Design considerations in shaping the identity of architectural components towards forestry research and education
The development of Research and Education Forests (REF) in Malaysia is a complement to the ongoing efforts on the importance of conserving the natural forests which are a treasure of natural heritage for the country, as well as the world. REF functions as a natural forest-based learning, research...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/113386/1/113386.pdf |
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| Summary: | The development of Research and Education Forests (REF) in Malaysia is a
complement to the ongoing efforts on the importance of conserving the natural
forests which are a treasure of natural heritage for the country, as well as the
world. REF functions as a natural forest-based learning, research and
development that requires the facilities in accordance to the sensitivity of the
forest ecosystem. Therefore, architectural components that are in harmony with
natural forest environment is needed not only to create sustainable REF
development, but as a source of inspiration of the local identity. A strong identity
is a need to establish citizen’s self-esteem and without it all, development efforts
are seen as having no purpose, so that it would not be a catalyst for the country's
progression. Studies related to identity formation with regard to architectural
design in the REF have not yet been specifically explained. Hence, this study
aims to investigate the relationship between the architectural design aspects and
the harmonization with natural forest environment to determine design
considerations in shaping the identity of architectural components within the
REF. The mixed method approach was used in the research methodology and
results were validated through triangulation which involved the reviewed data
from selected literature and case studies. The literature review covers the
constructs of Research and Education Forest (REF), design harmonization and
architectural identity. Subsequently, the case study was selected at Sultan Idris
Shah Forest Education Centre (SISFEC), consisting site observation and survey
questionnaire. The survey was based on the user’s perception to the design
harmonization with the natural forest environment and the place identity. Data
on the design harmonization were analysed using SPSS 21, where the Pearson
Correlation revealed that all selected design aspects are correlated positively to
the harmonization of the architectural components with natural forest
environment. Later, the Regression Analysis verified the proposed model
statistically and proved that harmonize design aspects had significantly
increased the design harmonization with forest environment for the formation of
architectural identity. Furthermore, Thematic Analysis on the place attachment
showed that place identity is influenced by the uniqueness of nature, activities
related to the forest environment and cultural uniqueness. Results of
triangulation emphasized that the four (4) main design considerations in shaping
architectural identity which must be taken into account by all stakeholders,
namely spatial organization, the appearance of forms, the essence & ability of
material and the style of design. The findings of this study would be able to assist
designers in creating a sustainable REF with architectural identity that could help
manifest the global obligation in preserving the world natural heritage, as well as
showcasing its distinguished national cultural heritage. |
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