Life Stories in Downtown KL

06 Sep 2024

6 Min Read

Taylor's Impact Lab (Liveable Urban Communities)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Infusing Life into Cities Through Culture

City centres are more than just bustling hubs of commerce and governance—they are the vibrant heartbeats of urban life, where the fabric of society is intricately woven together. These dynamic cores serve as cultural beacons, reflecting the unique identities of communities around the world. Each city tells a story, shaped by the lived experiences of its people, the architectural styles that define its skyline, and the traditions passed down through generations. The energy of a city is not just in its physical structures but in the cultural practices that breathe life into its spaces, transforming them into living, evolving entities.

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Taylor's Impact Labs is committed to harnessing this cultural energy to empower communities and address societal challenges. Specifically, the Liveable Urban Communities (LUC) Impact Lab, a transdisciplinary ecosystem within Taylor's University, aims to improve the quality of life in urban areas by focusing on sustainable development. Leading this initiative, the LUC Impact Lab aligns its efforts with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasises making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Board Game Kaki Lima: Downtown KL

One such initiative that embodies this vision is Kaki Lima: Downtown KL, a board game created to celebrate the cultural heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur. Launched on 24 August 2024 at Central Market, this innovative board game was developed by Goh Choon Ean, a dedicated board-game enthusiast and founder of the creative firm LUMA, together with Associate Professor Dr. Camelia Kusumo and Dr. Ar. Lee Sze-ee, lecturers at Taylor’s University and supported by Think City through Creative KL grants programme.

Building on the success of the original Kaki Lima game, which highlighted the historic charm of George Town in Penang, this new edition shifts the focus to the vibrant and dynamic streets of downtown Kuala Lumpur. The project weaves the city’s rich cultural narratives into an engaging experience, enabling residents and visitors to connect with the heritage that defines Kuala Lumpur.

Kaki Lima: Downtown KL draws inspiration directly from the book Kaki Lima Stories: Life in the Five-Foot Ways in Downtown Kuala Lumpur, written by Associate Professor Dr. Camelia May Li Kusumo and senior lecturer Dr. Ar. Lee Sze-Ee from Taylor’s University.

Published in 2023, the book captures the essence of life along Kuala Lumpur's iconic five-foot ways through 31 real-life stories, offering readers a glimpse into the diversity and vibrancy of the city. The project brought these stories to life in a new, interactive way, allowing players to experience the cultural richness of the five-footways of Kuala Lumpur firsthand.

During the event, the team conducted a session where the mechanics of the board game were explained, providing insights into how players could navigate and win within the game’s engaging framework. This was followed by an open invitation for the audience to play the game at the prepared station.

_{Kaki Lima: Downtown KL Board Game Layout}

_{Goh Choon Ean engaging with guests through play}

Cultural Mapping

Cultural Mapping, a display of Downtown Kuala Lumpur’s heritage and culture was prepared by several groups of degree and masters students from Taylor’s School of Architecture, Building and Design, led by tutor Ms. Delliya Binti Mohd Zain. This project came under the 'Heritage Conservation: Theories, Principles & Practice' for degree students, with the aim of proposing a conservation method to conserve and make improvements to the given building.

Master of Architecture students on the other hand, took on the project under the 'Heritage & Conservation' module which aimed to propose a Revitalisation Master Plan of the selected street or area in Downtown Kuala Lumpur.

_{Guests exploring the Cultural Mapping Exhibition}

Dato’ Ar Zulkhairi Md Zain, a representative from Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM), praised the students for their meticulous work, noting the significance of their efforts in both preserving and celebrating Kuala Lumpur's rich cultural heritage.

"This exhibition is not just a display of our past, but a bridge to our future, reminding us of the importance of preserving our heritage while embracing progress. The dedication and creativity of these students are a testament to the potential of our younger generation to contribute meaningfully to our nation's cultural landscape," he remarked, emphasising the dual role of heritage conservation in honouring history while fostering modern development.

When asked about the intended outcome of the cultural mapping exhibition, Ms. Delliya, who led the project with her students, echoed Dato’ Zulkhairi’s sentiments, adding depth to the conversation. Ms. Delliya articulated that the project was designed with the aim of uncovering the often-overlooked stories embedded in Kuala Lumpur’s history and culture.

The intention was to go beyond the superficial aspects of the city and delve into its deeper layers, revealing the rich tapestry of experiences and lives that have shaped its identity over the years. The project sought to present Kuala Lumpur not merely as a collection of buildings, but as a dynamic and vibrant entity, infused with a soul and character formed through the countless interactions and traditions of its inhabitants.

She continued, "Through Cultural Mapping, we aimed to provide a new lens through which people could view and appreciate the city. Our hope is that this project will inspire others to take a closer look at their surroundings, to recognise the significance of even the smallest details in our built environment.”

Bringing Stories to Life Through Film and Performance

The event featured a series of reenactment plays based on selected stories, performed by two students from Bachelor of Performing Arts course. This was followed by the screening of short documentary films produced by Taylor’s Mass Communication students, each corresponding to the reenacted stories. The first screening showcased Uncle Musa Cobbler’s Story, setting the stage for other compelling narratives like Whispers From The Alley, Customers First, and Unlocking Tunes.

_{Performing Arts students reenacting Kaki Lima Stories}

Chong Janny, the producer of Whispers From The Alley, reflected on the challenges her team faced during production. The toughest part, she noted, was meeting the high expectations of their tutor, Mr. Azrain. “We had to update our video draft every week, and each time, Mr. Azrain would look stressed,” Janny shared. Despite the rigorous process, she expressed gratitude for the constructive feedback they received, which ultimately helped them deliver a polished and impactful film.

Mr. Azrain, who teaches the Visual Storytelling module, emphasised the importance of creative interpretation in documentary filmmaking. “I encouraged the students to pick stories that resonated with them. In documentary work, it’s not just about reporting facts; it’s about offering an artistic representation of reality,” he explained. The real challenge, according to him, was guiding the students to bring out the essence of each story in a way that would connect with the audience on a deeper level.

_{Film screening: Whispers From The Alley}

Honouring Collaboration and Sharing Celebration

When asked about the significance of the event for the downtown Kuala Lumpur community, Dr. Camelia May Li Kusumo shared her insights with a thoughtful perspective. “The event holds tremendous significance, especially as we face the challenges of a declining population and shifting dynamics in the area. Many people are uncertain about what’s happening around them, and the older generation, who have long lived here, are witnessing these changes first hand.

Think City’s efforts to revitalise downtown Kuala Lumpur are crucial, but it’s equally important to preserve the stories and traditions that have shaped this community. If we don’t actively document and remember these narratives, there’s a risk they will be lost. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how people’s lives, like that of Mr. Musa, the cobbler who relied on his work in the five-footways, can serve as inspiration. Our book was created to ensure that these individuals are recognised and that their stories are preserved, so they won’t be forgotten or displaced from their traditional spaces.”

Ms. Joan Tan, Head of Creative Economy at Think City, also delivered a compelling speech that underscored the critical role of downtown Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant, creative, and livable hub. She highlighted how this revitalisation not only drives economic development but also enhances environmental and social well-being. Joan Tan's address was a testament to Think City’s mission of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the area while fostering a dynamic urban environment that supports both growth and community engagement.

_{Main Coordinators of 'Life Stories in Downtown KL' event}

The 'Life Stories in Downtown KL' event was more than just a celebration of the city's rich cultural heritage; it was a step toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By preserving and showcasing the stories and traditions that have shaped downtown Kuala Lumpur, the event highlighted the importance of cultural heritage in creating vibrant, livable urban spaces. These efforts not only honour the past but also ensure that as Kuala Lumpur revitalises and modernises, it does so with a respect for the community's roots and stories, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging in line with SDG 11.

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