bridges. There is Deck on river with curve, which represent

continuity

dockyard consideration, the profile of deck on river follows the extrusion, allowance for ferry

parking

and

boat

launching in between on the river.

STRATEGY TO BUILDING This is overall building placement idea on site. Generally, the site has richness of context with sub-urban greenery and community. Riverside elements, river activities, and urban waterfront area development. It is benefits with the existing on ground activities, and this project is to blend in with the surrounding by consider, connect, link to elements at different direction. Therefore, the program on site is arranged to be in sequential flow from welcome area, to display, to practical, to learning and finally to research which is more private spaces. While the economic and recreational parts, take advantage of the location by riverside.

These are application of design strategy to massing development. •

Modularity, with extrude 5 rectangular blocks from the allowable site area after setback

•

Doubleness, with connection of blocks using elevated bridge allow for linking sociality

•

Experiential, it has sloping ramp connecting from ground to roof level.

•

Sense of scale, with hierarchy on the height of the building blocks facing to Igan river and greenery.

•

Porosity, with openness on ground level and slanted wall for more welcoming feeling on the ground

•

Curvature, with curvy of edges to create smooth and comfort edges for users viewing.

In general, the placement of building on site promotes interaction and visibility to and from the surrounding context, increasing sense of attachment for the activities and program. Also, the different decking extrudes above the river, promote the connectivity between people and river activities. Vertically, the author explored the sectional program planning prior to starting in arranging the building spaces, which make the connectivity between spaces clearer. In general, the programs are splited for community, admin, display, practical, learning, and research. The intention is to connects the levels and blocks by bridges, stairs, landscape, and roofing.

BUILDING MASSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS 1. Building blocks

Initially, the placement of building on site intended to promote interaction to and from the surrounding context, increasing sense of visibility connection. Yet, the issue for this design arise due to the disconnection of physical path between “On land” and “On river”.

2. Hierarchical volume

Then, the design is added with physical connectivity to adapt to the “Activities” creating looping of path on water and land. The issue arise due to the disconnection of shelter from decking to the building architecture.

3. Continuous pathway

Designed with covered pathway which connects to create sense of scale in slanting the roof as platform to shed. Issues arise as the architectural language is not consistent across the buildings with too much components.

5.0

FINAL DESIGN PROPOSAL

This chapter outlines the floor layout, visual illustrations, sections and elevations for the final design proposal.

FINAL FLOOR PLANNING The site is located at sub urban area facing to Igan river and urban waterfront development. The access from urban area will be connected directly to the jetty at site with river transportation for people and motor, this creates a link from jetty to site through the riverside promenade. The overall site planning responds to the existing river profile and the arrangement of building blocks which are scattered around and not in bulky blocks on the site. The purpose of concave the river edges allow for the boat stopping zone, and mobile barge that transfer knowledge to and from the site. Also, to respond greenery on the sub-urban areas, this building brings and smoothen the green into site. The road access

from sub-urban area to site and within the site is all designed with 12.2m wide road reserve for future expansion, while existing driveway are at 7.2m wide for 2-way roads, complied to BOMBA access route required at 6.1m.

12m wide road reserve with 7.2m wide driveway

When reaching the building from road access drop off area, it will lead to the entrance welcoming area. it provides different direction which lead people to the landscape garden and plaza. The west side of plan is sub-urban areas and building placement to ensure the porosity towards the igan river on the right side. People can access to upper floor level through sub-urban or urban area, which people circulation are interlacing and interconnected across ground level, and upper floor level. This creates a vibrancy of movement across the site with most community activities. Also, the east side is designed with open spaces for recreational and economy activities, which the students and communities can have boat launching by the riverside. The active usage of

jetty

could

promote

alternative

public

spaces

and

transportation for the community over their leisure time.

water The

combination of hard and soft landscape for indoor and outdoor experiential to shipyard learning activities.

First floor level has admin, display, practical, learning and research purposes. Also, link bridges to connect and informs each space.

Second floor has practical zone with multi-spaces learning: indoor and outdoor role play for ship learning on the platform and bridges.

Lastly, third floor mainly for communities’ roof terrace, with garden landscape and IT learning room, promoting a more playful and viewing deck towards different direction.

VISUAL ILLUSTRATIONS 1. Overview of building placement on site

The followings are the consideration of adaptability of the activities to climate and river: boats can still descend the travelers along the jetty. River edges profile allow for minor water play zone with guardian by parents and teachers. Now, people can walk along the river, which they can celebrate the river. Mobile infrastructure barge which floats on the river. Viewing tower which initially elevated and immersed into river, creating “tower in the river”.

2. Entry- vehicles drop off area

First user to enter the building from vehicles drop off area. The balanced design of solid and void promote more openness on the façade screen. Also, the intrusion of groundbreaking spaces in between encourages the response of high-level buildings on site.

3. Entry – pedestrian walk path from sub-urban residential

Second user enter the site with pedestrian walkway. Sub-urban area has lush green, therefore, the building facing towards this side inviting people to enter through the amphitheater landscape platform, which gradually leading the volume of landscape to site.

4. Entry – via water transport from urban area

The specialty of this site is having boats that transfer people and motorcycle; thus, third user enter from the river transportation. The riverside edges are design with steps down to the river, allowing future flexibility. The general language for the design is adopting the slanted column which informs the overall consistency of building.

5. Activities – boat ascend and descend plaza

Now, let’s look into the activities on site. After descend from the jetty, this is the welcoming views with ship frameworks as a connecting nodes for boat launching and river activities. Also, the intention of applying slanted and curvy façade could decrease the sharp pressure of the construction edges.

6. Activities - communities leisure at riverside

Communities can have leisure activities along the river sides like fishing, viewing scenery, jogging, boat making and some other to fulfill their family or friends bonding time. In addition, water and green elements meet to interlace the softness of hardscape and landscape on site.

7. Activities – viewing tower explorative platform

Going up to the tower, we could view observe the overall panoramic scenery ranging from sub-urban area with green, the site with localized timber architecture, river edges with barges and jetty, then to the Igan river and views to urban waterfront areas.

8. Activities – movement across levels

This show connectivity from sub-urban areas to upper floor level, with most greenery and usage of glu-lam timber structure across the building spaces. This could increase the sustainability level and environmentally friendly to people with highly active movement across different levels.

9. Activities – roof decking role play

This shows the upper floor level with role play and community terrace, showing clear visibility across the igan river. Therefore, another breathing and refreshing spaces for Sibu people, at the same time rejuvenating the sub-urban areas.

SECTIONS AND ELEVATIONS Building edges at north and south side are designed to connects from sub-urban green ground to roof level, interlacing with elevated bridges and roofing across the façade to connect between the surface at multidirections at another side with river. For east and west side, building profile has different heights with voids in between for cross ventilation and common spaces for the community engagement.

Generally, the buildings are splits into 5 zones, and the hierarchy in different levels serve various experience and purpose to the users. By having the contrast to the development between urban compactness with sub-urban leisure green, it is important to retain the pure form with materials on site, to keep it sustainable. This is the overall section planning on site. By responding to the riverbank contour profile, it is designed with lower level facing to the river at entrance welcome area, to promote views to and fro the waterfront development in urban area. Also, some parts of the rooftop are translated into hydroponic farming and green roof to increase the greenness on site. This promotes the natural setting which building will be immersed within the natural landscape of Igan river and trees or plants. In general, the site utilise the ground breaking spaces to have more informal learning and gathering, while upper floor can caters for formal learning.

To recap the six-design strategy, this project explores the modular with different blocks on site, doubleness of façade and platform for roof, planting, amphitheater, seating; third, promoting experiential related to riverside activities and learning of shipyard knowledge, fourth, caring the sense of scale which smoothen the surfaces, fifth, porosity with maximization of visibility between inside and outside activities. And, lastly, curvature which smoothen the bridges and skin. Generally, the overall building profile follows the hierarchy which lead from low to higher profile, to smoothen the sharp edges at both sides. In responding to river edges, no high-rise building block facing to spoil the river view; instead, it is designed as steps up to follow the riverside development guidelines. For another side with sub-urban areas, the greenery smoothens and gradually bring to the site. Therefore, the building has the mixture when greenery and water elements meet, to act as catalyst for the project.

CONCLUSION

This project explored the answers for the thesis question: how to activate the disparity of riverside communities along Igan river, Sibu. The author explored the followings: •

Explore river as means of transport and flexible knowledge hub to connect communities from urban to sub-urban areas

•

Respond river impacts that avoid bulky buildings from river edges.

•

Define the possibility of architectural patterns in connecting communities through different levels (on river, by river, on ground, on bridge, on roof deck)

•

Expand the site as riverside hub to promote the long-run program related to interpreted shipyard as catalyst, that further prolong identity among Sibu communities.

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