IMPLEMENTATION OF

TRADITIONAL & VERNACULAR

ARCHITECTURE IN

MODERN SOCIETY

Theories of Asian Architecture

ABSTRACTMelakas well known as a state which is rich in its historical value. One of the famous traditional houses in Melaka, the Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani, that located in Merlimau, which is now gazetted by  Melaka museum as a national treasure. The purpose of this research is to investigate the implementation of the traditional and vernacular houses in modern society ranging from the roof, wall, staircase and it's planning layout bringing some  influence for modern architecture. This is also to counter the Modern disregard and depreciation of the traditional and vernacular Malaysian architecture by highlighting the significance of it. Findings show that the architecture implementation of this house is heavily influenced by several factors in terms of elements and sustainable culture, and culturally maintaining.

INTRODUCTIONVernacular architecture, the simplest form of addressing human needs, is seemingly forgotten in modern architecture.

However, due to recent rises in energy costs, the trend has sensibly swung the other way. Architects are embracing regionalism and cultural building traditions, given that these structures have proven to be energy efficient and altogether sustainable. In this time of rapid technological advancement and urbanization, there is still much to be learned from the

traditional knowledge of vernacular construction.Vernacular architecture originated when mankind was forced to make use of the natural resources around him, and provide

himself shelter and comfort which is responsive to the climate, a shield from the elements.Vernacular architecture adheres to basic green architectural principles of energy efficiency and utilizing materials and resources in close proximity to the site. These structures capitalize on the native knowledge of how buildings can be

effectively designed as well as how to take advantage of local materials and resources.The effectiveness of climate responsive architecture is evident over the course of its life, in lessened costs of utilities and

maintenance.

METHODOLOGYThis project provides an outline of the research methodology used to 

answer the research questions which includes research approach, chart  collections, analysis and also illustration. A descriptive method is followed in 

this project to determine the level of awareness based on the preserving  historical buildings. Problems statements and research questions are

 pointed out specifically. This method focuses on the present condition as  well as in the future. The implementation of traditional and vernacular houses are documented and analyzed on different factors of culture, 

architecture and etc.

AISHATH MAEESHA 0334748 - ALIFA AJMAL 0335188 - ARIESSA LEE WAN LING 0334737 - BISYARI ROSLAN 0328340 - CHIA JING YI 0331100 - MIRA IZZATI 0335369

CONCLUSIONREFERENCE:

There are many factors that heavily contributed to the architectural and ornamentation of Melaka traditional houses. Political factors, cultural and religious values, local foreign assimilation and geographical factors have influences on the architecture and the ornamentation of this Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani. The uniqueness of the architecture with

the combination of materials and spiritual to bring a variety of meaning has made this home very special. The study is hoped to create awareness of the importance of preserving historic buildings as a responsibility that should be shouldered by every individual, rather than on the government’s burden alone. It’s also to inspire architects and

designers to be more sensitive towards the history and symbolic meaning implied in a national heritage before they will be used in modern buildings.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ca25/2f854711d0a1d6f0b92c8677eb5d139112b1.pdfhttps://www.canadianarchitect.com/features/modern-vernacular/

https://explorable.com/writing-methodologyhttps://www.emily2u.com/galeri-demang-abdul-ghani-melaka/www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042812051427

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259577893_RE-ADAPTATION_OF_MALAY_VERNACULAR_ARCHITECTURE_THERMAL_COMFORT_ELEMENTS_TOWARDS

_SUSTAINABLE_DESIGN_IN_MALAYSIA_A_literature_review

CASE STUDY: DEMANG ABDUL GHANI GALLERY

Rumah Demang Abdul Ghani is located in Merlimau, Jasin, Melaka. This traditional house is believed to be built by Demang Abdul Ghani bin

Penghulu Abdul Majid, a tycoon whose descendants came from Palembang to Malay land in 1894, therefore the age of the house is estimated to be 121

years old. Despite its age which is more than 100 years old, the house still conceitedly stands on a land surrounded by greeneries. It had been gazetted by Melaka

Museum Corporation(PERZIM) as national heritage after some renovation done. The house was made of several types of wood which are Merbau,

Cengal, and jati, which are well-known of their durability to guarantee the house lasts longer. 

The house was using the skills of three house builders named Mahmud Kelantan, Manap Gopeng and Pendek Pendekar. It was built without using

any nail. It took about two years to be completed with the estimated cost of RM33,000.00. This unique house which now known as ‘Galeri Demang Abdul Ghani’ has attracted people from all over the world to visit and research on

Malay traditional houses.

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE OVERSHADOWING TRADITIONAL IDENTITY

SOLUTIONS

DEPRECIATION & DISREGARD TOWARDS MALAYSIAN VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

MAKING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Old traditional and vernacular houses or buildings into tourist attractions so that they don’t lose value, also it will help to  retain the cultural identity of Malaysia.

IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADITIONAL DESIGN CONCEPT INTO MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Inspire new architects and designers to artistically implement the sustainable features of traditional architecture into their designs to further promote sustainable and green.

STOP DEMOLISHING CULTURALLY RELEVANT BUILDINGS.

It is important to stop demolishing an old traditionally important  building in the  modernization process. Instead, it would be better if we could  use it for other purposes,like turning it into tourist attractions or as galleries.

·       Traditional architecture takes into consideration the designs that were fashionable to a neighborhood or area.

·        The beginning of the twenty first century is marked by  increasing globalisation and the affirmation of a singular identity that is in

constant tension with traditional local identities.

CULTURAL MAINTENANCEArchitectural structures help all citizens appreciate the richness of their heritage developed over centuries. History and heritage  have an important role in building a nation’s cultural identity. It is concrete evidence of ancestral cultures and lifestyles and links people  and  communities with their land. Furthermore, this sense of identity has a great impact on social inclusion; it makes citizens feel they are  connected to society and active within its context. Citizens feel  socially integrated.. In brief, architectural heritage has a great impact  on communities and nations, and, more specifically, on their identity.

Imitation of flora and fauna elements. carved ornaments -  inspired by animals and plants.raised up - to protect the house from flood and wild  animals’ threat.

The building is painted with motifs having various  colors,  which said to be influenced by Chinese architecture 

because the usual Malay traditions only use unpainted  natural wood color.lot of openings provided in each space in the house, in term of the carved wall, 

balustrade, and louvers - act  as passive cooling devices - help to reach thermal  comfort in the house naturally.

Tiles finishing is widely used on pillars and front stairs. The main house’s roof was imported from China, while the

 kitchen roof was made from Indian tiles.Two kolahs  represents Chinese beliefs of pumpkin and pineapple motifs -

means overflow or luck (Ong Lai) -can be seen in the main gate in front of the staircase.

SUSTAINABLE CULTUREOne of the significant sustainable approach to the traditional Malay house design is that the timber house raised on stilts. The stilt

construction distinguishes it from the rural Chinese house, which is always built firmly resting on the ground. The stilt construction also provides protection against rodents, snakes and unwanted intruders from the animal kingdom, and during heavy rain and floods, it sustainably keeps the living space dry. The clean columns underneath the floor, usually made of highly durable local timbers like

chengal  allow easy visual inspection for galleries of subterranean termites; the major pest of the timber in the tropic. The Malay house is basically a

post and lintel structure with sustainable building materials such as timber or bamboo walls and a thatched roof. Windows are plentiful; sustainably lining the walls and providing good ventilation and views

for the house. The juxtaposition of the roofs of the house with different sizes and at different orientations creates an interesting visual formIn term of the aesthetic value, the Malay house reflect the originality of the local culture and socio-economic. From a distance, the Malay

house seems standing as an icon to the local architecture which has its own identity. The Malay house can say to be designed ecologically to balance with the local climateas what we call it today as sustainable designed.

IMPORTANCE OF TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN CONCEPT

SOURCE: http://www.academia.edu/8126881/CLASSIFICATION_OF_FACTORS_CONTRIBUTING_TO_SUSTAINABLE_ISSUES_ON_SELECTED_TRADITIONAL_MALAY_HOUSES_AND_BIO-CLIMATIC_BUILDINGS._extended_version_

·        This trend has followed the spread of the international style during  the second half of the twentieth century and has intensified as a  result of the spread of globalisation as a dominating world view

 from the end of that century

·        The art and science of designing and constructing buildings, or otherwise

 architecture, has always been perceived as a symbol for the  achievements of humanity.

The recent trends of urbanisation, overpopulation and industrial  boom forced the modern concept of constructing practically,

resulting in regional architecture blending into a globally  universal style of  building

 Colonialism began to usurp ‘native’ architecture and in the mid-20th century the so-called International Style, which characterises with plane rectilinear  forms, absence of decoration, and use of steel and glass,  became 

an architectural Esperanto.

·        The architects of the last decades designed a world of  skyscrapers  to accommodate the needs of the modern society, creating a 

neutral and functioning style and often ignoring the history and  culture of the city or country.

The characteristics of ancient design utilized by architects and builders  include a commitment to maintaining a link to the past varieties of the  building, apply of materials or coming up with homes and building to

 remain per the general building style of the realm.

·       This creates a way of continuity and association to the past, that helps the realm maintains its ancient look and condole with the residents of 

the community.

Traditional architecture is very essential as a result of it maintains our link to the past.

·         Utilizing ancient style designs and elements once building provides  residents with a way of calm and consistency throughout their 

community while not a wild departure from their traditions and heritage

SOURCE :http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajcea/3/2/2/

Malay Traditional Houses and Modern Adaptations of it:

What value does Demang house hold in today’s architecture and society?How to justify that the traditional architecture should be salvaged and maintained?Should the specific artistry and design concept of demang house be preserved?How to prolong and promote architecture style that reflect demang

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: