(From left to right): Yang Berusaha Tuan Shamshul Joehari bin Zainal Mokhtar, Executive Director (Project Management) of DBKL, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun bin Mak Ujud, the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Yang Berhormat Puan Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Lim , Ar Dexter Koh Yew Peng, President of PAM and Ar Ng Chee Twan, PAM Council member.
Lim’s submission of the ‘Visible to Invisible’ design.
A public toilet may be a basic necessity, but Lim Yi Chee saw an opportunity to turn it into something more. Her design for the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) - Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) Public Toilet & Public Shower Design Competition won Third Prize in the Student Category on 25 September 2026, showing how thoughtful design can improve everyday facilities. Lim is a Master of Architecture graduate from TAR UMT.
In explaining about her design, Lim said, “My concept, ‘Visible to Invisible’, is about creating a building that has its own identity while blending into the landscape. I was particularly interested in the Taman Tugu site because of its natural setting. I wanted the facility to fit into the environment rather than appear out of place. This led to the sloping roof, timber screens and transparent materials of the building, which are meant to blend into its surroundings,” she detailed.
She further elaborated on the important considerations and aspects she had to focus on when transforming her design into a practical structure as she explained, “I considered how people would move through the building and how to balance open spaces with private areas. Natural light, ventilation and greenery help create a pleasant environment. I also included rainwater harvesting and solar-powered systems to make the building more environmentally friendly. In addition, fitting the necessary facilities into a small building while meeting practical requirements was one of my biggest challenges. I had to consider accessibility, safety, hygiene, plumbing, ventilation and privacy while keeping the building in harmony with its surroundings.”
Lim who hails from Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Keat Hwa credited her architectural training that helped her turn the initial concept into a practical proposal. “Completing my Master of Architecture at TAR UMT taught me to consider a building from different perspectives, including its surroundings, users, materials and functionality. I also learnt the importance of testing ideas and refining the design throughout the process,” she claimed.
