Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK)
BCCK: “ Let’s meet under the trees”
A vast majority of Sarawakians enjoy shade under its equatorial rainforest, which is often the first sight to greet visitors to the state. “Let’s meet under the trees” was the slogan devised for welcoming convention delegates, as well as the central design theme for the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Designed by KDI Architects, the project comprises two central rainforest themes — the rainforest as a meeting place and the rainforest canopy as shade.
The design comprises two central rainforest themes, namely Rainforest as a meeting place and Rainforest canopy as shade. These themes are carefully articulated as an abstract interpretation of a rainforest. External columns and wall finishing at public areas are designed to resemble the rainforest silhouette, while detailing of columns and wall finishes using natural material expressions reinforces the rainforest theme.
As the first dedicated convention centre on the Island of Borneo, BCCK blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings through a free-flowing roof structure. The roof is shaped in the form of a “Ririg” leaf (Phacelophrynium maximum), a species that grows in abundance in Sarawak. The roof canopy is supported by a series of exposed structural elements resembling the trunks and branches of rainforest trees. At the tip of the roof canopy, a minimalist stone collection pond is incorporated, reminiscent of water drops falling off a Ririg leaf after a torrential monsoon rain.
Sited on a 6-hectare riverfront site on Isthmus Island, BCCK forms part of a new marina and tourism development approximately 8 kilometres from Kuching city centre. Completed in 2009 with a construction cost of approximately RM200 million, the building is designed on an east–west orientation to mitigate solar heat gain. Respecting local culture, it is also oriented to face Mecca and incorporates a Muslim prayer room.
With a gross floor area of 36,500 square metres, the centre offers complete internal flexibility. Functional spaces can be subdivided for plenary sessions, exhibitions, and banquets, accommodating up to 5,000 delegates. The facility includes a 2,000-capacity banquet hall, 14 breakout meeting rooms, and a 2,500-square-metre pillar-free exhibition space. Supporting infrastructure includes parking for over 800 vehicles, a VIP lounge, commercial kitchens capable of servicing 2,000 delegates, and modern communication technology featuring simultaneous interpretation facilities in four languages.
The core functional considerations of BCCK focus on flexible multi-functionality and energy efficiency. To adapt to various user needs while remaining sensitive to the environment, the design incorporates:
Environmental Cooling: Advanced traffic studies and the use of dense vegetation to cool ambient surface temperatures of external car parks and driveways.
Solar Mitigation: Extensive sun angle studies and modelling to minimize direct sunlight penetration on the ,3400-square-metre curtain wall.
Space Adaptability: 5-metre ceiling heights for Level 1 car parks to allow for additional exhibition space, and roof cavity spaces for storage or workshops.
Acoustic & Capacity Excellence: Rigorous acoustic testing in all public areas and flexible conference zones that can adjust for attendance ranging from 20 to 5,000 people.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd
Client : Perbadanan Pembangunan Ekonomi Sarawak ( PPES ) Works Sdn Bhd
Area : 36,000 m²
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2009 -
C&S Engineer : Jurutera Minsar Consult Sdn Bhd
M&E Engineer : KTA (S) Sdn Bhd
Electrical Engineer : Uni-Kenyalang Engineering Sdn Bhd
Quantity Surveyor : JUBSAR Sdn Bhd
Photography : CMS Bhd | BCCK management. -
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