REFLECTION 

Reflection on Original Project

The WAU KAPAL COMMUNITY CENTER was developed as a cultural and community-based project that sought to revive the traditional Wau Kapal game while creating an engaging public environment for local residents and visitors. Located in the Bukit Malawati and Dataran Malawati area, the project aimed to strengthen cultural identity through architecture while providing spaces for education, gathering, and recreation.

The design was strongly inspired by Sou Fujimoto’s House Before House, which emphasizes openness, layering, and the relationship between architecture and nature. This influence guided the use of terraces, interconnected spaces, and gradual transitions between indoor and outdoor areas. Additionally, the flowing geometry of the Wau Kapal kite tail became the primary formal generator of the project, creating dynamic circulation paths and expressive architectural forms.

One of the key strengths of the project was its strong cultural narrative. Rather than creating a generic community center, the project celebrated local heritage and transformed a traditional game into an architectural experience. The integration of workshops, galleries, and a VR room provided multiple layers of engagement for users of different age groups. The open spaces also encouraged community interaction and social activities.

Another strength was the spatial organization. The separation between public and semi-private functions allowed visitors to navigate the building intuitively. The layered design created visual connections between spaces while maintaining flexibility in movement and usage. Furthermore, the inclusion of outdoor terraces strengthened the connection between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

However, the project also had several limitations. While the design successfully expressed the cultural concept, environmental strategies such as passive cooling, energy efficiency, and water management were not fully developed. The project relied primarily on formal expression rather than performance-driven design approaches.

Accessibility was another area that required further improvement. Although the project included circulation spaces, more comprehensive universal design strategies could be introduced to accommodate users with different physical abilities. Features such as tactile paving, accessible ramps, and inclusive facilities were limited in the original proposal.

Additionally, the integration of digital technologies could have been explored more extensively. The existing VR room provided an interactive element; however, broader digital experiences and smart systems could further enhance visitor engagement and educational opportunities.

Reflecting on this project after learning about Artificial Intelligence in architecture reveals new possibilities for design development. AI tools can support architects by generating design alternatives, analyzing environmental conditions, and improving user-centered design solutions. Revisiting the WAU KAPAL COMMUNITY CENTER through AI provides an opportunity to strengthen sustainability, accessibility, and cultural engagement while preserving the original design vision.