Kamek- Sarawak Cultural, Community and Research Centre

City University Malaysia

Project idea

As urbanization kicks in, lost cultures being mended becomes a debatable topic; the dilemma of moving on forward towards a modern world or going back to living in the dark forests. The question is, how much time do we have left to record this precious heritage, before too little remains to be remembered? Sarawak is the embodiment of ancient culture which some has been recognised by UNESCO. Consist variety of ethnicity, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and many others, Sarawak have its own identities which represent the multicultural society that set it apart from other culture. The raging growth of the modern world has become a pillar that overshadow our historical culture that have been existed since the dawn of time on our land. The transition of era has affected the authenticity of the Sarawak multiracial culture where it left an image that the old culture does not blend well in today’s modern world. As a result, the cultures and practices slowly erode away from the timeline, it has been fully forgotten by the youngster, loss of identity and negative behavioural changes occurs in the new generation.

Project description

Therefore, Kamek cultural art, community and research centre will seek the solution for the native people of Sarawak. Kamek means ‘me’ in Sarawakian language which state that every one us have our own valuable identities that we need to protect because no one is the same as the others. This project aims to create a place where new generation can experience the lifestyle and culture of Sarawak people as well as to design opportunities where locals can boost their economics through their skills. A lot of land situated between Sungai Tabo and Sungai Santubong of Sarawak has been given to develop a new Sarawak cultural centre which will act as nodes for people from Bandar Baru Samariang and Petra Jaya district. The allocated area has potential due to its location surrounded by one of the most multi-racial districts based on its demographic. Plus, the area is famous because it is nearby “Bukit Santubong” and “Kampung Budaya which attract more tourism activity onto this area. This new space must be properly planned to cater not just tourism activity but to provide a space for the indigenous people to gather with other local to share their skills , hobby while allowing public to see what they are doing. The space also need to serve as an exhibition place where native people of Sarawak can showcase their works to the public. Because Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) mission is to promote the conservation, permanent preservation and sustainable management of Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage assets, both tangible and intangible. Therefore, the project design is focused on using sustainable material and any other cultural element to encourage innovative approaches to display the interior spaces through cultural arts.

Technical information

The building consists of three main building on slope with stepped floor planning and the building layout split into two main category which is the exhibition area (public) and integrated area (Public and Local). The exhibition area covers the main building parallel to the Tabo river which consists of two floors. The circulation of the ground floor plan on this level are water-based as the design of the floor are fitted with waterways which the sources is connected with river Tabo. On this level, there are timber carving display, carve& beads totem, floating seating, Baruk house, information corridor and island that accommodate the main stage and the Berambeh Hub ( Cultural Display Area) . There is also sape studio (Sarawak music instrument) and Baleh (traditional Kitchen in Kayan dialect) integrated in the space. At the first floor, located the Clothing Display booth and a walkway that connect to a Rafflesia Outdoor Exhibition. On the other hand, The integrated area which is the building that is perpendicular to the main building is the BATIK House, consists of ground floor and lower ground floor. On the first floor and ground floor , where the most of batik display area and studio are situated, people can learn how to make batik as well as mat and explore various type of batik and mat. Batik house also directly connected to Lepau area (huts) where young and old generation can socialize with each other. The Lower ground which is situated at the middle accommodate Pua Kumbu Studio and homestay area while in front of it are fresh fish market sell by locals who catches fish from Santubong river.
The design of each space and structure are thoroughly related to a particular cultural element of a specific ethnic. The main design concept is to connect the cultural design elements which will portray the identity of the culture to increase awareness among the public. Examples of design elements that have been derived from a particular culture are the Alut Hub, an interior space where boats can gather to experience the unique design of the atrium, which are inspired from Iban tattoo "Bunga Terung". Iban culture's flower tattoo with a spiral at the middle means new life and can be related back to the purposes of the project, which is to revive the culture into today's generation. The hub is designed with a spiral structure to symbolize the design in the tattoo. In addition, the elevated hut structure where it accommodates multipurpose function such as tattoo house and dancing class were inspired from the Bidayuh's Baruk house. Baruk house is a traditional typical main hall for the Bidayuh where most activities are centred in that house. The internal water ways inside the building symbolize Sarawak culture who always rely on river as the main resource.

Cultural diversity is a reflection of people's connection to their local environment, to the living world. Every design elements in Kamek are relatable with the culture in Sarawak not just to portray the significant of the culture but also to allow younger generation to represent our culture in front of the whole world and give all different societies a chance to explore our culture. Therefore, Kamek seek to become the bridge between the past and the future in order to preserve Sarawak communities' cultural diversity and ecology so future generation can keep our history alive through knowledge and skills which affirms our identity as a people.