• To create a community exhibition space that reconnects people with the historical identity of Bukit Malawati.

• To reinterpret the concept of the historical fortress wall as an open and accessible civic space rather than a defensive structure.

• To transform history into a spatial experience that encourages learning, gathering, and cultural exchange.

• To design flexible spaces that support exhibition, workshop, and community activities within a compact 400 sqm footprint.

• To apply Sou Fujimoto’s architectural principles, including:

  • Primitive Future philosophy (blurring boundaries between nature, architecture, and human activity)

  • In-between spaces that are neither fully inside nor outside

  • Openness and spatial ambiguity

  • Layered and non-hierarchical spatial experiences

• To integrate weathered laterite stone as a symbolic material representing memory, resilience, and the passage of time.

• To develop a honeycomb-inspired modular system that expresses flexibility, strength, and spatial connectivity.

• To create a porous architectural form that allows light, wind, and movement to flow through the building, enhancing user interaction and environmental responsiveness.

Project Overview

The original design proposal for the Community Exhibition Space at Dataran Malawati aimed to reinterpret the historical identity of Bukit Malawati’s defensive fortifications into an open civic and cultural space. The concept, “The Armor” and “The Persistence,” transformed the idea of a solid defensive wall into a porous and interactive architectural experience that connects history, people, and place. Inspired by Sou Fujimoto’s “Primitive Future” philosophy, the design explored in-between spaces that blur the boundaries between nature, structure, and human activity.

Original Project Brief & Objectives

The original studio brief required the development of a community exhibition space that serves as a cultural, educational, and social hub within a compact 400 sqm footprint and a maximum of two storeys. The main objectives of the project were to preserve and express the historical identity of Bukit Malawati, create flexible exhibition and community spaces, and encourage public engagement through accessible and inclusive design. The project also aimed to respond to the tropical climate through passive design strategies while maintaining strong conceptual and spatial clarity.

Adopted Design Approach

The design approach was strongly influenced by Sou Fujimoto’s architectural philosophy, particularly his idea of spatial ambiguity and the “Primitive Future.” The project explored the transformation of defensive walls into open architectural elements that allow light, wind, and movement to flow through the structure. A honeycomb-inspired modular system was used as the main spatial and structural strategy, creating a flexible framework that supports exhibitions, workshops, and community activities. The use of weathered laterite stone reinforced the narrative of memory, resilience, and historical continuity.

Strengths of the Proposal

The project demonstrates strong conceptual clarity through the reinterpretation of historical fortification into a contemporary civic space. The use of weathered laterite stone effectively communicates themes of memory and resilience while maintaining a strong connection to the site context. The honeycomb modular system provides flexibility and spatial organization, allowing the building to support multiple functions within a compact footprint. The design also successfully creates open and porous spaces that encourage exploration, interaction, and community engagement, aligning well with Sou Fujimoto’s architectural principles.

Limitations of the Original Proposal

Despite its strong conceptual foundation, the project has several limitations. Environmental performance was not deeply analyzed in relation to tropical climate conditions, particularly in terms of solar exposure, ventilation, and thermal comfort. The exploration of alternative spatial configurations was limited, with most design decisions based on conceptual intuition rather than performance-based analysis. Additionally, the functional behaviour of the honeycomb system and material performance of laterite stone were not fully developed. User circulation and spatial experience were also not rigorously tested, leaving opportunities for improvement in efficiency and engagement.