Activities

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted architecture education, particularly limiting hands-on learning experiences such as site visits. A survey conducted by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2020 found that only certain aspects of the architecture curriculum could be effectively delivered through online platforms (RIBA, 2020). This highlighted the need for strategic planning to integrate digital tools into architectural education. As a result, exploring immersive learning technology, such as virtual simulations, has become essential in providing students with experiential learning opportunities that substitute physical site visits. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a valuable alternative (Ummihusna & Zairul, 2021), allowing students to engage with architectural spaces in ways that were previously impossible during pandemic restrictions.

Architectural understanding is deeply rooted in personal experiences from childhood, shaping how individuals perceive and interact with spaces. For architecture students, reflecting on and deliberately working through their own spatial experiences is essential to developing a deeper design perspective (Zumthor, 2010). But how do you replicate that without being on-site. IVR creates digital environments where students can explore spaces as if they were really there. It gives them the chance to understand scale, proportions, and spatial relationships in a way that traditional methods simply can’t achieve. (Ummihusna & Zairul, 2022).

In an architecture studio, we introduced a tool called Architectural Spatial Experience Simulation (ASES), a VR simulation of different types of spaces with a spatial trait regularly manipulated during the architectural space design process (e.g., the shape of volume, volume size, opening position). Before using it, we asked students about their previous experiences with different spaces. Some had never been inside a cathedral, museum or a historical building.

Architectural Spatial Experience Simulation (ASES)

With ASES, they could explore these spaces virtually while waiting for their turn for the tutorial session in the studio, and the results were encouraging. Students who previously struggled to grasp spatial concepts started engaging with design on a deeper level. What really stood out was how IVR changed the way students approached learning. Some used to rely on memorization, simply sketching floor plans without fully understanding them. After using IVR, they started asking more questions, analyzing spaces more critically, and thinking beyond just form and function. The shift from surface learning to deep learning was undeniable (Ummihusna et al., 2024).

Integrating IVR into architecture education isn’t just a temporary fix, it’s a glimpse into the future. It offers an alternative for site visits while opening new possibilities for design exploration. As educators, embracing this technology means giving students the tools to experience architecture in a whole new way, no matter where they are.

The 35th Architectural Student Workshop 2024 INCEPTION, held at Universiti Tunku Abdul rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus from October 18 to 22, was a proud moment for our Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Honours) students. Under the guidance of Dr. Ar. Annisa Ummihusna, Ts. Mahmoud Bghdadi, En. Syakir Mahadzir and Ar. Suhana, the students excelled and brought home three major awards:

• Gold Award - Building Structure Competition: RM 1,500
• Best Design - Mascot Competition: RM 300
• Best Female Costume - Sustainable Fashion Competition: RM 300

This annual workshop, organized with Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), gathers over 500 architecture students from local and international universities. It features competitions, hands-on activities, and professional talks to inspire creativity and learning beyond the classroom.

Congratulations to our students and mentors for their outstanding achievements.

20 Mei 2024, UPM - Jabatan Senibina FRSB telah menerima Lawatan Penanda Aras dari National University Manila (NUM) bertempat di Bilik Seminar FRSB.  Lawatan Penanda Aras ini telah dihadiri oleh seramai 9 orang delegasi dari National University Manila yang terdiri dari Dekan, Timbalan Dekan, wakil pensyarah dan wakil-wakil pelajar.  Lawatan Penanda Aras dari NUM ini telah disambut oleh Timbalan Dekan (Akademik, Antarabangsa dan HEPA), Timbalan Dekan (Penyelidikan, Inovasi dan Siswazah), Ketua Jabatan Senibina dan pensyarah-pensyarah Jabatan Senibina, FRSB.  Secara keseluruhan, objektif lawatan penanda aras dari National University Manila ini adalah untuk pihak NUM melihat dan membuat kajian penanda aras bagi Program Seni Bina di Jabatan Senibina.  Pihak NUM juga ingin mempelajari daripada pengalaman dan amalan terbaik di Jabatan Senibina bagi program yang ada di Jabatan Senibina FRSB.  Pihak NUM juga telah dibawa untuk melawat ke Studio Seni Bina, Galeri Senibina dan kemudahan di sekitar FRSB.  Lawatan penanda aras yang telah berlangsung bermula dari jam 9 pagi ini telah berakhir pada pukul 1 tengahari.

The trip provided valuable insights into Thai architecture, culture, and daily life. Students gained a deeper understanding of architectural education and practice in Thailand, explored diverse urban spaces, and experienced the rich cultural tapestry of Bangkok. This study trip serves as a testament to the power of travel in broadening perspectives, fostering cultural appreciation, and inspiring future architectural endeavors.

Recently, our year one architecture students embarked on an enriching academic visit to Perak, filled with valuable experiences and hands-on learning opportunities. This trip was designed to deepen their understanding of architectural heritage, community engagement, and sustainable design practices.

Exploring Belakang Kong Heng in Ipoh

The journey began in the heart of Ipoh's old town, where students explored the charming Belakang Kong Heng Hotel. This historic establishment, known for its unique blend of old and contemporary architecture, provided the students with a real-world example of adaptive reuse. They had the opportunity to study how modern design can harmoniously coexist with heritage structures, gaining insights into the conservation of architectural history while meeting contemporary needs.

Architectural Site Study at Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Next, the students visited the scenic Gunung Lang Recreational Park, a site that offered both natural beauty and architectural intrigue. Here, they conducted a comprehensive site study, analyzing the park's layout, design elements, and the integration of natural features into the built environment. This exercise not only honed their analytical skills but also emphasized the importance of sustainable design practices that respect and enhance natural landscapes.

Community Engagement through Mural Painting

In addition to their studies, the students actively contributed to the local community by participating in a mural painting project at Gunung Lang Recreational Park a collaboration with Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh and Nippon Paint. This vibrant community project allowed them to apply their artistic talents while fostering a sense of community spirit. The murals they created now serve as a colorful testament to the collaborative efforts between our students and the local residents, enhancing the park's aesthetic appeal and creating a lasting impact.

Experiencing Malay Traditional Architecture at Bagas Zakariah

The final leg of the trip took the students to Bagas Zakariah, an orchard homestay that showcases traditional Malay architecture. This visit was particularly enlightening as it provided a close-up look at the architectural features unique to Malay heritage, such as intricate wood carvings, raised floors, and airy verandahs. The students were able to appreciate the ingenuity and cultural significance of these traditional designs, gaining a deeper appreciation for Malaysia's rich architectural legacy.

This academic visit to Perak was more than just a field trip; it was a transformative experience that broadened the students' perspectives, enhanced their practical skills, and strengthened their connection to the community and cultural heritage. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how these experiences will shape their future contributions to the field of architecture.

 

Our first-year architecture studio embarks on a journey in designing the “Healing Pod”, a life-size structure that embodies their understanding of design elements and principles with an emphasis on scale, function, and form consideration. The Healing Pod as its name says serves as a habitat that can be occupied for a day, a resting place that allows the user to feel most comfortable. Remarkably, the students embraced a challenge by limiting themselves to the use of cardboard as the sole material for the Healing Pod. This constraint led to an innovative approach, resulting in a structure that allows the process of assembly and disassembly. The key feature lies in the seamless integration of folding, weaving, interlocking, and pleating techniques, showcasing the students' prowess in exploring diverse methods to enhance structural integrity.

The Healing Pods were assembled and displayed in an urban pocket space near the “River of Life” development, nestled between the Sultan Abdul Samad building and Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur.  This location served as a dynamic backdrop for the manifestation of their creative endeavours. The students had the opportunity to present their designs to the passersby, creating an interactive dialogue that transcended traditional design showcases. Engaging with the audience, they shared the intricacies of their design processes, providing a glimpse into the innovative thinking that fueled the creation of the Healing Pods.

 

 

 

 

KLAF, an annual local architecture festival organised by PAM, is open to all PAM members, including students, practitioners in architecture, and professional architects, to create pavilions for public interaction near the performance stage (Astaka) at Lake Titiwangsa Park as part of the event. Lake Titiwangsa Park, a popular recreational spot in Kuala Lumpur, attracts a diverse range of visitors, including people with disabilities, various income groups, adults, and children of all ages. The festival theme for this year is “Space-Time Meaning,” as architecture automatically engages space and time; however, it also can involve different stories related to human 

experience, context, and culture, bringing people together or more. Therefore, these pavilions seek to engage with the public in a unique architectural form in one of the most popular public places in Malaysia. The single pavilion is approximately ten sq m, taking any shape or form, and built of any easily dismantled material.

Overall, the number of pavilions accepted for the exhibition is limited to 13; among these accepted pavilions, our UPM students were allocated Five pavilions in the KLAF 2024. A total of 53 students of Year 1 and Year 2, Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honors, have participated in KLAF 2024 and exhibited excellent brilliance and dedication, earning recognition for their exceptional work in KLAF 2024. After weeks of unrelenting dedication, tireless working nights, and steadfast efforts, they came out with five sustinable, easily dismantled pavilions. The launch ceremony on 15 June 2024 was attended by prominent figures from DBKL, PAM and the Dean of FRSB Assoc. Prof. Ts. Gs. Dr. Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof, Deputy Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zalina Shari, and the head of the Architecture Department at FRSB Ar. Dr. Athira Azmi and other department members.

Yes, the journey demanded immense effort, perseverance, and an intense drive to succeed. But, the student’s achievements stand as proof of their dedication and creativity. Those students are shining examples of what can be accomplished through dedication, determination, and a passion for their chosen field. Their achievements stand in Titiwangsa Park along with the work of the prominent architectural companies in Malaysia, showing a great example of the quality of our students and serving as an inspiration to all aspiring students aiming for greatness.

Our faculty at FRSB, UPM, are immensely proud of their students’ achievements and delighted to see their passion for architecture recognised at such prestigious events. This success is not only a reflection of the student’s hard work but also a testament to the exceptional guidance and mentorship they receive at the department and faculty. We hope such efforts contribute to the mission and vision of our department, faculty, and university as a whole.

We are deeply grateful to our funders and sponsors who funded us with over RM25,000 and with construction materials, including FRSB UPM, Velesto Energy Berhad, AFR Elite Ventures, AFR Chulan Ventures, Kee Yen Architect, Athira Azmi Architect, Envy Formula Sdn Bhd, GarisPixl.co, DPI Technology, and Knauf.

Special thanks to our outstanding students and their supervisors:

Group 1: "Songket: Threads of Unity"

1. Manuel Govin Gopan
2. Nur Insyirah Binti Md Norddin
3. Akid Mierza bin Mohammad Kushairi
4. Khaleda Binti Kasim
5. Muhammad Imran Bin Muhammad Zamri
6. Amilia Bt Mohd Rozelee
7. Umar bin Rushdan 
8. Nur Anis Syazwanie bt Ahmad
9. Nur Iman Ezryn Binti Ibrahim
10. Dhia Zaidan Bin Azrin
11. Muhammad Mustaqeem Bin Mohd Roslan
12. Farrel Nurrahman Zain

1. Group 2: The Inevitable Pavilion
   1. Muhammad Yusuf
   2. Maryam Mohammed Ashraf
   3. Muhammad Azizi Bin Kamal Azlin
   4. Nadzirah Zainal
   5. Madiha Iwani Izham Iskandar
   6. Mohamad Hadif Bin Mohamad Helmi
   7. Chin Chun Fai
   8. Eman Abdullah Saleh Basallom
   9. Muhammad Zakwan Bin Zulmajdi
   10. Song Wensheng
   11. Li Yuheng

    

   Group 3: Bubu Pavilion
   Andrew Lau
   1.Nur Salsabila Shafiee
   2.Dineswary Vadivaloo
   3.Wan Zulaikha BT Wan Zulkiply
   4.Adam Mustaqim Bin Mohd Noor
   5.Lim Yen Ting
   6.Miradania Binti Mahazir
   7.Lee Lay Ping
   8.Cherry Tei
   9.Dakshayani Krishnan
   10.Keinisha A/P Verramoney
   11.Amir Safuan Bin Amir
    
   Group 4: Lumina Nexus
   1.NUR SYAFIQAH BINTI SHAHRIL
   2.AZNI MASHITAH BINTI ZAKARIAH
   3.SHARIFAH NUR SAHIRAH BINTI SH.SUHOR
   4.SYAZLIANA SAFFIYAH BINTI ABD HAMID
   5.ZOFIRAH AMNINA BINTI ABU BAKAR
   6.NURFARA IZZATI BINTI ADAM
   7.TAM YEE HERN
   8.WANG WEI BIN
   9.NUR JANNAH BINTI MOHAMED SOHAIMI
   10.IZZAN AFIQAH BINTI MOHD NOR SHAH
   11.NURUL AQILAH BINTI MOHD LAMRI
   12.QUOK ZI YI
   13.NUR SYAFIQAH BINTI SHAHRIL
   14.Anis Suraya Binti Mohd Isa
    
   Group 5: The Kite
   RAYNOLD YARAH
   MUHAMMAD ALHAFIZ BIN MUHD TAJUL ARIFFIN
   AMIR HASSAN BIN MOHAMAD HISHAM
   MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS BIN BADRIN
   HANNA BINTI MOHAMMAD FIRAJ
    
   Supervisor committee:
    Prof. Madya Dr. Sumarni Ismail
   Ar. Dr. Athira Azmi
   Dr. Sarah Abudlkareem Salih
   Mr. Mahmoud Bghdadi
   En Wan Mazlan Bin Wan Hamat
   Ar. Nik Fazlysham Nik Mat
   Ar. Assoc. Prof. Ar. Meor Mohammad Fared Meor Razali
   Ar Nor Suhana Noordin

16 Januari 2024 (Selasa), Galeri Serdang FRSB - Telah diadakan Majlis Penutupan bagi Pameran Ulang Tahun ke-30 ATSA Architects yang telah berlangsung bermula dari 15 November 2023 hingga 16 Januari 2024.
Ucapan Penutupan telah diberikan oleh Prof. Madya LAr. Dr. Suhardi Maulan, Dekan FRSB, UPM.  Majlis penutupan ini telah dihadiri oleh pensyarah-pensyarah FRSB, barisan Juri dan calon-calon pemenang Pertandingan Fotografi PRISMA serta alumni Jabatan Senibina.

Telah diumumkan juga dan penyampaian hadiah bagi Pertandingan Fotografi Putra Identiti Senibina Malaysia (PRISMA) 2024 ketika majlis penutupan ini.  Seramai 9 orang Ahli Panel Juri telah dilantik bagi mengadili Pertandingan Fotografi PRISMA 2024 ini.Tahniah kepada semua pemenang dan Tahniah kepada Jabatan Senibina diatas penganjuran majlis penutupan bagi Pameran Ulang Tahun ke-30 ATSA Architects Sdn. Bhd.

Soultraxx 2024: Building Connections and Resilience  By: Dr. Annisa Ummihusna Abdul Ghani

                

             

            

         

18 – 19 Julai 2024, UPM - Jabatan Senibina FRSB telah berjaya melaksanakan Program Portfolio Review bagi Program Bacelor Sains Seni Bina (Dengan Kepujian) dan Program Master Seni Bina semester Kedua sesi 2023/2024.  Program Portfolio Review ini adalah khusus untuk pelajar-pelajar tahun 1, 2, 4 dan 5 Jabatan Senibina.  Pihak Jabatan Senibina telah menjemput Ar. Hj. Razin Mahmood dan Ar. Dr. Wan Norisma Wan Ismail sebagai pemeriksa luar bagi sesi Portfolio Review pada kali ini. 

Program Portfolio Review yang telah diadakan ini telah dihadiri oleh pensyarah-pensyarah Jabatan Senibina dan pelajar-pelajar tahun 1, 2, 4 dan 5 Program Bacelor Sains Seni Bina dengan Kepujian dan Program Master Seni Bina.  Semoga dengan terlaksananya program ini akan dapat meningkatkan lagi mutu penyampaian pengajaran bagi program pengajian senibina di Fakulti Rekabentuk dan Senibina, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

A delegation from the Ministry of Housing Settlements and Development (MHSD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) visited UPM on 27^th December 2023.

The delegation was led by the Honourable Atty. Hamid Aminoddin D. Barra, Phd., the Minister of Housing Settlements and Development of BARMM. The MHSD delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor Officer and was received by Professor Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of UPM. The Dean of the Faculty of Design and Architecture, Associate Professor Dr. Suhardi Maulan and Professor Dr. Rahinah Ibrahim were in attendance.

The Honorable Minister Dr. Hamid informed Professor Zamberi about the desire of MHSD to establish a Technical Research Partnership with UPM on architecture, planning, and human settlements. MHSD hoped to involve UPM experts for joint projects and research through a Technical Research Partnership between both parties. MHSD was impressed with the achievements attained by UPM that is not limited to architecture and housing, but extended to include agriculture and halal products.

MHSD requested assistance in areas of capacity building, developing professional experts, development of guidelines and policies through evidence-based research. The meeting was informed on the critical needs to mitigate flooding and applications of modern methods of construction, energy, and alternative indigenous materials.

MHSD is an agency created under the Republic Act 11054 otherwise known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law of 2019. The ministry is mandated as the primary agency for the management of housing, human settlements, and urban development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and as the main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination, and performance monitoring entity for all housing, human settlements, and urban development concerns in the region.

A tight program was planned at the Faculty of Design and Architecture. After the courtesy visit, the MHSD delegation was brought to visit the staff quarters prototype which uses the patented SABSystem timber framing system. The technology saved 25% of lumber amount and could go up to 4 stories without columns. Secondly, the Deputy Dean (Academic, International and Students Affair) of Faculty of Design and Architecture briefed the MHSD delegation about the undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered at the faculty.

Thirdly, a short value planning workshop was conducted with 28 MHSD’s officers to help determine the top six values that MHSD wished to achieve for housing in the Technical Research Partnership. Fourthly, four reputation strengths of the design researches at the faculty were presented: the Built Environment Informatics, Collaborative Action Research Team, Visual Behaviour, and Tropical Health and Design.

The visit concluded with a discussion on steps towards formalizing the Technical Research Partnership MOU. UPM and MHSD believed that a long-term partnership will provide opportunities to both parties to explore beyond housing.

 Professor Rahinah Ibrahim from the Faculty of Design and Architecture has been appointed by the Vice Chancellor to become UPM’s Representative and Project Leader for the Technical Research Partnership project with BARMM.

Updated:: 10/04/2025 [marini]