Kampung Puah Cultural Urban Intervention

City University Malaysia

Idea projektu

This master urban architecture project envisions the revitalization of Kampung (village) Puah as a dynamic, culturally rich riverfront destination that reconnects people with the natural and historical layers of the site. Drawing inspiration from the vernacular language of Minangkabau architecture and the fluidity of riverine settlements, the design proposes a network of adaptive structures and public spaces that respond to the site's environmental, social, and spatial context.

Popis projektu

At the heart of the scheme is the idea of living with water elevated walkways, floating platforms, and open pavilions engage directly with the river, allowing for seasonal changes while celebrating the water’s presence as a cultural and ecological asset. The architectural language adopts slanted roofs, rhythmic timber elements, and layered shading devices to reflect local construction logic while enhancing thermal comfort and spatial porosity.

Programs are organized into community-scaled clusters that include spaces for markets, workshops, performances, education, and leisure, encouraging interaction and inclusivity across different user groups. The design prioritizes sustainability through passive design strategies, modular timber systems, and the integration of natural materials, fostering a regenerative relationship between built form, nature, and community.

Drawing inspiration from Minangkabau architecture, the design employs elevated timber structures, modular sulap-inspired units, floating platforms, and shaded bridges to promote climate-responsive living while preserving the kampung’s heritage. Key materials include engineered timber, bamboo, and recycled cladding panels, chosen for sustainability and cultural relevance. Passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, solar integration, and flood-resilient foundations further anchor the project’s regenerative ambitions. Landscape strategies reintroduce native plants and water-sensitive urban design, reinforcing the river as a central spine of ecology and community life. Through this blend of cultural storytelling, environmental design, and urban revitalization, the proposal transforms Kampung Puah into a sustainable, inclusive, and living heritage waterfront.

In a nutshell, this project seeks to transform Kampung Puah into a resilient and regenerative urban kampung that honors its past, serves its present, and inspires a sustainable, community-driven future.

Technické informace

This master urban architecture project, titled Revitalizing Kampung Puah: A Riverfront Urban Living Framework, is located along the River of Life in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Spanning an estimated 1KM , the project reimagines Kampung Puah as a resilient cultural and ecological hub by integrating a micro mobility center, community pavilions, markets, workshops, housing, and educational spaces within a flexible and layered urban fabric.

1. 16,5921 Km2 of Land area
2. 6.7 Km from Kuala Lumpur

Material: Engineered Glulam Timber (e.g., Malaysian Glulam – Green Glulam®)
Treatment: Borate-treated; Class 1 fire retardant
Connection: Stainless steel bolts and galvanized steel plates
Finish: Clear waterproof timber sealant

Elevated Substructure 2nd layer:
Material: Reinforced Concrete Piles
Size: 300mm–500mm diameter (depth varies with soil test)
Top Level Height: 1.5–2.5m above ground for flood resilience

Elevated Substructure 3rd layer:
Support system: Reinforced Concrete Piles
Top Level Height: 25m above ground
Superstructure:
Primary Material: Galvanized Steel Box Girder (Corten or painted steel optional)
Size: 300mm × 450mm (Main beams)
Spacing: 2.5–3.0m span depending on terrain
Sub-frame Support:
RC Pile foundation (300mm dia.) with steel post anchoring
V-shaped or Y-support to reduce column count in river zone
Deck Support:
Joists: Steel RHS 100mm × 50mm @ 400mm c/c
Cross-bracing: Steel flat bars or cables for lateral stability
Finishes: Composite Timber Decking w/ Epoxy Coating

Main Pathways (Pedestrian & Light Bikes):
Surface: Exposed Aggregate Concrete with anti-slip finish
Thickness: 100mm slab on 150mm crusher run base
Jointing: Expansion every 3m
Drainage: Sloped 1.5% to side trench

Bike Trails:
Material: Interlocking Paver Bricks
Type: Uni Eco Interlocking Bricks
Colour: Earth brown along the riverside for heritage integration

Bioswale / Rain Garden:
Width: 1.5–2m
Media Layers: Gravel + filter sand + topsoil
Overflow Pipe: 150mm uPVC w/ filtration mesh connected to Stormwater Drainage
Target: Reduce 60% stormwater runoff