Identity, tradition and the city: Dichotomies and realities of creating an Urban language of the Malay palace
This paper highlights a case study, its critical issues and the processes encountered in the evolution and development of its urbanised grammar. In deriving a localised language in which traditional forms are fused and transmuted into masonry architecture, the case study of the "Istana Negar...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
Malaysian Institute of Planners
2018
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/66175/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66175/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66175/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/66175/1/66175%20Identity%2C%20tradition%20and%20the%20city.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/66175/2/66175%20Identity%2C%20tradition%20and%20the%20city%20SCOPUS.pdf |
| Summary: | This paper highlights a case study, its critical issues and the processes
encountered in the evolution and development of its urbanised grammar. In
deriving a localised language in which traditional forms are fused and transmuted
into masonry architecture, the case study of the "Istana Negara" Palace is a case
in point. The issues triggered within the design process, including how to
represent a universal Malaysian identity reflecting Malay Asian character with
Islamic vocabulary are explored. The difficulties and realities of transmuting and
integrating such vocabulary to express and configure public masonry buildings
are discussed. As an icon for the city, the palace must reconcile its scale with a
clear localised vocabulary to fulfil the symbolic nature of the design. The
conflicts and dichotomies encountered include three aspects: 1) The dome vs
pitch form as an icon for the city (from afar) and the need for a strong roof
silhouette 2) the local grammar and language including the pedestal and
architrave vocabulary and elements 3) the difficulty of proportionate form. The
research points to the necessity and urgency of developing a set of compositional
rules and elements of the language of Malay urban architectural identity derived
from the essences of tradition and regional form. |
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