A student’s hostel is a vital part of some college/university students’ lives. A comfortable and convenient hostel has always been the top priority for most students. Students learn not only to live with others and share things but also to learn to live on their own. Living alone and independently is a habit (or a practice) that every individual must grow into. Therefore, student accommodation helps one gain emotional independence and trains one to sustain independently.
When the Malaysian government enforced a lockdown during the global pandemic, COVID-19, some students were forced to stay at their respective locations and not be able to return home. They have to constantly leave their house and risk their health and lives just to get the essentials. With this in mind, came Commune. Commune is a student hostel which not only provides a comfortable place for students that are required to live in SS15 but also help make their lives easier by providing necessary facilities.
The reason “Mystery of the Future” was chosen as the concept is because mystery and the future are two things that the general public finds very intriguing. Commune aspires to be a mysterious hostel, rather than one that is upfront and straightforward. It aims to entice the target audience and attract them. It focuses on creating contrast with the design and harmony as well as how everything comes together.
”Mystery of the Future” would be a fairly suitable concept for Commune, and for the chosen client INTI International College Subang, as the future of students are always a mystery. It is for the students to explore and figure out their future, hence unveiling the mystery. The main inspiration behind the word “Mystery of the Future” would also be the universe, as there is still a lot left undiscovered. It aims to inspire and aspire students to reach for the stars, as their dreams are never too big for the universe.
The universe also symbolizes the unknown of the future for the students, and that it should be exciting and enticing. Both of these factors relate to INTI as INTI’s vision has always been to be the champion of change, reinventing education for the dynamic leaders of the future. It also highlights one of INTI’s core values, which would be student-centric. Space and everything that is in the universe also helps propels the idea of INTI being a representation for an institution that would be universal and known for reinventing education, for the better.
Commune consists of a reception area, a waiting area, a virtual grocery store, a laundry room, a first aid room, a gender-neutral restroom, two study halls, a "recharge" area, a pantry, and dorm rooms. The user experience is heightened with the design of the ceiling, the heavy use of mirrors and glass, and a virtual grocery store. It aims to help users truly experience the feeling of being in the future. It also helps promote a modern and sleek feeling through the use of materials in the flooring, walls, ceiling, and furniture.
© 2020 by INTI Center of Art & Design. Proudly created by the ICAD Voyage Showcase Committee.