DESIGN NAME: Gamuda Academy
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Training centre, learning centre
INSPIRATION: We were inspired by vibrant pops of colors, bold graphics & dual-functioned spaces to provoke creativity. A wow-factor hotel-like reception greets the entrance.
Through a combination of lighting selections, funky furnitures and an extensive variety of fun materials like artificial turf, flooring in bold patterns,mural walls,writable walls, movable walls;the design creates a dynamic space for creative learning.3 key words drive the concept, which are Interaction, Collaboration and Flexibility
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The brief called for a transformation of 32,000sqf of 5 blocks of 30-year-old shop lots into a learning cum training hub for employees and members of the local community to advance their professional skills. It also houses The Enabling Academy, a platform to train young people with Autism(ASD). Through a palette of urban-inspired materials, creative common areas and innovative seminar rooms, the design encompasses elements of surprise and exploration to provoke an interactive hotspot for Gen-Ys
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The Gamuda Academy comprises of a library, a 25pax management office, 9 training rooms to fit from 20 to 40 pax each, 2 BIM and computer rooms and cafeteria and hang-out areas at each floor. Each floor has a unique name and color for stronger sense of place, such as yellow for excel Floor. Other ancillary areas are nursing room, prayer rooms and ablution for male and female, pump M&E room, server room, store rooms, 3 male washrooms (a total of 15 cubicles), 3 female washrooms (a total of 15 cubicles), a shower and handicapped washroom.
The building is also handicapped friendly with a lift and ramps where necessary
As of today the project has started operation for 6 months and garnered alot of attention from employees and members of the public. Spaces are well used and when fully utilized, the building could accomodate a full capacity of 300 pax.
One drawback was that additional acoustic panels are required to address some echo issues at the common areas and cafeteria space for better performance.
From a dark abandoned building, the Gamuda Academy has truly transformed into a creative and collaborative lifestyle learning hub.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project commenced in December 2016 and finished in April 2017.
The project location is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
|
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Green labelled carpets and cellulose-fibre acoustic panels are used at all training rooms for better acoustic treatment. To address structural restrictions, dry systems and methodologies are specified such as aluminum, fibrous panels and vinyl floors.
Magnetic and dry-erasable paint finishd walls and cabinet doors are designed wherever possible to promote freeflow discussions and writings, especially in training rooms, cafe areas or even corridors. Unique movable wall system in acoustic finish ensures training rooms can be closed or combined to cater for different capacity and group usages. Loose furniture like beanbags and modular poufs which are lightweight and mobile are used at common areas. They can be combined, stacked, moved around according to different events or stored away. Training tables and chairs are designed with wheels to be flexible to promote more collaborative space usage.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Built-up area is 32,000sqft, encompassing 5 blocks of old shop lots, 4 levels.
TAGS: urban learning centre, lifestyle space, contemporary space, learning hub, funky hub, industrial work space, cool work space
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research on lightings and acoustic were done during the design process to ensure a comfortable and functional training and work space. Reverberation tests were done at each room by specialist to ensure performance.
We also research widely on premium AV equipment such as projector and screen specifications considering budget and maintenance. On-going discussions with the client and The Enabling Academy team were made to ensure the environment designed were appropriate and safe for users with autism, while avoiding an over-load of lights and closed-up areas. Turquoise blue which is their representational color was selected to feature at this floor.
A large part of the design process was also spent on developing the graphics, murals and color schemes and integrating them into the floor and wall patterns.
Real sample mock-ups were constantly done to ensure the outcome that we want. This is so especially in the lights effect, floor vinyl pattern and 40 feet feature wall brick veneer which required very high artisanal skills of the tradesmen.
The research and experiance of this project has provided much insight in developing a creative, functional and safe learning space for a wide spectrum of urban users
CHALLENGE: The hardest challenge comes from converting a 30-year-old unused building into the design that was developed. Besides structural and M&E issues, there was an absence of As-built drawings so many design checks could not be in place til the place was demolished. We were also caught by many surprises such as unexpected columns, beams, M&E, plumbing and so on. Once all walls were demolished we had to work very fast to revise construction drawings whilst site works are simultaneously on-going. Another challenge is to coordinate with various specialists like those for projectors, computer BIM, security systems, in a very tight time-line of 3 months construction period and 2 months design period.
Developing the customized design furnitures and feature walls were also challenging as there were many site structural restrictions. There were also various clients' stakeholders to ensure our design is aligned with their budgetary, branding, social and functional intent, as The Enabling Academy is part of their CSR program.
ADDED DATE: 2017-09-29 21:00:01
TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Creative Director: Mil Yung, Mak, Project Director: Edward, Lye, Designer: Atiqah, Almaz and Technical Coordinator: Khairin, Amzar
IMAGE CREDITS: Main Image: Photographer Grant Corban,gamuda Acedemy, 2017. Image#1: Photographer Grant Corban,gamuda Acedemy, 2017.
Image#2: Photographer Grant Corban, gamuda Acedemy, 2017.
Image#3: Photographer Grant Corban, gamuda Acedemy, 2017.
Image#4: Photographer Grant Corban, gamuda Acedemy, 2017.
|