A Final Year Project by
Chiew Li-Anne
01
Morning Rituals:
A Series of Objects
This phase of my project follows the morning ritual of my late grand mother in Penang. Specifically, the objects I find along the way while following her about.
01. Lanterns are commonly seen hung at the entrances or car porches of Penang houses. They can be used to tell the time of day and in this case, it is used to signify the break of dawn, the start of a new day.
02. A mirror is one of the most commonly used item when getting ready in the morning. The blue chequered print of the mirror is inspired by the blue floor tiles that can usually be found in the kopitiams of Penang.
03. The older generation of Penang- typically the women, would use items such as a comb, clogs, and face powder as a part of their routine when getting ready in the morning.
04. A marketing trolley is a necessity when going to the market. Almost everyone is seen with one. The trolley’s design is inspired by Chinese dry food stores.
05. The usage of tiles can be seen almost everywhere in Penang. The design of tiles is inspired by the archways along the five foot way.
06. In the kopitiam, it's common to see people gathering, enjoying a drink, and reading the morning newspaper. Reflecting Malaysian culture, many of them get their drinks served in an ikat tepi.
02
Morning Rituals:
Reimagined Vanity
My aim was to showcase the intricate connection between objects and activities by depicting them in unconventional ways. Transforming the mundane into source of inspiration and contemplation.
03
Morning Rituals:
Reimagined Closet
In designing the reimagined closet, I drew inspiration from antique Chinese furniture, but I simplified their shapes and elements.
The idea to build a closet stemmed from the realisation that the simple act of opening a closet is something people do without much thought. I aimed to recreate that everyday action in this installation.
Like the Reimagined Vanity, the goal was to showcase the connections between objects and activities by depicting them in unconventional ways.
04
Project:
Morning Rituals
A morning ritual holds the power to shape the course of our entire day, even if we don't realise it. Often, we overlook the significance of these routines because they have become so ingrained in our lives. In the midst of our hectic, fast-paced lifestyles, we frequently fail to recognise the value and beauty of a simple yet fulfilling morning ritual.
Project: Morning Rituals is a vibrant space that celebrates morning rituals, offering a place for the younger generation to gather, socialise, and indulge in their personal routines. With a focus on tranquility and reflection, the space provides an inviting atmosphere, complemented by a coffee bar serving high-quality brews and healthy refreshments. State-of-the-art facilities including grooming stations (aka. the Freshen-up Pods) cater to individuals' needs.
On a sociological level, the space fosters a sense of community among the younger generation, addressing the need for meaningful connections in today's fast-paced world. This aspect of the project promotes mental well-being by creating a supportive environment for social interaction and personal growth. Whether seeking solitude or connection, Project: Morning Rituals aims to transform the mundane in to inspiration.
The site comprises of a series of old shophouses, which will undergo revitalisation to transform into a fresh interior area, breathing new life into the surroundings. This approach not only minimises the need for new construction, conserving resources and reducing waste, but also potentially stimulates economic growth through the revitiasation of existing structures and the potential for renewed business activity.
Taking cues from Penang's architectural Ornamentalism, I broke down its decorative shapes and forms. I then added my personal touch, infusing a hint of modern flair to create a contemporary interpretation.
The primary aim was to conjure a simultaneous feeling of nostalgia and novelty. This lead me to integrate materials often spotted in Penang's traditional shophouses and kopitiams, like terrazzo, stainless steel, tiles, timber and unfinished concrete. These elements formed a bridge between the past and the present, infusing the space with a timeless charm while retaining a modern touch.
Regarding the choice of colours, the interior walls of Penang's old shophouses were commonly painted with a shade of light green. I aimed to incorporate this nostalgic hue into the space, serving as a foundation. There, I explored a spectrum of colours that complemented the green while capturing Penang's vibrancy.
05
Curated
Perspectives
06
Technical
Drawings