It was in the 19th century in which the start for a new state took place. The Chinese Ngee Heng clan held by Tan Kee Soon began planting Gambier and pepper in the year 1840s.The symbiotic relationship of the Gambier and the Vines caused the plantation scale to vastly increase, which resulted in the arrival of thousands
of Ngee Heng required for this production. With the economy flourishing and expanding day by day, thus Johor Bahru was born in the year of 1855 by Iskandar Puteri. In tribute to gambier and pepper are the city’s lamp-posts incorporating in their design the greenery of gambier and pepper. These motifs are found as decora-
tive embellishments in buildings and public furniture, as well as in the City Council’s crest. Few in J.B. today know what gambier is, but it seems to still be remembered in the world of architecture, design and decoration.
Jalan Trus is a 1.8km length road in which stretches from the Chartered tax institute of Malaysia. The ambience and architecture clearly shows the timeline or the transition of the street in time from its starting point to their glory days until today. There are many different cultural and traditional attributes in which has a great deal of influence in the architecture during that period. The stories and memories of the street can be relived and experienced through these strongly evident features which are conserved and preserved till today. The “street of perfect harmony� is a term used by the locals in describing this well unified and multicultural street. On a stretch of around 200 yards are a gurdwara, an Indian mosque, a Hindu temple, and across from them the Chinese temple. The migration of these various different cultures portrays an architectural style of different era in which is merged together with the local styles but yet still retaining its traditional roots. Examples such as; The Old Chinese Temple that portrays the Chinese Architecture, the Gurdwara Sahib on the other hand is a representation of the Colonial Architecture which is similar to the rest of the older shop houses on the street and finally, the Arumigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam clearly shows Indian Architecture. These different styles show the way of life of the people at that very era. Incorporations such as this, is an approach to reinforce the unique character which can be experienced by any passer-by. Having prominent buildings such as these in specific parts of the street, has a major influence on its surrounding community. The developments within the vicinity were indeed to ensure they are complementary in scale and in character and do not deteriorate the character of the area which is a product of decades. Uniquely, this area encourages intense street level activ-
ity for the public which instils a vibrant cultural atmosphere which in evidently has transformed through time through the visibility of the arts, entertainment, materiality, architectural elements even the basic forms of the buildings in Jalan Trus. The evolution of these elements throughout the entire street is what gives it a special and unique feature which cannot be found in other places. The richness of the different cultures and their persistence in holding on to their strong and unique cultures, traditions and roots in terms of their way of life, is what makes this street alive and different. To enhance the aliveness of the street, spaces for public art was creates to increase the urban environment ambiance of the street. Besides enhancements, conservation is applied to the shop houses within a specific block. There are several prewar buildings in the city center in which was left at its natural state to remind the locals of the tragic period. Most of the heritage buildings were designed with different architectural styles representing different eras such as; the Neo-Classical, Eclectical styles, Colonial Styles, Chinese Styles, and Indian Styles. Attention was given specially to these building as an assurance that the past is not forgotten but yet remembered as stories and memories in which we can cherish even in this modernized generation. As a result of these conservation and preservation steps taken by the Johor Government, the development of Johor was done on the outer part of Jalan Trus. The direction in which the developments are proceeding are planned to ensure they are in par with their neighboring country, Singapore. Modern developments such as the Integrated Southern Gateway (Gerbang Selatan Bersepadu) complex is a transportation hub which in-
tegrates trains and buses as well as the future light rail system for the city. These new developments are also carefully planned to ensure that the blending in with the existing heritage fabric of the city was done well. The approach used during this process is to bring the development of the street and city into one contiguous level of activity by integrating the 2. In doing so, the connectivity of the 2 will have a seamless development flow and a long-term enhancement of the area, while reinstating its unique character. In creating a new and modernized feel for the Johor, the approach is to create a new and bigger core area for the city, in par with the standards of developed countries, while retaining its cultural values and past. The Johor Bahru City Waterfront Precint, The Heritage Precinct, and The Business and Central Park Precinct are few of the future developments that required comprehensive planning and development to ensure that the integration between the past, present and future happens in a persistent flow.
CONTENTS
A PHOTOBOOK
RESEARCH & FINDINGS
OF JALAN TRUS, JOHOR BAHRU
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STREET AS IN
ARC 2234 / ASIAN ARCHITECTURE
THE POETICS
Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing Editor / Photohrapher
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STREET AS IN THE BUILT FORM
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STREET AS IN THE MATERIALITY
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STREET AS IN THE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
CONCLUSION
Lee Qin Ni Low Tze Hou Soh Wei Aun Photographers Meera Satheesh Writer / Photographer
Let’s start our journey in Jalan Trus.
“NOSTALGIC.” Text and Photograph by Lee Qin Ni
A
barber shop which shows resistance to modern development, it has a very strong vintage elevation. As the owner of the shop peeks through the door at the outside world, it is not hard to imagine the warm gaze he has a he manages his customers’ hair. The exchange of conversations between the barber and the customer echoes through the elevation which is of high sentimental values.
“MODERN
Text and Photograp
M
odern arc niques is p fore where from openings to stret with shading and transition of tim from these detai
NISM”
ph by Soh Wei Aun
“BREAKING POINT” Text and Photograph by Soh Wei Aun
chitectural techpracticed from benormal windows tches of windows d ventilation. The me could be seen ils over the time.
D
ue to the dwellings that were built blocks by blocks over the whole stretch of soplots, these circulation gaps actually gives a cooling passageway for the breeze to cool down the facade. Provides alternative walkway from one road to another.
“A TEAM IS THAT SUPPO THICK AND
Text and Photograph by M
B
ricks were used as though it may be a show its rebel side, as a
A
n overw ness of school steel the transitio
A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS ORTS EACH OTHER, THROUGH THIN. A REBEL SOCIETY.”
Meera Satheesh
s an elevation for the new floor of Jalan Trus. Alan act of suppressing the past, parts of it decided to a sign of respect to the history, culture and way of life.
“THE OLD, THE NEW, AND THE IN BETWEEN.” Text and Photograph by Meera Satheesh
whelming transition of time happens within this picture. From the rawf the concrete of the floor to the paved walkway, from the use of old to a well-polished steel lamp-post. The uncle in the middle is in awe of on of the surrounding during his childhood, adulthood and recent times.
“WE LIVE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF BEING UNIQUE, BUT YET OUR LIVES ARE ALL DIFFERENT YET THE SAME, AS I DON’T THINK OF ALL THE BEAUTY THAT STILL REMAINS.” Text and Photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
he different materials used in the street can be shown with such harmony. The blue house is a café turned from an old newspaper shop, the bricked is a Dobi which was founded in 1980 and yet still remains and the concrete with finishes is a new shop founded not too long ago. Materiality of different ranges such as this are still remaining in a non-obscuring way to promote the growth of the city through time.
“IDENTICAL ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE” Text and Photograph by Soh Wei Aun
C
ommercial blocks were built base on the wealthness of the society which producing shoplots to be broke down from the long stretch. However, there are a certain architectural language which bonds them all together.
“AGEING SOCIETY� Text and Photograph by Soh Wei Aun
P
eople that has establish their root at the street were more likely to spent their time there. Some business were running to have a certain practice which gives the neighbourhood some sort of gathering space.
“ORGANISED MESS�
Text and Photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
his particular mosaic tiles is very famous and widely used during the Colonial era. Being in between this Era and the modern world, the transition between the 2 is clearly shown by the small ramp. This is the only space in the specific part of the street in which it is available. This ramp was made by the father of the owner of the Dobi as his grandson was in a wheel-chair.
“GIVE ME A FIRM SPOT ON WHICH TO STAND, AND I SHALL MOVE THE EARTH” Text and Photograph by Meera Satheesh
A
random wall of brick of a short height was seen while on the street. This wall was built by the owner of the shop in the 1970’s after the death of his niece of falling down the drain while playing. The wall was retained by the future owners as raw and with no finishers as a sign of respect
“DIVERSE CONCORDANCE” Text and Photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
his concrete fence was indeed a different style compared to the its surrounding. Having the characteristic of a colonial architecture, this is definitely an eye-catching piece during the stroll in Jalan Trus. Despite having its differences, it still lives in a harmonious state along with its surrounding.
“CONTRAST OF PAST AND NOW� Text and Photograph by Soh Wei Aun
B
egining of modernism could be seen from the local heritage dwellings. Where simplistics lines that created the facade were practiced until today with different construction method which could be seen from the skyscraper behind.
T
he street remains the radiant and its original beauty with rich history far away from the highrise building. It is highly enhance the feeling of protection to show that the street should be kept in this situation for the future.
“BEAUTY IN CONTRAST� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
A
s the time passing throughout different eras, many of buildings were built in the surroundings. Perhaps the Sikh temple seems like being overshadowed by the surroundings but it looked simply peaceful as it can blend with the surroundings.
“LIVE IN PEACE� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
“DIFFERENT PACES”
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing (Left)
G
oing to the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple, or the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple or the rest of Jalan Truss, one can choose to walk on the pavement or on the sheltered walkway. Don’t rush to your destination, enjoy your journey in the same that one should enjoy the present and not rush to the future.
“STEP DOWN”
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing (Right)
T
he flight of stairs leads to another unnoticed part of the town. In between the rows of shophouses along the street, can happen any activities, events. The grafiti on the wall gives the unwelcoming feeling. This part of the street has taken a different path from the fame of this street.
“USE THE OTHER ENTRANCE PLEASE”
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing (Right)
T
hese gates were purposely locked to prevent entrance. It is traditionally respectful to use the main entrance. Traditions and cultures govern our circulation, habits and our daily life. Follow the right path.
“ANCIENT VS MODERN” Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
J
ohor Old Chinese Temple is a famous architecture along Jalan Trus. Ancient and modern buildings have their own values of aesthetic. From time to time, building changes from very complicated ornaments into a plain façade but it still shows the significance of architecture.
“STEP IN�
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
B
eing a cultural landmark for Jalan Trus, the Johor Ancient temple welcomes any person to attend to the rituals performed by the devotees. Gates opened, there is no restricting of access. For long, the intention was the sharing of cultures, which has long been the fruitful success of the coexistence of different religions along Jalan Trus.
“FROZEN A DROPLETS”
s the frozen moment of the falling droplets is captured, this made the scene appear more ‘alive’. This temple which was built back in the 1800s has witnessed many incidents which remain unknown to us as they are not recorded, like the frozen droplets, once they hit the ground, they will flow away.
Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
A place where all prayers are made by believers, this place safeguards the darkest repent to the most sincere prayers.
S
ymbolically the lion’s head column would be facing the entrance of the temple. It is considered as a guardian. Along the years that the temple has existed, the lion has witnessed the development of the Jalan Trus.
“WITNESS I AM” Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
“GAP WITHIN� Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
T
his is an exit leading to another exit, or an entrance leading to a preceding entrance. This greatly reflects the user experience by visitors of a temple, which consists of plenty doorways. The raised step at the entrance is one of the distinctive architectural elements found on temple building as according to the legend; it is believed that this raised step could prevent zombies from entering the building.
“THOUGHTS� Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
Y
ounger generations are slowly losing their identities as the idea of modernism is rooted deeply in their mind set. Most of them find their past traditions old-fashioned and do not see the need to embrace them. The toddler above is seemed to gaze at the adjacent floor. Although the thoughts running in her mind are not known, but it appears she does not reject her traditions.
o
“180 OF SEPARATION. MIRRORED IMAGE BUT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT” Text and photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
he overview of this street clearly portrays the 2 main difference and transition in which happened to the society. The Gurdwara made from concrete and in a colonial style while the complex in the complete opposite of which still remains as a whole unit.
“WISDOM OF AN ALLEY” Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
T
he broken pieces of the back alley are like an old man’s wrinkles. This not only reflects the age of the building, but also the ‘wisdom’ of the building. The fragmented pieces reveal the untold stories of the past events one by one, evoking a sense of curiosity within us to not only run our fingers across the raw materials, but to ponder upon the history as well.
“REAL KNOWLEDGE IS TO KNOW THE EXTENT OF ONE’S IGNORANCE” -Confucius Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
T
he town was divided into various enclaves. Such archway marked the entry into another section of the town. Nowadays most of these alleys do not hold the same significant figure they once had. The arches are either forgotten or renovated to the finishes of the adjacent buildings.
“WEATHERING”
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
T
he remains of the building adjacent to the arch stand tall due to its great past foundations. But the facades of the walls tell the story of the history of the building it once was. Forgotten by the society, it does not belong here anymore. Earth’s atmosphere will break down the wall gradually until the wall won’t be able to hold to this site.
“THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE” Text and photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
he remains of the building adjacent to the arch stand tall due to its great past foundations. But the facades of the walls tell the story of the history of the building it once was. Forgotten by the society, it does not belong here anymore. Earth’s atmosphere will break down the wall gradually until the wall won’t be able to hold to this site.
“INSIDE OUT MOVEMENT” Text and photograph by Soh Wei Aun
T
he 5ft walkway, also known as “kaki lima” in Malay was a sheltered corridor for the tropical climate country. The locals have their shopfront floor finished with tiles or mosaics for attraction purpose which much gives the aesthetic value an increase. The government then develop a decorated walkway just outside the corridor, which much allows pedestrians to see the signage of the shoplots and could have shelter right beside.
“THE MASK”
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
R
enovation. One method to add a modern touch was to cover almost the whole facade of the building to hide the defects and damage. Reasons? Lack of money? Lack of ambition? We do not know.
“BEHIND THE MASK, THE FACE� Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
T
he raw facade tells us the negligence on the maintenance of this building. What has been hidden remained hidden. The facade was unseen unless one come underneath and try to have a glance at it.
“PROTECTION� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
T
he building is eventually protected by the truss frame and bracing frame to avoid the building collapse in a certain time. The protection is formed to support the building is like giving a feeling of the story has to be strongly protected so it can share its own story to the next generation.
T
he old buildings of the past are still maintained and used in the current context, like an undefeated warrior. Even though the coating of paint at the exterior is new, but the original materials can still be observed. Although the materials are old, they do not appear foreign to the site. Instead, it appears as though the past history still lives in the present days.
“OLD LIVING IN PRESENT� Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
“FRAGILITY�
Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
B
uildings to us are shelters. They are places where we seek protection from. Nevertheless, even a strong and solid structure is prone to damages from the surrounding environment. The chipped wooden boards attached prior to reconstruction gently protect the building from further damages.
The combinations of different building facades in different eras still can be built aside as every facade are having their own aesthetic values. Every facade is holding the equal value so no one will be thought as an outstanding; it blends harmoniously along the street.
“THE PERFECT HARMONIOUS� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
Every heritage building is acted like a central point. Each of the roads taken started from the point will lead you into different places. By following the passage from the point, a feeling of leading to a new generation is created.
“THE ROAD TAKEN� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
“EMBRACE� Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
O
nce a building, but demolished, the height of the vegetation directly echoes the period of time the site has been left abandoned. As the plants embrace the site gracefully, this shows how nature and man-made structure can interact harmoniously.
“ABANDONED OVER TIME” Text and photograph by Soh Wei Aun
H
istory of the past still remains as one of the member of the streets. Without these abandoned buildings, there would be lack of the local cultural value of the local daily practices.
“TO REMAIN RAW, OR NOT TO REMAIN RAW, THAT’S THE QUESTION.” Text and photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
he amicable difference of the pure raw state concrete and the finished one clearly shows the transition in which it has to get finish. Having the remains of the concrete at a raw state, prevents the people walking sub-consciously remember the raw past of which the street has developed from.
“PANDORA BOX” Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
L
ike opening a gift box, as the panels of the windows are brought open, uncountable stories and incidents that took place inside the shop slowly surfaced to the viewers outside. From the opening of the window, it is observed that a couple is having their morning breakfast however, what lies beyond the window is remain unknown.
“UNIQUE IDENTITY� Text and photograph by Soh Wei Aun
T
he unique identity of the street was made up of the local iconic retails and hangout space which the locals practice with a multicultural race background. These values make the street significant and different from the other street that could be found nearby. It is definitely something to be preserved from future damage for the next generation to experience the rich culture of Johor.
“WE ARE MOSAIC HISTORY, STARS MAGIC, WO
Text and p
CS” - PIECES OF LIGHT, LOVE, - GLUED TOGETHER WITH ORDS AND MEMORIES.
photograph by Meera Satheesh
T
he mosaic tiles used for this shop house were mainly imported from China. The previous owner of this shop insisted to retain it as it is without any major renovation to remind the passers-by the origin of their culture. The positions and colors of the tiles were continuously changed until the prefect look imagined by the owner was the product.
“CHILL OUT SESSION” Text and photograph by Soh Wei Aun
R
egardless the hot and humid weather, the 5ft walkway is like a cooling tunnel with breeze. It is a favorite chilling zone for the locals where they would have the tables intrudung the walkway.It is a syntom that could be seen from various local coffee shop.
“REFINED FACADE� Text and photograph by Soh Wei Aun
R
etaining the heritage looks of the past architecture which much reflects the local spirit, some of the locals actually refined the facade of a heritage with new faces. A retro feel of the building envolope makes the building to come alive from the previous era.
“MAJESTIC� Text and photograph by Lee Qin Ni
T
his arc is like a gate welcoming the visitors. This arc which stands tall and proud is repainted to suit the current context. This proves how the past and present can live harmoniously and old structures are not necessarily needed to be demolished to welcome the construction of new buildings.
“OVERCROWDED�
Text and photograph by Andrew Chee Kiong Chee Man Shing
I
t has become like playing hide and seek. If asking someone to find this window, he would find it hard. The wall became overcrowded by the aircon, signboards, trees, electric poles. The window gives a clear view to the outside, but there is no clear view of the window itself.
“BACK TO THE PAST” Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
A
s walking through this passage, the building form is started to change from a very nice finishing façade into a rougher brick surface. The change of the used materials is like giving a feeling of travelling back to childhoods.
“THE FIVE FEET CORRIDOR” Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
T
he five feet corridor used to be a place to play around when they were kids. After few ten years later, they still can sit beside the corridor to share the stories that they experienced before. As time passing, the memories are still being left at this place.
A
s walking through this passage, the building form is started to change from a very nice finishing faรงade into a rougher brick surface. The change of the used materials is like giving a feeling of travelling back to childhoods.
“NEW LIVING IN THE PAST” Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
T
he façade with new color painting is like integrating with the old, stripping façade is describing the young nowadays living with the olds at the same time. The olds sharing the stories to the young is like trying to bring them back to the past.
T
he building is being renovated but the form is still remained nostalgic significance of beauty. This is shown that even though the building changed in different eras but they are still sharing the same stories.
“RESTORATION� Text and photograph by Low Tze Hou
CONCLUSION T
he developments within the vicinity were indeed to ensure they are complementary in scale and in character and do not deteriorate the character of the area which is a product of decades. Uniquely, this area encourages intense street level activity for the public which instils a vibrant cultural atmosphere which in evidently has transformed through time through the visibility of the arts, entertainment, materiality, architectural elements even the basic forms of the buildings in Jalan Trus. The evolution of these elements throughout the entire street is what gives it a special and unique feature which cannot be found in other places. The richness of the different cultures and their persistence in holding on to their strong and unique cultures, traditions and roots in terms of their way of life, is what makes this street alive and different.