IDENTIFYING GUIDELINES LIMITATION OF HISTORIC INTERIOR IN ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF HERITAGE BUILDING IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Adaptive re-use in heritage buildings is perceived as a viable alternative in restoring the existing building to accommodate for new or continued building use while addressing its heritage agenda. In the conservation approach of adaptive re-use, new interventions of historic interiors are often subject to insensible alteration particularly in its interior design outcome resulting in compromised heritage representation in Malaysia. The government’s efforts to protect and manage historic buildings are illustrated by the implementation of the National Heritage Act 2005 and the Historic Building Conservation Guidelines 2016. However, there are insufficient guidance concerning new interior design works of a historic interior within Malaysia. The primary aim of this paper is to identify the current limitation of the Historic Building Conservation Guidelines in Malaysia pertaining to historic interior works and to contribute to the discussion surrounding this matter. The paper presents comparative analysis and interpretation of literature and grey documents (guidelines and policies) in adaptive re-use of heritage buildings in Malaysia. The data generated is compared with similar conservation approach guidelines from England and United States of America. The analysis revealed that the Historic Building Conservation Guidelines is a comprehensive document that underscores physical action to preserve the fabric and materials of heritage buildings. However, while the broad definitions for new design proposal to be sympathetic and visual appropriateness to the existing building character are acceptable, it may lead to unintended interpretation and consequences. The paper suggests that the existing guideline need to be accompanied with additional guidance to aid practitioners especially architects and interior designers in dealing with historic interior using the comparative analysis with goals to intensify the value of historic interior that involves new intervention.