The Interior Architecture Department of Kolej Laila Taib organized a three-day, three-night educational trip to Kuala Lumpur. The trip was mainly for final-year interior design students, who are working on projects related to retail store and restaurant design.
As part of the trip, students visited TRX Mall and Genting Highlands SkyAvenue, two of Malaysia’s most high-end shopping malls. These malls are home to many famous brands, but more importantly, they feature modern and innovative store designs. During the visit, students learned about key design elements, including store layout, product display techniques, modern materials, and ceiling lighting. By closely observing these details, they gained a better understanding of interior design and found inspiration to enhance their own creativity.
A key highlight of the trip was the visit to REXKL, a well-known cultural space in Kuala Lumpur. It was once REX Cinema but has been transformed into a creative hub with a bookstore, exhibition space, café, and event area. Students explored its industrial-style design, which features exposed brick walls and metal piping. They were especially impressed by the bookshelf arrangement on the upper floor, where materials of the same size were creatively arranged to form a unique space design.
Another important stop was IKEA, a must-visit for interior designers. IKEA is known for its simple, modern, and functional designs, which match contemporary tastes while balancing style and practicality. The store regularly updates its showroom displays, featuring the latest home design trends, color combinations, and space layouts. Through this visit, students gained fresh ideas, learned about current design trends, and discovered ways to apply these concepts in their own projects.
In conclusion, this study trip gave students valuable hands-on experience, helping them see and understand real-life design beyond the classroom. The trip not only improved their design skills but also inspired their creativity and passion. This experience will surely benefit them in their future careers as interior designers, giving them a wider perspective and a better understanding of innovative design.
