Across the foreign land, I found myself : Reminiscing through a journey as an Interior Architecture Student in Malaysia

Looking back through my study in Interior Architecture, honestly I never planned to choose this course after high school. When the pandemic struck, exams got canceled, I suddenly found myself graduating without direction. However, before high school ended I discovered passion—- sketching and fascination with design. From the Sims, Sylvanian Families, and interior magazines, it slowly led me to pursue Interior Architecture at Taylor’s University.

My first 2 semesters were online, but in 2022 I finally presented in Malaysia for design classes. It was scary living abroad for the first time hailing from North Sumatra, Indonesia; away from family, friends and battling alone through challenges and hardships. Someday I was very nervous and did not know how to feel and react, but through learning the hard way and being curious about everything, I eventually became independent, resilient and decisive for myself whenever choices came in. Overall, I thought that living alone is not that bad as I have my own personal space to grow and discover new things on my own.

I remember this is the first time sitting here and waiting for the results after pulling an all-nighter to complete a mockup model for design studio

Working on assignments and mockup models during Hari Raya in my dorm.

Tutorials of Building Construction and Design Studio during pandemic in 2020 and 2021

Studying interior architecture in Taylor's University has been rewarding. I have gained knowledge in knowing how construction and design works and cooperate to create functional spaces. Not just based on innovative design, it also emphasizes the importance of design essence and activities that are required into the space. I was exposed to the idea that design is far more expansive than I imagined. It wasn’t limited to arranging interiors, it could evolve into installations, set design, graphic design or conceptual projects. At first I was surprised by how much freedom we were given and we were encouraged to design something “out of the box”. After going through brainstorming and tutorials, I have realised that it trained us to dare to be different and think forward in design.

My semester 7 works, implementing my concept design inside the shophouses.

This freedom was not always easy. It pushed me to keep experimenting and creating something new. Over time, those challenges helped me realize the importance of finding my own design language which reflects a sense of story and identity. Hence, through the end of my studies I have finally found my own design niche, which I believe it in myself, thanks to the endless support from my friends and lecturer.s

Living in Malaysia was the best experience that I ever had. I built friendships across cultures. I am super grateful to my friends that we have gone through I also explored around Kuala Lumpur and certain places such as Rekascape, Rex KL, Petaling Street, Pasar Seni, and so much more thanks to the site visit that they conducted for us. Without this activities, I wouldn't be knowing that this place existed.

My Semester 6 works, still in the design exploration process.

The whole construction team of book nook project in Rex KL

Me with my whole classmates and lecturers;

Rex KL had a collaboration with Book Nook, our installation was made out of laminated plywood, joined with a slip-in joinery and drill. Me and my friends were the part of the woodworking and constructing the installation.

Me and my friends are in site measurement group to measure the whole site using laser pointer and measuring tape.

Tamarind Square, where we got activities to measure the treehouses as our site for 3D Modelling

Upper view from the bridge in Rekascape

Rekascape where we got a chance to know in depth and have a tour of the whole area, starting from the entrance until the restaurant and coworking spaces.

Touring around the coworking spaces

A portion view of Urban Museum and Urban Living residence

And I also went to the Urban Museum and Urban Living Residence , where my lecturers and I went there to have a tour around and also have a relaxing tutorial session while exploring the area to understand further about our final project theme, which is about placemaking.

IKEA product showcase

We also had a trip to the furniture factory of Kian, where we can see the process of furniture-making from choosing the fabric and templates until the end of the product, as well as exploring IKEA Damansara.

Throughout this journey, it has been full of joys and sorrows throughout the process. It might be hard at first going through something that is new, untouched and foggy.

Factory where Kian furniture is made.

However, in whatever situation, I wanted to advise you to look at the bright side, be open with every single thing that is coming to you and stay resilient. You might not know what is coming after that, whether it is a good or bad ending. It does not matter whether you achieve it successfully or not, if you have the desire to try and learn. As Coldplay says from the track “Fix You” : If you never try, you never know. Go ahead and try something new that scares you. Looking back, I am grateful that I took that leap. Because in Malaysia, I didn’t just study Interior Architecture—— I discovered myself as who I am.

Below I share a few pictures of my first timers as a girl who just got out of her comfort zone and explored new things with her friends.

With warmest regards and best wishes,

Madeline.