Amelioration Center: Social Homogenizing Hub Powered by Ex-convict

University of Malaya (UM), Faculty of the Built Environment (FBE), Kuala Lumpur

Project idea

It never rains but it pours. Walking out from jail, holding a criminal record
has never been an easy task, even though you have turned a new
leaf. This is the reality of marginalized communities, ex-convicts who
suffered from the negative stigma of society towards ex-convicts. Job
opportunities, shelter and money have been robbed which has made
them become homeless and hopeless. The thesis unravels the
topic and provides a solution to overcome the problem. Social
Homogenizing Hub is a solution to the problem, it assimilates two
typologies, a community centre for the local community and a training
centre/rehabilitation centre for the ex-convicts. As ex-convicts
gain knowledge from the program, they are encouraged to serve and
contribute back to society through social interaction activities as it
may help to bring them back to the community.

Project description

The project consists of a community centre, a training ground for the ex-convicts and living accommodation for the ex-convicts. The local community are welcome to use the facilities in the community centre that is run by ex-convicts. The training ground includes a kitchen and pastry programme, business and IT programme, batik and clothing programme and services programme. The local community is welcome to join the programmes together with ex-convicts which may help the ease process of resocialization for the ex-convicts.
Facilities in the community centre are open for booking or any events to hold by the local community or any parties every day to generate money to run the Social Homogenizing Hub.
Accommodation is provided for the ex-convicts to stay while completing their programme. The accommodation is designed to help the ex-convicts regain their self-esteem and confidence to face the outside community by creating specific and open spaces for them to mingle and do activities together in the building. on the other hand, the accommodation is packed with activity spaces that allow ex-convicts to learn and enjoy the process of learning, the process of rehabilitation and the process of sustaining their life.

Technical information

The construction of the building is made of timber, concrete and bricks. The architectural language and style is following the vernacular Malay traditional architecture style and image of the Malaysia village. The reason is to bring a sense of belonging, a sense of welcome to the user and visitor. The construction of the building is designed to maximise passive design and resemble the beauty of traditional tectonic architecture.