Synopsis.
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Rapid growth in economy and populations has driven urbanization development
deep into rural areas. More and more hills being flattened, strange
architecture with inappropriate design strategies, technologies, construction
materials and method have created negative impact on rural ecosystem, habitat, aquatic
life and environment. Natural resources such as greeneries, wetland, clean
rivers, flora, fauna and ecosystem are under threat. As researchers and
designers, what are the strategies and approach need to be taken to ensure the
eco-system could be preserved and the development for the betterment of rural communities
could be achieved?
This studio offers the students to investigate these issues seriously
and to propose design strategy and approach responding to the valuable natural
resources (land, water and air) in view to safeguarding ecosystem yet offering
competitive living activities for the locals and visitors. Local available
building materials coupled with design innovation, principally saving tons of
carbon emissions due to the avoidance of importing high-embodied carbon/energy
building materials. Architecture is a technology that may change the landscape
of the natural setting but should enhance the science of the nature for the sustenance
of the current and future generations. 
The Pre-Thesis 3
studio is an advanced level design that requires students to acquire important
knowledge and skills in research works that will enable to support the design
ideas based on evidence and research findings. Research review, Case study and
site investigation will open up opportunities for the students to understand
issues and problems pertaining to sustainable ecological living. Investigation will be conducted on site and
its surroundings nature, climate and potential users to form an Architectural significance
that will promote and enhance the living quality. Selected analysis tools such
as computer modeling software or carbon calculator are to be employed in the
design process. The schematic design of the sustainable architecture with
innovative design and technologies responding to the context, climate and
functions will form the core for this studio. Exploring Sustainability.
Semester 2 of Academic Session 2014/15 on up another opportunity for me as Architectural tutor at the Department of Architecture, Faculti of Built Environment, UTM Skudai Malaysia. Twelve M.Arch Pre-Thesis students are exploring with me on the issues of Ecoligical Community Livings in small fishing village called Kampung Sungai Melayu (KSM) in the Iskandar Malaysia. Only a few kilometer from the administration centre of state of Johore called Kota Iskandar. You need to pass through oil palm estate to reach KSM which is at the tip of Johore Strait facing Singapore.
Students are required to visit and investigate the Ecological aspect of the village as part of their design thesis requirement including meeting with the village leaders and villagers.
We really surprised when we discover the richness of the ecological nature of the village and many uniqueness of the local culture and natures.
