The BorneoConvention CentreKuching is a convention centre located in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. It is the first dedicated convention and exhibition centre in Borneo. Located 8 km from the city centre, it aims to organise and attract local and international concerts, events, exhibitions and conventions to Sarawak. BCCK is managed by Borneo Isthmus Development Sdn Bhd, which is a Sarawak state-owned company. It oversees all operational aspects of BCCK. BCCK is commonly mistaken as the new office for the Sarawak Convention Bureau. The SCB functions to attract and bid for conferences and meetings to the state of Sarawak which can be hosted in any venue as chosen by the organisers.
Construction
Located on a 6 hectare riverfront site in the city of Kuching, construction began in June 2006. The estimated cost of construction was about RM200 million. Construction was completed in October 2009.
Architecture
A major element in convention centre design - when viewed from the outside - is its roof structure. The Centre’s roof is shaped in the form of a “Ririk” leaf, which in Iban language refers to the species Phacelophrynium maximum. "Ririk" grows in abundance in Sarawak, and due to its large leaves, it is used by many indigenous tribes for wrapping rice and food. The roof canopy is supported by a series of exposed structural elements resembling the trunks and branches of rainforest trees. BCCK is designed on an east-west access to mitigate the effects of solar gain. It is also oriented to face Mecca and incorporates a Muslimprayer room.
Specifications
The building has a gross floor area of 36,500 square metres and the internal design offers complete flexibility with functional spaces able to be sub-divided into a variety of sizes and configurations for plenary sessions, exhibitions and banquets. The capacities in BCCK include 1,500 delegates in plenary, a 2,000 capacity banquet hall and 14 breakout meetings rooms. The largest pillar free exhibition space is 2,500 square meters. Car parking for 800 vehicles is provided in a combination of underground and open parking. In addition, BCCK provides supporting service areas including reception and pre-function assembly areas, a VIP lounge, administration offices, commercial kitchens capable of servicing 2,000 delegates and a public restaurant.
