FOLK ART EXCHANGE CENTER
The Folk Art Exchange Center is designed to serve as an active and vibrant repository center. It will not only house the folk art of Malaysia in a traditional gallery format but also showcase the process of making the art through workshops and interaction with the artists.
Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
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Scale: 2000 sqm
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Year: 2015
INTRODUCTION TO THE SITE
folk
art
of people, culture + tradition
expression of oneself
The main objective of the project is to reinstate a healthy and curious attitude towards the Malaysian culture, amongst foreigners and locals alike. Malaysia is a country abundant and saturated with culture, to the point where it is underappreciated. This diversity is spread throughout the states and the idea is to enable a forum for exchange where people from one state can learn about the art and culture of another state. It aims to be an educational, cultural and touristic hotspot.
Artists from around Malaysia will be invited to tenure at the center for a period of a few months. They will be given accomodation at the center and are expected to conduct workshops for the center in exchange. Adequate spaces will be provided to allow for a variety of art medium to be touched on ranging from 2D work to literary work to the performing arts. This will inevitably lead to the creation of art work which can then be sold to provide an economic incentive for the center. It will also provide a strong support for the gallery of works which will be housed at the center. The center promotes the interaction between artists and the public, between the arts and culture to further advance its stance in the art world.
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Ipoh, Perak is found in the Northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the largest cities in Malaysia and has a rich history behind its development to modern times. The site for the project is found within the heritage zone of the city center (locally known as Old Town) as was laid out by the British colonials. An island site, it is surrounded by prominent architectural and social landmarks such as the KTM Railway Station, the High Court, the State Mosque and the Town Hall. It is a slight offset from a huge plaza designed to house public activities from the KTM Railway Station. The site is ideal for the project as it is within a culturally rich area and is highly accessible being found next to the KTM Railway Station. It is also found in close proximity to several educational institutions which will serve well as a learning center. The design will have to harmonize with the surrounding buildings yet be able to create its own identity.
VIEWS
ISSUES
PROPOSED PROGRAMME
SITE RESPONSE + DEVELOPMENT
EXISTING BUILDINGS
*click to scroll
LOCAL INSPIRATION
THE DRAWINGS
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