SOLOMON EPORTFOLIO
Week 2 8/9 Friday
On the first meeting, we have a small meeting to divide the job among us. I take the role of the group leader. My task was to manage all aspect of the project and make sure everything is on time and on track.
Week 3 14/9 Thursday
Using both internet and site surveying method, we manage to get some projects from Friends & Save a Stray Malaysia on reconditioning cage and shelves for dogs; Leo club of SMK Damansara Jaya to reform their garden for high school compound; some projects to help repainting a mural and also EPIC Home organization to help out a refugee school.
Week 4 18/9 Monday
We when to site surveying at EPIC Home organization and get more information about the area that need help. We have some suggestion from EPIC Home on helping PIMA refugee school and Kampung Batang Kali for Orang Asli.
Personal Thoughts:
On my own perspective of view of all the options we had, Leo club to reform the garden and helping out PIMA refugee school have the best potential area that are keen in needing our help. Leo club is very close to us at Damansara while PIMA is located far away at Ampang. In the end, I personally choose PIMA myself because they are more lack of resources and requires our help as they do not have many support compare to Leo club which is funded by the school. I rather sacrifice my time to travel rather than choose a site that is convenience for me.
After having a few choices, we discuss and finalize the choice of organization that we will be helping on which is PIMA.
Week 4 19/9 Tuesday
On the following day, we went to visit PIMA. I personally interviewed Cikgu Lida that was the managing teacher in the refugee school. I asked on the existing condition of the school and what is lacking off and the needs of theirs. From what I heard from Cikgu Lida was that the school was under the care of UNHCF. They only donation funding and supplies the basic of a school necessities, and not the maintaining the facilities and wellbeing of the students.
Personal Thought:
Listening from Cikgu Lida, I understand that the children are register as a United Nation citizens and are a refugee from their country. They do not have the basic privilege of a Malaysian citizen nor their own country. This helps me rethink they really do need our help and I wouldn’t mind sacrificing myself to help out. The lack of basic structure to allow them to interact with their learning environment sparks myself to think of something to allow the students to have a safe spaces to learn, interact and play.
Week 5 25/9 Monday
We went back to the site and made more observation. We took measurements, produce floor plans with drawings to aid our future needs. Ideas begin to sparks in my mind of what can be done and what can be exist to make a better space.
Week 6 3/10 Wednesday
We spend a lot of time finalizing the design of the reading corner. As I am leading the design thinking, I make sure we think of both enjoyment and practicality while not forgetting safety.
Week 6 6/10 Friday
We went for material surveying on this day.
Personal Thought:
At first I was thinking of purchasing solid G I pipe that is stable enough to prevent falling or lose ends. This was to make sure that they are safe enough for the students. But as budget is a huge problem, I don’t have a choice but to choose an alternative solution which is purchasing cheap PVC pipe with added concrete to reinforce the structure.
Week 7 10/10
We got our sponsorship from Natalie’s mom company by helping us design the platform with rejected doors.
Personal Thought:
I am really grateful to Natalie’s mom because a kind heart cannot just help us in a lot of ways, but also contribute to the society by just spending a moment to make the platform. It is truly a blessing.
Mid-semester Break 16/10 Monday
We started by Measuring, cutting and painting plastic pipes and plywood. During half way of assembling with the pipe shelves, we had Mr. Adib to come over and update on our progress.
Week 10 8/11 Wednesday
On this day, this will be our last site visit with everything completed. We split into two groups with one group handling transportation and another to mingle around with the students there first.
After transporting the furniture at PIMA school, we mingle around with the students before setting up the stuffs. I was surprise by how helpful they were in lending a hand to carry the furniture.
Personal Thoughts:
It is far from what I had imagine. In my mind, I thought that we will be having a hard time interacting with them as we have a race and language barrier. I was thinking of taking the first initiative to approach them and hit up a small talks with them. But to my surprise, they were they one that approach me first and ready to help me in any cases. We even talk a lot about their lifes and exchanging memories. I learn a lot, not just their names but their ambition and their past life. It was very heart touching to understand that even in a run down studying condition, they dream big and to achieve their dreams in their future.
After the students finishes their school, we set in motion and started building the reading corner. They afternoon session students came in when we finish setting up. They were thrilled by the outcome and is itching to start playing around with it.
Everyone ended the day with a smile on their face. I am very grateful that I am able to contribute to the society and make the world a better place. :)
Reflection
Throughout this project, I doesn't just teaches me that architecture is not only about building buildings, but it is about building lives. To build something, is to bring new lives. It is not something that you build it beautifully and is not functional, but a design that understands and serve the community. It is our role to help out the need and together we can create a better place for everyone.
COMMUNITY
SERVICE
INITIATIVE
