Chung Yuan Christian University and Malaysia’s UCSI University collaborate for the third time through the USR project, hosting the third edition of the “International Design Workshop.” Focused on the Selangor River Basin in Malaysia, the workshop takes place in the historic city of Kajang. Students and faculty from both universities survey the sites in both countries and propose ideas for sustainable urban development, showcasing their commitment to urban planning and environmental sustainability.
Students from the architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design departments of Chung Yuan Christian University, along with those from the architecture department of Malaysia’s UCSI University, form a total of 33 participants. They are divided into two groups, one focusing on Kajang and the other on Sungai Chua, both areas located near the Selangor River. Despite rapid development, these areas strive to preserve their cultural fabric while facing challenges such as water pollution, traffic congestion, cultural fragmentation, and youth outmigration. Guided by local residents, students conduct on-site investigations and engage in community dialogues to understand the area’s history and envision its future. They then translate their design concepts into actionable plans.
Through the workshop format, students venture out of the studio to conduct one-on-one interviews with local residents, immersing themselves in the ambiance of the site and expediting the design process. Associate Professor Tung-Sheng Hsieh from Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Architecture, along with Dr. Ko-Chun Lim, Director of UCSI’s Interior Architecture Department, provide spatial imagination and professional advice to students in the Kajang group. In a short time frame, they determine design direction and complete the transformation of the facade and color scheme for the “Kajang Heritage Museum.” Additionally, with the strong assistance of Associate Professor Chi-Chiang Chang from UCSI’s Department of Architecture and Associate Professor Yi-Pei Hsu from Chung Yuan Christian University’s Department of Landscape Architecture, the Sungai Chua group leverages the extensive community experience and landscape knowledge of their mentors to ensure a solid foundation for their designs.
