This document provides a research proposal for a design project exploring the cultural identity of Kuala Lumpur Chinatown. The proposal examines the relationship between permanent and temporary structures in Chinatown through various research methods, including literature review, site mapping, diagramming, model making, and case studies. The goal is to design a performing facility that captures Chinatown's culture by studying how temporary stalls contribute to the area's changing morphology. Insights from this research will inform a design that blends permanent and temporary elements to represent Chinatown's identity.

1. TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY, MALAYSIA
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Research question:
How does the phenomenon of symbiosis relation between the permanent and
temporary in Chinatown can be used in designing performing facility that represent
the cultural identity of KL Chinatown?
Performing Theatre, Madras 2.0
RESEARCH METHODS (RES70103)
RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR A
‘CULTURE AND COMMUNITY’ DESIGN PROJECT
TEO KEAN HUI 0310165
SEM 1 AUG 2017

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Research Proposal
Architecture produces new landscape and this has the responsibility to draw out the
particular characteristic of a given place, basically the construction of place that blend
into the context (Ando, 1991). The phenomenon of place can be in the form of tangible
and non-tangible. Concrete term of environment is place, which are the act and
occurrences take place or evidently an integral part of existence. Heidegger view
towards phenomenology emphasizes on comparison between the outside and inside;
nature versus man-made; earth and sky and etc (Schulz, 1979).
The idea of harvesting and utilizing the identity of the existing site as the starting point
of design has been widely used in both western and eastern architecture throughout
the ages.
My proposed design lead to exploration towards the characteristic of site. Petaling
Street is located at the heart of Chinatown, it is well known for its morphology of the
streetscape throughout the day. Visitor will experience different things when they visit
Petaling Street at different period of time. To be able to capture more about KL
Chinatown, several site visits focusing on the morphology of KL Chinatown has been
conducted from morning to night, I’ve discovered that the temporary stalls are the
biggest factor causing the morphology towards KL Chinatown.
The design I proposed aim to study on the relationship between the temporary and
permanent in KL Chinatown. I’ve sourced news clipping from the library in KL Chinese
Assembly Hall to have more understanding towards the issue and news about the
temporary stalls culture in KL Chinatown and how it changes throughout the time.
The knowledge that has been gained through the research will then put to help in
designing the performing facility that capture the cultural identity of KL Chinatown

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The Role of Research in Design
Research is generally defined as a systematic investigation that establishes novel
facts, solves new or existing problems, proves new ideas, or develops new theories.
Aim to search for knowledge especially in sciences and technological field. Design
deal with act of planning and communicating a course of action to others, usually
through the creative exploration of an area of interest.
The role of research in design that I’ve used in answering my research question are
the ‘research through design’ and ‘research informing design’.
‘Research through design’ is aimed to explore on existed research model then
experiment and the outcome would be a new design creation. It is also a combination
of process and research climax. ‘Research through design’ is widely used by
designers as it enables to visualize the possible outcome in future. Frayling (1993)
proposed ‘research through design’ as one of the three forms of relationship between
research and design in his research paper. ‘Research through design’ is not a new
approach; the term itself is two decades old (Frayling, 1993). While Findeli (2004)
mentioned that ‘research through design’ as the “closest to the actual design practice,
recasting the design aspect of creation as research.” Designers or researchers who
use ‘research through design’ actually create new products, experimenting with new
materials and processes. Both Findeli (2004) and Frayling has common view towards
research through design which new outcome as the ultimate aim by studying existed
source with conduct of experiment. It can be in all forms as long as it’s relevant and
similar processes result in creation of experienced artefacts. (Zimmerman, Forlizi &
Evenson, 2007, p. 493) mentioned that “No agree upon research model existed for,
designers to make research contributions other than the development and evaluation
of new design methods”. This research method often being discussed and debated
over the time as some of the source are from ‘everywhere’ which yet to get agree upon
by professionals. Thus, it is always difficult for researcher to fully identify the current
state of the approach through the ramification of publication. Faste (2012) in
Demystifying “Design Research” mentioned ‘research through design’ enables the
enhanced performance of future design action through knowledge disseminated
through broader means than that of traditional research. The most beneficial outcome
of ‘research through design’ would be for future exploration opens to more possibility.

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‘Research informing design’ is to investigate on legitimate research material and
transfer it into design. The process would be the research and outcome as ‘research
oriented design’. “Research into design is the most straightforward.” (Frayling, 1993).
The most common research source is historical research, aesthetic research and
research into variety of theoretical perspectives. Variety theoretical source could be in
social, economic, political, ethical and cultural. It is straightforward as there are
countless models and archives to study about. Seeking inspiration, evaluating existing
solutions and approaches to similar problems, identifying user needs, testing the
usability of concepts, finding and experimenting with different materials, predicting the
marketability of an idea (Faste, 2012).

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Research Methodology and Methods
The proposed design research comprises of both theoretical enquiry and design
outcome. Therefore, most time will be allocated on design process and contextual
studies.

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1. Literature study
Literature study has been done and repeated throughout the whole design research
process. In the beginning of the design research, I’ve came across with texts which is
more towards contextual and cultural identity such as Genius Loci (Towards a
phenomenology of Architecture) by Christian Norberg-Schulz, Material Precedent:
The Typology of Modern Tectonics by GAIL PETER BORDEN, Towards New
Horizons in Architecture by Tadao Ando and Performative Memory: Form and Content
in the Jewish Museum Berlin by Lisa A. Costello.
This part of research is important as it will form the ‘context’ of the site. Based on the
literature study on the cultural identity and genius loci, I’m able to determine what
information to be collected and establishing the different possibilities of method to be
used.
Towards later on, more literature review on text relevant to the relationship found
between the temporary and permanent in KL Chinatown. The literature review is done
on the temporary architecture, parasitic architecture and flexible architecture. The take
from literature review has been note down and will be used for translation into my
architecture design.
Interpretations
Through literature review, I’ve found out that Norberg-Schulz’s and Ando’s has similar
point of view towards the cultural identity and sense of place which later on became
the inspiration towards my research question to look into the element on site and study
about the relationship between them which is the relationship between the permanent
and temporary in KL Chinatown.
After the formation of my research question, a further narrow down into the temporary
architecture, parasitic architecture and flexible architecture. Parasitic architecture
taught me on how can an external architecture plug into existing without being rejected
and working well at the same time. And the flexible architecture are more towards multi
usages or spaces and how it can possibly be transform to suit different type of
occasion.

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By comparing and analysing, I’m able to connect all the dots and finally to be translated
and came out with a new architectural design. This method falls to the category of
research informing design.
Conclusion
In the architectural design proposal, I’ve utilized the idea of extension in designing
spaces such as the theatre, commemorative exhibition, food and beverages. The
theatre will be separated into 2 parts with acoustic partition in between, to fit in variety
type of performances.
Through literature review on temporary architecture, I’m able to identify different types
temporary structures, programs and time taken for assemble and take down. The food
and beverages will be in form of scaffolding structure as a shelter and they can be
extended towards the public spaces using temporary scaffolding structures, extension
can be done throughout the whole ground floor and even attaching to the neighbouring
buildings.
Reflection
Through out the process of literature study, the biggest challenge I’ve encounter is I
find it hard sometimes to source relevant books or text. I’ve spend quite a lot of time
reading some text that seems to be helpful but they’re actually not. Besides, some of
the text are direct translate into English from another language which makes it more
difficult to understand.

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2. Site study through Mapping
Site study through mapping allow me to have more understanding towards the site
condition and will therefore help in designing to fit into site context. Before a visit to
the site, I’ve prepared image from Google Map showing the site surroundings and
autographic drawings of the site plan. While walking along the site and its surrounding,
all data and observation are indicated and marked in the plan such as the locations of
the stalls, location of the landmarks, human density and circulation. All the data are
recorded from morning until night, therefore I have lots of site plans indicating the data
acquire on site at different period of time. Theories and principle such as the Kevin
Lynch 5 element of city (paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks) also been used
as a guide for analysing the site.
The data will then be analysed and put into graph as a quantitative data, showing the
overall changes of KL Chinatown throughout the day.
Interpretations
Through online and on-site observation, I’ve found out the 20 most significant
landmarks around KL Chinatown to study on their operating hours and density and
human circulation flow between the 20 landmarks that have been selected. The
landmarks are then put into graph following their genre (souvenirs, entertainment,
religious buildings, food and beverages) The raw data must be rearranged, compare
and analyse before it can be used for further on in design.
A series of models and a circular graph has been produced in the end of the analysis
consist of all the data and analysed outcome.
Conclusion
The outcome used in designing the entrance into the site by utilizing the circulation
and the access, I’m able to design in the way that the proposed design will be in blocks
cutting through by continuing the existing route into the site. All different blocks will
serve different program as to compensate or go against the outcome from the site
mapping analysis.
The food and beverages across the ground floor adapt the idea of continuity of the
existing food courts on the wet market side of KL Chinatown, I’ve used the strategies

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to provide movable and extendable temporary scaffolding structure to provide a shelter
to the people who came here to dine and at the same time allowing more portable food
stalls into my building.
Reflection
Site study through mapping is the most basic and convenient way to gain the most
informative data. It gave a lot of valuable information in terms of the location, circulation,
spaces and overall view to the site. To be able to hit efficiency, planning before head
is very important such as the scope of study, area to investigate and aim of the whole
mapping analysis must be firm before heading for site investigation.
But the weakness of this method is quite restricted to plan view, so I find it difficult to
show architecture style through this method and also perspective view on site. This
method must be continue and work together with diagramming and drawings in order
to achieve better outcome.

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3. Diagramming & Drawings
In this design research, the method to have the closest look into the relationship
between the permanent and temporary architecture in KL Chinatown through studying
drawings from plans, sections to elevations, drawings are all facts of what is existed
on site. In Bordon’s Material Precedent: The Typology of Modern Tectonics (2010), he
uses similar research method on materiality and tectonic of 20 different types of
buildings. Through studying from solely plans, Bordon is able to identify and
understand on the function of the materials used, its structural properties, application
of materials and material modules on the research buildings.
Interpretations
This method has been associated with the site mapping method. Throughout the site
analysis, quick sketches and diagramming always help better in expressing the idea
and what has been interesting that can be helpful in design. A series of sketches, plan,
section, elevations and bubble diagrams has been produced. They serve as the
medium to deliver my thoughts and what I’ve gain from the site.
It then became the key process in designing because it helps a lot in understanding
towards what I want to achieve and will then transfer to 3D model for experimentation
before proceeding into the final outcome of the design.
Conclusion
I’ve split the building into 4 blocks, the café restaurant, commemorative museum,
theatre and library block. All the blocks are all in different scale and sizes separated
by public spaces in between, the ground level outside the boundary will be filled with
the temporary expendable scaffolding structure (4m x 4m) as the element to gel the
building into one just like the take from KL Chinatown. All the permanent buildings are
different in architecture style but somehow the temporary stalls that sit right in front of
them are all repetitive which kind of act as the element to harmonize the overall diverse
architecture style in KL Chinatown.
Reflection
This method is very good in deriving analysed data, they’re all can be very straight
forward and easy to understand. For me, this method should be the continuous from

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the site mapping method. Besides, by inserting diagrams and drawings into the
presentation boards will definitely help a lot in expressing what I’m trying to show.

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4. Study models
This method is to producing a series of study model such as abstract models,
conceptual models, spatial models and massing models. The models can be in either
3d or in physical, it is a qualitative research method, models will be produced and to
explore that delivers different possible results and outcomes. Study models are the
translation of intangible to tangible. All models produced are all towards the same aim,
which is the relationship between permanent architecture and temporary architecture
in KL Chinatown.
Interpretations
Through experimenting with models, I’ve discovered on how my building should be
orientated to achieve best outcome in terms of exposure to the sunlight, sustainability
and privacy.
Moreover, physical models have been used mostly to conceptual to see how I can
play around with the temporary structure and permanent structure within my design.
The outcome will be more towards the ratio of the different element and how they can
be put together to work.
I further proceed to 3d models making when I think I’ve explored enough on the
physical models. 3d models making help in developing towards exploring how the
concept can be put into the architecture and spaces because this is the part where
detailing and implementing took place. A lot of human figures has been placed
throughout the 3d models in the process of making which enable me to visualize on
how can the human and the building can possibly work together.
Conclusion
Through the process of model making, I’m able to determine what type of programs to
be put into which portion of my building either the temporary and permanent part of
the building. Besides, model making also help me a lot in figuring out how the spaces
can be work.
Reflection
Throughout the process of study model and model making, the biggest challenge I’ve
encounter is I find it hard to transfer thoughts into physical model sometimes. The

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whole process of model making will eat up a lot of time as you need to figure out what
to produce, measure, cut and glue them into one piece.
The fun part about model making is that I can sometimes play around with it by rotating,
flipping and rearrange them. By doing all these, I have accidentally come across with
more interesting design than the original model that produced at first. Physical models
will definitely help a lot in explaining the exploration and thoughts during the
presentation.
3d model making is more towards the implementing and detailing part, it is the part
come after the exploration at physical model.

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5. Case Study
Case study on buildings that emphasizes on the relation between permanent
architecture and temporary architecture. Study on how the architects put both element
together in terms of functions, programs, spatial and structural connectivity.
Interpretations
This method is very similar as compared to literature review which study the works
done by others. The difference is that literature review is more towards theory but
sometimes they’re just on paper, case studies are normally the outcome merging of
the theories, thinking and reality. This will enable me to have more understanding on
how the theories can be used applying in design.
Conclusion
I’ve studies on how the architects and designers work on the topic focusing on the idea
of boundaries, flexible architecture, borrowed spaces, temporary and permanent
which I’ve got from studying the relationship between the temporary and permanent in
KL Chinatown. This method helps me to have deeper understanding on how different
architects uses the element that I’ve found and how they play around with it to create
stunning architecture. By case study, I’m also able to understand on the theory behind
all the selected works and will take as a reference then translate into my design
proposal.
Studies on various writings and work done by architects:
1. Case study 1, Le Corbusier’s free plan (flexible architecture)
2. Case study 2 Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe’s open plan (structure as boundary)
3. Case study 2, SANAA (boundary)
4. Case study 3, Pompidou Centre by Richard Rogers & Renzo Piano
(temporary& permanent, borrowed space)
5. Case study 4, London Olympic Stadium (expendable architecture)
6. Case study 5, Plugin Tower / People's Architecture Office (expendable
architecture)

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Reflection
This method of research really helps a lot in designing as you can see how the
architects uses theories and translating them into reality. The hard part is that,
there’re too many architects works out there which make it quite difficult to choose a
suitable one.

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References
Borden, G. P. (2010). Material precedent: The typology of modern tectonics.
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
University of Pretoria. (n.d.). Chapter 2: Theoretical Approach. Retrieved from
https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/30282/02chapter2.pdf?sequence=
3
Tayyebi, F. (2012). Learning from everyday architecture. Flexible Spaces:
Permanent and or Temporary. Retrieved from
http://www.oikodomos.org/workspaces/app/webroot/files/deliveries/FARHAD23109_
234_FlexibleSpaces.pdf
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980). Genius loci: Towards a phenomenology of architecture.
London: Academy Editions.
Vitruvius, P., Rowland, I. D., Howe, T. N., & Dewar, M. (1999). Vitruvius: Ten books
on architecture.
Pit, M., Steller, K., & Streng, G. (n.d.). Parasitic Architecture. Retrieved from
http://www.gerjanstreng.eu/files/T02%20essay%20parasitic%20architecture.pdf
AD Classics: AD Classics: Centre Georges Pompidou / Renzo Piano Building
Workshop + Richard Rogers. (2010, June 11). Retrieved from
https://www.archdaily.com/64028/ad-classics-centre-georges-pompidou-renzo-
piano-richard-rogers
AD Classics: Barcelona Pavilion / Mies van der Rohe. (2011, February 8). Retrieved
from https://www.archdaily.com/109135/ad-classics-barcelonapavilion-
mies-van-der-rohe

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Le, C., & Etchells, F. (2014). Towards a new architecture. Connecticut: Martino
Publishing.
London Olympic Stadium / Populous. (2012, June 27). Retrieved from
https://www.archdaily.com/247935/london-olympic-stadium-populous
Plugin Tower / People's Architecture Office. (2016, December 3). Retrieved from
https://www.archdaily.com/800511/plugin-tower-peoplesarchitecture-
office
Transformation of the former London 2012 Olympic Stadium [Video file]. (2015,
September 22). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iYpODEoLd4