MAPPING THE TOWNSCAPE, JLN HS LEE

1. PART 1: REVISITING COLONIAL MALACCA AND GEORGETOWN 2
Concluding Keywords 3
Summary and Discussion 8
PART 2:THEORIZATION OF KUALA LUMPUR 9
Comparing Colonialism with Kuala Lumpur 12
Connecting Keywords with Jalan Tun H.S. Lee 14
PART 3: COLLAGE CITY 16
Demographics 17
Vibrant Townscape 20
Dominance of Power 24
Representation of Functions 26
Connectivity 28
PART 4:TALES OF WISHES 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
TALES OF THREE CITIES (ARC 61003)
Assignment 2: Mapping the Townscape
Report on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
Name: Aaron Tan Weng Ming ID: 0322400
Eddie Goh 0322915
Jacky Ting Sum Ming 0325286
Khoo Zer Kai 0320500
Koh Sung Jie 0318912
Lai Tzexiuan 0318056
Lee Suk Fang 0323293
Lucas Ong Tun Cheik 0319939
Nge Jia Chen 0317738
Tan Jee Khium 0324827
Tan Jo Lynn 0318518
Teo Hong Wei 0322990
Tiong Jia Min 0323763
Wong Zhen Fai 0317890
Yan Wai Chun 0319626
Tutor: Dr. Sucharita Srirangam

2. MALACCA:
Harmonious Streetscape
As none of the old shophouses were demolished
for development, the culmination of styles across
time presented by a series of facades that deliver its
cultural diversity. However, even though the styles
may vary, they still conform to the basic design
of a shophouse. Thus, creating a harmonious
streetscape.
Axial Dominance
The dominance of St. Paul’s Hill, being
the governmental zone is obvious with the
geographical advantages over the general flat land
of the residential and commercial zone.Two zones
separated by the Malacca River being the axis.
Transparent Interiority/Exteriority
The use of five footways is common in most of
the streets of Malacca. The width of the five foot
way increases the level of interaction between the
pedestrian and the house owner. Thereby, the use
of five footway in the streets of Malacca provides a
sense of transparency between inside and outside.
Hidden Back Alley
The perimeter block typology gave rise to
prominent row-house facades, creating intimate
linear spaces both at the front and back. The
surprising contrast between the front and back
streetscape is influenced by the width of the road
and space usage.
Surprising Hierarchy
During the colonial time the streets are arranged
in hierarchy order based on the social and job of
the people.This gives uniqueness and different
characteristics to each streets according to their
linear typology which evokes surprises when
experiencing the different culture and activities
across the streets.
ThereisnodoubtthatbothMalaccaandGeorgetown
had a long and vibrant history especially during
the colonial era which put their name on the global
stage. There are various significant similarities
between both the colonial towns which can only
be observed if we transport ourselves back in time
to that era in order to conduct a more accurate
analysis.
The urban configuration for both towns were
morphed around the colonial rulers’ intention
to segregate the races in order to prevent a
union among the locals. This was their way to
reassert dominance and prevent a rise of power
and strength among the local community. The
common pattern found was the strategic location
of the administrative buildings and military forts
which allowed a sense of hierarchy and authority
to be instilled to the local community whom had
their shophouses limited to a grid form and taxed
to prevent inconsistent forms. The grid form was
also significantly easier for the colonials rulers to
manage.
Surprisingly, both colonial towns had a “Harmony
Street”; a primary road cutting through the large
grid form that houses the religious buildings of
each religious community, ironically forming a
place of union for the people to come together to
practice their own beliefs.
Generally, the colonial era has shaped the
urban footprint and culture of both Malacca
and Georgetown into what it has become today.
Imprints and memories of the illustrious colonial
past will forever be etched and visible in today’s
urban scape of both the places.
REVISITING
COLONIAL
MALACCA AND
GEORGETOWN
PART 1:
CONCLUDING KEYWORDS
Figure 1.1(Top): Harmonious Streetscape.
Figure 1.2(Bottom): Hidden Back Alley.
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3. Spatial Redefinition
The diffusion of form,movement pattern fills up
the spaces which gives the spaces for users to
infill their own intention to the space,privatize,
personalize and redefining the new means of space
which means uniquely to them.Different styles and
religions of the buildings along the melaka street
spread and diffuse through every spaces ,giving
new characteristics to particular spaces,redefining
the new spaces.
Recurring Node
The existence of the religious buildings like Cheng
Hoon Teng Temple, Kampung Kling Mosque and
Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple along
the street since colonial period become a very
significant features for the street. They naturally
defined the public and private realm along the
street. People don’t gather there just for a specific
day or because of specific event, to visit there has
become a routine for them.So not just the functions
itself generate the public realm, it’s about what it
meant for the people there. It creates a sense of
belongings for the locals.
Inter-generational interaction
The road is narrow in Melaka, so that the car would
drive carefully, hence the road is safe for children
to play around, for elderly to walked safely, for
tourist to enjoy travel in Melaka. People walking on
the streets can experience the interaction beyond
generation, create sense of a togetherness.
Distinctive Values
The buildings reflect a mixture of influences
which have created a uniqueness in architecture,
culture and townscape without parallel anywhere
in Southeast Asia. In particular, the range of
shophouses and townhouses are exceptional in
the inherent qualities from the layering of stages
of development of each building type, originating
from the Dutch or Portuguese periods.
Social Segregation
During the colonial era of the Dutch and British,
shop houses of Malacca were taxed accordingly to
their street frontage plot width rather than their total
area. Besides that, trading products and services
were taxed differently by the colonial government.
The zoning of Malacca at that time was divided
according to different zones such as business
and trading activities, agriculture and commercial
activities. This shows that there is a segregation in
different kinds of social status and social activities.
.
Disordered Linearity
Although the shophouses are arranged in a linear
order and the streets are grouped based on their
social order and jobs, no two shophouses are the
same internally or externally.Each shophouses are
designed in their own styles during that period and
to their function, making each of the shophouses
look like it was randomly and disorderly. This
random and chaotic facade along with the order
of the streets creates a pleasing sight yet able to
express the identity of the place.
Urban Linkage
The area contains the common boundaries of
two bodies, spaces or phases. It also termed as
the interconnection between two system. As the
building connections between buildings. From the
street planning it define the linkage for human
access is the 5 foot walkway that provided in front
every facade. The wide pedestrian street and the
alley path which not only restrict for human but
others to access as well to bring up the urban
usage.
Organic Diffusal
The predominant area of St. Paul’s Civic Zone
sprawls and diffuses into the linear yet organic
grid of the city. Suggesting the natural growth of
population throughout the transition of a fishing
village to the city in the colonial period.
Adaptive Facades
In a short period of times,Malacca had been
authorized by different host,each of them has it’s
own character and identity & influence Malacca
into multi cultural heritage, make a impressing
conversion and gave a huge impact to Malacca.
Figure 1.3(Top): Disordered Linearity.
Figure 1.4(Bottom): Recurring Nodes.
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4. Frames of Directional Quality
Due to the west part of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
being in an old development area, the buildings are
built in an unorganized arrangement. Diversity of
road width and random arrangement of coarse and
fine grain buildings blurred the sense of direction
on the site. The site consisted of fine and coarse
grain which caused many dead ends to emerge.
The newly developed east part of Jalan Masjid
Kapitan Keling have a clearer sense of direction
due to its constant road width and organized
arrangement of fine grain buildings. Users are able
to frame the street view from one end to another.
Diversified Typologies
Two typologies; organized and eccentric
arrangements in the area. Governmental and
religious building are in point form, which is more
significant. Shophouses are in linear form, which
are more identical with each other. Grid pockets
and linear arrangement of shophouses arranged
like a box with private area in the center.
Representational Ornamentation
Façade ornamentations depict the influence and
affluence of owners. Distinct economic disparities
between the working class and business/property
owners. Significant levels of wealth and status
in the community at the time. Expression of the
evolution of the built environment, economic factors
and domestic values of a multi-ethnic community.
Enclosing Edges
Higher topography bounded flat paddy fields
from Eastern part of Georgetown with hills and
forests landscaped view. Hills became edges
disconnecting development in Georgetown from
other parts of Penang. Colonial development
leans towards Western Part of Georgetown (more
flat lands). This clear boundary sets limitation to
the locals where the ‘end’ of Georgetown is clearly
revealed, confining their daily activities and depth
of views to the surrounding.
GEORGETOWN:
Invisible Boundary
Religious buildings act as primary gathering
spot for the community. It offers a higher contact
intensity compared to the road, a contradicting
relationship between one another. The boundary
based on the intensifying layers.
Adapting to Control
Plot width varies throughout the shop lots area
as taxation and land costs are controlled by
government. The length of shop lots are often
longer than the width of the shops as a loophole for
locals or shop owners to avoid extra tax payment
and land costs. It sets the tone for the future built
environment.
Dominant Rulers
Colonial rulers instilling a sense of control to
inferiors. A large and elaborate scale of buildings
create an overwhelming sense of control and
order towards the local passerbys. Walking speed
is increased as locals do not wish to linger nearby
dominating administrative buildings.
Vibrant Townscapes
Serves the interest of cultivating Penang’s cultural
diversity. As a historical site, Penang serves as a
vibrant and living ‘museum’. Different ornaments
and carvings from the shophouses shows different
vibrancy of identity, enhancing the rich culture of
Penang.
Welcoming Facades
Shophouses in the residential area creates a
pleasing streetscape by having a consistent facade
design, featuring the five-foot-way that connects
to the front patio of the interior. Thus, creating a
sense of welcoming to the people on the street to
converse at the continuous walkway.
Engagement Pattern
The nodes along the axis of Pitt Street encourage
movement of users along entire stretch of the
street. The formation of the religious buildings on
the axis creates a point to point circulation and
shophouses as transitional space reconnects the
layers. On the other hand, the width of the street
shows more public realm and walkability during
the daily activities. The grid pattern shows the
ease of accessibility and a less confusing pattern
that enable the sense of engagement. Thus, the
simplicity of the pattern transcending into an
engagement on the streets.
Figure 1.5(Top): Welcoming facades.
Figure 1.6(Bottom): Vibrant Townscapes.
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5. Being the starting point of Malaysian history,
Malacca itself has become a museum for
architecture, having a diverse collection of
shophouses spanning from the Dutch style until
the early Modern era. However, they all conform
to a set of rules that still defines themselves as
shophouses. This makes for a peculiar variety of
a single type of building adapting across time.
Jalan Tokong, as the name suggests, has an
interesting transition where it opens from a narrow
streetscape to the temple area where people
congregate. On a larger scale, there is a hierarchy
between the streets parallel to each other, showing
a segregation between the social class.
Throughout our entire study on the town, it is
realised that Georgetown is also no stranger to the
effects of colonial dominance such as the racial
segregation and the Western hierarchy influence
on the urban configuration and facades. It was the
primary stepping stone for the East India Company
before colonizing the entire state of Penang. Most
of its imprints are still visible in today’s urbanscape
and has influenced generations of culture and
growth.
As Jalan Tun H.S. Lee was crucial to the formation
of what the Kuala Lumpur city centre is today, it
also shows the local community’s resilience in
adapting to colonization throughout the decades.
Ever since the colonial times, many have changed
in the linear street with new high rises popping up
in the centre and new community groups moving
in to replace old ones. Through our in-depth study
on Malacca and Georgetown, we will be able to
observe the effects of British colonization in Kuala
Lumpur and understand the comparison of the
past and present urbanscape.
The center of Kuala Lumpur is the Merdeka Square
which has many colonial buildings that housed the
local administrative offices were surrounding the
Merdeka Square. These administrative buildings
were bounded by Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin and
Jalan Kuching. The town of Kuala Lumpur and
later the city were then spreaded outward from
this center. In the present day, the city center at
MerdekaSquareisthecoreofKualaLumpurhistory.
Some historical colonial buildings such as the
Sultan Abdul Samad Building, the Royal Selangor
Club and the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
were excellent examples of British architectural
sensibilities peppered with Moorish spice.
Jalan Tun H.S. Lee is one of the historical street
in Kuala Lumpur. It is was originally called High
Street and then it was also later known as Jalan
Bandar. The street was named after Colonel Tun
Sir Henry Lee Hau Shik, who was Malaysia’s first
Finance Minister. Jalan Tun H.S. Lee is a long
street that begins from Jalan Gereja to Jalan Syed
Putra near Wisma Tun Sambathan in Brickfields.
The street has seven main intersections which
run across Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Tun Tan Siew
Sin, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Leboh Pudu, Jalan Tun Tan
Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Sultan.
There are about 200 shophouses located along
Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, some of the shophouses
were build during colonial times and are reused
for cafes and guest houses while others are
gutted, sealed and left to rot during present day.
The main attractions of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee are the
three religious buildings of Sri Maha Mariamman
Temple built in 1873, the Sin Sze SiYa Temple built
in 1864 and the Guan Di Temple which later built in
1887. Most people would come to Jalan H.S. Lee
for affordable bouquets that had been the hub of
traditional florists for decades and many of these
florists businesses are still run by the same families
that founded them decades ago.
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia is a
modern city with many contemporary high rise
buildings and world class hotels, shopping malls
and also local and international cuisine. Kuala
Lumpur has many points of attractions such
as the KL tower, the Petronas Twin Tower, Lake
Garden and also Chinatown which is located
along Petaling street at the sourth part of the city.
The city of Kuala Lumpur started during 1857 as
a small mining boom town caused by hunger of
the Industrial Revolution for raw materials. tin was
found in Kuala Lumpur nearby the Klang River
Valley and were mainly mined. The town of Kuala
Lumpur during that time grew under the business
interest of three officials which was a Malay ruler, a
British resident and a Chinese headman.
THEORIZATION
OF KUALA
LUMPUR
PART 2:
SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
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6. COMPARING COLONIALISM WITH
KUALA LUMPUR
Figure 2.1: Figure
ground map
surrounding Jalan
Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 2.2:
Land use map
surrounding Jalan
Tun H.S. Lee.
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7. The colonial era of Malacca started off with the
Portuguese in 1511. The intention was to conquer
the spice trades along Straits of Malacca as well
as to control over the main Asiatic trade routes
due to the strategic location of Malacca port. The
fortress ‘A Famosa’ was built after the conquest
and missionari es strove to implant Catholicism
in Malacca. But instead of dominating the Asian
trade, the organization of network was disrupted,
as they could not force Muslims merchants
from Arabia and India to continue their trading
business there, causing the growth of other ports
to overshadow Malacca.The period of Portuguese
strength in Malacca was short lived as the Dutch
soon attacked it in 1641 with the help of Sultan of
Georgetown was one of the first colonized
region by the British and it was established as a
transshipment port by Francis Light of the British
East India Company. Together with Malacca,
George Town was governed under the Strait
Settlement which became a British Crown Colony
in 1867. It was all began with the trade relations
in the Malay Peninsula, Francis Light from the
British East India Company offered the British
military protection while Sultan of Kedah offered
the Penang Island. It was then informed that, this
great offer benefits the British and Penang would
be a convenient magazine for trade.
Johor, who was once the Sultan of Malacca. After
the conquest, fine public buildings and churches
were built, which remain the most solid facts of
European presents. The Dutch has also set up
a government in Malacca, as it was important
for the VOC strategies due to its location in the
main trading route to the Far East and formidable
strategic outpost. It was the period where Malacca
became the center for peninsular trade again.
Colonialism of Kuala Lumpur begins with the
exploitation of tin extraction industry by Raja
Abdullah, which started the settlements along the
Klang Valley. It soon grew into a mining town of
gambling dens and brothels as well as infamous
Chinese clans. Rivalry and civil war between the
interest parties were soon erupted, leading to the
chaos and wars. These caused the involvement of
British by appointing Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, the third
leader of Chinese Community to restore peace into
the mining town.After the death of Kapitan Yap, Sir
Frank Swettenham was appointed as the Resident
in 1885 along with the completion of railway roads
connecting the town to port Klang, presenting the
official colonial era of British in Kuala Lumpur.
On the other hand, heritage site and the colonial
buildings are in sad state of disrepair under govern
of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur.Responsibility
is on the building owners to ensure their properties
are in good state. But this promises are seem to
be faded. Without the actions taken by the local
authority or the National Heritage Commissioner,
heritage values of Kuala Lumpur will slowly
declining.
Melaka and George Town are two of the historic
colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that
demonstrates the accession of cultural and
historical influences arising from the former
function as trading ports linking the East and
the West. Under the World Heritage List and
the protection and preservation by UNESCO,
both cities and complete surviving historic city
centres of Straits of Malacca with a multi-cultural
heritage starting from the trading business from
Great Britain through the Middle East, the India
subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago to China.
Both cultural townscapes manifest an adequate
state of conservation although efforts are required
to preserve the colonial buildings and shop houses.
COMPARING COLONIALISM WITH
KUALA LUMPUR
Figure 2.3 (Left): The Old
Fort Gateway, Malacca.
Local children posing
before the Porta de
Santiago. From a postcard
circa 1910-1920.
Figure 2.4 (Right):
Malacca River 1907,
Church of St. Francis
Xavier in the background.
Figure 2.5 (Left): The Port of Penang at Weld Quay in the
1910s.
Figure 2.6 (Top): Original Kuala Lumpur railway station
before it was placed.
Figure 2.7: First railroad station built in 1886 and the main
terminal building built in 1914.
Figure 2.8:
Faded essence
of colonialism
in Jalan Tun
H.S. Lee, Kuala
Lumpur.
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8. CATEGORIZATION OF PATTERNS
IN JALAN H.S. LEE
Figure 2.9: Table of categorization of patterns in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
KEYWORDS PRESERVED FRAGMENTED FADED
HARMONIOUS STREETSCAPE (VIBRANT TOWNSCAPE)
The shop houses varying in styles but still conform to the basic design
during colonial period. The different detailing such as carvings shows
different vibrancy of identity.
AXIAL DOMINANCE
Governmental, commercial and residential zone is separated geographically
by the Malacca River.
ORGANIC DIFFUSAL
The predominant area sprawls and diffuses into the linear yet organic grid
of the city.
HIDDEN BACK ALLEY
The perimeter block typology gave rise to prominent row-houses facades,
thus creating intimate linear spaces both front and back.
TRANSPARENT INTERIORITY AND EXTERIORITY
The use of five foot walkway provides a sense of transparency between
inside and outside of shop houses and it increases the level of interaction.
ADAPTIVE FAÇADE (WELCOMING FAÇADES)
Cultural characteristics and identity is molded over times when hosting by
different countries in the past.
DISORDERED LINEARITY
Linearly arranged shop houses are designed in their own way and to their
function. Along the street, they look random and disordered.
URBAN LINKAGE
The street planning defines the linkage for human access by the five foot
walkway in front of façade.
SURPRISING HIERARCHY
Streets are arranged in hierarchy order based on social and job during
colonial period
SPATIAL REDEFINITION
The diffusion of form and movement spaces gives the users freedom to infill
their own intention to the space, by privatize, personalize or redefining a
new means to the space.
KEYWORDS PRESERVED FRAGMENTED FADED
RE-OCCURRING NODE (ENGAGING NODES)
The religious building naturally defined the public and private zoning to the
street.
INTER-GENERATIONAL INTERACTION
People walking on the streets can experience the interaction beyond
generation.
SOCIAL SEGREGATION
Zoning was divided according to business, trading activities and commercial
events.
DISTINCTIVE VALUE (ADAPTING TO CONTROL)
The uniqueness in architecture, culture and townscape are reflected by the
buildings built by different outsiders at different times. And the plot width
of each building varied throughout the town because of government
intervention.
INVISIBLE BOUNDARY
Religious buildings contribute to the higher contact intensity at the area.
FRAMES OF DIRECTIONAL QUALITY
Arrangement of coarse and fine grain buildings blurred the sense of
direction on the site.
DIVERSIFIED TYPOLOGIES
Linear arrangement of shop houses arranged like a box with private area in
the center and the governmental and religious building are in point
arrangement.
ENCLOSING EDGES
The clear boundary set by the nature topography limit the local’s daily
activities and depth of viewing the surrounding.
REPRESENTATIONAL ORNAMENTATION
Façade ornamentation depicts the influence and affluence of owners.
DOMINANT RULERS
Large and elaborate scale of the building creates overwhelming sense of
control from colonial rulers.
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9. to the last residential community left, near Jalan
Petaling. Being a commercial district by nature,
the urban sprawl is non-organic, the residential
spaces has been constantly being redefined for
commercial usage due to the intense competition
in this linear busy district.Hence, the fragmentation
results in the very minimal existence of residential
community in this part of Kuala Lumpur.
SPATIAL REDEFINITION
Malacca
The diffusion of the form and configuration of
Malacca due to the organic sprawl, creates spaces
where people can infill their individual intentions,
privatizing and personalizing the spaces. Hence,
redefining the characteristics of spaces, giving
birth to vibrant and diverse culture sprawl.Claiming
an identity uniquely known only for Malacca.
Jalan H.S. Lee
Through the evolvement of time, the shophouses’
function as a mixed residential and commercial
use has been fading immensely. Running down
DEMOGRAPHICS
COLLAGE CITY
PART 3:
Figure 3.1: Spatial redefinition in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
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10. Jalan H.S. Lee
The edge is defined by the function and scale of
buildings.The streetscape level and the scale of the
pedestrian walkway creates a sense of intimacy.
The movement and visual continuity along the
path which connects with the shoplots, resulted
in an informal edge of space, reassure and draw
pedestrian into the building.
INVISIBLE BOUNDARY
Georgetown
The religious buildings are the primary gathering
spot for the community. Comparing with the road,
they have higher contact intensity.
Jalan H.S. Lee
The streetscape level and the scale of the
pedestrian walkway creates a sense of intimacy.
The movement and visual continuity along the
path which connects the shops creates an informal
edge of space which reassure and draw pedestrian
into the building.
ENCLOSING EDGES
Georgetown
Higher topography bounded flat paddy field from
easternpartoftheGeorgetownwithhillsandforests
landscape view.Hills became edges disconnecting
development in Georgetown from other parts of
Penang. The colonial development leans more
towards the western part of the Georgetown
development. this clear boundary sets limitation to
the local where the ‘end’ of Georgetown is clearly
revealed, confirming their daily activities and depth
of views to the surrounding.
Figure 3.2 (Top): Invisible boundary in Georgetown.
Figure 3.3 (Bottom): Invisible boundary in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 3.4 (Top): Enclosing edges in Georgetown.
Figure 3.5 (Right): Enclosing edges in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
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11. because the homes to people from the lower class.
Jalan H.S. Lee
The buildings of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee are seems
to be grouped together randomly and disorderly
according to their function and style. The buildings
are mostly shophouses from during the colonial
period and after. The commercial activities seem
to mix with the religious activities happening along
the street. Each building has different heights,
scales and styles from different time zone. Some
of the colonial buildings were demolished and
replaced by taller or larger buildings. However
some colonial shophouses were converted for
other uses.
VIBRANT TOWNSCAPE
Georgetown
The different ornaments and carvings from the
shop houses shows different vibrancy of identity
and also the cultural diversity of Penang.
Jalan H.S. Lee
The historical buildings and shop houses were
preserved but serving different functions with the
past. Refurbishment of the shop houses by the
owners to attract tourists and locals.
DISORDERED LINEARITY
Malacca
During the colonization era, streets of Malacca
were segregated according to social order.
Religious buildings like churches, temples and
mosques were built along Harmony Street.
Each religious buildings façades have different
decorative religious ornaments from different
religions. In Heeren Street, the façade of the shop
houses are famous for their ornaments and are
heavy decorated which proved it had mostly rich
and wealthy upper class people. The façade of
shop houses in Jonker Street were less decorative
and simple compared to Heeren Street probably
VIBRANT TOWNSCAPE
Figure 3.6 (Top): Vibrant townscape in Georgetown.
Figure 3.7 (Right): Vibrant townscape in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 3.8 (Top): Disordered linearity in Malacca.
Figure 3.9 (Right): Disordered linearity in Jalan Tun H.S.
Lee.
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12. Georgetown
The nodes along the axial of Pitt streets encourage
movement of users. Pedestrian walkway and
usable spaces are built in front of private buildings
within the primary road to allow for activities and
creating landscapes.
Jalan H.S. Lee
The nodes along the Jalan H.S.Lee streets created
a point to point movement where it comes out with
different communities from northern to southern.
The community started from retailed shops ,
office buildings, tourist spots and administration
buildings.
DIVERSIFIED TYPOLOGIES
Georgetown
The typologies are organized and eccentric. A
clear linear form arrangement forming a box within
gridline and facing outward with private in the
center of the box whereas another side of George
Town causes randomly and loose by failure of
agriculture used to develop. Due to the loose grid
formation, the buildings becomes more identical
and significant, shows a point form where it comes
out with different setbacks , experiences and scale.
Jalan H.S. Lee
A clear and continuous linear arrangement of
shiphouses along the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. The
street does intersecting another street created a
triangle space as a park for social gathering.
REOCCURING NODES + ENGAGEMENT
PATTERNS
Malacca
On Jalan Tokong/Emas/Besi, religious buildings
stands out as public nodes since colonial periods.
Their perimeter defines the public and private
realms along the street. Occasions are not needed
to gather people in these places, as they became
a part of the community, its the sense of belonging
it offers to the people. The significance of these
built forms exhibits the identity of this stretch of
the road.
Figure 3.10 (Left): Diversified typologies in Jalan Tun H.S.
Lee.
Figure 3.11 (Top): Location of triangle space park in Jalan
Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 3.12 (Top): Reoccuring nodes in Malacca.
Figure 3.13 (Bottom): Engagement patterns in Georgetown.
Figure 3. 14 (Right): Nodes and engagements in Jalan Tun
H.S. Lee.
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13. Georgetown
Length of shop houses are longer than its width
to avoid extra taxation and land cost set by the
government in Georgetown.
Jalan H.S. Lee
As transportation, human needs and experiences
is more important in a high density city, the power
of planning has been shifted from the government’s
plan to functionality. The public buildings and
commercial area was built near the transportation
hub to allow easier access to public buildings and
entertainments. The main method of travelling has
also been shifted from walking and private vehicular
ADAPTING TO CONTROL + DISTINCTIVE
VALUES
Malacca
The incredibly diverse mix of different political,
religious and culture influences reflects through
the architectural style and urban form is unique
and unparalleled in Southeast Asia. From the
shophouses itself, has exceptional inherent
qualities from the layering of Dutch and Portuguese
colonial influences. Exhibiting values distinctive
solely to Malacca.
to public transportation like LRT and bus, as the
convenience of accessing to public transport and
from public transport to certain destination have
been highly improved becase of the shift of power
which focuses to functionality.
DOMINANCE OF POWER
Figure 3.15: Distinctive Values in
Malacca.
Figure 3.16: Adapting to control in
Penang.
Figure 3.17: Distinctive values
and adapting to control in
Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
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14. ADAPTIVE FACADES
Georgetown
The facades are the outcome of preserving of
heritage shown by our ancestors. Each of them
have their own identity & character that adapt &
convert into local influences based on the functions.
Jalan H.S. Lee
As an effect of gentrification, the shop facades
were refurbished or renovated. The façade have
influence by local character, therefore the facade
might varies to perform different function. Some
become large and welcoming to attract tourists and
locals to fulfil the commercializing requirements.
REPRESENTATIONAL ORNAMENTATIONS
Georgetown
The façade ornamentations depict the influence/
affluence and also the economic disparities
between the owners. Also, the ornamentations
represent the owner’s level of wealth and status in
the community at the time
Jalan H.S. Lee
The purpose of preserving the ornamentations is to
indicate function and status of the building, where
they were separated into religious, commercial
and residential buildings.
REPRESENTATION OF FUNCTIONS
Figure 3.18 (Top): Adaptive facades in Georgetown.
Figure 3.19 (Right): Adaptive facades in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 3.20: Representational ornamentations in Jalan Tun
H.S. Lee.
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15. Jalan H.S. Lee
The presence of back alleys are still exist along
Jalan H.S. Lee.The intimate linear spaces are
determined by the same front and back of the
facades of building. Due to urbanisation and fading
of the culture, the function and activity of the back
alley become different from the old times.The back
facade are blocked by the owner of the buildings
for their own usage. This has caused the back
alleys are not longer a circulation pathway, and
lose its surprising feelings between front and back
streetscapes.
features of the shophouses in Malacca. This
feature was adopted when Early Transitional
Style shophouses in the 19th century were built
and subsequent styles followed. Unlike the early
Dutch shophouses which only has a private porch
which is always separated, the five foot walkway
provides shading for pedestrians and the shops
at the ground floor. The northern and southern
section of the street still maintains the five foot
walkway regardless if the building was newly
built or renovated as some modern buildings built
still preserve these features, turning them into
temporary market stalls or shade against rain and
sun.
HIDDEN BACK ALLEY
Malacca
In Malacca city the back alleys are created through
the orientation of rows of shophouses.The intimate
linear spaces are determined by front and back of
the facades of buildings.It gives surprising contrast
between the front and back streetscapes. The
width of front roads are wider than the back lanes
and the space usages between these two lanes
are different. The front road are used as vehicular
and pedestrians pathway as connection to the
other city. In the old days people also used the
back lanes as their circulation path which makes a
destination more accessible.
TRANSPARENT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR
Malacca
The use of five foot walkways is one the main
features of the shophouses in Malacca. This
feature was adopted when Early Transitional
Style shophouses in the 19th century were built
and subsequent styles followed. Unlike the early
Dutch shophouses which only has a private porch
which is always separated, the five foot walkway
provides shading for pedestrians and the shops at
the ground floor.
Jalan H.S. Lee
The use of five foot walkways is one the main
CONNECTIVITY
Figure 3.21 (Top): Hidden back alley in Malacca.
Figure 3.22 (Right): Hidden back alley in Jalan Tun H.S.
Lee.
Figure 3.23: Transparent interior/exterior in Jalan Tun H.S.
Lee.
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16. creates continuity in the area, as the framed view
turns out to be checkpoints leading to the end of
the street, or to the street from the linkages.
Jalan H.S. Lee
This street is interconnected with nodes such as:
Central Market Pasar Seni, Petaling Street and
religious buildings by the side lane and small alleys.
The verandah ways are also preserved. There is
a landscaped public meeting area built for better
experiences and also reduced the congestions at
this busy road. Besides that, there are bus stations
and LRT stations built around this area and further
improved the possibility of economic and social
interactions along the streets. The linkages also
improved the urban usage of the whole town. The
visual qualities also keep changing when you
make a turn from one lane to another. So there is
no fixed here-ness and there-ness along the street.
FRAMES OF DIRECTIONAL QUALITY
Georgetown
Unorganized urban grain and diversity of road
width at the west side blurring sense of direction.
Organized grid pattern at the east side allows
street view to be framed from one end to another.
Jalan H.S. Lee
Linear form of Jalan Tun H.S.Lee Creates a long
street alongside with series of shophouses, which
frames the views at the end of the street or turning
point.The framed view on the street helps creating
better directional quality and continuity which
URBAN LINKAGE
Malacca
Urban linkage are the infrastructures supporting
flows from, to and between nodes. The lowest
level of linkage includes streets. In Malacca,
the streets are planned in a way to improve the
movement of both pedestrian and vehicular. The
easy access for human and vehicular will support
and improve the urban usage.The small alleys also
joined the nodes of Jonker Street and Harmonious
Street together, at the same time it generates an
economic and social engagement between locals
and tourists.
Figure 3.26 (Top): Urban linkage in Malacca.
Figure 3.27 (Right): Urban linkage in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee.
Figure 3.24 (Top): Frames of directional quality in
Georgetown.
Figure 3.25 (Right): Frames of directional quality in Jalan
Tun H.S. Lee.
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17. Georgetown would be a better and preferred
colonial town that is still preserved by UNESCO,
to be studied and as a quality experiential town to
live in. Rich cultural legacy and heritage remind
the background and history of the town, from there,
moral values and lessons can be extracted through
the self-experience in this well preserved heritage
site. Not just the colonialism characteristics that is
preserved, the sense of welcoming and community
of the heritage site are kept in every buildings.
- Yan Wai Chun
Georgetown, Penang would be my favorite city,
with the rich culture of different eras has many
influence in the architecture of the building which
gives them an identity to the city. The traditional
five-foot walkway serve as a buffer zone between
the shophouses and the vehicular pathways. It
creates a sense of interaction between the user
and the environment. The pedestrian walkway
links to most of the places around Georgetown, as
the distance between the point of contact are very
close to each other.
- Tiong Jia Min
Georgetown, Penang remains the favorite town
of choice as it is well preserved in terms of its
cultural essence and heritage color in buildings.
The practice of conserving cultural buildings by
the government and the UNESCO enables the
exposure of rich cultural background towards the
education associations, understanding different
practices of different cultures.Walkability of streets
also has made the atmosphere more welcoming,
allowing pedestrians to experience the essence of
place.
- Tan Jo Lynn
TALES OF
WISHES
PART 4:
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18. Among the three cities, I favour Kuala Lumpur
the most because of the vibrant streetscapes and
the diversity of human activities in this city. This
city seems to be a harmonious combination of the
characteristics from the other two cities. Unlike the
zoning typologies of different building functions
in Georgetown, Kuala Lumpur is a successor to
combine different cultures and practices together.
Visiting this city allows you to experience multiple
culture and human activities all at once.
- Eddie Goh
Among the three cities, I like Malacca the most
and it is because compare to Penang and Kuala
Lumpur, Malacca has a more multi-cultural society
and most of the historical elements are well
preserved until nowadays. In Penang, people are
zoned into different settlement. In Kuala Lumpur,
the buildings or the streets’ identities are remolded
into a totally different way because of the desire of
locals in commercial events or business purposes.
- Jacky Ting
With globalization spreading like wildfire in almost
every major city, its illustrious histories are slowly
being wiped away and forgotten.But Malacca is not
that city. It may have its large developments but it is
not at the expense of heritage-value shophouses
and its urbanscape. The priceless shophouses
and colonial buildings are well preserved as a large
scale museum for generations to come. Malacca
is something we all need a little bit more in this
ever-growing world.
- James Wong
In my opinion, I would prefer Kuala Lumpur
because Kuala Lumpur has its different promising
landmarks for tourist attraction and at the same
time it provide interests to local alike. For example,
the modern designs of buildings co-exist with older
traditional architecture that bring out sensibility to
the urbanscape. Another point is the movement
pattern of this city , the public transport system is
well-planned to proritize users and it does create a
environment-friendly city. It is very convenient for
exploring around the city. Lastly, the mix forms of
the architecture has beautify and turn it into a very
artistic city.
- Tan Chin Yin
The city I would like to choose is Georgetown,
Penang. The rich culture and heritage buildings
create an identity of the place which makes the
city filled with a strong sense of local culture, and
it is strongly kept. The planning of the city focuses
on keeping the cultural heritage, and enhancing
the public realm to create a better environment
for pedestrians, when the best way of exploring
Georgetown is by walking. From the streets,
buildings, people, culture and activities, all of these
elements in Georgetown maintains a very strong
historical value, keeping the sense of place, and
its identity as a historical site.
- Teo Hong Wei
I would prefer Malacca. This is because Malacca
preserve their historical elements better and the
historical elements are still useful nowadays.
Such as the shop houses are being replenish but
it still keeps the styles and most of the historical
elements. Unlike at Kuala Lumpur, the historical
buildings are there due to its aesthetic, but it had
already lost of its function, become an abandoned
place.
- Khoo Zer Kai
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19. If it comes down to a single city to be favored, it has
to be Malacca. The reason would be that Malacca
is the origin of all colonial cities in Malayan ground.
Its shifts of colonial superpowers during the 16th
century, heavily influencing the urban fabric of the
once fishing village to a blooming colonial city.
Inducing vibrant mix of culture and built forms,
creating a townscape of harmonious mixes. With
the addition of pedestrian scale in Malacca,
advocates tremendous human circulation rather
than vehicular. Shaping the form and content of
this renowned UNESCO’s heritage site, in which
today, we Malaysian proudly speak of.
- Nge Jia Chen
I would prefer Malacca, Georgetown and Kuala
Lumpur is the city of Malacca. I felt that the city
of Malacca fill with historical significance which
had mainly influence the culture and ways of living
of the local people in Malacca. The culture and
history of Malacca had also bring many influences
to the architectural styles of Malacca and it gives a
very unique characteristics and values to Malacca
which have to be preserved so that its stories were
never be forgotten.
- Lai Tzexiuan
The city I would like the most is the Malacca city
where it shows multi-ethnic community that lived in
harmony. Especially the Harmony Street consists
of 6 places of worship which has created many
public spaces for community to gather around
and celebrate. They still preserve this welcoming
culture towards people nowadays, embracing their
cultural heritage and historic buildings into their
own identity.Compare this to Kuala Lumpur city, the
sense of harmony in the community has already
faded and the shophouses buildings there have
been taken by non-local residents for commercial
usage.
- Lee Suk Fang
I would choose Malacca because the historical still
remain from very past to now and it looks perfectly.
Malacca preserve their historical elements well
and all of it are still on the spot. Malacca left
many historical from such as Portuguese, British
and so on. This tell us Malacca has a very well
management of city planning , economics and
culture. Compare to Kuala Lumpur , Kuala Lumpur
buildings are due to its aesthetic , but mostly are
lost its own function and identity.
- Lucas Ong Tun Cheik
Georgetown continues to be my favourite city as
the form as the essence of the city is protected by
its people and the local government, both which
played a role in preserving the city, the local culture
and heritage. Georgetown combines the essence
of Malaysia into a single city, where it is famous for
great food, colonial buildings and short buildings
as humble as Malaysians.
- Tan Jee Khium
I would prefer Malacca for my tales of wishes
for how localised and pedestrain friendly the city
is. Due to its rich history, Malacca is the closest
“medieval” city we could ever get in Malaysia. It is
a mixing chamber of cultures from the Portuguese,
Dutch and British and adapted with a Malaysian
twist. The status of a heritage site makes it that
Malacca is the least vehicular oriented city of the
three.Thus, with its increased walkability it is a city
that would encourage me to go out and interact with
the city more often. With more people outside their
homes, I believe the community would function
better with the increased contact opportunities.
- Koh Sung Jie
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