Kerinchi soul

Design Statement

The site is located within Lembah Pantai and consist of the Kampung Tradisi which are settlements of people originating from Kampung Kerinchi that have been relocated due to development.

The Kampung Tradisi comprise of landed property and many of the residents there are middle aged or elderly people living peacefully with elements of the old kampung lifestyle.

Amidst the stream of overdevelopment and high-rise properties of the nearby Bangsar South developments, the Kampung Tradisi offer a welcome respite to the monotony of the surrounding area. However, also due to these developments, the residents of the Kampung Tradisi are in danger of being evicted as their homes are to be developed into more profitable high-rise structures.

The concern for the older residents of the Kampung Tradisi is that they will lose the land which is their right as the original settlers of Kampung Kerinchi as well as the way of life they enjoy today such as bonding between neighbours, freedom to plant on their land as well as convenience of single storey bungalow developments for access by elderly.

However, for the younger inhabitants they are eager for new developments and see steps toward development in a positive light. However, these developments should be inline with their income bracket and social status such that they are able to enjoy the facilities and amenities that they desire within their means.

Generally, the first response to moving toward a fist class development is to remove the traces of the unruly kampung and create a highly modern development which appears pristine and well ordered. However, this type of approach unwittingly removes the more human aspect of the urban environment. Furthermore, there should be an awareness that history and culture are important to the identity of a community. Kampung Kerinchi should be seen as a meaningful name and identity which hold a valuable trait whether in terms of the property industry or the identity of locals living there.

My design intention is to bring the values and qualities of the kampung lifestyle to new developments while catering to all generations within one building design such that a diverse community can live and interact within the same urban framework. The aim is to achieve a sustainable society where people of all ages can live, work and play within the same neighbourhood.