Last week, our lab hosted a group of Resilient Cities Network, Urban SCALE and Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah (MBMB) collaborators from Melaka for a co-design sprint focused on developing community-based sustainability solutions. This workshop, led by Asst. Prof. Perrine Hamel, research fellow Emma Ramsay and research assistant Meherwan Patel, combined in-depth discussions with site visits to some of NTU’s most innovative green spaces, providing a hands-on learning experience in sustainable urban design.
As part of this exchange, participants toured The Hive, Gaia, and Yunnan Gardens, three landmark sites that exemplify various aspects of sustainability. The Hive illustrated the advantages of passive cooling and natural ventilation, reducing dependence on air conditioning. Gaia, NTU’s most eco-friendly building, showcased solar-ready technology and an energy-efficient façade designed to minimize heat gain. Yunnan Gardens, a restored heritage site, demonstrated the role of blue-green infrastructure in cooling urban areas while supporting biodiversity. These visits offered valuable insights into how built environments can incorporate green and blue spaces, passive design strategies, and multifunctional areas to enhance sustainability and livability.
Asst. Prof. Perrine Hamel (fifth from the right, back row) and Dr. Emma Ramsay (second from the right, front row) with visiting collaborators at Co-design sprint workshop in Nanyang Technological University.
Following the site visits, participants engaged in collaborative brainstorming sessions to translate these lessons into actionable strategies. Discussions explored solutions at multiple levels, from individual and household adaptations to broader community initiatives and policy frameworks. A key focus was on ensuring that sustainability efforts remain accessible and inclusive, particularly for vulnerable groups. The workshop provided a platform for knowledge exchange, and we look forward to seeing how these ideas take shape in Melaka and beyond. This collaboration marks an important step toward building more sustainable and resilient communities!