Jalanan- Homeless Street Rehabilitation

City University Malaysia

Muzamil Mutalib

Project idea

JALANAN is envisioned as a safe, inclusive, and empowering space designed to address the urgent needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. More than just a shelter, the center aims to provide holistic support through secure accommodation, nutritious meals, healthcare access, and opportunities for education and skills training. Strategically located within the city to ensure accessibility, JALANAN serves as a bridge between vulnerable individuals and long-term solutions. Its programs are designed to restore dignity, build self-sufficiency, and foster community reintegration. By combining social services, job training, mental health counseling, and community engagement under one roof, JALANAN aspires to break the cycle of homelessness and create pathways toward a stable and fulfilling future.

Project description

Chow Kit is a vibrant and densely built urban district in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, known for its mix of wholesale markets, traditional shophouses, and lively street activity. The area is defined by key roads such as Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Raja Laut, and Jalan Chow Kit, creating a network that supports both vehicular and pedestrian movement. The Chow Kit Monorail Station acts as a major transit node, connecting the area to other parts of the city and increasing foot traffic.

PROJECT ISSUE
POVERTY & LOW INCOME

Poverty and low income are among the primary causes of homelessness in Malaysia, as they directly affect a person's ability to afford basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

UNEMPLOYMENT & UNDEREMPLOYMENT

In Malaysia, many low-skilled workers rely on informal or contract-based employment, which is often unstable and lacks benefits such as EPF, SOCSO, or medical coverage. When these workers lose their income due to layoffs, economic downturns, or sudden illness, they may be unable to pay rent or cover daily expenses, increasing their risk of homelessness.

MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Access to mental health services in Malaysia remains limited, especially for low-income groups. Many individuals cannot afford treatment or are unaware of the resources available, while societal stigma often discourages them from seeking help. Mental health challenges and substance abuse can affect a person's ability to maintain stable employment, relationships, and housing, increasing their vulnerability to homelessness.

Scope of the project solution

1. A market integrated within a homeless shelter can provide significant economic and social benefits for residents. It creates opportunities for homeless individuals to generate income by selling handmade products, food, crafts, recycled goods, or offering services. This helps reduce financial dependency while encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

2. A food kitchen is an essential component of a homeless shelter, providing residents with access to nutritious and affordable meals in a safe and supportive environment. Beyond addressing immediate hunger, it helps improve physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness.The food kitchen can also function as a training facility where residents learn culinary skills, food preparation, hygiene practices, and kitchen management. These skills can increase employment opportunities in the food and hospitality industries, supporting long-term self-sufficiency.

3. A temporary dormitory provides safe, secure, and short-term accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness while they work toward achieving stable housing and employment. It serves as an immediate solution for those facing housing insecurity, offering protection from harsh weather conditions, health risks, and unsafe living environments. Beyond providing a place to sleep, the dormitory creates a structured and supportive environment where residents can access essential services such as counseling, healthcare, case management, and employment assistance. This stability allows individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives without the constant stress of finding daily shelter.

4. A workshop within a homeless shelter provides a dedicated space for skill development, vocational training, and productive activities that support residents in rebuilding their lives. It serves as an environment where individuals can learn practical skills such as carpentry, sewing, handicrafts, recycling, repair work, and other trades that can enhance their employability and income-generating potential.

5. Landscaping plays an important role in creating a welcoming, therapeutic, and comfortable environment within a homeless shelter. Well-designed green spaces can improve the physical and mental well-being of residents by providing areas for relaxation, reflection, and social interaction. The presence of trees, gardens, and natural elements helps reduce stress, enhance mood, and create a sense of peace and security.

Technical information

Materiality
merges raw, natural, and industrial materials to express honesty in construction: Concrete forms the main structural base, providing strength and thermal mass for cooling. Brick walls along the lower level act as both thermal buffers and privacy filters, creating a tactile connection to the ground.Timber and steel frames articulate the upper decks, ensuring modularity and flexibility. Vertical vegetation softens the hard surfaces, blending built and natural elements while improving microclimatic comfort. The cylindrical towers act as core structural anchors, housing vertical circulation (stairs or ramps) and functioning as ventilation shafts.These towers are interconnected by sweeping elevated walkways that define the project’s fluid movement and encourage social interaction across different levels. The suspended pathways and open voids beneath create visual permeability and enhance spatial layering, producing a sense of lightness despite the structure’s mass.