KAKI LIME : HOMELESS MALE SHELTER & DEVELOPMENT CENTER

City University Malaysia

Project idea

Elderly and homeless individuals in Malaysia face significant challenges, including social isolation, limited access to healthcare, and economic instability. These issues often lead to dependency, mental health struggles, and diminished quality of life.

The Kaki Lima Centre addresses these problems by empowering individuals through skill-building workshops, healthcare and mental health support, and fostering community engagement. Set in a nostalgic, culturally inspired environment, the center promotes independence, dignity, and belonging.

By teaching practical skills, providing essential services, and creating opportunities for income generation, the Kaki Lima Centre strives to inspire lasting transformation and self-reliance among its beneficiaries.

Project description

The Kaki Lima Centre provides a holistic solution to address the challenges faced by elderly and homeless individuals in Malaysia through skill development, healthcare, and community engagement in a culturally inspired setting. The center offers tailored workshops in practical skills, including handicrafts, cooking, and small business management, to empower participants with marketable abilities, enabling them to achieve financial independence and self-reliance. Healthcare services, including physical and mental health consultations, are designed to meet the unique needs of this vulnerable group, fostering resilience, improved well-being, and trust. The project also creates a nostalgic environment inspired by Malaysia’s cultural heritage, providing a safe and welcoming space that fosters a sense of belonging and comfort. Social activities and collaborative learning opportunities are integrated into the program to encourage community engagement and strengthen interpersonal connections. The center’s initiatives also include creating micro-enterprises to ensure sustainable income opportunities for participants, reducing dependency on external aid. By combining practical skill-building, essential healthcare, and a culturally enriching community space, the Kaki Lima Centre delivers a comprehensive framework that empowers individuals, promotes dignity, and facilitates long-term independence. This project aims to transform lives and support meaningful reintegration into society through its multi-faceted approach.

Technical information

The Kaki Lima Centre incorporates mobile shelters constructed from carts, allowing for flexible relocation to various spaces, with a design rooted in nostalgia using reclaimed materials such as cement render and old bricks to evoke the charm of past eras, creating an environment that fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort for elderly and homeless individuals, while also addressing their well-being; the use of green color throughout the space is based on research showing its positive effects on eye health, promoting relaxation and reducing strain, with careful attention to integrating these materials in a sustainable manner to ensure both functional durability and aesthetic harmony, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving heritage while supporting the physical and mental health of the participants, offering a safe, adaptive, and visually soothing environment that encourages a sense of community, connection, and long-term independence.