Jalan Sultan | A Kaleidoscope of Colours

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOURS

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Copyright Š 2014 All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the editor except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Photobook for Case Study: Jalan Sultan B.Sc Architecture | Taylor’s University | School of Architecture and Built Design ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan Edited by Alexis Oh Contributors:Sylvia Kwan 0311790 Janet Pung Jia Chyi 0309585 Delaney Tang Hui Ying 0312089 Astriyani 0311678 Alexis Oh Keng Yee 0312501

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

ka·lei·do·scope \kəˈlīdəˌskōp\ noun a constantly changing pattern or sequence of objects or elements.

col·our \ˈkə-lər\ noun The colours red, yellow, and blue, known as primary colours, can be combined in varying proportions to produce all other colours.

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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et in the epicentre of Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan is a melting pot of culture and history. Every facet of the street speaks in symbols that can be interpreted in so many ways that although the actual image is clear enough, the interpretation is infinitely blurred.

Unbeknownst to many, Jalan Sultan was the result of the British’s involvement in establishing territories during the period of colonization.

The street was originally stretched all the way to Medan Prasarana (where the Bar Council is currently located) but then was shortened as the land reacquired for further development.

The development saw the influx of the Chinese population in that area, resulting in many of the buildings we see today with influences from the Chinese Culture. However, as Malaysia progresses, the street is seeing more and more diversity, embracing every new individual into its roads.

In an attempt to compartmentalize the findings of the Jalan Sultan case study, the street and its inhabitants have been dissected to provide a silent dialogue between the reader and the subject in the photographs. This silent conversation will be captured in a series of vignettes, each showcasing an underlying tone. The colour palette included will act as a sort of visual aid, to bring to attention the varying depths of tone as well as the repetitive nature of the conversation.

The interpretation of what these colours mean are open ended but a short caption will be presented to offer light-hearted banter and, contrastingly enough, thought provoking one-liners.

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Whilst the title indicates that there are infinite colours along the historical street, the primary colours of red, blue and yellow were chosen because these are the basis upon which all subsequent colours found on the streets builds upon. It is by overlapping layer upon layer of these three base colours that the plethora of tones are formed; it is from these three colours that a kaleidoscope is produced.

The photo book is segmented into four parts, each with a different focus. However, there is a datum that runs across these four parts – the history. The street has stood witness to the growth of its inhabitants and the evidence of its witness account courses through its veins. The history and memory of the place is so rich and pulses throughout the street, seeping into every crack and crevice. It is there, plain as day, we only need to look.

It is our hope that you, the reader, will form a connection with the imagery, but more importantly, see the story we are trying to tell behind this photo book. It is one of memories, both bitter and sweet. Our lives are defined not by where we come from, but from what we have experienced. In some sense, these images are a juxtaposition of themselves, because while they are so obviously rich in colour, they are devoid of them as well. We strongly believe that photographs act as mirrors, they reflect the individual and his or her experiences. Put yourselves into these images and the colours will seep back in the photos and flood your line of sight with history so rich, it will be impossible to ignore.

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

ur·ban·i·ty \ ˌərˈbanitē\ noun a study of people and their context

Lottery The gambling culture in modern life is extremely strong�

Delaney Tang

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Observer An artist converying his observations of the street through sketches Alexis Oh

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Tourist “Do I look good?”

Alexis Oh

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Lifelong Worker Working is an intrinsic part of existance Delaney Tang Spirit Disability is not an excuse�

Astriyani

Hidden A cage or a display rack? No one knows Janet Pung

Life Wokring hard since morning�

Astriyani

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

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Peeking A temporary escape from the bubble of a construction site Alexis Oh

Yawn There is no rest for the weary Alexis Oh

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Rinse The end of a day’s work Janet Pung

In Between A makeshift space is formed by using the spcae in between two existing buildings Alexis Oh ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Shopping “So cheap”” Astriyani

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Attached Happiness is when we have each other Astriyani

Family Day Another day together, another street to traverse�

Astriyani

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Overloaded It’s a workout.

Delaney Tang

Fitting In We alll have problems fitting in sometimes.”

Sylvia Kwan

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Peek Urban life is about seeing and being seen.�

Astriayni ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Strut Not a typical catwalk.”

Astriyani

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Suspicion Caution is key.”

Delaney Tang Congo Line Nobody gets left behind” Delaney Tang

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Piggy Back The world from a different vantage point” Delaney Tang

Transportation Moving people around” Astriyani

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

so·ci·e·ty \ˌsēmēˈätiks,\ noun a study of signs and the

Opposites The two way direction of traffic highlights the opposing movement witnessed by the surrounding buildings daily Alexis Oh ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Cord Attached Memories pasted on” Janet Pung

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Embossed Inheritance of culture in the form of signage” Sylvia Kwan

Multilingual Signiage in variious languages, showcasing the diverse culture of the place” Janet Pung

We’re Hiring Job available, enquire inside” Janet Pung

Thirst Top grade sugar cane” Janet Pung

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Advertisement Is it a form of vandalism?�

Sylvia Kwan

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Cross Here The historical street is scattered with modern traffic signs, creating a juxtaposition between the old and the new�

Alexis Oh

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‘Bakwa’ by Day Non-Halal” Sylvia Kwan

‘Bakwa’ by Night A night time reprieve for the hungry” Sylvia Kwan

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Old New Facades of shophouses maintained for their heritage�

Janet Pung

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

so·ci·e·ty \səˈsīətē\ noun a container of culture, history & memory

Open Shut(ter) Three shuttered windows reminiscnent of the prominent art deco period in KL Janet Pung

Aging Will the heritage perish with time?�

Sylvia Kwan

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Curiosity The repetitive nature of curiosity in onlookers juxtaposed with the indifference of the man Alexis Oh

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Portal 5 ft walkways feature heavily in the architecture of Jalan Sultan, creating an illusion of movement Alexis Oh

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Layers Broken tile peels back layers of the street’s past, showing what was there before.

Alexis Oh

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Waiting An empty round table waiting for a human presence” Janet Pung

Freedom Awaiting the day they will be released ” Sylvia Kwan

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Integration The merging of old and new�

Delaney Tang ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

24-hours An internet cafe is a tenant on the top floor of this old heritage building�

Sylvia Kwan

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Festive A year round atmosphere here�

Delaney Tang

Jelly Herbal Jelly is known for its cooling properties and are a part of the chinese culture�

Astriyani

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

e·vent \iˈvent\ noun a thing that happens, especially one of importance.

Lights, Lights, Lights The streets do not sleep�

Sylvia Kwan

Hunger Never Sleeps Food all day every day Sylvia Kwan

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Jalan Sultan The night scene is alive but quiet�

Janet Pung Onlooking Chinatown Contrastingly, the adjacent street is packed with life and vigour�

Delaney Tang

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Preservation There is an awareness and effort is being made to ensure the heritage is preserved�

Astriyani Negotiation Bargaining is a major event in these parts�

Sylvia Kwan

ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

URBANITY: A STUDY OF PEOPLE & THEIR CONTEXT

Eat to Live Food is another main event in this street” Delaney Tang Daily Chore Vendors setting up their stalls for the night” Sylvia Kwan

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ARC 2234 | Asian Architecture | Case Study: Jalan Sultan

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Every form is a base for colour, every colour is the attribute of a form .

Victor Vasarely