SAMA-SAMA : Community Engagement Center

City University Malaysia

Project idea

SAMA-SAMA: Community Engagement Center is inspired by the need to address and transform conflict into opportunities for unity, healing, and social growth. The word "Sama-Sama," a Malay term meaning "together" or "equally," reflects the project's core mission to create a space where people from different backgrounds can resolve their differences through understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. Conflict arises naturally due to our diverse values, experiences, and beliefs, and it often threatens relationships, whether within families, schools, workplaces, or even within the political landscape. However, if handled constructively, conflict can lead to innovation, strengthened relationships, and positive change. This center aims to promote tolerance by fostering understanding of different socio-cultural identities through dialogue, therapy, and shared experiences. It envisions a future where community members can openly manage emotional struggles and relationship challenges in a safe, welcoming environment.

Project description

The design of SAMA-SAMA revolves around four major types of conflict : family, school, workplace, and government ;and it responds by offering a variety of spaces tailored to each context. The building layout features a ground floor public zone for open interaction, including areas like a reception, café, lounge, booths, and meeting spaces. These are designed to encourage casual socializing and accessible consultation. The first mezzanine hosts a private management zone located conveniently near the entrance to streamline operations. The second mezzanine introduces a circular semi-public space for yoga, meditation, and planting which helping visitors reconnect with nature and themselves. The third mezzanine is a vibrant public zone with a digital forest, encouraging community interaction through immersive technology. Lastly, the fourth mezzanine is a calming semi-public space featuring water elements and lush greenery to refresh the senses and purify the atmosphere. Each zone is intentionally crafted to foster reflection, expression, and shared healing.

Technical information

SAMA-SAMA integrates thoughtful spatial planning, natural elements, and emotional design to create a nurturing atmosphere for community engagement. The material and colour palette plays a significant role in the sensory and psychological experience of the users. Pastel green is used to promote feelings of hope, growth, and comfort; wooden brown symbolizes strength, resilience, and grounding; and copper tones add warmth, energy, and a sense of belonging. The combination of natural textures, curved forms (like the circular meditation area), and biophilic elements such as plants and water contribute to the building’s calming and inclusive environment. The integration of a “digital forest” offers a modern touch that engages younger audiences and encourages interactive learning. Designed as a single-story structure with four interconnecting mezzanine levels, the layout promotes vertical interaction and spatial layering while ensuring accessibility and connection across all zones. SAMA-SAMA stands not just as a building but as a living embodiment of unity, dialogue, and community empowerment.