1) The group visited Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to learn about its history and significance. 2) Stadium Merdeka holds special national significance as it was the site where Malaysia declared independence from Britain in 1957. 3) The group was impressed by how the stadium embodied Malaysia's modernization at independence and is now well-maintained as an important national heritage site.

1. 1
STADIUM of
INDEPENDENCE.-1 9 5 7-
AHMAD ASHRAF
CHONG WEN BIN
KARIM MURZAMURATOV
KIMBERLY ANN AUSSIE
LIM YANG KANG
TEO KUO CHIEN

2. 2 3
1
3
4
2
History of building
STADIUM MERDEKA
Page 4
Significance to government
& Malaysia
STADIUM & GOVERNMENT
Page 12
Group Travelogue
STADIUM & GROUP
Page 18
Individual journal reflection
PERSONAL JOURNAL
Page 20

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/1
Building History
Sejarah Bangunan
建筑历史
கட்டிடம் வரலாறு
Stadium Merdeka
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Size: 40,387 square metres
Cost: US$ 1,625
Responsible Party : Ahmad Sarji bin Abdul Hamid, Laurence Loh, Ibrahim bin Awang, Tun Mutalib
bin Tun Hassan, Elizabeth Cardosa, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, The
Merdeka Heritage Trust, Badan Warisan Malaysia.
Heritage Architect : Arkitek LLA, Badan Warisan Heritage Services, Nordin Kidam & Hadi, Ju-
rutera Budiman
Contractor : Koridor Padu
Date of Completion : August 2007

4. 6 7
Stanley Edward Jewkes (S. E. Jewkes)
1913 - 2011
Jewkes was an American architect as well as an engineer. He
was a key figure in Southeast Asian post-independence archi-
tecture. His close relationship with Malaysia’s then Prime Minister
Tunku Abdul Rahman led to his getting several prominent archi-
tectural commission in Malaysia including for Stadium Merdeka
and Stadium Negara. He practiced in Malaysia from 1941 until
1962. He then continued to work in the United States for a mul-
ti-national architectural and engineering practice.
Architect Profile

5. 8 9
Stadium Merdeka is an excellent example of the Modern era in architecture. Following precedents in Europe and in
North and South America, the building’s vocabulary provided a fresh image for the new nation of Malaya. Architect
Stanley E. Jewkes was a staunch advocate of the ideas of Swiss architect Charles Edouard Jeanerette, best known
as Le Corbusier, creating a building bereft of traditional architectural symbolism and celebrating the new technology
of reinforced concrete (ferroconcrete). With its deeply cantilevered balconies and dramatic curving roofline, the sta-
dium also reflected the visionary buildings of Erich Mendelsohn and Bruno Taut, both of whom understood the plastic
qualities inherent in the new industrial materials and introduced these on a heroic scale. At the time the stadium was
constructed, the cantilevered concrete shell roof (figure1), one of the most significant features of the building, was
the largest, dual-direction cantilevered structure in Southeast Asia.
In the years after its completion, the stadium gradually succumbed to often ill-advised efforts at modernization. The
seating capacity of the stadium was increased in early 1986 with the addition of upper tiers rising into the airspace
on the north, east and south terraces. Further changes were made for the 1989 XV SEA Games, when the grand-
stand was changed and the game’s torch platform was built, were involved a set of grand steps leading up to the
torch. The stadium’s owners, trying to stay up with the times, enclosed sections of seating (figure2), replaced the
original seats with plastic seats and metal fittings and slowly removed many of the original finishes and details of the
old stadium. Lobby and concession areas were also modified as vendors gradually added new layers of decoration
and advertising.
By the late 1990s, falling increasingly into disrepair and facing competition from other stadium venues, Stadium
Merdeka’s future became less tenable. What had once been the pride of the nation and a vibrant sporting arena, had
become a forgotten and deserted place. The economic crisis of 1997 compounded the issues affecting the stadi-
um’s viability as the then owners could not service the venue’s bank loans. The stadium and its land were slated for
eventually put up for auction in 2000.
Some in the community saw the stadium’s potential and recognized its special heritage value. Forming a govern-
ment-led equity trust company chaired by the President of Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM), which functions as
the national heritage trust, the stadium’s supporters initiated an ambitious effort to save the structure. In 2000, the
Chairman of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji, brokered the purchase of the site with the
specific aim of saving the stadium from destruction. As plans emerged for its renovation, PNB continued to operate
the venue, hosting concerts and other large-scale events.
Figure 2
curving roofline
Figure 2
enclosed sections seating
Figure 1
the cantilevered concrete shell roof
Stadium Merdeka
默迪卡体育馆
1957 - present
Building History

6. 10 11

7. 12 13
2
Significance
to
Government &
Malaysia
Kepentingan
kepada
kerajaan dan
Malaysia
对政府与马来西
亚的重要性
அரசாங்கத்திற்கு
முக்கியத்துவம்
& மலேசியா
understanding
how significant of Stadium Merdeka to
government and Malaysia.

8. 14 15
“This is the first modern building of the new na-
tion of Malaya, and stands as a testimony to our
nationhood. The restoration of the Stadium Merdeka
has reinstated its status as a symbol of Malaysia’s
multi-cultural society promoting cultural integra-
tion through sports, recreation, education and na-
tionhood.”
- unesco (2008)
The Stadium of Independence, or Stadium Merdeka as it is more commonly known, has special
significance as the site of the formal declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya on
31 August 1957. Purpose-built for the independence declaration event, the stadium embodies a
singular moment in Malaysian history; when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of
the Federation of Malaya, shouted “merdeka” (independence) seven times from the middle of
the field.
Stadium Merdeka is a Modernist landmark. The stadium served as the principal venue in Kua-
la Lumpur for celebrations and sporting events until 1993 when a new stadium, meeting more
contemporary expectations, was built. During the 1990s, the owner allowed Stadium Merdeka to
fall into a poor state of repair, leaving many with the impression that the stadium was unworthy
of protection. Before the site deteriorated completely, however, several individuals, working in
cooperation with the Malaysian government, stepped in to save the building.
The restoration of Stadium Merdeka in 2007 coincided with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s
declaration of independence. Since its restoration and refurbishment, the stadium has reclaimed
its status as a symbol of Malaysia’s independent and multicultural society, promoting cultur-
al integration through sports, recreation, education and nationhood. Substantial work on the
building and its grounds since that time have further enhanced the stadium and brought it more
fully into the twenty-first century.

9. 16 17
Independent day
31 August 1957
when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first
prime minister of the Federation of
Malaya, shouted “merdeka” (independ-
ence) seven times from the middle of
the field.

10. 18 19
03Group’s travelogue
We have already briefed to meet up in the campus before we departing to Stadium Merdeka
on the 29th of April. Yang Kang, one of our group members volunteered to provide transport
to drive all of us to Stadium Merdeka. Everyone showed up on time, and we departed on
schedule.
It took about 30 minutes to get to our destination. During the journey, we had positive inter-
active among the group. We talked a lot due to our group has an international student, and
some people are not doing the same course. We talked about the history of Stadium Merdeka
and what had happened in the past. Most of the people in this group had never visited Stadi-
um Merdeka, so it was a great opportunity for most people to explore the site, and get better
understanding about its culture and history.
We did spend some times to find the Stadium as they were doing a massive construction
work just right in front of the stadium. It was covered up by the construction work and we were
not being able to see the Stadium, and we thought we went to the wrong place. After spend-
ing some times to drive around, we decided to ask one of the construction workers on the
road side, and he was nice and guiding us politely the direction of the stadium. The construc-
tion worker was very helpful and we managed to find the stadium.
As we already know that Stadium Merdeka was a significant place of the formal declaration
of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957, we were impressed by how
the government conserve the heritage building. Most importantly, the information boards in
the stadium was very informative, all the boards were well presented with 2 languages, which
is Malay and English. For some of the group member who does not good in Malay or non-Ma-
laysian, it was very handy. Overall, the boards are user friendly with clear photo and indication
provided.
We spent about 1 hours to explore the stadium. We sat on the audience seat, standing at the
higher point of the stadium to see the panoramic view of the entire stadium and KL skyline,
running on the field in the middle of the stadium, visiting the VIP room and a mini coffee bar
which just beside the VIP room. We took numbers of amazing photo, we carried out some
conversation like how the basketball players entering the field with honor and applause and
how the feeling of winning a game. It was fun to have this kind of interaction among group
members and understand their perspectives to see this whole thing.
After taking a group photo, we decided to leave the stadium and heading back to campus. It
took another 30 minutes to get back campus. To sum up, It was fantastic and overwhelmed
throughout the journey.
29
/04

11. 20 21
Individual Journal
Reflection
Jurnal renungan
persendirian
个人感想
STADIUM
MERDEKA

12. 22 23
CHONG
WEN BIN
0327442
INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
During the visit, we carried out some conversation regarding
to how this building being built and what had happened in the
past. It has significance as the site of the formal declaration
of independence of the Federation of Malaya on 31 August 1957.
This is an important day for all the Malaysians to remember,
regarding to the culture and history, and how we develop
and shape today’s Malaysia.and shape today’s Malaysia.
After visiting one of the significant historical building in
Malaysia, Stadium Merdeka with my fellow group mates,
I was impressed by the design of the stadium. It was the
first modern building of the new nation back in 1950s,
and the stadium is well-maintained. Undoubtedly, Stadium
Merdeka received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for
excellent for heritage conservation owing to its culturalexcellent for heritage conservation owing to its cultural
significance and embodiment of a unique independence
declaration event. From this point, we learnt how important
is we as the children of Malaysia, conserving and protecting
our heritage buildings in order to remain the original
appearance, shining in the heart of Kuala Lumpur or any
other states in Malaysia.
When our Malaysian Studies’ lecturer provides a list of
historical buildings for this site visit, we made a quick
decision to choose Stadium Merdeka. It was not difficult
to tell that we were truly amazed by the aspects of historical
and cultural, but also how it being conserved by the government.
Heritage conservation is not only government’s job, we as
a nation’s citizen, we are responsible to conserve thea nation’s citizen, we are responsible to conserve the
building with passion and loves as well.
Besides the terrific historical building, fortunately we have such a wonderful
group mates who showed up on the site on time, fully prepared with their
research findings. I did learn from other group mates in terms of the time
management and research skills. Some people utilized the sources from
the campus library, and some did their research on the internet or
interview their friends and family. All group members are very cooperative
and responsible on their tasks. We helped each other in terms of researchand responsible on their tasks. We helped each other in terms of research
and ensure everyone was on the right track. We did spend some times to
brief the group before departing to the site via social media, making sure
everyone was understood their tasks.
To sum up, we did spend a quality time with the group and visit a
fascinating historical building. I wish I could have another opportunity
by chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again, recall the memories of the
golden age of Malaysia.
As an architecture student, we always encouraged by the professors
to explore the world as much as we can, and use the ‘eyes of architect’
to see the architecture in different perspectives. Stadium Merdeka was
designed by an American architect. He was a key figure in Southeast
Asian post-independence architecture. Modern architecture in Malaysia
did not have huge impact or influences at that time. When the stadium
was built, it brought the capital to the modern era, a contrast between oldwas built, it brought the capital to the modern era, a contrast between old
and new architecture styles and designs were emerging in Malaysia. I
also impressed by the used of materials. It was simple yet elegant.

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KIMBERLY
ANN
AUSSIE
0325881
INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
Walking into the stadium, the post-modernist architecture
accompanied by the lonely hallways of the buildings gave
a sense of reminiscence that I never had. The infographic
boards hung on the walls of the lobby reminds us of our
historical roots before entering the main highlight of the
stadium. One can’t help but wonder what it was like back
in days of 1957, reliving the moment when our foundingin days of 1957, reliving the moment when our founding
father declared independence, shouting “merdeka!” from
the middle of the field.
Being in a group of five where most of us aren’t
locals to the state, this project allowed us to explore
and learn a little more about our country by studying
a historical building and its significance to the
government and Malaysia. As a group, we made
the cIhoice to visit Stadium Merdeka, located in the
capital city of Kuala Lumpur.capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Prior to the visit, research on Stadium Merdeka
was carried out as a group to help give us a clear
insight on how the building functioned and its
significance as it was designed and built in purpose
of the declaration of independence in 1957.
It is noted that the building was restored and conserved,
embracing the original elements that was onceembracing the original elements that was once
lost to the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Having it being my first time to the stadium,
there was no doubt that I had preconceptions of
what the building would look like. However, it was
nothing like I’d imagined. Something that I did not
realise was the effects of it being located in the heart
of the city. Under the blazing sun, you’d notice multiple
ongoing projects and skyscrapers surrounding the stadium,ongoing projects and skyscrapers surrounding the stadium,
almost concealing the national heritage of the city. Taking in
this whole new experience, it was then when I realised the
importance of conserving and protecting the national heritage.
If it weren’t for conservatism of the government, the site would
have deteriorated as well as the many stories told through the
60 years that have passed by just another skyscraper.
Of course none of this would be possible without my dear
group mates and our tutor Ms. Norshahila, for giving us the chance
to work together as well as a greater appreciation for all heritage
buildings and the stories they tell. As group members, we made
sure everyone was on the same track and lent a helping hand as needed.
It was a pleasant memory and experience throughout this project and
there would be a second visit, given the chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again.there would be a second visit, given the chance to visit Stadium Merdeka again.

14. 26 27
LIM
YANG KANG
0320538
INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
The Stadium of independence, or Stadium Merdeka as it is
more commonly known, has special significant as the site of
the formal declaration of independence of the federation of
Malaya on 31 August 1957. The first feeling i sense from the
site visit was about how grand it was when the first national
day was held during that day. Standing in the stadium as a
Malaysian for the first time makes me imagine how the situationMalaysian for the first time makes me imagine how the situation
was by then with the memories of pictures projecting in mind.
And i felt honour to be in the stadium too with all the scene and
incident we made, it was really a great place to visit as an
Malaysian.
As a reflection of our site visit to Stadium Merdeka,
i think it was a great visit to the stadium because it
reminds me of how proud to be call Malaysian.
Although Malaysia’s independence day was way before
I was born, standing in the stadium still makes me felt that
I was at that moment where the first prime minister Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, voicing out loud in the stadiumAbdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, voicing out loud in the stadium
“Merdeka” seven times, which it was really proud and a
gorgeous moment of Malaysia.
It was a case study project that brought us there from the
Malaysian Studies module in Taylor’s University. We were to
choose from a list of building in Malaysia provided from our
lecturer. As a group, the first and only option was Stadium
Merdeka in everyone’s opinion, so decision was made fast
in the class at that time. We were excited about the Stadium
Merdeka and looking forward to visit it soon after researchesMerdeka and looking forward to visit it soon after researches
are done after several weeks.
Malaysia history is very rich in culture and our ancestor spent years
to build our culture. As an architecture student, throughout all the
semesters that i already went through. I realised that Malaysia Architecture
is still finding it identity. Young generation play an important role to
take care of our culture and history as it help to shine our culture to
the world and also for the next generation.
As from the point of view of structurer wise, it is still well
maintained until today and it has been listed as one of the
very unique heritage site of Malaysia. The Stadium itself
created huge amount of big days in history, as a remarkable
incident beside independence day was the world tour concert
from Micheal Jackson, and another memorable history was the
magnificent fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner.magnificent fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner.
Several big events like super famous singers from all over the
world also had concert in the stadium before and many times on
Asian games was held there too.As Years pass by and all the
events and experience made in Stadium Merdeka, it is still serving
Malaysia now and in the future even though it seems old and aged
from the outside. It will still trigger the great sense of Malaysia to
every single Malaysian who step into the stadium each time.every single Malaysian who step into the stadium each time.

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KARIM
MURZAMURATOV
0329353
INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
As we travelled to the stadium together, I had gained
even more knowledge as there were infographic boards on
the walls of the stadium’s lobby. It was interesting to see how
the country timeline as it developed to what it is today. The
graphics made it easy to picture the whole scenario of the
founding fathers holding cultural and national events in
the stadium.the stadium.
The group project that we have done was very interesting
for me, due to the fact that I'm an international student
and learning about a different country’s history is always
exciting and interesting. Stadium Merdeka really caught
my eye as it is my first time visiting a national stadium in
Malaysia and what more a historical one. Being the first
few modern buildings of Malaysia, the historical building isfew modern buildings of Malaysia, the historical building is
still very well maintained and it even received the UNESCO
Asia-Pacific Award for Excellence for Heritage.
Throughout the journey, I got to learn interesting facts
about Stadium Merdeka. For example, Stadium Merdeka
was built in order to celebrate the transfer from the British
Empire to being an independent Malaya. The stadium
celebrated the formal declaration of independence on the
31st August 1957. Multiple events were then hosted in the
stadium such as the legendary fight between Muhammad Alistadium such as the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali
and Joe Bugner. The other event that interests me was that
the stadium hosted Michael Jackson's concert as well. All
these facts and events make stadium Merdeka even more
important in Malaysian history and more interesting to people
around the world. Overall, the trip was amazing and very interesting. Malaysian history is
very rich and full of exciting facts therefore it is important to conserve
and protect the heritage buildings in Malaysia for the future of Malaysia to
learn from events of the past and not to repeat them again. Stadium Merdeka
has faced major historical events and when you’re standing at the stadium,
you can almost feel all those historical events. I would visit Stadium Merdeka
again in hopes that it would host an event again.again in hopes that it would host an event again.
However, the stadium is quite old and it is not in use anymore.
There were multiple constructions around the stadium albeit
well maintained at the same time. The stadium had a pleasant
environment as the building was restored and conserved to maintain
the original appearance back in the 1950’s. The restoration of
materials of the stadium did not overpower the original architecture
of the building but instead, it blended seamlessly.As we walked furtherof the building but instead, it blended seamlessly.As we walked further
in the stadium, one would notice how the stadium frames the beautiful
views of the city of Kuala Lumpur. Touring around the stadium,
we took multiple photos to capture the beauty of the stadium’s structure
while creating memories at the same time.
Not forgetting my group mates who helped me a lot in learning Malaysian
history and getting to know Stadium Merdeka, everyone’s work was excellent.
Everyone was cooperative and helpful in fulfilling our allocated tasks. The way
they organized everything, was on top. That is why I want to thank them, for
organizing and planning transportation to the stadium. I would like to thank
our tutor Ms. Norshahila as well for allowing me to experience and learn about
preserving and conserving Malaysian heritage building.preserving and conserving Malaysian heritage building.

16. 30 31
TEO
KUO CHIEN
0320195
INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
This visit to Stadium Merdeka starts with our Malaysian Studies
module. A project where we need to form a group of 6 people
and choose a historical building in Malaysia from a given list.
Stadium Merdeka was the significant one to and everyone in
the group were up to it so the decision was quick. The Stadium
is now operated by Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka and it
was renovated once from 20000 seats for football matches towas renovated once from 20000 seats for football matches to
45000 seats. But in the restoration of year 2007, it returned to
its original capacity from year 1957.
A visit to the stadium Merdeka was quite an unforgetful
moment. To many Malaysians, Stadium Merdeka embodies
a singular moment in the nation’s history when the first
prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, punched
the air with his fist seven times, shouting “Merdeka!”,
during the declaration of independence on Aug 31, 1957.
Beside that, many historical events was hosted in stadiumBeside that, many historical events was hosted in stadium
merdeka too. Events like world tour from Micheal Jackson,
the fight between Mohammad Ali and Joe Bugner, series of
Southeast Asian Games and many more great concert from
popular singers from all over the world. As seen Stadium
Merdeka are still holding a big name in Malaysia today even
though it has already been serving for more than 50 years but
it will continue to shine for Malaysia in future.it will continue to shine for Malaysia in future.
The combined conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of Stadium
Merdeka has provided a fresh source of inspiration for the people of
Malaysia, including local residents, politicians, and educators. The
popularity of the stadium as a community and sports venue has contributed
to increasing the economic and social vibrancy of the surrounding area,
and several sports bodies have located themselves in the neighbourhood
for this reason.The stadium is notably devoid of any religious connotationsfor this reason.The stadium is notably devoid of any religious connotations
and in this way it welcomes people of all backgrounds and helps to reinforce
the ideals of the Malaysian people.
As an ending of my reflection, it was a great visit to the Stadium Merdeka
with all the other group mates. It will be honour to participate in the next
event host in Stadium Merdeka.
When we were visiting the Stadium, we observed that the stadium
were well conserved after ages of operation. But after all these years
of servings, materials of the stadium looks old even it is being maintained.
These old aged texture carried out the historical senses and feelings
towards every individual who enter the stadium from the main entrance.

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AHMAD
ASHRAF
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INDIVIDUAL JOURNAL
The building fabric tells it’s own tale of Brutalist origin,
an internationally homogenised style of architecture,
summarising the new post-modern movement. A tad
dehumanised but of well composed form. Straight lines fill
vertical elements, and the occasional curved elements flowing
horizontally, it is of robust build with unfinished concrete.
On the VIP lounge, desaturated earthy colors form the mosaicOn the VIP lounge, desaturated earthy colors form the mosaic
covering the walls and floors, almost referring to the ‘Bauhaus’
color palette. Indoors, the boards weave a tale that fails to do
justice in capturing the rich history of what we had.
My personal sentiments captures the essence not
as a whole, but bits and bits of what I have seen and
experienced wondering the lonely halls of the stadium。
As grand as it seems, the Stadium Merdeka isn’t a sight
for the eyes to see, but for the mind to feel. Strong ties
to the budding of a new country started in this very field.
It is historically known as the formal venue to house theIt is historically known as the formal venue to house the
fateful event - Malaysia's Declaration of Independence -
that still lives on in the hearts of old-timers and patriots
who stand by the name of freedom. It is a landmark of
sentimental value.
The construction - across the stadium - of the anticipated
KL118 marks a new landmark of KL, a symbol of how far
we’ve come and in essence, exists a dichotomy when one
has both sites in view. You can say that without the understated
Stadium, the skyscraper wouldn’t exist. In fact, the presence
of the the Stadium adds to the grandeur of the site, like
a bequeathed ruler standing aside the new King, palinga bequeathed ruler standing aside the new King, paling
in comparison to the regal aura of the wiser elder.
I for one, am not someone to wallow in history, but to learn from
their mistakes, appreciating their hardships and condemning the wrong
doings. Though I couldn’t help but to feel a slight connection to the
simple stadium.
Exiting the hall deeper into the stadium, the field seems
to unfurl before a visitor, albeit a simple field, it bears a heavy
significance, as if the entire roots and branches of civil malaysia
retraces back into this vast field, a tree of life if you may.
Climbing up and down the steep gangways of the seating areas,
it was hard not to imagine a full house during the Speech, men and
women alike, shoulder to shoulder making their way past, on theirwomen alike, shoulder to shoulder making their way past, on their
toes trying their best to catch a glimpse of the event by the man,
Tunku Abdul Razak himself.
Time spent there wouldn’t be as fulfilling without people to take in
the experience, namely my group mates. You can’t take non-spontaneous
insta-worthy photos without someone to pose for you, rule
no. 4 of photography.

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19. 36
STADIUM MERDEKA
默迪卡体育馆