Rebuilding Place With The Siamese Cultural And Architectural Values:Wat Machimmaram, Kelantan

Abstract

Cultural identity of each religion plays an important role in its places of worship. The Siamese culture can be seen strongly affecting its place of worship called ‘wat’. However, this worship place can be identified only on the northern part of the Peninsular Malaysia: Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis thus limited reference sources. This research aims to examine the Siamese cultural identity that contributes to the rebuilding of place of Wat Machimmaram associated with Buddhism. Siamese Buddhist are very faithful towards wat hence older generations will advise the younger generations to conserve the wat architecture. Architecture of wat was design in order to facilitate users (Buddhist). Hence, the space planning and the buildings are built to the comprehensive and maximum used. Cultural identity of Siamese such as their religious ceremonies, celebration or festival will be held in wat area. Siamese need wat as a centre for them to conduct religious activities along a year. Therefore, knowledge of Siamese cultural identity with their strong belief, able to rebuild the wat. Research method used is qualitative in nature with phenomenology method as the main process. Combination of methods conducting interviews with Siamese people, reviewing to documents of wat, and observing the wat area and buildings in wat. Culture is a key role in influencing architectural values. Wat is an iconic that reflected Siamese Buddhist culture and their identity. The architecture and design of buildings in wat clearly shows the exquisite, and meticulous of Siamese culture including their beliefs, faithful and religious towards Buddhism