As our rainforest resources dwindle, so the scientific understanding of their systems becomes more critically important. It is hoped that this knowledge can help to promote more sustainable management and conservation in the future. The Royal Society’s South East Asia Rainforest Research Program (SEARRP) has now been running at Danum Valley for over 20 years. Due to the continuing success of this and other research programs, the facilites at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) are now outdated and inadequate.

Consequently the DVFC management in partnership with SEARRP and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) are proposing to relocate the research and administrative hub of the field centre to a site adjacent to the existing Shell Malaysia sponsored management office.

The new building totals 500m² of labs, offices and conferencing, including dedicated accommodation for both the Royal Society and WWF. It features good passive solar design, water cooled walls plus shaded courtyard and breakout spaces designed to encourage informal interaction between users.

The Site next to the existing management office and environmental education gallery. This building is a good example of the ‘air-conditioned box with mirrored glass windows’ style of architecture which I discussed in my earlier post; Cultural Conditioning

Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Roof Plan

South Elevation

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