The Master of Architecture Programme is a professional degree equivalent to the professional qualification of the Board of Architects Malaysia Part II. It is a continuation of the Board Architects Malaysia Part I, which is addressed in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture programme in UTM. 

The programme is a taught course Masters Programme and as such there is a structured curriculum with an emphasis on more research-based architectural design studio projects. This focus enables a more intellectual and theoretical basis in the architectural projects addressed within the programme at the same time contribute to the development of architecture within the National framework, that emphasises on the sustainable development. 

The focus on research-based is an addition to the technical, scientific and technological considerations that are already embedded in the courses. The Master of Architecture program is recognised by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM), Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and the Public Services Department (JPA). The mainstream architecture programme in UTM is the first in country acknowledged by PAM and LAM. 

UTM degree holders in Master of Architecture with 2 years relevant working experience are eligible to sit for the LAM Part III examination in order to be registered as a professional architect.

Source: UTM ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT.

At UTM, students have to got through 4 stages for the design subject; Pre-Thesis 1 (So-Cult), Pre-Thesis 2 (Urban), Pre-Thesis 3 (Environmental) and Thesis. The Design Pre-Thesis 1 (Socio-Culture) is an advanced level design that focuses on the impact of Socio-cultural, and Religious values, rituals and concepts on community related architecture that can include housing, community centers, religious centers, educational institutes and such. The emphasis is on a critical architectural research to cultivate greater understanding of the meaning of forms and space specifically from intangible perspectives such as social, political and cultural ones. Students are assisted by 3 permanent panels: Supervisor, Academic Panel and Architect Panel.

In this semester, the Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) that will received by students are:

CLO1: Integrate advanced knowledge supported by critical arguments and justifications into a conclusive synthesis towards innovative solution in response to <issues according to thesis panels as established in the Design Matrix.

CLO2: Design a justified architectural scheme that responds to <issues or theme according to thesis panels as established in the Design Matrix>.

CLO3: Produce technical solution(s) for the architectural scheme according to <the requirements of the respective thesis panels as established in the Design Matrix> using acceptable architectural convention.

CLO4: Use appropriate communication, architectural convention and presentation techniques in verbal, visual and written form effectively.

CLO5: Organize and advocate contributions in planning, running and documentation of altruistic events of entrepreneuristic qualities and lifelong learning effectively.

Source: UTM ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT.

Nexus: Redefining Urban Living through ‘Tech Living’

Modern cities, despite their promise of connectivity, often inadvertently foster isolation and fail to address evolving digital needs. In vibrant urban centers like Bukit Jalil, challenges persist, including a disconnect in the housing market, social fragmentation in dense living environments, and a critical shortage of contemporary digital and recreational infrastructure.

‘Nexus’ is a visionary ‘Tech Living’ integrated high-rise development designed as a strategic response to these pressing issues. Guided by the innovative ‘Nexus Bloom’ concept, its aim is to redefine urban dwelling by cultivating a dynamic, community-centric environment infused with pervasive digital energy.

Nexus seamlessly blends smart residential living with a vibrant e-sports and innovation hub. This is achieved by carefully balancing diverse resident needs, integrating cutting-edge technology throughout the development, and optimizing communal spaces to support flexible, modern lifestyles. From state-of-the-art gaming arenas to collaborative digital studios and adaptable living units, Nexus is poised to become a benchmark for future integrated developments. It will significantly contribute to Malaysia’s digital economy and enhance the overall livability of urban environments, fostering a thriving community where technology and human connection flourish together.

This project is a response to the co-living challenges in Bukit Jalil, a rapidly developing urban district shaped by internal migration, short-term tenancy, and weak social ties. As more young residents move into the area temporarily, the sense of belonging within high-density housing environments is becoming increasingly fragile.

The design explores how architecture can address this issue by rethinking how people live, interact, and form connections in shared spaces. Key strategies include the integration of green open spaces as everyday social anchors, the creation of flexible communal areas that support both privacy and interaction, and the use of culturally sensitive spatial planning to reflect the needs of a diverse urban population.

By encouraging meaningful encounters and shared experiences, the project aims to create a co-living model that restores connection, strengthens community, and redefines what it means to feel at home — even in a temporary setting.

Designing for All Ages, Together

This project envisions a connected, inclusive residential development that supports multiple generations living under one community. It balances privacy, care, and interaction, promoting a lifestyle where families—from young children to the elderly—can thrive together in an urban setting.

This multi-generational concept fosters a sense of belonging and resilience, addressing modern family structures and urban isolation. It redefines high-density living—not as crowded, but as collaborative, caring, and community-driven.

Rethinking Affordable Housing through Sport-Centric Community 

This project is to design and propose affordable housing as an active, inclusive and health-oriented society by integrating sport-centric infrastructure and communal spaces that promote physical well-being, social cohesion and long-term community development.

Malaysia is internationally recognized for its vibrant multicultural society, comprising a rich blend of ethnicities including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and a wide array of indigenous groups collectively known as Bumiputera. This demographic diversity is a defining characteristic of the nation, shaping not only its cultural identity but also its social dynamics and everyday life. As of 2024, Bumiputera encompassing Malays and indigenous peoples constitute approximately of the population, while ethnic Chinese and Indians represent respectively, alongside smaller communities of other ethnic backgrounds. 

Bukit Jalil, a suburb in the southern part of Kuala Lumpur, has evolved into a dynamic and multicultural residential and commercial hub. As Malaysia’s capital embraces diversity, Bukit Jalil becomes a microcosm of this national identity, hosting a vibrant blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian,

it later became a focal point for international events such as the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Since then, Bukit Jalil has evolved into a sought-after residential and commercial hub, attracting a wide range of residents, including young professionals and families from diverse backgrounds  

Spaces of Coexistence is a mixed-development architecture for multicultural unity in Bukit Jalil Communities, its combination for major ethnicity in Malaysia. Live life in vertical development with enjoyable hospitality. Spaces of Coexistence provided a good spatial organization and separate the division like a community centre, multipurpose hall that can use for all ethnicity especially when come seasonal celebration like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali also have library, kindergarden, convenience store also some foodcourt, that made easy for tenant and no need to go far. 

Multiculturalism is significant strength of society, it enriches the social fabric by embracing and celebrating the diversity of cultural, traditions, and perspectives. This inclusive approach fosters mutual understanding, respect and collaboration among different communities ultimately contributing to more vibrant dynamic and cohesive society. Therefore we need to work together and respect each other to become a successful and developed country.

Fast Paced Living has become a new norm after revolutionary of work based industry booming early 2000. This has caused centralized focal workplace and commuting has excessive impacted especially during peak hours. Community racing against time, lack of sufficient 24 hours due to intense need of travel and long hours working. The Pre-thesis is lean narrow to an opposite way of lifestyle which Slow Paced Living. Promoting mindful life, appreciate our surrounding, sourcing for local in term of need. 

Slow Living is greatly associated with Kampung image thus this pre-thesis aimed to bring the Kampung model to reinvent slow living within fast paced district, Bukit Jalil. Its expected to be the mediation for community who seek a temporary reliver in their dwelling unit before going back to their normal routine. 

From Isolation to Interaction” is the core narrative of this co-living project, LYNC, located in Bukit Jalil. Designed for young working professionals, the project seeks to address the growing issue of urban isolation, psychological stress, and lack of communal engagement within high-rise residential typologies. In fast-paced urban lifestyles, especially in dense working districts, vertical living often separates people by floors and walls, leading to disconnection and weakened community trust. This project reimagines the role of architecture as a tool to foster social innovation and engagement through space, layout, and programmatic design.

The design concept of LYNC integrates multiple strategies to enhance socio-connectivity: encouraging interaction through flexible communal spaces, reducing psychological stress with calming adaptable environments, and strengthening safety and trust through inclusive programming and technology. The massing itself promotes engagement, with a central open plaza acting as a heart for social convergence, surrounded by a sequence of terraces, green corridors, and accessible communal platforms layered vertically and horizontally.

LYNC adopts a spatial approach that prioritizes modular planning, activity-based zoning, and tech-enabled interactions. Shared workspaces, wellness zones, and informal lounges are distributed to stimulate spontaneous meetings, co-working, and emotional support. The design also responds to site-specific opportunities and constraints respecting surrounding urban fabric while injecting new vibrancy to the area.

More than just housing, LYNC aims to become a holistic living solution that blurs the boundary between private and communal, individual and collective. The architectural language employs modern tropical features like deep overhangs, shading louvers, and strategic cutouts to ensure climatic comfort, visibility, and safety.

Ultimately, this project positions itself not merely as a built form but as a social tool to enhancing quality of life and emotional resilience for the younger generation navigating city life.

Athletic passion of Bukit Jalil people begin long time ago. fact, sport is how Bukit Jalil people starts (looking thru its development, Commonwealth 1998 is the engine ; is a part of Bukit Jalil community’s identity , a part which makes Bukit Jalil’s people, Bukit Jalil’s people.

however the spike of the property market (especially in currently world economic, tariff and all that) making the cost of living in major city (such Bukit Jalil) prohibitive. As society changed, more people living alone (long and longer). We’re seeing a spike of loner household among young and old, and PKP + Social media factor up the loneliness and social isolation

To begin, the Communal model begins with idea of communal space. Shared Feature such as Workspace, Gym, Track, Dobi , which not just only provide access to tools and space, but far over and beyond what’s needed in a typical home, creating natural opportunities for people to mingled, meet and ultimately formed a specific community.

No matter anywhere, community range in scale from neighbour-hood to much wider community and its surroundings, so this proposal need have the flexibility to respond and accommodate some shared features that serve its surrounding needs and appeal to its residents.

Sport centric is basically a exploration of how sport people can live in a co living model, which community is formed by natural interactions, where interactions occurs on Bukit Jalil is base on a shared identity : the sport peoples. 

The Project challenge to create a building in vertical model on a limited land size, empathizing  not just only Bukit Jalil’s social structure and  ecosystem but understand the specifically of its identity is structure by different type of  Sports, The Sports Centric have 5 variations of Sports Facility, which align with the local needs and experience, the sports that can promote interaction is selected such as Volleyball, Futsal, Basketball, Badminton and Swimming, together with have a little Bukit Jalil’s Sport Stadium on its own. 

The Sport Centric is never meant to be as great as National Stadium, it choose to complimenting the “Big Brother” by focus on how its people with a habit of different sports can live in a modern lifestyle in such vertical SOHO units, propose to live in the Co-living lifestyle model, celebrating the very peoples to its very identity instead of usual approach fuel based consumerism. 

Congratulations to all students. You have shown a very high level of commitments this semester. GOOD LUCK AND MAY YOU BECOME GREAT ARCHITECTS OF THE FUTURE! INSYALLAH.