ARANG: The Bio-Char Heritage and Fabrication Centre

City University Malaysia

Idea projektu

"Arang: The Bio-Char Heritage and Fabrication Centre" is conceived as a meaningful architectural response to two urgent needs—preserving historical memory and promoting environmental awareness. At its heart, the project aims to reconnect Malaysians with the forgotten legacy of the coal era while educating the public about the harmful effects of carbon emissions and the importance of carbon neutrality. By blending cultural appreciation with sustainable innovation, the center presents bio-char not only as a solution to climate change but also as a powerful symbol of transformation—from something once harmful to something that heals.

Popis projektu

The design of Arang is deeply rooted in symbolism, taking on an irregular form inspired by coal to reflect the dynamic and multifunctional nature of the spaces within. The building is divided into four key programs: the Bio-Char Fabrication Centre, an Exhibition Museum, the Wok-Hey Culinary Café, and a Cultivation Area. Each space plays a unique role in shaping an immersive and educational experience. Visitors can learn about Malaysia’s coal history through engaging exhibits and vintage artifacts, enjoy meals cooked using traditional charcoal methods, witness live bio-char production, and explore how bio-char is used in modern agriculture. The center also promotes local heritage through calligraphy exhibits and interactive workshops, allowing visitors to connect emotionally and intellectually with both the past and the environment. Ultimately, Arang is not just a place to visit—it’s a journey of rediscovery and inspiration.

Technické informace

The technical backbone of the project lies in the bio-char production process, which is carefully structured into four key stages: collection, dehydration, pyrolysis, and breaking. Each step is designed with both efficiency and safety in mind. Charcoal placed on rubbish carts helps absorb odors and improve air quality, while dehydration units ensure bio-waste is safely dried before carbonization. The pyrolysis stage cleverly captures smoke by-products and converts them into fertilizer, creating a sustainable feedback loop. The breaking stage, housed in a dust-controlled space, includes dedicated areas for weighing, crushing, sieving, and packaging the final bio-char product. Additionally, the Cultivation Area supports this cycle with a soil mixing zone, a botanical nursery, and a controlled plant culture rack for optimized growth. A bio-char lab is also incorporated, allowing visitors to explore the science behind the process and its real-world applications. Throughout the building, sustainability is embedded in both function and form—from the use of eco-friendly materials to passive design strategies that reduce environmental impact.