More than classroom learning with Sunway’s Department of Art and Design

Sunway University’s Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design and Diploma in Interior Design students were recently thrilled to exercise creativity beyond their classroom during a Visual Research Trip to Kuala Terengganu. The trip organised by Sunway University’s Department of Art and Design (DAD) required students to design a ‘new’ resort while integrating different expertise for interior design and incorporating a corporate identity design for the new resort. Students were also encouraged to identify surfaces, materials, structure, dynamics, shapes, and space among other things that might influence their perception of learning.

Syaza Abdur Rahman, Graphic and Multimedia Design student presenting the final outcome of the project.

Syaza Abdur Rahman expressed how fortunate it was for her and her peers to be given a chance to learn outside the classroom and stay in a 5-star resort in Terengganu. She said, “It felt great to be able to work with an Interior Design student as I feel we’ve obtained a taste of what is to come when we enter the working environment. There were many inspiring things in Terengganu, especially the local handicrafts there. The unique wood carvings, the songket and batik were absolutely beautiful to look at.”

Arief Tajuddin said the first thing he gained from this trip was exposure and understanding the ideology of Terengganu. “I attained firsthand experience about their culture, food, architecture, furniture designs and traditions during the trip,” shared Arief. He said he was sketching as a recording method throughout the journey. He also paid attention to the craftsmanship of everything architectural and its traditional properties. He even conversed with the locals to get a clearer picture of Terengganu.

Maureen Opel, an international student from Africa said she got to see a different side of Malaysia through this trip. “The collaborative project was difficult as the ideas and inspiration had to satisfy both disciplines. However I managed to learn how to share and work with other people. The research method is good because we got first-hand experience of how things work. We were also exposed to see, feel and collect things that will inspire our creations. I was inspired by the hospitality of the people and the way things were colourful,” said Maureen.

The students visiting Pura Tanjung Sabtu, a collection of centuries-old Terengganu Malay timber houses.

Liu Zhang Yang, an International student from China said, “I’ve learned many things from this trip. I’ve seen many new elements and designs. I also took a liking of the handicraft factory which added to my knowledge. Another thing that impressed me was how brilliant the people in Terengganu were at building houses that are made of wood. These houses have been said to have last for more than a thousand years.” Elaine, a course-mate added, “I am truly inspired by the architecture of the Malay houses that were built without a single nail but merely wood joined together. Their building techniques are impressive and should be passed down generation by generation.”

Ang Tong Yin, Head of Department of Art and Design said, “The trip allowed room for the students to build an interdisciplinary team that extends beyond the classroom learning experience. It also gave local and international students a chance to understand the designs that are embedded within our Malaysian cultural context.”