Words are impactful. Our words are no other than our only weapon in a war of opinions. How we choose to express them is entirely a different story. But before we ven-ture into a kaleidoscope of theories, we first have to set out on a journey of finding our voice. The words we use to give meaning to our projects, ideas and suggestions are truly important. It’s the only thing that keeps the communication going. So, grab a pen right now and start creating your own voice.

This space made on this small piece of paper is a stepping stone of independence. Write out what you have learned, believe and wish to share. These articles are the very first writings written by our own community for none other than us. Student writings are the purest of writing formats because we are no professional who has been shaped by years of experience. So, we shouldn’t be afraid to risk our experience now. It’s okay to make mis-takes; in fact, I am certain they are remnants of a better idea, knowing that our words are like shards of ideas waiting to strike.

Words, short-handed or long-handed, also have its architectural counterpart of lines and strokes of sketches; the medium that we architecture students have no choice but to learn and love or die trying. Hence, the purpose this independent bulletin; this experimental print space. Let’s keep circulat-ing ideas and stirring thoughts, keeping our small community alive with creative rage. Like the sketch on the left, even utter non-sense can also be inpirational.

Strokes of genius make up our sketches. We might not realize it but these sketches of words and images are our own treasure trove of ideas. I know each of us have felt that feel-ing of creative relief; the comfort of holding that felt tip pen and scribbling as the heart desires.

I’ve seen so many types of sketches, squiggly lines leading to nowhere or sharp grid lines forming a sort of organization. In architec-ture, sketches are so rampant and vary from one individual to another. Some might make you smile in awe, some might make you puke and some might make you feel like tearing it up in agony. Having our own lines are as im-portant as drawing a makeshift capsule in the middle of the jungle; capturing the essence of the moon for a moonsighting gallery; or transforming blunt spaces into a useful water recreation park (Part 1). And further manipulation of complex lines can form the outlines of high-rise buildings or the intricate spaces of each design thesis (Part 2). Clearly, there is a different level to understanding these sketches, but none of them unexplain-able and never short of extraordinary. I think if we could assemble all those sketches collec-tively, we’d find something special in the very heart of this institution. Could it be the next breakthrough for us as architecture students of the nation? So, what are you waiting for?Sketch now, or forever hold your peace.*submit your articles or anything that you wish to see printed to hudaxd@gmail.com*

Sketching ideaS on paperby Huda N. Al-Asedi

SUSUR REKAPOSKOD 50603 KUALA LUMPUR

01DECEMBER 2011

Photo: ‘Filling in the Pages by Ajiq

When we talk about the moon, as a young child, most of us would think of how it fol-lows us everywhere. But as we grow older to our teenage years and adult life most would think of it as a romantic symbol and closely related to calmness, love and longing. Have you ever think of why the idea of the moon evokes such emotion? Is it because of the vagueness of it and the fact that is it unattain-able which makes it a perfect symbolism? Is it because it’s mystery? Or is it because the moonlight makes ones’ skin more beautiful?

Maybe the reason why the moon catches our eyes in the first place is because, on the dark canvas of the sky, moon is the brightest star and you can actually look at it without the burning sensation when you look at the sun. In life, people have different way in interpret-ing the moon. Universally, the cycle of the moon is associated with our monthly calen-dar. On a more spiritual aspect, the moon is observed in rites and ceremonies from much belief.

But how does one integrate all of this beauti-ful entity of a moon to architecture? This is what our young vivacious ArchCORE are doing for their final project this semester. They are given a brief of designing a moon-

sighting place, or known as Baitulhilal, at the top of Jugra, Selangor. The project calls for an innovative architectural design of Islamic centre to encourage education and knowledge on astronomy and ilmu falak for monthly moonsighting activities and a place to view the horizon and the stars. The project gives an opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the studies of the moon and the experience of sighting it.

The breathtaking view from Jugra Hill is the main asset for them and how they can manipulate the spaces like moonsighting pavilion, cafeteria, seminar room as well as other facilities and redefine the current typology of baitulhilal. This integration of space, architecture and place should be able to make the Jugra hill top an exciting place to visit not only by the official ‘moonsighter’ but also for the tourist and most importantly the locals.

Well, do drop by at Studio 2 when you have the time and if you guys are interested this project, or have a brilliant idea that you think would be able to help them in their quest of creating a wonderful piece if architecture to enhance the moon sighting experience. Let see whether the moon is still following you.

Watch out archipeeps, she’s no longer just a senior lecturer; she’s now also the new Head of Department. Wel-come aboard, Dr. Hazreena Binti Hussein! To the freshies out there who have not met her yet, worry not, because we’re all going to see this face around the faculty. Don’t be afraid to approach her! Give her a smile and a warm greeting. With the upcoming New Year, let’s turn a new leaf for the whole department.

look at the moonby Nadiah Mazli

dr reena is back!

BakkaB is now open for businessCheers for the printing shop, we no longer have to worry about where to photocopy (A3 paper, especially) and get our supplies. Located at the end of Block B, behind Exhibition hall A. Open during office hours, and charg-ing at minimum rate. For more info, go check it out! It’s just few meters away…

Maybe the reason why the moon catches our eyes in the first place is because, on the dark canvas of the sky, the moon is the brightest star.

sticky quotes“Architecture can be harsh. People are gonna say things about your work anyway. Either they love it or hate it; or worse, be indifferent to it! Some people just love to b*tch! – LTB on explaining Architectural Theory ”

FBE NEWSFLASHby maisarah mrazi

THE STUDIO BINOCULARS

Archiweek 2011 went off with a BANG!

Thank you to those who made it happen ,

especially the architude board

2010/2011

We love you!

The fifth years presented their projects in their second interim crit last Tuesday. Drunk on coffee and Red Bull, many came out of the crit claiming the panellists were less than impressed with their work. Their modest words do not convince me as I have seen the formation of their projects from the earliest stage and each deeply inspired me in their own particular way. Furthermore, I suspect a judgement by a panel consisting of profit-seeking city-destroying corporate architects such as Veritas and GDP should always be viewed as questionable.

Foundry of ideasThose who have not ventured into the un-derbelly of the faculty and checked out the ground floor studios might not know this, but the fifth year studio is a buzzing foundry of ideas that deserve your attention. The projects that are growing there do not come from briefs provided by the tutors. Rather, they are conceived by the students them-selves and backed by a thorough self-directed research. The tutors only act as facilitators to this process, producing a student-led dy-namic very different from the other studios. As a result, the fifth year studio is also the most diverse and mature.

Architecture in our societyThe common thread among the diversity of projects is its great concern for problems in our society. This concern inevitably cuts deep into our social and political make up – some attempting to subvert and resist while others adapt to the status quo. I think this is the missing link in the industry today. This too, explains why the corporate architects are the last people on this dying planet to empathise with the fifth year’s daring escape from monotonous profit-based architecture. Their projects are intrinsically about people, not about speculative real estate or the tallest tower in the world.

A project that I was attracted to from the beginning was that of a women’s centre that responds to the problem of rape. From the outset, it has already offended the polite conversations of space, light and anthro-pometry. The designer, a woman herself, expands the conversation of rape by bring-ing in the examination of the oldest, most natural politics – the relationship of men and women. Her feminist approach have led to a different kind of crisis recovery centre: it is not simply a place for defenceless women to be protected and hope to get over depression.

Instead, she had started designing a centre that empowers women, moving them from mere victims into active citizens. Resist-ing the usual worldview of architecture, the process in which she arrives at –that was not an easy path, as I was told and observed – is inspiring in itself. It is also interesting to see how male architects are often hostile to her feminist approach. Perhaps, it reveals a deeper substratum in architectural theory that we have yet to discover. This heated discussion, for example, should be exposed to the younger years to create a healthy dif-fusion of advanced ideas into their studio works. Imagine a first year with a feminist approach to the cube project!

Doors are open for youWhat I’ve just outlined here is only one project in studio 5. There are so much more to learn from the other projects in fifth year. Together with their tutors, they are part of advanced explorers in architectural frontiers. They too represent how we in Universiti Malaya should take on the difficult questions in our society and bring them into our view. It’s our turn to light up our own architectural explorations. Come to Studio 5 and you will see what I mean.

I have seen the formation of their projects from the

earliest stage and each deeply inspired me in

their own particular

way. voyage to deSign theSiS by ihsan hassan

Fascinated by the way he elaborates his idea; which is by using the moon path instead of the sole Islamic concept. The moon path is reflected on the water, because water is important in Islam for cleansing and vital for ablution. His aim through his project is to cater the community by representing the moon; not only visually, but physically and emotionally. In terms of presentation, his board is simple and legible. The mock up models are neat, as it can also be dismantled and reassembled. This can give a clearer view to his audience.

Project: Moon Sightseing Centre‘To design an Islamic moonsighting pavilion’Concept: Moon WalkerDuration: 3 Months Current Stage: 1st Interim crit

inSide Sustainable art awards Date: 9. 12. 2011 (Fri) Time: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Place: 4th year Studio oUtSide rantai. art 2011 Date: 16 - 17. 12. 2011 (Fri - Sun) Time: 6.00 pm - 11.00 pm Place: Urban Village, Bangsar

EVENTS&HAPPENINGS

This is a really common situation. At times, without really realizing, we get closer and closer with a friend and before we know it, it’s love! A great friend is a great companion, but a great lover makes a better companion. And who’s to fight that logic? After all, it’s the law of love. In our school there are a lot of friends that turned out to be lovers. Sweet kan? They started to be very protective of each other. They tried to help each other in a sticky situation all the time. They go to Penline together, makan together etc.Good friends help each other now and then or when asked, but friends who are more than friends try to be there for each other all the time, whether it’s buying new clothes, working on project or do assignments. Let’s find out how many lovebirds there are in this flock. 1st year studio = 32nd year studio= 53rd year studio = - (busy kot)4th year studio = 105th year studio = 1

p/s: Who are they? Watch out for the next issue... Awas!

this issue powered by architudeand made by powerful individuals

chief editors

hudahana

photographs ajiq

remifaez

sketcheskirin

dekno

GUESS WHO? The world as Meow sees it. Written by Meow. It is almost the end of the semester, and a lot of things have changed. But there is one thing that remains the same for Mr. J., who always has an opinion of his own. He im-presses others with his determination to walk from his college to the faculty every single day. Although buses and taxis are available, he doesn’t want to use the public transport. He even declines when his friends offer to give him a ride. Rather, he prefers to walk, even under the hot sun and through the dark of night. People question and criticise his ac-tion, but he sticks to his beliefs and keep on walking, because he gets inspiration from the surrounding during his walks.

it was the sound of a deep male voice that got my at-tention. curious, i replied, thinking that one of my studio mates were around. It was a Friday around 2.00pm, what are you doing in the studio at this hour?

I dropped by the studio at that time, thinking that I would not bump into anyone. I stepped inside elevator, I hit the button to the *** floor. I walked out and head towards the big ugly timber door. The door won’t open. Silly me, the elid card. Teeet. The door unlocked. I pushed the door, with all my might just so I could get that wind effect we always see in movies. The studio was quiet. Very quiet. The air was still. I could not sense anyone else. Maybe they’re sleeping. Behind parti-

tions. Oh wait, solat Jumaat lah. Mana ada orang! Okay, so I’m all alone. I walked slowly towards my messy desk. The atmosphere was icy cold, I could hear myself breathing. Things got intense, I started to panic. “Hoon-eyy..Honeyy”, a deep voice came from behind the partition. PHEW. Ada orang rupanya. Tak pergi sembahyang Jumaat ke, bang? Oh, it’s Kee! My studiomate that was always there. “ Kee! Haha tak funny lah “, I replied, a bit overjoyed. “Honeeey”, he called with a deep voice. “ I tak takut lah “ I said, teasing him. Then everything turned cold and silent. “Kee?..ohh Kee?” I called. No response. Okay, not funny. I walked behind the partition. No one. Under the table? No one. Not a single living soul in sight. I stood there. My head went blank. I felt numb. My heart beat, faster. Gila. Gila. Yes. I took my bag and ran out.. I drove off like a crazy b****. That same night I found out that Kee was actually on his way back to his hometown. So, who was that? You tell me.

Written by Honey.grrGrr.

......TRUE STORIES..

Mulut Longka

ng

Laidback and easy going, he’s often seen with jeans and fun coloured graphic tee. But today, he’s spotted with a much classier outfit. Zipped in a unique double zipper sweater that does not belong to him with khaki pants, he looks unusually smashing. Maybe it’s about time he gets a cool sweater too and experiment more with his fashion style.

Seen around the lobby area in much quirkier outfits, thank good-ness she was wearing this sexy outfit today! Carefree and confident, she walks about in her 5-inch heels, or was 10-inches? I lost count. She’s matched her black stilletos with a mini floral sundress. She likes it short - oops, please not too short, honey! Sexy 5 inch stilettos compli-ments the dress, but a pair of gladi-ators work better. Work it, girl!

// OFFICER EzRA

XOXO

did yoU knoW?

love BirdS roam in StUdioby Ahmkhaa akhiyaa