The document proposes adapting the Old Chinese Temple in Johor Bahru, Malaysia into a Cultural Learning Centre. It begins with an introduction to the site's history and a dilapidation survey identifying defects like peeling paint and mould. The proposal is to convert vacant spaces into a communal kitchen, makerspaces for crafts workshops, and a digital gallery to promote Chinese culture while preserving the prayer hall. The adaptive reuse aims to connect older and younger generations and different communities through learning traditional arts and crafts at the temple.

1. 1
ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION
ASSIGNMENT 2: PROPOSAL FOR ADAPTIVE REUSE
Daven Milana 0326624 | Ho Min Yee 0328710 | Ng Jing Yuan 0331472 | Tee Zhu Song 0328566 | Teh Rou Yi 0328189

2. 1. Site Introduction and History
Preliminary investigations
Building Establishment
Historical background
Architectural background
Social background
Issue
2. Dilapidation survey
3. Proposal Statement
4. Adaptive reuse
5. Reference Page
Content
Page Number
3
5
6
7
9
10
12
16
18
22
2

3. 1. Site Introduction and
History
3

4. Preliminary Investigation
AGE GROUP DISTRIBUTION
Youth and students prefer to visit modernised
commercial zone such as:
-Komtar JBCC
-Johor Bahru City Square
-Zenith Mall
Whereas, most of the adults and retirees prefer to stay
and visit in old commercial zone (old shophouses)
-Jalan Wong Ah Fook
-Jalan Trus
-Jalan Meldrum
-Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION
Each ethnic group is segregated and scattered around
Johor Bahru city center. Hence, all ethnics linger in their
own region and no interaction with the other ethnics.
4

5. - Located at Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
- The Old Chinese Temple is surrounded by modern
skyscrapers and is considered as one of the oldest
structures in the city.
- Johor Old Chinese Temple is established by Tan Hiok Nee
in 1870.
- Ngee Heng Kongsi of Johor (1844–1916) was a Teochew
secret society that founded the earliest Chinese settlement in
Johor. However, it did not have a clandestine image and has
instead been accorded a respectable place in the history of
the Johor Chinese.
- The temple has been the symbol of solidarity of the local
chinese community for more than one hundred years.
- It has been the focus of chinese religious activities and the
spiritual sanctuary for tens of thousands of chinese in Johor.
Building establishment
5

6. Historical background
1825 - Ngee Heng Kongsi emerged in Singapore as the first Chinese
association, representing the voice of Chinese communities from all social level
under the British rule.
1844 - Tan Kee Soon and his people were the pioneers that first developed gambier
and peppers plantations in Johor. Having obtained a Surat Sungai for Sungai Tebrau
1853 - Tan Hiok Nee obtained his first Surat Sungai at the age of 26.
1864 - Tan Kee Soon passed away and the role of Ngee Heng Kongsi’s leader was
passed on to Tan Hiok Nee.
1865 - Ngee Heng Kongsi and its transition in role from an armed organisation to a
business organisation led to the official acknowledgement by the Sultan.
1870 - Old Chinese Temple was established by Tan Hiok Nee
1915 - Ngee Heng Kongsi disbanded and had left the chinese community with
its significant legacy: a temple, a cemetery and a school.
Image of Tan Hiok Nee.
(Source: Rojak Librarian, 2013)
Entrance gate of
Johor Old Chinese
Temple.
(Source: Garmin
International, 2013)
Image of a Chinese cemetery.
(Source: Johor Bahru Chinese
Association
2019) Foon Yew School, Johor.
(Source : Junkichi, 2010)
6

7. Architectural background
- The general spatial layout of courtyard houses consists of an extensive use of
open spaces. The courtyard, a central opening enclosed by buildings, is the
key feature in traditional Chinese architecture
- Symmetry in layout is one of the main features highlighted in Chinese
architecture that correlates with Chinese cosmology. This type of Teochew
courtyard house features an entrance foyer, a courtyard and a hall forming the
central axis with auxiliary buildings flanking the foyer and hall
- The old chinese temple of Johor Bahru has a heavy influence from the Teochew
Architecture style.
7
Altar and offering table placed in the courtyard in
front of the main prayer hall.
Symmetry of the temple buildings seen in bird’s
eye view.
A swallow tail ridge, which is commonly seen in
Teochew Architecture.

8. 8
- The ornaments on roof of the temple is made of cut porcelains by using the “cut and
paste” (剪黏) method, which is a characteristics of Teochew craft.
- The Johor Old Chinese Temple uses a combination of Tailiang and Chuandou system
and the beams are expressed in their purest form with just a coating of lacquer is applied on
them.
Cut and paste porcelain ornaments depicting orioles among
chrysanthemums.
- Under the teachings of Confucianism, the important spaces are usually placed at the
centre along the central axis, which further signifies the importance of the main temple hall
because it is the only building within the temple complex located on the central axis, which
holds the highest level of hierarchy.
Ground Floor Plan showing bilateral symmetry.
Tailiang system used in the main prayer hall of Johor Chinese
Old Temple.

9. Social background
Existing User Group
- The old chinese temple of Johor Bahru has five different deities and each of them are being separately worshipped by
Teochew,Hokkien,Cantonese,Hakka and the Hainanese People.
- The five deities are Yuan Tian Shang Di,Hong Xian Da Di,Gan Tian Da Di, Hua Guang Da Di and Zhao Da Yuan Shuai.
The Annual Chingay Parade
- During the first lunar month of 20-23rd, the Old Chinese Temple of Johor Bahru held its annual Chingay which is also known as
the Parade of Deities.
- The parade lasts about 4 days with the final day with the final is on the night of the 3rd day where the people will parade around
the area.
- Deities are carried around the main streets of Johor Bahru to bless the city with peace and prosperity. They are accompanied by
the bright and loud procession, including lion and dragon dancers, flashy floats, huge dragons, big-headed dolls, famous giant
flags, and music. The journey is 10 km long, and takes an estimated 7 hours to complete.
9

10. Issue
- GENTRIFICATION
Johor Bahru is rapidly urbanised and gradually transformed
into new international trading city and gateway towards
Singapore. However, the rapid developments are quite
overwhelming which have gradually covered the original
characteristics of Johor Bahru unintentionally.
- SHIFTING OF IDENTITY
Due to the pollution of Sungai Segget and rapid urbanisation
of Johor Bahru Town, less portion of the Chinese locals are
starting to move out from the city to the residential area
which was developing at the outskirt of Johor Bahru by the
time.
Malay and other races started to move into the area and
occupied several areas for their businesses. The culture in
the town was changed due to the shifting of major ethnic
group, from Chinese in the early period to Malay currently in
JBCC.
10

11. Issue
- AMPLE VACANT SPACES INSIDE THE
TEMPLE
A lot of rooms and enclosures of the temple
itself are not used for any function except the
main and two side praying chambers. In
particular, the sheltered longitudinal spaces
and some side rooms are totally
abandoned.
- DEPLORABLE CONDITION
Leaking roof that resulted in damaged plaster
boards in on one of the gallery spaces.
Peeling paints and overgrown external
walls are abundant around the external
facades. Ventilation issues are identified in
the gallery as there are solid walls only with no
vent blocks at all.
- PREVALENCE OF CRIMES
Crimes such as drug dealing and burglary are
prevalent due to a lack of stimulation in
terms of activities beside the temple. The
current temple does not open out visually to
pedestrians as the enclosed side lane has a
high crime rate due to its low pedestrian flow.
Occupied
space
Open space
Vacant
space
Abandoned
space
11

12. 2. Dilapidation Survey
12

13. Dilapidation Survey
Peeling paints on the lintel and interior walls
Peeling of paint from this interior wall
happens due to an improper preparation of the
surface prior to painting. Flaking, which means
the lifting of sections of the paint is a result of
poor adhesion of the paint, with which the newly
plastered wall are not given enough time to
completely dry before painting takes place.
Patchy peeling on the timber lintel means that
some surface of the timber is rotten
This often results in unsightly appearance to the
facade, which is supposed to have been coated
with a new layer of protective skin
Solution:
Repainting the wall can be undertaken after
stripping the existing paint with the paint scraper
and sanding it down to improve the
attractiveness of the facade.
Chisel out the rotten parts of timber lintel and fill
the hole with wood filler before smoothing over
with fine sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a
cloth to remove grease and dirt before
repainting.
13

14. Mouldy wall with fungi and small plant attack at
the ridge and eaves
The growth of fungi and small plants
occur due to high humidity or dampness.
Insufficient direct sunlight due to the
blockage of surrounding tall buildings
results in mouldy wall with fungi as well.
Plus, there is a high humidity around the
temple.
Hidden valleys or indentation of the roof
provides moisture that promotes the
growth of small plants.
Solution:
Frequent maintenance and cleaning by
wiping off the mould with soapy water.
Ensure all the hidden valleys and eaves
are functioning well with no leakage and
stagnation around the eaves through
proper drainage system.
14

15. Conclusion
Generally, the old temple of Johor Bahru is rather well preserved
structurally as only non-structural defects are identified. Common
structural defects in older buildings especially those that afflict
substructure and superstructure do not occur in this historical temple.
These defects have little or no effect on stability of the building.
Sagging plasterboards due to moisture
Excess moisture that causes the paper
around the fixing to give way.There is a
noticeable gap between the plasterboard
proving that the plasterboard and the fixings
have already started to let go of the
plasterboard. The moisture is a result of
water leakage from the roof fixture.
Prolonged exposure to rainwater leakages
results in shattered plasterboards.
Solution:
Repair the faulty connection in between
roof tiles to ensure the absence of leakage
and remove the sagging or shattering
plasterboard before replacing it with a new
one with secure connection
Shattering plasterboards under the eaves due to rain
leakages
15

16. 3. Proposal Statement
16

17. Proposal Statement
Our proposed adaptive reuse of the Johor Old Chinese Temple is to turn it into Cultural Learning Centre. Inspired by the existing ornamentation of the temple, which
features traditional Chinese craftsmanship like wood carvings, stone carvings, cut-and-paste porcelain shards, statues, stucco sculptures, plaques, paintings and mur
and urged by the increasing gentrification of the neighbourhood, we propose that a cultural learning centre be built to preserve and promote the cultures, traditions
craftsmanship related to the temple. Our concept intends to connect the older generation who are more traditional and religious, with the less religious young
generation, as well as people from other cultures and religions, using Chinese arts and crafts, and myths and legends as a common ground. This way, we are
to bring in non-religious aspects into a religious place while still being able to maintain the temple’s original identity.
The new Cultural Learning Centre intends to create communal spaces for the young and the old, the religious and the non-religious, and allow the fragmented
communities to interact and intertwine once more.
17

18. 4. Adaptive Reuse
18

19. Adaptive Reuse
Spaces and Programmes
Prayer Hall
We decided to leave the
prayer hall as it is, allowing
the space to remain as a
space of worship.
Courtyard
A wide open space where
outdoor activities such as
taichi, cultural
performances, or martial
arts classes can take place.
Tables and chairs are also
placed around this area to
allow the communal
kitchen to spill into the
courtyard, thus allowing
other social activities to take
place there as well.
19
Communal
Kitchen
Communal
Kitchen
Spill out
space
Communal
Maker
Space 2
Courtyard
Prayer Hall
Digital
Interactive
Gallery
Communal
Maker
Space 1
Communal
Maker
Space 1

20. 20
Section 1
Scale 1:100
Digital
Gallery
Makerspace
1
Makerspace
2
Communal
Kitchen

21. 21
Section 2
Scale 1:100
Digital
Gallery
Makerspace
1
Management
Office

22. Communal Kitchen
A communal kitchen for the young and old to gather and cook together. Through cooking, sharing recipes, eating and spending time together, a bond can
be forged within the community, and reduce the social gap between communities.
22

23. Communal Maker Space 2
Mainly used for calligraphy, Chinese painting and other Chinese arts and crafts workshops and classes. Through these classes, more people will be able to
learn about and appreciate the traditional ornaments of the temple. When no classes are being conducted, these spaces will be open to the public, where they
can come together and learn from each other.
23

24. 24
Communal Maker Space 1
Mainly used for wood carving,wood crafting, Chinese arts and crafts workshops and classes. During the class session, the
community will gather to exchange experience and skills. Hence, it creates opportunity for the community to get closer.

25. 25
Digital Interactive Gallery
A digital gallery that includes a VR gallery and other digital interactive exhibitions. The purpose of this gallery is to provide a story-book
experience where people can learn about the many legendary and mythological figures featured in the temple, as well as the extensive
symbolism behind these figures, the paintings, and ornamentations found around the temple. The purpose of this gallery is to pique the
curiosity and interest of the public towards the context behind the temple’s ornaments without involving any religious aspects, thus allowing both
religious and non-religious communities to appreciate the cultural significance of the temple’s architecture and ornaments.

26. 26
Conclusion
Design considerations based on the Principles of Conservation:
● Research prior to planning work : Understand the site issues and
context and the needs of community so design will be holistic.
● Minimum intervention - repair rather than replace : Minimal changes
done to the structure, focus more on repair rather than deconstruction
and rebuilding through innovative programmes.
● Respect the setting. : Maintain the main prayer hall in respect to the
building’s significance and identity, and arrange our programmes in a
considerate manner.
Not only do we want to preserve the heritage culture and architecture of
the temple but we want to promote it as well, through hands on
experience, digital media and interaction between different generations.

27. References
Nurul Nadia.,&Md Azree. (2014). General Building Defects: Causes, Symptoms and Remedial Work.
European Journal of Technology and Design, 3(1), 4-14. doi: 10.13187/issn.2310-0133
The Guardian (2010). Patch peeling paint. (Website) Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/jan/18/patch-peeling-paint.
"Living in Johor [Johor Old Chinese Temple]". Crescendo International College. Archived from the original
on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
Peggy Loh (4 April 2016). "Bonded in tradition". New Straits Times. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
"柔佛古庙历史简介" [Introduction to the history of Johor Temple] (in Chinese). JB Tiong-Hua. Archived
from the original on 17 September 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2007.
"Johor carves history with 300,000 crowd in Chingay Festival". New Straits Times. 29 February 2016.
Retrieved 8 March 2019.
27