Traditional Malay Architecture Research Articles

A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL TERENGGANU ARCHITECTURE AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION ON THE EAST COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY OF TERRAPURI HERITAGE VILLAGE IN TERENGGANU CIRI FIZIKAL SENI BINA TRADISIONAL TERENGGANU SEBAGAI TARIKAN PELANCONG DI PANTAI TIMUR SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA: KAJIAN KES TERRAPURI HERITAGE VILLAGE DI TERENGGANU

Traditional Terengganu architecture, including the Rumah Bujang Berselasar (bachelor house with an unroofed platform) and Rumah Tiang Dua Belas (twelve-pillared house), is the earliest and most prevalent type of housing in the northeastern region of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in Terengganu. Site observation was conducted in Terrapuri Heritage Village in Setiu, Terengganu. These Malay houses are considered a crucial part of the region’s architectural history, reflecting numerous changes in their architectural elements and their continuity with the past and present built environment. Beyond being mere structures for shelter, the physical characteristics of these houses embody traditional values, beliefs, and ways of life. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Malay community, they have been shaped over centuries by history, geography, and social interactions. Hence, studying the physical features of traditional Terengganu architecture requires an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses not only technical and functional aspects but also cultural and symbolic significance. This necessitates integrating architectural and construction principles with social, cultural, and historical perspectives. The objective of this study is to identify the structural and non-structural elements of traditional Terengganu houses, specifically Rumah Bujang Berselasar and Rumah Tiang Dua Belas. These distinctive features reflect the local context and cultural influences, contributing to the creation of a coastal resort identity. Thus, it is imperative to continue efforts to preserve and promote traditional Malay architecture, including Rumah Bujang Berselasar (bachelor house with unroofed platform) and Rumah Tiang Dua Belas (twelve-pillared house), to ensure the sustainability and preservation of cultural heritage for future generations to come. Keywords: physical characteristics; traditional Terengganu architecture; Terengganu identity; tourist attraction; coastal resort design

The Contribution of Non-Malay Architects to the Development of National Architecture Identity in Malaysia

The idea of adapting Malay traditional architectural values has been gazetted as one of the resolutions for National Architecture Identity as presented in ‘Seminar Ke Arah Identiti Kebangsaan Dalam Seni Bina’ in 1981. The resolution heavily influenced the adaptation of traditional Malay architecture, motives, and artefact onto modern architecture as a form to inculcate a singular and united national identity. A lot of research and documentation on good and meaningful architecture embracing the ideals of National architecture identity through the worldview and perspectives of Malay scholars and architects have been documented through books, journals, magazines and extensively discussed during seminars, symposiums, and discourses. Ironically, the contributions of Non-Malay architects adapting Malay symbolism to enunciate or articulate national pride and identity, either due to policies or interest, are minimally discussed and highlighted. This publication attempted to document the contributions of non-Malay architects to the national architecture identity construct. It is crucial to shape future philosophies, theories, criticisms, and thoughts on the overall built environment in developing a comprehensive construct of national architectural identity that does not necessarily rely on ethnocentric criteria based on a single race dominance. The research allows us to expand and progress the local architecture narrative by including diverse voices and thoughts, especially of those who have contributed extensively in the eras of nation-building. This inclusive and diverse input will, in turn, inform and expand the discourse of national identity and unity.

The benefits of traditional Malay architecture in the traditional settlement

The benefits of traditional Malay architecture in the traditional settlement

Adaptation of Malay Traditional Architecture on Newly Built Mosques in Kelantan

Malay traditional architecture and mosque architecture are related in some design approaches, where traditional mosques are built with same design approaches as the traditional houses. Nevertheless, modern development has affected both mosque and house architectures, where the intervention of foreign influences started to assimilate with the traditional architecture. Some efforts are made to reinstate the traditional architecture such as adapting it on new building construction, including the mosques. Hence, this study aims to understand how the Malay traditional architecture can be adapted to the new building construction by choosing three newly built mosques in Kelantan as the case study. The characteristics of Malay traditional architecture and the adaptation of Malay traditional architecture’s design approaches on the newly built mosques are identified. Literature studies on the architectural qualities, construction system, building form and decorative elements of Malay traditional architecture, site observations on the adaptation of these elements, and interviews with the mosques’ committee members are carried out. Findings showed that all three mosques adapted the design approaches of Malay traditional architecture: however, some modifications have been made on the building materials and roof forms. Moreover, Javanese traditional architectures are also found to be adapted on some of the decorative elements.

An Analysis on TunjukLangit (FINIALS): The Decorative Elements of the Kelantan Traditional Houses

Decorative elements are an important component in Malay traditional architecture. Apart from its unique construction technology and building form, decorative elements become the major factor contributes towards signifying the characteristics and identity of Malay traditional architecture. In Malaysia, every state has its own traditional house. The identification was based on roof design, spatial organisation and decorative elements. General study carried out by previous researcher indicates that there are at least 16 (sixteen) decorative elements in the traditional Malay architecture and it varies from every state. These decorative elements are none structure element of the house located at the roof, wall, doors and windows as “additional members” for aesthetic, functional and symbolic reasons. This paper discusses the analysis on one of themajordecorative elements that characterised the East Coast traditional houses which are the TunjukLangit or finials. Thirty-nine (39) selected houses from Kelantan were observed and investigated. Thirty-three (33) were found to have TunjukLangit as decorative element. Through visual data and verbal data collected, typological and chronological analysis were carried out. The study found that despite its similarity in design and form there are few types of TunjukLangit were identified. Those findings havebroadened up the discussion and debates on the theory of the traditional Malay architecture and can be used as guidelines by architects and designers.

Changes of Form of Malay Traditional Houses in Medan and Surroundings

Malay Architecture is one of the architectures that developed in Medan City and its surroundings. Malay ethnicity has existed and developed in this area marked by the presence of the Deli Malay Sultanate whose Kingdom capital is in Medan. With the existence of this Sultanate, the existence of Malay architecture is getting stronger and influencing the community, especially for the Malay community. This article aims to look at the development of Malay architecture nowadays with various influences that come from everywhere. This influence is certainly related to the form of this building which changes follow the times. Observation locations are in Medan and its surrounding areas, namely Langkat and Serdang Bedagai. Qualitative methods are used to see physical facts in the field which are corroborated by the questionnaire as a form of respondents’ expressions. The results obtained are some changes to the building caused by the variety of activities owned by residents of the house so that it requires space that affect the changes in the form and function of the building. Overall, the building owner still maintains the characteristics of Malay traditional architecture, especially the use of ornaments or decoration on the building.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF ‘PAPAN MELEH’ - ROOF EAVES DECORATION IN BAITUL RAHMAH (KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK, MALAYSIA) WITH THE HISTORIC BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (HBIM) APPLICATION

Malay building decoration components had been one of the essential elements in Traditional Malay Architecture. This study aims to look in-depth into the process of inputting the attributes data of “Papan Meleh” or roof eaves decoration in Baitul Rahmah building located in Kuala Kangsar using the HBIM application. The method of study for this paper involves three processes, which are the data collection, data process and data fusion. The findings in this study reveal that the data collection from Heritage study report is insufficient in describing the attributes of the roof eaves decoration. The data collection process involves the collection of primary data from the literature review, and secondary data from the heritage report. The secondary data have its limitation in describing the attributes of “Papan Meleh”. Thus, the data process phase is done to correlate the primary and secondary data in finding its generic attributes and remodelling the 2- Dimensional (2D) into 3-Dimensional (3D) model using the HBIM software. The attributes are divided into tangible and intangible data of “Papan Meleh”. After both 3D models of Papan Meleh and its generic attributes are done, both data are fused again through the HBIM software and a complete HBIM model is created.

Decorative Elements of Traditional Malay House: Comparative Study of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ)

In traditional Malay architecture, decorative elements are defined as non-structural elements and as “additional member” of the building that contributes to aesthetic and functional aspects of the architecture. Its ornamentation, form and pattern particularly in woodcarving and bamboo weaving reflect the uniqueness of local craftsmanship and the master carvers. There are at least 16 (sixteen) decorative elements of the traditional Malay house that have been identified by previous researcher. Architecturally in Malaysia traditional houses were categorised based on roof design, spatial organization and geographical setting which finally this categorization was named after the states. Each traditional house is in the state of Malaysia signifying particular style and architectural characteristics of that particular state. This article discusses the study of those decorative elements on the traditional Malay houses in the state of Perak known as Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) and traditional house from the state of Johor known as Rumah Limas Johor (RLJ). With the objective is to investigate the type, terms and characteristics of decorative elements site observations were done on selected twenty-five (25) of RLBP houses and another twenty-five (25) of RLJ houses. The analysis on visual data and verbal data were carried out to established architectural terminology and typology based on form and style of every decorative element. The study found that nine (9) decorative elements come to be the major characteristics of RLBP whilst seven (7) for RLJ; some with different name, form and style from other states. These similarity and dissimilarity contribute to the extension of the aesthetical theory and philosophy of the Malay traditional house in Malaysia.

Blended Design Approach of Long Span Structure and Malay Traditional Architecture

The growing population in the world is so fast, which is followed by the increasing need of some new and large activities. Architects face the problem on how to facilitate buildings with various activities such as for large meeting, conference, indoors gymnasium and sports, and many others. The long span structure of building is one of the solutions to solve that problem. Generally, large buildings which implemented this structure will look as a technological, modern and futuristic ones or even neo futuristic performance. But on the other hand, many people still want to enjoy the specific and unique senses of local traditional architecture. So is the Malay people who want an easy pleasant large facilities which can be fulfilled by implementing modern long span building structure technology. In the same time, their unique sense of Malay traditional architecture can still be maintained. To overcome this double problems of design, it needs a blended design approach of long span structure and Malay Traditional Architecture.

THE IDENTIFICATION OF KUTAI KARTANEGARA TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE IDENTITY BASED ON COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Kutai Kartanegara in the past was part of The Kingdom of Kutai, the oldest kingdom in Indonesia from the 4 th to to 13 th century. However, the data about this kingdom is very limited including the information about the architecture at that era. The interest to identify the character of Kutai Kartanegara such as the architecture has grown from the government and the society as the media to express the local identity. Thus, this research aims to identify the traditional architectural features of Kutai Kartanegara based on comparative analysis with the house of Lamin Dayak Kenyah and Architecture of Melayu Perak Malaysia. The method used in this research is comparison between traditional architecture of Dayak ethnicity and Malay traditional architecture through literature review. The result of library studies is then compared with the empirical data about traditional architecture of Kutai Kartanegara from field observation and measured drawing to one of the selected cases of traditional house of Kutai. From the findings of this research, it can be concluded that besides there is similarity with the two comparing architectures, the traditional architecture of Kutai has the specialty from the morphological aspect of layout and orientation. In addition, it also functions as single family dwelling with simpler geometrical ornamentation. Key Word : traditional architecture, identity, Kutai Kartanegara. Â

Manifestation of Archipelagic Culture: How significant is it within the Negeri Sembilan Malay Traditional Architecture

Interpreting quality of life for the future generations to a certain extent is inexorably influence by the knowledge of cultural and built heritage environment, signifying the people's way of life, their cultural identity. The qualitative research involved comprehensive historical literature search in identifying extent of cultural influence. This paper aims to present the literature review findings. Archipelagic culture of the Malays, traced back to the prehistory, mainly refers to the maritime Srivijaya kingdom, are inseparably associated with Malay boats (perahu) was found manifested significantly in the visual representation of the roof shape, in naming the traditional architectural components and spaces.

Shariah Compliance Hospitality Building Design: A Malay Muslim Oriented Architecture

As a Malay Muslim architecture, the traditional houses suggest characteristics of Syariah compliant (SC) design. In addition, assimilation of traditional Malay architecture to the hospitality buildings is seen as an approach to promote cultural tourism. Hence, this research aims to investigate the influences of traditional houses on the design of hospitality buildings. The methodologies adopted are case studies and literature reviews. The study analyses the SC characteristics of the Malay houses, discusses the SC hotel requirements and review selected examples of SC hotels as case studies. The findings indicated that there are profound vernacular features which compliments Syariah.

Long-roofed Houses of Northeastern Peninsular Malaysia: Sustainability of Its Identity in the Built Environment

Rumahbujangberselasar (single terraced house berselasar) and rumahtiangduabelas (twelve-pillared house) are the earliest and commonest house forms built among the old traditional houses of Kelantan and Terengganu in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. These long-roofed houses exhibit the distinctive form and the principal building components which contribute to their architectural identity. The houses in which the architectural form differs from the other Malay traditional house also give their distinctive distributions of ornate wood carvings. These houses are considered as the heritage of traditional Malay architecture originated from the region. Their survival and visibility in the past and present built environment reflect several changes in their architectural features. This paper aims to explore and elaborate the distinct characteristics and the features of the house architectural form that suggest the sustainability to preserve its identity within the existence of heterogeneous language and boundary. A few methods used to study this dimension of the house architecture include document review, face to face interviews with experts and on-site surveys and observation. The findings of research elucidate different patterns in continuing the existence of the house architecture since the 19th century until today. This includes: (1) modification or extension of the old structures, (2) adaptation/reuse of an old building, (3) reconstruction of the old structure, and (4) adoption of the architectural form in modern materials and construction. These preservation efforts are made by the descendant's initiatives, government agencies and individual or private patrons which exemplify the diversified modes in safeguarding the regional identity of the built form through the passage of time. The findings of this research illustrate a valuable spectrum on the meanings of long-roofed house in the traditional and modern environments which serve as a direction in developing the understanding and awareness of its heritage values.

EVALUATING THE DISCONTINUED TRADITIONS OF MALAY WOOD CARVINGS IN MALAYSIA: A FAILURE TO DEVELOP THE DISCOURSE ON MODERN AND POST MODERN ORNAMENTATION IN ARCHITECTURAL WORKS

The main intention of this study is to contribute some thoughts on why the tradition of wood carvings in traditional Malay architecture was discontinued at the rise of modern and post-modern architectural works in Malaysia. Although the tradition of wood carvings more or less came to a stop in public architectural works with the development of colonial architecture, this study seeks to clarify the modernistic and post-modern arguments on the problem or issues of ornamentation. Although modernism mainly or seemingly rejected the use of ornaments, there was still a strong strand of its development in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. The western post-modernist architects such as Michael Graves and Charles Jencks went on to develop a discourse on ornamentation under the area of architectural meaning and linguistics. It is expected that this critic paper can segragate and analyse issues and problems of Malay wood carvings and start a further discussion on the development of this traditional heritage which can contribute and reconstruct a better framework for the Architectural Identity of Malaysia.

MEMANTAPKAN HISTORIOGRAFI MASJID TUA KAMPUNG LAUT MELALUI ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN DENGAN MASJID AGUNG DEMAK

<p class="Keywords">The importance of this research is to ensconce the historiography of Masjid Tua Kampung Laut through data collection, observation, analysis and comparative study on ancient mosques at Malay World with emphasis on Masjid Agung Demak situated at Jawa Tengah Province. Both mosques have similar characteristics on typology but have different histories. The historiography of Masjid Tua Kampung Laut is related to the spread of Islam to the whole Malay World especially at Jawa Island and Champa, however until today has no cross research been done to correlate the historiography of the three places. Eventhough Masjid Tua Kampung Laut has a unique history, not much research and writing have been done about it. So far, most of the writings on the mosque are done by Abd. Rahman Al-Ahmadi, students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Abdullah Mohamed (Nakula) and Salleh Mohd. Akib. These researchs and writings were made based on heresay and laymen observation to the surviving structure. Therefore, this research is made with the intention to enrich and develop intellectual discourse in the aspect of traditional Malay architecture especially on the development of Muslim architecture of Malay World. The scope of this research is focused on site survey with critical and analytic observation, verbal information by the local communities and literature reviews. From the gathered information, a theoretical framework is developed concurrent with the rising of new issues which all the while have not been discussed in a proper systematic way especially on the aspects of design approach and construction tradition of both mosques. Besides that, the ealiest theories on the origin, architectural approach and construction aspects were intepereted in different perspectives. The outcome of this research will provide a clearer overview on architectural development of the earlier Muslims in the Malay World.</p>

Application of Malay Traditional Architecture Elements as Regional Identity towards Sustainable City

Development of a sustainable city is a complex process with interactions of numerous aspects such as economic, environment, and social in urban living. Architecture is a major part in creating identity or character of the city and influencing quality of life of city community. In the context of architecture and urban design, sustainable architecture can be achieved if cultural aspects and ecological aspects are synergized as two connected entities. The study aims to identify and to analyse the application of Malay traditional architecture elements in contemporary buildings design in Pekanbaru. The assessment is based on two variables which are cultural aspect that shows application of Malay traditional architecture character as regional identity and ecological aspect that reflects application of Malay traditional architecture elements to respond the climatic condition. This research use qualitative methodology to analyse form and character of the buildings in term of application of Malay traditional architecture elements, and quantitative methodology is used with descriptive analysis to analyse the level of application of Malay traditional architecture elements in different categories and analysis. The research identifies that majority of contemporary building design use Malay traditional architecture elements improperly according to the philosophy of Malay traditional culture. The application of Malay traditional architecture character tends to show regional identity in the building design compared to respond ecological considerations. This study also identifies the different result between government buildings and private buildings in the application of Malay traditional architecture elements. The findings indicate the inconsistency of government policy enforcement in building permission to preserve the identity of Malay culture for the improvement of quality of life in Pekanbaru. Keywords: Malay traditional architecture elements, regional identity, sustainable city