Puppet mansion | My Space

Puppet Mansion is an urban intervention proposal which situated at the estuary of the Terengganu River as it meets the South China Sea, this short stretch of promenade facing the water is called the Pesisir Payang. It brings life and focus into these underutilised waterfront urban spaces near to the new Pasar Payang through the introduction of the unique programme promoted in this little pavilion. A waterfront site is chosen because of the coexistence between the urban fabric and these natural water features offer many opportunities for interesting public activities as people are naturally drawn to the views, sounds and smell of the water.

Design Involvement - Group Design Project

Location - Persisir Payang, Kuala Terrenganu

Building typology - Pavilion | Urban Intervention

The pavilion, Puppet Mansion is built to promote and appreciate the art of wayang kulit which is the traditional culture in Terengganu. Hence, its design is inspired by the character from wayang kulit decoded stories. The facade that facing to the sea side is installed with the a series of slanted vertical timber element, inspired by the string of the wayang kulit and featuring a gigantic size of decoded wayang kulit . At the daytime, it bring in sunlight that allow shadow casting the shape of the puppet. While in the night time, the lighting system in the pavilion cast shadow of the vertical timber structure onto the sea surface, like a wayang kulit performance played on the sea.

About Site

The Waterfront Heritage City has witnessed a shift from a traditional settlement into a bustling multi-cultural city with a significant mix of modern and Malay architectural and cultural influences. There are few nodes that attract visitors to come around for picnicking, fishing, cycling and other leisure activities. These nodes are within 400m walking distance from the new Pasar Payang, included the Masjid Sultan Zainal Abidin, Chinatown, Curved Suspension Bridge, waterfront playground and Pesisir Payang.

History Timeline

Islamic religion arrived in KT in 1300s. In 1500s, Chinese traders from south Hokkien moved to Terengganu. In 1684, the population of Chinese increased tremendously in KT and thus created Chinatown. In 1800s, concrete started to replace wood in construction. In 1887, the colonization of British led to the influence in building style by the British. The development of commercial, industrial, institution and public services started to develop between 1960-1980s. In 2000s, KT became commercial and administration city of state. In 2010s, land has been reclaimed along the shore and Terengganu Drawbridge was built. It brings in benefits on the development of Terengganu and income by having recreational activities to attract tourists.

Proposed Site Plan

The pavilion is located near to the jetty boat Panambang Payang, the mosque and also the Pasar Payang. The place is strategised as it is the gathering point for the visitors wtho come for the mosque and pasar payang which will lead to high human flow.

SWOT

Problem Statement

The promenade at the Pasar Payang waterfront is lack of a community space for people to gather and interact with each other. It is also lack of a platform to promote the Malay’s cultural importance, as well as a platform for the local and also the tourists to learn about the culture identities of Terengganu.

Design Intention

The design intention is to create a community space and node which allow for the continuation of cultural heritage. Terengganu is known the “cradle of Malay civilization”. Batik art, the Wau, Giant top spinning game, Mengkuang weaving, the artisanal skills in boat making, all of these are the traditional cultural activities that have been handed down until the present day.

With all these interesting cultures of Terengganu that have to be promoted, it is essential to create a gathering spot for bringing the community together to congregate and interact in an art filled environment, enjoy a richly fulfilling of the heritage culture.