Wisma SABATI
Wisma SABATI is strategically located at a prominent urban junction along Jalan Bako, fronting a major roundabout within a civic and institutional corridor. Set on a 4.00-acre site surrounded by key public amenities, the building establishes a strong civic presence, conceived as both a landmark and a community interface responding to its highly visible urban context. The project responds to its urban context by establishing a strong civic presence, conceived as both a landmark and a community interface. The massing and orientation are calibrated to address the surrounding road network while reinforcing SABATI’s identity as a public-facing, socially driven institution.
The development is organised into three distinct blocks, each defined by programme and circulation logic.
Block A houses the primary administrative functions, main lobby, Galeri Laila, surau, conference facilities, and management offices.
Block B accommodates the auditorium and an elevated Anjung terrace, functioning as a semi-public transition space.
Block C contains the multi-purpose hall arranged over two floors, offering adaptable layouts for exhibitions, ceremonies, and large-scale community events.
This clear zoning strategy enhances wayfinding, operational flexibility, and user experience, while allowing the complex to function cohesively or in segmented modes.
Conceived for a non-profit organisation with an extensive charitable mandate, Wisma SABATI transcends the conventional typology of an office building. The project integrates administrative functions with public, cultural, and event-oriented spaces, supporting both internal operations and broader community engagement. Key components include Galeri Laila, a commemorative gallery honouring the late Datuk Patinggi Puan Sri Hajjah Laila Taib and celebrating the contributions of Sarawakian women, alongside meeting rooms, office suites, an auditorium, and a flexible multi-purpose hall. The programme is intentionally layered to allow independent use, ensuring operational efficiency while maximising public accessibility.
The architectural expression of Wisma SABATI is informed by Sarawak’s multicultural heritage, interpreted through a contemporary design lens. The project synthesizes vernacular, Islamic, and indigenous architectural references, abstracted into modern forms and detailing. Rather than direct replication, cultural elements are reinterpreted as spatial rhythms, patterns, and material expressions, reflecting unity within diversity. This approach establishes a building that is contextually resonant while forward-looking, balancing cultural continuity with contemporary architectural language.
The interior design reinforces the project’s conceptual intent through a restrained palette and culturally informed detailing. Neutral surfaces form the primary backdrop, enriched by timber finishes, geometric patterns, and indigenous motifs integrated into ceilings, screens, feature walls, and joinery. SABATI’s signature colors — pink, peach, and purple, are selectively applied to key spaces, subtly reinforcing organisational identity without compromising spatial clarity. The use of local materials and craft-inspired detailing contributes to a sense of authenticity and place, while maintaining a contemporary, professional environment conducive to both productivity and public engagement.
Wisma SABATI is envisioned as a platform for social empowerment, cultural recognition, and community participation. By integrating flexible public spaces within a cohesive architectural framework, the project supports SABATI’s charitable mission while fostering inclusivity and cultural dialogue. Today, Wisma SABATI stands as an architectural expression of purpose, where form, function, and social responsibility converge, offering a meaningful contribution to Kuching’s civic landscape and reflecting the aspirations of the Sarawakian community it serves.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : RKD Architects Sdn. Bhd.
Client : Sarawak Badan Amal Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (SABATI)
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2022 -
C&S Engineer : ASL Engineers Sdn Bhd
M&E Engineer : Azmar Engineers Sdn Bhd.
Quantity Surveyor : Pakatan International MD Isahak & Rakan-Rakan (Sarawak)
Main Contractor : Polybuilding Construction Co.
Gallery Contractor : Impact Design Associates Sdn Bhd
Monitoring Agency : JKR Sarawak
Interior Designer : RKD Architects Sdn. Bhd. -
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