ANG BOUTIQUE

120, JALAN BUNGA RAYA, MALACCA, MALAYSIA.

DECLARATION OF SUBMISSION

ANG BOUTIQUE120, Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca, Malaysia.

This report is submitted for the subject ARC1215 / ARC60305 Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings to School of Architecture, Building & Design of Taylors University to obtain 5 credits for Practicum 1.It is a group effort by:Leader:1. Koo Jian Xiang0322975

Members:2. Tang Ying Jien03223578. Nurul Sahira Aqilah Binti Samsudin03259863. Aimuni Khalidah Binti A Bakar03260749. Tan Jing Wei03201374. Yen Wei Zheng032026610. Le Jia Ling03225325. Lim Xiu Qing032321411. Tan Yan Jie03239066. Theresa Thia Ai Min032317012. Teoh Zhe Kai03229057. Wong Yun Teng032345413. Vun Tze Lin0323301

Bachelor of Science (Honours) In ArchitectureJanuary 2017Taylors University

Supervised by:Mr. Azim Sulaiman

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Team Bunga Raya, Malacca would like to formally perceive and express our appreciation to every one of the individuals who had given us direction and information to finish this report. We express our most extreme thankfulness to all gatherings that sympathetically helped us, without whom this venture couldn't have been conceivable.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank and show our gratitude to both of our lecturers, Dr. Nor Hayati Binti Ramli and Mr. Azim Sulaiman for organizing the site visit, collaborating with foreign authorities and providing us valuable guidance during the whole process of completing this project.

Next, we would like to thank Mr. Chong, the tenant of the shop lot house for willing to collaborate with the School of Architecture, Building and Design of Taylors University to make this research trip smooth and possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPICPAGESI. List of FiguresXVII XXXII

II. Chapter 1 IntroductionXXXIIIa. 1.1 Aims and objectives1b. 1.2 Introduction to research 2c. 1.3 Materials3i. 1.3.1 Standard measuring tape3ii. 1.3.2 Laser measuring equipment3iii. 1.3.3 Camera (brand &series)4iv. 1.3.4 Ladder4v. 1.3.5 Mask & plastic hand glove5vi. 1.3.6 Ruler5vii. 1.3.7 Drawing blocks5d. 1.4 Challenges6 i. 1.4.1 Bad environment6ii. 1.4.2 Cluttered environment6iii. 1.4.3 Limitation of height7iv. 1.4.4 Lack of information7v. 1.4.5 Traditional measuring method8vi. 1.4.6 Internet10vii. 1.4.7 Books10viii. 1.4.8 Interview10e. 1.5 Significance of study11

III. Chapter 2 - Historical Background12a. 2.1 History of Malacca13b. 2.2 Development of Malacca city14i. 2.2.1 The Pre-Colonial Heritage in Malacca14c. 2.3 The Colonial Heritage of Malacca15i. 2.3.1 The Portuguese Heritage16ii. 2.3.2 The Dutch Heritage17iii. 2.3.3 The British Heritage17d. 2.4 Malacca as UNESCO Heritage City18e. 2.5 Core Zone and Buffer Zone19i. 2.5.1 Core Zone19ii. 2.5.2 Buffer Zone19f. 2.6 Jalan Bunga Raya21i. 2.6.1 How it got its name?21ii. 2.6.2 Development timeline of Jalan Bunga Raya22g. 2.7 The legacy of the building @ 120, Jalan Bunga Raya23h. 2.8 Genius loci of Jalan Bunga Raya24

IV. Chapter 3 - Architecture Style25a. 3.1 Introduction to architecture style of Malacca shop houses26i. 3.1.1 Introduction26b. 3.2 Architecture Style27i. 3.2.1 General / Main Characteristics27ii. 3.2.2 Party Wall27iii. 3.2.3 Five Foot Ways27iv. 3.2.4 Column / Pillaster28v. 3.2.5 Wooden Window Style28c. 3.3 General timeline of styles30i. 3.3.1 Early Malacca Style (1790S-1850S)30ii. 3.3.2 Southern Chinese Eclectic Style (1840S-1900S)31iii. 3.3.3 Early Straits Eclectic Style (1890S-1910S)32iv. 3.3.4 Art Deco Style (1930S-1960S)33v. 3.3.5 Early Modern Style (1950S-1970S)33d. 3.4 Architecture style history of Jalan Bunga Raya34 V. Chapter 4 - Site Context38a. 4.1 Accessibility39i. 4.1.1 On foot40ii. 4.1.2 Vehicle41iii. 4.1.3 Public transport41b. 4.2 Circulation42c. 4.3 Surroundings43i. 4.3.1 Commercial shop houses43ii. 4.3.2 Restaurants43iii. 4.3.3 Residential43iv. 4.3.4 Abandoned43v. 4.3.5 Religious places43vi. 4.3.6 Shopping mall43d. 4.4 Zoning44

VI. Chapter 5 - Architectural Layout45a. 5.1 Spatial planning and organization46b. 5.2 Spatial layout46c. 5.3 Spatial usage (ground floor)47i. 5.3.1 Shop47ii. 5.3.2 Corridor47iii. 5.3.3 Kitchen47iv. 5.3.4 Rear court48v. 5.3.5 Bathroom & toilet48vi. 5.3.6 Ground floor spatial usage plan49d. 5.4 Spatial usage (first floor)50i. 5.4.1 Bedroom I50ii. 5.4.2 Corridors50iii. 5.4.3 Bedroom II51iv. 5.4.4 Terrace & Bathroom51v. 5.4.5 First floor spatial usage plan52e. 5.5 Defining of spaces53f. 5.6 Circulation53i. 5.6.1 Ground floor circulation plan54ii. 5.6.2 First floor circulation plan55g. 5.7 Natural ventilation and lighting56i. 5.7.1 Natural wind57ii. 5.7.2 Natural lighting57h. 5.8 Elements of natural ventilation & lighting58i. 5.8.1 Air wells58ii. 5.8.2 Louvered screen panels58iii. 5.8.3 Air vents58iv. 5.8.4 Windows58i. 5.9 Comparison59

VII. Chapter 6 - Architectural Element61a. 6.1 Elements62b. 6.2 Five Foot Way63i. 6.2.1 History63ii. 6.2.2 Five Foot Way64iii. 6.2.3 Description65iv. 6.2.4 Cultural context66v. 6.2.5 Comparison67c. 6.3 Staircase69i. 6.3.1 History69ii. 6.3.2 Staircase70iii. 6.3.3 Description71iv. 6.3.4 Cultural context72v. 6.3.5 Comparison74d. 6.4 Balustrades75i. 6.4.1 Comparison76e. 6.5 Wooden shutter doors77i. 6.5.1 History77ii. 6.5.2 Wooden shutter doors78iii. 6.5.3 Description79iv. 6.5.4 Cultural context82v. 6.5.5 Comparison84f. 6.6 Window85i. 6.6.1 History85ii. 6.6.2 Description85iii. 6.6.3 Architecture style86iv. 6.6.4 Sliding window86v. 6.6.5 Architecture style87vi. 6.6.6 Comparison between wooden louvered window and sliding windows88g. 6.7 Fanlight89i. 6.7.1 History89ii. 6.7.2 Culture influence90iii. 6.7.3 Comparison91iv. 6.7.4 Comparison of fanlight between Malay and Western92h. 6.8 Air-Vent93i. 6.9 Roof94i. 6.9.1 History94ii. 6.9.2 Zinc roof95iii. 6.9.3 Description96iv. 6.9.4 Comparison98j. 6.10 Security grill99i. 6.10.1 Comparison between shop houses grill and home grill100k. 6.11 Column101i. 6.11.1 History101ii. 6.11.2 Column102iii. 6.11.3 Culture influence103l. 6.12 Arches104i. 6.12.1 History104ii. 6.12.2 Description105m. 6.13 Light penetration (shades)107i. 6.13.1 Analysis109n. 6.14 Ornament110i. 6.14.1 History110ii. 6.14.2 Balustrade111iii. 6.14.3 Air vent 112

VIII. Chapter 7 - Materials & Building Construction113a. 7.1 History of the building construction114i. 7.1.1 Early straits eclectic style114ii. 7.1.2 Late straits eclectic style115b. 7.2 Materials & building construction116c. 7.3 Type of material used117i. 7.3.1 Timber117ii. 7.3.2 Stone118iii. 7.3.3 Lime118d. 7.4 Materials used119i. 7.4.1 Modern materials119ii. 7.4.2 Cement119iii. 7.4.3 Metal pitched roof120iv. 7.4.4 Steel120e. 7.5 Construction elements (ground floor)121i. 7.5.1 Front door (metal sliding door)121ii. 7.5.2 Floor & wall (ceramic tiles)121iii. 7.5.3 Air vent (concrete)122iv. 7.5.4 Wall (concrete)122v. 7.5.5 Cement screed (courtyard)123f. 7.6 Construction elements (first floor)125i. 7.6.1 Staircase (timber)125ii. 7.6.2 Flooring (timber)125iii. 7.6.3 Balustrade & handrail staircase (timber)126iv. 7.6.4 Window (timber)126v. 7.6.5 Shutter doors (timber)127vi. 7.6.6 Louvered screen panels127vii. 7.6.7 Ceiling (timber)128g. 7.7 Roof construction130h. 7.8 First floor slab construction130i. 7.9 Wall construction131j. 7.10 Ground floor slab construction131

IX. Chapter 8 - Building Defects & Dilapidation132a. 8.1 Building defects & dilapidation (corrode, rust and cracks)133i. 8.1.1 Moss growth on walls and ceiling133ii. 8.1.2 Chipping of paint and finishing134iii. 8.1.3 Rusting135iv. 8.1.4 Cracks136v. 8.1.5 Wood degradation137

X. Chapter 9 Conclusion138a. 9.1 Conclusion139

XI. Chapter 10 References & Appendices140a. 10.1 References141b. 10.2 On-site sketches147c. 10.3 Progress photos150

XII. Appendix 1: PhotobookXIII. Appendix 2: Scaled Drawings

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURESPAGES

CHAPTER 1

Figure 1.1 Front view of Ang Boutique.2Figure 1.2 Measuring tape.3Figure 1.3 Bosch laser measuring equipment.3Figure 1.4 Canon 5D Mark III Camera.4Figure 1.5 Ladder.4Figure 1.6 Face mask and plastic hand glove.5Figure 1.7 Ruler.5Figure 1.8 Spider webs on the door.6Figure 1.9 Bats dead corpse.6Figure 1.10 Unwanted tiles and overgrown grass.6Figure 1.11 Unwanted furniture on first floor.6Figure 1.12 Climbing up with ladder and its risky.7Figure 1.13 Difficult to obtain accurate measurement due to inaccessible height.7Figure 1.14 Measuring tape is used to measure the column.8Figure 1.15 Student A points the laser onto the board that student B is holding opposite the building.9Figure 1.16 Laser was then point towards the board.9Figure 1.17 Trigonometry formula.9

CHAPTER 2Figure 2.1 Drawing shows history of Malacca.13Figure 2.2 Parameswara and his subrogates.14Figure 2.3 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.14Figure 2.4 The timeline of the colonial rule began in Malacca.15Figure 2.5 Plan (n.t.s.) of A Famosa.16Figure 2.6 Systematic Urban Plan (n.t.s.) by the Duchess.17Figure 2.7 The urban plan (n.t.s.) forms developed by British.17Figure 2.8 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malacca.18Figure 2.9 Stadthuys church, an oldest functioning church in Malaysia.18Figure 2.10 A Portuguese fortress located in Malacca.18Figure 2.11 Malacca River.18Figure 2.12 Map (n.t.s) of Core Zone and Buffer Zone.19Figure 2.13 Development timeline of Jalan Bunga Raya.22Figure 2.14 Interview with Mr. Chong, the tenant.23Figure 2.15 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.24Figure 2.16 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.24

CHAPTER 3Figure 3.1 Shop houses with Southern Chinese Eclectic Style in Malacca.26Figure 3.2 Ang Boutique at Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca.26Figure 3.3 Shop houses style in Malacca.29Figure 3.4 Early Malacca style with louvered shutters.30Figure 3.5 Southern Chinese eclectic style of building found in Malacca.31Figure 3.6 Late Straits Eclectic Style building in Malacca.32Figure 3.7 Decoration on front wall.33Figure 3.8 Less ornamentation in the early modern style of building in Malacca.33Figure 3.9 Shows the combination of modern and traditional shop houses.34Figure 3.10 Shows makeshift shop lots that cover empty spaces.34Figure 3.11 Shows the five-foot way linking all the shops together.35Figure 3.12 Some buildings have been renovated so much that it contradicts entirely with surrounding shops.35Figure 3.13 Shows the clash of architecture styles from different periods.35Figure 3.14 More Art Deco buildings beside Southern Chinese Eclectic buildings.36Figure 3.15 Buildings of varied height.36Figure 3.16 Repetitive pattern of building facade.37

CHAPTER 4 Figure 4.1 Route (n.t.s.) taken from Hotel Puri Melaka (walk).39Figure 4.2 Route (n.t.s) to Jalan Bunga Raya by car.39Figure 4.3 Shows the Five Foot Way linking all the shops together.40Figure 4.4 Theres only one way road happen in Malacca city.41Figure 4.5 Transport like beca ride is available all around the town.41Figure 4.6 Map (n.t.s.) of Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Bunga Raya.42Figure 4.7 Map (n.t.s.) shows our site and Jalan Bunga Raya road we used to access our site.43Figure 4.8 Zoning Map (n.t.s.) that shows type of shops surrounding Ang Boutique.44

CHAPTER 5 Figure 5.1 The shop during business hours.47Figure 5.2 The corridor leading to the stairs.47Figure 5.3 The kitchen is now used as a storage area.47Figure 5.4 The rear court seemingly neglected for many years.48Figure 5.5 Bathroom at the end of the rear court is no longer used.48Figure 5.6 Toilet separated from the bathroom next to it.48Figure 5.7 Ground floor spatial usage plan (n.t.s.).49Figure 5.8 Bedroom I facing the street.50Figure 5.9 Corridor leading to the rooms behind.50Figure 5.10 Staircase leading up to bedroom II.51Figure 5.11 The Terrace and Bathroom.51Figure 5.12 First floor spatial usage plan (n.t.s.).52Figure 5.13 Use of partition wall to separate shop area from the private areas.53Figure 5.14 Higher floor height in indoor / closed spaces.53Figure 5.15 Ground floor circulation plan (n.t.s.) with images.54Figure 5.16 First floor circulation plan (n.t.s.) with images.55Figure 5.17 Circulation of winds inside Ang Boutique.57Figure 5.18 Natural lighting that passes into Ang Boutique.57Figure 5.19 Air Wells.58Figure 5.20 Louvered screen panels.58Figure 5.21 Air vents.58Figure 5.22 Windows.58Figure 5.23 Chinese influenced architecture.59Figure 5.24 Dutch concept rectangular shutter window.59Figure 5.25 Toilet located at backyard of Ang Boutique.60Figure 5.26 Cashier at Ang Boutique was located below the stairs because Chinese people believe this can bring them wealth.60

CHAPTER 6Figure 6.1 The arcade dwellings in Tangkou Town, Kaiping which feature a continuous stretch of pillar corridors.63Figure 6.2 The arcade dwellings in Chikan Commercial Street, Kaiping which also feature the pillar corridors.63Figure 6.3 View of five foot ways of shop houses opposite of Ang Boutique.64Figure 6.4 Five-foot way of Ang Boutique.64Figure 6.5 Red box in the plan (n.t.s.) indicates five-foot way of a building.65Figure 6.6 Viceroys Arch in India, an example of the Portuguese infusion of their arches into the architecture.66Figure 6.7 The openings of the five-foot way in Ang Boutique featuring the Portuguese arch.66Figure 6.8 Shop houses in Singapore that feature five foot ways shaded by the first floor even though there are 3 storeys.67Figure 6.9 Shop houses in Kaiping, South China that show the second floor providing shade for the five-foot way.67Figure 6.10 The pillar corridors in Kaiping, South China that feature pilasters with Roman ornamentation and cornices.68Figure 6.11 An early Dutch style building in Malacca with a fringe roof covering the five-foot way.68Figure 6.12 The stairway found in the palace of Knossos, Greece.69Figure 6.13 Stairways found in Siguiriya which featured the same monolithic use of material.69Figure 6.14 Concrete stairs of Ang Boutique.70Figure 6.15 Wooden stairs of Ang Boutique.70Figure 6.16 A combination of concrete and wooden staircase.71Figure 6.17 The dangerously steep staircase of a traditional Dutch home.72Figure 6.18 The staircase of Ang Boutique is steep.72Figure 6.19 The absence of risers in the wooden staircase of Ang Boutique.72Figure 6.20 Staircase without risers or railings.72Figure 6.21 Components present on concrete stairs and wooden stairs.73Figure 6.22 Location of wooden staircase as seen from first floor plan (n.t.s.).73Figure 6.23 Location of concrete and wooden staircase as seen from ground floor plan (n.t.s.).73Figure 6.24 Wooden staircase.74Figure 6.25 Concrete staircase.74Figure 6.26 Simple vertical balustrades on the railings of a Dutch house.75Figure 6.27 The newel cap of Ang Boutiques wooden stairs.75Figure 6.28 The Chinese geometrical arrangement found even in the traditional handmade red packet lanterns.75Figure 6.29 The balustrades of railings feature similar shape.75Figure 6.30 An intricate wrought iron staircase found in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang.76Figure 6.31 The risers of a Late Eclectic staircase covered with glazed porcelain tiles, with wooden threads along with a wrought iron railing.76Figure 6.32 A traditional shutter window located in Greece.77Figure 6.33 Shutter door located in a bridal room of Penang Peranakan Mansion, Penang.77Figure 6.34 Two wooden panel double door of Ang Boutique.78Figure 6.35 Metal double door of Ang Boutique.78Figure 6.36 Exploded axonometric of the wooden shutter door.79Figure 6.37 Exploded axonometric of the metal shutter door.80Figure 6.38 Location of concrete and wooden staircase as seen from ground floor plan.81Figure 6.39 Location of wooden shutter door as seen from first floor plan.81Figure 6.40 Symmetry of a traditional Chinese shutter door.82Figure 6.41 Symmetry also found in a double-sided door of a Dutch house.82Figure 6.42 Shutter doors that open inwards in traditional Malay house.82Figure 6.43 Wooden shutter door of Ang Boutique opening inwards.82Figure 6.44 Wooden shutter door featuring a different kind of fanlight.83Figure 6.45 A typical Federal Style Door with semi-circular glass panelled fanlights.83Figure 6.46 A detailed look in the ogee form.83Figure 6.47 An example of ogee margin panels.83Figure 6.48 The front shutter door of a Late Straits Eclectic shop house which has gold plated carvings.84Figure 6.49 The shutter in Ang Boutique featuring a simple design with the same overall use of wood.84Figure 6.50 The shutter in Ang Boutique featuring a simple design with the same overall use of wood.84Figure 6.51 The fanlight of Ang Boutique following the traditional Malay wooden louvered style.84Figure 6.52 Wooden louvered window from the view of front elevation.85Figure 6.53 Southern Chinese Eclectic style wooden louvered window at the first floor.85Figure 6.54 Sliding window as a replacement of wooden louvered window found in first floor.87Figure 6.55 Sliding windows at the first floor of Ang Boutique.88Figure 6.56 Example of Southern Chinese Eclectic Style Wooden louvered window.88Figure 6.57 Example of Georgian fanlight.89Figure 6.58 A Malay architectural influence fanlight above an opening. 90Figure 6.59. An example of fanlight during Late Straits Eclectic Style in Malacca.91Figure 6.60 Fanlight at Ang Boutique from Front elevation view.91Figure 6.61 Malay influenced fanlight found in Ang Boutique.92Figure 6.62 Western influenced fanlight.92Figure 6.63 Circulation of winds through the air vent.93Figure 6.64 Air vent found in Ang Boutique.93Figure 6.65 History of Englands Passage tomb.94Figure 6.66 Action constructing. Architectural features in ancient buildings.94Figure 6.67 The newel cap of Ang Boutiques wooden stairs which is a ball of geometric arrangement.95Figure 6.68 The newel cap of Ang Boutiques wooden stairs which is a ball of geometric arrangement.95Figure 6.69 Ang Boutiques side elevation which shows the roof structure.96Figure 6.70 Shows the roof component and the existing exposed roof with the mark of the removed ceiling.97Figure 6.71 Components of roof.98Figure 6.72 Ang Boutiques grille to guard the front building.99Figure 6.73 Components involved in constructing grille.99Figure 6.74 Comparison chart.100Figure 6.75 Different type of column found in different civilization.101Figure 6.76 Engraved ornament on column.102Figure 6.77 Kaiping, Guangzhou.103Figure 6.78 Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca.103Figure 6.79 The Roman influenced circular arch.104Figure 6.80 Arch found in Ang Boutique.104Figure 6.81 Circular arch.105Figure 6.82 Roman arcade.106Figure 6.83 colosseum arches, arcades, stairs.106Figure 6.84 Jalan Bunga Raya arcade.106Figure 6.85 Windows located in the middle part of first floor.107Figure 6.86 Wooden louvered windows located in front elevation.107Figure 6.87 An opening hole on the side elevation of Angs Boutique.108Figure 6.88. The opening wall at He Yuan Garden, Yangzhou.108Figure 6.89 The opening wall at He Yuan Garden, Yangzhou.108Figure 6.90 Sun path analysis.109Figure 6.91 The balustrade with influenced of Renaissance architecture.111Figure 6.92 The balustrade with influenced of Renaissance architecture.111Figure 6.93 Chinese influenced air vent found in Ang Boutique.112

CHAPTER 7Figure 7.1 Early Straits Eclectic Style building with the timber frame and shuttered.114Figure 7.2 Late Straits Eclectic Style of building with column as a replacement of front facade.115Figure 7.3 Materials used to build Ang Boutique.116Figure 7.4 Timber as materials to build the floor in Ang Boutique.117Figure 7.5 Stone that used to build the balusters in Ang Boutique.118Figure 7.6 Lime was used to as plaster.118Figure 7.7 Cement that found at the backyard of Ang Boutique.119Figure 7.8 Ang Boutique used metal pitched roof as roofing.120Figure 7.9 Steel was found be used as window grille in Ang Boutique.120Figure 7.10 Metal sliding door was used at the front door as security.121Figure 7.11 Ceramic tiles were used as flooring.121Figure 7.12 Air vent that found at the toilet at Ang Boutique.122Figure 7.13 Concrete was used to build up the walls.122Figure 7.14 Cement screed was used as flooring at courtyard of Ang Boutique.123Figure 7.15 Diagram of ground floor plan (n.t.s.) shows materials on various part of the building.124Figure 7.16 Staircase that been constructed in steep condition.125Figure 7.17 Timber as flooring at first floor.125Figure 7.18 Carved baluster and staircase hand-drill found at the first floor of Ang Boutique.126Figure 7.19 Timber as one of the material to build windows.126Figure 7.20 Shutter door that made up by timber.127Figure 7.21 Fanlight was also made up by timber.127Figure 7.22 Celling that been constructed using timber.128Figure 7.23 Timber celling that found in another part of building.128Figure 7.24 Diagram of first floor plan (n.t.s.) shows materials on various part of the building.129Figure 7.25 Picture shows a construction of roof.130Figure 7.26 An example of First floor slab construction.130Figure 7.27 An example of wall construction.131Figure 7.28 Example of ground floor slab construction.131

CHAPTER 8Figure 8.1 Moss found on the celling at first floor.133Figure 8.2 Moss found at the outer part of building.133Figure 8.3 Moss that growth everywhere especially the corner of building.133Figure 8.4 Chipping of paint at the outer part of building.134Figure 8.5 Chipping of paint on wall.134Figure 8.6 Some part of roof was rusted.135Figure 8.7 Screw that used to screw up the joist was found rusted.135Figure 8.8 Rusted screw.135Figure 8.9 Cracks found on the celling at ground floor.136Figure 8.10 Cracks happen to be a common thing in an old building.136Figure 8.11 Wood degradation happened on the louvered window at first floor.137Figure 8.12 Another wood degradation found on the timber celling.137

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1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This project aim to develop our comprehension of the standards of building conservation/preservation and the techniques for recording in three documentation strategies which is measured drawings, written documentation and photographic documentation on our site. The outcomes of this project is that we can clarify the utilization of architectural historic documents, describe architectural cultural heritage and elaborate the relationship between architecture and the significance of the building as well as it's inhabitation.

For the measuring part, we were asked to be able to perceive and review system of measured drawings and documentation, and have the capacity to make an interpretation of measured data into scaled drawing. This report is additionally required to incorporate the design culture impact to our building and its history foundation.

This research aims to answer the question below:

1. What is the historical value and the architectural influences in this building?

2. How we work on the measuring and translate it into scaled drawings?

1.2 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

This report secured our comprehension of the standards of the building, Ang Boutique (Fig 1.1) which is situated in Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca. In a group of 13 students, we included ourselves in the fieldworks that comprises of measured strategies, for example, gathering and recording information, on-site sketching, photographing, measured data, perceive the method of measured drawing, and at last make an interpretation of the measured data into a scaled drawing.

In the research, we clarify about the background, history, idea, style development systems and ornamentation of the building. We also identify and classify architectural historic structure of the building. This report has also covered the architecture culture influence to the Ang Boutique and its historical background.

Figure 1.1 Front view of Ang Boutique.

1.3 MATERIALS

1.3.1 STANDARD MEASURING TAPE A most general measuring tool that designed to be easily carried in pocket and also flexible enough for us to measure around the curves and corner of the building. (Fig 1.2)

1.3.2 LASER MEASURING EQUIPMENT [ GLM80 80m Rangefinder + R60 Measuring Level Rail ]This (Fig 1.3) is provided by Taylors University which allow us to measure the distance and the height with a more accurate dimension. This tool also help us to measure some part of the building that are more difficult for us to reach.

Figure 1.2 Measuring tape.

Figure 1.3 Bosch laser measuring equipment.

1.3.3 CAMERA (BRAND & SERIES)Camera help us in capturing photos of our site and record down the procedure of us working or measuring on the building as some evidences. (Fig 1.4)

1.3.4 LADDERThe ladder is to assist us to measure some higher part of the building that we cannot reach such as the details on the walls which is placed in a height we cannot reach, air vent on the wall and the extended roof at the ground floor. (Fig 1.5)

Figure 1.4 Canon 5D Mark III Camera.

Figure 1.5 Ladder.

1.3.5 MASK & PLASTIC HAND GLOVE For our safety and wellbeing purposes, we utilized the mask to cover our mouth and nose for us to not breath in those dusty airs. Plastic hand glove is for us to maintain a strategic distance from touching dust and bats poo. (Fig 1.6)

1.3.6 RULER This (Fig 1.7) tool helps us in measuring some small detail with bends, for example, the 3D polygonal shape of staircases post, the thickness of the door casement and the thickness of the walls.

1.3.7 DRAWING BLOCKS Figure 1.7 Ruler.

Draft drawing of the building was drawn on the drawing books with the measurement on it. We were then proceeded to drawing AutoCAD with referring back the drawings we did on site.

Figure 1.6 Face mask and plastic hand glove.

1.4 CHALLENGES

1.4.1 BAD ENVIRONMENT First of all, the first challenges we found when we first stepped into our site is the dusty environment at the first floor. Bats dead body (Fig 1.8), dust and spider webs (Fig 1.7) everywhere, yet theres no any electrical supply for the first floor. Hence, we can only open the windows and use the natural sunlight as our source of light. The openings for natural lighting are small and unreliable as there are little windows and some of them are sealed for safety purposes.

1.4.2 CLUTTERED ENVIRONMENT Unwanted furniture woods, rubble from the plaster of the walls, old roof and tiles as well as overgrown grass (Fig 1.9) covered the surface of the backyard made it difficult for us to precisely measure the site. On the first floor, theres broken furniture (Fig 1.10) such as ceiling fans, chairs and doors and unwanted metal scraps on the floor. This also caused trouble for us when we were measuring said site.

Figure 1.9 Bats dead corpse. Figure 1.8 Spider webs on the door.

Figure 1.11 Unwanted furniture on first floor.Figure 1.10 Unwanted tiles and overgrown grass.

1.4.3 LIMITATION OF HEIGHT Theres some part of the building has the difficulty to reach even with the ladder. As in the picture (Fig 1.11), the detailing on the front facade at the first floor is hard for us to reach and measure. Some other place such as some higher part of details at backyard we have to use the ladder to reach. (Fig 1.12)

Figure 1.12 Climbing up with ladder and its risky.

1.4.4 Lack of information Lack of information is another problem that we encountered. Even though we had met the owner and had an interview with him, yet we still not get much information due to he is already a third generation of people owning this shop. As the generation goes, the lesser acknowledgement about the building they will know.

Figure 1.13 Difficult to obtain accurate measurement due to inaccessible height.

1.4.5 TRADITIONAL MEASURING METHOD

Measuring tape and Bosch laser measuring equipment are the two-main equipment that had been using throughout the entire measuring work onsite (Fig 1.13). The measuring tape was used to measure some details in the building and the distance from one site to another. While laser measuring, the equipment was used to measure some part of the building that is hard for us to reach. An A4 drawing paper had been used together with the laser measuring equipment as a surface for the laser to shoot on it.

Figure 1.14 Measuring tape is used to measure the column.

Due to the difficulties in reaching the top part of the building, we applied a traditional measuring method call trigonometry (Fig 1.16) to measure the height of the front elevation. Student A was standing at the building with the laser measuring equipment (Fig 1.14), then opposite of student A, student B was holding a board (Fig 1.15), laser was then pointed onto the board, distance from the building to the was then recorded. Figure 1.15 Student A points the laser onto the board that student B is holding opposite the building.

Our building

Figure 1.17 Trigonometry formula.

Figure 1.16 Laser was then point towards the board.

1.4.6 INTERNET Internet is one of the method had been used to gather information that cannot be found on site such as the architecture style and the cultural influences of Ang Boutique.

1.4.7 BOOKS We were also getting information from the books in school library such as the architectural elements and culture history background of our building.

1.4.8 INTERVIEWWe had an interview with the tenant Mr. Chong. Through the interview, we get to know about the information such as heritage history and architectural significance of the building. Besides that, we get to know the life story behind the owner and his past generation, about what they have been through in this building and why is it so important about this building to them.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYThe significance of this study is for us to archive the knowledge about significant of the building to accompany the measured drawings and to have a better understanding about the architectural historic and the architectural cultural heritage of the Ang Boutique in Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca.

Our understanding throughout the entire project was supported by the measured drawing and photography we had done for our building, Ang Boutique at Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca. By carrying out investigation of this building, we get to learn about distinct point of view in historical values that influence our site.

2.1 HISTORY OF MALACCA

Malacca is dubbed as "The Historic State", which located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca. Throughout the history, the Straits of Malacca have been a highway for maritime traders and contacts between the East (China) and West (India). The contribution of the multicultural identity is caused by the arisen of the powerful kingdoms and cities, an immigration of the typical traits and the strong influences from far and near.

In late of 14th century the city and the kingdom of Malacca is founded by a Palembang prince, Parameswara from the Kingdom of Srivijaya. It is starting from its humble beginning as a coastal village then rapidly grew to a huge port and emporium under the Malaccan Sultanate. These have drawn attention to the European countries, such as the Portuguese followed by the Dutch and British. The colonial period of Malacca lasted from early 16th to mid-20th century.Figure 2.1 Drawing shows history of Malacca.

Therefore, Malaccas cultural is formed through complicated layering processes of different cultures, ideologies, economies, and ecosystems sustained over for a long extended historical period. It is clearly reflected in intricacy and hybridity in the fabrication of the settlements morphology and the architectural typologies.

2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF MALACCA CITY

2.2.1 The Pre-Colonial Heritage in MalaccaMalacca Sultanate In early 14th century, while under Parameswaras rule, Malacca started to rise from a small fishing village to the great Malay Kingdom. The built form and urban morphology during the Malacca Sultanate are more to coastal type city, where settlements are centred on port areas and along the river banks. This is proven with the construction of buildings and settlements around the palace grounds as well as from other urban elements that are planned and laid out in such meaningful patterns.

Parameswara built his palace on a hill overlooking the Bertam River estuary (known today as Malacca River). This made the palace act as the centre of governance for him to monitor trade activities on the Straits of Malacca. However, there is never a single account in any record recounting the activities of the Malacca sultans in the traditions of fort or settlement construction. This could be because the Malacca rulers never moved away but continued using the Malacca Palace on the Malacca Hill as the seat of their kingdom. Figure 2.3 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.

Figure 2.2 Parameswara and his subrogates.

2.3 The Colonial Heritage of Malacca

Evidence of town planning in the Malay Peninsula started in Malacca in the 15th century. During this century, Malacca was a thriving port of international trade. Early settlements during those days were along land, riverine and coastal routes. The Malacca city landscape changed in the mid-15th century with the construction of fortifications and forts by the Portuguese followed by the Dutch, then the British, that lasted for almost 450 years. The most tangible legacy of the colonial period is a number of buildings which exhibit the architectural styles of the colonists. Besides, Malacca had also experienced the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945.

The Western colonization (The Portuguese, the Dutch & the British) have played vital roles in terms of the historical continuity, physical transformation and the urban geography. They have designed and effectuated the town planning basis and principles with their own ways.Figure 2.4 The timeline of the colonial rule began in Malacca.

2.3.1 THE PORTUGUESE HERITAGE

The construction of the defense fort known as A Famosa has made Malacca city landscape resembled the medieval era of the fortified cities in Europe. A Famosa was built stretching from a location at the foothills down to the river and sea side which make Malacca a walled coastal city. Geographically, the Portuguese conquest did not expand to the entire peninsula as at the time, Malacca was a relatively large state.

Figure 2.5 Plan (n.t.s.) of A Famosa.

2.3.2 THE DUTCH HERITAGE

The Duchess introduced a systematic urban development plan for the city of Malacca, which included roads and transport facilities. They moved the urban structure from the walled section to the north-western suburb, now known as Malacca City. Most of their efforts were spent to rebuild the Malacca city by strengthening it as the military base.

2.3.3 THE BRITISH HERITAGE

British was the most prominent western colonists and have left the highest number of historical antiquities throughout Malaysia. They had also introduced more practical planning activities on towns opened to achieve the locals and the colonists needs. The characteristics of urban forms developed by the British may be presented as follows: main centers are government buildings consisting of large buildings with magnificent architectural style emphasizing the rulers power.

Figure 2.6 Systematic Urban Plan (n.t.s.) by the Duchess.

Figure 2.7 The urban plan (n.t.s.) forms developed by British.

2.4 MALACCA AS UNESCO HERITAGE CITY

Dubbed Malaysias unofficial historic capital, Malacca alongside Georgetown has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008; one of the countrys most unassuming states. Boasting a good blend of historic attractions, from the salmon-pink Stadthuys to the Jonker Walk Night Market, Malacca is also home to a smorgasbord of great food. Both Malacca and George Town, Malaysia, are remarkable examples of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West. These are the most complete surviving historic city centers on the Straits of Malacca with a multi-cultural living heritage originating from the trade routes from Great Britain and Europe through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago to China.Figure 2.8 UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malacca.

Figure 2.9 Stadthuys church, an oldest functioning church in Malaysia.

Figure 2.11 Malacca River.

Figure 2.10 A Portuguese fortress located in Malacca.

2.5 CORE ZONE AND BUFFER ZONE

2.5.1 Core Zone:The Core Zone of the Historic City of Malacca comprises of two major areas: First is St. Paul's Hill Civic Zone which has a number of government buildings, museums, churches, urban square and original fortress town from the 16th century Portuguese and Dutch Period. Second is The Historic Residential and Commercial Zone has more than 600 shop houses, commercial and residential buildings, religious buildings and tombs on four main streets : Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street), Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), Jalan Tokong / Tukang Emas / Tukang Besi and Jalan Kampung Pantai; as well as on four perpendicular streets of Lorong Hang Jebat, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Jalan Hang Lekiu and Jalan Hang Lekir.

INDICATOR:BUFFER ZONECORE ZONE

Figure 2.12 Map (n.t.s) of Core Zone and Buffer Zone.

2.5.2 Buffer Zone:However, the buffer zone is encircling the core zone which bounded by Jalan Munshi Abdullah, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Jalan Kota Laksamana, Jalan Merdeka, parts of Jalan Chan Koon Cheng, the parts of Kampung Banda Kaba. As you can see on the map, Jalan Bunga Raya is located within the buffer zone of the Historic City of Malacca.

JALAN BUNGA RAYA

2.6 JALAN BUNGA RAYALocated exactly 1.0km away from the hub center of Malacca, Jalan Bunga Raya (Hibiscus Street) also known as the Chinatown of Malacca used to be the bustling shopping destination with increased activity when Emporium Malacca started its operation as the first air conditioned and modern era shopping center there.

2.6.1 HOW IT GOT ITS NAME?Based on the local stories, there is an interesting fact behind its name. It all began when Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of Malaya came back from London after obtaining independence from the queen of England. When he marched throughout the whole city relaying the good news to the citizen, he then passed by the un-named street. Since it was the route that Tunku took, the street was then named after the national flower, Jalan Bunga Raya.

Between the 1940s and the early 1970s the road was notorious for its gangs, especially around the once-famous City Park; the area around the towns cluster of movie theatres and the nearby Bunga Raya Pantai village which borders the Malacca River.

2.6.2 DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE OF JALAN BUNGA RAYA

Figure 2.13 Development timeline of Jalan Bunga Raya.

2.7 THE LEGACY OF THE BUILDING @ 120, JALAN BUNGA RAYA

The structure @ 120, Jalan Bunga Raya is currently known as the Ang Boutique. During the site visit, we decided to hold an interview to dig up some information regarding the history of the ownership of the building. Unfortunately, due to the legal rights issues, we could not get a chance to meet the actual owner of the building. The owner could not reveal the identities and all the information were kept as private and confidential. From what we heard, the ownership of the building was actually involving many shareholders amongst family members, so they need to go through some agreements which may took some times before divulging the information to us. However, we managed to interview the tenant of the buildings named Mr. Chong.

Mr. Chong has taken over renting the place for about 60 years. According to him, his father and his late grandparents have rented the building since 1966. At first, the owner of the building wanted to sell the place to them, but since there were many shareholders involved, he decided to remain renting it to them. Besides, Mr. Chong had also leased the place to other tenants, one of them was an old lady that has rent the place with him around the 1960s to 1980s. The old lady had subleased the ground floor to other shop owners and rent the 5 rooms on the first floor for living space. After she passed away, all the old tenants continue renting the place with them.

When the law was renewed, and altered, Mr. Chong raised the rental pricing and some of the old tenants left and new tenants started to rent such as, the clothing shop owners (for about 8 years) and CD shop owners (for about 8 years) and the current one is occupied by the Ang Boutique shop owner which has been there for about 3 years.

Figure 2.14 Interview with Mr. Chong, the tenant.

2.8 GENIUS LOCI OF JALAN BUNGA RAYAIn late of 1800s, this area used to be a fishing settlement as the location is located near the Malacca River. When the road transportation start to introduced in early 1900s, the role of Malacca river as the main transportation route started to fall. This has given an impact to other related shopping activities that succeed alongside the market creating a juxtaposition of different sort of trading activities within the site.

Most of the shop houses in the buffer zone areas are occupied by the Chinese. This can be concluded that the commercial areas are populated by the Chinese since the migration made by the British.

The significant accent of the genius loci in Jalan Bunga Raya is the informal street activities which has been a part of the character in Malacca, as well in all traditional town in Malaysia. This can be seen from the vendors that lining along Jalan Bunga Raya that act as the component characters of the street. These activities have become the source of income for the local trivial traders for the generations, by providing job opportunities to help the livelihood of the lower income group, as well as helping the local people to generate their income.

Figure 2.15 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.

Figure 2.16 The built form during Malacca Sultanate.

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE STYLE OF MALACCA SHOP HOUSESMALACCA SOUTHERN CHINESE ECLECTIC STYLE EARLY STRAITS ECLECTIC STYLE

3.1.1 INTRODUCTIONMalacca shop houses are listed as one of the World Heritage Sites. The shop houses are built in different periods and each of them have distinctive decorative features. These buildings are multifunctional (it can be used for living as well as doing business). They are usually low rise around 2 storeys and are comprised of terraced buildings. These shop houses are strongly associated with Chinese traders and shopkeepers, the term shop houses originated from the Hokkien term tiam-chu the literal meaning of shop and house.

Figure 3.1 Shop houses with Southern Chinese Eclectic Style in Malacca.

DECORATIVE PILASTERS

WOODEN LOUVERED SHUTTER WINDOWS

TERRACOTTA U-SHAPED ROOF TILES

GRANITE EDGE BLOCK

Figure 3.2 Ang Boutique at Jalan Bunga Raya, Malacca.

3.2 ARCHITECTURE STYLE3.2.1 GENERAL / MAIN CHARACTERISTICSNarrow Fronts with deep rears: The structure and shape of the buildings are usually narrow at the front but long at the sides. A narrow rectangle.Usually made from party walls and contains external five-foot way.3.2.2 PARTY WALLA common party wall, acting as the principle load bearing factor of the overall structure, separates two adjoining shop houses. The air well provides natural ventilation and lighting to the interior of the shop house, whereas the rear court is traditionally used as a kitchen and toilet.The party walls that separate most shop houses from their neighbours are generally constructed out of masonry (usually locally manufactured baked clay bricks) and they are structural, load-bearing walls, i.e. they transfer the weight of the roof and upper floors down to the ground. Party walls marked a major shift from traditional timber post-and-beam frame construction of pre-colonial Southeast Asia. Masonry was used to bear the heavy loads, to provide privacy and security and, importantly, to serve as a barrier to the spread of fire in a crowded urban settlement. Modern shop houses use similar materials but additionally include reinforced concrete beams.3.2.3 FIVE FOOT WAYSAn interesting feature of a typical Malacca shop house is its five-foot way. Walkways measuring five feet in width must be built in front of the shop buildings in Malacca, so that they could share a common boundary with the streets.The five-foot ways (kaki lima in Malay and Gor Kar Kee in Hokkien) were meant to have continuous corridors or verandas, sheltered against the tropical sun and rain by the second storeys of the shop houses. The width of five feet, however, was not consistent. Some five-foot ways were wider, others narrower, depending on the types and designs of the shop houses.In the later shop houses, five foot ways were furnished with elaborate aesthetic finishing. Large quantity of mosaic, terracotta and clay tiles were used, and they would sometimes be repeated on the front walls of the shop houses to create a uniform display of patterns.3.2.4 COLUMN/PILLASTER Traditionally shop houses were built with structural (i.e. load bearing) timber beams which carried the weight of the roof and floors. Floor were similarly made of timber planks, often with narrow gaps in between them to allow air to filter through and to help the building (and its inhabitants) to 'breathe' better. The use of timber beams and floor boards was very much in line with local building traditions. Modern shop houses, on the other hand, use reinforced concrete beams and slabs.

Traditional shop houses facade ornamentation draws inspiration from the Malay, Chinese and European traditions. European neo-classical motifs include egg-and-dart mouldings and ionic or Corinthian capitals on decorative pilasters. From the Malay building tradition, elaborate woodwork has been borrowed in the form of carved panels. Fascia boards, louvres, screens and fretwork. Finally, from the Chinese tradition comes mythological motifs like phoenixes as well as butterfly-shaped windows. Other traditions include the use of Peranakan pastel coloured glazed tiles, often with floral or geometric motifs. The degree of a shop houses ornamentation depends on the prosperity of its owner and the surrounding area; shop house facades in cities and (former) boomtowns are generally more elaborate than rural shop houses, which tend to be more Spartan in designIn comparison to traditional shop houses, modern variations through the 1950s up until the 1980s were devoid of ornamental decorations and are more often designed for utilitarian purposes. Beginning the 1990s, the buildings began to adopt postmodern and revival styles.

3.2.5 WOODEN WINDOW STYLETimber framed windows that are designed in the French or Casement style. Some have solid infill panels while others will have operable timber shutters/jalousies to allow for air and light.

What makes these buildings so distinctive are its decorative facades? They come in a variety of colours from off-white to baby blue. The ornaments on said facades includes many different cultures such as from Malay, Chinese, Baba Nyonya as well as European.Figure 3.3 Shop houses style in Malacca.

3.3 GENERAL TIMELINE OF STYLES 3.3.1 EARLY MALACCA STYLE (1790S-1850S) The front faade has a continuous row of panelled/louvered shutters, timber walls and plain masonry pilasters on the upper floor. Indian and Chinese artisans were brought in to build the early shop houses. Attap (roof) was used in the early shop houses but due to fire regulations it was banned and replaced by Chinese clay tiles. The profile of the tiles changed from V shape to U shape over time and they have become smaller and lighter as well. The ornamentation in this style are minimal, but when they were used, they were usually derived from ethnic resources, reflective of the immigrants who built them.

Image 3. Chinese clay style was applied in the building during early Malacca style

Figure 3.4 Early Malacca style with louvered shutters.

3.3.2 SOUTHERN CHINESE ECLECTIC STYLE (1840S-1900S) The front walls were made of masonry that increasingly became more decorative with plastic figures or ceramic renderings. A frieze decoration right below the eaves was added displaying paintings/ceramic shard work. The louvered shutters are remained but either iron or timber grilles were then inserted in the windows. The top parts of the pilasters were often enlarged too support a purlin at the end of the eaves. During the late 19th century, the pilasters then were taller and often decorated with plaster renderings. The southern Chinese architectural details and building materials introduced by Chinese masons began to make an impact on the townscape. The shop houses in this era has less squat and each storey is taller. Designs are simple and use of ornamentation is relatively restrained Chinese Influence: Carved timber door, air vents, gable end, air well. European and Indian influence: Louvered shutters and U/V-shaped terracotta roof tiles

Figure 3.5 Southern Chinese eclectic style of building found in Malacca.

3.3.3 EARLY STRAITS ECLECTIC STYLE (1890S-1910S)The availability of material catalogues and shipping during this period allowed locals to import decorative building materials such as glazed tiles and cast iron from other countries such as Europe. The boom of the rubber industry also encouraged more elaborate and detailed decorative facades.Terra cotta U/V-shaped roof riles and 3-dimensional decorative plaster wall with intensive use of Chinese and European decorations was widely used during this period. The use of full-length louvered windows (Venetians) was also a reoccurring element.Arrangement of windows on the faade comes in two or three to provide maximum ventilation. In later examples, the plain wall surface on the faade are replaced with columns, pilasters or even some grooves to frame the window.

Figure 3.6 Late Straits Eclectic Style building in Malacca.

3.3.4 ART DECO STYLE (1930S-1960S)Most of the shop houses built in this era started to adopt the European style of Art Deco by having long and thin rectangles, circles or continuous horizontal bands on the front faade. Decoration were restrained on the front walls. Reinforced concrete is widely used to create more cantilevered plans, many were placed over windows serving as shading devices. Classical western motifs such as arches and keystones are found and decorative wall tiles from the Eclectic Style has been erased from the faade. Architects paid more attention on proportional beauty and elevational composition with special emphasis on street corners.3.3.5 EARLY MODERN STYLE (1950S-1970S)Features innovative use of thin concrete finds as air vents that are both functional and decorative. Windows are well-proportioned and complement the geometric design of the faade. Around this period, architects move towards functionalism, less ornamentation and the use of modern materials. This style reflects the post-war economic situation and the needs of the middle-class for modern facilities

Figure 3.7 Decoration on front wall.

Figure 3.8 Less ornamentation in the early modern style of building in Malacca.

3.4 ARCHITECTURE STYLE HISTORY OF JALAN BUNGA RAYAAlong the road of Bunga Raya there is a transition from Sourthern Chinese Eclectic style to Art deco and Modern style. The styles can be seen to slowly progress further along the road.

Craftsmen still practices traditional trades but influenced by modern needs and accommodation, they renovated their old shop house to suit their needs.

Similar to the building beside Ang Boutique, businessman with lower model usually use empty space to build a temporary structure to carry out business. This hinders the beauty of the road.

Figure 3.10 Shows makeshift shop lots that cover empty spaces.

Figure 3.9 Shows the combination of modern and traditional shop houses.

Figure 3.11 Shows the five-foot way linking all the shops together.

Figure 3.12 Some buildings have been renovated so much that it contradicts entirely with surrounding shops.

Builders built buildings mindlessly without taking account of the building beside. Seen in this picture, an art deco architecture was built directly next to a southern Chinese eclectic style that have no connection between these two styles, making the buildings faade running along Jalan Bunga Raya irregular and not matching.Figure 3.13 Shows the clash of architecture styles from different periods.

Some architect from the younger generation tried to assimilate modern faade into a historical building that actually spoilt the traditional aesthetics of the road.

Figure 3.14 More Art Deco buildings beside Southern Chinese Eclectic buildings.

Buildings along Jalan Bunga Raya also showcased Late Straits eclectic styles building that are transitioning to Art Deco style that can be seen with decorated columns and pilaster with an art deco styled header.

Figure 3.15 Buildings of varied height.

In this picture, it is most probably that builders did not work together and communicate well with the buildings beside it, as lower buildings are leaning towards the highest shop houses for support. This results in irregular height and produce an inclination on all buildings.

A good example that depicts a row of Art Deco styled buildings that shows a continuous in the facade, producing a rather pleasing pattern.Figure 3.16 Repetitive pattern of building facade.

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4.1 ACCESSIBILITY

Most of the traffic in Malacca is one way, going to that specific location by car or bus required a further journey compared to being on foot. Bus needs to take a detour because of its size and length, the roads are narrow and bus are not allowed to enter after 5pm in certain area.

Figure 4.1 Route (n.t.s.) taken from Hotel Puri Melaka (walk).

Figure 4.2 Route (n.t.s) to Jalan Bunga Raya by car.

4.1.1 ON FOOT Along Jalan Bunga Raya, the shop houses have a pedestrian walkway in front of the stores, called Five Foot Way. These continuous corridors are sheltered against the tropical sun and rain by the overhead second storeys of the shop houses. This allow pedestrians and stores customers to shop without any hassle.

Sometimes, hawkers and other trades can also be found along doing business. Traditional services such as locksmiths, barbers and fortune tellers always tends to find a way to earn some money from ongoing pedestrians.

Figure 4.3 Shows the Five Foot Way linking all the shops together.

4.1.2 VEHICLEMost of the traffic in Malacca is one way, so going to Jalan Bunga Raya by car required a further journey compared to being on foot.

As Malacca is a tourist centre, there is a lot of taxis, beca ride, or even Ubers and Grab car going around the city centre to bring tourist and locals around. For just below RM10 for the taxi fares, traveling to Jalan Bunga Raya without any personal transportation is easy.

4.1.3 PUBLIC TRANSPORTPublic and personal buses need to take a detour around Jalan Bunga Raya because of its size and length, the roads are narrow and bus are not allowed to enter after 5pm in certain areas.

As roads are not wide enough, buses stopping at Jalan Bunga Raya usually will slow down the traffic and cause jams along the road. So, it is not advisable to enter the road with Public Transport.

Figure 4.4 Theres only one way road happen in Malacca city.

Figure 4.5 Transport like beca ride is available all around the town.

4.2 CIRCULATIONJALAN BUNGA RAYA

OUR SITE

Figure 4.6 Map (n.t.s.) of Jalan Kee Ann and Jalan Bunga Raya

4.3 SURROUNDINGS

4.3.1 COMMERCIAL SHOP HOUSESOur site is located among the commercial area so it is mainly consisting of shop houses such as other clothing retailers, hardware stores and etc.

4.3.2 RESTAURANTSThere are restaurants surrounding our site as our site located among commercial blocks which offer daily supplies such as food chains and vendors from different races. Most of them are Indian food.

4.3.3 RESIDENTIAL Most residential are located at first floors of the shop houses. Usually they are inhabited by the shop owners and their families or tenants.

4.3.4 ABANDONED Some shop houses are abandoned and untidy, they look more worn than other shop houses which opens every day and often stand out.

4.3.5 RELIGIOUS PLACESThere is a local mosque nearby our site where the local Muslims frequent. It can be seen from our site.4.3.6 SHOPPING MALLThere is a shopping mall near our site, it is not very big but there is many traffic every day from the local people because they offer more things compared to other places.JALAN BUNGA RAYA

OUR SITE

Figure 4.7 Map (n.t.s.) shows our site and Jalan Bunga Raya road we used to access our site.

4.4 ZONINGBrown - HotelBlack - Abandoned Orange - Restaurant Blue - Commercial blockDark blue - MallGreen - ResidentialRed Our site

Figure 4.8 Zoning Map (n.t.s.) that shows type of shops surrounding Ang Boutique.

5.1 SPATIAL PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

In a traditional Malaccan shop houses, the ground floor usually serves as the business area while the level above is used for residential and living purposes. As for our site, the Ang Boutique, most of the ground floor is used to conduct their boutique business and also as a storage area, whereas the first floor is completely abandoned and disused. Since the owner of the business does not live in the shop house itself, the first floor which is the residential area of the building became obsolete. However, it is safe to assume that the first floor of the building once served its originally intended purpose before being left to its current dilapidated state.

5.2 SPATIAL LAYOUT

Traditionally, most shop houses have similar terraced layouts with narrow fronts and deep rears. This is largely due to the fact that buildings were historically taxed according to street frontage rather than total area, encouraging people to build narrow and deeply near town centers. Shop houses are generally low-level buildings with two to three stories due to constraints in construction technology at the time. All these factors have greatly influenced the general layout of these shop houses. Due to the fact that the shop houses are terraced with narrow fronts and deep rears, there is little space in the buildings facades for windows and openings. Therefore, air wells and inner courtyards were implemented to allow the much-needed natural light and ventilation, especially considering the lack of electricity during that period. The deep and narrow nature of these buildings have also influenced the circulation of these structures, making it much more linear.

5.3 SPATIAL USAGE (GROUND FLOOR)Currently, much of the ground floor of the main building is used as the premises to conduct the boutique business that has rented the building for the past 3 years. Prior to the current Ang boutique, another clothing shop named 26 Collection occupied the store for 8 years. It is believed that this part of the building has always housed businesses of all sorts and will probably continue to do so in the near future. 5.3.1 Shop - The frontal area of the ground floor is mainly occupied by the shop or business. The shop is long and deep, making it thelargest space within the shop house. Figure 5.1 The shop during business hours.

5.3.2 Corridor - A portion of the main building that has been separated from the store area to form hallways leading to the rear court and the staircase that connects to the first floor. 5.3.3 Kitchen - The small room at the entrance to the rear court is assumed to be used as a kitchen area in the past due to the placement of a chimney on the roof directly above it and its proximity to a large sink next

to the entrance. It is also placed at the rear court which was traditionally used for functional needs such as the kitchen and toilet.

Figure 5.2 The corridor leading to the stairs.

Figure 5.3 The kitchen is now used as a storage area.

5.3.4 Rear Court - The actual open area of the rear court serves as an area for various activities such as clothes drying and other outdoor chores. The rear court also featured a back entrance which allowed easy access to the back alley. 5.3.5 Bathroom & Toilet - At the end of the rear court lies two small rooms, the bathroom and toilet. Unlike modern houses, old shop houses and townhouses usually have separate rooms for toilets and showers. This is due to the practice of separating the clean area from the dirty area. While the layout remains mostly the same, the usage of the ground floor spaces has changed throughout the years. The kitchen, rear court and toilet areas have become disused and piled with unwanted materials. This is because the business owners have not actually lived in the shop houses themselves for many years. Unless the owners take the effort to revitalize the dilapidated sections of the building, the situation will continue and probably worsen in the future.

Figure 5.5 Bathroom at the end of the rear court is no longer used.

Figure 5.4 The rear court seemingly neglectedfor many years.

Figure 5.6 Toilet separated from the bathroom next to it.

5.3.6 GROUND FLOOR SPATIAL USAGE PLAN

Figure 5.7 Ground floor spatial usage plan (n.t.s.).

1. Shop4. Rear Court2. Corridor5. Bathroom3. Kitchen Area6. Toilet

5.4 SPATIAL USAGE (FIRST FLOOR)The first floor of traditional Malaccan shop houses serve as the living quarters for the tenants of the building, usually the owners of the shop below and their families. Our shop house was also built with a first floor for living accommodations, however it has long since been abandoned and no longer serves its purpose. 5.4.1 Bedroom I - The long and spacious room at the front of the shop house is traditionally the main and most important bedroom, since it is facing the street. This concept continues to be implemented in modern terrace houses as well. It is usually occupied by the head of the family or the business owner.5.4.2 Corridors - After the bedroom is the corridor that leads to the rear of the building. The two corridors surround an air well which is very important in providing natural light and ventilation to the entire first floor. It is situated in the middle of the building so that the central part of the building which is far away from windows and openings can have a good amount of sunlight and ventilation

Figure 5.8 Bedroom I facing the street.

Figure 5.9 Corridor leading to the rooms behind.

5.4.3 Bedroom II - The next room is the secondary or less prominent bedroom which also houses the staircase that leads to the ground floor. It is also important for circulation from the ground floor to the rest of the first floor.5.4.4 Terrace & Bathroom - Outside of the bedroom is the open terrace that acts as a balcony and also a transition between the bathroom and the rest of the living quarters. This separation between the toilet areas and the main building is quite common in shop house. The first-floor bathroom greatly conveniences the residents as it is nearer to their living quarters.While these were the original intended uses of the spaces in the first floor, they have long been disused due to the fact that recent business owners do not fancy staying in their own shop houses anymore. Renting as accommodation to other people is also no longer an option since people are unwilling to stay at these old shop houses when there are newer, more modern buildings available. Therefore, it is not likely that the first floor will be occupied and serve its original purpose in the near future unless it is completely renovated and refurbished.

Figure 5.10 Staircase leading up to bedroom II.

Figure 5.11 The Terrace and Bathroom.

5.4.5 FIRST FLOOR SPATIAL USAGE PLANFigure 5.12 First floor spatial usage plan (n.t.s.).

1. Room I4. Air Well7. Bathroom2. Corridor I5. Room II8. Rear Court3. Corridor II6. Terrace9. Bathroom and Toilet

5.5 DEFINING OF SPACESSeveral building elements were used to separate and determine the spaces within the building. Public and private spaces were clearly defined, for example using plaster partition walls to separate the semi-public business area from the rest of the private areas. Differences in floor height also helped to define the usage of spaces within the shop house, especially between closed and open spaces. This includes high thresholds under doorways between indoor and outdoor spaces.5.6 CIRCULATIONInstead of a doorway, the entrance to the shop house is a large opening that covers almost the entire front wall of the ground floor. This is to provide ease of access into the shop like most modern storefronts. An exit is also located at the rear courtyard of the ground floor which leads to a back alley. The circulation within the building is very linear which is very common in traditional shop houses. This is influenced by the deep and narrow layout of the building as earlier mentioned. There is also vertical circulation between the two floors of the building through the only staircase in the building. Due to the living area of the shop house being disused and uninhabited, circulation in the staircase and the entire first floor is very minimal.

Figure 5.13 Use of partition wall to separate shop area from the private areas.

Figure 5.14 Higher floor height in indoor / closed spaces.

5.6.1 GROUND FLOOR CIRCULATION PLANFigure 5.15 Ground floor circulation plan (n.t.s.) with images.

5.6.2 FIRST FLOOR CIRCULATION PLAN

Figure 5.16 First floor circulation plan (n.t.s.) with images.

5.7 NATURAL VENTILATION AND LIGHTING

Ventilation is a very important aspect of all buildings especially shop houses due to their deep, narrow and terraced nature. It serves the function of removing excessive moisture and dampness while bringing in fresh air through air circulation. Natural light is equally as important, providing the shop house tenants with better vision, atmosphere and views. Due to the linear layout influenced by the deep and narrow plan, ventilation between rooms is essential to provide all areas of the building with comfort and proper lighting. Since both sides of the shop house are usually occupied by the adjacent building, windows and openings on the front and back facades are not enough to provide the entire structure with sufficient light and ventilation. Therefore, traditional shop houses like this utilise various architectural elements to ensure brightness and air movement throughout the building.

5.7.1 NATURAL WIND

Figure 5.17 Circulation of winds inside Ang Boutique.

5.7.2 NATURAL LIGHTING

Figure 5.18 Natural lighting that passes into Ang Boutique.

5.8 ELEMENTS OF NATURAL VENTILATION & LIGHTING5.8.1 Air wells - Air wells are courtyards that are exposed to the sky, they provide natural ventilation and lighting to the interior of the shop house They facilitate a comfortable indoor environment in our tropical climate.5.8.2 Louvered screen panels - They are installed above doors and windows throughout the shop house to allow some air ventilation between inside and outside and also within rooms as well. 5.8.3 Air vents - Air vents are small holes that are usually found on the walls of the toilets to keep the area fresh from moisture and odours, while providing the necessary privacy at the same time.

5.8.4 Windows - The windows can be found at the front and back facades of the building as well as surrounding the air well. Wooden louvered windows were used originally, however some of them have since been replaced by newer, glass sliding windows.

Figure 5.20 Louvered screen panels.Figure 5.19 Air Wells.

Figure 5.21 Air vents.Figure 5.22 Windows.

5.9 COMPARISONThe Ang Boutique shop house design and style not totally based on Dutch. The Ang Boutique shop house was influenced by the combination of Chinese, Dutch and a little of Malay style. The Chinese architectural style is normally found in the decorative elements of the shop house for example, the air ventilation hole and the functional elements such as the door threshold. As for the design of the symmetry and panel is come from Dutch. The arrangement of the shutter windows as the rectangular is reflect from the Dutch concept. As for the Malay influence are seen in the shutter windows and the spatial arrangement also reflect the traditional Malay concept of privacy which can be seen by the residential spaces which are located on first floor which create privacy.

Figure 5.23 Chinese influenced architecture.

Figure 5.24 Dutch concept rectangular shutter window.

The Bedroom of the Ang Boutique is located on the first floor which protect their privacy to prevent others from peeping their privacy. As for the bathroom, it is located outside of the building. The layout of separate the toilet and the main building is based on the Ancient Chinese style. The Chinese believed that the main building is clean area whereas the toilet and bathroom are dirty area. They believe that the toilet has dirty thing because toilet is fill with unwanted stuff.

As for the cashier to place under the stairs because of the Qi. Qi is a polynemoids word which come from Chinese dictionary which they called Hanyu Da Zidian lists one meaning "present food or provisions". The Qi could flow freely through the stairs make them get more money. Their layout of the stairs is same as the Chinese believes. The Chinese believe that the Qi is a thing that could blow wealth to us. Thats why they believe that stairs have the most Qi so they put the cashier or money collector below the stairs.

Figure 5.25 Toilet located at backyard of Ang Boutique.

Figure 5.26 Cashier at Ang Boutique was located below the stairs because Chinese people believe this can bring them wealth.

6.1 ELEMENTS

The elements found in Ang Boutique is an eclectic mix of different cultures which reflect on the rich architectural history of the building. The elements vary their roots from Southern Chinese, Traditional Malay as well as Colonial architecture which come together harmoniously to complement the original Dutch form of the building, turning it into the Straits Eclectic styled building as it current is.

The elements exist there due to a variety of reasons. Some of the elements exist there as a practical response to the tropical climate. There are also some elements that exist there because they were suited to the users taste in aesthetic which strongly displays the way new elements of completely dissimilar culture background can adapt and blend harmoniously into the existing structure. Another interesting factor is the adaptation of time in which some of the original elements were removed and replaced with new elements that suit the current function of the building and is relevant to the present day.

When the elements are observed individually, they each tell a story of the culture and architecture of the background that they came from. The elements also give some observers consider the lifestyle and needs of the current and previous owners of the building. However, when the elements are looked together as a whole, they narrate the history of the whole building itself, allowing visitors to immerse themselves into a space that is of different time periods.

6.2 FIVE FOOT WAY 6.2.1 HISTORYThe earliest form of the Five-Foot Way originated from the southern region of China. When arcade dwellings, with their function similar to the shop lots in Malacca were introduced in South China, shaded public pavements were one of the prominent elements that became established. Arcade dwellings had a minimum of two floors and the front part of the first floor was commonly known as the pillar corridor. It got its name because it had a pillar on both sides of the area and was shaded by the upper floor that extended over the pillars. Every arcade dwelling in South China had the pillar corridor and because the buildings were connected to each other, it resulted in the pillar corridors linking together, forming a continuous public pavement. South China had a hot and rainy climate, which meant the pillar corridors were very useful as a place for shoppers to hide from the heat of the sun as well as the falling rain. The introduction of this element encouraged more people to go shopping at the arcade dwellings, which improved business and boosted the economy of that area. Both owners of the arcade dwellers and shoppers were very fond of the pillar corridors.

Figure 6.1 The arcade dwellings in Tangkou Town, Kaiping which feature a continuous stretch of pillar corridors.

Figure 6.2 The arcade dwellings in Chikan Commercial Street, Kaiping which also feature the pillar corridors.

6.2.2 FIVE FOOT WAY

The first most noticeable element of the building would be its Five-Foot Way, which is a covered walkway in front of the building. This walkway is linked to the walkways of the all the adjacent shop houses in the same street, resulting in a linear form of circulation for visitors protecting themselves from the sun and heat while traveling from shop to shop under the shade of the walkway.

Figure 6.3 View of five foot ways of shop houses opposite of Ang Boutique.

Figure 6.4 Five-foot way of Ang Boutique.

6.2.3 DESCRIPTION The five-foot way of our building formed by the set back of the frontage of the ground floor. The first floor ends up providing shade to the area under it as it rests above the pillar corridor. The five-foot way of our building features an arched opening in which is identical to all the openings of the connected shop lots down the street. Thick, sturdy pilasters make up the pillar corridor. It has a width of 7 foot, contrary to its name, and this width includes the area from the frontage of the buildings ground floor to the area where the pilasters stand. The five-foot way has tiled flooring and a plastered ceiling. It is further shaded by the metal plated fringe roof that extends beyond it. Figure 6.5 Red box in the plan (n.t.s.) indicates five-foot way of a building.

The height of the five-foot way is the height of the ground floor, and a consistent height is maintained throughout the five-foot ways of all the shop lots down the street. This gives people a visual sense of consistent verticality and continuity in circulation as there is no visual obstruction when a person stands in the middle of the walkway and looks ahead.

6.2.4 CULTURAL CONTEXT The five-foot way is a significant reflection on the influence of Southern Chinas architecture worldwide. The shaded public pavements of the arcade dwellings soon proved to be a favoured element in shop houses architecture, and spread to the western regions of the world. It became a common characteristic found in many shop houses in South East Asia such as Indonesia and Singapore due to the colonization of the British and the Dutch who brought this element to be included in the construction of shop houses. The five-foot way of our building reflects this history of colonization by the Dutch. The arched openings which were typical of Portuguese architecture reflected on the first colonial invasion in Malacca, and subtly reminds people the influence of Portuguese on Malacca which was not to be forgotten. The five-foot way is also an indication of the shop house culture that exists worldwide, which is to shade people from the natural elements and allow shoppers a pleasant time walking along the shop houses. Figure 6.7 The openings of the five-foot way in Ang Boutique featuring the Portuguese arch.

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Figure 6.6 Viceroys Arch in India, an example of the Portuguese infusion of their arches into the architecture.

6.2.5 COMPARISONThe five-foot way found in Ang Boutique bears similarities with the shaded public pavements found in the southern region of China in the formation of it through the recession of the frontage of the ground floor. However, it differs in the way that most of the arcade dwellings in South China were of three- storey heights, with the residential floor being the one to extend over the pillar corridor and provide shade. Usually the residential floor would be on the second floor which extends over, resulting in a much greater height of the shaded public pavement. Our building has only 2 storeys which was typical in the architecture of Malaccan shop houses, and the first floor is the one that extends over to shade the five-foot way, which gives it a shorter height. This feature is like the five-foot ways of shop houses in East Asia, as the first floor of the buildings extend over the pillar corridors of shop houses in Penang, Indonesia and Singapore regardless of the amount of storeys present in the building. This is because Stamford Raffles had a specified height of the five-foot way which was 33.5 centimetres during the period of British colonization in Singapore, which is why most of the shop houses in areas that had been colonized strived to have the height of their five-foot ways be as close to this height as possible.

Figure 6.8 Shop houses in Singapore that feature five foot ways shaded by the first floor even though there are 3 storeys.

Figure 6.9 Shop houses in Kaiping, South China that show the second floor providing shade for the five-foot way.

The next component of the five-foot way to be compared would be the pilasters that make up with pillar corridors. These were mostly like the ones found in the pillar corridors of South China where the influences of western architecture were prominent on the pilasters, especially the capitals that were of Greek or Roman styles. Traditionally Chinese pillars would be round but the symbiosis of eastern and western architecture resulted in the use of pilasters, which were squares or rectangular with sharp corners. This symbiosis was exactly like the fusion of Colonial and local styles found in our building, which is the same throughout the pillar corridors of East Asian shop houses such as Indonesia and Singapore that have the similar history of being colonized by Western forces. Another comparison that can be made is the period that the building was constructed. Different periods result in a different formation of the five-foot way. Our building is like most of the buildings built after the Dutch Shop house Style, where the recession of the frontage of the ground floor formed the five-foot way. Shop houses that were built during the Dutch Style period have setback frontages in which a fringe roof would shade the five-foot way. This type of five-foot way formation is commonly found in areas that have once been colonized by the Dutch.

Figure 6.10 The pillar corridors in Kaiping, South China that feature pilasters with Roman ornamentation and cornices.

Figure 6.11 An early Dutch style building in Malacca with a fringe roof covering the five-foot way.

6.3 STAIRCASE

6.3.1 HISTORYStaircases go a long way back in history as one of the earliest architectural element found in ancient civilizations. The earliest form of stairs was discovered at the buildings of Knossos, an archaeological site and former city located in Crete, Greece. Stairs during that period were introduced for the only intention of circulation between two areas of different levels. Because of that, the form, materiality and design of stairs remained rather similar throughout the periods in ancient civilization.It was when architecture became a form of art and started to focus on aesthetics rather than only on function that stairs became more varied in materials and components. As the form of buildings started to change, so did the form of staircases. Although the origin of quarter turn stairs is unknown, it is known that the reason this type of stairs were introduced was because there was a need for stairs to reach a certain height with a short but wide base. It is one of the common types of stairs to be used in Strait Eclectic Shop houses due to the configuration of space and the plan of the buildings which were very long and narrow.

Figure 6.12 The stairway found in the palace of Knossos, Greece.

Figure 6.13 Stairways found in Siguiriya which featured the same monolithic use of material.

6.3.2 STAIRCASE

The staircase is one of the most functional element in the building for means of circulation. It is used to travel from the ground floor to the first floor. Because there are only 2 storeys in the building, only one staircase is present. It is plain and hidden from the public eye, but it is very rarely used currently due to the lack of usage in first floor.

Figure 6.14 Concrete stairs of Ang Boutique.

Figure 6.15 Wooden stairs of Ang Boutique.

6.3.3 DESCRIPTIONThe one and only staircase present within the building is a simple quarter turn staircase which has several other names such as the dog-leg stairs and L shaped stair. The first flight of stairs in this building are ascended to a half landing while the second flight of stairs continue from that half landing and ascend straight to the upper floor at a 90-degree angle turn. One interesting characteristic of the staircase in our building is that it combines two separate stairs of different materials, which is different from the usual quarter turn stairs that maintain the same usage of materials throughout the different flights.The first flight of stairs is built in-situ concrete stairs, and they have a total of 8 steps. They extend to the half landing which is made of wood and framed by railings like the second flight of stairs, which is also made of wood. This staircase is more complete in terms of components as compared to the concrete stairs. It has a total of 14 steps which ascends straight to the first floor of the building. The staircase is located at the corridor on the left side of the building, which is not open to the public eye and is only accessed by the buildings owner.

Figure 6.16 A combination of concrete and wooden staircase.

6.3.4 CULTURAL CONTEXTThe wooden flight of stairs in our building is very heavily influenced by the common Dutch stairs form. The stairs found in the old houses located at the Netherlands were known for their dangerously steep stairs, which became gradually gentler throughout the progression of time. The reason for this was because houses in Amsterdam were kept very narrow to avoid the tax for heavy pile driving work required of the buildings there. These taxes were charges according to the width of the building, which resulted in buildings becoming very narrow. Owners had to maximize their floor space by constructing long and steep stairs. This culture was brought and introduced into our building which resulted in a very steep staircase that would have violated the safety regulations of modern times.The absence of risers in the wooden stairs of our building however, are typical of traditional Malay style. Traditional Malay stairs are very minimal in their components and usually feature a flight of steps consisting of wooden planks as the threads, supported only by wooden outer stringers on both sides. The wooden staircase in our building reflected on the incorporation of local traditional architecture and materials along with colonial practices and form to produce an interesting hybrid of styles in a common architectural element. Figure 6.18 The staircase of Ang Boutique is steep.

Figure 6.17 The dangerously steep staircase of a traditional Dutch home.

Figure 6.19 The absence of risers in the wooden staircase of Ang Boutique.

Figure 6.20 Staircase without risers or railings.

COMPONENTS PRESENT

CONCRETE STAIRSWOODEN STAIRS

Thread Thread

RiserHandrail

Baluster

Ornament

Newel

Skirt Board

Figure 6.21 Components present on concrete stairs and wooden stairs.

Figure 6.22 Location of wooden staircase as seen from first floor plan (n.t.s.).

Figure 6.23 Location of concrete and wooden staircase as seen from ground floor plan (n.t.s.).

Figure 6.22 Location of wooden staircase as seen from first floor plan.

6.3.5 COMPARISON Concrete staircaseThe concrete stairs are located at the corridor in the ground floor. The total width of the staircase is the same as the width of the corridor. That size is just enough for 2 people to go up the stairs at once as the space is rather narrow and cramped. As this stair, it does not lead to great heights, there is no need for the presence of handrails. People can lean on the walls on both sides for support if they need it and it is quite safe as the walls are right beside the stairs and the thread is of ample size to provide stability for the person who steps on it. The concrete stairs were cast in situ and they were done quite roughly as the dimensions varied for each step. Wooden staircase The wooden stairs are a continuation of the concrete stairs to help the user travel to the first floor. These stairs are slightly narrower than the concrete stairs and the construction is quite dated making it not as safe for several people to travel up the stairs at once. People have to lean heavily on the handrails on both sides for support as the stairs are very steep as compared to the average recommended angle of elevation for stairs. The steepness of the stairs allows it to reach the upper floor without taking up too much floor space.

Figure 6.24 Wooden staircase.

Figure 6.25 Concrete staircase.

6.4 BALUSTRADES The balustrades found in the railings of the wooden staircase also display the Dutch architecture through the consistency and repetition of pattern and size of the individual balusters. Traditional Dutch balustrades stayed clear of intricate motifs and ornamentation. Instead, they favoured the simplicity of clean, straight and vertical balusters that were arranged in an orderly manner. The newel cap however, displayed Chinese influences which are clearly seen through the intricate arrangement of the triangular shape to form a ball of symmetry and geometry typical of Chinese ornaments. This little detail in the stairs make a big statement on the adaptation of Chinese tastes into the existing form.The staircase is also a reflection of the abrupt transition from the original architecture of the building to the modern-day architecture which also occurs in the first and ground floor of the building. The wooden staircase represents the original building as it was an original component of the building. The concrete stairs reflect on the modern architecture occurring in the ground floor as they were cast there in effort to replace the flight of stairs that had been broken there. The replacement of concrete over wood as choice of material also showed the owners focus on function and safety more than keeping the original essence of the building.

Figure 6.27 The newel cap of Ang Boutiques wooden stairs.

Figure 6.26 Simple vertical balustrades on the railings of a Dutch house.

Figure 6.28 The Chinese geometrical arrangement found even in the traditional handmade red packet lanterns.

Figure 6.29 The balustrades of railings feature similar shape.

6.4.1 COMPARISON

Comparison of the staircase in our building can be made with the stairs of shop houses built during the Late Straits Eclectic period. The biggest difference is the type of stairs used, in which our building followed the typical Early Straits Eclectic style and utilized the quarter turn stairs for functionality while Late Straits Eclectic shop houses employed spiral staircases for a similar function with the added grandeur in aesthetics. The staircase in our building is made of wood and concrete which are economical and practical while the spiral stairs of Late Straits Eclectic style featured a wide variety of materials, namely iron, marble, concrete and wood. Some of the spiral stairs showed a combination of different materials in their components, which brought out the individual tastes of the owners. A common feature in Late Straits Eclectic stairs was the tiling of the risers or threads with glazed porcelain tiles that had intricate drawings and patterns. Such details were absent in the plain and simple staircase found in our building. The magnificent spiral staircases were often located and proudly displayed at an area that was easily seen by the visitors of the building, unlike the staircase in our building which was kept hidden away in the private corridor. Figure 6.30 An intricate wrought iron staircase found in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang.

Image 1.3: An intricate wrought iron staircase found in Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang.

Figure 6.31 The risers of a Late Eclectic staircase covered with glazed porcelain tiles, with wooden threads along with a wrought iron railing.

6.5 WOODEN SHUTTER DOORS 6.5.1 HISTORY Shutters originated from Ancient Greece, who invented it as a practical solution and response to the Mediterranean climate that made the interior of bui