NAFKAH - JOB AND SKILL EMPOWERMENT HUB

City University Malaysia

Project idea

The concept design is based on "circletation" which combines circle and repetition. It also defined a concept that uses circular and curvy designs based on the graphic icon of Covid-19. Repetition of certain design elements in a design will bring a clear sense of unity, consistency, and cohesiveness. Rounded shapes tend to lean towards feelings of community and the more social aspects of life – hence ‘circle of friends’ or ‘social circle’. Circles be used to create feelings of protection and perfection by appearing bubble-like and without harsh edges. Femininity is also associated with curves, represent wholeness, a natural sense of completion.

Project description

Nearly 100,000 Malaysians have lost their jobs since the inception of MCO and Covid-19 has the greatest impact on employees in the aviation, hospitality, and tourism industries. Further, regarding the retail sector, where millions of Malaysians work full-time, part-time, and contractual conditions lead to job loss. Further, amid COVID-19, 8 out of 10 retrenched Malaysians are looking for work due to companies struggling with retrenchment around the world, laying off their work-forces to cut their losses amid the COVID19 crisis.

Due to COVID-19 and the ensuing mobility limitations put in place to flatten the pandemic curve, Malaysia's economy has suffered. These positions are the ones that COVID-19 is most likely to affect, especially if tight mobility limitations are imposed. The majority of the workers who are most at risk are those who were predisposed to vulnerability due to their relatively low levels of education, low levels of income, and advanced or very young ages before the crisis.

Through the Federal Government-linked Investment Companies (GLICs), which are under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian government, GLCs play a significant part in the post-pandemic recovery. Between employment, skill, and economic development strategies, they can aid in bridging the gap. NAFKAH Job and Skill Empowerment Hub was created with the goal of increasing job satisfaction and morale training while also offering opportunities and resources to individuals in need and who have lost hope.

Technical information

NAFKAH was designed with a variety of training area and retail space. Consists of a two-story building that is located in the bustling and populated megalopolis capital of Kuala Lumpur, Kampung Datuk Keramat. The Nafkah food truck area is a focal point on the ground floor and can attract visitors to the building because of the growth in middle-class and young spending, conscious consumerism, mobile lifestyles, and demands for meals on-the-go. The food truck format has also proven fairly popular in Malaysia food vendors can be found at various food booths or service counters at NAFKAH food courts with provider of the circular dining area. You can even order takeaway so you can eat the food somewhere else. Additionally, there is a booth that provides information to visitors who could be looking for information on available jobs. Business training serves the purpose of learning and development, which is the process of acquiring particular skills, talents, and information to boost employee performance.

The mezzanine floor that functions as a "book street" for the target market to rent merchants and sell their products. The book street aims to provide multipurpose cultural space where vendor sell their books and literature. Apart from that, on the other side there is an art and graphic training space where they may learn new skills and information like handicraft, graphic software, draw and painting, that can be learned from there to serves the community in the future. For the first-floor area, there are activities areas like sewing classes, barber training, and boutique retail areas for visitors to come and join the class so they can improve their skills, greater competency, gain knowledge, and have more confidence in their capacities to launch their own businesses. Due to this course, sewers of all levels will gain. Classes address more advanced stitching after covering more fundamental sewing skills in the beginning. As long as be prepared to put in the time and effort, it’ll be able to start own career in no time with the barber training that visitors may experience and study together. With a distinctive boutique booth retail establishment, the vendor can easily and affordable rent space. Additionally, there are open spaces and information with a digital display application that provide visitors with accurate and up-to-date information about any company they would like.

NAFKAH uses a pop art color with a combination of colorful neon lighting. Fueled by consumerism, mass media, and popular culture, pop art can be easily recognized by its bright colors, defined line works, and some kind of iconic element used as the main subject. Pop art used bright colors highly because of its ability to grab attention quickly. Neon signs have been helping business owners stand out for decades with the benefit of high visibility, design freedom, and being cheap and energy-efficient to run. NAFKAH was designed with a combination of concrete, steel, timber, and circular design finishing tiles.