ParaPOD 2.0

National University of Malaysia(UKM), Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Department of Architecture, Bangi, Selangor

Project idea

Thesis Project: Resilient Multi Dwelling Transit in Hybrid Development with Flexibility approaches.

ParaPOD 2.0, an innovative hybrid development spanning 2.47 acres, seamlessly integrates live/work pods, offices, terminal and parcel hubs, and a shopping mall. Embracing flexibility principles with a commitment to "The future is Flexible," this architectural design rises from abandoned building and new site development. Strategically positioned at the iconic Malaysia Shibuya Crossroad in Bukit Bintang, it emerges as a focal point for both locals and foreigners, encapsulating the vibrancy and bustling energy of Malaysia's most dynamic city.

Designed specifically for urban starters and startups, ParaPOD 2.0 addresses the pressing residential crisis, offering a solution to the challenges faced by those navigating tight budgets among the young starters. This thesis unfolds the narrative of reshaping the city's living environment, recognizing the struggles of newcomers and young entrepreneurs in securing quality living spaces. As the city's pulse beats in Bukit Bintang, Malaysia ParaPOD 2.0 aligns seamlessly with the vision of PSKL 2040, transforming it into the Zone of the creative youth—a testament to the convergence of architectural innovation, urban sustainability, and societal progress.

Project description

ParaPOD 2.0 represents a dynamic response to the evolving live/work trends in the city, recognizing the increasing prevalence of remote work. Beyond providing a home office, ParaPOD 2.0 integrates flexible workspaces such as co-working spaces, open offices, shared private offices, and virtual offices within a repurposed abandoned building adjacent to it. It transforms the abandoned into a hub for co-working spaces, open offices, shared private offices, and virtual offices, offering a multifaceted ecosystem for work, connection, and socialization.

Catering to both public and private users, ParaPOD 2.0 is designed to serve a diverse community. Public users, including artists, locals, and tourists, can enjoy commercial spaces curated for their needs. Bukit Bintang, renowned for busking activities near a famous crossroad, ParaPOD extends its support to artists by providing designated public spaces for performances. On the other hand, private users, consisting of office workers, young entrepreneurs, e-commerce professionals, gig economy workers, creatives, and influencers, find purpose-built live/work pods to accommodate their dynamic lifestyles.

The residential units within ParaPOD 2.0 are thoughtfully designed to cater to the demographic trends of the modern workforce. With seven distinct room types, including Alcove, Duplex, and Convertible Units, tenants can select accommodations that align with their preferences and professional needs. The five-year tenure provides a transitional period, allowing occupants the flexibility to secure permanent residences and expand their businesses, effectively positioning ParaPOD 2.0 as an incubator for emerging entrepreneurs.

Strategically positioned within proximity to both the Light-rail transit (LRT) Elevated Network and the MASS rapid transit (MRT) Underground Network, ParaPOD 2.0 serves as a pivotal point, facilitating connectivity between these two transportation systems. The absence of a terminal hub for these networks presents a unique challenge and opportunity, which ParaPOD 2.0 seeks to address. By functioning as a terminal hub for the community, ParaPOD 2.0 not only enhances transportation convenience but also integrates commercial spaces along this nexus, fostering a vibrant and interconnected urban experience.

Capital for this multifaceted project is sourced from Small to Medium Enterprises, Third-Party Financing, Commercial Joint Ventures, Rental Income, and Government Financing. The diverse financial channels accommodate the complexity of the development. Capital gains generated during the production phase sustain funding until profits are sufficient to cover debt service, ensuring the project's financial stability.

ParaPOD emerges as an innovative architectural solution that not only adapts to contemporary live/work trends but also addresses the connectivity challenges of urban transit systems, all while fostering a vibrant and supportive community.

Technical information

The construction methodology employed in the creation of live/work pods integrates the Industrialized Building System (IBS), facilitating the assembly of the pod within a controlled factory environment. The density of the pod is tailored to meet specific requirements, ensuring a nuanced response to varied demands.

The core strategically designed to serve as the primary load-bearing element responsible for load transfer. This enduring core component provides the essential foundation for the entire structure, imparting stability and longevity to the construction.

The construction concept is distinguished by a dual structural typology, comprising both temporary and permanent elements. The permanent core assumes the critical role of load transfer support, while the pod embodies a temporary structure characterized by an adaptable architecture. This flexibility allows for the facile addition and removal of pod components, accommodating dynamic spatial configurations in response to evolving needs.

This innovative approach not only leverages the efficiencies afforded by the IBS system but also integrates adaptable design principles, thereby affording a harmonious synthesis of structural permanence and functional flexibility in the live/work pod construction.