DESIGN INCUBATOR - PENANG ART & DESIGN HUB, WELD QUAY

Project idea

Propose and create a Design Hub which can show its functionality by considering the surrounding site context and to connect the social interaction between Architects/ Designers, Penang Locals and International tourists to achieve social cohesion. The environmental sustainability knowledges is applied to the proposed building to create a welcoming landmark along the Weld Quey

Project description

Project site is located along the Weld Quay in George Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Weld Quay is a coastal road along the eastern shoreline of the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Weld Quay was created as part of a massive land reclamation project in George Town in the late 19th century, which pushed the coastline further east. During the heyday of British rule, Weld Quay was home to the Port of Penang, which was then one of the major ports in Malaya. This project is about to propose a new Penang Art & Design Hub mainly for the local designers and architect. It is also a gateway to Penang’s art and creativity that is rich in cultural and heritage values. As a hub of talented artists while accommodating to the flexible workspace / office (co-works space) of local architects and designers. Due to the Pandemic Covid 19 spread around the world, the local economy that rely on tourism has been affected. The local young designers with self-employment can’t afford to rent the workspace themselves. Georgetown is also considered as tourism development area which most of the locals have perceived negative impact on tourist development in Georgetown due to different social demographic profiles . With the proposed of this project, the site of Tanjung City Marina along the Weld Quey is used to propose the Penang Art & Design Hub to provide learning environments ample opportunity for sharing knowledges among locals designers. With the Penang 2030 vision, the Design Hub can also as a landmark to create livable urban environments, access to parks and nature is very important, as is stimulating a thriving business community and outdoors activities. A Design Hub with urban space concept enable to generates values for the individual but also creates communities and rich experiences, stimulates participation or ensures accessibility for all in addition to improve health, productivity and learning or improved urban life.

Technical information

Four Storey Design Incubator Hub