Community Service by the UMI Architecture Lecturer Team through Community Empowerment related to Housing and Schools in Kampung Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: An Inspiring Initiative

Makassar, LPkM UMI,  11/25/2024 –Community service activities carried out by a team of Architecture lecturers from the Indonesian Muslim University had an extraordinary positive impact on the people of Kampung Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In an effort to empower local communities, this activity focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly residential and school design workshops, an initiative that not only provides practical solutions, but also educates the community about the importance of design based on their needs.

Touching Local Needs

Muhammadiyah Guidance Studio, Kampung Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is known as an area with high cultural diversity, has unique challenges in terms of planning and designing its school buildings. As a school that continues to develop, this village requires design solutions that not only consider aesthetic aspects, but also aspects of sustainability and functionality.

The Architecture lecturer who was the driving force behind this activity, Pratiwi Juniar A. G., ST., M.Sc, explained that the aim of this service activity was to involve the community in a design process that suits their needs. "We do this empowerment by inviting people to be active in designing their own homes and schools. We try to teach them design principles that are appropriate to their social and cultural context," he said.

Process Involving the Community

This activity began with a workshop on the principles of planning schools and residences where the introduction of design concepts based on community participation was introduced. In several workshop sessions held, Pratiwi Juniar A. G., ST., M.Sc and her team provided an understanding to the public about the important role of design in everyday life, starting from the function of space to the use of environmentally friendly materials.

One of the main focuses is designing efficient school and residential environments so that they can improve the quality of life of their users. Residents are invited to discuss various important elements in design, such as natural lighting, good ventilation, and space layouts that support social interaction. In designing schools, attention is also paid to creating a comfortable learning environment and stimulating student creativity.

This collaborative process involves participants from various backgrounds, from housewives, teachers to students, who all have the opportunity to voice their ideas. "I feel very appreciated, because I can provide ideas about house designs that suit my family's needs," said one participant, Mrs. Hapsari, a housewife who is also a student parent in Kampung Bharu.

Sustainable Design Concept

In every planning stage, sustainability is an important factor to consider. The residential and school designs taught do not only consider aesthetic and functional aspects, but also environmental aspects. The use of environmentally friendly materials, natural ventilation systems, and efficient energy management are part of the learning provided to the community.

"Sustainability is a very important thing in architecture. We want to teach the public that good design is design that pays attention to its impact on the environment and natural resources," added Pratiwi, who is also a Lecturer in Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, UMI.

This activity was carried out at the Muhammadiyah Kampung Bharu Guidance Studio, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 20-21 November 2024, which was attended by 20 parents, 5 teachers, and the school principal "This was an extraordinary experience. I feel that understanding the principles of architecture for schools and residences really reflects our needs. There are lots of open spaces that can be used for extracurricular activities, then the use of natural lighting and ventilation is very important for the place where we carry out activities," which was expressed by Umi Rahima who is also one of the activity partner members.

Facing a Better Future

This activity is a real example of how architectural education can make a positive contribution to society. It is not only an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained on campus, but also a real form of academic social responsibility. By introducing sustainable design principles, Pratiwi Juniar A. G., hopes to encourage people to care more about better environmental planning.

In the future, Meinnarishh Warijan as Deputy Principal will also be a partner team in this activity. We hope that activities like this can continue to develop and expand, not only in Kampung Bharu, but also in other areas. By involving the community in every planning stage, it is hoped that a more harmonious and sustainable environment can be created. By empowering the community to design housing and public facilities that suit their needs, a sense of ownership and responsibility is created that can build a better future. This activity is a real example of how higher education, in this case architecture, can play a role in solving social problems and making a positive contribution to community development.