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ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University's architecture students have recently published a book titled, ¡°Bajautopia: Tales Of Borneo's Sea Nomads¡±, which is co-edited by Head of Postgraduate Studies of ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University's School of Architecture and Built Environment, Dr Ng Keng Khoon. 

The edited volume comprises of hybrid materials such as poems, comics, photographs, site drawings, imaginative sketches, artworks, and other visual materials focuses on the livelihoods of the Bajau Laut Kampung Bagau-Bagau, Semporna, Sabah.

Bajautopia, a combination of two words ¨C ¡®Bajau¡¯ and ¡®Utopia¡¯, is an anthology of essays and architectural drawings research, published by Strategic Information and Research Development Centre. This 182-page aspires to elicit provocative ideas and debates for the betterment of the Bajau Laut.

The book is not intended to be a design exercise in and of itself, but rather an invitation to planners, politicians, scientists, engineers, environmentalists, and activists to engage in a comprehensive discourse and spark ideas for the Bajau Laut's long-term sustainability.

The students engage with utopian discourse and utilise the Bajau Laut as a critical lens to observe misconceptions about maritime community¡¯s nomadic existence as it is commonly known. This book is based on a constructive criticism of present initiatives to develop an inclusive Malaysian society using race, culture, and geography as categories.

The edited volume is a selection of fascinating writings that shed light on the Bajau Laut's culture and way of life. The book contains three chapters namely, ¡°Reimagining Nomadic Lifestyle¡±, ¡°Re-enacting the Right to the Ocean¡± and ¡°Rethinking Sabah and Sama Bajau¡±.

In each chapter, three to four brief essays on distinct topics and six to seven innovative architectural designs are included by the foremost writers and scholars from the fields of architecture, history, film studies, anthropology, tourism, political science, and urban planning in Malaysia.

Chapter One: ¡°Reimagining Nomadic Lifestyle¡±

An introduction to the livelihoods of the Bajau Laut as the chapter begins with an amazing photo essay showing the everyday life of sea nomads. The following three essays then illustrate basic understandings of houseboats, home spaces and the weaving crafts of the Bajau Laut.

Chapter Two: ¡°Re-enacting the Right to the Ocean¡±

Discusses the social, political and environmental challenges faced by the sea nomads while provoking visionary and futuristic ideas for their future development.

Chapter Three: ¡°Rethinking Sabah and Sama Bajau¡±

Reflects on issues of children¡¯s welfare, education, tourism, and sustainability by reclaiming or empowering the sovereignty of the Bajau Laut.

If you purchase the book directly from ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University, all proceeds will be channelled to Borneo Komrad's social projects.