This Interactive Learning Centre in Malaysia Wins Hearts and the Coveted International Property Award

This Interactive Learning Centre in Malaysia Wins Hearts and the Coveted International Property Award

Charmaine Kon by Charmaine Kon on Mar 21, 2018
Why you should care

We take a closer look at a learning centre in the Klang Valley that dares to be different. This colourful and interactive learning centre was transformed from a 30-year old 5-block shop lot in the suburbs. It boasts dynamic seminar rooms and break out spaces that enable discussion, conversation, and collaboration.

Looking at its 32,000 sq ft of dynamic design, it’s hard to believe that this learning centre was once a 30-year old 5-block shop lot in the suburbs.

Featuring interactive and creative spaces for various types of learning and idea exchange, it’s no wonder that the Gamuda Learning Centre just won the Public Interior Space Award, beating out other Asia Pacific nominations at the 2018 International Properties Asia Pacific Award.

Mil Design & Construction is the creative brains behind this learning academy for Gamuda’s employees and the general public. The space also houses the Enabling Academy which trains young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), preparing them for the workforce.

Reception Area – Before & After

counter gamuda learning centreEvery inch in the 4-storey space is well planned and designed to cater to its users. It houses training rooms, libraries, cafeterias, computer rooms, a prayer room, a nursing room, a management office, and 8 bathrooms.

learning-centre-corridorThe key words that drive the design, according to Mil Design & Construction, are “interaction, collaboration, and flexibility”. Using vibrant colours, bold shapes and patterns, clever lighting selections, and exposed ceilings, the space offers elements of surprise while encouraging exploration and interaction for creative learning.

The Tree – Before & After

gamuda learning centre treeConventional school designs are challenged with interactive spaces incorporated throughout the academy. The Tree, for example, is a space for people to mingle during break. The overhead design feature and the surrounding seats make it an inviting space for conversations and collaboration.

learning-centre-common-areaSince conducive learning requires idea exchange and face time, the training rooms, common spaces, and even corridors were designed to enable these.

Common Area – Before & After

hangout gamuda learning centreThe common areas on every floor are allocated as break out spaces where people can rest and mingle before and after training sessions, or at break time. These spaces utilise bright colours, doodle boards, mobile seats, and bold shapes for its furniture, walls, and flooring to create an inviting ambience for group activity.

learning-centre-breakout-area

learning-centre-breakout-space

learning-centre-breakout-sectionMobile seats are a common factor throughout the learning academy as they provide flexibility in terms of how and where people study, relax, and gather. Take this library for instance: it has designated quiet spots with computers and study desks, round tables for discussions, and beanbags and couches for lounging or reading.

learning-centre-libraryInteraction and collaboration aren’t just encouraged in areas for casual gatherings, but also in the seminar and training rooms. These rooms are designed to cater to a wide range of programs and people with different learning styles. To optimise concentration levels, the rooms are fitted with noise-cancelling panels and ceilings that minimise acoustic interruption from other training rooms.

gamuda learning centre classroom

Besides the seminar and training rooms on the third floor, the second floor – described as a mock-up office environment –  also houses training and meeting rooms. This area uses lighting with minimal glare and shadow casting for improved comfort levels. Meanwhile, panoramic writing surfaces on walls and cabinets with writable finishing encourage sharing and discussions.

learning-centre-enabling-academyThe colours in these training and meeting rooms are a happy middle between the vibrant hues of the common spaces in the academy and the boring whites of conventional conference rooms elsewhere. These rooms use neutrals that are punctuated with a softer yellow or turquoise accompanied by geometric wall, floor, and ceiling patterns. This results in pleasant, yet energising environments.

learning-centre-excel-floor

learning-centre-enabling-academy-corridor

Outside the Classrooms – Before & After

classroom gamuda learning centreThoughtful design is laced throughout the entire academy, perhaps even epitomised on the 40-foot façade wall. Sure to capture the attentions of passers-by, the wall displays V-shaped designs which are abstract symbols of birds in flight, pointing to the leadership philosophy of The Goose Theory. At night, parts of the wall light up to create an even more captivating effect.

learning-centre-facade

learning-centre-facade-wallTake a look at other Mil Design & Construction projects. You can also view more projects from Malaysian interior designers.

 

Get more of Mil Design & Construction:

Why you should care

We take a closer look at a learning centre in the Klang Valley that dares to be different. This colourful and interactive learning centre was transformed from a 30-year old 5-block shop lot in the suburbs. It boasts dynamic seminar rooms and break out spaces that enable discussion, conversation, and collaboration.

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