Project Name: Institute of Moving Image Project Type: Adaptive Reuse & Extension | Semester: Master Sem 03 | Vector Adviser: Dr Khairul Anwar Bin Mohamed Khaidzir |
Palimpsest as Metaphor
As time change, the need for various type of spaces diminishes. These buildings, whose function is no longer required, become subjects of abandonment and most likely to be forgotten and demolished despite they hold a very significant historical and cultural values. Odeon cinema in Dang Wangi, KL is one of the building facing the issue.
According to Mark Crinson, urban memory can be an anthropomorphism, in a sense that the city has a memory that remembers through its buildings. Also, preservation of heritage building is related to the preservation of memories in the human mind and can serve as a preservation of a nation’s urban identity. Hence, by adaptive reuse old, unoccupied building is sustainable at the most fundamental level, and it also helps preserve the urban context while adding richness and vitality. This reusing of an unoccupied building is an innovation answers that maintains the character of the building while not compromising on its functionality and integrity, yet the collective memories of the Kuala Lumpur city can be preserved and revitalized.
Design Question
The proposal critics the original proposal which is to demolish the whole structure and redevelop into a mixed-use development of hotel, office and retails without considered the social approach for long term benefits. So, is this really what a society need in representing Malaysian identity and creating resilient nation?