PPR Flat -

Sri Tioman, Taman Melawati, Ampang

Prior to visiting the low cost flat located far in Ampang, we had no clue of what we were about to experience. Upon reaching the site during week 3, we were given quite a culture shock unexpectedly, having to say that it felt like we went to a completely different era. The residents, although staying in low cost apartments, were found to be a tight knit community unlike the mundane communities that we are used to here that are isolated and very much to themselves. Soon as we had a quick walk about the site, we realised that there was no proper disposal area and even so they main disposal area (recycling bins) had rubbish scattered around as residents do not take the proper initiative to dispose the rubbish properly. They also had a gazebo which weren't maintained well and had broken roof tiles and chipped tiles of the seats and floor.

Week 3

Week 4 First Proposal

The Gazebo by the court was not well maintained a it wasn't frequently used by the residents except teenagers who goes there for a short hangout. After analysing the advantage of beautifying the Gazebo through interviewing the residents, we came up with a proposal derived from our analysis. However, it got rejected because it would take too long to beautify the gazebo as it required construction.

Scattered Rubbish

Therefore we moved onto a different proposal regarding the disposal walls that we were to paint an education mural on. We managed to engage with some residents and ask questions regarding the disposal area. The questions asked were how it could be improved and what are the issues. Turns out that many residents did not have the proper education regarding having the proper techniques to dispose as well as composing their wastes. Along with asking questions, we got to know more about the residents personally as well as us learning about their lifestyles.

During the interview, i had a language barrier with the local residents. However, with some help from my fellow team mates, i managed to overcome the issue and communicate with the locals despite my lack of language proficiency.

Interviewing the Residents

Week 5-9 Proposal

Therefore, we came up with a proposal in hopes to improve the condition of the disposal area. We created a slideshow to showcase our ideas as well as intentions towards improving the community's disposal area.

Week 10 - Production & Presentation

Finally, we came up with educative mural designs and painted it on a huge canvas to be displayed at the disposal area. This process required us to contribute our time as well as bonded us as a team. We benefited by learning from each other the techniques of painting and designing a proper mural. It was my first time as well learning how to design an educational mural art, this gave me a new experience in creating educational murals which i look forward to doing more in the future.

Proposal Presentation

After completing the mural design, we presented our educative mural for the local community. It was exciting to hear helpful opinions from the residents themselves. Having them to appreciate our work was an honor.

Group Photo & Video

Final Reflection & Thoughts

The most valuable experience is to engage and get an insight into the community and the different community appreciate our help which we wouldn’t learn from any lectures in the campus, but only stepping out into the community and putting myself in their shoes to understand the situation and how they live and experience in their space. Prior to this project, i had only a little knowledge regarding composite recycling. I would definitely try to apply these recycling methods as well to my community/ house. By obtaining the experience, i was able to look apart from architecture and expose myself to something different compared to daily class activities. Me having to have done multiple community work a long time ago, it felt great to finally expose myself to community work again. It has taught me to be appreciative and patient.

Apart from that, it was a great exposure to different surroundings as i would never thought of visiting this place if it wasn't for this community service. It gave me a different view towards people of different religion, race and backgrounds, and should all be treated the same equally and respectfully. I was able to put myself in their shoes and understand their situation which really helped with us thinking of the right proposal to help the resident's needs.

I definitely look forward to doing more community work as by doing so constantly exposes me to things that i never thought i would learn from. This project has definitely kept me open-minded, considerate and understanding. With constant reminders from the different privilege that some people might not have, even the little things, teaches me to give more to the society.

Lastly, i was privileged to have the opportunity to work with my team mates, which i have learned that communication and team work is they key to a successful outcome. Throughout this whole project, we managed to balance our time out to complete this project as how we have imagined. It took a lot of initiative and proper time management.