A wonderful manifestation of a noteworthy social program created through the community coming together to crowdfund a public park to overcome the struggles of isolation brought on by the pandemic.
This installation is a self-initiated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project by two young architects under the guidance of their mentor.It extends beyond the traditional scope of architecture to empower the community through design.
The idea for this project sparked off from monologues and dialogues during the Movement Control Order (MCO) at the peak of the pandemic in 2020.It was the first time the architects, along with the majority of Malaysians had worked from home.
Further rumination and development on the idea transformed it into a proposal to create an installation that explores how architects and designers of the built environment can raise awareness on environmental sustainability whilst encouraging outdoor activities and staying safe through promoting good design in facilitating proper social distancing.
As part of their CSR efforts, the architects pitched their ideas to their local council, Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS), and volunteered to develop the design.Under the patronage of the Mayor, the project came to life.
This project is a testament to the collaborative endeavour between the architects, the local council and the community.Strong support from the community is evident as the ground-breaking crowdfunding drive launched by the Mayor through social media exceeded its crowdfunding goals in less than 24 hours!
Spearheading the project, the architects secured sponsorship from a local paint manufacturer whilst facilitating the engaged fabricator in material procurement. Coordination between the fabricator, painter, and council officials was entirely managed by the architects from detailing through to mock-up prototyping, off-site fabrication, installation on-site and landscaping works.
To encourage thoroughness and transparency, the architects created a regularly updated blog to document the entire process from initiation, delivery and beyond.A plaque bearing an engraved QR code has been installed, linking patrons with access to the documentation and to an online space to continue discussion and conversations.
Following the project launch, news and magazine publications as well as architecture talks have generated distinct public awareness and encouraged increasing public discourse on how the community can collaborate in opportunities to reshape our existing built environment in adapting to the new normal.
