In fast-changing Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the artist Pui Wan makes tiny versions of real buildings before they’re demolished for new construction. Her artwork aims to preserve these spaces, as well as the memories of the communities that inhabit them. Pui Wan says she hopes that younger generations will be able to tangibly experience old buildings through her models. One such structure is a kopitiam (coffee shop) that has operated for over 60 years. Shortly after this video was filmed, the kopitiam shut down permanently.

In the video below, Atlas Obscura takes viewers on a tour of Pui Wan’s world, both in miniature and in real life.

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