TanKarKee Memorial

modular // joinery

Creative Archival

"To not forget the history of our ancestors."

Xiamen University, Malaysia
Completed on July 2023

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grassspace

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This exhibition space is curated for the Tan Kar Kee. As a venue dedicated to a historical figure, it needs to provide ample exhibition space to tell various stories about him.

Within the constraints, the circulation flow need to be carefully planned in order to strengthen the narrative of the sapce. The exhibition consist of 4 zones: Historical Background, Education, Business and War Time Stroy. Among all these zone,

visual transparency in the exhibition space are enhanced to create a sense of cohesion.

Additionally, in response to the curator's requirements, the space atmosphere and decoration should incorporate architectural styles from the era of Tan Kar Kee. The use of partion walls is not only to divide the exhibition space but also simultaneously add an appropriate sense of the period to the entire exhibit experience.

Chemistry Between Interior Space & Content Curation

The design of a space is closely aligned with its intended purpose. When designing a space, it is crucial to consider how the curator intends to showcase the exhibition content, ensuring that the two elements are balanced within the exhibition space. By emphasizing the viewing experience, the design should provide visitors with the opportunity to genuinely appreciate the effort and thought that the curator has invested in the exhibition.

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Education must never be neglected

The core spirit of Tan Kar Kee is his insists of education. He devoted nearly his entire life and fortune to the Chinese community, especially in the field of education. To carry on this spirit, the educational area in the memorial is placed at the very center, with the surrounding areas dedicated to historical context, commerce, war, and his study radiating outward.

This concept reflects Tan Kar Kee's belief that education must never be neglected, even in the most difficult circumstances. The educational space is encircled and protected by the commercial and historical context, symbolizing his commitment to safeguarding education.

Tan Kar Kee's study is positioned adjacent to the educational area, with his seat facing the center of education, representing his unwavering dedication to it. The educational space and the war exhibit are separated by a wall, signifying that despite the external turmoil, education must never be halted or destroyed.

- Entrance / Lobby

- History Timeline

- Gathering Place

- Education

- Business

- Tan Kar Kee Study Room

- Chinese Family Letter

- War Time History

- Street View

- Tan Kar Kee Memorial

Space Narrative

Each space, each zone is designed to have its own narrative. It tells the story with it own part and interact with the other at the same time.

Historical Timeline

A historical wall displayed with timeline, in order to show the time change through out different historical time.

Gather Hall

A rest point in the exhibition, provided seat for audience to communicate and enjoy the space

War Time Stories

Zig zag partition wall created winding route to tell difficult stories during war time.

TanKarKee Room

A study room to demostrade the interior view of TanKarKee.

Education

The core of the exhibition, surround by all zone.

Modular // Joinery

To strengthen the atmosphere of the exhibitionspace, the furniture items must complement with the historical background. The design should be subtle, ensuring the furniture serves its functional purpose while seamlessly integrating into the exhibition, without over shadowing the primary exhibit.

Modular unit are designed to suit the interaction purpose. Handles on drawers and doors are designed to be interacted with the audience in order to explore more content by themself.

Interactive drawer to show exhibited content inside