Written by Aqel Iman Norazle from Architecture Programme, Faculty of Built Environment
Edited by Dayang Afiqah Abang Mohamad Shibli
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Plaza Merdeka
From the 23rd to 25th August 2024, the Faculty of Built Environment (FBE), UNIMAS proudly hosted its inaugural PRISM Architecture Student Works Exhibition at Plaza Merdeka, Kuching. This three-day event, led by master’s and third-year architecture students, provided a platform to showcase their design projects to the public and industry professionals. The exhibition not only highlighted the students’ creative and technical prowess but also served as an opportunity to connect with prospective employers. Supported by faculty members, including Ar. Awang Hasim bin Awang Sulong, Dr. Azmah binti Arzmi and Ts. Mohd. Anis Yaziq bin Alimin, the event was a collaborative effort involving contributions from all student cohorts, with first- and second-year students playing vital roles in its success.
Architectural design begins with a meticulous site analysis, a foundational step that shapes each project. This process involves a comprehensive examination of various factors, including site dimensions, surrounding context, climate, sensory characteristics, circulation patterns and the cultural and historical significance of the location. At the exhibition, master’s students presented two detailed site analysis projects, one focused on Kuching Waterfront and the other on Kuala Lumpur. To enhance audience understanding, these analyses were accompanied by site models that visually captured the unique features of each location.
In addition to site analyses, the exhibition showcased individual design projects where students applied their findings to create innovative architectural solutions. Master’s students displayed designs for a boat terminal at Kuching Waterfront and a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, both emphasizing the integration of site-specific elements into their architectural visions. Third-year students, on the other hand, presented designs for a clinic, a bridge restaurant, and an apartment, complete with detailed architectural renderings and construction plans.
The exhibition also celebrated the creativity of first-year students, who contributed models such as dioramas, kiosks, and pavilions, demonstrating their growing understanding of architectural principles and model-making techniques.
The PRISM Architecture Student Works Exhibition not only showcased the exceptional talent and creativity of UNIMAS architecture students but also fostered greater engagement with the broader community. It provided an opportunity to deepen public appreciation of architecture’s critical role in shaping our built environment. Through this successful initiative, the Faculty of Built Environment reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating future-ready graduates equipped to meet industry demands and contribute meaningfully to society. As FBE continues to innovate in teaching and learning, events like PRISM will remain integral in bridging academic achievement with real-world impact.
This article is related with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) – Quality Education
This article is related with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11) – Sustainable Cities and Communities