Launch of renewable energy and appropriate technology centre

Photos by Sue Chong-Hartley and Evangeline Majawat

The Arkitrek 2013 design/build team presented concept designs at the official launch of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technology (CREATE) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Centre, which trains community based micro-hydro practitioners, has asked Arkitrek Camp participants to design and build a classroom and community meeting space.

Pictured above: The Centre receives a blessing, or ‘Momokis’ from Kadazan Elders (and youngers?) with the ceremonial planting of a traditional medicinal plant. The medicinal plant, of the Melastomataceae family, is said to promote healing and peace. It grows vigourously and all parts of the plant are useful. Below: Gabriel Wynn and Adrian Lasimbang of CREATE give the plant some love to start it off.

Arkitrekkers used the event to solicit feedback from the wider community on how they would like to see their centre developed. The Arkitrekkers introduced themselves first before presenting their design concepts to the assembled throng.

A lively discussion ensued in the Arkitrek presentation area where sketches and models were on display. We need not have been concerned about reticent locals shy to voice their opinions, even by midday the crowd were well oiled with rice wine and replete with extraordinary food. The feedback revealed much interest in traditional building forms and materials.

Concerned that an empty birdcage would bring bad luck, Arkitrekker Richard Nelson saw fit to populate it. Note the ingenious use of an old fan in the birdcage construction. This is re-purposing sustainable design Kadazan style.