COEX @Kilang Besi
The impetus of the project started in 2017 when the architect who happens to be the client had an idea to marry the two things he love - architecture and community. After several attempts over the years with various partners, the execution of COEX on its 5th attempt happened quite organically through a mutual collaborative initiative with Hin Bus Depot, an arts and event space. The team was thrilled and was very excited to be part of this transition especially after a pandemic.
This humble project is nestled in the heart of Penang and at the doorstep of George Town’s designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seen as the missing piece, COEX completes this puzzle and ignites a sense of belonging to many budding local creatives.
LOCATION
Georgetown, Penang
CLIENT
N/A
YEAR
2022
STATUS
Completed
TEAM
Ar. Mei Chee Seong
Ar. Lau Jeh Farn
Lee Jian Xian
Established in 2021 under the umbrella of aLM Architects, COEX has since made its name known; with various interpretations among the public and creatives. The play of words ‘COEX’ is very fluid and could be interpreted as it fits best however it is rooted in the idea of a ‘community experiment’. COEX is like a blank canvas, advocating creative minded individuals to curate their thoughts and express their creativity. Art development is an inclusive, forgiving haven and we believe that we as creatives could collectively cultivate the art ecosystem and reinstate the glory through a bottom-up approach.
This community-driven establishment has hosted various events and expanded way more than one could ever imagine. One would expect its scene to change every now and then as there are programmes scheduled every other week with always something for everyone. Its ephemeral quality and fleeting experience allow one to always be looking forward to their visit.
The existence of the architecture practice within COEX represents itself as a facilitator to fertilize opportunities for exploration and experiment. This integration opens a dialogue with the community; setting a narrative for future collaborations that would drive the growth of the practice. Enclosed by the architecture practice and a row of independent shops, the central lawn area and the semi-outdoor space form an intimate space for activities to take place such as exhibitions, talks, sharing sessions, music events and even more ad hoc activities.
COEX plays a part in the urban renewal of the city by transforming an old scrap metal yard into a community-driven hub for the creatives. Placemaking has been the core of this initiative whereby architecture acts as a tool and the architect a curator. The initiative stays away from creating a ‘controlled environment’ for things to take place but curates a canvas for experience to naturally happen. Thus, COEX takes on a more pro-active self-gentrification approach in contrast to the more assertive and activist approach. It is an ongoing learning process of discovery and exploration which we as a practice are constantly feeding back into the ecosystem.
The nature of COEX fosters diversity in the most organic way and sets out an identity that is embedded within the cultural DNA of Penang. The vibrant intervention has paved a precedent for Penang which is an avenue that should be explored. We foresee that this impetus would continue to influence the cultural scene of Penang on a larger scale, where it extends beyond COEX and soar to greater heights.
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