APU student’s sustainable washroom design wins award

A Master’s student at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has secured the Grand Prize in the 2023 Global Capstone Design Competition for his innovative and culturally inspired public washroom design.

Mostafa Elsayed Elsayed Marzouk, a Master of Arts in Design Innovation Management student, impressed the judges with his project, ‘Murni,’ which means “pure” in Malay.

Murni goes beyond being just a public washroom; it reflects Malaysian culture while addressing the critical need for cleaner public facilities.

Murni: A sustainable oasis

Murni adopts a sustainable approach by harvesting rainwater, filtering it through a sophisticated system, and utilizing it as the primary water source.

This not only reduces reliance on municipal water but also contributes to environmental protection.

The design incorporates traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology to create a self-cleaning and sustainable public utility.

It features a pattern of Hibiscus blossoms, Malaysia’s national flower, and incorporates traditional Malay wood carvings.

The self-cleaning system utilizes rainwater and eco-friendly solutions to ensure thorough sanitation while minimizing electricity usage through advanced sensors and energy-efficient components.

In situations with insufficient rainfall, Murni seamlessly switches to the local water supply, guaranteeing uninterrupted operation and maintaining hygiene standards.

Furthermore, the design aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).

APU: Innovation meets sustainability

Supervised by Eekang Ooi, a lecturer at APU’s School of Media, Art and Design (SoMAD), Murni’s success is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and cultural exchange.

The project emerged victorious in the Global Capstone Design Competition, a collaboration between APU and Jeonju University (JJU) in South Korea.

The competition aimed to encourage innovation and cultural exchange by bringing together Korean and Malaysian universities to design culturally-inspired products.

Mostafa, highlighting the competition’s significance, stated, “It’s more than just awards; it creates a unique opportunity to network with international design communities.”

Eekang Ooi emphasized the exposure APU students gained through collaboration with international designers, offering diverse perspectives and pushing the boundaries of conventional design thinking.

He concluded, “The judges’ feedback provided a valuable lesson in understanding and appreciating design through a global lens.”

This competition also saw APU students Teh Yu Ting and Chan Jia Er receive honorable mentions, solidifying the university’s reputation for fostering design talent with a global perspective.