The project is aimed at reclaiming the cultural oasis of Sungai Petani’s old town by reconstructing the cultural ecology and strengthening the sense of place. By bringing the people back to the town’s original site, we create a link to the past, fostering a stronger sense of attachment, meaning, sense of place, and sense of comfort with the environment and context. It creates a new emblem of place identity and community pride.

So, it all began with these questions:

What are the issues of Sungai Petani's old town that affect
its significance as the historical town center of Sungai Petani?

Due to urbanization and industrialization, place-based communities and their fragile cultural ecologies have been displaced, resulting in the imbalance ecology of place. Neighborhoods of Sungai Petani’s old town are constantly being erased and replaced with generic-built landscapes for urban consumption. The charm of Sungai Petani town is diminishing along with its identity and sense of place. This has created a sense of social detachment where places have lost their soul and level of vibrancy, and thus, suspension of the local community with the local culture. Soon after, the diminutive remnants of cultural elements will eventually be renovated or redeveloped in the course of urban development.

What are the tangible and intangible elements of culture that
form the place identity of Sungai Petani?

The Sungai Petani River, which flows through Sungai Petani Old Town, has been a lifeline for the local community. The river's water has been harnessed for irrigation purposes, ensuring the productivity of the paddy fields and sustaining the livelihoods of the local farmers. Additionally, the Sungai Petani River has served as a transportation route, allowing goods to be transported to and from Sungai Petani Old Town. The river's proximity to the old town has facilitated trade and commerce, contributing to the growth and development of the area. In Sungai Petani's past, under the old trees' cool shade, people gathered for cherished moments of joy. The passing trains brought thrilling anticipation and connection, and bridges served as cozy meeting spots for picnics and play. Backyards were bustling playgrounds for children, fostering camaraderie. Over time, the bridge above the railway tracks transformed from a concrete staircase to a manual gateway, echoing the town's growth and the shared experiences of its people. These memories reveal the town's enduring spirit.

How can the riverine museum narrate the story of Sungai Petani town and reclaim
the sense of place of Sungai Petani old town?

The choice of site location is rooted in Sungai Petani's essence, where the river, its birthplace, and the railway, its lifeline, converge. Here, the old and new towns come together in a unique juxtaposition, divided only by the railway. The proposal aspires to serve as an urban bridge, a catalyst uniting the fragments of heritage and values that define this vibrant town. The design development for these two towns, Pekan Lama and Pekan Baru, unfolds as a captivating narrative of architectural evolution, weaving a tale of life before and after colonization. Pekan Lama, born from ancestral wisdom, celebrates the organic connection between shelter and surroundings, a testament to a simpler time. Pekan Baru emerges as the "New Town," with its bold transition to brick and a structured urban layout, mirroring the pulse of the rubber plantation era. The river, once an overlooked backdrop, is transformed into a majestic forefront, with a promenade that invites us to rediscover our roots. A verdant gateway rekindles the link between the two town segments, facilitating a vibrant living museum, ever-evolving with the changing seasons, and inviting the community to share its stories. This design journey pays homage to the past, respecting the present, and promising an inspired future.

The architectural intervention draws inspiration from the concept of ecotones, which represent the transitional zones where different ecosystems seamlessly merge. Similarly, the design proposal seeks to create an ecotonic space that acts as a bridge between the city and the waterfront, seamlessly integrating the diverse cultural and ecological aspects of Sungai Petani. Adopting a phenomenological approach, this thesis project places emphasis on the lived experiences and sensory perceptions of individuals within the architectural intervention. By carefully crafting spatial experiences, the design aims to evoke a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and cultural richness, creating memorable encounters that establish a deep emotional connection between the users and the built environment. The design intervention will explore five interconnected themes, each highlighting specific architectural strategies to weave cultural and ecological threads into the city-waterfront interface:

Theme 1: The Riverine Tapestry:

This theme celebrates the river's rich history and ancestral wisdom by incorporating architectural elements that evoke a sense of timelessness and reverence. The design interventions will invite individuals to engage with ancient traditions and cultural narratives that have been preserved along the waterfront.

Theme 2: Flourishing on the Riverbank:

Emphasizing the self-sufficiency and resilience of riverine communities, this theme aims to create architectural interventions that showcase sustainable practices, such as green infrastructure, community gardens, and eco-friendly technologies. These interventions will demonstrate the harmony between humans and nature, reflecting the river's power to nurture and sustain life.

Theme 3: From the Flow of Time:

This theme explores the river's dynamic nature and its influence on Sungai Petani's growth and transformation over time. Architectural interventions will seek to capture the essence of the river's flow through dynamic forms, fluid spaces, and innovative design elements. The design will encourage individuals to reflect on the passage of time, embracing the city's historical legacy while embracing future possibilities.

Theme 4: Reclaim the Forgotten River:

Addressing the neglect of the river and its impact on the city's cultural heritage, this theme focuses on architectural interventions that restore the river's significance and healing qualities. The design will prioritize the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, rejuvenating the waterfront with culturally relevant activities and public spaces that celebrate

Theme 5: The River's Pulse:

Focusing on a sustainable and vibrant future, this theme envisions the river's transformation, rebirth, and evolution, inspiring collective action and a sense of hope for the community.

This thesis project seeks to rectify this imbalance by creating an architectural intervention that revitalizes the city's cultural heritage, reconnects the community with its roots, and fosters a renewed sense of belonging and pride. Preserving urban heritage and creating a strong sense of place necessitates a deep understanding and integration of the physical and functional aspects of the city, waterfront, and water body. By employing a contextually integrated approach, the architectural intervention will seamlessly merge with the surrounding environment, respecting the waterfront's historic character while accommodating the community's needs and aspirations. Introducing a connective urban tissue between the old town (Pekan Lama) and the new town (Pekan Baru), the project reclaims the city its glories and soul as an old town. It brings the people to the start of the town, back to the heart of the city, and relook back into their own roots.

"CONVERGE: Where history meets tomorrow, where rivers weave, and dreams borrow."