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BY DANIAL FAUZI
TRAVELLERS at klia2 will be pleasantly surprised to see a huge unique , and striking wooden structure in the form of a giant bird greeting them . 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
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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 . |
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
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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 . •
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