@ green | MARCH-APRIL , 2023

UPM ’ s ‘ Birds of Malaysia ’ sculpture symbol of a sustainable future

BY DANIAL FAUZI

Called the “ Bird of Malaysia ”, it is the result of the grit , determination and hard work of students from Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM ). Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaafar , the Head of the Architecture Department of UPM , had tasked his students with a project designed to teach them the fundamentals of innovation and collaboration . They delivered on the challenge given to them .

The project ’ s purpose was also to pursue innovation from the architectural perspective . The students were tasked with designing a sculpture or installation and were required to pitch their idea to various industry stakeholders and obtain the necessary funds and materials to make it a reality .

However , they faced challenges as the project took off in August 2021 during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic . It was no easy task , but they adapted and overcame the obstacles . They held online sessions with potential stakeholders to earn their support and secure the materials and funds for the project .

Dr Zaky Jaafar explained :” This was a difficult time for the students . During the movement control order ( MCO ), they worked hard to hold online sessions to pitch their ideas to potential stakeholders who expressed interest in their project . However , the wood that they were working on was not suitable .” MALAYSIAN VERNACULAR CONCEPT

Fortune smiled on them when the students managed to get in touch with entrepreneur EL Law of Gain Green , who graciously supplied them with Paulownia wood for the project . It was perfect for their needs . Paulownia is a hardy wood with many industrial applications and can be used as sawn timber , plywood , mouldings , furniture , and veneer .

The students also received funding from the Malaysian Timber Council

( MTC ), while another party contributed the steel structure for their project . The concept and design of the project stemmed from Malaysian vernacular architecture .

Aryton Kong Tze Khiang , one of the students attached to the project , explained that the chosen style relates to the diverse culture of Malaysia . He said the design of the sculpture itself was symbolic .

The sculpture ’ s metaphorical bird ’ s wing design , wrapping and growing out of an egg in the centre , symbolises growth and progress . Within the wing of the sculpture are silhouettes of Malaysian personalities who contributed to the nation ’ s growth and progress .

“ The use of Paulownia wood aligned with our vision of sustainability . Not only does Paulownia grow faster than other species of timber , it is also lighter , stronger and more durable . Paulownia fits the needs of this project perfectly ,” said Kong .

SYMBOL OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Dr Zaky Jaafar said the project was to instil the spirit of developing innovation by gathering resources and funds from different parties and stakeholders . He wanted the students to broaden their horizons and look at the bigger picture from the perspective of others .

He said in this day and age , multidisciplinary collaboration and working across borders was the key to pushing for innovation .

“ Therefore , the students needed to be versatile when gathering resources and funds . They exceeded my expectations .”

He remarked they would be assessing the durability and reliability of Paulownia for housing construction and its durability as panels and furniture .

“ With further research and development , the next milestone would be to push Paulownia for housing construction .”

The road to sustainability is tricky , and those intending to tread that path must be aware of the potential obstacles and challenges . Despite the apparent hurdles , some , like these UPM students , face these challenges head-on with unwavering determination .

The students of UPM have driven the idea of a sustainable and green future , fuelling their resolve as they persevere in creating greener and more sustainable solutions .

Those who worked on the ‘ Bird of Malaysia ’ project have proven that it is not only hard work and determination that brings success but also a sense of unity , creativity and innovation . – @ Green

From left : Alnabhani Mohmmed Ahmed Abuzied , Firas Wadee Abdullah Ahmed , Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaafar , Dr Wan Srihani Wan Mohamed and Aryton Kong Tze Khiang .