DASD academic awarded PAM Education Research Grant 2021

Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Department of Architecture and Sustainable Design (DASD) academic Rahmawaty binti Abu Hassan and her team was awarded the PAM Education Research Grant 2021 (PERG 2021) for their research titled Investigation on Hybridised Formats of Studio Delivery for Post-Covid-19. A total of RM10,000 was successfully secured for the research. It was awarded by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM).

The research was led by Assoc Prof Dr Veronica Ng Foong Peng from Taylor’s University. The co-researchers include Ati Rosemary binti Mohd Ariffin from Universiti Malaya, Assoc Prof Ar Dr Ismar MS Usman from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Rahmawaty from UTAR.

According to Rahmawaty, the objective of the research was to analyse the potentials of hybridised virtual and face-to-face learning in design studio delivery post-Covid-19. The research also aimed to propose a safe and effective TNL framework during post-Covid-19 in architecture design studios.

“Teaching and Learning (TNL) must face up to the new normal during and post the Covid-19 pandemic. Architecture education is also subjected to this condition. It will need to adjust to new methods of delivery without compromising the quality of TNL. Hence, studio study should be adaptable to the post-pandemic situation to allow effectiveness and safety for both academics and students. Therefore, the findings are significant as it leads to firstly determining the format for a safe and effective studio TNL using hybrid mode.  It may help architecture schools in the country to sustain the conducive and effective TNL today and tomorrow,” said Rahmawaty.

This grant is an initiative to support research-focused architectural solutions and establish research networks that connect practitioners and academics. PAM believes that supporting research culture in architecture education would serve as a catalyst to increase research skills and literacy.

Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) is a national professional institute representing architects in Malaysia. Founded in 1920, its mission is to promote the advancement of architecture and the architectural profession for the betterment of society.