MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (MBAM) HEADQUARTERS DESIGN COMPETITION: THE PORTAL
Rethinking An Institutional Building
Institutional buildings are often conceived as enclosed, inward looking buildings where spatial relationships are limited within itself. These kind of institutional buildings - with limited connection to the outside - belongs to the past.
Our scheme proposes a rethink of what an institutional building should be. In place of a solid, enclosed building, we propose an open structure with equal emphasis on the relationship between internal spaces as well as with the surrounding. We believe that the architecture for an institution in the 21st century should be a open structure which enables and facilitates sets of relationships between the users, the city and the natural environments.
It is not enough for the New MBAM Centre to be ‘just a building’.
The Portal
Befitting MBAM’s vision to be the ‘Prime Mover and the Recognised Voice of the Malaysian Construction Industry’ our scheme proposes the New MBAM Centre as The Portal. Throughout the history or architecture, the portal has been used as a device to give buildings a sense of dignity, grandeur, monumentality and also openness. The Portal is at once iconic and inviting.
The MBAM Portal should be understood as a formal and spatial device.
Formally, The Portal is instantly iconic, a metaphorical gateway towards the future of the construction industry. Spatially, The Portal results in a monumental and generous open space framed by the building program. We call this space The Great Hall.
The Portal is more than ‘just a building’.
Formally it defines an identity, a new image for MBAM. Spatially it creates place, a location which is filled with a sense of possibility and potential.
The Great Hall
This monumental space is conceived as an experimental multi-purpose space where exhibitions, demonstrations and other events related to the construction industry could be held. It will be a vibrant, active space filled with daylight and connected to the outside. Flexible partitions and screens will allow the space to accommodate different uses. Adjustable screen doors are lowered into place when protection from the weather is required.
The activities conducted in the Great Hall will be visible to the passers by and will serve as promotion for the activities of the New MBAM Centre. It’s ever- changing nature is a constant reminder of MBAM’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
Monumental yet inviting, The Great Hall symbolizes and realizes MBAM’s commitment to demonstrate innovative design, engineering and building excellence.
The Portal was a collboration with Arkitek Foo Hui Ping and Studio Karya and was awarded 3rd Prize in the MBAM Headquarters Competition, cited by the jury as “an innovative design approach”
