2. Istana Negara
ARC1215 - Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawing

3. Abstract
This report documents the overall information and data obtained from Measured Drawings activity on the site of Istana Negara (Lama). The Istana
Negara was once the home of the Malaysian Royal Family from the 1957 to 2011. Today it stands as a museum, exhibiting a glimpse of the past; the
importance of the royalty, and their lives in the palace itself. In the process of measuring the palace for conservation purposes, the current condition of
palace as well as the architectural development has been analyzed and recorded. The colonization of Malaysia by the British has clearly influenced the
style in which interior of the Istana Negara has been designed. As an illustration of wealth and prosperity, Istana Negara demonstrates Malaysia’s desire
to achieve the lifestyle of the British.
i

4. ii
Acknowledgements
Team Istana Negara would like to formally recognize and thank all those who have provided us with guidance and knowledge to produce this report. We
extend our gratitude to everyone who has kindly helped us, without whom this project could not have been possible. These people include:
Hayati Binti Mohamad Zawawi, the Director of the Istana Negara Museum, for giving us permission to measure and document the whole of the Istana
Negara, allowing us to photograph the interior of the palace, and providing an interview regarding the history of Istana Negara;
The staff at Istana Negara Museum, for being so accommodating and providing us with the floor plans and other information they had;
Nurul Alia Ahamad and Norhayati Ramli, for guiding and encouraging us through the entirety of this project.

5. iii
Declaration of Submission
We, the Team Istana Negara, in Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawing, hereby certify all the information and content of this report are
original, except when appropriately referenced to other sources, and that written permission has been granted by any existing copyright holders. We
affirm that this is a record of our work carried out during the field trip from January 19th – 23rd, 2015 in Istana Negara, Jalan Istana.
Lastly, we understand that this declaration covers all works submitted for the final assessment.
Pua Kee Hui
Leader of Team Istana
Chin Jovi
Leader of Team Istana

6. Table of Contents
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Declaration of Submission
Table of Contents
List of Figures
Chapter 1: Introduction
Objectives and Aim
Scope
Limitations
Methods of Measurement
Equipment Used
Literature Review
Significance of Study
Chapter 2: Historical Background
History of Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur
History of the Royalty in Malaysia
History of the Istana
History of Istana Negara Lama
Ownership
Renovations
Chapter 3: Architectural Development
i
ii
iii
iv
vi
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5.1
2.5.2
3
iv
Site Context
Hardscape
Softscape
External Structures
Architectural Influences
Palladian Style
British Colonial Style
Design Concept
Form
Exterior
Interior
Space Planning
Exterior
Interior
Cultural Aspects and Elements
Chapter 4: Construction Details
Staircases
Dome
Arch
Chapter 5: Materials
Structural Materials
Finishing
Chapter 6: Ornamentation and Details
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
5
5.1
5.2
6

7. v
Columns and Pilasters
Doors
Windows
Ceiling
Lighting
Other Ornamentation
Chapter 7: Comparison with Istana Nega-
ra, Jalan Duta
Design Concept
Details
Scale
Function
Chapter 8: Conclusion
Future of Istana Negara Lama
Conclusion
References
Appendix
Letter from the National Archive
Interview Transcript
Glossary
Photobook
3D Computer Modelling
F Scaled Drawings
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
8
8.1
8.2
A
B
C
D
E

8. vi
List of Figures
Avintage telephone found in the Queen’s office. (Tee,
2015)
Photograph of a set table in one of the dining rooms.
(Woo, 2015)
A member of Team Istana, Adrian Yap, using a piece
of equipment to measure the building. (All Tools Di-
rect, 2015)
Image of Bosch DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser
Distance Meter. (Caulfield Industrial, 2015)
Example of a standard measuring tape.
One of the team members, Adrian Yap, using the
Geometric Quadrant Plumb Bob. (Woo, 2015)
View of royal dishes and cutlery, laid out for a meal.
(Tee, 2015)
Independence ceremony in Merdeka Stadium. Au-
gust 31st , 1957. (Malaysia Independence Day)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Pertama (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga (Portal Rasmi Perli-
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Figure 1.3
Figure 1.4
Figure 1.5
Figure 1.6
Figure 1.7
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keempat (Portal Rasmi Per-
limen Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kelima (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keenam (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketujuh (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kelapan (Portal Rasmi Perli-
men Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kesembilan (Portal Rasmi
Perlimen Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kesepuluh(Portal Rasmi Per-
limen Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kesebelas (Portal Rasmi Per-
limen Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua Belas (Portal Rasmi
Perlimen Malaysia)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga Belas (Portal Rasmi
Perlimen Malaysia)
Malacca Sultanate Palace, 1459. (Malacca Attrac-
tions)
Istana Balai Besar, 1840. (Kelantan Attractions)
The Astana, 1870. (Asia Explores)
Istana Jugra, 1875. (Asia Explores)
Figure 2.5
Figure 2.6
Figure 2.7
Figure 2.8
Figure 2.9
Figure 2.10
Figure 2.11
Figure 2.12
Figure 2.13
Figure 2.14
Figure 2.15
Figure 2.16
Figure 2.17
Figure 2.18

9. vii
Istana Jahar, 1887. (Asia Explores)
Istana Sri Menanti, 1980. (Asia Explores)
Istana Kenangan, 1926. (Arkib Government)
Old Istana Negara, 1982. (Woo, 2015)
Istana Badariah, 1940. (Arkib Government)
Istana Darul Ehsan, 2000. (Arkib Government)
Istana Anak Bukit, 2007. (Malaysian Explorer)
Istana Negara Baru, 2011. (Malaysian Explorer)
Mr. Chan Wing’s Potrait (Malaysian Explorer)
Istana Negara before the first renovations in 1940.
(Choong)
Istana Negara in 1956.( Choong)
Current physical state of Istana Negara. (Woo, 2015)
The then Prime Minister of Malaysia overlooking the
renovation works. (Choong)
The renovation and additional site plan of Old Istana
Negara. (Jabatan Penerangan, 1976)
The renovation and additional detailing plan of Old
Istana Negara of the main gate in front. (Jabatan Pen-
erangan, 1976)
Timeline of Chan Wing and the Istana Negara.
The pavement in front. (Woo, 2015)
The pavement that connects the Royal Musuem Gal-
lery to the Balairun Seri Gallery. (Woo, 2015)
View of the pavement looking down to the main en-
Figure 2.19
Figure 2.20
Figure 2.21
Figure 2.22
Figure 2.23
Figure 2.24
Figure 2.25
Figure 2.26
Figure 2.27
Figure 2.28
Figure 2.29
Figure 2.30
Figure 2.31
Figure 2.32
Figure 2.33
Figure 2.34
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Figure 3.3
trance. (Woo, 2015)
Example of tiled pavements used in the royal garden.
(Woo, 2015)
Photograph of a planter box outside the entrance of
the Istana Negara building. (Woo, 2015)
Photograph of a curb on the tiled pavement on the
exterior. (Woo, 2015)
Fountain directly outside the entrance to the Istana
Negara building. (Woo, 2015)
Fountain in the lake of the royal gardens. (Woo, 2015)
Retaining walls are used to ensure the soil does not
move and cause damage. (Woo, 2015)
Barricades, or gates surrounding the Istana Negara as
a type of security. (Woo, 2015)
The white bridge in the garden to cross the pond.
(Woo, 2015)
Drainage near the boundaries of the site. (Woo, 2015)
View of the royal garden, with the lake and white
bridge. (Tee, 2015)
The open field in front of the Istana Negara structure.
(Woo, 2015)
The Balairung Seri, or the Throne Hall Gallery. (Woo,
2015)
The management office structure. (Woo, 2015)
Cimborium in the garden. (Woo, 2015)
Cimborium near the pool. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.4
Figure 3.5
Figure 3.6
Figure 3.7
Figure 3.8
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.10
Figure 3.11
Figure 3.12
Figure 3.13
Figure 3.14
Figure 3.15
Figure 3.16
Figure 3.17
Figure 3.18

10. viii
Photo of the pyramidal greehouse. (Woo, 2015)
The swimming pool next to the royal garden. (Te,
2015)
The carpark outside the management office. (Woo,
2015)
The main entrance for visitiors. (Woo, 2015)
The indoor badminton courts. (Woo, 2015)
Exterior view of the badminton courts. (Woo, 2015)
Outdoor futsal field or tennis courts. (Woo, 2015)
Top view of one of the fountains outside the entrance.
(Tee, 2015)
Capital of the column at the entrance of the minister’s
room on the Ground Floor. (Woo, 2015)
Pediment above two Corinthian columns at the en-
trance of the minister’s room on the Ground Floor.
(Woo, 2015)
Diagram showing the symmetry in the floor plan.
(Woo, 2015)
Door and window arrangement on the ground floor.
(Woo, 2015)
One of the doors from the exterior to the interior.
(Woo, 2015)
View of the main entrance on the south side. (Woo,
2015)
Photo of the gift shop, which exhibits campaign fur-
niture, and lightweight and eclectic fabrics. (Woo,
Figure 3.19
Figure 3.20
Figure 3.21
Figure 3.22
Figure 3.23
Figure 3.24
Figure 3.25
Figure 3.26
Figure 3.27
Figure 3.28
Figure 3.29
Figure 3.30
Figure 3.31
Figure 3.32
Figure 3.33
2015)
The curtain and fabric of the chair demonstrates light-
weight and electric fabric. (Woo, 2015)
Example of topical inspired furnishings. (Woo, 2015)
Her majesty’s office demonstrates the use of light and
airy colours. (Woo, 2015)
The living room suite for one of the bedrooms shows
the use of eclectic furniture. (Woo, 2015)
This old decorated telephone shows the use of eclec-
tic furniture. (Woo, 2015)
Image of a lizard on the Istana Negara grounds. (Tee,
2015)
Image of the horses that were once used to wander
around the grounds of Istana Negara. (Woo, 2015)
Cropped view of the center of the facade of Istana
Negara shows a detailed symmetry of the facade.
(Woo, 2015)
View of the Istana Negara’s Exterior. (Tee, 2015)
Ground floor and first floor plans of the Istana Neg-
ara.
Map of the Royal Museum, otherwise known as Ista-
na Negara on Jalan Istana.
Exterior space planning is shown in the site plan.
The small audience hall is the first room visitors see.
(Woo, 2015)
One of the dining rooms in the royal palace. (Woo,
Figure 3.34
Figure 3.35
Figure 3.36
Figure 3.37
Figure 3.38
Figure 3.39
Figure 3.4
Figure 3.41
Figure 3.42
Figure 3.43
Figure 3.44
Figure 3.45
Figure 3.46
Figure 3.47

11. ix
2015)
Minister’s room. (Tee, 2015)
Cinema room. (Ellayah, 2015)
His Majesty’s office on the first floor. (Tee, 2015)
The throne room on the first floor. (Tee, 2015)
The guest room is located amongst the other bed-
rooms on the first floor. (Tee, 2015)
The reading room across Her Majesty’s office. (Woo,
2015)
Her Majesty’s office. (Ellayah, 2015)
Small audience hall. (Ellayah, 2015)
State acting ruler’s bedroom. (Tee, 2015)
His Majesty’s restroom. (Tee, 2015)
Her Majesty’s powder room. (Tee, 2015)
The ambassador’s room on the ground floor. (Woo,
2015)
The royal bedroom in the new wing. (Woo, 2015)
The royal dental room. (Woo, 2015)
One of the domes on the top of the Istana Negara.
(Tee, 2015)
The main gate of the Istana Negara utilized the bunga
raya motifs. (Woo, 2015)
One of two of the main staircases in the Istana Nega-
ra. (Woo, 2015)
Three step staircases are used to further distinguish
Figure 3.48
Figure 3.49
Figure 3.50
Figure 3.51
Figure 3.52
Figure 3.53
Figure 3.54
Figure 3.55
Figure 3.56
Figure 3.57
Figure 3.58
Figure 3.59
Figure 3.60
Figure 3.61
Figure 3.62
Figure 3.63
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
rooms. These are the steps to His Majesty’s Office.
(Woo, 2015)
Staircase handrail at His Majesty’s Office. (Woo,
2015)
View of one of the two main domes on top of the Ista-
na Negara. (Tee, 2015)
View of the East dome from the roof. (Tee, 2015)
Close-up view of the crown and symbol of Malaysia
on top of the dome. (Tee, 2015)
View of an arched entrance from the exterior of the
building. (Ellayah, 2015)
Concrete formwork seen throughout Istana Negara.
(Tee, 2015)
Masonry wall which has been left as it is at the bad-
minton court. (Woo, 2015)
Existing timber structures with floral motifs. (Woo,
2015)
The exterior of Istana Negara painted beautifully.
(Woo, 2015)
Plaster walls and ceilings. (Woo, 2015)
The full column at the minister’s room. (Woo, 2015)
View of the Greek styled Corinthian column’s capi-
tal. (Woo, 2015)
Thin double doors in one of the bedrooms. (Woo,
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6
Figure 4.7
Figure 5.1
Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3
Figure 5.4
Figure 5.5
Figure 6.1
Figure 6.2
Figure 6.3

12. x
2015)
Modern glass double doors at the main entrance. (El-
layah, 2015)
Tall window in the dining room. (Woo, 2015)
One of the windows shown from the interior. (Woo,
2015)
View of the ceiling decoration around the chandelier.
(Woo, 2015)
Ceiling decoration at the corner. (Woo, 2015)
One of the chandeliers in the interior of the palace.
(Woo, 2015)
Chandelier in the room in front of the minister’s
room. (Woo, 2015)
Carpet design shows floral patterns. (Ellayah, 2015)
Aerial view of the new Istana Negara on Jalan Duta.
(placeandsee.com, 2015)
The guests’ room in the old Istana Negara. (Ellayah,
2015)
The new Istana Negara’s domes. (The Star, 2015)
New Agong Installation Ceremony. (Kosmo)
Photograph of one of the bedrooms in the royal pal-
ace. (Tee, 2015)
View of the throne room from the doorway. (Tee,
2015)
Figure 6.4
Figure 6.5
Figure 6.6
Figure 6.7
Figure 6.8
Figure 6.9
Figure 6.10
Figure 6.11
Figure 7.1
Figure 7.2
Figure 7.3
Figure 7.4
Figure 8.1
Figure 8.2

13. 1
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION

14. 2
The objective of this study is to obtain accurate measurements that
reflect of the current state of Istana Negara.
Team Istana Negara is required to produce floor plans, sections,
elevations and site plan. These drawings are scale drawings done
according to the existing heritage building on site. Also included is a
scaled model of the Istana Negara.
Team Istana is also required to produce a research paper to highlight
the history and design concept of the structure. Photographs that
exhibit the interior and the furniture of in the Istana Negara. (See
Figure 1.1)
The aim of this study is to become a credible source of information
regarding Istana Negara for both academic and conservational pur-
poses.
1.1Objectives and Aim
Figure 1.1. A vintage telephone found in the Queen’s office. (Yap,
2015)

15. 3
The study is focused on the Istana Negara on Jalan Istana in Kuala
Lumpur. From the years 1957 to 2011, it served as the royal palace,
and today it is a museum open to the public.As the royal palace, it has
great cultural and historical value, for both the interior and exterior.
(See Figure 1.2)
This study not only documents the current state of Istana Negara, but
also documents the history of the usage of the structure, and how it
has changed over the years.
Also included is a comparison with the new Istana Negara on Jalan
Duta, where the royal family has been residing since 2011, after mov-
ing out of the Istana Negara on Jalan Istana, to show the changes and
development in architectural style.
1.2 Scope
Figure 1.2. Photograph of a set table in one of the dining rooms.
(Tee, 2015)

16. The Istana Negara Lama is now open to the public, and has restricted
access to the rooms therefore allowing the public to only view the
rooms through the corridors. Thankfully we were allowed to access
the rooms that were otherwise off-limits to visitors. However, the Di-
rector of Istana Negara Museum placed a few restrictions our access
of the building. There were also some issues regarding usage of the
furniture inside the Istana Negara.
Due to the fact that the Istana Negara is currently open to the public,
the team still had to take into consideration the visitors and how they
viewed the palace, as well as how our presence would affect their
viewing.
Photographs and documentation of the structure is scarce from Chan
Wing’s time, despite the fact that in 1928, his mansion (now known
as Istana Negara) was the largest and most grand house in the whole
of Malaya. Documenting the building has focused more significantly
on the usage (royal events and ceremonies) rather than the actual ar-
chitecture of the structure. The original architecture firm, Swann and
1.3 Limitations
Maclaren has declined to share with us their original design of Chan
Wing’s mansion.
The Istana Negara has undergone several renovations since it was
first completed in 1928. However, full documentation of the details of
the renovations are not accessible by the public.
Documentation of the site including the garden, field, pool and so on,
is also very limited.
4

17. Several different methods were used to collect the data for complet-
ing the research and documentation of the Istana Negara. The team
is composed of a total of 39 students, who were then divided into
the following sub-groups: elevations group, floor plans group, sec-
tions group and site plan group (though the site plan group was also
charged with the responsibility of completing the report and video).
Each group operated under a sub-group leader who oversaw the prog-
ress of work, as well as collaborated with other groups to confirm the
accuracy of the measurements.
Measuring Methods
Although there are several different methods of measuring a whole
building, the team primarily utilized the use of a measuring tape, and
secondarily using a digital laser measuring device (see Figure 1.3).
The measuring tape was used mostly for smaller measurements, such
as floor area, walls, columns, details, and areas that are easily accessi-
ble. For further lengths, such as the ceiling height and so on, the team
would use the laser measuring device.
1.4 Methods of
Measurement
5
Figure 1.3. A member of Team Istana, Adrian Yap, using a piece of
equipment to measure the building. (Woo, 2015)

18. Research Methods
To document the historical, the cultural, and architectural aspect of
the Istana Negara on Jalan Istana, interviews were conducted with
both the Director of Istana Negara Museum as well as one of the
gardeners who has worked in the Museum for twenty years. The team
has also visited the National Library and the National Archive in Kua-
la Lumpur to search for information and photographs regarding the
Istana Negara. A lot of information has been obtained from online
books, journals, and websites as well.
Model-making Methods
Due to a combination between a tight time restraint and decorative
facade of our structure, Team Istana Negara made the decision to take
a risk and utilize the method of laser cutting. In order to make it a re-
ality, however, Team Istana Negara had to learn how to use software
and separate the design so that the cuttings could be done on isolated
wood panels. After the laser cutting was complete, Team Istana Neg-
ara had to carefully stick the pieces together to complete the model.
To obtain data on the façade too high and therefore inaccessible, the
team hired a crane to access the higher areas. This was more applica-
ble towards the elevation team, who had to obtain measurements from
areas too high up to access.
As an old building, some of the walls and such may not be levelled
correctly, or some of the corners may not be exactly 90 degrees, or
so on. To measure this, a set square was used to measure the angles
between the joining walls.
Measuring the details and ornamentation was tedious and incredibly
time consuming. Considering the short time period in which we were
given to obtain all the data, it was deemed more efficient to take a
photo of the detailing, along with documenting the main measure-
ments of the detail or ornament, and later inserting it into AutoCAD,
and scaling the photograph with the main measurements then.
Production of Drawings
The measurements that were obtained on-site were directly drafted
onto AutoCAD both on-site and off-site. After returning from the site,
members of the team returned to campus (Taylor’s University, Lake-
side Campus) to further discuss and draft the measured drawings on
AutoCAD. After the measurements have been documented in Auto-
CAD, the drawings are given the final touches, especially in terms of
standardizing the line weights and such between all the sub-groups
for the final submission.
6

19. Both measuring the building and documenting the measurements re-
quires some equipment to obtain data.
DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter
The DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser Distance Meter from Bosch
was used to conduct the measurements of some of the less accessible
distances. As an expensive piece of equipment, this digital laser mea-
suring device was used with utmost care. For example, to measure the
height of the ceiling from the floor in a room at one point, the device is
placed on the floor, with the laser transmitter facing the ceiling. After
correcting the settings, the measurement of the distance between the
floor and ceiling will appear digitally on the screen. (See Figure 1.4)
Standard Measuring Tape
This was the primary piece of equipment used in the measurement
of the building. It is a common instrument that can be bought at any
hardware store. For longer distances, the cloth measuring tape was
used. (See Figure 1.5)
1.5 Equipment Used
7
Figure 1.5 Example of a standard measuring tape. (Caulfield Indus-
trial, 2015)
Figure 1.4 Image of Bosch DLE 50 Professional Digital Laser Dis-
tance Meter. (All Tools Direct, 2015)

20. 8
Adjustable Set Square
These were used to measure the angles of parts of the building that
may not have been exactly straight. For example, if the connection
between two joining walls is not exactly 90 degrees, the set square
would have been used to measure the difference.
Geometric Quadrant Plumb Bob
This piece of equipment is used to measure the levels of the building.
It is a quarter of a circle, with 90 degrees. It can be used to measure
the angles of acute corners, as well as levelling. The plumb bob is
hung from above to observe the levels. The usage is shown in Figure
1.6.
Crane
The team also hired a crane to secure access to higher areas on the
building that are not accessible by a ladder. To make sure the team
was utilizing the crane correctly and safely, the owner of the crane
was present.
Ladder
There were a few ladders on-site, brought personally by different
members of the team. The ladders are approximately 5 feet in height,
and allowed access to the ceilings and higher areas. Anything higher
would require the crane. Unlike the crane, the ladder could be used
for the interior. There was always one person to hold the ladder se-
curely for safety purposes.
Figure 1.6. One of the team members, Adrian Yap, using the Geo-
metric Quadrant Plumb Bob. (Woo, 2015)

21. Stationery
To record the measurements, paper, pens, pencils, erasers and rulers
were used. This allowed for sketching and visual documentation of
the items and spaces that were being documented.
DSLR Cameras
Several team members visually documented the spaces, the details,
the façade, the furniture and the genius loci and so on with Profes-
sional Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras.
Laptops and AutoCAD
The documented measurements were inserted into AutoCAD draw-
ings for the final submission. In AutoCAD, the line weights are edited
and standardized between all the sub-groups. Of course, AutoCAD is
a piece of software that is only accessible through a laptop.
9

22. The Istana Negara on Jalan Istana has become an important part of
the history of Malaysia. As an example of the growing wealth and a
foreshadowing of the future development of Kuala Lumpur, it was
built in 1928 as a mansion of a Chinese man named Chan Wing for
his extensive family.
From 1941 to 1943, it was occupied by the Japanese military. By
then, Chan Wing had fled Malaya. Afterward, it was the home of the
royal family until 2011.
This structure has always been the home of powerful people, and has
witnessed the great development of Malaya and later on, Malaysia.
The literature review emphasizes the importance of knowledge on
history and theory.
The key figure of this study is the most recent ownership of this build-
ing and its current state as a museum. In addition, the study of the
spaces in this building, the culture aspects, and the site context are
selected for the writings. Books, articles, journals and other physical
1.6 Literature Review
publications provide information on the historical background of Ma-
laya and Malaysia, more specifically, Kuala Lumpur through these
times. They also provide information on the architecture style during
the time. Information was mainly obtained from online material, the
National Archive and the National Library.
10

23. The purpose of this project is to emphasize the importance of the Ista-
na Negara on Jalan Istana in the history of Malaysia. The palace are
witnessed the growth and development of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
from 1928 to the present. As the house of powerful people at different
times, this mansion has become an integral part of the history of Ma-
laysia as it is today.
This study aims to analyze further the culture, politics and economics
that surround the palace itself, as well as how it characterizes Malay-
sia through the times. Figure 1.7 exhibits the extravagant culture and
lifestyle of the royal family.
By sketching, drawing, measuring and documenting the building on-
site enabled the students to develop more appreciation towards both
the palace itself as well as Malaysia’s history.
1.6 Significance of
Study
Figure 1.7 View of royal dishes and cutlery, laid out for a meal.
(Tee, 2015)
11

24. 12
Chapter Two
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

25. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established
colonies and protested in the area of current Malaysia; these were
occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled ter-
ritories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya,
which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963
when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malay-
sian states of Sabah and Sarawak, located on the northern coast of
Borneo, joined the Federation (see Figure 2.1). The first several years
of the country’s history were disfigured by several events, such as the
Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, the
Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore’s secession from the Fed-
eration in 1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister Mahathir
bin Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying
its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expan-
sion in manufacturing, services, and tourism.
2.1 History of
Malaysia and
Kuala Lumpur
Figure 2.1 Malaysia’s Independence day ceremony in Merdeka Sta-
dium, August 31st 1957.
13

26. Independence to the Present: 1957- Now
Malaya’s independence brought about new decisions that needed to
be made, the first of which being to ascertain which territories to in-
clude in the new state. “Malaysia” was a term brought up in 1961,
when the appointed Tunku at the time persuaded Singapore, Sabah
and Sarawak to combine with Malaya in a federal union. This did not
go over well with the Indonesian president Sukharno, who feared the
impact of such a union on his plans to expand the Indonesian borders.
He later initiated several unsuccessful attacks against Malaysia.
As Malaysia is comprised of a very diverse mix of people, another
problem the country faced post-independence was determining the
national identity. Although the majority of the population was Malay
and as such they were given permanent positions in government and
other perks, the Chinese were dominant in business and trade. Since
most Malaysian’s were not doing well economically, the government
imposed some quotas that were designed to help the Malays improve
their chances economically. The Chinese didn’t like this and formed
a political party that won a number of seats in the following elections
in 1969. The Malays protested this political win by erupting into riots
throughout Kuala Lumpur, which for the next couple of years resulted
in placing Malaysia in a state of turmoil.
Malaysia has made tremendous strides in their growth and wealth.
Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammed, who has led Malaysia since
1981, is felt to be responsible for a majority of Malaysia’s success.
History of Kuala Lumpur
In the 19th century, the area where KL now lies was an important
settlement for the tin-industry. Because of the important work of Yap
Ah Loy, the city grew from a settlement to an eventual city. The end
of the 19th century was harsh on Kuala Lumpur, as at this time the
city was tormented by disasters and adversity. Diseases, epidemics,
fires and floods plagued the city with high consistancy. During this
period people began to build stone houses instead of wooden houses.
This was also the period in which the first railroads was constructed.
Some people believe that it was not Yap Ah Loy, but Raja Abdullah,
who founded Kuala Lumpur, since Raja Abdullah had allegedly sent
miners to look for tin in the region years before Yap Ah Loy arrived
in the area now called Kuala Lumpur.
14

27. InAugust 1957, having rejected the suggested title of Yang di-Pertuan
Besar in favour of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Council of Rulers met
to elect the first occupant of the throne. By seniority, the 84-year-old
major general Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan of Johor since 1895, was first
in line, but he declined due to old age. Sultan Abu Bakar, Sultan of
Pahang since 1932, despite being next in line for the throne following
Sultan Ibrahim, was rejected five times by his fellow electors, and
did not secure the necessary votes. Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri
Sembilan, having been elected to his state throne in 1933, was even-
tually elected, with eight votes in favour of him against one opposing
vote.
2.2 History of
Royalty
in Malaysia
List of Yang di-Pertuan Agongs in Malaysia since 1957
Figure 2.2 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Pertama
Al-Marhum Tuanku Rahman Ibni Al-Mar-
hum Tuanku Muhammad
State: Negeri Sembilan
Period: 3 Ogos 1957 – 1 April 1960
Figure 2.3 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua
Al-Marhum Tuanku Hisamuddin Alam Shah
Al-Haj Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Alaiddin
Sulaiman Shah
State: Selangor
Period: 14 April 1960- 1 September 1960
Figure 2.4 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga
Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra ibni
Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail
State: Perlis
Period: 21 September 1960 – 20 September
1965
15

28. Figure 2.5 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keempat
Al-Marhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah
ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin
State: Terengganu
Period: 21 September 1965 – 20 September
1970
Figure 2.6 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kelima
Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah
ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah
State: Kedah
Period: 21 September 1970- 20 September
1975
Figure 2.7 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keenam
Al-Marhum Tuanku Yahya Petra ibni
Al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim
State: Kelantan
Period: 21 September 1975 – 29 Mac 1979
Figure 2.8 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketujuh
Tuanku Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Mus-
ta’in Billah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Abu
Bakar Ri’Ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah
State: Pahang
Period: 26 April 1979- 25 April 1984
Figure 2.9 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kesem-
bilan
Al-Marhum Tuanku Sultan Azlan Muhib-
buddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yussuf
Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah
State: Perak
Period: 26 April 1989 – 25 April 1994
Figure 2.10 Yang di –Pertuan Agong Kese-
puluh
Al-Marhum Tuanku Ja’afar ibni Almarhum
Tuanku Abdul Rahman
State: Negeri Sembilan
Period: 26 April 1994- 25 April 1999
16

29. Figure 2.11 Yang di -Pertuan Agong Kese-
belas
Al-Marhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz
Shah Alnaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan His-
amuddin Alam Shah Alhaj
State: Selangor
Period: 26 April 1999 – 21 November 2001
Figure 2.12 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua
Belas
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Al-Marhum
Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail
State: Perlis
Period: 13 December 2001 – 21 December
2006
Figure 2.13 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga
Belas
Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal
Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud
Al-Muktafi Billal Shah
State: Terengganu
Period: 13 December 2006 – 12 December
2011
Figure 2.14 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keem-
pat Belas
Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku
Al-Haj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni
Almarhum Sultan Badlishah
State: Kedah
Period: 13 December 2011 – Present
17

30. The “Istana Negara” means the “national palace”. Each individual
state in Malaysia has its own royal family, meaning that every state
has its own history of residential palaces for the royalty in that state.
The Istana Negara of this study is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2.3 History of
the Istana
18
The Malacca Sultanate Palace is actually a replica of the structure that
was built by the already extinct sultanate of Malacca. The sultanate of
Malacca was the previous line of rulers of the city prior to the arrival
of the Portuguese in the 1500s. The plan of the palace was based on
the Malay Annals’ account of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace, a noble-
man who ruled Malacca from 1456 to 1477. The Malacca Sultanate
Palace is one of its only kinds in Malaysia, offering a rare glimpse at
the ancient Malay kingdom that once flourished in Malacca.
Figure 2.15 Malacca Sultanate Palace, 1459. Photo by Malacca
Attractions.

31. Istana Balai Besar (The Grand Place) is a single story palace built by
Sultan Muhammad II over 170 years ago, as the official residence
of past sultans. It is believed that bullfights used to be held in the
palace for official Royal ceremonies until mid-1900. Built by Sultan
Muhammad II as a replacement to the Kota Lama Palace. Known as
House of Gold Flower.
Figure 2.16 Istana Balai Besar, 1840. Photo by Kelantan Attrac-
tions.
Astana is the official residence of the Governor of Sarawak, also called
the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri. It is located along the bank of the Sarawak
River in Kuching, Sarawak. The Astana, which means “palace” in the
local dialect, was constructed in 1870 for the newly married Charles
Brooke, the second Rajah of Sarawak.
Figure 2.17 The Astana, 1870. Photo by Asia Explores.
19

32. Istana Balai Besar is located in the heart of Kota Bharu. Sultan Mu-
hammad II who reigned from 1839 to 1886 built the old palace in
1842-1844. The castle was built on a land area of 1.6 hectares. Istana
Balai Besar was established to replace the Old Palace , which is lo-
cated on the island of Saba near the east bank of Sungai Kelantan that
were eroding its banks because of floods that occur every year . These
Saba city is the seat of government of the Sultanate of Kelantan in the
period before 1842 . It is the oldest Palace building in Selangor Darul
Ehsan which is still existing.
Figure 2.18 Istana Jugra, 1875. Photo by Asia Explores.
Istana Jahar (Jahar Palace) is built by Sultan Muhamad II in 1887 for
his grandson Long Kundur. Following the demise of Sultan Muham-
mad II in 1886, the Kelantan State throne was replaced by Long Su-
long which reigned with the was continued until its completion. It has
luxurious woodcarvings that showcase the excellent craftsmanship of
the Kelantanese. Now houses the Museum of Royal Traditions and
Ceremonies.
Figure 2.19 Istana Jahar, 1887. Photo by Asia Explores.
20

33. One of the palaces which still remains intact to this day is the Istana
Lama Seri Menanti. Being lavishly unique and picturesque, the pal-
ace is also known as the icon of the Negeri Sembilan royal family.
The breathtaking panorama of the area became the reason of its being
made a place to live and an administrative centre of the Kings of Neg-
eri Sembilan of yesteryear. Magnificent palaces with their intricate
carvings were built here as the residence for the Yang di- Pertuans.
Figure 2.20 Istana Sri Menanti, 1908. Photo by Asia Explores.
Istana Kenangan, which now houses the Royal Museum, was built
in 1926 by a Malay craftsman by the name of Encik Sopian and his
two sons, Zainal Abidin and Ismail, from Bukit Mertajam. The palace
was built on the decree of the late Sultan Iskandar as a temporary res-
idence while waiting for Istana Iskandariah to be completed. Prior to
that, the Sultan resided in Istana Negara, which had been demolished
to make way for Istana Iskandariah.
Figure 2.21 Istana Kenangan, 1926. Photo by Arkib Government.
21

34. The palace was originally a double-storey mansion called The Big
House built in 1928 by a local Chinese millionaire, Chan Wing.
During the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, it was used as
the residence of the Japanese Governor. With the formation of the
Federation of Malaya in 1950, the Selangor State Government rented
the residence from the owners for 5,000 Straits Dollars a month until
Merdeka (the Malayan independence) in 1957. It was then renovated
to become the palace of His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor.
Figure 2.22 Old Istana Negara, 1928. Photo by Woo Wen Jian.
Built on a piece of land at Lot 41, Padang Seri Negara Mukim Batu
Buruk, the palace ground meaures some 41.844 hectares in area. The
Palace was first erected in the era of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam
Shah (1920-1942), the 13th Sultan of Terengganu. Unfortunately, due
to his death, the Sultan did not manage to occupy the new palace.
His body was however, conducted from this palace on the way to his
final resting place. The Palace was made Renca-Concol during the
Japanese occupation of Malaya. Badariah Palace then became official
residence to the 14th Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin
Shah (1945-1979).
Figure 2.23 Istana Badariah, 1940. Photo by Arkib Government.
22

35. Istana Darul Ehsan , located in Putrajaya, Malaysia, is one of the royal
residences of the Sultan of Selangor (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah).
Constructed on the 20th November 2000, this huge grey mansion
beside Putrajaya Lake symbolizes the appreciation from Malaysia’s
Federal Government to Selangor State for ceding Putrajaya to the fed-
eral government. It is constructed in Tudor style with high deep grey
façade to be the Royal Retreat for the Sultan of Selangor.
Figure 2.24 Istana Darul Ehsan, 200. Photo by Arkib Government.
Istana Anak Bukit located in the Mount or the highway a little high
on a small island formed from Sungai Anak Bukit and Sungai Kuala
Cegar , setting up of a landmark that symbolizes the sovereignty of
the Sultanate of Kedah . Istana Anak Bukit a place of residence for
the Royal family of His Majesty the Sultan of Kedah family. In front
of the entrance gate of the palace, royal seal and emblem emblazoned
on the tree-lined rain all the way into the palace.
Figure 2.25 Istana Anak Bukit, 2007. Photo by Malaysian Explorer.
23

36. This Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty the Yang di
- Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty the Queen. Located in Jalan Duta ,
Kuala Lumpur and is a landmark for the monarchic system of govern-
ment in Malaysia . This palace architecture involving safety aspects
and features of special aesthetic with its emphasis on building its tra-
ditional Islam and Malay on the building and its surroundings. Istana
Negara is located in an area of 241.3 acres (97.65 hectares).
Figure 2.26 Istana Negara Baru, 2011. Photo by Malaysian Explor-
er.
24

37. The Old National Palace (Istana Negara Lama) has been adapted five
different times in its lifetime, according to changing usage require-
ments. It was originally designed as a double-storey mansion by the
oldest Singaporean architectural firm, Swan and Maclaren, for a con-
temporary local Chinese millionaire called Chan Wing. The construc-
tion of the mansion was started in 1928 and completed in 1933. It is
now a museum, after having served as the official residence of the
Supreme King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) for 54 years,
since the country’s independence until 2011. It had also been used for
the Japanese and British armies. The palace is located on a 13-acre
site positioned on the slope of a hill in Bukit Petaling in the heart of
the Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and overlooks the Klang
River. The original mansion was heavily influenced by Palladian ar-
chitecture and was especially built in such a way to bring together
Chan Wing’s huge family of 8 wives and 22 children in one house.
The main important historical architectural elements that are found in
this building are the doors, windows, roof, dome, porch and the land-
scaping. It is also important to note the multiple renovation works that
have been done to this building in its lifetime.
2.4 History of
Istana Negara
Istana Negara is located at the South of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan
Syed Putra and Jalan Istana. There are several landmarks that are
found surrounding the palace; Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara.
Both the buildings are found northerly of the palace. The palace can
be accessed easily via several entrances. The Main Palace Entrance
acts as the main gate, which is also a favorite spot for picture taking.
The other entrances are only permissible for authorized administra-
tive members of the palace. The Istana Negara overlooks Klang Riv-
er, which can be seen from inside the palace. The exterior design of
the palace gradually changes overtime as the ownership changes. The
Istana Negara mansion itself takes up half of the 13 acres land. There
are other facilities available on site such as a swimming pool and bad-
minton courts. It is located on a slope of a hill as to provide a natural
defense for the palace as well as to show its grandness in comparison
to its surroundings. The remaining space has been taken care of beau-
tifully as a garden. The palace is completely surrounded by greenery
with a fountain that effortlessly blends with the geography, making
the palace more picturesque.
This building has an incredibly rich history, having been constructed
in the early 1930’s. Chan Wing was a migrant from China who, after
much struggle, was able to create an affluent life for himself and his
big family in Malaysia. By 1913, he had acquired enough success to
open his new bank and wanted to mark his fortunes by building the
biggest house in Malaya at that time. Unfortunately, Chan Wing was
25

38. infamous for having contributed towards the China War and would
have been possibly targeted by the Japanese invaders. (Chan Wing)
His portrait is shown in Figure 2.27. He fled Malaysia and the man-
sion was used as the residence of the Japanese. Three years later, the
British occupied Malaya. During this time, they commanded the man-
sion for a senior military officers mess. In 1950, the Selangor govern-
ment rented the residence from the British and renovated it to become
the palace for the Sultan of Selangor. A few months before the Inde-
pendence of Malaysia was declared, the Federal Government bought
over the mansion at a cost of RM1.4m, converting it as the National
Palace. The palace saw many renovation and upgrading works, the
main being the addition of a whole new building (annexed) unit in
1980.In 2007, the construction of the new Istana Negara began. It
only took four years for the majestic new building to be completed.
Now the original Istana Negara is open to the public as a nostalgic
icon of the unique Malaysian monarchy.
Location of Istana Negara
Istana Negara is located at the South of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan
Syed Putra and Jalan Istana. There are a few landmarks that surround
the palace, the most notable ones being Stadium Negara and Stadium
Merdeka, which are both located north of the palace. The palace is
accessible through several points of entry. The main gate acts as the
Main Palace Entrance, which is also a favorite spot for tourist pic-
ture taking. The other entrances are only permissible for authorized
administrative members of the palace. The Istana Negara also over-
26
Figure 2.27 Mr. Chan Wing’s portrait. (Chan Wing)

39. looks the Klang River – a view visible from inside the palace. The
building itself takes up half of the 13 acres land and has its exterior
design gradually changing as ownership changes overtime. Other fa-
cilities available on site are a swimming pool, and badminton courts.
As a show of grandeur and to provide a natural defense, the palace
is located on a slope of a hill. The remaining space has been taken
care of beautifully as a garden. The palace’s ground is covered with
many plants and trees with a fountain feature that naturally blends
with the landscape, creating a very picturesque scene. Figure 2.28 and
Figure 2.29 are photographs of the Istana Negara in 1940 and 1956,
respectively, and the difference between them and Figure 2.30 is very
notable.
2.4.1 Ownership
About Chan Wing
A Chinese Immigrant who built Istana Negara, Chan Wing was born
in 1873 in the Xin Hui District, Pearl River Delta, Canton (Guang
Zhou). He arrived in Malaya at the age of 14 in 1887. He had a total
of 22 children with 8 wives. (Chan Wing) Being a staunch believer in
the teachings of Confucious, he and many other chinese men of their
times took multiple wives to carry on the family lineage. He first lived
in a house on Weld Road (the present Jalan Raja Culan) upon arriving
in KL with his family, and also became the richest and most success-
ful man in KL after the opening of the Hong Fatt Tin Mine in 1897 at
Figure 2.30 Photo of the current physical state of Istana Negara.
(Woo, 2015)
Figure 2.28 Photo of Istana
Negara before the first renova-
tions in 1940. (Choong)
Figure 2.29 Photo of Istana
Negara in 1956. (Choong)
27

40. the age of 24, in Sungai Besi (known as The Mines now). Afterwards,
Chan Wing ventured into rubber plantations and also opened a bank,
Kwong Yik Bank Corporation, in 1913. As Weld House became too
small for his growing family, Chan Wing purchased a 13 acres piece
of land and contacted the well known architecture firm Swann & Ma-
claren to design “the biggest house in Malaya”. The building was
completed in 1928 and he lived there until the second World War in
1941 when the Japanese invaded Malaya. Chan Wing had to leave
Malaya, as he was known to be one of the biggest contributors of the
China War Relief Fund, which placed him high on the wanted list of
the Japanese Imperial Army. He and his family fled to Cameron, and
then onwards to Mussorie in India and other countries to wait for the
war to end until March 1946. He later passed away 1947 at the age of
74. (Chan Wing)
Introduction to Istana Negara
The Old National Palace (Istana Negara Lama) has been altered as
many as five different times throughout its lifetime, in accordance
to its constantly- changing usage requirements. It was initially de-
signed as a double-storey mansion for the contemporary local Chi-
nese millionaire Chan Wing by the oldest Singaporean architectural
firm, Swan and Maclaren. The construction of the mansion started in
1928 and finished in 1933, but it has undergone several renovations
(See Figure 2.31). Since the country’s independence in 1957, until
2011, it has served as the official residence of the Supreme King of
Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong). It is now preserved and displayed
Figure 2.31 The then Prime Minister of Malaysia overlooking the
renovation works. (Choong)
28

41. 29
as a museum. It has also been used previously by the Japanese and
British armies during times of conflict. The palace is situated on a 13-
acre site placed on the slope of a hill in Bukit Petaling in the middle
of the Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur, overlooking the Klang
River. The initial building was highly influenced by Palladian archi-
tecture and was specially built and designed to accommodate Chan
Wing’s large family of 8 wives and 22 children, all in one house. The
main important historical-architectural elements that can be found in
this mansion are the windows, doors, dome, roof, landscaping and
its porch. There have also been multiple renovation and additions to
the structure since its original completion in 1933. (See Figure 2.31,
Figure 2.32 and Figure 2.33)
Timeline of Istana Negara
This building was constructed in the early 1930’s and has an exten-
sive and rich history. Chan Wing, a migrant from China, was able to
establish a prosperous and comfortable life for himself and his family
in Malaysia, despite many struggles. He had obtained so much suc-
cess in his wealth that by 1913 he opened a new bank, and had already
planned to build the biggest house in Malaya. Sadly, Chan Wing was
well-known for having a hand in aiding the Chinese, and would have
been most likely being targeted by the Japanese invaders during the
second World War; this caused him to flee from Malaysia, and the
Japanese consequently used the mansion he left behind as a residence.
The British occupied Malaya three years later and commandeered the
mansion as a senior military officer’s station. In 1950, the Selangor
Figure 2.31 The renovation and additional site plan of Old Istana
Negara. (Jabatan Penerangan, 1976)
Figure 2.32 The renovation and additional detailing plan of Old
Istana Negara. (Jabatan Penerangan, 1976)

42. government rented the residence from the British and renovated it to
become the palace for the Sultan of Selangor. The Federal Govern-
ment then bought over the building for RM 1.4 million, a few months
before Malaysia’s Independence Day. It was then converted into the
National Palace. A major renovation was undertaken in 1980 where
a whole new building (annexed) unit was added. Construction for a
new Istana Negara commenced in 2007 and took four years to com-
plete. Currently, the original Istana Negara is open to the public as a
nostalgic representation of the Malaysian monarchy.
Location of Istana Negara
Istana Negara is located at the South of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan
Syed Putra and Jalan Istana. There are a few landmarks that surround
the palace, the most notable ones being Stadium Negara and Stadium
Merdeka, which are both located north of the palace. The palace is
accessible through several points of entry. The main gate acts as the
Main Palace Entrance, which is also a favorite spot for tourist picture
taking. The other entrances are only permissible for authorized ad-
ministrative members of the palace. The Istana Negara also overlooks
the Klang River – a view visible from inside the palace. The building
itself takes up half of the 13 acres land and has its exterior design
gradually changing as ownership changes overtime. Other facilities
available on site are a swimming pool, and badminton courts. As a
show of grandeur and to provide a natural defense, the palace is lo-
cated on a slope of a hill. The remaining space has been taken care
of beautifully as a garden. The palace’s ground is covered with many
Figure 2.33 The renovation and additional detailing plan of Old
Istana Negara of the main gate in front. (Jabatan Penerangan, 1976)
30

43. plants and trees with a fountain feature that naturally blends with the
landscape, creating a very picturesque scene.
2.4.2 Renovations
In May 1957, a total of RM 328,000.00 was spent on the renova-
tion and redecoration of the palace (which was then 29 years old).
Sixty workers under the supervision of a local contractor started the
construction, bringing architect E. K. Dinsdale’s beautiful design to
reality. Additions to the building included seven bedrooms (giving
the palace 20 bedrooms altogether), four living rooms, a ‘balai meng-
adap’, a dining room and a kitchen that could serve up to 100 people.
Dinsdale’s design was successful in creating a majestic atmosphere,
with 350-square-yards of carpet adding grandeur to the majestic stair-
cases. Three thousand litres of paint was used to produce the carefully
chosen colour scheme. Wide ranges of colours starting from mimo-
sa yellow to the commodore blue were used in the interior of the
building, while white and grey were used in the exterior sections. It
took four months for the renovation work to complete, leavig just
one week before the Independence Day on August 31st, 1957. Due to
the increase of palace staff, an annexe was added four years later to
the east wing. Further improvements were made at Istana Negara in
1980, which included the erection of fences around the whole palace
grounds as well as two special guard posts at the main entrance. More
renovation took place in conjunction with the Crowning Ceremony of
31
the 7th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong where a two-storey building was add-
ed to the Istana for the purpose of accomodating a royal conference
room and the throne room (Balairong Seri). This newly built structure
is accessible through a closed passage on the second floor of the main
building.

44. 32
Figure 2.34 Timeline of Chan Wing and the Istana Negara.

45. 33
Chapter Three
Design Concept

46. 34
The site context is compromised of three components, the hardscape
the softscape and teh external structures. The hardscape constitutes
the unnatural landscaping, such as the pavements, the curb and the
external staircases. The softscape includes vegetation and the natural
landscaping, and the external structures are the structures not includ-
ed in the main building of the Istana Negara.
3.1.1 Hardscape
Passageway (sidewalk, paved road)
The road of the Istana Negara from the side entrance passing through
the roundabout and reaching the main gate of the palace is made en-
tirely of square tiles. The white and grey coloured tiles helps to define
the space as both to define the edges and as part of the aesthetic. (See
Figure 3.1, Figure 3.2, and Figure 3.3)
The road of the Istana Negara from the side entrance passing through
the roundabout and reaching the main gate of the palace is made en-
3.1 Site Context
Figure 3.1 The pave-
ment in front of the
palace. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.2 The pave-
ment that connects the
Royal Museum Gallery
to the Balairun Seri
Gallery. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.3 View of the
pavement looking down
to the main entrance.
(Woo, 2015)

47. 35
tirely of square tiles. The white and grey coloured tiles helps to define
the space as both to define the edges and as part of the aesthetic.
Figure 3.2 shows the sidewalk which connects the Royal Museum
Gallery from the Balairung Seri Gallery. One can exit the ambassador
room from the Istana Negara and walk straight into the Balairung Seri
if you are on ground floor.
While the main palace buildings are mostly paved roads and tiles
roads, the gardens of the Istana Negara are concrete tiles arranged in
the same way as shown in Figure 3.4. These tiles help us keep a foot-
ing when traversing on the soil if there was rain.At different locations
there are also similar tiles which are arranged distinctly to indicate
different location but mostly serve the function of a foothold.
Planter Boxes
A planter box or flower box is an affixed vase which is usually placed
outdoors to display live plants and flowers. It is affixed to accessible
locations for the convenience of cleaning up the plants. The planter
boxes at the Istana Negara are all placed close to entrances and dis-
play very beautiful plants. Those at the Istana are made of concrete
and one has tiles as part of its design. (See Figure 3.5)
Curb
A curb is the edge whereby a pavement or sidewalk which is raised
meets a road which is unraised. Usage of curbs begun in the 18th
Figure 3.4 Example of
tiled pavements used in
the royal garden. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.5 Photograph
of a planter box out-
side the entrance of the
Istana Negara build-
ing. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.6 Photograph
of a curb on the tiled
pavement on the exte-
rior. (Woo, 2015)

48. century and has been part of modern architecture eveer since. The
curbs at the Istana are made of concrete and surrounds all walkways.
Recently, there were paintjobs to help keep it white to preserve the
cleanliness of the Istana. (See Figure 3.6)
Fountains
A fountain is an architectural element which pours water or ejects
water into the air to either supply water or mainly for decorative pur-
poses. Past fountains were functional which receives its water from
springs or aqueducts for drinking water or other purposes. These
fountains were manned by gravity but it lost its efficiency to mechan-
ical pumps which allowed fountains to recycle water and to force it
high into the air. The Istana Negara has these fountains incorporated
as part of its design and can be found all over the Istana Negara. Each
fountain is unique to its own as the design varies completely which
makes each having its own characteristics. These fountains, however,
are merely decorative. (See Figure 3.7 and Figure 3.8)
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls (seen in Figure 3.9) are walls which functions as a
soil restraint to unnatural slopes. They are bound to soils between two
different elevations often in terrain with undesirable slopes or man-
made hillside and overpasses. The retaining walls at the Istana Negara
were man-made to plant shrubs and plants and are a part of the design.
The materials used are stones which are arranged artistically.
36
Figure 3.7 Fountain directly outside the entrance to the Istana Nega-
ra building. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.8 Fountain in the lake
of the royal gardens. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.9 Retaining walls are
used to ensure the soil does not
move and cause damage. (Woo,
2015)

49. 37
Barricades
Barricades are barriers which block the flow of traffic or passage in
its desired direction. These barricades were made for the purpose of
protection and have been around since the 80s’. The barricades at the
Istana Negara are built as a wall marking its huge territory and serve
to shield the palace. (See Figure 3.10) The barricade walls outside
the whole Istana are made entirely of concrete whilst those inside are
metal bars with concrete pillars.
Drainage
Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of liquid from a surface.
This drainage is naturally filled by rainwater and transfers the wa-
ter into larger drains beneath the surface to be discharged out. The
drainage at Istana Negara is widely varied and each are found at very
useful areas. This helps with the water ventilation and is also part of
the design. (See Figure 3.12)
Bridges
A bridge is a structure built as roads over large bodies of water, val-
leys or roads. Its purpose is simple; to provide passage over an ob-
stacle. Bridges are built differently depending on its situation as dif-
ferent designs of bridges result in different functions too. (See Figure
3.11) Bridges are made depending on factors such as terrain nature
where the bridge is constructed, materials used and available funds.
The bridges at the Istana Negara are used as a walkway over the lakes
and provide access to different areas. When standing atop these bridg-
Figure 3.10 Barricades, or gates surrounding the Istana Negara as a
type of security. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.12 (left) Drainage near the
boundaries of the site. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.11 (above) The white bridge
in the garden to cross the pond. (Woo,
2015)

50. es, one can see a magnificent view of the lake and the water fountains
surrounded with nature’s beauty.
3.1.2 Softscape
Within the site boundaries, there are several different types of vege-
tation that make up the greenery that surrounds the whole structure.
Seeing as it was the royal palace, extra measures were taken to care
for few rarer species of plants. The main and therefore most plentiful
of the species make up majority of the garden. (See Figure 3.13)
Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia)
The Foxtail Palm is usually around 12 meters in height, and has a
grey coloured trunk. This tree has a flowering plan, and upward about
2-3 meters, the beautiful plumose leaves begin to grow. These scale
leaves are arranged in alternating decussate pairs, usually in four rows
along the twigs. (Dowl 1998)
Yew (TaxusBaccata)
This tree grows 10 to 20 meters in height, and its bark is scaly, thin
and brown, peeling off in small flakes that easily align with the stem
itself. The Yew’s leaves are flat and dark green in colour, and are ar-
ranged spirally on the stem, however the bases of the leaves twist to
align the leaves into two flat rows on either side of the stem. (Rush-
forth, 1999)
38
Figure 3.13 View of the royal garden, with the lake and white
bridge. (Tee, 2015)

51. Melaka Tree (Phyllanthus emblica)
The leaves on the Melaka tree are simple, sebsessile, and very closely
set together along the branchlets. They resemble pinnate leaves and
are light green in color. This deciduous tree’s height usually ranges
from 8 to 18 meters tall. The branchlets are quite glabrous or very
finely pubescent. It has a crooked trunk and spreading branches. (US
Department of Agriculture, 2008)
Perupok (Lepisanthes alata)
The Perupok’s inner bark tends to be a brownish colour, with pale
streaks or wedges, with a smell similar to ginger. This 10 meter tall
tree has flowers that will grow out of its main trunk, also known as
“cauliflory”. These flowers are coloured salmon pink, with narrow
linear petals that hang down. (Mohamad, 2003)
Thuja (Arborvitaes)
Growing relatively shorter at 3 to 6 meters tall, the Thuja is a beau-
tiful evergreen tree with reddish brown back that is stringy textured.
Its shoots are quite flat, while the shoots on the side grow in a single
plane. The leaves of this tree are arranged in alternating and decussate
pairs in four rows along the twigs. (Gadek, 2000)
Open Field
Afield is an area of land which are used either in agriculture or merely
an expanse of open ground. Figure 3.14 shows the field at the Istana
Figure 3.14 The open field in front of the Istana Negara structure.
(Woo, 2015)
39

52. Negara actually fall under the category of a lawn whereby the area of
land are planted with grass and other plants which are all maintained
at a short height. This are utilised as both aesthetic and recreational
purposes. Mass prayers would often be held here, with the Sultan
leading the people in prayer, especially for religious occassions.
3.1.3 External Structures
Balairung Seri
The Balairung Seri Gallery or the throne hall gallery is located in the
East Wing of the palace.. The gallery which was built in the 1980s
was used for His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Her Maj-
esty, the Raja Permaisuri Agong to hold official ceremonies. These
include the taking of royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new
elected King and appointments for new prime ministers. The gallery
is also an area to accept foreign diplomatic appointments and even a
banquet hall. Figure 3.15 shows the large event hall. Behind the hall
is a small gallery exhibiting belongings of some of the previous and
present royalties.
Management Office
The Management office is the workplace where the people in charge
of the Royal Museum use as a base of operations, as shown in Figure
3.16. They provide supervisory actions and can be looked upon for
more information. The structure is attached on the right side of the
Figure 3.15 The Balairung Seri, or the Throne Hall Gallery. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.16 The management office structure. (Woo, 2015)
40

53. palace, near the carpark.
Cimborium
A ciborium is a canopy or cover supported by columns and is part
of the ecclesiastical architecture. This ciborium were directed from
Islamic architecture and still exists as part of the Istana Negara’s ex-
ternal structures. (See Figure 3.17 and Figure 3.18) The ciboriums at
the Istana Negara serve as a rest spot and as shelter from sun or rain.
The ciborium located here differs in both design and material which
convey different feelings. The wooden one gives a more old and clas-
sic feel whereas the concrete one exerts strength and durability whilst
keeping its classic feel as plain as possible.
Pyramid Greenhouse
The pyramid area at the Istana Negara is currently the botanical gar-
den where lots of plants are planted there to preserve its species and
also to boast the flowers’ beauty. The pyramid houses some unique
plants and would be a favourite for plant lovers. However, today, the
botanical garden is unkept and contains few plants. (See Figure 3.19)
Swimming Pool
The Istana Negara has a luxurious open air swimming pool for rec-
reational purposes and entertainment, as shown in FIgure 3.20. The
design for the swimming pool resembles a lot from past architecture
where it uses Doric styled columns as the shelter’s support pillars.
The swimming pool’s shape is visibly influenced by Islamic archi- Figure 3.20 The swimming pool next to the royal garden. (Te, 2015)
Figure 3.17 Cimborium in the
garden. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.18 Cimborium near the
pool. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.19 Photo of the
pyramidal greenhouse.
(Woo, 2015)
41

54. tecture. This is exhibited in the rounded ends, which resemble a two
dimensional dome.
Carparks
The roadways of the Istana Negara will take you to the carpark if you
turn right from the side entrance. The first image shows the carpark
for the royal family and the higher-ups and has been indicated on
every space. The second picture shows the public carpark which is a
short distance away from the royal carpark. The road materials which
are tiles stops at the royal carpark and changes to brick flooring for
the public carpark. (See Figure 3.21)
Guardhouses
The guardhouses of the Istana Negara are stations where guards are
positioned to keep watch of intruders. The guards are provided with
the Malay outfit Baju Melayu and given a horse to stand watch and
patrol. There are three guardhouses found at the Istana Negara. The
one at the main entrance of the Istana Negara site is shown in Figure
3.22)
Badminton Courts
field in the whole building as well as seat at every side of
the building is truly a marvellous stage for private badminton games.
(See Figure 3.23)
Figure 3.21 The carpark outside the management office. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.22 (left) The main entrance
for visitors. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.23 (bottom) The indoor
badminton courts. (Woo, 2015)
42

55. Gymnasium
The outside of the badminton hall was built to look like an old rumah
atap and had an old feeling to it. The building has dark tinted win-
dows which obscure your view if one tries to look into it. The side
elevation also shows that one of the walls are made entirely of bricks.
(See Figure 3.24)
Futsal Field
Right next to the gymnasium is a fenced area which can be accessed
through a small gate leading to the futsal field.The field is wide enough
for five-a-side games that can prove challenging. (Figure 3.25)
Figure 3.24 Exterior view of the badminton courts. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.25 Outdoor futsal field or tennis courts. (Woo, 2015)
43

56. 44
Having spanned a life of over 80 years, under the cultural influence
of Malays, Indians, Chinese, and the British, the Istana Negara con-
tains elements from different cultures. During this time, however,
the Western influence was new and strong, and as a result, the largest
influences on this building were western ones; Palladian style, and
British colonial style.
3.2.1 Palladian style
Palladian style is a style based on the designs of the 16th-century Ital-
ian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580). Palladio got his inspira-
tion from ancient Roman buildings and his work conveys rationality
in its clarity, order, and symmetry whilst still keeping the classical
forms and ornate motifs in mind. This is even demonstrated in the
fountains seen in Figure 3.26) Palladian exteriors were mostly quite
plain and apply rules of proportion contrasting its flourish interiors.
Palladianism was very fashionable and popular from about the year
1715 to 1760.
3.2 Architectural
Influences
Figure 3.26 Top view of one of the fountains outside the entrance.
(Tee, 2015)

57. 45
The Istana Negara has very obvious indications of its architecture
style being influenced by the Palladian style with many prominent
features and elements present.
Corinthian Columns
Palladian style is widely known for its usage of Corinthian order col-
umns. These columns are most recognizable by their decorative cap-
ital, which has been adopted into the columns seen in Figure 3.7 and
3.8. The slender fluted columns are ornate with two rows of acanthus
leaves and four scrolls. An example of these elegant columns can be
found in Istana Negara’s entrance to the Minister’s Room.
Pediments
Pediments are a construction element consisting of a gable supported
by columns. They were used over doors and windows of the buildings
and are also found over the interior doors. Palladian style incorporates
a lot of this design in its construction. Most of the pediment would be
decorated with relief sculpture. In the Istana Negara these pediments
are found in abundance and the main designs of it were mostly curved
pediments. It also has its relief of the Royal Insignia of His Majesty
printed on a glass. (See Figure 3.28)
Symmetry
As seen in Figure 3.29, Palladian designs heavily emphasize the ide-
ology of symmetry. This means that when a line separates the middle,
Figure 3.27 Capital of the
column at the entrance of
the minister’s room on the
Ground Floor. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.28 Pediment
above two Corinthian
columns at the entrance of
the minister’s room on the
Ground Floor. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.29 Diagram show-
ing the symmetry in the
floor plan. (Woo, 2015)

58. 46
both sides are identical to each other. Symmetry and balance were of
great importance since ancient Greek and Roman architecture which
was what inspired Andrea Palladio’s style. This is because symmetry
became a metaphor for a sense of harmony and agreement between
two sides. The Istana Negara, when cut into demonstrates symmetry
and thus proving itself to be a Palladian influenced building. It con-
sists of a structured west and east wing with a large space in between.
Symmetry can also be seen in the two white cupolas, which tops the
structure above each wing. Finally, the reflection of the plan in the
section is also an important factor in the building’s symmetry.
Windows
A Palladian window is usually a large window that is divided into
three separate parts. The centre section is larger than the two side
sections and is usually arched. At the Istana Negara, there are many
different designs for the windows, which differ at different places.
Some are frosted, tinted and some were completely translucent. (See
Figure 3.30)
Doors
The designs for the doors are different depending on the hierarchy
of importance of the doors. The doors to individual bedrooms, bath-
rooms, and even some meeting rooms are single doors. Figure 3.9
shows a door to the exterior topped with a rounded arch, which are
flanked by vertical rectangular areas of fixed glass on each side that
are narrower than and also not as high as the door. This is suggestive
Figure 3.30 Door and
window arrangement on the
ground floor. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.31 One of the
doors from the exterior to
the interior. (Woo, 2015)

59. 47
of the appearance of a Palladian styled window.
Main Entrance
The main entrance of the Istana Negara where the changing of guards
occurs has a strong sense of the Palladian style, which can be clearly
seen on both the columns and gate structure. (See Figure 3.32) The
columns used are solid and structural, to emulate security, while the
gold ornamentation shows a sense of royalty. The palace is located
within a 13-hectare site, and therefore the surrounding landscape is
very important. The landscape is used to highlight the majesty and
grandeur of the building.
3.2.2 British Colonial Style
The British Colonial style first came about when the British colonies
and trading posts around the world were first established in the 16th
and 17th centuries, and reached its peak in the 19th and early 20th
centuries. The British Empire covered approximately one-quarter of
the world and was an empire on which it seemed like the sun never
set. As British subjects were sent around the world to colonies to help
govern, do business, and protect the home country’s interests, they
brought with them their traditional decor from home which they in-
termingled with local materials and styles and modified them for their
own needs of climate and landscape. They produced a unique and
beautiful blended British colonial style.
Figure 3.32 View of the main entrance on the south side. (Woo,
2015)

60. 48
This style mainly focuses on the interiors of the building and as such
affects the furniture and the interior aesthetic. The Istana Negara ex-
hibits a lot of characteristic from this style.
Campaign Furniture
Inspired by the passion of exotic travel, many British Colonial fur-
nishings were specifically designed to transform into travel-ready
pieces called campaign furniture. This means that the furniture can be
folded and easily stored and even ready to be shipped off to the next
location. Examples are classic pieces such as criss-cross legs in clean
lines and dark woods used to made desks. At the Istana, there was a
lot of campaign furniture that were placed in almost every room. (See
Figure 3.33)
Lightweight and Eclectic Fabric
As a style which absorbed authentic textiles from Asia, India, Africa
and the Caribbean, this style was only possible through the collectors
who travelled all around the world merging them together. Botanical
prints, paisleys, ikats and animal prints in lighter weight cottons and
linens were the prime examples of the British Colonial style. Most
of the furniture, cloths and even interior details at the Istana were all
made from lightweight and eclectic fabrics. (See Figure 3.34)
Tropical Inspired Furnishings
During this time, and as seen in Figure 3.35, the solid and formal de-
Figure 3.33 Photo of the gift
shop which exhibits campaign
furniture and lightweight and
eclectic fabrics. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.34 The curtain and
fabric of the chair demonstrates
lightweight and eclectic fabric.
(Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.35 Example of topi-
cal inspired furnishings. (Woo,
2015)

61. 49
signs of the Victorian era were revised to accommodate more tropical
locales. Carved pineapples, lattice work and turned elements were
carved into woods and used alongside bamboo, rattan and leather
accents. The pieces had tropic inspirations but retained elements of
British formality with dark woods. The furnishings at the Istana had a
very huge impact from the British Colonial style as these details can
be seen almost everywhere; doors, wall details and even ornaments.
Light and airy colours
Light and neutral shades adorned the walls of a traditional British
Colonial interior. These airy hues helped colonial house-dwellers
psychologically combat the overwhelming tropical heat. As for Ma-
laysia’s all year round heat, the Istana is composed of the royal flair,
yellow, tans, creams and white to contrast the darker colored furnish-
ings. (See Figure 3.36)
Eclectic Furniture
The world-travelling Brits who aided the built of this design style ac-
cumulated a wealth of eclectic accessories that they loved to display.
Examples of this are fine china, crystal and silver sat on shelves along
with carved pieces, globes, maps, telescopes, letter-writing boxes and
tortoise patterned glass. However these are only the few of the many
that can be placed. The Istana has a lot of rare and eclectic accessories
which decorate the rooms and make them an interesting addition to its
appeal. (See Figure 3.37 and Figure 3.38)
Figure 3.36 Her maj-
esty’s office demon-
strates the use of light
and airy colors. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.37 The living
room suite for one of
the bedrooms shows
the use of eclectic fur-
niture. (Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.38 Ths old
decorated telephone
shows the use of eclec-
tic furniture. (Woo,
2015)

62. 50
Flora and Fauna
The British were quite intent with their local flora and fauna in their
new surroundings, and thus adapted them into their houses. Potted
plants, ferns and palms convey the incredible drama of the tropics to
these elegant homes. The Istana built on a 97.65 hectares land has its
own share of flora and fauna attractively blended together. The florae
and trees planted at the Istana have its own traditional worth and there
were even fascinating wildlife that could be found there. Examples of
this can be seen in Figure 3.39 and Figure 3.40.
Figure 3.39 Image of a lizard on the Istana Negara grounds. Photo
by Celine Tee.
Figure 3.40 Image of the horses that were once used to wander
around the grounds of Istana Negara.

63. 51
The Istana Negara is a double-storied castle constructed with the
main components of brick and cement. Concrete and stonework was
celebrated and almost always shown. This creates a very solid, sturdy
and heavy massing of the structure, reminiscent of Palladio’s palaces.
The castle overall exude a very grand and luxurious feel to it and it
synchronizes well since it is a castle made for royalty.
3.3.1 Form
The concept behind the form of the building is symmetry. Symme-
try creates balance which in turn forms harmony, order and design.
Symmetry can be found everywhere and is the reason as to why we
love it. By being a constant in our daily lives, our human theory has
our mind to create order in the things we see and the actions we do.
At the Istana Negara, the palace is built into symmetrical halves and
is the main form of the building. By having a symmetrical form, the
palace has its own uniqueness to it. Figure 3.41 shows the symmetry
exhibited in the facade of the building.
3.3 Design Concept
Figure 3.41 Cropped view of the center of the facade of Istana Neg-
ara shows a detailed symmetry of the facade. (Woo, 2015)

64. 3.3.2 Exterior
The Istana Negara bears great resemblance to Islamic architecture.
This is proven by its plain exterior with a lavish interior. The Istana
Negara’s building exterior although packs a whole lot of details but
when compared to the interior, it is that big of a difference. To further
proof the design concept is from Islamic architecture are the usage
of domes and also the ornamental tiles used. The usage of domes has
been a feature of Islamic architecture and has been incorporated into
the construction of all the mosques. However, this does not mean that
the dome signifies a building of religion but to show its Islamic roots.
(See Figure 3.42)
Other than the dome, the Istana Negara has ciboriums around the gar-
den areas. Ciboriums were used as a design concept in the earliest
surviving Islamic building, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. This
points to the Islamic design concept which is kept even through all
those years of renovation.
3.3.3 Interior
The interior of the Istana Negara has been extravagantly designed like
I said previously and most of this came from the Islamic architecture
design concept; to keep the exterior plain while having a beautiful in-
52
Figure 3.42 view of the Istana Negara’s exterior. (Tee, 2015)

65. terior much similar to Art Deco style. The interior has a more promi-
nent Islamic concept whereby Islamic imagery is used to decorate the
interior. This type of ornament is called arabesque and is an artistic
motifs of vines and acanthus scrolls. At the Istana Negara, these ara-
besque motifs can be found almost everywhere ranging from ceilings
to drapes and even to chair details. These arabesque motifs are the
design concept which can still be found in the Istana Negara which
had existed since the Byzantine era.
From the design concept of Islamic architecture, we can see tradition-
al Malay houses design in the Istana Negara. This is shown through
the embellishments which can be found on the panels and furniture
of the palace. These carvings are mostly bas-reliefs carved onto the
wooden panels to stimulate vision. These embellishments are a sym-
bol of wealth and power in traditional Malay society and seeing as to
how they were incorporated into the Istana Negara; it goes to show
that the Sultan of Malaysia was indeed a man of both riches and rule.
Note in Figure 3.43, the plans are extensive and scale of the mansion
demonstrates a prominent sense of wealth and prosperity, which con-
tribute to the excessive use of ornamentation in the interior.
53
Figure 3.43 Ground floor and first floor plans of the Istana Negara.

66. The Istana Negara is a double-storied castle constructed with the
main components of brick and cement. Concrete and stonework was
celebrated and almost always shown. This creates a very solid, sturdy
and heavy massing of the structure, reminiscent of Palladio’s palaces.
The castle overall exude a very grand and luxurious feel to it and it
synchronizes well since it is a castle made for royalty.
3.4.1 Exterior
The palace complex has an area of 97.65 hectares, 22 domes, and is
split into three main portions: the Formal Component, Royal Compo-
nent and Administration Component. The building is nestled within
an 11.34-hectare complex with a huge range of plants and flowers,
swimming pool and indoor badminton hall. As the palace grounds
are not opened to members of the public or tourists, the Main Palace
Entrance is a favourite picture spot for tourists. In the recent years,
this has changed and has become a fantastic tourist attraction site for
a certain fee. A map showing the location is seen in Figure 3.44.
3.4 Space Planning
Figure 3.44 Map of the Royal Museum, otherwise known as Istana
Negara on Jalan Istana. (Royal Museum)
54

67. The entire area is enclosed and the Royal Insignia of His Majesty is
placed on each steel bar between two pillars of the fence. At the front
of the Istana Negara, the main entrance highly resembles an arch. On
each side of the arch, are two guard posts both sheltering two mem-
bers of the cavalry in their uniforms similar to those at Buckingham
Palace, London. Then from 2013 onwards, the full dress uniform will
be in Malay traditional attire as it was during the Malay Sultanate era.
In the grounds of the palace is a guard house for the members of the
Royal Malay Regiment, one of the two Household Division units in
the Malaysian Armed Forces (the other one is the Corps Mounted
Ceremonial Squadron).
There is also a six-hole golf course, tennis courts and a lake in the far
end of the grounds. The driveway, lined with cypresses and casuari-
nas, leads to two entrances – an entrance to the West Wing and the
other to the East Wing. The Istana Negara also has a lot of interesting
hardscape and softscape for the exterior of the building. (See Figure
3.45)
3.4.2 Interior
The Royal Museum’s main palace complex consists of two building
blocks – the palace gallery and Throne Hall (Balairung Seri). The
two-storey palace gallery was built in 1928 in Palladian architecture
style. Eight halls and rooms on the ground floor and 15 rooms on the
55
Figure 3.45 Exterior space planning is shown in the site plan.

68. upper floor are open to visitors to view. Photography is not allowed
within the building and those who break this rule will be forced out
of the palace.
Meanwhile, the Throne Hall was built in the 1960s, which has a ban-
quet hall, the Rulers’ meeting room, Kings’ lounge and apartments
for Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong. Since it was
used by the first King, changes have been made, almost every five
years, with the installation of a new Agong. However, some of the
plates on display were imported from England and been used since
1945. The old national palace was declared as a National Heritage un-
der the National Heritage Act 2005. The National Palace is a symbol
and representation of dignity for Malaysia’s monarchy institution as
well as the centre of administrative institution of monarchy.
Small Audience Hall
The small audience hall can be seen straight ahead after entering the
Istana Negara from the main entrance. The hall has been exquisitely
decorated and is the first room to be entered. It is a great introduction
to the rest of the palace in terms of the characterization of the design
and style. (See Figure 3.46)
Dining Rooms
The Royalty are still humans and will need a dining room to eat their
meals. However, as it is in the royal palace, the dining rooms are also
used for official or leisurely gatherings. As seen in FIgure 3.47, the
56
Figure 3.46 The small audience hall is the first room visitors see.
(Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.47 One of the dining rooms in the royal palace. (Woo,
2015)

69. dining room is located next to the small audience hall on the ground
floor and behind the small audience hall on the first floor.
Ministers’ Waiting Room
The Ministers’ waiting room is on the left once visitors pass through
the small audience hall and as the name implies, the Ministers’ will
wait in that room before going for their official tasks. (See Figure
3.48)
Cinema
The cinema is on the most left of the building, just before the store-
room. Here is where one can watch movies which are broadcasted
through light from the second floor. The film shown now is black and
white and shows the Royal member family. (See Figure 3.49)
His Majesty’s Office
His Majesty’s office is located on the bottom left at the first floor of
the Istana Negara. This is the Majesty’s office where he does his per-
sonal work. (See Figure 3.50)
Small Throne Room
The small throne room is only used by His Majesty for ceremonies
or small functions that consists not more than 40 guests. The main
functions of this room are the ceremony for an audience with the King
for receiving credentials by incoming foreign Ambassadors, the cer-
emony for the Presentation of the Appointment Letter to the Com-
Figure 3.48 Minister’s
room. (Tee, 2015)
Figure 3.49 Cinema
room. (Ellayah, 2015)
Figure 3.50 His Maj-
esty’s office on the first
floor. (Tee, 2015)
57

70. mander of the Armed Forces, the Ceremony for the Presentation of
Appointment Letters and Swearing in Pledge of Allegiance and the
Official Secrets’ Act by the Ministers and the Deputy Ministers and
lastly the ceremony for an audience with the King for the presentation
of credentials to Malaysian to Malaysian Ambassador s/High Com-
missioners in foreign countries. (See Figure 3.51)
Royal Bedrooms
The royal bedroom is a place for the royalty to sleep and also take a
break.There are four bedrooms on the first floor of the older part of
Istana Negara, excluding the new wing, where the new Royal bed-
room for the King and Queen resided.
Guest Room
There is also a guest room, which is located on the first floor, and is
used for royal guests who require a place to temporarily reside. The
decor for this room is no different from the other rooms, which allows
the guests to feel like equals among the royals. (See Figure 3.52)
Reading Room
The Reading room (seen in Figure 3.53) is like a mini library and
serve to fill the royalty’s pastime. This room is used as a reading and
collection space. The room was renovated into a reading room during
Her Majesty Tuanku Aishah’s tenure as Her Majesty Permaisuri
Agong. The reading room does bring out the relaxation manner when
in the room. (See Figure 3.53)
Figure 3.51 The throne
room on the first floor.
(Tee, 2015)
Figure 3.52 The guest
room is located amongst
the other bedrooms on the
first floor. (Tee, 2015)
Figure 3.53 The reading
room across Her Majes-
ty’s office. (Woo, 2015)
58

71. Her Majesty’s Office
Her Majesty’s office is where Her Majesty does her official work and
is located opposite the reading room. This room is smaller when com-
pared to His Majesty’s office. (See Figure 3.54)
Small Audience Hall or Family Hall
The small audience hall is a hall with seats for the audience to rest and
even have some small talks before any of their meeting. This small
audience hall is located on the first floor. (See Figure 3.55)
State Acting Ruler’s Bedroom
The State Acting Ruler’s bedroom is the room where the State Acting
Ruler will sleep in. This room is beautifully decorated and has stan-
dards comparable to His Majesty’s. This bedroom is located next to
the small audience hall on the first floor. (See Figure 3.56)
His Majesty’s Restroom
The restroom above is solely for His Majesty’s use to go and urinate
and do his other private businesses. This is in the new wing of the
palace. (See Figure 3.57)
Her Majesty’s Powder Room
This room is used by Her Majesty to apply make up to herself and to
prepare herself before any occasion. The powder room is located in
the new wing of the Istana Negara. (See Figure 3.58)
Figure 3.54 Her Majesty’s of-
fice. (Ellayah, 2015)
Figure 3.55 Small audience hall.
(Ellayah, 2015)
Figure 3.56 State acting ruler’s
bedroom. (Tee, 2015)
Figure 3.57 His Majesty’s re-
stroom. (Tee, 2015)
Figure 3.58 Her
Majesty’s powder
room. (Tee, 2015)
59

72. His & Her Majesties’ Bedroom
The bedroom of His and Her Majesty is one of the biggest rooms and
also attractively made. The room lit brightly with yellow and orange
colours give the room a very classic feel. (See Figure 3.58)
Ambassadors’ Room
The Ambassador room is a room for the diplomat to stay at while he
has dealings with the Royal family. Exiting this room will lead to the
Balairung Seri.
Royal Dental Room
The Royal Dental room is the room where the royal family have their
regular dental check-ups to keep their oral clean.
Figure 3.59 The
ambassador’s room
on the ground floor.
(Woo, 2015)
Figure 3.60 The
royal bedroom in
the new wing. (Woo,
2015)
Figure 3.61 The roy-
al dental room. (Woo,
2015)
60

73. Royal Colour - Yellow
The colour royal yellow is a symbol of the colour of the robes worn
by the Emperor of China. Its’ first recorded use of royal yellow as a
colour name in English was in 1548. Not to mention, Malaysia once
had a very close relation to the China when the Ming Dynasty had
allied with the Malacca Sultanate. The Chinese presented offerings to
the Malacca King and those gifts were indeed of yellow colour.As for
The Istana Negara was made with mostly brick and cement but how-
ever its furnishings retain the cultural and royal colour of yellow. A
huge portion of the buildings’interior are bright with yellow coloured
furniture and such.
Domes
The dome has become a prominent feature of Islamic architecture.
One is pictured in Figure 3.61. “Since the ancient times, the architect
was able to link architecture to his beliefs, and applied that to serve
his intellectual trends by developing the design concept for himself,
most notably, the shifts and changes that have occurred in the forms
of the domes since the dome is characterized by its deep memory
3.5 Cultural Aspects
and Elements
61
Figure 3.62 One of the domes on top of the Istana Negara. (Tee,
2015)

74. as it clearly documents the symbolism in Islamic architecture over
time, and the Muslim architect considers it as an important historical
record, but it needs to be studied and analyzed to keep up with the
current architecture and its developments.” (Tarrad, M.) The dome is
an element of architecture that is the hollow upper half of a sphere.
Domes have a long architectural lineage which exists since prehis-
tory. The dome at Istana Negara plays a huge part in the element of
architecture as it brings out the Malay architecture feel. This dome
exists in mosque all around Malaysia and has been muscle memory
to Malaysians that domes are a part of Malay architecture. The domes
of the Istana Negara are decorated with gold flowers circling around
it and also gold indents in its hollow.
Bunga Raya Motifs
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or better known to us Malaysians as “Bun-
ga Raya” or “Bunga Kebangsaan” is a species of flowering plants in
the family of Malvaceae. The Hibiscus is Malaysia’s national flower.
After Malaysia achieved independence, the Ministry of Agriculture
proposed seven types of flowers to be selected as the National Flower
Federation of Malaya. After a discussion which occurred on the 28th
of July, 1960, the “Bunga Raya” was declared as the national flower
and has kept its title till now. This flower is broadly used as an orna-
mental throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. As Malaysia’s national
flower, our Istana Negara architects has kept true to their roots and
adorned these motifs on the front gates of the Istana Negara, pictured
in Figure 3.62.
Figure 3.63 The main gate of the Istana Negara utilized the bunga
raya motifs. (Woo, 2015)
62

75. 63
Chapter Four
Construction Details

76. Stairs are used to reach one floor level to another floor level. Vis-
itors will view and use two separate staircases, one at each end of
the building. These staircases are symmetrically situated at the east
and west end. One of them is pictured in Figure 4.1. However, there
are also two staircases that connect the first floor to the roof level of
the Istana Negara. Staircases are also used as a divider between two
rooms, though these are mainly 3 or 4 steps.
Construction
L-shaped stairs are generally used where the space does not allow a
straight run. These stairs have a landing where there is a change in
directions. The carriages for L-shaped stairs include vertical supports
that are under the landing.
Stairs, of course must be at least a certain length that can be comfort-
ably stepped on to climb upwards and downwards. In order to build
the stairs in within these rules, the risers must be 7½ inches high and
4.1 Staircases
Figure 4.1 One of two of the main staircases in the Istana Negara.
(Woo, 2015)
64

77. 65
the treads must be 10 inches wide. The height of the risers can be
found by dividing the total rise by the number of risers. The width
of the treads is found by simply dividing the total run by the number
of treads. To calculate the length of the treads and risers in stairs with
the landing, the treads and risers should be the same size in each part.
First to make the stairs, the winders must be laid out, because wind-
ers shorten the run of a stairway, so they’re incredibly useful when
space is tight. After that, the stair stringers must be installed, and then
the risers. Lastly, the construction worker must complete stacking the
steps.
Materials used
When viewed, most of the stairs look to be made of a solid surface
material, used to implement the realistic joint-free appearance of the
stair casing. However, the stairs are completed with a carpet finishing
which hides the original materials used for the staircase. (See Fig-
ure 4.2) The solid surface cladding elements are attached to the steel
sub-construction by using façade construction technology.
Handrail Construction
According to Architect’s Handbook of Construction Detailing, “the
railing height must be between 34 in. and 38 in. (864 mm to 956 mm)
above the nosing to be in compliance with the requirements of the
International Building Code.” (Ballast, 1990) The stair members such
as the nosing line, stringer line, and handrail should be parallel as
long as the work points fall on the vertical work lines. The first riser Figure 4.2 Three step staircases are used to further distinguish
rooms. This is the steps to His Majesty’s Office. (Woo, 2015)

78. 66
of the upper flight should begin exactly one tread distance from the
nosing of the last riser of the lower flight so as to make a smoother
transition of the handrail. (See Figure 4.3)
In the stair layout at the top landing, the edge of the landing structure
is shown to schematically fall on the work line of the bottom nosing.
However, the edge of the landing may fall along the last riser of the
flight, which makes it easier to detail the structure of the landing.
Handrails must be between 32mm and 38mm across in length, with
the inside edge at least 38mm from the wall or other plausible ob-
structions.
Figure 4.3 Staircase handrail at His Majesty’s office. (Woo, 2015)

79. 67
Construction
Geotechnical & Subgrade Preparation: The initial phase of construc-
tion activity ensures that the building subgrade is prepared for the
long-term performance and unique loading of the stored materials and
handling systems. During construction the site is prepared according
to design assumptions.
Foundation & Tunnels: After proper preparation of the subgrade,
work activities shift focus towards construction of the Dome foun-
dations and tunnel systems. Depending on the geometry of the Dome
(see Figure 4.4 and Figure 4.5), the foundations may be functioning
only for gravity loads of the building, or with significant reinforcing
steel to establish the tensioning ring beam that provides the primarily
thrust resistance for the dome portion of the structure. The circular
beam footing provides significant resistance against lateral movement
and bridges against potential localizes subgrade failures in the foun-
dation system.
4.2 Domes
Figure 4.4 View of one of the two main domes on top of the Istana
Negara. (Tee, 2015)

80. 68
Air form: After that, a reinforce PVC “Air form” that looks like can-
vas-tent will be fabricated to the desired shape and size and this air
form will be attached onto the perimeter of the slab. Temporary open-
ings are positioned to allow access to the interior of the dome struc-
ture during construction activities. The air form is inspected to ensure
integrity prior to inflation.
Inflation: When it is positioned on the slab, large fans are connected
to the air form and when activated inflate the air form to provide sus-
tained pressure within the air form, in order to form the perfect shape
of the dome, much like inflating a balloon. The inflation pressure is
maintained throughout subsequent construction activities until the re-
inforced concrete has cured.
Primer & Foam Insulation: When the shape is formed, a layer of poly-
urethane form insulation will be sprayed onto the interior surface of
the air form. The form insulation provides a continuous and uninter-
rupted thermal barrier between the exterior and interior sides of the
dome.
Premade Steel: Next, after the foam had covered the entire interior
surface, steel reinforcing bars will be arranged in a specially engi-
neered vertical and horizontal hoop layout, and is attached on it to
hook embedded in the foam.
Figure 4.5 View of the East dome from the roof. (Tee, 2015)

81. 69
After that, a type of specially mixed concrete called short-crete will
be sprayed onto the interior surface of the dome, fully covering the
rebar. After a few inches of short-crete are sprayed on, the steel rein-
forced concrete dome is done.
Finishing
In order to beautify the dome, it was painted later with glorious co-
lours, lightbulbs are added onto the dome and a crown shaped finial
is added onto the dome as a symbol of the royalties. This is shown in
Figure 4.6.
On the two large yellow domes on top of the Istana Negara is a crown
shaped finial. Furthermore, a gold top is seated above the crown
shape. This gold top is in the shape of a moon and star, the same one
on the current Malaysian flag today. The star has fourteen points, one
for each state in Malaysia.
Figure 4.6 Close-up view of the crown and symbol of Malaysia on
top of the dome. (Tee, 2015)