Teaching & Learning Engagement in Architecture & Interior Architecture Programs
School of Architecture & Built Environment, UCSI University
MANIFESTATION EXPLORATION
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Connections Through Culture
The manifestation of Reimagining Charcoal extends beyond material outcomes into a collective, inclusive process of engagement. Through exhibitions, workshops, and interactive sharing, the project connects diverse age groups and backgrounds, bridging research with public participation. From site documentation and material collection to hands-on experimentation, the process invites community involvement while grounding itself in local knowledge and resources. These manifested outcomes reflect not only new material possibilities, but also a shared platform for learning, exchange, and reconnecting with the local context.
Re:imagining Charcoal.
Re:imagining Charcoal explores the intersection of eco-materiality, cultural heritage, and design innovation through a year-long research journey rooted in the charcoal industry of Kuala Sepetang. Developed through a UK–Malaysia collaboration, the project brings together designers, researchers, and community partners to rethink the role of charcoal beyond its traditional uses.
An exhibition by Colllab.
Through hands-on engagement and cross-cultural exchange, the exhibition investigates the potential of charcoal and its by-products — including biochar, mangrove bark, and coastal shells — as materials for sustainable design. It reflects a process of learning from local knowledge, experimenting with material systems, and translating research into spatial and public experiences.
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Sensory Engagements.
he exhibition presents a range of outputs from the project, including locally sourced raw materials and experimental render studies, alongside charcoal rammed earth prototypes and material explorations. These are complemented by photographic and videographic archival documentation, the launch of an evolving digital archive, and a series of interactive workshops and curated discourse sessions that extend the research into public engagement.
London Showcase.
What if charcoal dust, mangrove bark, kiln clay, and shrimp shells could shape the future of coastal construction?
Re:imagining Charcoal brings the spirit of Malaysia’s mangrove charcoal town, Kuala Sepetang, to London. Developed through a UK–Malaysia collaboration, the project is presented alongside the University of East London Architecture Graduation Show and as part of an invited programme at the London Festival of Architecture.
Rooted in the bio-rich landscape of Kuala Sepetang, the project draws from nine months of field research, community engagement, and material experimentation. It explores how local resources — often overlooked or treated as by-products — can be reinterpreted as building materials for regenerative design.
From powdered mangrove bark and kiln clay to biopolymer shrimp shells and wood vinegar, Re:imagining Charcoal positions charcoal as a living material palette. The work bridges ecosystems, tradition, and innovation, offering a new perspective on how coastal communities and their resources can shape more sustainable architectural futures.
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