Issue 2: Pre-colonial architecture in Malaysia (Part 1)

Issue 2: Pre-colonial architecture

In the social engineering history of Malaysia, this country had gone through two major population migrate period which brings in cultural elements and building style from other country. The first population migrate, dating back to year 668 when foreigners from China had already came to Malaysia for goods trading, while a large population of migration from Chinese country had eventually planted their building style in Malaysia, visualizes a significant culture clash and architectural intention (Al Jazeera, 2013).

Indeed, the formation of pre-colonial architecture in Malaysia is interesting. Old shop lots in Penang and Melaka are a very reflective example when taking about the existing preserved pre-colonial building in Malaysia. Wealthy traders and renowned intellectuals from the olden day that came from Chinese country, built their mansions and business centers or even praying temple and associations. These people from Chinese country, had implemented thier own building style, while considering the humid, sunny and windy climate in Malaysia. 

The combination is fascinating, resulting in many design features are still implemented in modern building, that brings convenient and comfort to the tenant in a space. The signature design features that inspired from pre-colonial design period are the natural air ventilation, the uses of natural day lightning and the five foot alley. 


Diagram 1: Old shop lots in Kuala Lumpur, painted by Chin Kon Yit

Diagram 2: Goldsmith Street, Melaka. Painted by Chin Kon Yit

Reference

 1) History of Malaysia: Al Jazeera, (2013), Timeline - History of Malaysia, Newsgrid, available       at: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/spotlight/malaysiaelections/2013/04/201342882836970501.html

 2) Diagram 1: Didier Millet, (2013), Landmarks of Malaysia

 3) Diagram 2: Didier Millet, (2013), Landmarks of Malaysia


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Issue 3: Pre-colonization architecture (Part 2)

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