Rawang, Selangor – The 34th Architectural Student Workshop, named “REWIND,” occurred mid-August 2023 at Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel. Hosted by UCSI University, this four-day, three-night event celebrated architectural innovation, drawing together 17 ‘clans’ from universities across Malaysia. The workshop took place in the picturesque natural setting of Rawang, where each university was represented by its own clan. These 17 clans converted the campsite into a dynamic center of creativity, displaying inventive installations and merchandise that reflected the clans’ distinct identities. The booths were a testament to the diverse and imaginative ideas of the Malaysian architectural community.
The event was made more adventurous by the camping component. Attendees had the opportunity to spend the night under Selangor’s starry sky, facilitating connections that extended beyond the realm of architecture. In addition to showcasing the architectural achievements of each university, the sale of clan merchandise at the stalls provided visitors with a glimpse into the diverse concepts and customs that shape Malaysia’s architectural landscape across universities.
The workshop featured three exhilarating competitions that expanded the horizons of architectural creativity. One of the contests, “Wreath of Rival: Talent Battle,” sparked a friendly yet intense architectural rivalry between the participants. Another competition, “Society Rebuild: Installation,” dared the participants to conceive installations that redefined the concepts of space and society based on category, offering fresh architectural viewpoints. In the “Recurring Memories” short film competition, aspiring filmmakers delved into architectural narratives through their camera lens. In summary, the competitions were a significant highlight of the workshop.
Margasatwa, a representative team of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), displayed their prowess during the workshop by winning two out of three competitions. Their triumph in the “Society Rebuild: Jenggala Installation” category highlighted their capacity to revamp areas with creative installations, which mesmerized both the judges and fellow participants. Additionally, they excelled in the “Recurring Memories: Margasatwa – The Origin”, a short film competition, skilfully portraying the essence of architecture and its historical importance, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers.
The 34th Architectural Student Workshop was recently held at Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel, hosted by UCSI University. The workshop served as a platform for architecture students to showcase their talents and foster inter-university relationships. Participants were able to gain a wealth of architectural knowledge, unforgettable memories of camping under the stars, and a renewed commitment to shaping the future of architecture in Malaysia. The event, aptly named “REWIND,” highlighted the collaborative and creative spirit of Malaysia’s architectural community, which serves as a driving force behind the country’s architectural innovation.
On behalf of the UTM delegates, Margasatwa, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the sponsors and to everyone who supported the workshop. We could not have made the event possible without your generous contributions to express our sincere gratitude to the sponsors and to everyone who supported the workshop. We could not have made the event possible without your generous contributions.
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The article was written by Margasatwa delegates and edited by Dr. Aiman.