E-PORTFOLIO

In this project, we were tasked with creating an extensive set of measurement drawings for Heritage Stay in Sungai Jarom as well as an in-depth study report on Sungai Jarom New Village for this project. During the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960), 627 new villages were built in Malaysia, including this one. During the battle in Malaya, Sir Harold Briggs introduced the Briggs Plan, a larger strategy that included these new villages as a counterinsurgency tactic.

Over time, the new villages, initially formed under difficult circumstances, have evolved. Many have either been absorbed by nearby urban centers or have developed into important hubs of population, economic activity, and cultural preservation in their own right. Sungai Jarom New Village, where our project was based, remains today even after the removal of the barbed wire fences post-emergency. This continuity sparked our interest in understanding why communities like those in Sungai Jarom chose to remain in these villages after the conditions that led to their formation had changed.

Engaging in the project centered on Sungai Jarom New Village and Heritage Stay has been an incredibly enriching learning experience. It provided me with a unique opportunity to blend architectural analysis with cultural and historical research, deepening my understanding of both the technical aspects of design and the social context in which architecture exists.

What I Gained from This Learning Process

One of the most significant takeaways from this project was the development of my skills in architectural documentation and analysis. Creating a set of measured drawings for Heritage Stay required meticulous attention to detail, precision in measurements, and a deep understanding of building structures. This process honed my technical skills and reinforced the importance of accuracy in architectural work.

The research component of the project also expanded my understanding of how architecture intersects with history and culture. Studying the origins and evolution of Sungai Jarom New Village provided me with a broader perspective on how architecture serves as a response to social and political circumstances. I gained a deeper appreciation for the ways in which historical events shape the built environment and how communities adapt and thrive within these spaces over time.

Moreover, the exploration of concepts like "sense of place" and "perceived spatial meanings" allowed me to consider architecture not just as a physical structure but as a lived experience. This holistic approach to understanding space has significantly influenced my design thinking, encouraging me to consider the emotional and cultural resonance of the spaces I create.

Areas for Improvement

While the project was a valuable learning experience, there are areas where I recognize I could have performed better. Time management was one of the challenges I faced. Balancing the technical aspects of the project with the extensive research required more careful planning than I initially anticipated. I found myself rushing through certain sections, particularly the detailed analysis of spatial configurations, which could have benefitted from more thoughtful consideration and additional time.

Another area for improvement is my approach to collaboration. While I contributed effectively to the group work, I realize that I could have taken a more active role in facilitating discussions and ensuring that all group members were aligned in our goals and methods. By improving my communication skills and fostering a more collaborative environment, I believe our group could have achieved even greater cohesion and a more polished final outcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this project has been a transformative experience that has significantly enhanced my technical skills, broadened my understanding of architectural context, and influenced my approach to design. By reflecting on my performance, I have identified key areas for improvement, particularly in time management, collaboration, and deeper qualitative research. Moving forward, I am committed to applying these lessons to future projects, striving to continuously improve and refine my skills as both a designer and a researcher.