Adaptation of Malay traditional house design features for new development in Masjid Tanah, Melaka

Abstract

The rapid development in Malaysia led many heritage area has been forgotten. Among them are the ancient town of Masjid Tanah, Melakawhich increasingly gloomy and there were plans to demolish several historic buildings in by the local communities. The existence of the colonial heritage buildings in areas was not appreciated because it is not the identity of local communities. Therefore, an initiative should be taken to bring back the focus of community by bringing their culture in this area as well as it can cultivate the appreciation to the existing historical building. Initiative to adapt the architecture of Malay traditional houses into contemporary buildings is the best way to make this work.The characteristic of traditional architecture generates a congenial place through a sympathetic design to its cultural environment and local people. The objective of this study was to study about citizen’s perceptions to the existing architecture in Masjid Tanah, to study about professional’s perception to the Malay traditional house architecture and to explore possible adaptation elements of Malay traditional house into contemporary buildings. This study uses three methods of quantitative research, qualitative, and through case studies.The findings showed that most residents of Masjid Tanah still prefer in traditional design stated by quantitative methodologies carried out. Qualitative methods show that professionals recognize that the traditional architecture was still raleven to be adapted. Case studies method found some similarities in characteristics of existing buildings in the study area and Malay traditional architecture. With the successful execution of this study, it is expected that the focus of the public will be back again in the old town of Masjid Tanah and appreciation of the historical value can be fueled.