Everything Random

I am one of those people who write a list on a daily basis. I even have a list of 100 things to do before I die that I review every year to see how many of those I have said I would like to do I have already done. One of the things I said I would like to have is a training place, an events place, where like-minded people can gather together to talk, watch a film, listen to traiblazers, or just silently write, work or draw in one quiet corner.

A recent trip to Malaysia, to facilitate a training-workshop for a mission-driven organisation – Justice for Sisters – again reminded me how that dream has become more distant every day.

Justice for Sisters chose Akar Umbi House in Selangor as the venue for a 3 day instrospection session. Sans our initial problems with technology and conferencing, the choice was perfect for the activities I would like to do.

First, it has many thinkspaces.

A good thinkspace for me is one where you have sufficient time to be alone and be creative, while also allowing you opportunity to converse with others when situation calls for it. The venue has so many of that with different options for seating comfort – beanbags, sofa, workchairs.

Second, the floor plan allows you to shape your desired room size.

There is a main hall for plenary sessions. But this main hall can be reduced to a cozy cocoon for a few people, or expanded to accommodate a conference or a theater set-up. There are numerous beamers around that makes slide deck viewing possible from various angles.

Thirds, the walls allow you to see/unsee the outside world and serve as a board for thinkshop outputs.

The glasswalls in at least a few of the edges allow natural light to come in. But you can also bring the curtains down to restrict light. Several of the walls are ready for workshop outputs to be posted, pinned, or attached.

Finally, the house is located in a quiet residential area, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the environment as you and others do your work.

We were there for at least three days and have never been disturbed by incessant barking, honking of horns, or a karaoke jamming session mid-afternoon. This allowed us to enjoy our creative processes and productive pursuits.

The other good things about the place is the open-air mess hall for lunches and afternoon tea, a designated smoking area, a car park that can potentially accommodate 3 cars, and a second floor that has a dormitory for stay-in participants. If I will build one, this will likely be one of those spaces that I will come back to and emulate.

So help me God.