Kampong Hawa
My background as a Malay woman has deeply influenced my work, which explores the intersection of architecture, cultural heritage, and women's empowerment. Traditional Malay houses often reflect societal expectations that confine women's roles. However, the strong women in my life – mothers, sisters, and friends – defy these limitations.
This disconnect inspired me to create "Hawa," a multifaceted persona who thrives in spaces designed to celebrate women's full potential. Hawa and the environments she inhabits serve as a counterpoint to the narratives embedded within traditional Malay architecture. The project combines analysis of patriarchal structures with personal narratives. This informs designs that deconstruct and reconstruct Malay houses, sparking conversations about a more inclusive domestic environment. Furthermore, it delves into the potential of the dollhouse kit as a tool for women's empowerment. It investigates the dollhouse format as a platform for conversations about female agency and the celebration of women across generations.
These methods aim to redefine Malay architecture and spark a dialogue about the multifaceted contributions of women. Ultimately, the project seeks a future where women's potential is embraced and celebrated within the very spaces they inhabit.
