Pulau Omadal is a little island located on the Celebes Sea, within the waters of Semporna on the southeast coast of Sabah and is believed to be the island inhabited by the Bajau tribe. Traditionally, the Bajau community are seafarers and fisherman, relying their livelihood on the sea. The womenfolk weave beautiful mats with local materials based on traditional methods, and their handwoven crafts now act as a supplementary income.

With the support of local Sabahan artist, Yee I-Lann, who has been very involved with the community on Pulau Omadal, Arkitrek will be running an Arkitrek Live Design programme to design and build a much needed Balai Bikin – a community making centre. The centre will act as a common; a shared space for gatherings and events, and to practice traditional crafts-making. Together with Artist Yee I-Lann, the community of Pulau Omadal have worked on many woven projects, some of which have been exhibited world wide. The community is keen to develop a sustainable business and livelihood.

This Arkitrek Live Design will gather local builders and craftsmen, together with Malaysian and international built environment (architecture, engineering, woodwork etc.) students in a nine-week immersion at Pulau Omadal, off of Semporna, Sabah, to design and build a community making hall with sustainable building systems, through a convergence of culture, creativity, knowledge, skills and learning.

After the camp, Arkitrek and I-Lann will continue to support the community through engaging workshops and business skill-training to ensure that the project and business plan can be sustained. Balai Bikin will be a channel for the community to take control of their own economy – a circular, restorative and regenerative economy.