Issue 5: Post-colonial architecture in Malaysia (Part 2)

Issue 5: Post-colonial architecture in Malaysia

During the colonization period in Malaysia, Portugal and British had ruled our country for the past five centuries. Throughout the colonization era, both of the countries had introduced different architecture style which reflects the economy condition and the main architectural intention in that particular era. 

For Portugal, they put effort on religious building whereby people in the era are spreading Christianity and Catholicism to the local people as this is also their major mission. Churches and religious centers can be found in Melaka, such as the renowned St Paul's Church that built by a nobleman named Duarte Coelho in year 1521 to remember Francis Xavier, the pioneer of Catholic missionary in Southeast Asia (Penny Wong, N.D.).  The structure of the church reflects the building technology and design intention in 15th century whereby it was presented through religious ornamentation.

Meanwhile for British, their design intention is much more complete and organized regarding to advanced building technology comparing to Portugal. During the 18th century, because of the industry revolution in British, the design intention is slightly lean against commercial and functionality where trading companies and offices can be found during that era. 





Diagram 1: Statue is a symbolic ornamentation in order to refer back to a historical moment


Diagram 2: Religious ornamentation on the top of the building delivers religious elements to the public


 Reference

1) Diagram 1: Christopher Wong (N.D.), St Francus Xavier Church Melaka (SFXC), Trover, available at: https://www.trover.com/d/633C-st-francis-xavier-church-melaka-(sfxc)-malacca-malaysia

 2) Diagram 2: Maxwell, P. (2018), St Paul's Church in Malaysia, Phil Maxwell, available at: http://philmaxwell.org/?p=29607

 3) History of St Paul's Church: Penny Wong (N.D.), St Paul's Church in Melaka, Melaka by hotel.com, available at: http://www.malacca.ws/attractions/st-paul-church.htm

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