CULTURAL CENTRE

Project idea

The Fusion of Time Cultural Center in Kota Bharu reimagines Kelantan's rich heritage through a contemporary lens, blending traditional elements with modern design language. The concept embodies the coexistence of past and present, creating a space where culture lives, evolves, and connects across generations.
Inspired by Kelantan's vernacular architecture, the design incorporates familiar forms such as pitches roofs, timber details, and open courtyards, reinterpreted with modern materials like glass and steel. This fusion creates a visual and spatial dialogue between heritage and innovation, symbolizing the timeless spirit of Kelantanese identity.
The center transforms from a passive exhibition venue into an interactive cultural landscape. Visitors are encouraged to engage, learn, and participate through workshops, performances, and digital experiences highlighting wayang kulit, batik making, mak yong, and other traditional arts. The spatial flow reflects the Malay house compound layout, promoting community interaction and openness.
Sustainability principles such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and local materials enhance comfort while honoring Kelantan's tropical context. Every space tells a story (where light, shadow, and form represent the continuity of time and culture.)
Ultimately, the Fusion of Time Cultural Center stands as a living bridge between tradition and modernity, inviting everyone to experience Kelantan's cultural heritage firsthand.

Project description

The Kota Bharu Cultural Centre is envisioned as a cultural landmark that promotes and preserves the traditional performing arts of Kelantan, such as Dikir Barat, Wayang Kulit, and Silat Tari. The centre will serve as a hub for cultural performance, education, and community engagement, providing facilities such as performance halls, studios, galleries, and learning spaces. It aims to revitalize the local arts scene through innovative design, digital engagement, and sustainable building strategies while maintaining the essence of Kelantanese heritage and Islamic cultural identity.
The project focuses on designing a medium-rise cultural complex (4-storey with 1 basement) within an urban site in Kota Bharu, accommodating approximately 100 users at one time and a total built-up area of 2,500 m².
The design solution must address:
1.Cultural and functional integration – providing multipurpose spaces adaptable for various performances and community activities.
2.Sustainable design strategies – incorporating passive cooling, natural lighting, and green materials.
3.Urban connectivity – creating public plazas, pedestrian access, and cultural linkages with nearby landmarks.
4.Inclusivity and accessibility – ensuring compliance with UBBL and OKU-friendly design.
5.Modern technology integration – enhancing digital engagement through interactive exhibitions and recording facilities.
6.Community participation – encouraging youth involvement through workshops, exhibitions, and training programs.

Technical information

The Kota Bharu Cultural Centre is a medium-rise, multi-functional cultural complex located at Jalan Mahmood, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The project covers a site area of approximately 6,000 square metres with a total built-up area of 2,500 square metres. The building consists of four storeys and one basement level, accommodating up to 100 users at one time. It adopts a composite structural system combining reinforced concrete and steel for long-span areas such as the auditorium and multipurpose hall. The design integrates sustainable technologies including natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and passive cooling systems. All design elements comply with UBBL Malaysia and GBI Malaysia sustainability standards.