Orientation June 2024 @ Coffee and Art

This time, the Faculty of Design and Built Environment (FDBE) gathered at the Heritage Building for orientation involving all FDBE new intakes, current students and all programme coordinators on 5 June 2024. The orientation aimed to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas among student teams, while also cultivating creativity and practical problem-solving skills through the creation of art installations.

As part of a collaboration project with the COFFEE and ART Festival at Fahrenheit 88, FDBE students were tasked with creating a wall of paper cup art. Participants were required to create artwork in black and white on provided paper cups. The installation had to align with the festival's theme, encouraging students to interpret it creatively and engage in reflective design. Students were organised into groups, each led by a senior student to oversee the project's development.

This orientation project was an exciting opportunity to kick-start the semester with creativity and teamwork. By working together on this art installation, students not only built beautiful pieces of art but also forged strong connections with their peers. Embracing the challenge allowed them to unleash their creativity and, most importantly, enjoy the process.

A total of approximately 300 artwork was collected and exhibited at Fahrenheit 88, KL from 10 to 23 June 2024.

DESIGNING WITH NATURE - LESSONS FROM THE SEKINCHAN FIELD TRIP

From June 13 to 15, 2024, 64 students from the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design programme participated in a field trip to Sekinchan, accompanied by four lecturers: IDr Fakhrul Zaman, Pn Norhayati, Pn Nur Fisyah, and Phil Su.

During the trip, students explored diverse locations aimed at enhancing their understanding of architectural and design principles across different contexts. Notable highlights included visits to the Kuala Selangor Heritage Museum and the Traditional Games Museum at Bukit Melawati, where they immersed themselves in local history. Their excursion to Bukit Belimbing also fostered a greater appreciation for natural beauty and ecological conservation efforts.

On the second day, the itinerary featured a visit to Hai Seng Huat Fishery and Marine Sdn Bhd, providing insights into architecture and design related to marine environments. Students conducted thorough site and building analyses in Sekinchan Town, followed by a visit to the Paddy Field Gallery. The day conclude with a prize-giving ceremony, honouring the winners of the Sekinchan sketches competition.

The final day included visits to the Sekinchan Coconut Farm and Pantai Redang, offering students opportunities to explore rural architectural elements and coastal landscapes. The trip concluded with a thrilling adventure at Luge KL, blending recreational activities with architectural insights.

The Sekinchan Field Trip provided students with hands-on experience in architectural exploration, nurturing a deeper appreciation for sustainable design practices and cultural heritage within Malaysia's diverse landscapes

FINAL REVIEW: PERSPECTIVES FROM LEADING PROFESSIONALS

The programme team recently organised the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design Final Design Review, held on 8 May and 9 May 2024. The purpose of the event was to foster collaboration between First City University College and industries to ensure that students' work quality meets the dynamic needs of the industrial landscape.

To provide valuable feedback and insights, panel of external assessors were invited, comprising industry experts such as Soo Mei Ling from Urban Catalyst Sdn Bhd, Ong Kian Kiat, Design Director at Bloom Design Sdn Bhd, Mr Idzwan Sawal from Studio MVH, Mr Azani Fahzan from Innovative Space Dimension, Ms Nurashikin Moktar from ACID Sdn Bhd, Ms Ainil Suhaimi from M.Creationz Sdn Bhd, Aida Anis from Ideaspace (M) Services, Ms Nurdiayana Zainudin from Meridian Design Concept, Ms Hamiza Parman from JDM Design and Built and Ts. Mohd Azrol Bin Baharudin, a respected lecturer from the School of Architecture & Interior Architecture at UiTM, among others.

One of the external assessors, Idzwan Sawal from Studio MVH noted “The students’ presentation were excellently crafted, but what truly set it apart was their delivery. Their ability to convey the project's essence through storytelling was exceptional. The animations added a visually engaging layer, but the highlight was undoubtedly the meticulous attention to detail in the dubbing voiceovers, which made complex concepts crystal clear. Overall, their presentations were not just informative but also captivating”

By honing necessary skills and actively engaging with industry partners, First City University College is equipping its students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive landscape of the industry. With continued collaboration from industry experts, these aspiring interior architects and designers continue to embark on their professional journeys.