BRIEF
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building (BSAS) is a late 19th century building located in front of Dataran Merdeka. Back during pre-independence, this building used to house the offices of the British colonial administration. As part of a bigger team of conservators, curators, architects, engineers, interior designers, digital solution providers, FW was tasked to provide a wayfinding design solution, catering for both vehicular & pedestrian traffic, that would tie in with the cultural & historical heritage of BSAS. CHALLENGE(s)
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SOLUTION
This was an exciting project from the get-go, which gave us tremendous pride, a sense of unbridled passion, joy, excitement & a huge sense of responsibility to be part of a project team which was focused on ensuring that BSAS be restored, conserved & appreciated by both locals & foreigners for decades to come. Using as much natural material & avoiding as far as possible any direct structural installation works onto the building itself in our design proposals (to minimize potential damages to the building), we engaged various woodworking Adigurus (master craftsmen) via Kraftangan Malaysia. The idea was for the Adigurus to come up with truly one-of-a-kind, customized & bespoke signage designs as part of the wayfinding system, that will not only be functional, but act as a tribute to the skills & talent of local master craftsmen. |
SOLUTION (cont.)
Unfortunately, we never got to see the crystallization of over 30 months of hard work by the various subject-matter-experts as the project was shelved due to cost-cutting measures. We still do hold a candle that the project will be able to proceed one fine day, even without us or most of the other original consultants being onboard, as we do believe BSAS is a historical landmark that needs to be restored & conserved for the future generation of Malaysians to enjoy & appreciate |