CONNECTIVITY to MALAY HERITAGE

Abstract

A multi-disciplinary team of lecturers and students from various departments of the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Gombak was given a project to conduct a study and proposed a masterplan to promote the Malay Enclave Teaching Lab (METL). The masterplan should comprise of 4 plots for the Cultural and Natural Heritage Living Laboratory (GCHL). The project aims to ensure that the laboratory offers plenty of learning opportunities for the future generation in appreciating Gombak Cultural Heritage through its surrounding, facilities and activities within site. The Malays have always been known for its unique traditional Malay houses. Each of the houses’ architectural design and features vary according to each state in Malaysia. Despite the differences, these houses share the same basic characteristics and its underlying principles. The objectives of the project are, firstly to review and understand the architectural elements of traditional Malay houses and heritage in Malaysia; and secondly to propose the different types of the gazebo on the site. Methods of data collection for this project uses a qualitative approach through content analysis and case studies method by literature review on traditional Malay houses in Malaysia. The analysis is done on five of the traditional Malay houses of Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah. The outcome of the project study highlighted connectivity and similarities among traditional Malay houses from the five different states through architectural design, materials and features, including outdoor spaces  structures such as wakaf. In conclusion, the end products are manifested in the forms of gazebo built in each plot with other  street furniture (bench, table, streetlight, dustbin and signage) showing its connectivity to one another. This project covers works from masterplanning, design of the gazebo and other facilities from the inception to working drawings.

Keywords: Malay Heritage, Traditional Malay Houses, Architecture, Culture