Objectives

1. To design an innovative, new generation, environment friendly and sustainable building in a modern university campus setting.

2. To create awareness in green buildings through the use of GBI rating system, and achieving a GBI Platinum rating using both GBI NRNC and GBI Interiors Tools.

3. To create awareness of the range of sustainable building materials available from Ajiya Berhad. 4. To enable active participation in green building research into the design process with an institute of higher learning.

Levitate

For Sustainability, Biodiversity
and Connectivity

Ideas and Design Goal

The idea of having the building levitate over the ground in this proposal come from the traditional Malay house. It is actually reflects our traditional method building to counter the hot and humid climatic condition. For traditional Malay house, stilt houses are raised on piles over the surface of the soil or a body of water. Stilt houses are built primarily as a protection against flooding, but the method also keep out vermin that can easily enter the house or building. The shady space under the house can be used for work or storage and at the same time will provide natural ventilation to follow through unimpeded. This will help cool the building and the areas at ground floor. In this proposal, the space below the elevated floors which is covered and shaded will be used as an open gathering space or as a general activity/event area that can be used easily according to the event that are being planned.

Biodiversity or "biological diversity" is also one the key features for this proposal, it is an essential component of nature and it ensures the survival of human species by providing food, fuel, shelter, medicines and other resources to mankind. This brand new development will preserve as many as possible of the existing natural habitants found at the proposed site and promote biodiversity. This is done by relating the site to its immediate surrounding areas.

The building is purposely oriented in a north-south direction to avoid direct hot sun-rays entering the enclosed area, which can heat up the work space inside. The orientation, however will not hamper the view across the river and the view towards the UKM.

On the top most level there will be a roof garden and above it, the roof will be installed with the used of solar panels. The solar panels will be facing south for the best position to harvest solar energy. The energy harvested can be for self-used or sold under Fit-tariff.

Water from the roof top will also be harvested for gray water usage and can be used for irrigation.

As part of design program to ensure that will be used constantly, we placed various activity places that can be designed as temporal spaces. It extend out all the way to the levee. This area, with a reflecting pool will be used to attract natural flora and fauna to exist and thrive. A local restaurant will also be made as the major attraction that will draw people from the nearby areas to congregate at this area.

A surau is also proposed that will definitely attract Muslims to perform their prayers to this area. The design of the surau will not impede the area as the surau will be elevated. Other sporting activity are cleverly incorporated into the planning such as, the outdoor wall climbing area.

A mini theater will be built on the eastern side of the land. This open area is envisaged as an area that will be used for performance shows, debates or even lectures.

The vast open area below the building is also seen as an area that will be used as a meeting, exhibition, gathering event area and an area that can be a focal point with a back drop of the river levee. The ground floor open area connects to adjacent green reserve area which will enhanced to become a park and an outdoor activity area.

The building also acts as a connector from the housing areas on across the river to the building and the open field, sporting field in front of the building. It also connects to the various UKM's dormitories, golf club and recreational clubs.