Group photo with Tan Chin Ling.

Dr. Yeap Gik Hong, Head of Department of Computing.

The Chief Minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow delivered his speech to all the students.

Yeap Wei Ting, one of best students, showcased her work to Chief Minister of Penang.

By Faresa Azmi

For several decades now, architecture and interior design have struggled with how and where they intersect as professionals and as academic disciplines. As the professional world becomes increasingly connected and interdisciplinary and as more colleges and universities align these academic majors, the topic has seen renewed interest.

The commercial interior industry has evolved largely since the middle of the last century for a variety of reasons. Historically, architects have held responsible for completing the architectural interior of buildings, although artisans, craftsmen, furniture makers and more recently interior decorators have played a role.

Department of Built Environment at UOW Malaysia KDU organised an event, ‘Assemble Final Year Exhibition 2020’ that featured more than 21 designs by the Diploma in Interior Design and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture students as their final year project.

The theme for this year’s showcase, “The Synergy of Creative Individuals for a Better Future”, focused on the idea of construction originates from building blocks and designing future living spaces while retaining and improving the wonderful cultural assets. In line with Penang 2030 vision, Department of Built Environment UOW Malaysia KDU through the synergy of these creative individuals, they believe it is possible to use design to be better for our future.

Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, UOW Malaysia KDU faculty members, VIP visitors, parents and students walked among the numerous displays – mounted on large poster boards affixed to wooden panels – of the students’ works based on project briefs involving, among others, the creation of creative and 3D visualisation models of reimagined urban planning, with inspiration from consumer trends, technology and aesthetics evident in the works. The clear displays of creativity were supplemented by detailed depictions such as layout plans and axonometric diagrams, all indications that students have successfully carried out deep-dive research into the subject matter of their assigned projects.

The event was officiated by Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow who in his speech thanked the UOW Malaysia KDU members and the organising team for their tireless planning and meticulous work.

“I am certainly glad this exhibition provided a good opportunity for the public to better understand the shift towards the paramount goal of Penang 2030 vision through designs that student envisioned for the public. Through this exhibition, the balanced of development, effective planning and the very notion awareness of community dynamics in line with our action plan”.

Student Yeap Wei Ting, studying Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Architecture, proudly displayed her award winning design, multi-function free standing partition and bookshelf inspired from piano keys, alongside her final year project.

“Piano hammer is my inspiration for me to come out with the standing partition. My lecturer gave me inspiration and helped me with designs,” she added, while attendees admired the details in her 3D display work. She won the 2^ndRunner-up in the MIFF Furniture Design Competition 2019 held at MITEC & PWTC from 8 – 11 March 2019.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) UOW Malaysia KDU, Associate Professor Dr Brian Imrie in his speech expressed the happiness and proud to all the students that delivered strongly on providing transformative experiential learning.

“With more than 15 years of experience, and having trained hundreds of designers the Department of Built Environment has an enviable reputation for producing graduates who are industry ready. Our Interior Architecture degree congruently develops competence in the design processes of both interior design and architecture, allowing students to delve deeper into the creative aspect of built environment design. Besides hands-on experience with design, our interior architecture students also develop managerial skills enabling them to effectively manage their interior design businesses, or become highly valued employees, upon graduation”, explained Dr Brian while highlighting the new Batu Kawan Campus for the first time an international style campus experience by an Australian-owned tertiary institution.

“The education we provide and the industry exposure accorded to our students have benefited not only our graduates, but the design sector and industry. This is yet another opportunity for our students to be industry-relevant and ready,” he said.