Rasa's Memory Repository

RASA MARKET

Rasa, a place where experienced difficulties, twists, and turns from the past but the memory is no longer last in the present. In the past, the villagers were living in misery when the Malayan Communist Party opposed the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. After the end of the war, they were forced to move into a fenced-up new village by the British colonizers to restrict their movements. Time flies, Rasa has been reborn. People live peaceful and slow-paced life, but the fragmentation of memory occurs when people moved out for better job opportunities. Only some of them inherited the memory left staying in Rasa. The precious memory of the past that should be carried by the people is broken up into many pieces that are not close together. The spirit and memories of Rasa are still existing, but some were lost, and some were forgotten. Hence, my interpretation of “ the tunnel of memory”, aims to create a tunnel that connects fragmented memory.

STESEN RASA

THE MEMORY REPOSITORY

- The Tunnel of Memory -

JALAN

RASA

RASA ASSOCITATION

The building would become a realization of traversing pauses in the tunnel-like structure, transits from enclosed spaces to open spaces to reminisce the fragmented memories about the emotions, sensations, and perceptions that were experienced by the locals in the past. The fragmentation of massing is designed to express the disintegration of the memory, coming together as short stories with interlinked lives of spaces within. The zigzagging tunnel connects all the fragmented spaces and moments in the building, mediates the past and the present of Rasa.

DOUBLE STOREY SHOPHOUSES

CONSTRUCTION SITE

-FORM DEVELOPMENT-

ABANDONED CINEMA Pre Pas t

DOUBLE STOREY SHOPHOUSES

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RASA POST OFFICE

Rectangular Block Establish preliminary massing in response to site boundary sits between the Rasa association and the abandoned cinema.

The Past and The Present Split the massing into 2 segments, indicating the past (enclosed) and the present (open) of Rasa.

The Tunnel

Zigzagging

The idea of creating a continuous tunnel-like passage, connecting the past and the present of Rasa.

Zigzagging the passage to create the movement, from narrow to wide, from enclosed to open, indicating the "the twist and turn" past of Rasa.

Addition and Subtraction

With the inclusion of programs, the form is developed by addition and subtraction to enhance the fragmentation of massing.

SITE PLAN SCALE 1: 500 DOUBLE STOREY SHOPHOUSES

-SPIRIT OF SITEThe delipidated five-foot walkway - as the tunnel leads to somewhere unknown.

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3 The old burnt-down cinema - is crawling with vegetation, blending in with nature. Even though the structure has partly crumbled but it shows the history of what it has been through, recall the memory of the past.

The old trees - witnessed the past and present of Rasa, carrying those memories that are gradually fading away.

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Wire fences - are still existing in Rasa. It acts as the nostalgic element for the locals of this isolated town.

The rusted brown metal roof - still exists, evokes the user's senses. It shows how things from the past will remain to the present, reminding people to go through the precious recollection for all those fragmented memory of the past in Rasa.

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The Rasa White Bridge - as a pathway that carried the traumatic memory of Rasa during World War II. It had been collapsed and destroyed, but still existing after being rebuilt by the residents. As the bridge ages, it brings out more life and meaning to the context.

The pre-war shophouses - carry the past history, old and isolated, yet significant as place for elderly gather for chit chatting. The rows of dilapidated shophouses altering the character and image of the buildings in Rasa.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN SCALE 1: 150

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Reception (20 sqm)

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The Lost Memory (40 sqm)

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The Ascend (28 sqm)

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The Descend (40 sqm)

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The Trapped Garden (open)

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Cafe (42 sqm)

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Sunken Amphitheatre (open)

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Open Gallery (open)

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Toilet (26 sqm)

TOTAL: 235 sqm (with unlabelled transitional walkway)

- CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAMS - FORM & SPACES -

The zigzagging tunnel connects the fragmented blocks

- INSIDE, OUTSIDE RELATIONSHIP -

The caged tree reflects the abandoned building that blend in with nature

The fence-like walls create verticals to fragment view as one moves along

[Time] Vertical timber screen plays with light and shadow, continue to change over time

[Opening for view] The gap between the vertical timber battens create open view to iconic abandoned cinema

[Water as reflective material] Using the outside sun to reflect water inside the building

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Perforated metal panels as screen create vitality and playfulness to the design by capturing the view

Perforated metal walkway creates visual continuity from ground floor to first-floor level and creates footsteps on metal sound effect

[Light and Shadow] Perforated metal panels creates an intimate lighting experience, casting shadows on the floor

- HIERACHY -

[Sound] Rain on metal roof sound, recalling the past memory of Rasa

- CONTRAST -

[Light and Shadow]

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The scattered light filters through trees, beams of light shining through the spaces 14

- CIRCULATION -

[Hierarchy by placement] Focusing on the axis to the view of shophouses along with vegetation, signifying the serenity of Rasa Contrasting angular and vertical rhythmic elements

[Hierarchy by size]

10 The Bridge (25 sqm) 11 Observation space (15 sqm)

Creating double volume spaces

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Archive (28 sqm)

13 Reading space (38 sqm) 14 The Caged Tree (48 sqm)

FIRST FLOOR PLAN SCALE 1: 150 Stimulate the feeling of fading away as descending into the submerged spaces

Feel the change in height when climbing the ramp around the caged tree,

Creating a huge tunnel-like entrance statement

The asymmetrical shape creates a sense of contrast with neighboring symmetrical building

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Office (35 sqm)

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Pantry (6 sqm)

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Storage (6 sqm)

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M&E (3 sqm)

TOTAL: 212 sqm (with unlabelled transitional walkway)

-SITE RESPONSEOrientation and Climate

Contour and Drainage

Openings for strong NorthEast wind

Views

The water flow is split up by the building and flow through the setback areas

Fully enclosed wall to block view to associate building

Drainage system

Entrance is orientated to South-West wind Orientate long directional axis of building facing North-South and minimize South-West orientation

NORTH ELEVATION SCALE 1: 150

Open courtyard to improve ventilation

Water flows into the water feature and drainage system

The height difference between the openings allow the stack ventilation to be effective

The walls are orientated to catch prevailing breezes

Water feature for spatial Structure follows the contours, allowing water experience and storage to flow into drainage system effectively without losing the upper soil layer

The north wall blocks the view to Rasa association

Vegetation

Easy access from the junction

Enclosed wall for privacy

The existing vegetation act as buffer zone t reduce noise

Entry

Tree for spatial experience

Access directly from the street

Tunnel-like structure as the entrance statement

Timber screens create warm environment to attract visitors

Trees to increase privacy for open space

The narrow entrance blocks view from street

Neigbouring Context

Green courtyard for cooling and shading

Exit

WEST ELEVATION SCALE 1: 150

View to traditional old shophouses with greenery

Concrete withstand contact with water

Circulation

EAST ELEVATION SCALE 1: 150

Open view to iconic abandoned cinema

Prevailing breezes

Water feature as natural cooling system

Empty space as gathering point before entering

Minimize view to construction site

Surrounded by water feature as natural cooling system

Prevailing breezes

SOUTH ELEVATION SCALE 1: 150

Open view to existing vegetation

Grass flooring to cool the surrounding

Open view to trees

Designed in polygonal shape and linear form to integrate into the context

Angled roofing extracted from neighbouring shophouses

Proposed vegetation in the building to integrate into the greenery of the context

Exit Entrance and exit next to the road for easy access

Entry

Exit from the walkway next to cinema to reminisce olden days

Sounds of birds chirping can be heard throughout the day

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE SCALE 1: 100

The use of common building materials on site

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-THE TUNNEL-

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The building opens through a huge tunnel-like entrance with an unknown destination. The vertical dimension of the entrance creates the illusion for people to feel small, in comparison with other spaces.

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Standing under the bridge, the footsteps on the metal sound effect can be heard, recalling the past when the Japanese army wearing metal shoes to patrol, creating an anxious feeling.

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SECTION A-A' SCALE 1: 150

The faceted roof moves higher, walls get taller and the width narrower creates a sense of uncertainty. A narrow channel with a high concrete wall gives the illusion of a faraway sky, creates a mystical and spiritual depth.

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The narrow perforated metal bridge with a rustic outlook creates a sense of unsafeness. The wall opens out a view of the iconic abandoned cinema. The opening creates a pause moment for people, recalling the past memory through the view.

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Perforated metal panels provide an interesting scene when people move along. It creates visual excitement with an ambient feeling by projecting unique light and shadow effects on the floor.

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The Lost Memory

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The Caged Tree

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The Ascend

The observation space opens the view to the vegetation along with rows of a traditional old shophouse, framing nature with the local context creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

-SPATIAL POETIC-

The Bridge

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Reading space

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SECTION B-B' SCALE 1: 150

Cafe

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The Trapped Garden

Sunken Amphitheatre

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The Descend

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Open gallery 1

C' SECTION C-C' SCALE 1: 150

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-MATERIALITY-

- STRUCTURAL CONCEPT 1

Corten Steel Roofing

Concrete

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-PASSIVE DESIGN-

A natural beauty rustic effect.

ROOF CLADDING

Timber battens

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Merpauh Wood

R.C beam R.C column acts as the support system

POST AND BEAM SUPPORT SYSTEM

Trees for shading at west side to avoid glare issue

Long lasting attraction, with practically zero need for maintenance

Concrete withstand contact with water

Steel truss for framing

ROOF TRUSS STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

LANDSCAPING

Corten Steel

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The trees add life to the building and cool down the interior spaces of building

The existing trees at east side provide shading, protection to façade and cool air

Perforated Metal

The common local timber source in Rasa

Enhancing privacy without fully closing off a space.

The shades of light grey-brown with a red tinge brightens up the space

it shields and encloses spaces while allowing for light, ventilation and visual openness.

Timber screen for spatial experience (aesthetic)

NATURAL DAYLIGHTING AND SHADING Vertical timber screen provide shading while ensures natural daylighting

Concrete walls First floor concrete slab

The courtyard allows sunlight to enter the spaces, provide natural daylighting

Large overhang roof to provide shading from hot sun

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Concrete slab

RAFT FOUNDATION

Raft foundation

Use of tree as natural shading device

Underground retaining walls to hold water feature

Perforated metal panels act as shading screen

- POST AND BEAM STRUCTURAL SYSTEM -

NATURAL VENTILATION

- FREE-STANDING TIMBER SCREEN -

Internal courtyard allows hot air rises within, creating airflow for cool air into spaces surrounding it

The height difference between the openings allow stack ventilation to be effective

Top Track Timber Batten Mid-support Rod system

Forces

Post and Beam

The vertical dead loads due to the weight of the roof are transferred to the building structure.

The R.C post and beam system makes the load of the building evenly transferred to the ground.

Two way slab The concrete slab is supported by beams on all four sides and the loads are carried by the support along with both directions.

- ROOF TRUSS STRUCTURAL SYSTEM Forces The dead load consists of the weight of the timber battens, the steel panels lie on above, and the live load such as wind load act on the roof.

Roof Battens The battens increase the structural performance of roof truss systems and enable roofing materials to be secured firmly to the roof.

Pratt Truss

The truss provides an easy means to transmit the loads through the reactions to the walls or supporting columns.

Base Track

Concrete Anchor Aluminium Tenon

The vertical timber battens are supported by top track and base track, the mid rod is to make the structure to be more stable.

The concrete anchor and aluminium tenon fix the timber screen to the floor.

The perforated metal panels promote airflow

Water feature as the natural humidifiers, adding moisture to the building and cool down the air

The smaller inlet opening facing prevailing winds and larger opening at opposite side allow cross ventilation to be effective

RAINWATER HAVESTING

- PERFORATED METAL PANEL Angular roofing to capture rainfall leading it downwards towards the water feature

Rainfall is absorbed by the tree, leading to the ground

Roof on Structure The structure of the roof serves to evenly spread load stress across the roof truss system.

Panel system

Typical mounting bracket

The perforated metal panels are installed for backlighting by utilizing an open bracket attachment system allowing light to travel through panel, forming a dramatic feature in the building.

Water feature for spatial experience and collecting the rainwater

Water tank

Use of underground rainwater harvesting system to collect the rainwater int storage tank and reuse it in the building