Building the future with TAR UC
ARCHITECTURE is the mastery of designing buildings or physical structures; from the most fundamental phase of project conceptualisation, to seeing these designs come to life through comprehensive works of building construction.
It comprises knowledge and skills that combines both art (building design) and science (building construction).
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) is one of the very few institutions in the country that offers an architecture programme, and TAR UC has been conducting its architecture programme via the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) since 2009.
Students who undergo this programme can be employed as assistant architects, both for design activities and as executives and/or as managerial level personnel in architectural practices, which include, but not limited to, production of conceptual and detail designs, construction drawings, contract administration as well as project implementation in the construction industry.
Poh Su Ann, an architecture student who graduated last year with the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons) at TAR UC, is now working as an assistant architect in a private firm in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
As a student, she participated in three competitions, namely the Bamiyan Cultural Centre Design Competition by UNESCO, Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Annual Architecture Student Works Exhibition 2014, where her team won Champion prize for “Best Booth Design and Display” and Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Bench Design Competition 2015 by MMC Gamuda, where her team and other TAR UC teams won six consolation prizes out of 21 prizes.
As an aspiring architect, Poh concurred that the architecture programme at TAR UC had given her a strong foundation as a launch pad to achieve her dreams.
“The faculty gives the students a lot of flexibility to explore their designs by all means using various kinds of equipment like the laser cutter, 3D printers and workshops which are all available in TAR UC.
TAR UC’s lecturers have done a good job by constantly updating themselves to keep the students well-trained and learned. They also encourage us to participate in competitions, attend workshops and listen to invited external speakers in seminars.”
Poh said there are various activities conducted by FEBE for Architecture students.
“It is the norm that in every design studio subject, which is a core subject, we do mini projects, building and urban designs. Students go on field trips to carry out site analysis and studies on local grounds as well as overseas. I had the opportunity to visit Seoul, South Korea during the final semester of my Bachelor degree programme.
“It was an invaluable experience and a great exposure for us as architecture students who constantly aspire to learn innovative design skills which will help improve the lives of the community in this urban setting.
“Yes, we spent many sleepless nights in the studio, burning the midnight oil. The final outcome was always satisfying,” said Poh.
“My advice is that you find an area of interest and be indispensable in it. Be focused on what you want to achieve, don’t compromise, always seek for a mentor’s advice and go for it.”
To find out more about architecture or other programmes offered by FEBE, visit the TAR UC Kuala Lumpur Main Campus, or any of TAR UC branch campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah to enquire, or visit www.tarc.edu.my.