Community Service Initiative
On the first day of this module, we were all introduced to three projects that we are supposed to choose from. Namely the Kebun-kebun Bangsar, The REX and PPR. Our group formed into a group of 8 and we have decided to help with creating a learning space, a study space for a family. As we finished filling up the name list, two unknown students added into our group, we were shocked because we didn’t know who they are. Later, it turns out to be the students from the School of Educations.
After getting back from the site we had a discussion regarding the project. As the children were having PT3 and SPM soon, we have decided not to interfere too much with their current study space,
so that it doesn’t affect their study time.
With the measurements of the room taken, we also built a 3D model in Revit to visualise the space and the possibilities of change for the room. With the Revit model as a reference, we began experimenting the arrangement of layouts to maximise the use of space.
We consulted Ms.Reene too to improve on our design. I was very moved when Ms. Reene told us that this project’s main aim is not to excel and exceed other people or win in a competition, but to help the family.
We also went to IKEA and the Furniture Store in LDP to look for suitable furniture. Eventually, we found out that the furniture in IKEA was cheaper and they are easier to install too. As IKEA have lots of different models that we can choose from, we too found the suitable furniture sets that could provide them with enough study space and place for them to put their books and their stationaries.
On the 27th of October, we went to visit the family for the last time to install the furniture. In the morning, my father and I went to IKEA to get the furniture ourselves, because we could not rely on the uncertain schedule from IKEA. After getting the furniture, we head to PPR straight away to install the furniture. As we arrived, the group members helped us to carry them upstairs. As we were assembling the furniture, the family helped us too. The father, Mr.Aladayn was really friendly, he gave us advice on how we should assemble the furniture and helped us with some of the works too.
In the end, the family was really happy about the outcome and the requested us to take photos of them with a thumbs up. I was really happy to see that liked what we did for them.
On the 5th of September, we visited the PPR in Klang. The family that was assigned to us was further away from the rest, quite fortunate that its relatively easier to park our cars there because it has a large space in front of the flat.
This first time that we visit the family, we were warmly welcomed by the family. After the introduction from our tutors, we stayed to know more about the family. It was quite awkward at first as we did not prepare much before seeing the family. Therefore we introduced ourselves and then continued with interviewing them with a chit chat.
Originally, the family had a study room, but because that there are too many items stacked in the room, the children were not able to study very well in the room. The room was around 2000mm by 3000mm, and is actually suitable for 2 to 3 persons to study together if all the items were to be moved out. Seeing this situation, we have decided to try our best to allow the children to study together, not one by one.
On the 26th of September, we had a proposal presentation. We knew that our ideas are a bit raw, but fortunately the tutors gave us a lot of suggestions of to how we should design the space. Most importantly, is to personalise the spaces for them, to make them feel that this room is made specially for them. We took that into consideration and started working on the actual furniture and the arrangement of spaces that could work for them.
On the 20th of October, we went to visit the family to inform them about our design. We are very glad that they liked the way we arrange their furniture. We also re measured the width and length of the room to make sure that our measurements are correct and the furniture could fit in the room.
Not long later, Shivon’s dad arrived and they started changing the sockets and rewiring the room. The room was immediately brightened up with the lighting. The problem of shadow casting on the table was solved immediately. As all the furniture were moved in, we started installing the mesh boards onto the wall.
