jalakmas

KEEP ON DREAMING!

2011-01-09T04:11:00.000Z

Monologue:

Like many part-time blogger you will come across this sentence “It’s been a while that I have not written anything..etc”. Well, it seems to happen to me.

Honestly, I’ve been so lazy plus haven’t been able to spend the time to write down my thoughts. Not able to jot down “thought” would lead to a less thoughtful decision. My writing is becoming worst day by day. Something did spark my attention today and I would not let go of this opportunity to write about it with some laziness or busyness excuses.

KEEP ON DREAMING!

Today I came across a question from a trainee in the firm.

“Design susah ker Abang?” (Is design difficult bro?).

I didn’t want to brag, so I simply give a simple answer. “Bolehlah, design kan core subjek archi” (It’s alright, design is a core/main subject in architecture)

He replied, “Saya rasa susahlah, tak pandai nak design”.

I was lost for words. I feel sorry for this guy and perhaps this guy reminded me about my colleague who struggled in designs too. Well, you just can’t keep your silence when someone was asking for guidance.

“Design is easy if you keep your eyes open and think about what you see” I broke the silence.
“Go for a walk at places. When you walk, you will see and experience what we call space. You can’t learn that by just looking at pretty pictures”

“Selalu takder idea la bang” (Usually, I don’t have the idea bro)

“You can go out for a walk, read or just go to SLEEP!” I laugh.

He was amazed “ Tidur? (sleep?)”

“Yes sleep. Many of us designers forgot to have a good sleep. I mean sleep and have dreams too. You must have dreams! Dream about your design. We forget that Idea or Ilham belongs to God and sometimes we try too hard to do it ourselves and forget to ask for help. If you don’t find idea while you’re awake, perhaps God might give you idea while you are dead asleep.”

“Saya selalu tido tak sedar apa2” ( I usually fall asleep without remembering anything)

“It means you are too tired to dream.” I commented before we finally arrived to the office after the short lunch.

When I come to think about it again at home I’m not sure where I got those words because I haven’t written down my thoughts for quite a while. I’m not sure if it was a right advice at all. Thinking of it again whilst writing this, it seems to have some truth in it, or so I think...

Note: Please add if you have other advice that could be shared for a good use.

2010-12-07T10:34:00.000Z

FAREWELL RGP

2010-10-30T12:31:00.001+01:00

Dear Colleagues,

Today is my last working day in England. It has always been me and my wife’s dream to come to England. We were always told all the great things about this country. Thank you very much to Terry, Martin, Mike and Reid for helping me with the work permit and making our dreams come true.

These four years of living here had given me the chance to learn more about England and you guys especially had made the experience full of good memories and priceless. Thank you so much for helping me to adapt and fit well into the local community.

My boys also had great school years here in England. Thanks to this work opportunity they have achieved a lot in school especially with their English language and self-confidence. I could see them growing up to become a fine gentleman.

I shall never forget the many first moment in my life here. From attending the first football match, having Christmas dinner, office trips, car-boots to celebrating colleague retirement!

I thank you enough and describe how grateful I am for the support given to me and my family since we were here. I’m in debt for all your good deeds. I’m also so sorry if I have been a pain to anyone.

My only pray and wish for RGP is to thrive in the future and for everyone’s happiness in life. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone who wishes to visit Malaysia to come over to our place. You can keep in touch via email

“We'll meet again,
Don't know where, don't know when.
But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day”

Regards,

Fadzlan Rizan Johani

10 September 2010

MENCARI SYURGA DUNIA

2010-07-27T14:21:00.000+01:00

Ketika sibuk mengemas rumah untuk balik ke Malaysia aku terjumpa poskad lama. Poskad yang aku karangkan sebuah sajak untuk isteri tercinta. Ketika itu aku pertama kali menjejakkan kaki ke bumi Manchester. Aku masih ingat saat-saat itu seperti semalam...saat aku cuba membahagiakan dirimu.

MENCARI SYURGA DUNIA
April 2006, Manchester

Jauh aku berjalan,
Dengan harapanmu,
Ku cuba tunaikan,
Dalam mencari sebuah syurga impian.

Hingga hujung dunia ku merantau,
Tiba disini aku akhirnya,
Disinikah damai yang kau cari?
Disinikah tempat kau ingin rajukkan diri?

Makin jauh aku berjalan,
Makin dekat rindu di hati,
Sejuk menarikku untuk kembali,
Memelukmu menghambat dingin.

Doakan aku selamat,
Membawa pulang berita gembira,
Tentang sebuah syurga,
Yang ku temui dalam CINTA kita.

Hakikatnya setelah 4 tahun diperantauan, kami sedar Manchester atau di Malaysia bukanlah syurga dunia. Tiada tempat yang sempurna segalanya.“Syurga” dalam erti kata “tempat merasai kedamaian dan kebahagiaan” telah kami temui dekat sekali; di dalam hati dan di dalam jiwa; di dalam Cinta.

Malaysia Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010

2010-05-03T09:06:00.000+01:00

Photo by archhale2008

Official Website Link: http://en.expo2010.cn/c/en_gj_tpl_8.htm

A friend commented:

I got really angry when i see the malaysian pavillion at the word expo!!! BENCI!! can someone sue this people yg design benda bodoh tu??!!!! We can design better la kan!!! BODO!

This comment is quite harsh or too emotional in one way, but I could understand why my friend felt that way .What I could say if only they have learn from a Malay movie called "Ali Setan" if not the whole Malaysian history, they could find straight, honest and professional opinion about the "Minangkabau" roof.

Si B : Aku ada satu bangunan sebijik macam nie. Aku nak taruk dia bumbung minangkabau supaya dia bercirikan kebangsaan.

Jali : Tak buleh!Tak buleh!

Si D : Awat tak buleh?

Jali: Macam mana pula buleh, Minangkabau tu Negeri 9 saja!

Si E : Habis, awak mau pilih Kelantan aje? Mana adil!

Si F: Jali, hang jangan emosional sangat Jali. Kita tengah discuss problem bumbung nie tau tak? Cakap pasal semangat negeri ja...boring betul la.

Ada group member tido dan mereka terus bertengkar...

Si G : Apa asyik bertengkar saja nie?

Si D : Rilex2, nanti kita panggil Ali. Ali mai sat!

Ali : Ha, apa nie?

Si B: Kami nak minta kau punya advice. Kami nak tukarkan bangunan tinggi nie kepada bumbung Minangkabau supaya bercirikan kebangsaan.

Ali: Bumbung Minangkabau, tak semestinya bercirikan kebangsaan. Ia hanya berfungsi untuk mengalirkan air keluar. Ciri2 kebangsaan boleh didapati drpd integrasi ruang, drpd sirkulasi ruang dan penyatuan unsur2 yang tertentu. Ia tak semestinya terletak pd bumbung sahaja. Kalau bangunan tinggi kita taruk bumbung Minangkabau, tak harmoni dan tak mengikut scale. Samalah macam koboi dgn pistol pakai songkok! Haha, apalah susah sangat..hah, kacang la!

Many would then blame the politicians and their cronies on this. Some have suggested : a minister should study architecture? or architecture graduate should be a minister?

And my answer would be:

Both are not going to resolve the problem. A minister should become a real minister and an architect should become a true architect. Although, they can at least have a basic knowledge of both area which may help to a mutual understanding, when it comes to a decision related to design/architecture the minister should not have the power to intervene. Decision should come from PAM/LAM professional members.

Even when the minister has professional qualification in architecture, they must be prevented in taking part in the design decision making because it could lead to a conflict of interest. Why minister should only listen to doctors and lawyers’ advice but not architects? If the minister wants to take the design decision themselves, they must also take the liability.

A crisis like this will happen more often when an architect dreams of becoming a politician, and a politician who acts as an architect.

TWEEDBANK RETAIL PARK

2010-04-14T23:10:00.000+01:00

RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with. Visit : http://www.rgp.uk.com/

A LETTER TO FELLOW FRIENDS

2010-04-09T15:56:00.003+01:00

August 2009

Photographed & Styled by EMILIE SMITH

Dear friends,

I'm writing to you today to congratulate you on your success and achievement this year. All of you have done an excellent job and it is well-deserved.

Soon, the final year undergraduates will embark into the working world of architecture. Some may have the glimpse of what awaits them and I wish them the very best of luck and may God be with you always.

I’m not in the position as a great achiever to give you any lecture. However, I'm writing this humble letter to honour our beloved lecturer request to share thoughts with you that would perhaps help you in your journey.

My friends, once this study of architecture is completed, some of you may opt for a break and have some fun after years of hard work. I hope while enjoying this luxurious time, you could think of the next big step in life. Have a good look at it and write it down.

A NEW MIND

With many years spent on brainstorming in design, we would have a set of dynamic creativity in our young mind bursting of energy. Remember to keep it fit all the time despite possessing the privilege of the so-called salary and time of our own.

Our set of mind now would totally be different from the one we had before studying architecture. But could we recall how we used to think before being in the architecture? Many of us including myself could hardly remember it anymore. Architecture has made us a better human but how are we going to serve others if we do not understand how non-architectural people think? Although we ensure ourselves fit with the consumption of “creative pills”, we also need to include some “natural ingredient" to our diet.

These are a few suggestions to supplement our diet:

 Instead of spending all our salary on our own luxurious needs, try to give some to the poor.

 Try spending a weekend with the orphans instead of working long hours in the office/studio

 Get ourselves involve with charity work rather than doing freelance for self-profit

 Spare some time with local community activities instead of joining corporate functions

Sometimes we just need to look and listen to people. Hopefully by expanding our relationship and activities with the people in needs will help us develop a better understanding of people's hearts and hopes that we need to serve and fulfil.

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION

My friends, many of us share the same ultimate dream once we completed the architectural course; becoming an architect. Whether it is our true destiny or not is a mystery that we need to find out on our own.

Most importantly, we should pursue our passion in life and work. Passion will provide us with energy and willpower to achieve excellence and success. It will keep us going no matter how difficult it may be.

Yet many of our senior colleagues end up taking different paths. Some become contractors, photographers, 3d visualizer and some even choose to be canteen operator, but those diverted paths from architecture do not mean that they have failed in their life. They are actually successful by following their true passion and found their own destiny.

It is saddening to hear many stories of our senior friends who have come towards the end of their working life but regretted it and feel frustrated with their profession. Oddly enough, they wish they could do something else.

If we end up with different path and find other profession as our destiny, we shouldn't forget all the knowledge and skills we had learnt. Always govern ourselves with the code of professional, maintain our competency, integrity and honesty.

BUILD CHARACTER

Having to pass design subject with "A" does reflect our talent. But do we know what is the greatest threat to our talent? Lack of character.

"Character creates a foundation upon which the structure of your talent and your life can build", says John C.Maxwell in his book Talent Is Never Enough. The greater your talent, the greater we need for strong character.

Many of us would be familiar with the concept of "extension of time" and "stay back" which are often and widely used in our design course. Although it seems to reflect our passion or commitment towards design, it also epitomizes our lack of self-discipline character. Believe me if we pass our design subject, we are good enough to design, but we'll be even greater if we could design within "sustainable" time schedule.

We should write our core values or our life principles. They define what we believe in and how we live. Islam provides good example of these values. The temptation of avoiding core value such as honesty by cutting corners in work is a continuous threat in real practice. Architects are men of principles.

Architecture world is quite strangely a small world. What comes round will come round. People could spread words even faster than sharing knowledge. If we have strong character and believe in our core values, it will protect everything in our life that we dearly hold onto.

OWN YOUR FREEDOM

In the studio years, we have the freedom to express and utilise our own idea and develop the confidence to stand against lecturers defending our design. In the real world we need stronger self-confidence to propose any idea simply because we are "lack of experience". This simple reason will lock our freedom.

It is true that experience is gained over the years. But don't let it stop our imagination. We may know nothing but we are ready to learn everything. We can fill the gap of inexperience by reading, going to seminars, taking short courses or simply by asking questions. If we think our lecturers drove us to the wall with too many things to learn, I guess in real practice we need to learn even more. The only difference is nobody will force us to learn. Expanding our knowledge helps build our confidence.

Never wait for opportunity to arise. Sometimes we need to take the initiative. For many of us we won't be able to meet and consult our clients before we reach our senior years in practice. Our whole time waiting for that opportunity equates to losing our momentum. Be initiative by providing free design advice to our neighbours or friends and we never know other doors of opportunity this will open to.

Another way to own our freedom is to identify and overcome our fear. Sometimes we don't even realise of the fear growing inside us that hinders us from embracing new challenges. One example, we will gain more money when we work, and so will our spending and in worse cases stretching ourselves into more debt (study loan, car, home mortgage, credit card, etc). Having more debts will increase our fear of losing jobs (income) especially during the recession. We keep on staying in the same firm even though we are not satisfied with many issues (because we are scared of confronting and debating the issues). The worst thing is when we even sacrifice our core value and principles. By reducing debts (thus gaining financial freedom) and having sufficient fund to survive without a permanent job will free us from the fear of losing jobs. The only fear worth having is the fear of punishment from God for our sins.

Idea and knowledge are a part of God's property, never hold it to ourselves, and share it whenever possible. To hide away knowledge for the sake of personal security will only lock us from the freedom of learning more.

GOOD LUCK

This letter is equally a reminder to myself. When recession hits UK, I have seen many dreams ruined and shattered. Many people have been put out of work, even those at authoritative post like directors are not safe from this unfortunate fate and many firms collapsed. People put out their values just to keep on earning. It made me realised how fragile and vulnerable our profession is and the urgency of preparing oneself spiritually and financially.

That's all for now, I just hope my two-pence story would be of good value for your time. I hope that I could live longer to see one or more of your batch becoming legendary architects; Architects who bring hopes and create changes to make the world a better home for all.

I would like to share the final note from Sir Richard Branson in his book Screw It, Let's Do It (Virgin Books 2006):

"A journey of a thousand miles starts with that first step. If you look ahead to the end, and all the weary miles between, with all the dangers you might face, you might never take that first step. And whatever it is you want to achieve in life, if you don’t make the effort, you won’t reach your goal. So take that first step. There will be many challenges. You might get knocked back – but in the end, you will make it. Good luck!"

May God accompany you in your journey.

Salam,
FADZLAN RIZAN JOHANI
Bury, Lancashire
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/
http://papan9.blogspot.com/

BRIEF REVIEW 2009- a letter from chairman

2010-01-20T11:09:00.004Z

22 December 2009

Dear Fadzlan,

Approaching the end of 2009 it is appropriate to reflect on what has been a most difficult trading year. I believe that the problems that have contributed to this are well known to everyone.

I wish that we could draw a line under 2009 with the message that things are looking better but unfortunately the need for the micro management of finances will continue in to 2010. There are some signs of increased activity amongst our clients but this has to be translated into real projects and even then it will be sometime before each delivers a fee.

We have survived to date as a result of many painful decisions which have meant the loss of many valued staff.

We have also survived because of the sacrifices made by everyone and I want to recognize this and to thank you most sincerely for the cooperation and commitment made by all.

I am by nature an optimist and I do believe there is a bright future for the company. People ask me "can you see the light at the end of the tunnel?" My response has been that I am still looking for the …………..tunnel! I do hope that I can shortly announce that we know where it is.

I can assure you that one of our top priorities, as soon as possible and as the economic position improves, is to return salaries to the level they attained prior to the cutbacks.

May I thank you for your support and constant efforts and wish you and your families a happy and blessed Christmas and successful 2010.

Best wishes,

Terry

RGP Architects

2010-01-16T00:00:00.002Z

A list of projects that I have been working on since July 2006 until December 2009.

A SURVEY

2010-01-15T16:36:00.006Z

13 January 2010

Dear Mr/Sir,

I am Liza Noor Mahamud, currently pursuing my bachelor in Interior Architecture at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom. I have some questions meant for data collection for my thesis and really hope that you can help answering those. Thank you for your cooperation and please remember that the data are collected for a research purpose and will not be disclosed to other parties for any other purposes.

Thank you.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. What is your opinion on residential development in Kuala Lumpur?

In my "general" opinion the residential is too crowded and not have enough properly looked after parks and green area. Many parks belong to private "luxury houses". I used to live in a village in Ampang area when I was a child in 1986 near Bukit Belacan, we had more space in the neighbourhood without fences. Now the land is smaller or doesn't have any at all (condominium)! Many feel not safe anymore with grill all over the house which we didn't really need back then.

2. What is your opinion regarding two different type of houses such as Contemporary modern house and kampung (Malay traditional) house?
Contemporary modern house: If it's related to "Local" design with a minimalist twist it could give a sense of "improving one life or status" without scarifying comfort. But a pure modern house doesn't give any sense of local identity and it can be a cold and boring house.

Malay house: As a Malay, a traditional Malay house gives me a sense of nostalgia from my childhood memory. Many carving in Malay house shows how much love and dedication put onto a house. If a Malay house has similar treatment to resorts it could be a "heaven" place to stay!

3. Which one is preferable and reasons.
A Malay house with a contemporary modern touch. A resort like approach. It give you a sense of identity, nostalgia and balance between man-made and nature. Its serenity makes you feel calm and peaceful in life

4. What do you think if kampung house character and elements been adapted on urban houses?
If it's done properly,(in term of design, community, layout, social, near to workplace, etc) it could solve many urban problems and give more quality life.

5. Based on the picture attached, there is three type of houses which is rural Malay house,modern house and new idea house type. The new type of house was designed according to the residence needs,cultural and climates ,what is your opinion?
Based on the images attached, I much prefer Malay house due to its luxury space and design proportion. The "contemporary house" is too dense. The new type of house is out of proportion and seems like a typical Malay house being stacked on top of each other.

6. From your experience, what is brilliant opinion to housed a low-income people to offer living in areas with comfortable Urbanization?
It's not right for architects to segregate the rich and the poor. We should design something that narrow both social gaps. A mix development consisting of Bungalows/ semi-d and townhouse would be appropriate in sharing open spaces and reduce mass housing. Look at a kampung, not one single house is the same but they have similar identity. What makes a "penghulu" house different is the size and details yet they share the same compound.

7. Do you think competition with other housing type affect the new proposal housing type? Please give an explanation.
What effect recent housing type is based on false demand by people who were being "brainwash" by overseas luxury houses publicise in magazines, Internet,movie, and not to forget the real-state agent. Most developer just built anything to fill these demand which give them maximum profit and makes thousand stories to sell it.

But if the "people" really understand architecture (architecture for life) and have value their culture and way of life, they won't be so desperate to buy a house for the sake of investment! They should demand a better design, larger garden, bigger house, a well community,etc. They ultimately ask the architects/designer recommendation rather than estate agent because a good architect will give you better life and a good estate agent will only increase your debt!

When this happen (nobody buys "poor" design) developer will look into a proper design which meets this "cleverer" customer which usually they done just for the rich and famous (luxury properties).

COLOUR PALETTE

2009-10-14T22:06:00.003+01:00

“We have all been given RED, BLUE and YELLOW, but it is up to us to mix it into GREEN, ORANGE or PURPLE; so is LIFE...” Fadzlan Rizan Johani

MENCARI SEBUAH KEMAAFAN

2009-10-09T11:52:00.004+01:00

Buat semua teman,

Sesungguhnya dosaku ini kepadaMu Allah amatlah banyak. Sedang hakikat masa hidup yang diberikan ini hanyalah pinjaman, tetapi aku masih tewas dengan godaan dunia dan bergelumang dengan dosa. Kepadamu tuhan aku mohon keampunan dan moga suatu hari nanti jiwa ini bisa suci untuk-Mu.Terhapuslah segala dosa ini sepertimana gugurnya dedaun dimusim luruh.

Seandainya ditambah lagi dosa-dosa ini dengan salah-silap terhadap manusia, maka tidak terdayalah lagi aku menghidu Syurga-Mu itu.Segala perbuatan dan kata tidak disenangi, yang menguris hati, perselisihan faham, permusuhan, kezaliman, buruk-sangka, umpatan yang merosakkan jiwa dan segala keburukan. Perbuatan yang disedari dan yang tanpa disedari. Harapnya janganlah disimpan dihati-hati mereka kemarahan atau kebencian.

Saudara dan sahabatku, aku bukanlah manusia yang terbaik buat kalian.Kerana ketika ini aku tidak dapat menemanimu mengharungi kesusahan dan bersamamu meraikan saat kebahagiaan. Sedang aku kini belajar mengenali diriku sendiri, mungkin suatu hari nanti aku bisa mengenali baik budi kalian.

Aku pinta hanyalah kemaafan dari setiap kesalahan dan dihalalkan untuk segala pemberian. Seandainya aku punya peluang lagi, ingin sekali lagi menyusun jari, mendakap dan memeluk kalian meminta keampunan seolah inilah pertemuan terakhir. Maafkanlah aku, atas segala kelemahan diriku ini.

Di Aidilfitri ini aku doakan kalian terhapus segala kesedihan, dipanjangkan umur untuk beramal, diberkati hidup, dan berbahagialah didunia dan diakhirat. Moga kemaafan akan membawa perkhabaran gembira dari Allah.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

RESTAURANT & DELI

2009-09-13T13:30:00.002+01:00

What if 3d software never existed? Can we still deliver a photo-realistic images or even a decent illustration anymore? Are we still able to manually draw a proper 2 way perspective?

I've been asked to deliver two illustrations for Restaurant & Deli proposal. Although the proposal mainly involve interior work, RGP also suggested that the client need to restore the original feature outlook of the listed building. Thus only a few minor design is introduced to reduce the impact to surrounding building.

However, due to budget/time constraint I was asked to deliver the illustration without using 3d software to superimpose the existing photo. To be honest I would straight away use the 3d software but my superior believe (the fact that it's only minor design) it can be done more quickly without 3d modelling. My solution is to use photo images from the Internet and produce the illustration by using Photoshop and completing it within a day! I took the challenge and crack my head off to finish it on time.

Images from Internet

It doesn't look too bad once it's done. "It's magic !" says my director. What I learnt from this simple exercise is the importance of my artistic skills such as scales, proportion, composition, perspectives angles, etc. Many of us have long forgotten these skills as we depend more on 3d software. No doubt software is important but so is our drawings skills. Nowadays, can we still draw a proper drawing "live" or inpromto in front of clients? A proper and understandable drawing, not those scribble sketches that only us could understand. I'm sure most of us architects get this response from non-architectural people when they learn of our profession, "You must be good at drawings?". I wonder are we really good at it?

Existing Front photo

Proposed Front

Existing Rear photo

Proposed Rear

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design.

9th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

2009-09-03T02:00:00.002+01:00

in the making of: DEMI CINTA AKU BISA HIDUP (for love I shall live)
The artwork is still in working progress. Early preview as an epitome of our 9th wedding anniversary. May love stay in our hearts forever.

DEMI CINTA-NYA

Tiada 'hadiah' ku beri,
Tiada 'majlis' kita rai;
Tiada lebih terbukti Cinta-Nya,
Selain hari ini kita bersama.

Selang bertahun,
Bersulam suka duka;
Seksa kita lalui,
Mengertilah rasa bahagia.

Godaan dunia,
Hingga Cinta jadi mainan;
Syukurlah pada Tuhan,
Hati kita tetap satu.

Mimpi aku genggam jemarimu,
Saat nanti kedut membalut;
Nyatalah kau temanku,
Kekasihmu setia.

Biar dunia tinggalkan kita,
Demi Cinta-Nya;
Kita bisa hidup,
Selamanya di alam abadi.

Poem by : Fadzlan Rizan Johani
2.00 a.m, 3hb September 2009
Selamat Ulang-tahun ke-9 sayang,
Terima kasih kerana masih mencintaiku.

I Know Nothing

2009-07-16T00:20:00.003+01:00

" True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing, and in knowing that you know nothing, that makes you the smartest of all." Socrates

BRITISH STANDARD 9999

2009-07-14T17:40:00.003+01:00

LEICESTER STREET, NORTHWICH

2009-05-27T21:00:00.004+01:00

First draftFinal Render

First draft

Final Render

More often than not, I've been asked to do simple facade design. Under my director's supervision I had developed a skill of knowing what to expect. Familiarised with the firm design approach and "style".

Nevertheless, like most designers we tend to push the boundary further. We would not easily mould into certain monotonous work. Like many other young designers, we love the adventure of new design and the process that goes with it.

During this exercise, I was asked to re-use typical retail design facade constructed on other site. However, due to the uniqueness of the corner entrance (not like central entrance in typical design), I took the opportunity to give a little bit extra look on the front.

I've learnt that cost control in this tight budget building is crucial, therefore any suggestion to "push the boundary" is taken with extra thought. Despite such worriness in mind, we as designers need to be "brave" to venture into new set of design territory. During this exploration, one must not get carried away.

In the end, this "out of box" exercise for the typical design gets the clients' approvals. I must always bear in mind, "no single project is identical" thus could prevent us from self-plagiarism and deliver to client a fresh thought. Remember, although some creative design may not be first acknowledged, it has won your freedom!

OPERABLE WALLS

2009-05-22T13:00:00.002+01:00

TOK! ABANG DAH BALIK

2009-05-15T00:00:00.003+01:00

TOK! ABANG DAH BALIK

Sudah lama kita berjauhan,
Hari ini aku pasti akan pulang,
Tok sedang menanti menahan nyawanya,
Terlantar dia menahan sakit di Kampung,

Hari ini sesibuk mana kerja, aku tinggalkan!

Hari ini segunung emas harta, aku biarkan!

Hari ini sekuat mana pelukan kekasih, aku lepaskan!

Aku tinggalkan segalanya demi bersama segalanya,

Pulanglah aku pulang,
Cepatlah cepat aku tiba,
Ingin sekali aku disisinya,
Sekarang juga di saat ini...di waktu ini.

Mengapakah begitu lama untuk sampai?,
Kapal terbang apa yang begini lambat?,
Jarak benua ini bukannya jauh sangat,
Takala jasad menunggu hatiku sudah sampai.

Angin sedang bertiup kencang,
Hari pun menjelang senja,
Tok duduk bersimpuh dipangkin rumah,
Berteriakan memanggil aku pulang,

Berlari-larilah aku kerana takut,
Kerna dihambat rotan acuhan Tokwan,
Ini semua angkara leka bermain,
Penatnya hingga terbongkang aku di riba Tok,

Oh! Terjaga dari tidur di belai Tok,
Usap tangannya ini masih terasa segar,
Teriakan Tok itu sedang terngiang-ngiang,
Memanggil aku segera pulang...Abang balik!

Tuhanku! Hentikanlah masa ini,
Untuk Kau panjangkan umurnya,
Kuatkan semangat tenaganya,
Hinggakan derita tidak terasa,

Tuhanku! Sebelum Tok menjadi tetamuMu,
Izinkan aku mendengar kata "sayang" sekali lagi,
Untuk tamatkan penantian rindu dendam kami,
Tok! Abang dah balik...

Fadzlan Rizan Johani 14 May 2009
(sebuah catatan awal sewaktu menunggu penerbangan pulang 2 April 2009)

Al-fatihah buat Allahyarhan Che Jam binti Omar (Tok/Nenek) yang pulang Rahmatullah pada pagi 23 April 2009.

HAPPY HOME

2009-05-14T19:00:00.001+01:00

Port Dickson, April 2009

"A home design from happy experience in life, will bring true happiness to one; imposing a build that we thought would create happiness may only give misery to another!" Fadzlan Rizan Johani

E-BULLETIN

2009-05-08T10:48:00.000+01:00

Final design

This is an e-bulletin designed for RGP marketing strategy. The purpose of this e-bulletin is to publish the latest news about RGP to our existing clients and potential future client.

The bulletin is composed in only one page to provide brief news of the month. This monthly news will then be compiled for RGP's seasonal news booklet.

First Option

This first option was designed by another colleague of mine in the office. At first I was shown the design of the layout. The director gave the same brief for me to work on another option. He decided not to show me the design in order to get another fresh idea without referring to the first option.

For many of us this could be a competition which they'd fight to win. But for me not knowing the look of the first option gives me more freedom in design. Instead of worrying whether my design would be chosen or not, or to follow the previous company CV's design or any formal format of design, I was simply having fun producing a 'fresh' design.

Second Option

As a result, the e-bulletin that I produced is out of RGP's design norm. When the director revealed the first option, I was expecting a very formal format design. Although the director feels excited about my option, he still feels comfortable with the first option (formal design). However, instead of choosing any particular one from the two options it is a good idea to combine both design elements to produce the best option.

The final design is composed in In-Design publishing software. This is another good software that I'd recently learnt and currently practiced to produce excellent presentation.

During this small exercise I've learnt and proved that creativity should be explored with greater freedom. There should be less or no restriction on ideas. Only after creativity has grown that it could then be moulded towards the requirements.

Dear Friends

2009-05-06T15:02:00.008+01:00

Dear Friends,

It's been quite a while that I have neither posted any news nor updates on any of my work recent projects on this blog. Some of you may know that I've just returned from a four-week holiday in Malaysia due to urgent visit to my critically ill grandma and also attending my brother's wedding. Our hectic schedule during the stay did not permit me much time to update anything.

However, we are now back in England. The blog will resume as per usual with some story from home during our visit.

We've lost one of our beloved family members and at the same time receive a new member in the family. It appears that life seems different, the event seems to prepare me for my 30th life in the small world.

Cheers,

FADZ

KUALA PILAH LIBRARY

2009-03-16T21:00:00.000Z

My old diploma practical training log-book (completed in year 2000).

"Our commitment is always towards design and planning excellence underlined by a thorough and professional approach."

SNO Architects Sdn Bhd

303 Blk G Pst Dagangan Phileo Damansara

9 Jln 16/11, off Jln DamansaraPetaling Jaya

46350 Selangor

TEL: 603-7661-2333

WATER STREET, RADCLIFFE

2009-03-15T15:54:00.002Z

Proposed a new retail and food outlet.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

NATURAL LIGHT & NATURAL VENTILATION

2009-03-15T10:32:00.003Z

Key Element:

Basic elements of all these systems
Applications on Schools and other buildings
Comparison of different natural ventilation and natural daylight systems
Overview of potential market and applications
Application of solar driven natural ventilation

Dedication and Talent

2009-03-12T15:43:00.002Z

"There are two qualities that neither employers nor educators can instill and without which, it is assumed, one cannot become a “good” architect: dedication and talent." Dana Cuff – Architecture:The story of Practice

Depression 1

2009-02-22T21:30:00.011Z

I've been busy lately, not because of work load at the office but heavily indulging painting artworks. I've also absolutely no idea to write about anything at all. Well, this could be something to write about but somehow the feel is not there. I guess my feel has gone into the canvas!

There is a lot of things that I could write about with the many things happening around. The recession is deepen, more and more people are out of work. Even I'm currently at the risk of redundancy. My sister completed her medical foundation studies in Ireland, my younger brother's married and we've bought tickets to fly home to attend his wedding reception in April.

The sudden of all the arising problem and things happening around me have somehow stopped and froze in time. I do care about things happening around me but the fact that I'm so into my painting as if nothing is more important than the painting itself. From time to time I'd be staying up late with just myself alone inside the painting. Sometimes when I stop to rest from doing the painting it was already 2 in the morning. And when I'm at the office I just couldn't wait to finish the job and go home to my painting..crazy, ain't it?

When you come to think about it this is one way to keep my mind straight and not be so depress with the current economic situation. I don't have any PlayStation or Wii to enjoy with (try to avoid the children from becoming addicted to computer games) but I do have my own playground. My playground is the canvas that could also take hours and hours of adrenaline. Similarly with games consul, I also could change my own environment and places that I wanted to be but with far more freedom.

This somehow doesn't mean that we need to run away from the fact and problem in life. Like one of my favourite Malay movie Ali Setan quote "Hidup nie mesti ada problem, kau perlulah banyak bersabar"(You will have problem in your life, but you must be patient). We need to be prepared for the worst to come not to expect for the worst never came. The things that we'd planned if the D-day were to happen. InsyaAllah, we could make it trough the storm.

However, the real depression is the uncertainty of the situation. Yes, we would never know what was going to happen tomorrow but the certain amount of confidence is needed to keep us from the limbo. We could not carry on with the normal life or plan anything ahead if there is no real date for the D-day. It may or may not happen.

Enough with this babbling. I will get myself or yourself more depress. I will follow the step of Le-Corbusier in making artwork and becoming the master of myself. Till then, I shall indulge myself back into the lovely sunny painting of mine. Cheers!

SYUKUR

2009-02-13T20:00:00.004Z

Wsalam,abg Lan.

Khabar baik.yup study kat politeknik sem akhir dah lepas ni habis la blajo diploma.ooo april ni nak balik malaysia seronok tu boleh makan malay food

Nanti datang port dickson boleh la jumpa kalau sempat ni miro sertakan contact number 019XXXXX.

Dah dapat information dari abg Lan sungguh terperinci kajian abg lan.Banyak saya dah kawan2 saya belajar dari presentation board abg lan..this rabu saya nak kene buat report
untuk urbanism di kl tu.Sistem swoc yg abg lan guna cukup berkesan dari segi nak membuat kajian.

Kami semua DSB6/2 mengucapkan terima kasih dalam membantu kami menyiap dan memahami about urbanism.Insyaallah nanti saya shared what a new thing in kl.

Syukur Alhamdulillah, serba sedikit blog ini ada membantu insan lain. Ada sesuatu yang lebih memuaskan diri dari hanya kepentingan kebendaan. Rasa syukur kerana dalam perjalanan kehidupan ini kita dapat menjadi seorang yang membawa kebaikan kepada orang lain. Namun masih terlalu sedikit bakti yang ditaburkan berbanding nikmat yang telah diberikan.

Mungkin begitulah perasaan cikgu-cikgu, pensyarah dan para pendidik yang membuatkan mereka terus gigih dan tanpa jemu menyumbangkan bakti. Walaupun nanti mereka sudah tiada, ilmu yang mereka taburkan akan terus hidup dan dimanfaatkan.

WEST LOT - Precint 10 Putrajaya

2009-02-09T16:05:00.013Z

"Our commitment is always towards design and planning excellence underlined by a thorough and professional approach."

SNO Architects Sdn Bhd
303 Blk G Pst Dagangan Phileo Damansara
9 Jln 16/11, off Jln Damansara
Petaling Jaya
Selangor
46350

TEL: 603-7661-2333

VOLUME 1-CONTENTS

2009-02-08T09:00:00.001Z

PRACTICAL TRAINING LOG-BOOK

2009-02-02T21:25:00.004Z

I am planning to digitalised and published my old diploma practical training log-book (completed in year 2000). It has been sitting on the book shelves for a long time that it could be forgotten. It may not be the greatest practical logbook that you'd ever seen but it did help me to get a decent grade. Like many others, practical training gave us the first glimpse of the real architecture practice and the impact on oneself after the training is undeniable.

Perhaps by recompiling and publishing it here could be of benefits for others which is way better than keeping it to myself. Maybe someday when I'm gone this humble experience won't be buried with me. It shall live on with those who had benefited from it.

I would like to send my gratitude to the Principal of SNO Architects (Saifuddin & Ong Architects Sdn.Bhd), Mr. Saifuddin Ahmad for giving me the opportunity of a life time. Special thanks also to the personal in-charge in guiding me through out the practical training, Mr. Zafarullah Rozaly & Mr. Obliza and all fellow technicians in the practice. I really hope that I'd never forget these gentlemen and their good deeds would stay fresh in my mind. Thanks.

Note: I will post the scanned pages from time to time. So bear with me and please follow the tag PRACTICAL TRAINING LOG-BOOK to keep keep track of the right pages.

RETURN HOME

2009-01-30T15:24:00.007Z

"Finally, we are going to fly to a bright and sunny place..our homeland."

picture: back in 2006

BERITA DARI RANTAU-Alleycats

Angin pantai
Dingin mencengkam
Ombak laut
Mengajak pulang

Di sini ku rindu
Kampung halaman
Yang lama kutinggalkan

Betapa indahnya negeri orang
Tak seindah tanah tumpah darahku
Wajah sanak saudara yang tercinta
Bermain di mataku di kala sepi

Sawah ladang dan pohon nyior
Dengarkanlah jeritan hati
Kuingin nyatakan...
Aku sering merindu belaianmu
Aku sering merindui kasihmu

Le Corbusier - The Art of Architecture

2009-01-18T19:00:00.001Z

"How's the exhibition?" asked my chairman as we walk out from the exhibition hall.

"It is totally inspirational. It shows the artistic side of Le Corbusier which I rarely see. I really love the fact that he also did a lot of paintings himself because I've started to do more painting recently. And I love it!" I replied.

"What kind of painting do you do? Is it landscape, abstract or human figure?

"Well I got the theme of dream places or home. Places we dream to be staying in. I'm about to finish a coral home with a couple snorkeling with all kind of beautiful fish surrounding them. The place is just outside their home in the coral beach. I've been thinking of working on a 3-series of painting once the coral home is done". I continued explaining to him as we walked towards the nearest cafe.

Le Corbusier - Art of Architecture, presented by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Trust in the Crypt of Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral, as part of the city's European Capital of Culture 2008 celebrations.

I've been given the opportunity to visit the exhibition, thanks to the Chairman and Directors of RGP who organized our trip to Liverpool on the 9th January 2009.

Here is exerpt of phamplet on the exhibition:-

Earlier that day before we got in the exhibition area (the Crypt) we had the opportunity to see the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral which actually sit on top of the exhibition spaces. The Cathedral is a modern design; different from the typical gothic architecture. The transformation of the design from traditional gothic to modern architecture without losing their faith's identity makes me wonder about Islamic contemporary design Mosque around the world. How do we do it?

The Le Corbusier -The Art of Architecture Exhibition area is really an epic design. The whole space volume is made of different kind of bricks arrangement. The 1933 workmanship and skills represented in the Crypt contruction is amazing.

Although I might be able to look up for some of the exhibits on the internet but it would never leave the same feelings to see the actual artwork with your bare eyes. Looking at the real things had given me more sense of scale. The scale somehow plays a role in transmitting the impact of the artwork to my imagination. The actual big canvas, the scale model, the tiny sketches, the floating sculpture and the real chair would not seem as inspirational as looking at images of them on the web.

Photo: STOP THE WAR

2009-01-04T16:59:00.004Z

Dear Geoff,

My name is Fadzlan. I was at the 'stop the war in Palestine' demonstration held at Bury Town Hall yesterday. I made the stamp out of my painting of a bullet and distributed the stamp during the demonstration (it should be printed on better paper or maybe a badge) http://papan9.blogspot.com/2009/01/stop-war.html

These are a few photos taken at the event. I was not in front line of the crowd as it was my first experience to join such event. So, I only managed to snap pictures in between the crowd. Hopefully it will inspire people to stay together in fighting injustice and stopping wars.

I've got 2 active blogs where I posted my small part in stopping the war.
http://papan9.blogspot.com/
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/

Hopefully your effort will bring peace and harmony.
FADZLAN RIZAN JOHANI

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will finally know peace." Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

"Where there is love there is life." Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalakmas_photography

Poster: STOP THE WAR !!

2009-01-03T13:01:00.004Z

Do your part in stopping war by copy the URL poster in your blog http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3162321299_8c048f54e4_m.jpg

STOP THE WAR !!

2009-01-03T01:36:00.002Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2009-01-01T20:16:00.004Z

Happy New Year 2009! Hopefully we would all be stronger and more patience to face the next challenges to come. May this new year also be filled with joy and happiness.

Visit my new blog : http://papan9.blogspot.com/
PAPAN 9 is created with the hope that it could serve as the platform where my boys; Azhan and Nine could exhibit their art work and get more exposure to the world of art at a young age, an opportunity that I'd missed when I was younger.

NON-DOMESTIC ENERGY PERFORMANCE

2008-12-22T01:00:00.001Z

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_Performance_Certificate

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/publiccommercialbuildings/energyperformancecertificates/

JUWITA CITRA TERINDAH

2008-12-21T10:48:00.005Z

bagaimanakah aku gambarkan
rasa yang membakar jiwaku
tiada kata yang tak klise
bagai habis bahasa bermutu

sedang engkau
teristimewa buat diriku
ilham tugu Taj Mahal didirikan

barangkali kita perlu
melihat di sebalik materi
kau wanita aku lelaki
ayuhlah kita mengikat janji

yang kau juwita
menolak segala dusta
citra yang terindah
cerita yang sakti

ku serahkan nasibku pada cinta murni
juga ku rasakan bukti
patahkan ku hancurkan badanku
kau tetap menjadi

oooh oooh pujaan
oooh oooh juwita
kau segala-segalanya

kau juwita
menghidupkan jiwa yang lara
menggoncang kalbu
yang lama membeku

ku serahkan nasibku pada cinta murni
juga ku rasakan bukti
patahkan ku hancurkan badanku ini
kau tetap menjadi

oooh oooh pujaan
oooh oooh juwita
oooh oooh pujaan
oooh oooh juwita
sempurnakan cintaku

Title: Juwita Citra Terindah
Artist: M.Nasir

Juwita Citra Terindah - M. Nasir

"Acapkali dalam hidup kita akan tempuh kepayahan dan kesukaran. Biar apa pun kesukarannya, selagi kita dicintai dan mencintai (tuhan, manusia, makhluk lain). Hati yang dipenuhi kegembiraan kasih-sayang akan menyakinkan harapan esok pasti ada..dan mendung ini akan pergi. Kerna mentari sedang menanti disebalik awan. Cahayanya sinari kehidupan." Fadzlan Rizan Johani

BENEFITS AND ADVICE ON BLOCK PAVING & LARGE ELEMENT PAVING

2008-12-15T01:00:00.001Z

http://www.tobermore.co.uk/index.cfm/website_type/2

http://www.acheson-glover.com/documents/pdfs/enviroperm.pdf

MEDAN PASAR

2008-12-10T00:00:00.001Z

1. Option A1

This one of the projects that I had on during my stay in MOCA and Quill back in 2004. I was assisting one of the Directors to design a new facade for an existing building. It would be transformed and given a fresh contemporary facade appearance. The interior of the building would also be re-designed to meet new needs.

2. Existing Site Photo

The original intention is to apply similar architecture profile that we had used in other completed building and re-applied it again in different composition. Perhaps, it would create a new look and at the same time, keeping it as an "economical" architecture. Because by using the same profile you could re-produce some unique design shapes without creating a new mould or set of production line to make it.

Personally, I didn't have the opportunity to meet with the client. I simply designed the facade under the directors' supervisions. While assuming that the contemporary style is the theme for the client, I was carrying out several options within design approach.

3. Early design
4. Rendering study

By then, I was assuming that the design I made was the right approach for the client as in the next stage I was instructed to refine the initial design and superimpose the visuals into its existing urban environment photo. This project had pushed my skill up a notch towards advance level in using 3D Vectorworks. Thus, with a little fine-tuning on the design and refining the quality of visuals I believed it would be the ultimate solution for the client.

5. Option B1

6. Option C1

7. Option D1

I was wrong! I didn't know what exactly happened but the next thing I know a totally different approach was introduced. A more traditional approach of post-modernism. This a massive re-design exercise as it didn't adapt any of the previous contemporary design. A clear signal that the client had never intended to change the typical taste for building design but just to refine that typical look.

8. New design option

So, what went wrong here? If we had listened to the client's needs in the first place, the next design development should had only been refining the design not to re-design. Or did the client just change their mind? If the client doesn't really know what they want (usually they do) it is obvious that the project would be a chaotic one when only one design approach (contemporary) is presented for them to choose. These are the crucial questions that we need to ask and seek answers for to indicate whether we are able to lead our client for better or worst.

Perhaps we need to listen to the the story of Piano's unique interview: LINK

I might not had been given the privilege to deal with client during those early years (maybe because of inexperience), but I still had the opportunity to learn something out of it. The most important thing is to be initiative by constantly learning from any resources within our reach even when we could only participate in the project from behind the scenes.

the story of Piano's unique interview

2008-12-09T09:00:00.001Z

Sketch courtesy Renzo Piano Building Workshop

the story of Piano's unique interview will live on in architectural lore for, well, probably forever. In either an act of brazen hubris or absolute humility, the story goes as follows:

"...the final architect to interview, Renzo Piano, arrived with one associate—his daughter, Lia—and took just ten minutes to set up. When the committee members entered the room, they were surprised to see that he had no presentation materials with him. He had used the ten minutes to pull a table from the corner and rearrange all the chairs into a circle around it. Piano told them that he didn’t know how he would design a new California Academy of Sciences. He would need to hear from them before he could answer that question. “If you go into a meeting and you already know everything,” Piano says, “you lose the capacity to understand."

http://www.calacademy.org/

RGP- CDM Design Manual

2008-12-08T01:00:00.003Z

A CUP OF MY LIFE

2008-12-07T11:38:00.004Z

"We drink in a different cup every day, but we still drink the same thing...water." Fadzlan Rizan Johani still life sketch on dining table 07/12/08

THE ASCENT OF MONEY

2008-12-04T16:26:00.007Z

The Ascent of Money adalah antara siri TV yang aku dok layan sekarang nie. Bukan cerita fiksyen tapi dokumentari sejarah institusi kewangan.

“In this six-part series, historian Niall Ferguson tells the story of money and the rise of global finance. Bringing context and understanding to the current economic crisis, he reveals how the history of finance has been punctuated by gut-wrenching crashes. Each episode shows how a big bang in the ascent of money has changed the course of history.”

LINK: http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/A/ascent-of-money/index.html

Walaupun ia hanyalah sebuah dokumentari, namun cara olahan dan penyampaian yang jelas serta padat menjadikan dokumentari ini berbaloi untuk ditontoni. Ia memberikan penerangan tentang sejarah kewujudan bebeberapa instrumen kewangan (duit kertas, emas, bond, saham, insurance, dll). Menceritakan tentang kejayaan dan kegagalan instrumen tersebut di masa lampau. Kemudian beliau membuat perbandingan dan analisa dengan senario instrumen tersebut di dalam ekonomi semasa.

Secara kebetulan kebanyakan kegawatan ekonomi kini merupakan kegagalan yang sama dihadapi berulangkali tetapi didalam versi yang berbeza. Ternyata kita gagal mengambil pengajaran dari sejarah bagi “menyediakan payung sebelum hujan”.

Sepanjang siri ini ia telah membuka ruang minda yang lebih jelas tentang apa sebenarnya wang. Nilai dan persepsi terhadap semua instrumen kewangan ini berubah sama sekali. “Money is about trust” hinggakan emas pun sebenarnya bukanlah instrumen yang selamat seperti yang diwar-warkan jika hilang kepercayaan terhadap nilai sebenarnya. Begitu juga dengan membeli saham ketika harga murah juga tidak memastikan pulangan yang besar.

Aku dah mula faham serba sedikit agenda disebalik instrumen kewangan ini. Dan bagaimana dengan mempelajari sejarah dapat membantu kita dari membuat kesilapan yang sama di masa depan. Selepas menonton siri ini, tidaklah pulak membuatkan aku pakar macam mereka yang benar-benar mendalami ilmu kewangan. Tetapi cukuplah sekadar menambah panduan dalam pengurusan kewangan diri sendiri.

Antara panduan kewangan diri yang aku dapat simpulkan setakat ini adalah (banyak lagi sebenarnya):

1. Mempelbagaikan portfolio kewangan bagi menangani pelbagai kemungkinan.

2. Pada masa sama perlu mengimbangi simpanan/pelaburan di dalam pelbagai portfolio.

3. Elakkan terlalu fokuskan hanya satu jenis portfolio kewangan sahaja seperti membeli terlalu banyak rumah atau terlalu banyak simpanan di dalam sesebuah bank.

4. Sentiasa berhati-hati dan tidak hanya mengikut nafsu dan trend semasa dalam membuat keputusan.

5. Semua instrumen kewangan ini bersangkut-paut secara tidak langsung. Kesan terhadap satu instrumen mungkin membawa kesan kepada yang lain.

6. Mempercepatkan pembayaran hutang (loan rumah, kereta, pendidikan dll) atau elak dari berhutang.

7. Menyediakan simpanan tunai yang mencukupi.

8. Mendapatkan maklumat yang betul dan sahih tentang struktur perniagaan/saham sebelum membuat pelaburan.

9. Sentiasa mengemaskini perbelanjaan semasa bagi mengimbangi inflasi dan keperluan semasa.

10. Janganlah kita menjadi orang yang tamak kerana pastinya bukan sahaja “orang tamak selalu rugi” malah merugikan orang lain.

11. Lebih utama dari itu adalah penting bagi kita berjimat-cermat dalam berbelanja mengikut kemampuan diri tanpa mengorbankan keperluan asas.

Mungkin ilmu ini tidak dianggap penting bagi kebanyakan orang. Hanyalah masalah orang yang kaya dan banyak duit saja. Tapi kebijaksanaan menguruskan kewangan peribadi (biarpun sedikit) merupakan perkara asas dalam menguruskan kewangan yang lebih rumit dan besar. Setidaknya ia dapat digunakan dalam menguruskan kewangan rumahtangga.

Jika jumlah yang kecil kita gagal menguruskannya apatah lagi dengan nilai yang lebih besar dari itu.

Masih teringang-ingang cerita dari seorang kawan; “Ada sebuah keluarga datang ke UK untuk belajar. Tetapi kerana terlalu mahukan kereta mewah untuk dibawa balik ke Malaysia, beliau sanggup mencatu makanan keluarga dengan hanya makan telur (hanya kekadang makan ayam) serta menambah air kosong di dalam susu cair anak-anak”

Alangkah bagus jika pengorbanan berjimat–cermat tersebut digunakan untuk simpanan pendidikan anak-anak di masa depan.

Sesungguhnya wang sukar dicari, menghabiskannya mudah sekali.

Nota: dialu-alukan kawan-kawan yang pakar dalam kewangan untuk memberikan panduan dan pandangan dalam pengurusan kewangan.

INCLUSIVE DESIGN

2008-12-01T01:00:00.001Z

The main topics covered in this RIBA Assessed CPD are:

DDA Part III - the aims, requirements and scope
AD M 2004/BS8300 - the difference between compliance and best practice
Implications - the duty owed by specifiers and service providers
Architectural Hardware - innovative solutions towards Inclusive Design

NHS HEALTH CENTRE

2008-11-19T23:44:00.006Z

This is quite a different design proposal from my usual commercial design; a Health Centre for our National Health Service (NHS). This centre is specialised for treating mental illnesses but it doesn’t mean we are building an asylum! The term mental health is much broader. Believe it or not, every one of us might have experienced it once in our life time.

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

Reference: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Mental-health/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/What-is-it.aspx

Basically, the design is to exploit the slope on the site. This would allow more space for emergency entrance, services and parking lots on the lower ground.

My senior designer insisted on creating a simple architectural box shape for the NHS building. However in making this simple box design it will be difficult for client to see the beauty of it without the assistance of 3d illustrations. Fine detailing is also a crucial factor to enhance the beauty of the design.

The design reminds me of the brutalism concept which heavily rely on concrete as the main material. Brutalism might work well to symbolise the nature of the building as a Mental health centre.

The term Brutalist Architecture originates from the French béton brut, or "raw concrete", a term used by Le Corbusier to describe his choice of material. The Brutalist style of architecture spawned from the modernist architectural movement and which flourished from the 1950s to the mid 1970s
Reference : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brutalism

I would disagree in certain aspect of the design. I've always believed that the surrounding environment plays some parts in helping one to quickly recover from one's illness. So, the brutalism shouldn't be used as the architectural style instead "architecture with nature" may promote healing and looks more appealing and calming to patients.

The building should be set in a park to create an inside-out experience through the calm nature. Although it is located in the middle of a town, the building should be invisible yet accessible to the public. I should introduce an interior garden and parameter green screen. Once you get inside the building it should bring you into a very different calming place...a peaceful sanctuary, far away from the bustling town, thus slowly ease the pain.

This several idea on the aspect of the natural healing in the design would be considered in the next design development. Maybe I could make a research paper about it.

Our environment (our home and business) often reflects our current psychological and spiritual state. Because we spend so much time inside these environments, they influence our efficiency, health, relationships and prosperity. Environment is stronger than will power. It is important to acknowledge these influences and create a balanced, harmonious place for ourselves, our family and friends.

Believe it or not, it's always true that people are influenced by the environmental magnetic resonance which has a great impact on the body physically or psychologically. Researches have been proved that people live next to power lines or mobile phone transmitters are at great risk of getting cancer or leukaemia clusters. Why? It's because of the bad environmental magnetic resonance from the power line or mobile phone transmitters outside.

Bad environmental magnetic resonance might also be caused within our room inside by the misplacement of the room or any object. When our living and work environments are out of balance, it may bring in disease (including cancer) and prevent those who live in the environment from responding to treatment.

Changes in the environment may help prevent disease and promote healing. For example, simply placing the bed of a person with cancer, or at risk of cancer, in a new position is thought to prevent the development or progression of the disease.

Reference: http://www.ehelps.org/about.htm

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

SWEET BRIAR RETAIL PARK, NORWICH

2008-11-10T22:00:00.000Z

This is just a very simple A3 retail unit type located in an existing retail park.

The challenge on this tight-budget, functional and simple building is to make it interesting.
In this design the building's interestingness is created through:

1. Exposing the end detail structure of the building.

2. Installing a unique gutter shape

3. Composition of materials

4. Keeping rain water down-pipe (RWDP) in between the feature wall which will break the monotonous of a long wall thus turns RWDP into a feature detail.

This simple design creates more character and to a certain degree of detail towards making a simple building looks interesting without using a fancy, complex and expensive solution.

"We tend to feel as a highly creative designer in solving complex design, however in daily simple life we also actively solve simple design problem yet still makes you a creative designer."

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

BERITA SEDIH DARI KAWAN

2008-10-21T00:20:00.000+01:00

Kawan: nak bagitau ni..
Kawan: we are leaving soon

Pak Lan: leaving gi mana?

Kawan: balik tanah air

Pak Lan: kenapa? nie pasal UK recession ker? ...

Kawan: begitulah

Pak Lan: emm...Pak Lan pun tgh depressed jugak nie..sebab ada 2- 3 org member yg keje kat city dah kena berhenti dah...ofis Pak Lan pun tgh dlm process re-structuring
Pak Lan: alhamdulillah so far Pak Lan dlm kategory yg selamat lagi..
Pak Lan: bebudak yg keje bahagian teknikal yang byk effect
Pak Lan: really sad to hear this news...
Pak Lan: dahlah bukan ramai pun member kat UK nie..

Kawan: time is really bad la Pak Lan..

Sedih...kata yang belum dapat mengambarkan perasaan bila mendengar seorang lagi kawan yang terpaksa dibuang kerja. Ini bukan berita yang pertama kali saya dengar; sudah banyak...berat mata memandang berat lagi bahu yang memikulnya.

Dari Abdullah bin Umar r.a Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda,:”Orang Islam itu saudara orang Islam, ia tidak menganiayanya dan tidak pula membiarkannya teraniaya. Sesiapa yang menolong keperluan saudaranya, Allah akan menolong keperluannya pula. Siapa yang menghilangkan kesusahan orang Islam, Allah akan menghilangkan kesusahannya di hari akhirat kelak. Siapa yang menutup rahsia orang Islam, Allah akan menutup rahsianya di hari akhirat kelak.”
(Bukhari)

Bulan-bulan mendatang ini merupakan bulan yang amat mendebarkan semua. Kebanyakan syarikat sedang melaksanakan proses penstrukturan semula syarikat. Ramai yang akan dibuang kerja dan statistik kerajaan UK sendiri membayangkan angka pengangguran akan meningkat sehingga 2 juta orang!

Yang lebih menyedihkan lagi untuk pekerja asing seperti kami, tiada bantuan yang akan diterima oleh kerajaan UK seperti pelbagai "allowance" dan "income support" kerana status kami sebagai pekerja asing. Penyelesaian terakhir bermakna pulang ketanahair. Maka makin kuranglah kawan-kawan yang masih tinggal, sudahlah memang sedia tidak ramai.

Walaupun ini bermakna negara Malaysia akan kembali menerima kepulangan tenaga kerja tetapi amat malang sekali jika tahap pengalaman dan kepakaran masih belum mencapai kematangan maksimum.

Berita-berita ekonomi amat merisaukan. Mungkin ada yang tidak mahu mendengarnya kerana "stress", tetapi adalah baik untuk mengetahui keadaan semasa bagi kita membuat perancangan yang sebaiknya. Rentetan kisah kegawatan ekonomi kali ini dapatlah saya saksikan sendiri serta menimba pengajaran dan pengalaman yang amat berharga.

Hakikat bagaimana ketamakan manusia membinasakan negara.Ternyata amalan riba (yang diharamkan oleh Islam) yang menjadi pegangan kapitalis barat boleh membawa kemusnahan. Sikap rakus manusia mengejar kekayaan yang mudah dan cepat melalui jual-beli rumah dengan harga yang berlipat kali ganda menyaksikan ia memakan diri. Mereka yang membeli rumah semata-mata untuk "investment" menyaksikan harga rumah mereka menurun hingga ketahap "negative equity". Serta pengajaran bahawa cara hidup yang melampaui kemampuan dan budaya berhutang boleh menjadikan negara bankrap.

RGP ( firm akitek tempat saya berkerja) juga sedang melalui proses penstrukturan semula. Ini bagi mengimbangi kelembapan ekonomi semasa. Walaupun telah diberikan jaminan bahawa perkerjaan yang saya lakukan sebagai "architectural designer" akan terjamin, saya tetap melaksanakan langkah-langkah perlu bagi menghadapainya jika ditakdirkan nanti. Umpama menyediakan payung sebelum hujan...

Doa saya agar teman-teman yang menerima kesan dari krisis ini akan dipermudahkan jalan keluar dari kemelut tersebut. Dan bagi mereka yang akibat ketamakannya telah mengheret membinasakan orang lain, bersedialah menerima doa dari insan yang tertindas dan teraniaya ini. Moga apa yang berlaku menjadi perkara yang terbaik diberikan oleh Allah.

Dari Mu'adz Bin Jabal R.A: "Aku telah mendengar Rasullulah SAW bersabda: "Takutlah kepada doa orang-orang teraniaya kerana doa mereka adalah yang paling mustajab. Sesungguhnya tidak ada hijab antara doa mereka dan Allah SWT."

Teringat saya tentang sebahagian isi email klien lama saya:
"Anyway take care and be optimistic leave it to GOD ALMIGHTY and don't be moved by matters around."

WORKINGTON - Unit 5

2008-10-19T09:00:00.011+01:00

This post is a continuation of series of my previous 3d visualization and design that I did for a simple design Retail Park.

WORKINGTON - Unit 6

2008-10-18T09:00:00.008+01:00

The existing photo
Visual 1-superimposedVisual 2

This is the second option for the proposed project in Workington. It is called Unit 6 whereby the whole site would be treated as newly built and not a re-refurbishment project. The existing building will be demolished and replaced with a new building.

RELATED LINK
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/2008/10/workington-unit-7.html

http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/2008/07/workington-unit-a1a2a3.html

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

WORKINGTON - Unit 7

2008-10-17T09:00:00.007+01:00

This entry is a continuation to one of my previous posts regarding a project located in Workington. Images shown above are some of the perspectives of the new building that would be built as a temporary unit for an existing tenant while their permanent location is being refurbished. Once the refurbishment is completed, this unit will later be rented out to a new tenant.

LINK
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/2008/07/workington-unit-a1a2a3.html

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

HOTEL CONVERSION 2

2008-10-14T00:30:00.002+01:00

It's quite a while since I last posted anything on my design works. So, these are some updates on RGP projects which reflect the office's skills on conservation developments.

The first entry on the project has been posted in this blog.
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/2008/08/hotel-conversion.html

I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to be a part of this special project. I've also learnt and got a better understanding of the process beneath the design. This project has opened up my mind on the perspective of old building; how one still manages to respect the old by introducing the new.

The following is one part of the design analysis done for the project.

1. CIRCULATION

Our approach has been to create a contemporary “feature” link at first and second floor levels with secondary links to the different levels at the front and rear of XX Street.

We have produced a number of 3D design sketches for the link to explore the design options. The link provides a contemporary contrasting structure when measured against XX Street and the Y building, but only touches the two buildings with the minimum of structure and minimum of interference with the building fabric.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

AKU YANG DEMAM

2008-10-12T17:31:00.004+01:00

Dari Abdullah r.a katanya:”Aku datang mengunjungi Rasulullah s.a.w ketika beliau sakit, lalu kusentuh baginda seraya berkata:”Ya Rasulullah! Demam anda bertambah teruk.” Jawab baginda,”Memang demamku sama dengan demam dua orang kamu. Kataku pula, “Semoga anda mendapat pahala berganda pula.” Jawab baginda:”Semoga!” Kemudian sabda baginda pula:”Tidak ada seorang muslim yang ditimpa cubaan berupa sakit dan sebagainya melainkan dihapuskan Allah Taala dosa-dosanya, seperti pohon kayu menggugurkan daunnya.”
(Muslim)

Sumber: http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/e-hadith.php

INSPIRING STUDIO

2008-10-06T17:30:00.014+01:00

This is my recent working studio at home. It's not quite a proper room where it is just a small portion at the corner of our living area. I managed to squeeze everything nicely in this small studio with the help of a few compact furniture.
I had always love to have a studio at home house. I started to have this idea of a studio kind of environment since I was in form 1. For as long as I can remember I used to occupy the empty maid's room at the back of our bungalow quarters. I would put all my art equipments and material in it. It was sometimes filled with lots of junk which were mainly all the rubbish that I think could be recycled and later re-used in making artworks.
Sometimes I don’t know why I love to be in a studio. There is always something to do. It some how makes me feel more creative and become more focus on doing something. Maybe the studio environment makes me believe that I'm a creative person. It give me a sense of creative affirmation and the belief that I am a creative person. What I imagine to be true in fact becomes true. When I got the opportunity to study architecture, my course mate and I were introduced to the life in studio. I just loved it. With the set of drafting table, drawer, partition boards it felt like a dream come true. I would spend hours doing work and studying in the studio. Like most of my studio mates, I always thought our studio as our second home. We worked, slept, and ate at the same place. Studio life is one of my best memories. But during my final bachelor degree years I started to have a family and couldn't spend so much time in the studio at the university as I used to. Instead, I managed to create a better studio right at home.
In my little studio at home, I love to paste all my idea on the wall or a board. Although sometimes it will look messy during my work, most of the time I'd always keep it tidy and properly arranged. I don’t really like to start working in a messy condition; it'll only make my mind miserable. In my studio I also love to arrange all books and transform them into a mini library. Sometimes I'd just spend times reading books over and over again.

Now days, my two boys are starting to like the idea of having this studio too. They know where to find their material for their art work and also when it's time to keep it tidy. We also make some art projects together. The book in my small library also consists of my children's books. Today, the studio is not just for myself but for everyone in the family to indulge together.

These are some key points I found in the Internet about working in studio.

1.For many artists, creativity is stagnated if there is no place to work. A great remedy for this is an in-home art studio. Such a studio needs to be equipped with the necessities to allow you to work smoothly and effectively on your craft. It should also be a peaceful and tranquil space to work.

2. create an atmosphere conducive to creating works of art

3. hang work of artist that inspire you as well as your own work

4. to have mood improving abilities

5. improving the quality of your work

6. The idea is to make whatever items you use completely accessible while you are working

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI 1429 Hijrah

2008-09-29T02:00:00.002+01:00

Esok atau lusa kita semua umat Islam bakal menyambut kedatangan Syawal dan merayakan Hari Raya Aildilfitri. Ramadhan yang pergi harap dapat bertemu lagi.

Pasti ramai yang sedang sibuk dengan persiapan untuk pulang beraya di kampung. Ramai juga yang dah "shopping" raya. Membeli baju baru, kuih-muih dan barang hiasan rumah.

Anak-anak pulak sedang sibuk menghitung hari untuk mengumpul duit raya. Duit poket "extra" yang diberi setahun sekali. Sekolah pun mungkin dah mula bercuti.

Ramai juga pasti dah takda "mood" bekerja atau sudah pun balik beraya.Inilah masa yang ditunggu-tunggu untuk menziarahi sanak-saudara dan kawan-kawan yang jauh.

Di kampung, persiapan sudah sedia menantikan orang kota pulang beraya. Pelita telah sedia dipasang. Kampung yang sunyi kini kembali hingar-bingar dengan pelbagai cerita dari orang bandar yg pulang ke kampung. Ketibaaan seorang demi seorang ahli keluarga menambahkan lagi kemeriahan.

Segala suasana itu amat kami rindui. Masa kanak-kanak kita yang telah lama ditelan arus kedewasaan. Masih ingat bagaimana sibuknya Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman dengan terpaksa diheret berjalan dari satu kedai ke satu kedai untuk membeli hanya sepasang kasut.

Teringat bagaimana aku sibuk membantu arwah Tok Long membakar kuih sepit di bawah beranda rumahnya.Tok pula dulu masih kuat membuat ketupat dan rendang.

Terkenang rasa gembiranya pulang kekampung berhari raya. Semangat untuk mengumpul duit raya sehingga menjelajah keseluruh rumah dari hujung ke hujung kampung. Hinggakan terpaksa membuat beberapa "round" demi mengosongkan poket baju yang makin sarat dipenuhi duit siling.

Ketika ini Wardina sedang seronok menyanyikan lagi-lagu raya. Mungkin dia cuba mengubat kerinduannya dan menghidupkan suasana menjelang hari raya. Aku memahaminya. Ini kali ke-3 buat aku dan kali ke-2 buatnya tidak pulang berhari raya.

Anak kami Azhan dan Zulkarnain masih belum dapat merasai suasana hari raya di Malaysia. Masih belum dapat bersama kawan-kawan sekampung "meronda" berhari raya. Tidak berpeluang bersesak-sesak membeli belah baju raya. Belum dapat merasai suasana balik berhari raya di kampung. (dulu balik masih kecil lagi)

Inilah antara harga yang perlu dibayar dalam perjalanan kami. Perjalanan untuk mengubah nasib dan memberikan harapan baru buat anak-anak. Sedang kita tidak mahu mereka melalui kesusahan masa lampau kita, seperti mana ayah kita juga tidak inginkan kita melalui kesusahan mereka; kita juga terpaksa mengorbankan detik manis dalam kepayahan itu.

Namun disebalik segala ralat di Aidilfiri nanti, kad ucapan, SMS, panggilan telefon, email dan pelbagai lagi ucapan telah diterima.Terima kasih juga buat kawan-kawan yang mengirimkan ucapan hari raya. Tanda ingatan semua amat kami hargai.

Sedang aku terkenangkan masa-masa lalu, sebuah bungkusan telah tiba. Bungkusan yang membuatkan Azhan dan Nine begitu teruja dan seronok...sangat gembira. Segala ole-ole dan kuih-muih yang terkandung didalamnya mengubat sedikit kerinduan kami... terima kasih tidak terhingga kami buat mak dan ayah. Moga Allah sentiasa melimpahkan rahmatnya keatas mereka.

Dan buat semua, terimalah poskad raya yang "poyo" sebagai tanda ingatan kami. InsyaAllah kalau ada umur panjang boleh kita berjumpa lagi...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalakmas_photography/

MENARA LEMBAGA GETAH MALAYSIA - MRB TOWER - episode 1

2008-09-21T05:25:00.003+01:00

In this post, I’d like to feature one of my Architecture school projects which I did during my year 2. It was the semester when we set our design study to reach out for the sky; we were studying about High-rise and Skyscrapers.

We were given the chance to choose our own client. Then, we got to create our own design brief according to the clients’ needs.

To tell you the truth, in order to create a real life brief one needs to spend an awful lot of time in bureaucracy and make appointments and go through a lot of procedures before one could actually sit down and formulate a real design brief.

I had no luxury of time because I was already shouldering a huge responsibility as a father to my two sons but I knew this should never be used as an excuse. So to ensure that I still work within the time constraint, I decided to choose a client that I could easily have good access of information. I chose Malaysia Rubber Board as my client simply because my father is one of the government officers who work for the Board. My father provided me information based on his years of service in the board which was a tremendous access for me to get first hand information straight to the core of understanding the need of a “client”.

Malaysia Rubber Board in fact has a headquarter office, known as Menara Getah Asli which currently stands right across from the infamous Petronas twin towers. So this brief was formulated based on the possibility of expanding the board in the future.

The project for this semester might be seen as just a “dream”, however the process of making this dream had already made it a reality.

BOARD 1

2 x A0 saiz Presentation Board

This design approach is dedicated to develop a new building for Malaysia Rubber Board (LGM) that had contributed lots of new technological advances in the rubber industry in Malaysia for the past 75 years.

The new building reflects the corporate image of LGM as one of the government
bodies besides the Petronas which keeps Malaysia on the edge with other developed countries.

Everything that makes a giant tree comes from the seed. All that is needed for the growth of a seed is a little bit of sunshine, water & minerals. The same applies to the rubber industry, the seed is the most vital element in developing it.

LGM is very synonym to rubber as the main function of the board is to seek for new technology in the rubber industry. This could be easily seen from the LGM logo itself, where a rubber seed is proudly portrayed on it. Again, this shows the importance of rubber seed in the industry. These are some of the reasons why the rubber seed is used for the main concept to unleash the corporate image of LGM. The floor plan of this building takes the shape of the rubber seed which is safely protected with an outer layer that looks somewhat like a shell. If one has the chance to analyst the nature of rubber seed one will find that there is an empty space in the centre of it. And this empty space provides good air circulation for the seed to grow.

The nature of the rubber seed is directly applied to the whole building, in order to create good ventilation and gathering space on the constrained office. This will create a double layered surface for the building. Both layers are connected to one another by a corridor which allows the occupants to experience a wider view of the outside world.

A tower sitting on the ground becomes the landmark of the overall LGM district, and it also functions as the services centre. This is to avoid the services from cramming up the building if it is put together with the office area.

Once the shape of the floor plan is extruded to construct the skyscraper, it looks like a fully grown rubber tree. The building is substantially defined by the decisions to raise the shape of rubber seed on inclined columns above the hollow centre. The inclined columns allow the number of piles to be reduced and also give this otherwise building a more dynamic appearance to the outside world. Additionally, in lifting it out of the ground, gives it the dignity and authority which that site, at the entrance to the office, needs. A further bonus is improved air flow across the site.

The construction of the LGM building does not interfere the existing trees around it as these trees are well preserved by the inclined columns. The columns provide a shady canopy walk which allows passersby to go through the 'forest'. The existence of the canopy walk creates a shortcut to the KLCC Tower and a clear pedestrian walkway.

As a child who had grown up in the rubber growth environment, it is a pride to see the LGM (MENARA GETAH ASLI) new building standing tall with the other great skyscrapers as prestigious as KLCC Twin Tower and The Asscot Hotel.

1. The first massing follows the building height of the WISMA ROHAS PERKASA as a limit for the proposed tower.It creates a continuous building plane along Jalan P.RamleeHowever, it does not respond to the height of THE ASCOTT APARTMENTS.This 21-level height massing fails to give an inclined climax to the lot angle, but it only give a monotonous picture of the continous building plane on Jalan P. Ramlee. For the continous builing plane on Jalan Pinang, itsmassing causes sudden declined climax towards the existing skyline.

Notes: Unfortunately, some of the information of this project is still kept by my former lecturers and several bits of information were left at my home back in Malaysia. To be continue...

MRB TOWER by Fadzlan Rizan Johani is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Malaysia License.

ESOK PENGORBANAN INI MEMBAWA KEBAHAGIAAN

2008-09-14T21:21:00.007+01:00

Hari ini aku cuba membuka dokumen design dari Semester Bachelor 02. Ada kawan lama yang belum menamatkan pengajiannya meminta aku maklumat berkaitan "highrise design". Jadi sebagai membantu sedikit sebanyak kawan tadi, aku pun mula mengodek fail-fail lama.

Secara kebetulan dalam salah satu file tersebut ada tertulis sebuah sajak. Sajak yang tanpa tajuk itu berbunyi :-

hari ini aku tiada disisimu,

tetapi masih dihatimu,

hari ini kau juga tiada disisiku,

tetapi kau tetap dihatiku.

tiada ucapan perpisahan,

kerna kita tidak bisa terpisah,

hanya kata kerinduan,

yang menyambung kejauhan.

hari ini kita sama-sama kesejukan,

hari ini kita sama-sama kerinduan,

hari ini kita sama-sama ketandusan,

tapi esok pengorbanan ini membawa kebahagiaan.

Fadzlan Rizan Johani

21/7/2002

Sajak ini sedikit sebanyak membawa aku kepada kenangan susah payah kami dalam permulaan hidup berumah-tangga. Pengorbanan dan kepayahan dalam menguruskan hidup sebagai seorang mahasiswa sepenuh masa dengan assignment bertimbun-timbun; sebagai seorang pekerja part-time bergaji rendah dengan kerja yang banyak; dan sebagai seorang bapa dengan anak yang masih kecil.

Moga sajak ini turut memberikan harapan kepada mereka yang memilih jalan seperti kami agar terus menyakini segala pengorbanan dan kesusahan ini, InsyaAllah akan menjanjikan kebahagiaan.

ESOK PENGORBANAN INI MEMBAWA KEBAHAGIAAN by Fadzlan Rizan Johani is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Malaysia License.

RAJA FUTSAL

2008-09-13T05:29:00.004+01:00

Nie aku tolong promosi bisnes kawan sekolah masa MRSM Jasin (SPM96). Kalau sesiapa berminat boleh hubungi terus tuan punya Futsal. Jangan risau aku takda ambik komisyen punya. This is the least that I can do to help..a friend.

Memperkenalkan RAJAFUTSAL, yang terletak di tengah-tengah pusat pekanParit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor.

Terletak bersebelahan Kolej Bandar UTHM di Taman Kristal (belakangWellward), RAJAFUTSAL mempunyai 3 court futsal artificial turf, yangdiluluskan oleh FIFA, menjadikan permainan anda lebih baik darisebelum ini.

Bagi peminat-peminat sukan futsal di Parit Raja, anda tidak lagi perlubermain di atas lantai simen dan tidak lagi perlu menunggu berjam-jamuntuk mendapatkan court futsal yang terhad.

RAJAFUTSAL - EVERYONE CAN PLAY!

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tempahlah sekarang di 017-3740606 atau 07-4544060.

PERCUMA BAJU bagi setiap pendaftaran sebagai membership RM20/setahun

visit : http://www.rajafutsal.com

DETIK BAIK

2008-09-13T01:35:00.000+01:00

6 March 2008
Kadangkala ada baiknya jika kita menikmati setiap hari dengan menghargai detik-detik baik untuk hari ini. Ia akan merangsang kita untuk melangkah di hari esok dari terhenti di masa lalu memikirkan kesilapan yang telah berlaku.

JUCTION 27

2008-09-12T00:00:00.001+01:00

3 September 2008

1. Junction 27 was originally designed and built by RGP Architects. Due to the expansion of the retail park, a new retail unit would need to be built.

2. Because of the lack of available site within the retail park, the proposed new retail unit would replace the new built smaller unit. This small unit will be knocked down (although the unit was quite new) and would be replaced by a bigger retail unit.

3.I believe the client has considered the profit of taking the bigger unit as more worthwhile despite the fact that they would have to demolish the existing unit.

4. I had produced the preliminary drawing which consisted of plan and elevations.

5. Interestingly, the use of 3d modelling and visual assistants was to convince the client that the new bigger unit would not block any signage of the current tenant.

Visibility study

6. With my own initiative, I secretly rendered another view looking towards the entrance. This is because most of the photos that I needed to use to superimpose the illustration would not be able to reveal the whole design of this project. If I used those photos, the illustration would only feature a portion of the back and the side of the building.

7. The client soon agreed and believed that the building would sit in its place without disturbing the existing tenant signage and visibility. They were also amazed with the extra view from the entrance that I’d produced.

One of the comments was, “If only we could build them this easy. It looks so real as if we could move into the building straight away.”

Well, it's not really that great, is it?

Existing building

Proposed Retail Unit

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

RIVERSIDE RETAIL PARK

2008-09-11T00:00:00.000+01:00

01 June 2007
This post is a little back-dated in comparison to the completion of this job

1. The project is a clear example of a building that evolves to response to its surrounding.

2. The corner of the retail was previously where the external garden centre sat. They intend to extend the retail parks up to the edge of the site perimeter. Hence, the garden centre would have to go.

The Site Plan

3. This new extension is hoped to attract more customers.

4. To realise the hope of drawing more customers, the new extension would need a new landmark sign for the site.

5. The landmark would also serve as an entrance to the retail park for the pedestrians.
6. A few sketches were made to study the pedestrian flow towards the retail park and the amount of visual appearance of the landmark from vehicular traffic.

7. This juxtaposition of both elements (vehicle and pedestrian) creates a certain degree of angle to locate the best position for the landmark.

8. Later, a few version of detail façade treatment was sketched. It should have taken a few bits and pieces of design elements from its existing building.

9. The gable roof form on the façade was being transformed into a semi-translucence (could be polycarbonate) pyramid.

10. When the design detail was finalised, we then need to look at different aspects of signage position, size and types for potential tenants.

11. The signage should be flexible enough to cater different types of layout.

12. Bear in mind that signage is an important aspect in any retail development.

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

MIND PUMPING

2008-09-10T04:45:00.004+01:00

1.If you act like an idea person, you will become one. It is the intention and going through the motions of being creative that counts.

2.If you want to be an artist (architect, designer, etc) and actually go to through the motions of being one, you will become at least an adequate artist.

3.This world offers no guarantees, only opportunities and vicissitudes.

4. When you reach for the stars you may not get one, but you won's come up with a handful of mud either.

Reference: Thinkertoys, 2006 by Michael Michalko

vicissitude (plural vicissitudes)
1.Regular change or succession from one thing to another, or one part of a cycle to the next; alternation; mutual succession; interchange.
2.(often plural) a change, especially in one's life or fortunes.

KUMPULAN DPI OFFICE

2008-09-05T05:00:00.000+01:00

Finish illustration back in July 2005

This was one of my freelance works that I did with DOT (Design Option Team) several years ago. Unlike other illustration services that DOT’s offered, this assignment was inclusive of designing the exterior façade.

Initially, the client had a schematic plan designed by their own architect. I was then appointed by the client to design the exterior facade.

Re-visited diagram

1. My approach for the design was to divide the huge massing of building created by the architect’s schematic plan into several proportional cubes.

2. This cube would provide a building mass that could easily be tailored into a practical design facade.

3. The central part of the building (central cube & stair cube) was designed with sleek, sharp and clean design. This was introduced to bring a strong corporate feature to the client.

4. Both right and left side of the cube was designed with more highly structured detail. The use of vertical and horizontal louvers had also been introduced. This would not only reduce solar gain but also expose the beauty of its details. A sloping roof had been chosen instead of a flat roof on the central cube.

5. This design approach should break the “fat” massing into slimmer, elegant, sexy and proportionate building. The detail of each side keeps the main focus and intention of the building towards the simple entrance. The simple solutions portray a strong statement of business foundation.

Re-visited building massing

Re-visited building section

The client loved the solution and design but unfortunately I couldn’t further proceed the work to the next stage. I had to surrender the design back to the architects as I couldn’t commit to work on it on a full-time basis.

This simple exercise proved to me that I also had the capability to manage and make decisions in real life design. But in my full-time office (during my younger years), I was only the background figure who assist the senior designers.

The success of this exercise (and many more jobs similar to this) however doesn’t mean that I should be a senior designer straight away. It also doesn’t mean that I should just lay back and become a follower. I believe that in the long term learning process I should also learn to give design direction.

If you could not have that opportunity in your office (due to inexperience) you could start doing it on your own...gaining experience.

The Bottom Line

2008-09-03T06:04:00.002+01:00

"It's true that you need friends in life in order to lead a more fulfilled life, but it's not a good idea to get too hung up about how many friends you have. It's all about quality-- not quantity."
September 3, 2008 Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

SENYAP TAK BERERTI SUKA ?

2008-08-30T03:20:00.012+01:00

Alhamdulillah...lega, saya dah "add comment" ucapan sempena Ramadhan kat semua kekawan dalam friendster. Letih gak lah dok klik sebanyak 193 nama dalam list tu (taklah ramai pun kawan). Tapi takpalah tujuan ikhlas saya adalah untuk memohon maaf kalau ada apa apa kesalahan yang saya buat secara sedar atau tidak.

Saya harap sesiapa yang dalam list tu yang kurang senang saya dok hantar comment, silalah beritahu melalui friendster mail. Sebab ada diantaranya yang tak pernah menjawab. Saya tak pasti apa masalahnya.

Kalau orang kawin senyap masa mak ayah tanya setuju kawin ker tidak itu tandanya setuju..saya tak pastilah pulak dalam soal ini.

Saya cuma khuatir jika ada yang sekadar "being polite" , mengharapkan agar saya faham-faham sendirilah yang kehadiran saya tidak disenangi. Saya tak faham kenapa...

Jika ada yang dah tak active, tak boleh online,malas atau ada yang terlalu sibuk dan lain-lain yang sewaktu dengannya. Tak payah susahkan diri balas, itu saya boleh faham.

Biarpun tak semuanya akan dijawap tapi sekurang-kurangnya "comment" tersebut diharap dapat merapatkan silaturrahim. Dimaafkan atau tidak lain cerita yang penting saya telah melakukan bahagian saya. Yang lainnya terserah kepada Allah.

Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda yang maksudnya:”Sesiapa yang ingin diluaskan rezekinya, dipanjangkan umurnya, maka hendaklah ia memanjangkan silaturrahim”

Kami sekeluarga ingin mengucapkan SELAMAT MENYAMBUT RAMADHAN AL-MUBARAK. Kami memohon ampun maaf atas sebarang dosa atau kesilapan. Semoga Ramadhan membawa keberkatan kepada semua. PAKLAN+FAMILYhttp://jalakmas.blogspot.com/

ARTWORK DOCUMENTATION

2008-08-29T11:44:00.011+01:00

These few days I have been busy documenting my boys' artworks since they started schooling in England. I've tried to document it before but without the right equipment the documentation process could not happen. I've just gotten myself a new all-in-one printer scanner Epson Stylus DX4450 which means the documentation process can now resume.

Sketch by Muhammad Azhan (An)

Sketch by Muhammad Zulkarnain (Nine)

I need this documentation so that all the boys' stuff can be stored in a proper storage box. Thus reduce the mess that they made around the house.

Some of the work is just scribble on used paper. But I didn't throw it away because I believe the process of producing artwork is as important as the completed masterpiece itself.

This scribble work can later be used to explain to the boys how their skills have developed. Sometimes through out the whole process we will find different possibilities in life.

As for me I find that the process of documenting their works is a refreshing task which has the same feeling as one felt when one goes to different art gallery. It occurred to me that their artwork could have been something similar to what I'd done and forgotten during my own childhood; the way they made artwork straight from their heart and without much judgement.

Our children are learning from us but we also could learn from them. Together, we could respect each other.

KUNJUNGAN SAIFUL DAN ARINE

2008-08-28T04:00:00.001+01:00

3 & 4 hb ogos 2008

Pada hari ini ada kawan saya mai bertandang ke rumah. Saiful (bukan Saiful Bukhari) dan Arine kedua-duanya merupakan kawan sekelas saya semasa di tingkatn 4 dan 5 di MRSM Jasin, Melaka.

Depa baru sahaja mai di Leicester, UK pada awal tahun nie kerana Arine melanjutkan pengajian keperingkat phD. Dah ada dah rupanya kawan saya yang bakal dapat phD. Syabas! Saya dulu pun bercita-cita di suatu hari nanti untuk menyambung pelajaran. IsyaAllah suatu hari nanti.

Kembara Apol kali ini adalah bagi memenuhi jelajah stadium bola di UK. Dua hari sepanjang di "North West" sempatlah cover stadium di Manchester dan Liverpool. Saya rasa memang menjadi impian setiap peminat bola untuk datang menyaksikan sendiri stadium bola pasukan yang diminati.

Terima kasih bebanyaklah kerana sudi bertandang dan tidur dirumah sewa kami yang tak seberapa ini. Seronok rasanya bila sesekali ada kekawan jauh mai ziarah. Kalau yang datang dapat tido kat rumah pun bagus sebab lebih banyak masa untuk bercerita.

Apa yang lebih manis tentang pertemuan kali ini adalah dapat bertemu dengan anak perempuan mereka Nor Aliya Amira. Maklumlah kami ada anak jantan saja. Dulu semasa kami melawat mereka di kampung Amira masih kecil lagi. Sekarang dah pandai cakap. Apa lagi bukan main seronok anak jantan aku Azhan dan Nine ada member baru.

Sepanjang duduk 2 hari kat sini sempatlah main bersama, meloncat sana-sini dan juga buat lukisan bersama. Saya buka kertas lukisan panjang dan biarkan mereka bertiga bermain dengan warna. Biar mereka dapat lakukan satu aktiviti bersama yang dapat disimpan sebagai tanda persahabatan yang berkekalan.

Peluang pertemuan ini dapatlah kita menyegarkan kembali kenangan-kenangan dulu semasa sekolah serta berbicara tentang kehidupan kini. Lantaran dari sembang-sembang ini akan mengeratkan persabatan kita. Ia juga sebagai peringatan kita betapa masa begitu pantas berlalu dan terlalu singkat untuk kita saling membenci sesiapa. Terima kasih atas persahabatan ini.

PILIHANRAYA PERMATANG PAUH

2008-08-26T03:00:00.002+01:00

fotoBERNAMA

Hari ini Selasa 26 Ogos 2008. Hari yang bakal mencatat sejarah buat kampung aku di Permatang Pauh. Ia juga bakal menjadi sejarah yang tersendiri buat seluruh rakyat Malaysia.

Malangnya aku tak berpeluang bersama di dalam hari penuh bersejarah tersebut. Kuranglah satu undi untuk Permatang Pauh. Hanya doa dan solat hajat yang mampu aku iringi.

Aku telah cuba sedaya upaya untuk mencari peluang untuk pulang. Tetapi tiada rezeki nampaknya. Aku hanya mampu mengikutinya melalui dada akbar online, blog-blog dan youtube. Makin banyak pembacaan dan pelbagai hujah yang dikemukakan makin bertambah kematangan dan tekad untuk menegakkan kebenaran. Begitu besar beban tanggungjawab mengundi kali ini juga hingga terbawa ke dalam mimpi.

Aku bermimpi berjalan bersama ayah melawat kedalam sebuah penjara. Didalam penjara tersebut aku melihat seorang banduan yang ditutup kepalanya dengan sebuah balang sehingga dia tidak boleh berkata-kata dan menunjukkan muka. Si banduan tersebut diberi makan hanyalah melalui duburnya menggunakan tiub getah. Ayahku berkata "Begitu kejam sekali siksaan terhadap banduan ini sedangkan apa yang cuba dikatakannya adalah kebenaran".

Kemudian aku bersama ayah berada di koridor penjara sambil melihat gelagat seorang lagi banduan. Keadaannya seperti orang yang hilang akal, bercakap sendirian dan duduk berkeliaran ditepi sebuah tangga. Tiba-tiba dia mati dalam keadaan berdiri. Mata dan mulutnya terbuka luas seperti orang terkejut. Ayah berkata kepadaku lagi "Marilah kita baringkan mayatnya, walaupun dia bersalah tak baik kita membiarkan dia mati di dalam keadaan berdiri".

Aku tak tahu apa maksud mimpi tersebut. Mungkin hanya sekadar igauan mimpi. Atau mungkin lebih dari sekadar mimpi... adakah sebuah petunjuk ?

Namun biar apa pun perbezaan politik atau maksud mimpi , harapan serta doa aku agar Malaysia akan kembali menjadi negara terbaik untuk keseluruhan rakyatnya mengecapi kebahagiaan dan mencapai impian. Jadikanlah segala harapan ini satu kenyataan!

"Pilihan Raya Kecil Permatang Pauh punya impak nasional "Salmiyah Harun

"Permatang Pauh bertanggugjawab lakar sejarah perubahan " Wan Nordin Wan Yaacob

" Terserah kepada pengundi Permatang Pauh menentukan bukan sahaja masa depan kawasan mereka tetapi juga negara." Tugas berat pengundi oleh Oleh AZMAN ANUAR(WARTAWAN UTUSAN).

"Tomorrow is the D Day for The mother of all by elections , the Permatang Pauh Parliamentary seat contest" A message to Permatang Pauh voters

"Jangan! Jangan sembah aku. Aku bukan gila disembah. Aku bukan sebagai Sultan Melaka yang mengagung-agungkan pangkat dan kebesarannya. Aku Jebat, rakyat biasa. Pangkat aku untuk kepentingan rakyat. Bergerak aku untuk membuat jasa kepada rakyat, dan aku rela mati untuk rakyat.. kerana aku mahu keadilan, keadilan. Keadilan!" - Hang Jebat

ROBIN RETAIL PARK

2008-08-19T09:00:00.002+01:00

1.This is just a small proposal for a development within an existing retail park. Unlike other retail outlet this one is categorised as Trade Counters.

2.Trade Counters unit is for retailers to keep their stock within their distribution area. It also acts like a small warehouse or a place for franchisers to collect their stocks.

3.One major difference in this type of retail unit is not having a display window to exhibit their goods or product.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

MIX DEVELOPMENT, WIGAN

2008-08-18T09:00:00.005+01:00

1.This is a mix development consisting of offices, SOHO (small office and home office), flats and also MENCAP (voice of learning disability) facilities.

2.Initially it was schematically designed by a colleague in residential department. Due to the time constraint I was called to finish up the design with a complete internal layout detail. This would mean that I had to work without changing much of the proposed elevations.

3.The only elevation that could be changed and need to be amended is the one for the SOHO units.
4. The challenge was to keep the variation in designing internal layout to a minimum. The initial space zoning may not be similar in volume but I manage to reduce the variation by introducing similarity in interior units such as typical toilet layout, kitchen, etc.

5. In this exercises a new presentation format is not needed as the format had been done previously. Thus I would not only have to follow the format and colour technique but also to draw the new elevation using the same hand-stroke. This would keep the continuity in design presentation.

6.The second option layout is to show how the SOHO units would be implemented within the proposed layout.

7. If I had been given the opportunity to design the MENCAP facilities, I would also like the chance to be with this special people. How should we design for someone that we barely know their daily routine and the kind of life that they lead? We may be able to learn from books or copy from a typical design for "special person" to get an overview of their needs but having a "human touch" with the user is also important in delivering the best design solution.

8. Are we still willing to surrender the authority of designing to other experts? May be by surrendering this special design area to the expert could reduce the time, cost and also liability. What else would be left for us to design someday if all the design work is handed over to other specialist?

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

HOTEL CONVERSION

2008-08-12T20:00:00.003+01:00

1.This a good example on how we deal with a convertion of an old historical building. The project does not only involve one listed building but three separate listed building.

2.The client wants to convert these buildings into a luxurious hotel.

3. As we know when deal with historic building the planner and conservationist would not allow any demolition on the facade of the building. So most of the changes would be on the internal of the building and restoring the existing facade to its glory.

4. The idea is to design a link to connect the 3 buildings with minor alteration to its existing external and internal building layout.

5. We introduced a contemporary tower in the middle of the courtyard and bridges to link the 3 buildings.

6. To ensure that the link would have little impact on the building, we are going to use glass as the main structure for the link to give more transparency and an invisible appearence. Thus the structure is less likely to block the existing facade.

8. The approach taken in designing a modern structure in between a heritage building is hoped to create a clear justification between old and new building.

9. The minimal finishes would help to highlight the old buildings in the foreground. The glimpse of the structure from the pedestrian view creates a sense of suprise and brings an exciting 21st century living to its present time.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

THE ART IN MY HEART

2008-08-01T12:39:00.018+01:00

29 August 2008. Recently, I saw a documentary on TV which eventually re-generates my interest in painting. I've been telling myself to wait for the right moment ie when I have enough resources, perfect time and 101 reasons to re-initiate my favourite pastime. All these reasons have held me back from doing more paintings. They're like whispers of the demon that I need to face.

The documentary made me realise how much we will lose our pure heart and unique touch when as we grow older. Will we still be able to produce the same drawing as the one we created when we first held a paint brush? The anwser is NO. The value of imagination at every stage of our life is so vulnerable. It is undeniable that taking photographs keep memories of life events eternal but painting is also a good method in keeping our imigination and dreams alive.

Right after the programme, I immediately grabbed my paint and took out a long scroll of practice paper and all the brushes and tools for doing a big painting. At first, I just stood there and asked my children who are still amazed with the big piece of paper to start playing with the colours. They jumped at the sight of this and shouted with excitement as if they have never been happier. They didn't even realise that the time was almost midnight when they decided that their paintings were done. While they had all gone to sleep, I was still wide awake looking at their paintings that were still wet in fascination and amazement.

It's really amazing to see how children imagine and then listen to how they describe their world. Although their paintings are not near any perfect reality I would not advise them on making it perfect. I just encouraged them to do someting that they imagine. The only advice that I gave them was on the colour mixture, "Don't ever mix the colour until it turns into muddy colour...it is a bad colour". Truth to tell, I think I'm the one who's learning to paint from my children. I learnt how to paint from my heart and forget about the perfect realistic detailing that would limit my imigination. Azhan & Nine painting

Azhan Fire Station

It is sometimes hard to draw something from your heart. Producing realist painting had its own difficulties but doing an abstract painting or contemporary painting is not much different than realist paintin. I had to do this warm-up exercise with practice rolled paper. This will help me to practice in order to regain my painting strokes which seem to have lose in time. Soon I hope my boys and I will be doing actual painting on canvas!

My Test Series 1

THE HOUSE, SHREWSBURY

2008-07-31T20:30:00.003+01:00

This is an interior exercise for a conservation listed house. It also involves a conversion work to the existing barn next to it. To connect this two buildings together, a simple solution has been introduced for the client by having a gallery to link these buildings. Since the house is a listed building, most of the exterior work must be done very minimally or virtually none.

The major transformation is taking place mostly on the roof area. Despite the fact that the roof area is big enough for a new room the client could not visualise the scale and size of the space that could be created between them. You wouldn't believe how much space that we could be created in the attic. It could be converted into a great personal place for living and work.

The interesting bit in modelling this kind of development is that I could learn conventional design (exterior) and at the same time persue my interest in more contemporary design (interior). Both types of design will strengthen my skill, sharpen my eyes for detail, scale and proportion. It makes me believe that in a limited space you could still find ways to creatively gain it. All you need to do is look beyond.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

HARI SUKAN 2008

2008-07-27T17:00:00.002+01:00

Isnin,23 June 2008

Hari nie adalah Hari Sukan Sekolah St. Lukes C.E. . Hari sukan yang pertama kali Azhan dan Nine sertai bersama. Hari sukan nie diadakan di Bury Athletic Club. Kat sinilah aku dok mai tolong chairman ofis aku organize car-boot sale. Secara tak langsung Chairman aku tu pun tahulah anak-anak aku akan pi main kat situ.

Pada asalnya aku tak plan nak pergi pun sebab memandangkan hari sukan yang diadakan nie bukannya satu hari penuh. Diaorang mula main dalam pukul 1.00 petang hingga pukul 3.30 petang. Jadi aku pun tak cadang nak mintak cuti, sebab nanti nak guna cuti jaga bebudak tu masa cuti sekolah. Al-maklumlah takder keluarga Melayu yang ada dok dekat-dekat sini nak mintak tolong jaga. Kalau dulu boleh gak tumpang rumah mertua ka. Kalau nak upah orang jaga kat sini...mak aiii mahal ooo.

Tapi pagi-pagi lagi time aku masuk ofis, chairman dah mai tanya aku sama ada aku akan pi tengok atau tidak anak aku main. Aku pun cerita yang aku takda ambik cuti pun sebab hari sukan tu sekejap ja. Aku explain yang aku nak save cuti jaga depa time cuti sekolah. Dia punya baik hati kata tak payah ambik cuti pun, cuma ambik time off sekejap pi tengok anak-anak aku main. Katanya bebudak tu sure suka. Segan pulak aku nak pi, tapi dah orang bagi. Mana nak dapat boss macam nie, yang mengutamakan keluarga.

Tepat jam 1 petang aku pun kuar dari ofis. Setibanya aku kat padang sukan tu aku pun cari Azhan dan Nine. Bila Azhan nampak ja aku dia pun lambai tangan tanda seronok sangat aku datang. Dia pun tak sangka aku akan datang pada hari tu...gembira. Aku rasa syukur sebab datang, kalau tak bagaimana perasaan anak-anak aku kalau aku takda bagi sokongan sedangkan kebanyakan mak bapak lain datang. Sedang anak-anak aku tahu yang aku berkerja tapi jauh disudut hati aku rasa diaorang amat mengharapkan kehadiran aku.

Sebenarnya acara -acara dalam hari sukan nie takderlah serius mana. Ia lebih kepada ala-ala hari sukaneka jerlah. Aku rasa gempak lagi time aku kat sekolah kebangsaan. Siap dengan baju rumah sukan; ada perbarisan, dengan bendera-bendera, nyanyi lagu dan macam-macam. Protokal punyalah tak ingat semuanya macam sukan sukma. Walaubagaimana pun diaorang ada stiker warna yang mewakili warna rumah sukan masing-masing. Azhan dan Nine berada dalam satu rumah sukan merah.

Diakhir hari sukan aku ingat ada acara penyampaian hadiah, atau diumumkan juara keseluruhan, tapi sebaliknya diumumkan bahawa semua rumah sukan adalah juara. Ciss, buang karan ja.. haha. Tapi baguslah jugak untuk bebudak nie diajar erti pertandingan serta berusaha untuk membuat yang terbaik. Pada masa sama mereka tahu bahawa walaupun tak menang mereka tetap juara kerana telah melakukan yang terbaik.

Selesai semua acara, Azhan mintak nak cuba berlumba lari diatas track. Dia nampak minat sangat nak cuba. Aku pun layan la kejap berlakon jadi referee. Azhan pun lari atas track dengan rasa seronok yang amat. Inilah pertama kali dalam hidup dia dapat lari atas track betul. Adik dia Nine tak mau pulak join sama, tapi dia dok bising bagi sokongan kat abang dia.

Walaupun hakikatnya hari sukan nie takderlah segempak hari sukan time aku sekolah dulu tapi yang penting mereka dapat bergembira bersama kawan-kawan dan belajar tentang semangat kesukanan. Yang penting jugak hari ini Azhan dan Nine tahu betapa kehadiran aku pada hari tu memberikan makna besar pada mereka.

WORKINGTON - unit A1,A2,A3

2008-07-21T10:00:00.002+01:00

These are a series of visuals produced for the Planning submission. I've done some of the CAD drawing as well. It is just a basic re-refurbishment work. Therefore in its first proposal I simply made a quick sketch illustration for the client. The sketch illustration was surprisingly good enough for the client and could be used immediately for the planning.

However during that period of time using my first model, I have discovered the better and faster way to match photo and create layers in photoshop that could do the "magic". Although it was not required I just went ahead and do it. They thought it would take ages to produce such illustration but it was just a matter of willingness.

I still remember those times when a colleague of mine stayed back in the office just to wait for the render process to finish. Some of them sometimes hang out at the "mamak" stall and then went back to the office or even fell asleep while they were at the office. But now I can monitor the office PC rendering process using my laptop at home and I could be with family and sleep on proper bed instead of the uncomfortable office chair.

In order to create a masterpiece, we need to be clear that there is no definite end to our quality of work. A true designer will seek for perfections and satisfaction in its design. Each design that he makes must at least maintain the same quality or even better every time it is produced. If we stop to seek for beauty and just to be proud of what we made today, there would not be a place for us tomorrow. The satisfaction for designers is in their design and perhaps the climax would be when their design or illustration is turned into a reality. Neither money nor pride could replace one's satisfaction in creating work of art. Aiming for money or pride will eventually swallow oneself in the end.

Existing Photo
Sketch illustration
Final illustration

Existing Photo
Sketch illustration
Final Illustration

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

SEGAMBUT SEMI-D Phase 1

2008-07-08T07:00:00.005+01:00

April 2004

While going through our mundane daily routine, many of us seem to have forgotten the time that has passed by. Not until we pause the running time for a little while just to ponder back at all the hard work done in the previous years. We then realise that the years had flown by very fast. If you have the opportunity to sit and analyse the work of your life, I’m sure that you could still remember the lessons you’d learnt while undertaking the job

That was what happened to me when I discovered old CD containing files of my previous. I’d just bought a new 500GB External hard disk. I am planning to create an archive and rescue all my works from as early as varsity years in architecture school up till the present work. One of the files that I found today was done while I was working for a firm known as MOCA (Michael Ong Chartered Architect). It is an exclusive Semi-D development near Segambut. As per date stated in the files, the first initial schematic drawing was done in April 2004. I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since I worked on the design together with MOCA’s Design Director, Zafar. I could vividly recall the time we spent as the only designer in MOCA.

Brochure Design for potential buyers

Site Location

This plot is located in the Malay Reserve area near Hartamas and Kiara. Originally it was just a small Malay Village, but now several developments have been built around the area thus transforming it into a very elite residential area.

First Draft Design

Looking back at the first schematic design until its final draft for planning, this 18 unit semi-D had gone through a lot of processes. The careful intention to its design process was due to the fact that our own director is also the actual client.

These images were the first draft of the semi-D design layout. It was brilliantly designed to improvise the changes in site contour hence reduce the cutting and filling of land. Site strategies wee also developed to minimise the problem from floodplain. A lot of contour study was done to acquire the best solution for its cut and fill design. Based on the site cutting and fill calculation, it was finally decided that the best solution was to introduce only 2 types of semi-D.
First Draft-Type A PlanFirst Draft-Type B Plan

When I analysed the development of internal layout for the semi-d, it seemed that in the end it have become a very practical layout. Too practical thus along the way it has lost the initial sense of space excitement. To be honest it doesn’t make any different with any typical semi-D layout.

The design was perfected with several more facade studies. Again, most of the design is based only on one direction; contemporary tropical design. I realised there should have been more studies made to create different design direction or style. Apparently, a fine and unique design could have been produced if the more studies were carried out on the design style.

Facade Study

Final Scheme - Masterplan

Final Scheme - Type A

Final Scheme - Type B

During this project I experienced the work from schematic design up to making my own planning submission with various authorities. This was one of the excellent lessons I learnt under the supervision of the design director, Zafar. Even though it was a just a small residential development, the exclusiveness had provided me a great training to develop a good residential skills.

YOUNG AT HEART

2008-07-01T21:55:00.003+01:00

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you're young at heart
For its hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If youre young at heart

You can go to extremes with impossible schemes
You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams
And life gets more exciting with each passing day
And love is either in your heart or on its way

Dont you know that its worth every treasure on earth
To be young at heart
For as rich as you are its much better by far
To be young at heart

And if you should survive to 105
Look at all youll derive out of being alive
Then here is the best part
You have a head start
If you are among the very young at heart

Frank Sinatra:Young at Heart

Young at Heart - Frank Sinatra

VICTORIA RETAIL PARK, NOTTINGHAM

2008-06-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

This is another design for a retail extention. Usually in this kind of development we would always keep the same design treatment with rest of the development. However for this particular retail unit the tenant has already requested for the design of the extension to be adapted from their standard design template.

Instead of simply copying directly from their template, we enhance it by introducing design signature from the existing development. This solution will keep the uniqueness of the retail and at the same time keep the whole development as one design.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

BULLETPROOF MONK

2008-06-24T22:50:00.004+01:00

Kar: "So, I figured it out, why hot dogs come in packages of ten and hot dog buns come in packages of eight. See, the thing is, life doesn't always work out according to plan so be happy with what you've got, because you can always get a hot dog." Bulletproof Monk (2003)

BHS STORE, THE MOOR, SHEFFIELD

2008-06-23T09:00:00.002+01:00

Constructing buildings is a process of evolution. Completion of building construction doesn't mark the end of its process instead the completion triggers its evolution. Through out its life span it will evolve thus change its character. The changes may include its function (ie. from house to office), size (ie having an extension), its material (ie from traditional bricks to new cladding) and maybe evolve into a new building itself.

The current retail outlet for this project has started to evolve in its uses. In order to justify these changes to its current use, it will need a transformation to its facade. The existing facade could fit well if it were to be used as an antique outlet or a bank, but as the building will serve the purpose as a fashion retailer, keeping the facade in trend would be a major factor.

The first option is to add glazed panels over retained window openings that would follow the same horizontal and vertical proportion. A row of glass canopy is also applied to enhance the entrance. A ceramic rain screen cladding is introduced as well in order to match it with the existing stone colour. This approach of simplicity however doesn't seem to create much difference from the existing facade which makes it blend together with the rest of the surrounding buildings.

On the second option the glazed panels height is reduced in proportions and replaced by a band of glazed panels along the top wall of the building. This changes could give more contemporary look. It also creates an illusion to the height of the building to look as if it has the same height as the rest of its neighbouring buildings. However the rigidness of the proportion give an impression of an office block.
On this third option we introduce a more trendy solution for the retailer. The dynamic position and size of glazed panels give a more exciting feature to the building. The "interestingness" of the features also make it standout than any other building around it thus attracting and drawing for more potential customers.

If the planner required the development to be strictly blended with the surrounding they would agree with the first option. And if they are trying to bring the area to a more business-like district they would probably go with option 2. Hopefully they will agree with option 3, which would bring forth a surrounding environment filled with excitement.

Though option 3 may likely look trendy and up-to-date, it will never stop from evolving in the future. The problem with trend is very similar to keeping up with the latest fashion; it easily wears out over the season. A good design would have a vision ahead of its time with pure genuinity which does not only influence future trend but also be seen as a divine piece of art.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

BURY UNITARIAN CHURCH

2008-06-18T09:00:00.001+01:00

Day View

I have been asked to add a simple signage to an existing church in our local town in Bury. Previously we had done some renovation works to its toilets and kitchen.LINK

Knowing the fact that this church was initially built and design by my chairman himself back in 1970's, it's a great honour and rare opportunity to look at the original hand-drawn drawings given to me as the main reference for this work. The drawing is still well-preserved on its tracing paper. I felt a refreshing joy looking at this piece of art. To be honest, it feels like looking at an authentic drawing by Frank Llyod Wright. I keep wondering if in the future we'd have the same emotion looking at archived CAD drawing. Can our vast customised digitalised printed works survive as a piece of art or would they be treated as another ordinary paper without any special meaning to it?

The original hand-drawn drawing

Although is just a small work, the impact is quite huge to the community. This is a voluntary and charitable contribution from the Chairman to its local church. Despite knowing that this work would not contribute monetary profit to the company, my director in-charge still insisted me to go to the site and take photographs of the site. Since I've been given two conditions; (1) it is charity work and (2) it is definitely an important contribution, I take serious care on the quality of output and at the same time optimising the man-hour on the job.

The effort that my chairman tries to contribute to his local community has brought me thinking of how little we as the architectural practitioners have done to our local area. Maybe because most of architect firms would rather reside in the city centre or elite places where the rich and famous live that made us abandon our own neighbours and villages that are sometimes more in need. To survive in the competitive business do we really have to sacrifice our social liability as architects?

Night View

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

SPECIAL GIFT

2008-06-14T09:33:00.004+01:00

14 June 2008
Too much to learn so much to discover about who we are. If I'm gifted with creative artistic hand which could turn things into beautiful items, how much do I really know about my gift ? If there were few people with similar gift, would I get the opportunity of getting to know them? How much have I celebrated the gift?

Sometimes we forget that each of us have been created with special gifts. Maybe there is always a gift that has yet to be discovered. So, go ahead and seek for it!

SECURED BY DESIGN

2008-06-01T12:00:00.002+01:00

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes." Confucius Chinese philosopher & reformer (551 BC - 479 BC)

I’ve attended the monthly CPD again. This time seminar is entitled “Secured by Design”. The seminar explained how certain aspects of design work against crime. Even though the crime consideration sounds familiar for most planners but it is rarely being put into consideration by most architects in their designs. It would usually come as the last thing to be considered. I once learned about this aspect during my urban semester.

This seminar further explains certain building design that would make a lot of difference in avoiding crime from happening. I learnt about the triangle of crime which consists of Motivated Offender, Opportunity and Suitable Target. The aspect that we as designers should strive on to reduce crime is by removing the Opportunity component from the crime triangle.

There are aspects of design that would create a sense of ownership, defining the public and private space with a good transitional space, getting the right landscape and even in the material selection that could eventually reduce crime.

There are several legislation and acts that architects need to consider as part of their design. Currently, architects would consult their local police about the development of the project they are working at the final stage of planning application. However, it is now more advisable for us to seek for the police consultation at the early stage of design process.

Fighting crime is apparently the responsibility of everyone in the community. For designers and architects, this design against crime would be our best contribution to the safety of society. Sadly though, the society sometimes doesn’t seem to appreciate the role of architects and planners in fighting crime at least not until serious crime ends fatally.

LABUHAN DAGANG - tourism terminus

2008-05-28T20:00:00.004+01:00

This is my design project which was done during diploma 08. The site is in Tasik Timah Tasoh, Perlis. We were assigned to design a Small Medium Industries (SMI) exhibition centre for our traditional product. The centre should not just be a place to display our traditional product (Batik, Songket, Tembaga, Anyaman etc) but also as a centre for SMI training.

At first the site was analysed in groups. We had to make the site model and site analysis for our reference. Then, in the next stage would be a study on various SMI which was related to our project. Both studies were then being referred to formulate our own individual design brief. I chose to create a centre for learning Batik, Songket, Tembaga and Kompang.

These series of studies on the traditional equipment had enlightened my knowledge on my own Malay culture. It would have needed a great deal of lectures to put these cultural seeds in our architectural learning. The understanding of our own culture was then incorporated into our design could be a journey to understand who we are. Someday when we get drown in the latest modern designs we would stand firm on our cultural roots and create our own unique design identity in the future.

There was a lot of design idea being thrown into the project. I didn’t have enough time to make further design development. My old Pentium 2 PC took ages to generate drawing, visuals or even to print. To over come these difficulties I had to cut-and-paste various ideas onto the final board. And to maximise the time I had left, I had to dump all the design that I had done during my part-time office to formulate a new design. This would reduce the amount of time needed to think of the toilet layout, lift lobby, staircase design, roof detail and many other typical design and focus on the main design idea.

But I got carried away with making a complete detailed 3d model. Then when it got completed I fell like taking all the angles on the model to show how much design input that I had applied on it. That was a mistake that I learnt. I should have gotten a priority list on my design. I had so much idea that I felt like presenting it all.

Now when I re-visited this work I could see a lot of design idea that have the potential to be re-used in real projects. Ideas that I wish I could further develop. My excitement grows even more wildly when I could import the old 3d model into the current 3d software and explore it in real-time. Being able to feel the adventurous elements in this design gives satisfactions that I hardly get in real practice. It makes me realised that only imagination is the boundary.

LABUHAN DAGANG-tourism terminus Diploma Architecture 08, UiTM
original write-up

IDEA:
A newly wed couple went to 'nat', pekan sehari - a one-day market just to buy mangos. This 'nat' offers a variety of mangos, from imported mangos to local mangos. The loving couple moved from one stall to the other looking for the best and cheapest mangos. While dropping by other stalls, the wife had a glimpse of 'rebana'. She was thinking, "Is that a 'rebana' that I've just seen? Or it was just my imagination". Interested in the existence of a 'rebana' in the middle of 'nat', she pulled her husband's hand and headed for the place where she saw the 'rebana' just to proof that she was not dreaming. Once they got there, they saw a man demonstrating the making of a 'rebana'.

Sounds familiar ha? I'm confidently sure that most typical type of Malaysians experiences this when they go to certain places. A typical Malaysian has a common habit known as 'singgah sat' which means dropping by a place for a while just to look around with no purpose at all.

This concept is applied to Labuhan Dagang to buy local people's attention as it places different types of things at its so called 'nat', varying from food to furniture which are mainly originated from the northern region of peninsular Malaysia.

Traditional design applied in ancient building constructions, is a heritance that no money can buy. These ancient heritages had never spoken arrogantly like the modern buildings that we have today; instead they spoke and behaved in the most polite manners - using the humble language, revealing them as down to earth type of building. Today's modern construction stands and acts alone, being isolated from other building population.

Labuhan Dagang, is an industrial tourism terminus which had been generally designed to promote tourism through small and medium scale industrial activities throughout Malaysia. Located in Timah Tasoh, Perlis, Labuhan Dagang will be one of the main tourism attractions as it locks together all the traditionally woven industries such as songket, batik, traditional music instruments and 'tembaga' - a brass metal, in order to exploit these industries. Hopefully, the exploitation of these industries will enhance the preservation of all the characteristics that belongs to a historical, traditional building by applying these qualities to all the buildings constructed in Labuhan Dagang.

DESIGN ANALYSIS:

Some scanned sketches that being able to documented.

PRESENTATION BOARD:Conceptual Board'Nat' Market SMI Board Generator SMI board Batik and Songket SMI BoardTembaga Handicraft and Music Instrument SMI BoardAdministration and Facilities BoardElevation - PENAMBANG TIMURSection - PENAMBANG TIMURElevation - PENAMBANG BARATSection - PENAMBANG BARATSection 'Nat' - Admint (perspective) Section 'Nat' - Admint (To Scale)

Being able to feel the adventurous elements in this
design gives satisfactions that I hardly get in real practice. It makes me
realised that only imagination is the boundary.

LABUHAN DAGANG - tourism terminus by Fadzlan Rizan Johani is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.0 UK: England & Wales License.

DREAM CITY 01

2008-05-20T00:50:00.003+01:00

EVOLUTION OF BUILDING

2008-05-15T22:00:00.001+01:00

The image above is a short remodelling exercise for an extension of a conservertory in a terrace house design. The idea is to illustrate to the planner how a renovation on the terrace design would be built should the potential buyers plan to renovate this house. This would then become a guide to its future extention.

The possibility for future extention is a fantastic idea of further developing a building thus evolving it from its previous form with new features. It would provide owners the opportunity to expand the building in order to accommodate their changing needs without comprimising the architectural value. It would eventually reduce the effect of undesirable terrace extention which very often does not only synchronise with the original design but also spoils the genuine beauty of perfectly planned building.

Lesson: Considering the Evolution Of Building

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

BINLEY SHOPPING PARK

2008-05-13T22:00:00.001+01:00

"A great intention on detail also creates a beautiful design look gorgeous."fadzlan rizan

Below is an abstract from the design statement.:
Building Design

5.1 All the buildings in the scheme are designed to be unashamedly modern in appearance and not follow the ‘vernacular pastiche’ stylistic precedent set by the adjoining developments. Plan shapes and dimensions will provide a range of unit sizes, and the requirement of a number of potential occupants for full or part mezzanine floors will result in varying eaves/parapet heights.

5.2 The plans, structure and elevational details will be designed to allow flexibility in sub-dividing the blocks to suit future letting patterns. This will help to ensure the long term viability of the scheme.

5.3 The principal materials to be used for the external envelopes will be architectural masonry, brick, flat panel Trespa and metal cladding, powder coated metal, self-coloured render, and curtain walling with clear glazing and look-alike panels. All cladding panels will be of high quality, with airtightness and insulation values to meet or exceed Building Regulation standards. The horizontal setting out and the sharp edge flush detailing of the panels, together with the strong horizontal lines of the black powder-coated elements, will give a contemporary appearance, which matches public expectation of such developments.

5.4 All shop fronts will have extensive glazed panels amounting to a large percentage of that wall area at ground level and a glazed canopy will run the full length of all the frontages. There will be high level glazing in those units containing a mezzanine floor.

5.5 All pitched roofs will be contained within parapets, with the single exception of the roof of the unit abutting the apartments, where the parapet will be omitted to reduce the effect of overshadowing.

5.6 The gable and rear elevations of unit 24 are very prominent when seen from the A46T and their design reflects this prominence. Extensive use of Trespa and curtain walling in large panels, together with recessed corners exposing circular columns, creates a more massive, urban, scale and form, in keeping with their location.

LINK

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

2008-05-05T14:00:00.000+01:00

I was once again asked by the residential team to help them prepare the design presentation. It was good to be involved in residential again once in a while. It refreshed me from any routine-like job. Thus making the day a little bit more interesting as it took me away from the more challenging job. It was like painting art work again.

I was amazed with this typical British housing. It has very typical layout and elevations yet once the right materials consisting of various colour of bricks, stones, slates and timber are applied onto it, you'll see how different the typical housing has magically been transformed into. They revealed the pure and true beauty of the materials. The house is no longer a plain, simple, concrete house or cheap brick covered with plasters, painted with fake colours!

Lesson : Understanding true beauty of materials

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

THE RGP APPRAISAL

2008-05-04T20:08:00.004+01:00

“Devoted to produce the best work”, that was a phrase that had been added to my recent appraisal by my director. Although it might be true, I would never write it to describe myself as I don’t intend to blow my own trumpet. This was my second appraisal with the company. This year I had written the pre-self appraisal question with more realistic approach in mind.

The appraisal is not only to assess my achievement and performance during the previous year but also to plan for a year ahead on my personal development.

One question that keeps on popping during the appraisal was about my progress towards obtaining part 3. I am getting used to hearing it by now. It still remains a dream awaiting to be realised. I do hope I would be able to reach that dream soon. I would consider this part 3 thingy as a holy title that needs to be carried with dignity and responsibility. Thus, it will need a lot of experience, work and patience.

Although I did not put my part 3 development in my current appraisal as a top priority like last year but I did put my step towards it clearly; putting one step at a time as my strategy towards achieving that popular title. I would not write down all the processes to gain part 3 because apparently I might not be able achieve it within a year period. What I did write was the first process that I need to master in my preparation to become the master builder. The first step is to design!

On the other hand, I leave a fair comment on my job; “Generally, I’m happy with my job because I’m able to fulfill the work expectations and deliver the task to my utmost best” The appraisal process is designed to benefit both myself and my career development. It is not a salary review even though most people believe your good performance should be materialised as an increment in salary, promotion or even bonus.

I later then had a conversation with the chairman while we were overseeing the traffic at our local carboot event. He said that most companies in UK are now having hard time due to the credit crunch crisis in US which eventually affected the UK economy. I also hear that a lot of jobs had been cut down in various industries. Therefore, I am not putting so much hope in any salary review but I really hope that my employment is secured and at least maintain the current salary. It has come to my surprise that despite of all the current hard time, the company is still giving me salary rise. I am so grateful and feel really relieved that I am seen as a contributing employee and a part of company’s assets rather than a liability.

I am so grateful and feel really relieved that I am seen as a contributing employee and a part of company’s assets rather than a liability

ACORNS DON'T FALL FAR FROM THE OAK TREE

2008-04-24T12:00:00.001+01:00

I was sitting outside the examination room, waiting nervously. All the memories when I was 9 slowly came to the back of my mind. I could vividly recall my very first visit to the optician, an awkward looking Chinese optician in his small very antique looking spectacles shop. I remember getting an old nerd looking glasses with big frames as my first pair of spectacles. My dad had a hard time getting me my first pair of glasses as it did not only cost him a fortune but it cost him even more in maintaining crystal clear vision at all times plainly because I back then used to break them, bend them, and even get them hit while playing football with my friends. There were even times when I slept with my glasses on and upon waking up I'd find them broken or bent. I could clearly recall during my early adolescent, my dad wanted me to look good wearing glasses. Hence, he bought me spectacles with trendy looking frames instead of the old geeky ones. It was one of the best days of my life; wearing posh looking glasses. But my good looking days didn't last long. I eventually broke them. That was when my dad punished me for not taking a good care of my glasses by never buying me those trendy pricey spectacles and I had to wear the big old nerdy frames for a long time... I then learnt my lesson.

However today, those memories is coming back not because I need a new pair of glasses instead I'd come here to witness history being repeated. My son, Azhan who is 7 years old and his brother, Nine, 5 are now wearing glasses!!...just like my wife said in her writing, "acorns don't fall far from the oak tree". I will soon step into my dad's shoes. I will learn how he felt each time those vision aids are broken. I will try my utmost best to provide the best for my sons as much as my father did to me during those good old days.

"I will try my utmost best to provide the best for my sons as much
as my father did to me during those good old days."

Link: http://anidraw.blogspot.com/2008/04/acorns-dont-fall-far-from-oak-tree.html

WHY SUSTAINABILITY ? - a new mind set

2008-04-21T07:00:00.000+01:00

A Sustainable Future for Development
“Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Brundtland Report: Our Common Future 1987. The World Commission of Environmental Development

The above statement is quoted from a seminar about sustainable study done by one of our directors from RGP London. The seminar explains how RGP will tackle the environmental and sustainability issues in our projects. A few examples consisting of our current proposals are also included in the study as case studies to test and verify the theory.

Below is the table of contents of the study:

A. CONTEXT
i) Sustainability Implementation Plan (SIP)
ii) Corporate Environmental Policy
iii) Output from the SIP
iv) Sustainability Assessment tools
v) Rational Structure

B. SUSTAINABILITY BRIEFING PROCESS
1. LAND
i) Land Use
ii) Ecology
iii) Green Travel Plan

2. RESOURCE CONSUMPTION
i) Materials
ii) Energy
iii) Air
iv) Water

3. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
i) Health and Wellbeing
ii) Pollution and Contamination

4. USERS & CUSTOMERS
i) Building and Estate Operation
ii) Portfolio Management
iii) User Satisfaction and Feedback

5. STAKEHOLDERS

I’m sure that this study will be updated and upgraded from time to time. By having this draft as guideline, it’ll be the first big stepping stone for the practice. It’ll also provide a clear vision on how to deal with every built-environment issues that need very much of our attention. Overcoming these issues is a process not just for the sake of any architecture practices to survive but most importantly I believe as part of our quest to become noble architects.

“Noble life demands a noble architecture for noble uses of noble men. Lack of culture means what it has always meant: ignoble civilization and therefore imminent downfall” Frank Lloyd Wright US architect (1869 - 1959)

BINLEY SHOPPING PARK, COVENTRY - Development 3

2008-04-16T22:00:00.001+01:00

These images are a part of updated version of illustration which I had done earlier. The previous version was only a quick massing model done to illustrate the scale of the development.

As the project progresses, I had more time to further develop the design. This also creates a proper illustration that includes more actual surrounding environment that will feel the impact of the development.

With the fast-track office design done these days, we tend to forget the essential rules of producing a masterpiece; we can never rush art. A work of art would need an extra care for detail which consumes a lot of time and passion. But when time is running short, we designer should make full use of what ever resources available to illustrate the dream beautifully.

LINK TO PREVIOUS POST

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

A TRIP TO REMEMBER

2008-04-10T22:00:00.002+01:00

There is one famous architect quote that was once passed on by my good lecturer, “the foot that walks, the head that turns, the eye that sees” - Le Corbusier.

Since then we were forced to go on field trip for each semester that varied from an urban visit to jungle tracking. These field trips were intended to expose us to the importance of visiting the real site and to sharpen our senses towards the actual environment.

Later in life when I finally graduated like others, and just like the rest of my fellow studio-mates, we still travel…to work. Travelling from day office to freelance office to client meetings and travelling home was already an exhausting experience. Until at one point when I begun to drain out of idea, a clear signal that it was time for long walks to refresh my mind.

After hearing alluring stories from several friends who lived in England, I was more convinced to travel abroad, and England was the foreign land I’d set my foot on. I couldn’t describe how much excitement ran through my body on my first international flight. Not to mention the day-to-day excitement for the first time walking down to buildings that we would usually see in architectural magazines. I was even more surprised and struck by amazement when I set my bare eyes on Eiffel tower. Praise is too good, my fishing for job went well, and I was offered a permanent post and finally got me settled in Bury, Lancashire.

It has been more than a year now that I seem to get stuck here in Bury since my last travel home to Malaysia and spent time with my entire family. The long walk to refresh my mind is due again. We are planning to go for a trip around “Malaya” this year but had to be extended at the last minute. This is to give way for a trip with my parents -in-laws to discover the south of England.

This trip is not just to visit places of interest but also visiting friends. It gives glimpse of people’s lives as a lesson in understanding ourselves, family and friends. It also evidently gave us a full vision of life. From a friend who is expecting her baby any time soon to another friend who’s juggling with her trotting son and another friend who has kids of the same age as my growing boys and finally to my father’s friend. That whole process gave us a bigger picture of what the future holds for us. It even makes us more grateful, and become a better person. It is a trip worth to remember.

Let’s read the full coverage of the trip reported by my beloved wife. Link: A TRIP TO REMEMBER