SIBU: Fourteen students accompanied by five lecturers from Kolej Laila Taib’s Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture recently undertook a five-day study tour to Kuala Lumpur.
The educational journey provided the students with an enriching experience, allowing them to explore and witness historical architecture and aesthetic interior design.
The study tour itinerary included visits to various landmarks, starting with Tamarind Square, a redevelopment of traditional Malaysian shop offices, modern shopping malls, and Asian village squares in Cyberjaya.
Themed as a natural industrial lifestyle hub, Tamarind Square offers a unique retail and office environment with aesthetic cafes, a photo spot, and a 24-hour bookshop.
The students also explored IKEA Cheras, where they discovered the latest in home furnishing products, designs, and materials.
A courtesy visit to UCSI, the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, provided valuable insights into their bachelor’s degree programmes, including a tour of the campus and visits to studios and workshops.
The educational journey continued with a visit to the ‘Concrete House’ designed by OTCQ Design Studio, where students were warmly welcomed by architects Oscar Tan and Cheryl Quan.
The ‘Concrete House’ project involved the transformation of an old residential settlement in Petaling Jaya, emphasising natural daylight and ventilation.
Other highlights of the tour included visits to REXKL, an iconic historic cinema turned creative hub, and Bukit Buluh, a trendy dining destination with a botanical-inspired design.
The students explored various commercial shopping centres, such as Midvalley Megamall, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Center, The Gardens Mall, LaLaport BBCC, Genting Highland Premium Outlets, and SkyAvenue in Genting Highlands.
The study tour aimed to expose students to diverse design approaches, cultural influences, and modern architectural developments. The experience concluded with a visit to SkyAvenue Complex, First World Hotel, and Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park in Genting Highlands.
