ASIAN ARCHITECTURE

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
ASIAN ARCHITECTURE PROJECT 01:
TOPIC PROPOSAL
Cheng Hoon Teng:
Challenges in Restoring Timber in Terms of Cultural Value and
Sustainability of Timber
TUTOR: MS ALIA
GOH JYIA WHEY 0324910
JORDAN TOK WEN XUAN 0327629
LEE JIA MIN 0324621
TAN CHIN WERNG 0324408
TAN YANG 0322025
YUEN XUAN HUI 0324292

2. CONCEPT MAPPING
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Timber, one of the buildings material that immensely used in traditional
Chinese architecture for element such as load-bearing timber-framed
structures and the timber brackets. However, timber becomes vulnerable
when it encounters moisture, fire, insects, and the ravages of time; thus, very
few ancient architecture has survived. Therefore, timber restoration was
carried out in Cheng Hoon Teng, Malacca, after the collapse of roof purlin
above Mah Choe Deity which caused by termites infestation.

3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How the limitation of competent craftsmen can have an effect in
maintaining the values and sustainability related to the cultural
significance of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng?
2. Why the usage of traditional technique of treatment on timber is crucial
for the restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?
3. How the authenticity of timber is linked to the cultural values of Cheng
Hoon Teng?
4. How to maintain Unesco Merit Award for Restoration eligibility in the
conservation and restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?
5. How effective is the timber restoration in maintaining the value and
sustainability of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng in terms of cultural and
architectural aspects?
SUMMARY
This research paper discusses the challenges in the restoration works of Cheng
Hoon Teng. It examines the challenges in preserving and restoring the main
building material- timber, in terms of its cultural value and sustainability. With
the information gained through literature reviews, books, online researches,
journal and interviews regarding the challenges in the restoration works of
timber in Cheng Hoon Teng, this paper studies the key challenges into
preserving timber in Chinese architecture specifically temples from a cultural
perspective.

4. REFERENCES
1. Tan, R. J.. (2004). A sacred place : the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 25,
Temple Street, Malacca, Malaysia : a study of the impact of tourism on a
heritage place of worship and suggestions for its management through
interpretation. (Thesis). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
SAR. Retrieved from
http://dx.doi.org/10.5353/th_b3146404
2. Einar Larsen, K., & Marstein, N. (2000). Conservation of Historic Timber
Structures: An ecological approach. Retrieved from
http://openarchive.icomos.org/1656/1/Conservation_of_Historic_Timber_St
ructures-2.pdf
3. L, L., & Ong, J. (1997). Cheng Hoon Teng, The Main Temple: A
Dilapidation Report. Penang.