COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE

The traditional main method of teaching and learning in Architecture studies is learning through integrating theories with design practice. Hence, the work-integrated learning in the form of service learning in the MPU4 module of Taylor’s University, the Community Service Initiative (UCM60102U) not only continues with this tradition but provides a real-life environments and problems that enable students to incorporate the theory they learned at school into real-world problems-solving. This 2-credits CSI module is offered to about 120 students of Bachelor of Science (Honours) In Architecture from School of Architecture Building and Design and it is a compulsory MPU4 subject required for the students in order to graduate. The module not only expose students to the actual everyday community life but help students to learn the values of life as well as develops positive world-views by being more sensitive, thoughtful, responsible, and acquainted with the community and its needs. CSI also offers opportunities for the students to realistically practice their knowledge, creativity, innovation and design skills in providing solutions to the community needs and problems. Community service learning according to Parker, Myers, Higgens, Oddsson, Price & Gould, (2009) is the terminology that defines the incorporation of community service into the program of study in a manner that not just benefits a particular community or public at large but also aids the students to learn and hone the skills and life values that are relevant to their future profession. Another similar and precise definition is as follows: “Service learning is a form of experiential education in which students engage in activities that address human and community needs together with structured opportunities intentionally designed to promote student learning and development.” (Jacoby 1996 p.5)

The objectives of the module are:

To inculcate a sense of Social Responsibility in students.
To promote the culture of caring and respect towards all members of society.
To make them responsible citizens of this country.
To understand the community around them.
To understand themselves in relation to their community

PROJECT: Enhancing Street Community

Final Board

Nowadays more people in the city felt that the city is no longer a safe place as the rise of criminals’ activities such as snatch thieves; children even adults being abducted are alarming. How architectural space design and community program helps in reducing this street phenomenon?

Students are to conduct SWOT analysis and identify problems before proposing the solutions that are within the means of students’ knowledge, capacity and capabilities. By using spatial design students are to look for the possibility of enhancing urban community experiences in the aspects of:

humanity values among city community,
environmental,
culture and/or
health or self-improvement
knowledge

for e.g. propose community program for potential vacant land. etc.

Gives solution to other street problems (and the example of solutions) such as:

homeless people (underprivileged-friendly street) ,
Extreme micro city climates (sustainable garden),
lost culture & values,
lack of valuable community spaces,
high street criminals (enhance street spaces and people spaces).