LOOKIS - Street Art Skill Training & Heritage Center

City University Malaysia

Idea projektu

The LOOKIS – Street Art Skill Training & Heritage Center is a visionary initiative designed to nurture artistic talent, preserve cultural heritage, and promote community engagement through the medium of street and traditional arts. Located within the culturally rich setting of Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, the project aims to create an inclusive and dynamic platform for creative expression, skill development, and knowledge sharing.

This center is dedicated to supporting both emerging and undiscovered artists by offering facilities such as public workshops, art galleries, mural walls, traditional batik stations, and an art library. These spaces encourage learning, collaboration, and experimentation while highlighting the value of local artistic practices and hand-crafted techniques. The architectural design integrates sustainable materials and Kelantanese design language, enhancing both environmental performance and cultural authenticity.

The primary goals of LOOKIS are to empower individuals through creative education, preserve traditional art forms, and elevate street art into a respected cultural discipline. The project also seeks to inspire social change by addressing relevant social themes through public art. Through the fusion of arts, culture, and tourism, LOOKIS aims to enrich the local economy, foster community pride, and contribute to a more creative, connected, and resilient society.

Popis projektu

LOOKIS – Street Art Skill Training & Heritage Center is a creative and cultural development initiative located in Siti Khadijah Market, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It serves as a dedicated platform for street artists and traditional artisans to learn, express, and grow, with a focus on reviving manual artistic skills and heritage crafts. The center addresses the lack of formal support and recognition for street artists by providing inclusive spaces such as public workshops, batik tjanting areas, mural art zones, portrait booths, educational galleries, and an art library.

The architectural and spatial design is environmentally conscious, using local materials and traditional Kelantanese aesthetics like wood carvings and natural ventilation systems. It reflects a balance of culture, sustainability, and functionality. The calming color palette, pastel green, wooden brown, and grey supports focus and creativity, essential for artistic development.

Scope of the Project Solution:
LOOKIS is designed to fulfill several objectives: to preserve local art heritage, empower creative individuals (especially underrepresented and young artists), foster community interaction, and contribute to the local economy through art tourism. It aims to provide lifelong learning opportunities, social inclusion through art, and a structured pathway for emerging talents. By integrating cultural, educational, and economic elements, LOOKIS creates a holistic and sustainable impact.

Technické informace

The LOOKIS – Street Art Skill Training & Heritage Center is a two-storey building with a mezzanine, designed to accommodate various art-related functions in an environmentally conscious and culturally sensitive structure. The building spans approximately 1,500–2,000 square meters, utilizing a modular layout to maximize spatial flexibility and adaptive use.

Structural System:
The structure is built using reinforced concrete for durability and stability, combined with timber cladding and exposed beams that reflect traditional Kelantanese craftsmanship. Steel framing supports mezzanine sections to allow open floor plans and high ceilings, enhancing air circulation and natural lighting.

Sustainability Features:
Natural ventilation is prioritized through open-plan layouts, wooden louvers, shaded walkways, and clerestory windows. Locally sourced materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and compressed earth blocks are used to reduce environmental impact. Solar panels are installed on the roof to supplement energy use, and rainwater harvesting systems support non-potable needs.

Interior & Finishes:
Eco-friendly paints and low-VOC finishes are used throughout. Flooring materials vary between polished concrete, reclaimed wood, and terracotta tiles. Walls are optimized for acoustic performance in learning zones and display walls for murals and exhibitions.

Mechanical Systems:
Minimal air-conditioning is used, supported by ceiling fans and operable windows to reduce energy consumption. Lighting is LED-based, with daylight sensors for energy efficiency.