Report

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE ARC60305/ARC2323/ARC1215 METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION AND MEASURED DRAWINGS

IPOH TOWN HALL JALAN PANGLIMA BUKIT GANTANG WAHAB, 30000 IPOH, PERAK



PAGES

DECLARATION

I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ii

ABSTRACT

Iii

LIST OF FIGURES

xviii-xxxi

LIST OF TABLES

xxxii

CHAPTER 1 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

1

1.1 AIM

1

1.2 OBJECTIVES

1

1.3 LEARNING OUTCOMES

CHAPTER 2 METHODOLOGY 2.1 INTRODUCTION

2 3-6

2.2 GANTT CHART  

iv

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PAGES 2.3 JOB DISTRIBUTION

7

2. 4 WORKING PROCESS

8

2.4.1 SITE SAFETY 2.4.2 MEASURING TECHNIQUES 2.4.3 DOCUMENTATION OF MEASUREMENTS

3-6 7 8-10

2.4.4 DRAFTING ON SITE

11

2.4.5 INTERVIEWS

12

2.4.6 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

13

2.5 RESEARCH METHODS 2.5.1 INTERNET RESOURCES

14

2.5.2 INTERVIEW

14

2.5.3 LIBRARY BOOKS

14

2.5.4 ORGANISATION

14

2.6 EQUIPMENT AND MEASUREMENTS USED

15

2.6.1 LASER MEASURING TAPE

16

 

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PAGES 2.6.2 RULER

16

2.6.3 STEEL MEASURING TAPE

17

2.6.4 50M FIBREGLASS TAPE MEASURE

17

2.6.5 LADDER

18

2.6.6 RAFFIA STRING

18

CHAPTER 3 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SITE 3.1 SITE LOCATION

19

3.2 SITE CONTEXT

20

3.3 GENIUS LOCI OF THE SITE

21-22

3.4 BRIEF HISTORY OF PERAK

23

3.5 HISTORY OF IPOH

24

3.5.1 OLD TOWN 3.5.1.1 HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF OLD TOWN BEFORE WORLD WAR I 3.5.2 NEW TOWN 3.5.2.1 HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF NEW TOWN BEFORE WORLD WAR I

 

25 26-27 28 29

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PAGES CHAPTER 4 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE BUILDING 4.1 INTRODUCTION OF THE BUILDING 4.2 DISTINCTION BETWEEN IPOH TOWN HALL AND OLD POST OFFICE

30-33 34

4.3 OWNERSHIP

35-36

4.4 HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF THE BUILDING

37-38

4.5 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOWN HALL AND ITS OCCUPANTS

39-40

CHAPTER 5 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS 5.1 ARCHITECTURE FEATURES 5.1.1 ORIENTATION

41 41-42

5.1.2 SYMMETRY AND REPETITION

43

5.1.3 CIRCULATION

44

5.1.3.1 GROUND FLOOR CIRCULATION (OLD)

45

5.1.3.2 GROUND FLOOR CIRCULATION (NEW)

46

5.1.3.3 FIRST FLOOR CIRCULATION (OLD)

47

5.1.3.4 FIRST FLOOR CIRCULATION (NEW)

48

 

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PAGES 5.1.4 NATURAL VENTILATION 5.1.4.1 PRINCIPLE OF COOLING BY VENTILATION

49 50

A) CONVECTION FLOW

50

B) CROSS-VENTILATION

50

C) STACK VENTILATION

51

5.1.4.2 JACK ROOF

52

5.1.4.3 WINDOWS AND DOORS

52

5.1.4.4 VERANDAH

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5.1.5 NATURAL LIGHTING

5.2 ARCHITECTURE STYLE

54-55

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5.2.1 NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE

57

5.2.1.1 TEMPLE STYLE

57

5.2.1.2 PALLADIAN STYLE

57

5.2.1.3 CLASSICAL BLOCK BUILDING

58

 

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PAGES 5.2.2 FEATURES OF NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE

61

5.2.2.1 ARCHES

61

5.2.2.2 COLUMNS

62

5.2.2.3 DOORS AND WINDOWS

63

5.2.2.4 STAIRCASE

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5.2.2.5 ROOF

65

A) PITCHED ROOF

65

B) DUTCH GABLE ROOF

65

C) JACK ROOF

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5.2.2.6 DETAILS AND ORNAMENTS

67

A) CHANDELIER

67

B) GOLD-PAINTED DETAIL ON WALL

67

C) WALL DETAILS ON CORBEL AT BANQUET

68

D) GOLD-PAINTED DETAILS ON LAMP POST

68

E) GOLD-PAINTED DOOR HANDLE

69

F) GOLD-PAINTED DETAILS ON COLUMN CAPITAL

69

G) LAMP POST

70

 

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PAGES H) CRISS-CROSS PATTERN

70

K) WALL DETAILS AT FACADE

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L) WALL DETAILS AT ROOF

71

I) FORMAL CHAIRS

72

J) WALL DETAILS

72

CHAPTER 6 SPATIAL LAYOUT OF THE BUILDING 6.1 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TOWN HALL AND LAYOUT

73

6.2 SPACES AND THEIR SPATIAL EXPERIENCES

74

6.2.1 TOWN HALL

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6.2.1.1 GROUND FLOOR

74

A) LOBBY

74

B) HALL

75

C) WASHROOMS, STAFFROOM, AND VIP ROOM

76

D) PASSAGE

77

E) DRESSING ROOMS, WASH CLOSETS & STORE ROOMS

78

 

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PAGES 6.2.1.2 FIRST FLOOR

79

A) BANQUET ROOM

80

B) CATERER’S ROOM, STORE ROOM AND CONTROL ROOM

81

C) FRONT VERANDAH

82

D) FIRST FLOOR PASSAGE

83

E) ROOM 6, ROOM 7, ROOM 8, ROOM 9 AND TOILETS

84

6.2.2 OLD POST OFFICE 6.2.2.1 GROUND FLOOR

84 84

A) GROUND FLOOR POST OFFICE

84

B) ROOM 1, ROOM 2, ROOM 3, ROOM 4 & ROOM 5

85

C) COURTYARD

86

D) VERANDAH

87

6.2.2.2 FIRST FLOOR

88

A) ROOM 10, ROOM 11, ROOM 12 & ROOM 13

88

B) FIRST FLOOR POST OFFICE

89

 

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PAGES C) REAR VERANDAH

6.5 PROPERTIES OF SPACES

90

91

6.5.1 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

91-92

6.5.2 PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

93

6.5.3 ACOUSTICS

94

CHAPTER 7 MATERIALS & BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 7.1 INTRODUCTION

95

7.2 USE OF BUILDING MATERIALS

96

7.2.1 TOWN HALL

96

7.2.2 OLD POST OFFICE

96

7.3 CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS

97

7.3.1 WALL

97

7.3.1.1 STRUCTURAL WALL (TOWN HALL AND OLD POST OFFICE) A) CLAY BRICKS 7.3.1.1.1 STRUCTURAL WALL CONSTRUCTION  

97 97 98

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PAGES 7.3.1.2 PARTITION WALL (OLD POST OFFICE) A) GYPSUM PLASTER

7.3.1.3 WALL ORNAMENTATION (TOWN HALL)

99 99

100

A) PLASTER

100

B) TIMBER GROOVE PANELS

101

7.3.1.3.1 TIMBER GROOVE PANEL CONSTRUCTION

.7.3.2 FLOORING 7.3.2.1 TOWN HALL AND OLD POST OFFICE

102

103 103

A) MARBLE

103

7.3.2.2 TOWN HALL

104

A) CERAMIC TILES

104

B) NYLON CUT PILE PLUSH CARPET

105

7.3.2.3 OLD POST OFFICE A) MERANTI WOOD  

106 106

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PAGES 7.3.2.3.1 FLOOR CONSTRUCTION

7.3.3 ROOF

107

108

7.3.3.1 TOWN HALL

108

A) ZINC (THIN)

108

B) ZINC (THICK)

109

7.3.3.2 OLD POST OFFICE A) CLAY 7.3.3.2.1 ROOF TRUSS CONSTRUCTION

7.3.4 DETAILS

110 110 111

112

7.3.4.1 BALUSTRADE 7.3.4.1.1 TOWN HALL A) TIMBER BALUSTRADE

7.3.4.1.2 OLD POST OFFICE A) STONE BALUSTRADE  

112 112 112

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PAGES B) TIMBER BALUSTRADE

113

7.3.4.2 COLUMN (TOWN HALL AND OLD POST OFFICE)

114

A) LIMESTONE BRICK WITH PLASTER

114

7.3.4.3 CEILING A) GYPSUM BOARD

7.3.4.4 DOORS

115 115

116

A) TIMBER

116

7.3.4.5 WINDOWS

117

A) GLASS WITH WOODEN FRAME

117

CHAPTER 8 BUILDING DEFECTS & DILAPIDATIONS 8.1 INTRODUCTION

 

118 118

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PAGES 8.1.1 SLAB SETTLEMENT

119

8.1.2 MOULD GROWTH

119

8.1.3 WEATHERING CORROSION

120

8.1.4 MOSSES GROWTH

120

8.1.5 CORROSION DUE TO BIRD DROPPINGS

121

8.1.6 EFFLORESCENCE

121

8.1.7 MARBLE STAINING

122

8.1.7.1 RUST STAIN

122

8.1.7.2 GREASE STAINING

122

8.1.8 MARBLE CRACKING

123

8.1.9 TERMITE ATTACK

123

8.1.10 DISCOLOURATION OF CONCRETE

124

8.1.11 PLUMBING LEAKAGE IN CEILING

124

8.1.12 UNIFORM CORROSION

125

8.1.13 BLACK STREAKS ON CLAY ROOF TILES

125

 

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PAGES CHAPTER 9 CONCLUSION

126-127

CHAPTER 10 REFERENCES

128-131

CHAPTER 11 APPENDIX

132

11.1 INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT 11.1.1 MR. MOHD. TAJUDDIN BIN MOHD. TAHIR 11.2 DRAWINGS / SKETCHES OF THE BUILDING

132-151 132-151 152-160

11.3 EXTRACTS FROM ARTICLES

161

11.4 GLOSSARY

162

11.5 PHOTOBOOK

163

 

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PAGES 3-4 5-6 59-60

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 



The aim of this project is to provide students with the ability to explore an array of measuring techniques, to study the site context as well as to document the architectural construction and historical significance of the Ipoh Town Hall.

This course has given us an apprehension into the fundamental understanding of an architect. In the course of completing this module, we have learnt an array of standard architectural techniques used in measured drawings, record drawings and as-built drawings to preserve a precise depiction of the historical structures.

 The main objectives of the site visit are to produce a complete set of drawings based on the Ipoh Town Hall. In addition, students are to document the historical and architectural significance in relation to heritage buildings within the site context. Besides that, this project intends to enable students to analyse the relationship between architecture and the significance of the building, Indicating how the two support the inhabitation of the building.

We were familiarised with several apparatus, solely for the purpose of documenting the measurements of the building and applied measurement. Having had ourselves introduced to these equipment first-hand, we gradually gained knowledge on the more effective and efficient ways of recording measurements by allocating the work congruently to cultivate more proficient results.

Besides logging measurements, we have also learnt to adaptively classify the categories of architectural historic ornaments on site.

After recognising the structures, we learned to implement an array of documentation methods, ranging from fieldwork, interviews, catalogues to self-study.

 



฀฀



 To achieve our objectives for this project, we conformed to a systematic and comprehensive procedure that enhanced our workflow productively. Prior to the site visit, we started off by adopting a progressive work schedule that complemented the job distribution.

During the site visit, we espoused a variety of measuring techniques to increase the productivity as well as accuracy of our computations.

Several research methods were done in order to gather information on the building. Interviews were also held to attain more detailed information which were then extracted into a report.

 



฀฀

 

Table 1 shows the Gantt Chart of our working progress:

Planning Phase Project 2 - Report Sorting out data Report writing Presentation slides 50 photos Complete set of drawings Compile Printing & softcopy to CD

M

Video Editing Table 1: Gantt Chart Presentation

 

T

W

Week 4 T

F

S

S

CNY BREAK

M

T

W

Week 5 T

F

S

S

Progress

NON CONTACT WEEK

Progress

Submission



฀฀



M

T

Week 6 T

W

F

S

S

M

T

W

Week 7 T

F

S

S

Week 8 M

Final Editing

Final Editing

Submission

Table 1: Gantt Chart (Cont.)

 



฀฀



Planning Phase Project 3 - Drawings Floor Plans Ceiling Plans Roof Plan Key Plan Location Plan Site Plan with Roof Site Section Elevations Sections Axonometric Details

M

T

W

Week 4 T

F

S

S

CNY BREAK

M

T

W

Week 5 T

F

S

S

NON CONTACT WEEK

Compile Plotting & Printing Physical Model Planning (Materials, technique) Model Making

Table 2: Gantt Chart

 



฀฀



M INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM INTERIM

T Final Final Final Final Final Final

W

Week 6 T

F

S

S

M

T

W

Week 7 T

F

S

S

Week 8 M

Editing Editing Editing Editing Editing Editing Final Editing Final Editing Final Editing Final Editing

Final Editing

INTERIM

Submission

Submission

Table 2: Gantt Chart (Cont.)

 



฀฀



INTERVIEWS & REPORT

PHYSICAL MODEL MAKING

VIDEO

Bridget Tan Su Ting Benjamin Cheng Jia Yeow Keshni Devi Sobarun Tiong Jia Min

Ng Zheng Si Lee Pui San James Tay Jia Chuen Jacinta Kabrina Majalap Ilhami Ibrahim Joshua Yim

Masrur Akmal bin Jamal Bridget Tan Su Ting

Figure 1: Job Distribution  

Tan Ling Rong Tay Jia Jian Angoline Boo Lee Zhuang Chong Yee Ching

Foo Shi-Ko Kong Xhiang Lynn Chong Yi Qi Chok Jia Jun Ivy Voo Vui Yee Kristy Fung Ho Yeng Hern-Hymn Devinchi Ng Fong Tze Ying

Chong Yee Ching Bridget Tan Su Ting

DIGITAL 3D MODEL

MEASURED DRAWING

PHOTOBOOK



฀฀

    As the building structure is huge, safety is top priority throughout the site visit to ensure the smooth documentation of the Ipoh Town Hall.

All students are required to wear long pants and covered shoes to the site, basic personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and surgical masks are recommended as well. Students are briefed ahead every day to ensure clear understanding of delegated tasks for maximum efficiency. They are then split into groups of two to four Figure 2: Proper Attire Worn by Group Members people (depending on size and area covered) when measuring and documenting.

Prior to the site visit, all students under this module were also briefed on site safety by Taylor’s University Safety Officer where basic instructions were given. This mentally prepares students for the upcoming site visit which is expected to run smoothly.

Figure 3: Safety Gloves (Left) and Surgical Mask (Right)  



฀฀

  When it comes to methods of documentation and measured drawings, there are certain measuring techniques that come into play. This ensures the precision and accuracy necessary to record specific measurements. To measure something is to ascertain the dimension of an object/structure by using an instrument or device marked in standard units. These instruments include: ruler, measuring tape, laser measuring tape, etc.

In this project, students had the help of these instruments when taking down measurements of the researched building. Rulers and measuring tapes were used for basic measurements within the spaces. On the other hand, the laser measuring tape is used to

Figure 4: Measuring the Window Frame Using a Measuring Tape

measure great lengths and height of a building. For example, the total length of the hall within the Ipoh Town Hall is recorded using the laser measuring tape instead of a measuring tape. This is because a standard pocket tape measure would not exceed more than 10m in length, which limits the measuring of lengths greater than the figure.

Figure 5: Measuring the Door Frame Using a Measuring Tape  



฀฀

  Groups that were in charge of measuring the floor plans and elevations were given out basic orthographic drawings for easier documentation. Other recorded measurements are noted down on A3 sized butter paper which includes a title, name, and remarks.

Photos are also taken during measures to use as scale for reference.

This is to ensure clarity and easier understanding for the AutoCAD team later.

Figure 6: Cross-Checking Measurements

Figure 7: Measuring Door Details Using a Ladder  



฀฀

  Students who were skilled in AutoCAD were required to draft recorded measurements ahead in order to improve overall progress.

Mistakes and missing measurements were quickly identified to allow for second measuring to increase precision in computations. This ensured that the outcome of these documentations were comprehensive and thorough.

Figure 8: Drafting on Site

Figure 9: Making Amendments to Measurements  



฀฀

  Interviews were carried out by members of the report and video team to obtain unambiguous information that could not be gathered from online media or in printed media. The interviewees were the Town Planner of the Ipoh City Council, Mr. Mohd. Tajuddin bin Mohd. Tahir, and the Head of Building Department of the Ipoh City Council, Mr. Irwan bin Jamaluddin. The objective of interviewing each person varied accordingly.

The Town Planner of the Ipoh City Council was interviewed to obtain further information on the background and history of the building. The Head of Building Department of the Ipoh City Council, however, was interviewed to attain additional knowledge on the history of the

Figure 10: Interviewing the Town Planner of Ipoh City Council

building, the site surrounding and its significance as a symbol of the local Government. Whilst carrying out our interviews, we recorded the interviewees’ voices for future reference.

 



฀฀

  Most of the photographs and video footages of the site and its context were captured by specific group members who were more proficient in the area of photography and video editing. The photographs and video footages were to be used for video-making, to produce a photobook, in report, drawings as well as for further reference.

Figure 11: A Member Of The Video Team

Figure 12: A Member Of The Video Team  



฀฀

 





We carried out visits to several libraries, i.e. the Perpustakaan Tun Razak and Arkib Negara in Ipoh as well as in Kuala Lumpur. We

We carried out research for basic information from trustable internet resources such as travel blogs, tourist review websites, online

managed to obtain adequate information on the background of the site from the Perpustakaan Tun Razak as the library is listed under

newspaper articles, archives, journals and e-books.

the Ipoh City Council, making it a good resource centre to look up for scientific research papers, historical books, travel guides and also multimedia information not only on famous heritage buildings in Ipoh, but also in Ipoh as a whole.

 The information that required a higher level of technicality regarding the place was obtained through interviews. Town Planner Mr. Mohd.

Tajuddin bin Mohd. Tahir was interviewed through a conference gathering to attain answers to questions concerning aspects of architecture history and technicalities. Head of Building Department of the Ipoh City Council, Mr. Irwan bin Jamaluddin was interviewed to attain more detailed information on the whereabouts of the building and its context as well as the timeline of changes that were related to the building.

 

 Perak Academy was one of the organisations that we decided to approach. The team at Perak Academy possessed exhaustive knowledge on architecture, building preservation/conservation, heritage management, and education. We consulted them concerning official information such as legal matters. We also planned a visit to the Ipoh Tourism and Resource Centre to acquire more information on the Ipoh State itself.



฀฀

  In the process of measuring and recording, there are several types of equipment and instruments used, each with their own specific function used in varying occasions. These equipment include ruler, measuring tape, 50m fibreglass tape measure, laser measuring tape, raffia string and ladder. Apart from measuring equipment, DSLR cameras are used to document images and videos of the site building

Figure 13: Measuring Newel Cap of the Concrete Staircase  



฀฀

  laser measuring tapes most often than not provide very accurate measurements when handled correctly. The laser measuring tape used during the site measuring was Bosch laser measuring tape GLM 80 which is capable of measuring distances up to 80 metres. It is used to measure great lengths and heights which are often inaccessible and hard to reach. Examples of such measurements include wall to wall, or floor to ceiling distances.

Figure 14: Lser Measuring Tape

 Standard 15cm and 30cm rulers are used to measure small details and features. Such examples include door frame width, wall panels width etc. Rulers are used instead of measuring tapes because it is not feasible to use them when measuring smaller details.

Figure 15: 15cm and 30cm Plastic Ruler  



฀฀

  Measuring tape is the most basic measuring equipment among others. It is a long, retractable tape made of a steel strip with linear measurement markings. It is used to measure lengths of floors, walls, furniture and finishing. A standard measuring tape can measure up to 7.5 metres.   

Figure 16: Steel Measuring Tape

  Fibreglass tape measure is used to measure long distances which cannot be measured with the average steel measuring tape. The 50m is sufficient to measure the site context especially the yard and the square. Its flexibility also enables the measuring of curved surfaces, unlike the stiff steel measuring tape.

Figure 17: Fibreglass Tape Measure  



฀฀

  Ladders help ease measuring work especially when measuring elevated structures or distances in height. Two types of ladders were used on site, step ladder and multi-purpose ladder. Multi-purpose ladder is extremely useful as the name suggests, it has multiple functions and usage. This makes measuring work on site easier.

Figure 18: Step Ladder (Left) and Multi-Purpose Ladder (Right)

 Raffia string is mainly used to measure curved surfaces such as the columns of the site building. The raffia string alone does not have the measurement markings. It has to be transferred to a ruler or measuring tape to obtain the measurement. .

Figure 19: Raffia String  



฀฀

  The site plan Figure 20 shows the location of our site building (circled in red) and its surroundings. The Ipoh Town Hall sits along the road called Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, which remains as one of the busiest roads in Old Town. Formally known as Club Road, many historical building such as the Railway Station, High Court, State Medical and Health Office, Central Police Station, Royal Ipoh Club and the Ipoh Padang are also located along this road.

One part of Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab is cut by two junctions leading to roads Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah. It acts as a buffer zone for those who are entering or leaving Old Town after crossing over the Kinta River. Jalan Sultan Iskandar ushers traffic from New Town to Old Town, while Jalan Sultan Idris Shah does the opposite.

Figure 20: Site Plan

 



฀฀





 Apart from the Ipoh Town Hall, the High Court and Railway Station which were design by the same architect A.B. Hubback also sits along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang. Both buildings adjoin the town hall.

Figure 21: Site Context

1. Ipoh High Court

2. Ipoh Town Hall and Old Post Office Building

3. Ipoh Railway Station

— Built from 1926 – 1928

— Build from 1914 – 1916.

— Built from 1914 – 1917

— Replaced older courthouses in service from 1888 to

— Town Hall and Post Office built back to back.

— Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal” of Ipoh.

— The Malay Nationalist Party, held its inaugural congress

— Similar to the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (also

1909.

— Used as a High Court by the Japanese during the

here in late 1945

designed by A.B. Hubback).

Occupation

 



฀฀

  Today, Jalan Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab still captures the grandeur spirit of the place as these grand administrative buildings stand at present. Due to its strategic location as a buffer zone for Old Town and New town, traffic flow is heavy depending on peak hours even though the road has been widened.

Apart from that, the railway station ushering people into Ipoh has also increase human flow within the region before dispersing them down ahead the road. The site region has also many significant buildings such as the Central Police Station, Royal Ipoh Club, Church of St. John The Devine, State Mosque, St. Michael’s Institution and the Ipoh Padang. This makes the town easily accessible and be

Figure 22: Jalan Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab

represented as a functional town with the busyness of the area.

Figure 23: High Court Car Park  



฀฀



Figure 24: View of Old Town Houses and Shoplots

Figure 26: Ipoh State Mosque

Figure 25: Ipoh Railway Station

Figure 27: Overlooking the busy Jalan Dato’ Maharajalela

 



฀฀

  According to Perak.info (2012), there are several interpretations as to the origin of Perak. There are some who claim the name “Perak” came from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some claim that the name came from the “glimmer of fish in the water” that sparkled like silver (perak in Malay). However, whatever the case, the mere mention of the state’s name reflects the many treasures that are hidden in this place.

Historically, Perak’s history actually began with the inauguration of Sultan Muzaffar Shah I, the descendent of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca, in the year 1528 (Perak.gov.my, 2014). The state Perak became more reputable with the discovery of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar.

Figure 28: Tin Mine in Taiping Source: http://www.malaysiacentral.com/information-directory/wpcontent/uploads/2008/06/taiping_surface_mining.jpg

Perak’s economy has also subsequently improved after the discovery which led to the emergence of more mining areas. Due to the developing economy in Perak, the British colonized Perak in 1874 (Perak Tourism, 2014). Throughout the British colonial era, they have built several colonial buildings across Perak including the Town Hall in Ipoh.  

Figure 29: Chinese Tin Miners Source: Book - Khoo, S., & Lubis, A. (2005). Kinta Valley. Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia: Perak Academy 

฀฀

  Tate and Chai (1962) stated that Ipoh was first linked to Dato Panglima Kinta and the Kinta River by a Malay Legend. The Kinta River was used to transport tins in order to develop the tin mining economy. The significance of the location is heightened when one remembers the Cantonese name for Ipoh is ‘Pa-lo’ (paloh), which means dams. It is called Paloh by the locals because of the dams constructed along the Kinta River for fishing. In actual fact, the term Ipoh was coined from the ‘epu’ or ‘upas’ tree (Antiaris toxicaria) whose poison sap is used by aborigines for their darts. An old resident of the town states that Ipoh owes its name to an upas tree which is used to land mark Epu village’s jetty (Tate & Chai, 1962).

Figure 30: Antiaris toxicaria Source: http://www.stirfrycentral.com/line_drawings/semple_materia_ medica/antiaris_toxicaria.html

Today, the city's name is officially spelt as Ipoh (pronounced as eepoh) and is the capital of Perak. However, some old timers still prefer to call it Paloh to pay tribute to the founding village. The historic centre of Ipoh is divided by the Kinta River into two main townships Old Town and New Town, which is connected by the Hugh Low Bridge.

Figure 31: Ipoh Old Town Source: ipohWorld  



฀฀

  According to Tang (2013), the Old Town is located to the west of the Kinta River. In the 1820s, Ipoh came into existence as a village at the highest navigable point of the Kinta River. It was less outstanding during that time compared to the early mining town. It only began gaining greater prominence when more British tin-mining companies were set up in the city. It was also the period where many Chinese from Penang came to Perak to seek for fortune. Since then, Ipoh blossomed into one of Malaysian’s main cities around the turn of the 19th century due to the booming tin-mining industry. Today, 70% of Ipoh’s population is of Chinese origin (ipohWorld, 2011).

Figure 32: Sungai Kinta Separating Old Town and New Town Source: ipohWorld

Figure 33: Scene at Leech Street, Old Town Source: ipohWorld  



฀฀

 

1884 Tin rush to Kinta began.

More tin mining areas emerge around Kinta Valley.

Ipoh grew.

1886 Dato’ Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuff began town developments in Ipoh.

1890 Declared largest town in Kinta Valley, second largest in Perak.

1892 1 June, a destructive fire wiped out one third of the town (123 houses)

1891 Built a Chinese theatre and a market as anchor attractions.

Figure 34: Historical Timeline of Old Town before World War I Source: Photos Courtesy of ipohWorld  

1897 The Ipoh Padang was created in commemoration of the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

1893 Ipoh increased in size and made rapid progress for the past 2 years. Currently houses over 5,000 inhabitants.



฀฀



1915 Completion of the Ipoh Railway Station as demanded by Ipoh citizens.

1909 The Birch Memorial Clock Tower was unveiled in memory of J.W.W. Birch.

1916 Completion of the Ipoh Town Hall and Post Office by A.B. Hubback.

Figure 34: Historical Timeline of Old Town before World War I (Cont.)

Source: Photos Courtesy of ipohWorld  

1927 Ipoh was officially announced as the Capital of Perak.

1928 Ipoh Town Plan was officially passed and approved. Became a town of 36,860 inhabitants. The next general slump was from 1928-1933.



฀฀

  Figure 35 shows Ipoh New Town extending form the Kinta River in 1908. Tycoon Yau Tet Shin, who is an investor and property owner, constructed Ipoh New Town with his wealth. New Town mirrored the Old Town across Kinta River, but was built to higher standards with a well laid-out plan. It consisted of some 350 houses, with a new market, a mandarin school and theatre which functions as main attractions for the establishment of the town (ipohWorld,2009).

Figure 35: Yau Tet Shin Source: ipohWorld

Figure 36: Ipoh New Town Source: Book - Kinta Valley, Pioneering Malaysia's Modern Development  



฀฀

 

1907 The Hugh Low Bridge was strengthened and widened. Followed by the completion of the Birch Bridge to cope with the traffic.

1891 Local tycoon Yau Tet Shin bought a big piece of land from Dato’ Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuf.

1909 On the 29th January, the New Town was opened by the Resident E.W. Birch.

1908 1905 Yau Tet Shin completed the Yau Tet Shin started development of Ipoh New Town, developing Ipoh New Town. consisting of 350 houses including a new market, a mandarin school and theatre to attract settlers.

Figure 34: Historical Timeline of New Town before World War I Source: Photos Courtesy of ipohWorld  

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฀฀

  Located across the road from the Railway Station on Jalan Dato Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, the Ipoh Town Hall, or Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh is an Edwardian Baroque municipal building, a historic building that lies in the heart of Ipoh, Perak. It is the chief administrative building of Ipoh. This stately colonial building with strong classical element known as Classical Revival Architecture was designed by the government architect, Arthur Benison Hubback (1871-1948) with Neo-Renaissance Victorian style, surmounted with colossal Greek and Roman columns. British East Hindia Company constructed the building in 1914 and completed the building in 1916.

The Town Hall has an area of approximately 6500 m2. It was built in the 1910s to house the town council, its associated departments, and their employees. It still appears to serve the same purpose today.

According to the caretakers of the Ipoh Town Hall, no major restoration has been done to the building. Nevertheless, minor changes can be grasped throughout the building, but the original form and massing of the building remain unchanged (Tahir, 2016).

 

Figure 38: Front façade of Ipoh Town Hall

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 The Ipoh Town Hall is situated in the heart of Ipoh Old Town Centre, which is a major area of government administration during the days of Britain. It is strategically located as it is on the heritage trail network (Heritage Trail) Ipoh City historic building where the Ipoh Railway Station, State Mosque, the District Police Headquarters, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh High Court building and commercial banks. All of these colonial buildings display the architectural style of European interest.

Construction of the Town Hall began in 1914 but the shortage of materials and high costs of labour caused by World War I delayed its completion until 1916. The contractor was Lim Weng Ching. (db.ipohworld.org, 2010)

Figure 39: Ipoh Town Hall, 1930s Source: http://hsgemilang.blogspot.my/2015/10/ipoh-town-hall-10 perkara-yang-mungkin.html

When it was finally completed in 1916, this Town Hall has been the venue of many significant events. It has seen many people from various backgrounds and expertise utilising, and walking up and down, its hallways. It was here the Malay Nationalist Party, the first political party formed in Malaya, held its inaugural congress from November 30 to December 3, 1945, attended by more than 300

 

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 people from all over Malaya. From 1948, the Town Hall served as the District Police Headquarters for some years, before being used as a Public Auditorium in 1962. This building also served as a Post Office.

Apart from that, the Ipoh Town Hall hosted many important events such as The Indian poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore once addressed a speech of Perak’s English and vernacular school teachers here on August 8 1927.

The building was divided into two sections, the front was used as the Town Hall and at the back was used as the Post Office. The Ipoh Post Office used to occupy the eastern end of the Ipoh Town Hall Building. For that reason, the road that ran between Club Road and

Figure 40: Ipoh Post Office, 1930s Source: http://ipohtown.blogspot.my/2010/01/ipoh-city-hall.html

Belfield Street (Jalan Sultan Yusuff) was known as Post Office Road (now it is called Jalan Dato Sagor). For many years, the Ipoh Town Hall building served as the District Police Headquarters, which has since moved into its own complex further south.

 

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 Postal services in the building had ceased operations in 1983 and the building was taken over by the Perak Tourist Information Centre until 1995. Since then, the building was abandoned without maintenance.

Consequently, it sprung a leak and damage to the roof tiles, causing the downpipe to break, rotting floor boards, and the trees had grown wild in the building, further damaging the building.

Thus, in 2007, the Council Ipoh City Council had applied to the National Heritage Department to make something of this building.

Having studied and researched, the JWN agreed to carry out conservation work on the building. In 2009, conservation work had commenced and was completed about a year later.

 

Figure 41: Ipoh Post Office Before Conservation Work Source: http://lib.perak.uitm.edu.my

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         The Ipoh Town Hall was initially constructed for the sole purpose of serving as the primary administrative office of Ipoh. However, the administrative work mostly utilised the front part of the building, leaving the Eastern Wing spare and unused.

In 1928, the Eastern Wing was occupied by the Post and Telegraphs Department, after having moved from Taiping to Ipoh. Later, in 1983, the Main Post Office was relocated to a new building next to the Railway Station (db.ipohworld.org, 2010). It was then taken over by the Tourist Department, which vacated the building in 1998 – leaving the Eastern Wing abandoned until now. Although the Western Wing is still functioning as a town hall, the Eastern Wing remains unutilised and is undergoing conservation works by the National Heritage Department.

Figure 42: View of the Ipoh Town Hall and the Old Post Office

In spite of the fact that the Ipoh Town Hall is divided into two distinct parts with their own purposes, they still sit as a whole and are unified as one building.

 

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  After the interview session with Mr. Mohd. Tajuddin bin Mohd. Tahir, the Town Planner of Ipoh Town Hall, we gained a better understanding concerning the ownership of the building.

In 1914, when the Town Hall was built, the building was divided into two parts – the Western Wing (Town Hall) and the Eastern Wing (Post Office). Due to their segregation, the ownership of the two buildings was initially under the possession of two distinct bodies.

According to Tahir (2016), any plot of land that was under the Federal or State Government before Malaysia’s Independence was considered their proprietorship. Being that the Post and Telegraphs Office was under the Federal Government, it meant that the Federal Government owned the building. The Town Hall, on the other hand, was under the State Government, making its ownership under the possession of the State Government, even though the building was built by one authority - British East Hindia Company. After the Federal Government completed the conservation works, a dispute arose, regarding the ownership of the building –

 

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 whether it was under the Federal Government, or the State Government. When the dispute came along, the State Government needed to prove its documentation of its authority, while the Federal Government had to publish a letter regarding its property. After quite some time, Mr. Tajuddin received a letter from Jabatan Ketua Pengarah Tanah dan Galian Persekutuan (KPTG) that stated that the land lot was owned by the Federal Government and the Town Hall Building was under the State Government.

It also mentioned that after the Federal Government ended their conservation procedures and measured drawings, they would build their office for Jabatan Warisan (Northern branch) to replace the Old Post Office, transferring the office from Lenggong to Ipoh.

However, due to the unstable economic conditions in Malaysia, a shortage of funds and resources has prolonged the transfer of the branch to at least a year. Therefore, the abandoned Post Office has been put on hold by the Federal Government until further notice.

 

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              

 

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          

1914 Construction of Ipoh Town Hall and Post and Telegraphs Office commenced.

1945 Malay Nationalist Party, the first political party formed in Malaya, held its inaugural congress, attended by more than 300 people.

2007 The Ipoh City Council applied to the National Heritage Department to make something of the Ipoh Town Hall.

1962 The Town Hall became a Public Auditorium.

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1916 Completion of construction.

Shortage of materials and high costs of labour caused

by World War I caused a delay in the completion.

Figure 44: Historical Timeline of the Building  

1948 The Town Hall served as the District Police Headquarters .

1983 Postal services in the building ceased operations. The building was taken over by the Perak Tourist Information Centre. Post Office was then left abandoned.

2009 Commencement of conservation work.

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  As Ipoh rose up due to the tin rush, rapid developments of the town have also taken place. Hence, the Town Hall was built to mark an epoch of such progressive era, where it has propelled the exponential growth of the city.

The building which stood for a century, would have harboured many memories of people and significant events taking place there. When it was first built, the Town Hall was under the British government during Figure 44: A Ceremony in Ipoh Town Hall to Observe the Japanese its colonial days. It then fell shortly into the hands of the Japanese Emperor’s Birthday during the Japanese Occupation during the Occupation. Finally when Malaysia obtained independence, Source: ipohWorld the Ipoh Town Hall was then passed on to us. Throughout this series of events, the building has documented many historical moments.

Today as it remains in use, many events such as state government functions, weddings, birthday celebrations, cultural performances etc. still take place at the Town Hall. These historical moments embodies the cultural values of the building itself, which serves as a reminder to the citizens of Ipoh of how far they have come.

Figure 45: Old Group Photo after a General Meeting at the Town Hall Source: ipohWorld  

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

Figure 46: Celebration Dinner After The Appointment Of The New Raja Muda Perak (1987) Source: ipohWorld

Figure 47: Celebration Dinner After The Appointment Of The New Raja Muda Perak (1987) Source: ipohWorld

Figure 48: Wedding Taken Place At Town Hall On 2 March 1937 Source: ipohWorld

Figure 49: Birthday Celebration at Ipoh Town Hall in 1985 Source: Book - Anderson, I. (2011). Ipoh, my home town. Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia: Media Master Pub.

 

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   The Ipoh Town Hall is a standalone two-storey height municipal building, facing Jalan Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, fronted by a large square known as Ipoh Heritage Square. The Ipoh Town Hall orientates to the West whereas the Old Post Office faces the East. This ideal East-West orientation reduces heat gain into the building thus increasing energy efficiency.

There are a few other buildings surrounding the Ipoh Town Hall, which is the famous Ipoh Railway Station situated opposite the Town Hall, the Ipoh High Court on the right, and a Mosque on the left. The

Figure 50: Ipoh Railway Station

Birch Memorial Tower also sits nearby the Town Hall.

Figure ?: Ipoh High Court Figure 51:Ipoh High Court  

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

The Ipoh Town Hall orientates to the West whereas the Old Post Office faces the East. This ideal EastWest orientation reduces heat gain into the building thus increasing energy efficiency.

 



฀฀

  Repeating architectural elements helps create movement, balance, harmony and unity. Repeated use of designs, shapes, or color can help unite different parts into a whole. The repetition might be limited to only an instance or two, which are not enough to create a rhythm or pattern, but enough to cause a visual echo and reinforce or accent certain aspects of the work. The use of repeated arches helps create a form of rhythm on each floor. As seen on Figure 53 the bounded area ‘B’, the types of arches that were used and the number of arches are kept the same on both levels. Thus it creates a rhythmic pattern. The bounded area ‘A’ shows repeated use of columns at the side of each arch, which can be seen on the entire first floor veranda.

Figure 52: Front Elevation Showing Symmetry

The bounded area ‘C’ is different on both levels, which the ground floor is a segmented window and the upper floor is a segmental arch, but they both are of the same segmented design, thus it shows a similar and continuous pattern. The front façade features a symmetrical face whereby if a line is to be drawn cutting through the center of the building, the left façade is seen reflected on the right as well.

Figure 53: Front Elevation Showing Repetition

 



฀฀

  Circulation refers to the way people move through and interact with a building. By understanding the circulation paths of people in a building, we are able to tell where most of the building activities usually take place. Coupled with circulation elements such as staircases and elevations, these features help optimize the flow of people through the building.

Back in the days when the Post Office was still running, there were two circulations in the building; which are in the Town Hall and the Post Office. However, due to the abandonment of the Post Office in 1928, the rear entrance was fenced up and this brought about the merging of the two major circulations into one.

Figure 54: Entrance of the Town Hall As of today, the Town Hall is still running and in use, and the Old Post Office can be accessed through the back passage of the stage.

 



฀฀

 

Figure 55: Ground Floor Plan Prior to the renovation of the Old Post Office, the Ground Floor circulation was divided into two; within the Town Hall and within the Old Post Office. However, both parts were accessible through a back

The two distinct circulations were caused by the existence of individual entrances at either end of the building, thus creating an efficient human flow.

passage.

 



฀฀

  ߌ

߇ ߊ

ߋ

߉

߈

Figure 56: Ground Floor Plan ߇

߈

Figure 57: Entrance

߉

ߋ

ߊ

Figure 60: Main Hall  

Figure 59: Post Office

Figure 58: Lobby ߌ

Figure 61: Passage

Figure 62: Stairs to P.O.



฀฀

 

Figure 63: First Floor Plan

The principle for the old and new circulations on the first floor of the Ipoh Town Hall and the Old Post Office applies similarly to the Ground Floor circulation, whereby they differ due to the prior existence of the entrance gates at either end of the building, allowing two different circulations.

 

The first floor of the Town Hall is accessible via the main staircase at the lobby. The circulation comprises the banquet hall, control room, store room and verandah. The Old Post Office, on the other hand, is accessible via the exterior staircase at the Eastern wing of the Town Hall. 

฀฀

 

߇

߈

߉

ߊ ߋ

ߌ

Figure 64: First Floor Plan ߇

߈

߉

Figure 66: Banquet Hall

Figure 65: First Floor Balcony ߋ

ߊ

Figure 68: Main Staircase  

Figure 67: First Floor Hall ߌ

Figure 69: Control Room

Figure 70: Ladder to Rooftop



฀฀

  Given Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, measures have to be taken when adopting design influences from temperate countries. Majority of historic buildings are ventilated naturally. Openings between rooms such as windows and internal partition are the main techniques to facilitate the airflow circuit through the building.

Ventilation in buildings is important because it provides occupants with a healthy and comfortable environment. Natural ventilation goes one step further, using the forces of wind and buoyancy to help air move naturally through a building, rather than using expensive, energy intensive fans to push air around.

Figure 71: Section Showing Ventilation  



฀฀

     Window openings in a room can be positioned to set up a convection flow that is induced by the density difference between cool and warm air. Convection can be used create a flow of air in the house exhausting the hot air and replacing it with the cooler air.   Utilizes differential wind pressure. When the external air is cooler than inside, windows on opposing sides of the house can be opened up.

Cool air will enter on the windward side due to the natural flow of the breeze and will pass out on the other side, replacing warm inside air with cool outside air.

 



฀฀

  Using the ‘stack effect’ this ventilation method makes use of the fact that warm air rises above cold air. Naturally ventilated buildings can utilize this so that an atrium allows warm air from an occupied space to rise up and escape through vents situated at the top of the building.

 



฀฀

  Jack roof is a pitched roof raised above the ridge of the existing roofline, which allows for the movement of air through louvers on its sides. High ceilings allow circulation of air.

   

Figure 72: Jack Roof

 There are many windows found on the façade and also inside of the building, it is mostly manufactured from hardwood. These windows can be opened manually to let air in from the exterior to the interior.

There are also many doors around the halls, which helps ventilate the open space.

Figure 73: Window at Old Post Office  



฀฀

  Wide verandah act as outdoor extensions of the rooms and spaces it surrounds, and keeps them shaded from direct sun and rain, thus keeping the indoor air cooler.

Figure 74: Verandah

 



฀฀

  The Town Hall consists of many windows and openings. This allows light to penetrate through them, which illuminates the interior spaces of the building. These openings create the illusion that the building interior is spacious and huge.

The transom windows designed on top of the door will bring the most natural light. Wide verandas act as outdoor extensions of the rooms they surround, and keep them shaded from direct sun.

Figure 75: Windows at Old Post Office

 



฀฀



Figure 76: Section Showing Natural Lighting

It is apparent that there is a contrast between the natural lighting in the Town Hall and the Old Post Office. The number of windows play a crucial role in the entry of daylight – this is shown through the large quantity of windows in the Old Post Office as compared to the Town Hall.

Daylighting optimises natural sunlight entry into the building, minimising the need for artificial lighting, thus reducing the use of electricity.

 



฀฀

  The Ipoh Town Hall was constructed in 1916. This stately colonial building with strong classical elements was designed by government architect A.B. Hubback. Most of the buildings that are built by architect A.B Hubback consist of the similar architecture style, such as the Ipoh Railway Station and Ipoh High Court located nearby the Town Hall.

The architecture style of the Ipoh Town Hall is Neoclassical Architecture, it was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, both as a Figure 77: Ipoh Town Hall Façade reaction against the Rocco style of anti-tectonic naturalistic ornament.

As a style composed of many elements, based to a varying extent on the antique forms of Greek architecture and Roman architecture, neoclassical architecture can be imitated to a greater or lesser extent.

For this reason, building designers have continued to borrow from Greek and Roman models ever since the mid-17th century, which makes neoclassicism the world's most popular style of building.

 

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฀฀

  Neoclassical buildings can be divided into three main types; i.e. a temple style building featuring a design based on an ancient temple, a Palladian building based on Palladio's style of villa construction, and Classical block building.  Many temple style buildings feature a peristyle, which is a continuous line of columns around a building. The most famous temple style buildings of the neoclassical age may be the Pantheon and the British Museum. The former is Roman-based, while the latter is Greek- Figure 78: Villa Capra “La Rotonda” based.  Palladian architecture is a European style of architecture derived from the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Palladio’s work was strongly based on the

 

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 symmetry, perspective and values of the former classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The most famous Palladian style building may be the Villa Capra “La Rotonda”.  A classical block building features a vast rectangular or square plan, with a flat or low-lying roof and an exterior rich in classical detail. This can be seen on the Paris Opera Garnier building; the exterior is divided into multiple levels, each of which features a repeated classical pattern, often a series of arches and/or columns.

Figure 79: Paris Opera Garnier

 

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฀฀

 Ipoh Town Hall

Seremban State Library

Year Built

1916

1912

Location

Ipoh, Perak

Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

In elevation and plan

In elevation

Symmetry

Columns and Arches

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Ionic and doric order columns Segmental and round arches around the building façade

-

Tuscan order Segmental and round arches around the building façade Large arched windows with small panes

Pediment

Pointed pediment with circular designs in the middle

Open pediment at the grand front and side porticoes

Verandah

Deep and wide verandah at the building’s first floor

Deep and wide verandah at the building’s first floor

Table 3: Comparison Between Neo-Classical Works of Arthur Benison Hubback  

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฀฀



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Ipoh Railway Station

Ipoh High Court

The White House of Klang

1917

1928

1988

Ipoh, Perak

Ipoh, Perak

Klang, Selangor

In elevation

In elevation

In elevation

Tuscan order Round arches on the Ground Floor façade

-

Tuscan order Round arches on the Ground Floor façade

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Tuscan order Round arches on the interior

Open pediment

Pointed pediment

Pointed pediment

Deep and wide verandah at the building’s first floor

Deep and wide verandah at the building’s first floor

Deep double-storey verandah that wraps around the building

Table 3: Comparison Between Neo-Classical Works of Arthur Benison Hubback (Cont.)  

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฀฀

  Neoclassical buildings have a few defining characteristics, such as clean and elegant lines, uncluttered appearance, free-standing columns and massive buildings.  The number of arches spotted on the building façade as well as the type of arches that exist clearly illustrates the buildings architectural influences.

Figure 80: Segmental Arches Seen on Verandah As seen on the Ipoh Town Hall, there are three arches in front of the building that acts as a passage that links to the entrance. An Arch signifies a passage from where one moves to another place, and the arch represents the passageways or doorways. There are two types of arches found around this building, which is the segmental arches and round arches. Apart from the buildings façade, these arches can also be seen in the buildings interiors, which act as a divider and also passage from hall to hall.

Figure 81: Segmental Arches Seen in the Old Post Office  

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฀฀

  Neoclassical art was yet another return to the Classical Orders of Greek and Roman Antiquity. The stone columns themselves usually consisted of a series of solid stone "drums" - set one upon the other, without mortar - but sometimes joined inside with bronze pegs. The diameter of columns usually decreases from the bottom upwards.

Each column is composed of a shaft and a capital; some also have a base. The shaft may be decorated with vertical or spiral grooves, called fluting. The capital has two parts: a rounded lower part (echinus), above which is a square-shaped tablet (abacus). The appearance of the echinus and abacus varies according to the stylistic "template" or "Order" used in the temple's construction.

Tuscan and Doric Order capitals are plainer and more austere, while Ionic and Corinthian capitals are more ornate.

Figure 82: Doric Order on Façade

The classical orders of columns found around the Ipoh Town Hall are mainly Doric Order on the exterior and Ionic Order on the interior.

Figure 83: Ionic Columns at Foyer  

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฀฀

  Most of the doors and windows are originally manufactured from hard wood, which can withstand for a longer time and the maintenance of wooden frame is easy and cheap.

Many different architectural features were incorporated in the design of the doors and windows. They are mostly arched windows and doors, with the walls surrounding with ornamental features such as voussoirs and keystones.

Figure 84: Entrance to the Main Hall Most of the doors are topped with a transom window to allow maximum natural lighting into the building, enhancing the quality and grandeur of the space.

Figure 85: Pivot Window with Voussoir and Keystone  

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฀฀

  Staircases are circulation elements and they are designed to bridge large vertical distance. One needs to utilise the stairs to get from one floor to another.

Different types of stairs are used to give different looks and impacts to different spaces.The main stairway at the entrance is very wide compared to the other staircases on the inside of the building. This is to provide a grand walkway from the entrance into the building.

Figure 86: Staircase to First Floor Banquet As for the staircase to the first floor banquet, it is narrower with smaller steps, but it is designed with a handrail and detailed balusters with dark brown paint coating over it. A red carpet is installed onto the stairs to enhance it and give it a finer look.

The staircase located behind the ground floor stage is the same as the banquet hall staircase, but it is designed with less detailed handrail and balusters.

Figure 87: Staircase Leading to the Entrance of the Town Hall  

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฀฀

  Different types of roofs are used on this building, which are pitched roof, Dutch gable roof, and Jack roof.

There are also different types of materials used for the roof. The front part of the roof is mainly covered with clay roof tiling, and continued with zinc roofing for the back part of the roof.  The pitched roof covers the main hall and stage on ground floor. Zinc roofing was used as the material of the pitched roof. The pitched roof is rather flat than sloppy and it extends to the end, near to the wall at the drainage.

Figure 88: Pitched Roof

 The three Dutch gable roofs cover the back of the first floor, which is one roof overlapping the other and forms a ‘n’ shape when shown on plan view. Clay roof tiling is used as the material.

Figure 89: Dutch Gable Roof  



฀฀

  The Jack roof covers the front part of the building, which is over the first floor banquet hall. This type of roof is raised above to allow movement of air through the sides to have a better circulation of air.

Figure 90: Jack Roof with Gable

 

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฀฀

  There are many detailed designs around and inside the Ipoh Town Hall that enhance the building features and looks.  Crystal chandeliers are used in the main spaces in the Town Hall such as the entrance foyer, the banquet hall and the VIP room to build a statement of its status as a formal municipal building as well as to further enrich the Town Hall with its drama through its captivating glow, bringing a sense of enchantment to the spaces.

Figure 91: Chandelier at Main Entrance  The gold-painted wall detail is located at the main staircase leading to the banquet hall. It gives an impression of lavishness, enticing the visitors of the Town Hall to progress with their journey through this luxurious building, leading up to the grand banquet hall.

Figure 92: Gold Painted Detail on Wall  

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฀฀

  Inspired by the Greek and Roman architecture, motifs resembling flowers and leaves are added on the corbel at the Banquet Hall. The national flower, the Hibiscus is apparent on the corbel, symbolising the position of Ipoh Town Hall as a governmental administrative building. The motifs are gold-painted to denote the opulence of the Town Hall.

Figure 93: Corbel at Banquet  The details on the lamp post located in front of the Ipoh Town Hall are inspired by Roman architecture. They are gold in colour to denote its monumental state as the main administrative building in the heart of Ipoh.

Figure 94: Gold-Painted Details on Lamp Post  



฀฀

  The main entrance door to the Town Hall expresses hints of gold to establish its grandeur to commemorate respectable guests who wish to pay a visit to the building for a conference or a formal event. The gold door handle creates an impression of majesty to visitors upon entering the building.

Figure 95: Gold- Painted Door Handle  Located at the entrance foyer, three tall Corinthian columns stand with flamboyance, exposing and welcoming guests to the extravagance of the building. These columns possess motifs similar to the ones on the corbel at the banquet hall.

Figure 96: Gold-Painted Details on Column Capital  



฀฀

  A number of Roman-inspired lamp posts surround the Ipoh Town Hall, exuding a rusticated ambience to the building. Lit up at night time, it exalts the character and spirit of the building and enlivens the surrounding with its warm luminescence during the night.

Figure 97: Lamp Post at the Front of the Town Hall  The criss-cross patterns on the verandah wrap the envelope of the building, emanating repetition and giving a sense of identity to the Town Hall. The patterns are unique to the works of the architect as well as to the buildings in Ipoh. It not only augments the overall aesthetic appeal of the building, but it also acts as a ventilation device for the rooms adjacent to the verandahs.

Figure 98: Criss-cross Pattern at Verandah  



฀฀

  The undulating form of the ornament situated on top of the façade column are inspired by Roman design. It expresses the attention to detail on the façade and emanates a comprehension on the delicate and subtle intricacies of this building. It also imparts variation to the façade, softening the repetitive horizontal lines that span across the width of the building.

Figure 99: Wall Details at Façade  The curvy detail on the roof not only supplements the aesthetic appeal of the roof, but it also alleviates the harsh horizontal lines on the walls as well as the abrupt transition into the unvarying roof tile structure.

Figure 100: Wall Details at Roof  



฀฀

  The formal chairs are typically arranged in a straight row by the walls, overlooking one another for convenience during the conference events. They are cushioned and well-qualified for comfort. The red colour of seats radiates strength and power, denoting the respectable status of the attendees.

Figure 101: Formal Chairs at Banquet  The ostentatious lines at varying sizes on the walls below the fixed arch windows located at the main staircase leading up to the banquet hall articulate the character of embellishment in the building, further exalting the stately demeanour of the interior.

Figure 102: Wall Details below Fixed Arch Window  



฀฀

         Since its construction, the Ipoh Town Hall was used as a Post and Telegraph Office, a district police headquarters and a public auditorium subsequently. In order to carry out such activities, the town hall requires a large area of space. Apart from that, the place should be well-lit and ventilated to create a spacious effect. The building must also be designed grandly as it is after all, the image of the city. The entire building stands as one structure as a whole.

However, it can be differentiated into two distinct parts - the Town Hall, which is the front part of the building located in the western wing; the Post Office, which is the annexe to the main building, located at the eastern wing. The Town Hall, which is owned by the State Government is in use till this day for functions and performances. Due to the fact that the Post Office is under the

Figure 103: The distinction between Town Hall and Old Post Office

Federal Government, all operations including the on-going renovation have been halted. As of today, the abandoned renovation can be observed as tarps and wire mesh can be seen left discarded at the space which once functioned as a post office.

 



฀฀

      From the ground floor entrance, one will step into the vast, spacious lobby. The lobby is a gathering space for guests before entering the hall. The lobby serves as a main access point to other spaces such as the hall, VIP room, worker’s quarters, toilets etc. Towards the far right of the lobby is a stairwell leading up to the first floor banquet room and other spaces.

Figure 104: Lobby

Figure 105: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Lobby  



฀฀

  The hall is the biggest space in the building, which can house up to 2,000 guests and 1,000 guests for a state banquet. It is mainly used for functions, performances and events. As the hall houses the biggest space within the building, there are 3 doors on each side of the hall, which not only help ease human traffic, provide ventilation, but also ease the transportation of objects into the town hall. At the very front of the hall is the stage which is used for performances and speakers. The hall is not only big in terms of floor area; it also spans the height of two floors, thus having a high ceiling which creates a spacious effect. All three walls other than the fourth which is the stage, are fitted with polished wooden panels aligned vertically. These

Figure 106: Hall

wooden panels help with the room acoustics to lower reverberation within the space.

Figure 107: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Hall  



฀฀

  Washrooms, staff room and VIP room are accessible from the Lobby and are located at each far end of the lobby. The washrooms and staff room are naturally well lit and ventilated as there are huge windows within the spaces. The VIP room however has no windows, in order to provide privacy for the guest. It is however air-conditioned and carpeted to provide comfort and a sense of luxury to the VIPs.

Figure 108: VIP Room

Figure 109: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Washrooms, Staffroom and VIP Room  



฀฀

  Behind the hall and stage is a passage leading up to the first floor of the post office. It is a dark passageway with not much help from artificial lighting as the back part of the town hall has been abandoned. The passageway is narrow, with poor lighting and ventilation. The stairs leading up to the first floor passage is filled with collapsed debris from the ceiling. The entire part of the passage makes one feel uncomfortable and eerie as it is poorly lit and maintained. The passage has also two doors on each end, leading out into the courtyard.

Figure 110: Ground Floor Passage

Figure 111: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Passage  



฀฀

   











Both male and female dressing rooms are located at each end of the passage, accessible from the stage. The rooms are used by performers to rest and prepare themselves before heading out on stage. The rooms are well ventilated and bright. The store rooms are also located at each end of the passage, but are locked from the public and are inaccessible. Wash closets are observed to be attached to each dressing room and store room respectively.

Figure 112: Dressing Room

Figure 113: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Dressing Rooms, Wash Closets and Store Rooms  



฀฀

    The banquet room sits above the lobby and it is used to host small events such as (press conference), feast (jamuan) etc. Similar to the hall, the surrounding walls are fitted with polished wooden panels aligned vertically. These wooden panels help with the room acoustics to lower reverberation within the space. Carpets are also laid out to help with the absorption of sounds. The banquet room is moderately lit and ventilated by the stairwell. It requires artificial lighting and airconditioners to improve the conditions within the space. Although the banquet room has 5 doors leading to the balcony, its tinted glass and the curtains cut off lighting from the exterior into the space.

Figure 114: Banquet Room

Figure 115: First Floor Plan Indicating Banquet Room  



฀฀

         These 3 rooms are connected from the banquet hall and are well-lit and ventilated due to large window fittings. The caterer’s room sits above the staff room, the store room above the female toilet and the control room sits above the VIP room.

Figure 116: First Floor Store Room

Figure 117: First Floor Plan Indicating Caterer’s Room, Store Room and Control Room  



฀฀

  The front verandah sits above the porch, foyer and toilets on the ground floor. It is very spacious and very well ventilated as it is connected to the exterior. One can observe the activities on the street from the veranda, yet maintaining privacy on the first floor. This classifies the verandah as a semi-public space, where it is not openly accessibly to the public, albeit connected to the exterior.

Figure 118: Front Verandah

Figure 119: First Floor Plan Indicating Front Verandah  



฀฀

  The first floor passage is connected from the ground floor passage through the stairs and provides access to the first floor post office.

The passageway is narrow with poor lighting and ventilation, and contains more fallen debris.

Figure 120: First Floor Passage

Figure 121: First Floor Plan Indicating First Floor Passage  



฀฀

            All rooms and toilets are well ventilated due to large amounts of windows throughout the stretch of walls, both facing the main street and the courtyard. Due to abandonment, the rooms are not distinctively classified and are very dusty. The floors are wooden floorboards, which affect the dead load of the entire first floor. These rooms sit above the dressing rooms, store rooms and wash closets located on the Ground Floor.

Figure 122: Room 9

Figure 123: First Floor Plan Indicating Room 6, 7, 8, 9 and Toilets  



฀฀

     The abandoned ground floor post office is a big space, well-lit and well ventilated by large windows and doors. As the space is halfway through renovation/reconstruction, it is very dusty. There are steel columns and beams used to support the first floor post office above it.

The post office leads to other spaces such as the Rooms 1-5, which are mostly locked down and boarded up with wooden panels to prevent entry and access.

Figure 124: Ground Floor Post Office

Figure 125: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Post Office  



฀฀

  Through observation, the spaces are well ventilated due to large windows facing the courtyard. However, most of these spaces are locked down due to renovation and are inaccessible.

Figure 126: Room 5

Figure 127: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5  



฀฀

  The abandoned courtyard is a space filled with wild vegetation, which also houses the TNB station there. Due to the openings above, the whole area is well ventilated, rain or shine, which allows abundant vegetation growth.

Figure 128: Courtyard

Figure 129: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Courtyard  



฀฀

  The verandah is the furthest end of the building, which supposedly is the entrance of the post office. Due to renovation, the verandah which connects to the exterior is fenced up to prevent entry from the public.

It is only accessible through the first floor stairs down, located at the right side of the post office.

Figure 130: Verandah at Old Post Office

Figure 131: Ground Floor Plan Indicating Verandah  



฀฀

    Similar to the previous rooms, they are well ventilated as observed by the large windows. Floors are wooden floorboards, and are very dusty. These rooms are also newly renovated spaces before abandonment, in which the differences between the old and new are easily identified. The rooms sit above Room 1 & Room 2 located on the Ground Floor.

Figure 132: Room 10

Figure 133: First Floor Plan Indicating Rooms 10, 11, 12 and 13  



฀฀

  The first floor post office is similar to the one on ground floor. It is welllit and ventilated due to windows and doors which face the rear veranda (exterior) and courtyard (interior). Due to abandonment, it is extremely dusty. The floors are wooden floorboards which spans the entire first floor of the annexe.

Figure 134: First Floor Post Office

Figure 135: First Floor Plan Indicating Post Office  



฀฀

  The rear verandah sits above the ground floor verandah. It is very spacious and very well ventilated as it is connected to the exterior.

Figure 136: First Floor Rear Verandah

Figure 137: First Floor Plan Indicating Rear Verandah  



฀฀

    Interior spaces are defined as spaces within the four walls of a building, while the exterior spaces can be described as an extension of the interior and can act as buffer zones before one enters the building.

Exterior via the front entrance and the rear verandah. The building however, has an internal courtyard which preserves privacy and creates a communal outdoor space. The courtyard has also allow adjacent rooms to have lots of natural ventilation which is crucial for interior spaces when it comes to a longitudinal floor layout.

The exterior spaces identified are the podium, foyer and porch for the Town Hall; the rear verandah for the Post Office. These spaces creates a smooth transition where the interior spaces gets connected to the outdoor surroundings. One can observe that the Town Hall which faces the wide Jalan Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab has an extended podium, which draws people toward the building.

The space acts as a welcoming platform for citizens and tourists alike to admire its grand façade.

The interior spaces, on the other hand are about the spaces within the building itself. The entire floor plan of the Town Hall and Post Office is longitudinal and it only connects to the

 



฀฀



EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

Figure 138: Section Indicating Interior and Exterior Spaces

 



฀฀

  After the Post Office was closed down, the entire space at the eastern wing was left abandoned. Meanwhile, the Town Hall at the western wing remains in use till this day. In general, the main spaces of the Town Hall are considered public, in which they are open and accessible to people. This includes the exterior spaces of the building. Examples of the public spaces are the ground floor lobby and main hall, the first floor banquet room and front verandah. These spaces are particularly occupied whenever a major event is held at the Town Hall. Other spaces that are public include the porch and toilets.

Private spaces are rooms which only authorised personnel are allowed to enter. They are used for personal purposes that do not concern the public. Examples of such spaces are the staff room, VIP rooms, store room, control rooms etc.

As the Post Office was closed down, it can only be accessed with the permission of the authorities. Otherwise, no one is permitted entry as the rear verandah is fenced up from the public. Hence, the entire Post Office is classified under Private spaces.  

Public

Private

Figure 139: Floor Plans Indicating Public and Private Spaces 

฀฀

  Reverberation is the collection of reflected sounds from the surfaces in an enclosure like an auditorium (Hyperphysics, 2016). Without proper acoustics, these reflected sounds would cause a nuisance.

For example, in a concert hall, reverberation can ruin a performance if the acoustical properties of walls are not designed properly.

Due to the large space in the Town Hall’s hall, the high probability of reverberation taking place should be considered. Hence, the walls of the hall is layered with timber panels with grooves which help improve the acoustics in the location, thus decreasing reverberation.

The timber panels with grooves have acoustical

properties of absorption and diffusion (Architectural Components Group Inc., 2016).

From figure 140, the diagram on the left shows the absorption of sound into the panels. This reduces the amplitude of sound waves that are reflected, thus reducing reverberation. The diagram on the right, however shows how the sound diffusion takes place. Both the cavities within the wooden panels and the groove of the wooden panels allows sound to bounce off the walls in different directions. This helps to disperse sound evenly across the room, thus increasing better acoustic within the space. These panels were also applied throughout the Banquet room on the first floor.

Figure 140: Sound Acoustics System Diagram  



฀฀

  Arthur Benison Hubback possessed excellent planning skills when it came to construction as building materials during that period either had to be imported, or in the case of local materials, mined or milled in advance.Constructed within the same period, the heritage buildings within the context of Jalan Dato’ Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab apply construction materials and techniques that are alike to another.

These buildings mainly used clay bricks as the primary construction material, followed by the utilisation of marble for the flooring. The walls are accompanied by load-bearing columns which extend across the width of the building, supporting the roof load.

 

Figure 141: Load-bearing Columns at Lobby



฀฀

  The choice of construction materials in both the Ipoh Town Hall and the Old Post Office suit their respective functions. The Town Hall utilises relatively extravagant materials to tailor its formal setting as a municipal building, whereas the Old Post Office employs the usage of industrial materials to suit its position as a governmental office.

Nevertheless, they share certain similar materials which unify the two different functions into one building; such as the masonry walls.  To suit its formal and stately position, the Town Hall mainly uses marble for its flooring, topped with a red nylon carpet to enhance its grandeur.

Figure 142: Marble Flooring with Carpet at Entrance

 The Old Post Office mainly utilises local timber planks for its flooring, supported by a steel beam construction.

Figure 143: Timber Flooring at Old Post Office  



฀฀

              Clay bricks are economical due to its easy availability in Malaysia. A variation of plaster and cement coating is used to cover or sheath the brick surface at specific areas in the Town Hall. Plaster allows moisture to pass through the wall, hence, regulates humidity in the building. The cement coating, on the other hand, is for aesthetic and water penetration reasons. Cement rendering traps moisture into the walls and prevents it from escaping. It produces less cracking compared to lime plaster due to its greater strength.

Figure 144: Exterior Wall

Figure 145: Ground Floor Plan

Clay Bricks Figure 146: First Floor Plan  



฀฀

  The walls of this building are non-load bearing walls, however they are accompanied by load-bearing columns to support the weight of the upper floors. Lime mortar is used to hold the clay bricks together, increasing the strength of the structure. A plaster coating is finally used to cover the surface of the clay bricks

Figure 147: Clay Brick Wall Construction Source: http://pubsurveys.co.uk/pub-quizzes/

 



฀฀

    A panel is made by pressing gypsum plaster between two papers. It is used to make partition walls on the first floor. It is a newly renovated wall which is easy to install and uninstall in the long-run.

Figure 148: Partition Gypsum Wall

Gypsum Plaster Figure 149: First Floor Plan of Old Post Office  

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฀฀

    Corbels have been used on the interior wall and keystones on the exterior wall of the building. Plastering is more used in a way of smoothing out surfaces and preparing them for decoration, it also reinforces the wall or ceiling and helps to seal together building materials.

Figure 150: Corbel

 



฀฀

  Timber groove panels are easy to install and visually attractive due to the beauty of wood veneers. The panels embellish as well as offer a solution to reverberant noise levels inside the building. The finishing on the groove panels is Shellac veneer.

Figure 151: Acoustic Timber Groove Panels

Figure 152: Ground Floor Plan of Town Hall

Timber Groove Panels Figure 153: First Floor Plan of Town Hall  



฀฀

  Mineral wool, followed by an insulating net are laid over the masonry wall for its sound insulation properties. The timber groove panels are finally added as the surface with a finishing of Shellac veneer.

Figure 154: Timber Groove Panel Construction

Figure 155: Section Detail of Timber Groove Panel Construction  



฀฀

     Marble is a material used for its extremely hard, smooth and firm surface, and is less susceptible to water damage. It has been used since ancient times. It is also known as a symbol of beauty (due to shining characteristic) in grand buildings. Marble is utilised at the exterior of the building.

Figure 155: Marble Tiles

Figure 156: Ground Floor Plan

Marble Figure 157: First Floor Plan  



฀฀

    Tiles are the simplest form of ceramic art. They are combined with other colours of ceramics to form mosaic. The tiles cover the pavement floor at the entrance, in the main ground floor hall of the building.

Ceramic tiles have a protective layer resting over the material that makes them impervious to water and stain penetration. Also, they are resistant to high humidity conditions. Thus, it is ideal for the outdoor environment in Ipoh.

Figure 158: Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic Tiles Figure 159: Ground Floor Plan of Town Hall  

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฀฀

  The nylon fibers are cut to the same height giving an appearance of softness. The carpet flooring appears to be dense and provides a cushion for the foot. Since nylon dyes easily, it stains rather easily. It is an abrasion resistant material as well as is moderately resilient.

The cut pile carpet is highly suitable for heavy traffic areas as it remains smooth throughout its lifespan, without leaving footprints.

Figure 160: Nylon Cut Pile Plush Carpet

Figure 161: Ground Floor Plan of Town Hall

Carpet Figure 162: First Floor Plan of Town Hall  



฀฀

    Meranti wood is arranged as joists. Meranti is moderately durable under exposed conditions. It is rather difficult to treat with preservatives. It is easy to work with and produces a moderately smooth surface. The finishing on the meranti floor is Shellac veneer.

Figure 163: Meranti Flooring

Figure 164: Ground Floor Plan of Old Post Office

Meranti Wood Figure 165: First Floor Plan of Old Post Office  



฀฀

  Suspended timber floors are made up of timber joists supported by steel columns, which are then covered with timber planks. To a degree this type of floor can give more comfort and when the floor is well insulated these can create a degree of sound proofing when used in upper floors.

Figure 166: Timber Floor Construction

 



฀฀

  Gable roof with jack roof is a type of gable roof with a secondary roof that allows for the movement of air. The materials used as roof are as follows:     Since the reconstruction of the building, the roofing at certain parts of the Ipoh Town Hall have been replaced due to certain defects to the original clay roof tiles.

Figure 167: Zinc (Thin) Roofing

Although a thin material, zinc is known for its great strength and appealing aesthetic. It is also weatherproof, corrosion resistant, lasts longer and is easy to install.

Zinc (Thin) Figure 168: Roof Plan of Town Hall  



฀฀

  This roofing is known for reflecting solar heat and cutting back cooling costs hugely. It is also known for its fire resistance. Since Malaysia is known for its lightning strikes during rainfall, this roof will not go into flames.

Figure 169: Zinc (Thick) Roofing

Zinc (Thick) Figure 170: Roof Plan of Town Hall  



฀฀

    Clay is used for its thermal insulating properties, reducing the heat gain into the building. It shows a greater security as it fully encloses the large building. The steepness of the roof provides proper water drainage for less leakage inside the building. Thus, this gives a longer longevity to the roof.

Figure 171: Clay Tile Roofing

Clay Tiles Figure 172: Roof Plan of Old Post Office  



฀฀

  The Howe truss is often called an M-truss because of the design of the wen members. The vertical members run from the bottom of the vertical member to the top chord and dropping another vertical member from there to the bottom chord. The truss is used to carry mostly heavy material and to be weather tight. Steel trusses were used as material as they can span further than timber and can be manufactured to exact standards since it is used to enclose a wide space of the building. The material is fire resistant, has no risk of infestation and no chemical treatment are necessary to maintain the trusses.

As the building is aerated via windows and air condition, a vapour barrier is required on the hot side of the building. A vapour barrier made of aluminium foil is draped over the roof beams and clamped between the beams and roof sheet directly above it. This aluminium foil disables the possibility of condensation of vapour in the conditioned space. Thus preventing risk of material damage. The use of mineral wool insulation deliver thermal, fire and sound protection for the roof space.

 

Figure 173: Roof Truss



฀฀

      This baluster is a square base circular section shaft of Renaissance style influence. It is made of timber with a continuous handrail. Use of timber for stairs inside the building is believed to create beauty of the space. This design is found in two of the staircases in the building.

Figure 174: Timber Balustrade

 



฀฀

    The balustrade is built at the back of the building as an access from ground floor to the hall on first floor. The baluster is made of stone, representing the Renaissance style. The stone is used to create drama and elegance in the architecture. As the stairs is also exposed to outdoor environment, the stairs is less prone to corrosion. 

Figure 175: Stone Balustrade

The traditional wood baluster is straight and vertical with a rectangular cross-section. The vertical balusters’ primary function is to prevent people from falling. The vertical baluster is believed to elevate the spirituality of the space.

Figure 176: Timber Balustrade  



฀฀

     Due to the ease of availability of limestone bricks from the caves of Ipoh, limestone is used as the main load-bearing columns. To enhance its strength, a layer of plaster is used over the limestone.

The load-bearing columns are mostly attached to the masonry wall.

Figure 177: Columns

Figure 178: Ground Floor Plan

Limstone Brick Figure 179: First Floor Plan  



฀฀

    Gypsum board is mainly used as the ceiling. Since the Ipoh Town Hall caters for events and celebrations, gypsum ceiling has the characteristic of sound control (noise reduction to the outside environment).

Figure 180: Gypsum Board Ceiling

 



฀฀

     Most of the doors in the Ipoh Town Hall are constructed of timber entirely, whereas the rest are made of a composition of timber and glazing.

The doors come in different styles such as eyebrow arch double panel door, eyebrow arch single panel door, circle arch double panel door, single panel door and double panel door.

Figure 181: Double Panel Door

Figure 182: Paired Partially Glazed Door  



฀฀

     All of the windows in the Ipoh Town Hall and the Old Post Office are made of glass with wooden frames. However, they come in different styles, i.e. eyebrow arch five casement window, double panel window and fixed window.

Figure 183: Fixed Arch Windows

Figure 184: Eyebrow Arch Five Casement Window  



฀฀

  The construction defects in this Town Hall were due to deficiency in the design, the construction system and the materials used in the project. These were caused by negligent construction, defective building materials, improper usage of materials, and mediocre material use.

From the envelope of this building, we observed seven types of defects from the existing damages to the building.

Figure 185: Wall Defects

 



฀฀

  Slab settlement is caused by drying and shrinking soil, poorly compacted fill soils or washout of the soil beneath the slab. These create a void below the tiles and crack open. This tiled-path is situated around the building. This can cause a problem to the ground next to / foundation of the building.

Figure 186: Slab Settlement on Exterior Floor Slab  Moulds are grown in warm, high humid condition and air. When these conditions are correct, their development begins. They are mostly found near water leaks, flooding in the building. This is due to the heavy rainfall in Ipoh and its heat. Moulds have effect on people, causing them to have colds, sore throat, nasal congestion and skin irritations. Having mould growth on the walls of the building can affect the people in the vicinity. Possible solutions are: ventilation of the space for prevention, usage of fungicides, and reparation of water leakage.

Figure 187: Mould Growth on Walls  



฀฀

  Due to exposure to rainfall the steel gates around the building is disclosed to corrosion. The moisture on the metal decreases the tensile stress of the metal much more than the metal can withstand.

This gradually can lead to the failure of the material. The rust residue from the metal might be absorbed by the wall next to the gate, thus, staining it

Figure 188: Corrosion on Steel Gate  Mosses is mainly found on the walls of the building. They require a very damp environment and sunlight which is provided in the environment. Mosses restrict moisture evaporation from the walls and causes pitting. Over a period of time growth of mosses causes the deterioration of the wall.

Figure 189: Mosses Growth  

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฀฀

  The corrosive effect of bird droppings is an irreversible damage. Its presence was found on the walkways behind the Town Hall. Bird droppings quickly turn to salt and ammonia; after rain, electrochemical reactions speed up the rusting process. These acidic droppings eat away at the metal walkaway, and can eventually cause structural failure.

Figure 190: Corrosion on Walkway  Efflorescence is the building up of whitish salts on masonry wall due to the presence of humidity in the space. The water or water vapour present is absorbed by the masonry wall. The water reacts with the minerals in the brick and as the water evaporates, a white deposit is left behind. It is an indication of water entering the wall. Effects may be as follows: Spalling, peeling off or popping out of the wall.

Eventually causing collapsing of the wall.

Figure 191: Efflorescence on Wall  

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  Discoloration on marble is observed as localized in terms of various staining.  Reddish-orange stains are caused by the rusting of iron. The source of iron staining is from the iron structures found above them. The discoloration is a deposit of rust on the surface of the stone. Surface deposits of rust may be removed by hand rubbing with a clean cloth and examining the source of rust.

Figure 192: Rust Stain on Marble Floor  Grease stains on marble are usually due to handlings. The marble tile absorbs the organic or inorganic oil. The depth of penetration depends on the temperature, marble porosity, dryness and finishing.

The darkening spot is localized at the area of contact of the oil. Over a period of time the edges of stain spreads over the material. This damages the aesthetic aspect of marble.

Figure 193: Grease Stain on Marble Floor  

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  Cracks occurs due to structural overloading or a flaw in the material itself. Minor cracking has no immediate effect but is an indication of structural problem and can be the entrance of water in the material.

Marble is a comparatively homogenous material since it is crystallized under extreme heat and pressure. Cracking, which allows water or salts to enter the stone, increases the possibility of failure along the planes with consequent spalling. Possible repairs comprise patching and replacement.

Figure 194: Marble Cracking  Termites are attracted to regions involving moisture accumulation and stagnant air. Termites consume any kind of wood- from rotten to treated wood. Intense damage has been caused to the wood in the grand hall and may be result in a huge collapse if present on walls and lessens the durability of the wood. Wood can be protected to some extent using preservatives against termites, using moistureproof coating or allowing ventilation in the room and eradicating from the area.

Figure 195: Wood Decay Due to Termite Attack  

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  Disproportionate concrete ingredient mixture is one of the cause for discoloration. The wall area seems to be have an open area blocked.

The poor workmanship has led to an aesthetic destruction of the wall.

Figure 196: Discolouration on Concrete  Lack of regular verification on the plumbing systems over a long time may result as a leakage through the double ceilings in the building.

Moisture tends to be collected on the roof, weakening the ceiling, damaging its beauty and can affect the floor since water drips from the ceiling.

Figure 197: Plumbing Leakage in Ceiling  

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  Due to environmental conditions such as duration and frequency of moisture, rate at which the surface dries up, presence of impurities around its area have caused the corrosion of the steel roof. The iron present in steel rusts in the exposure of rain and air. This channels to complete weakening of the roof. Thus, its destruction. The corrosion can be counter attacked through galvanization, cathodic protection or thick layer of paints.

Figure 198: Uniform Corrosion on Steel Roof  Black streaking on roof is a familiar issue. The black streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, or an algae that accumulates over time, growing into a black outer coating which causes stains on the roof.

Moisture is consequently trapped by the organism, causing not only gradual damage but also aesthetic damage of the roof tiles. This may lead to leakage in the roof as well as growth of moulds.

Figure 199: Black Streaks on Clay Roof Tiles  

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 This course has given us an apprehension into the fundamental understanding of an architect. In the course of completing this project, we have beyond doubt gained a fair amount of knowledge on the importance of the conservation of heritage buildings through an array of methods of documentation and measured drawings.

Many are unaware that the Ipoh Town Hall is a building comprising of discrete parts and functions. Based on our understanding, the Ipoh Town Hall encompasses both the Town Hall and the Old Post Office – two distinct parts which function separately – although they sit as a whole and are unified as one historic building.

In order to preserve a precise depiction of historical structures, we were familiarised with several apparatus – which allowed us to gradually acquire an understanding on the effective and efficient ways of recording measurements.

It would be hard to imagine our towns and cities without historic buildings; so much they are a part of the everyday scene that we tend to take them for granted and overlooks their importance. Each one is an example of a combination of design and construction skills that provide us with a very visible history of buildings through the past 500 years.

Through this project, we have also learnt about the importance of teamwork. In a group of 23 people, we allocated specific tasks congruently to cultivate more proficient results, thus increasing the

Good repair practice is central to good conservation in Malaysia.

productivity of our work.

Repair would be the only action required to enable historic buildings to survive. The present reality, however is that other sorts of

Furthermore, we have also learnt to implement an array of documentation methods – ranging from fieldwork, interviews, catalogues to self-study and analysis. Through thorough research, exploration and interpretation, we managed to grasp an abundance of information on the significant components of the building – derived from its historical and cultural background.

intervention may be necessary to accommodate change. Alteration of one sort or another, in addition to straightforward repair, must

 

sometimes be inflicted on buildings if they are to continue to be useful and wanted.

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 Conservation, therefore, may entail more than repair. Destruction is invariably wasteful and may be positively damaging, while the creation and conservation of good buildings is always worthwhile where repair and maintenance may seem a modest unglamorous activity that can be continuity of past, present and future, working closely with historic buildings, can be sheer pleasure, and making them good in the Malaysian way, indeed be glorious.

The conservation of heritage buildings requires knowledge and understanding of those resources and the history they represent.

Conservation involves proper management of resources and a systematic procedure on conservation works. The activities in conservation works should therefore be handled with great sensitivity and skills in order to preserve the rare qualities of the building materials, architecture and craftsmanship. For future development of this field, more efforts should be undertaken by all sectors to educate the people about heritage conservation.

 

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Lama, Ipoh, Perak. Procedia Engineering, 20, 305-310. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.11.170

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Mr. Tajuddin: Selamat datang kepada semua pelajar-pelajar Taylor’s, pensyarah Encik Adib. Nama saya Mohammad Tajuddin bin Mohammad Tahir. Latar belakang saya not an architecture, saya bukan seorang architecture. Latar belakang saya is a Town Planner. What a Town Planner has to be with architecture. The only thing is right now I have a passion towards heritage buildings. That’s it. That’s why I’m in charge of the Heritage punya Department, bukan department, Heritage Unit which is under the Town Planning Department in City Council. If you have any questions about architecture please keep it to yourself, and maybe you can ask somebody else of that background. Okay?

I bid welcome, to all the Taylor’s students present here today, as well as lecturer Mr. Adib. My name is Mohammad Tajuddin bin Mohammad Tahir. I do not possess an architectural background, I’m not an architect. In fact, I am a Town Planner. What does a Town Planner have to do with architecture? The only thing is, right now, I have a passion towards heritage buildings. That’s it. That’s why I’m in charge of the Heritage

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 Department, well, not department, but the Heritage Unit which is under the Town Planning Department of the Ipoh City Council. If you have any questions about architecture, please keep them to yourselves, and maybe you can ask somebody else with that background. Okay?

Saya akan bagi sedikit simple short taklimat about the Town Hall. You all pun tahu about the Town Hall kan before you came down to Ipoh. I think you have done your research, when was Town Hall built, who built it and what’s the size probably can maybe, aiks saya pun tak ada ukur lagi what’s the size of the tiang the columns the... I never do these measurements because all buildings kan? You’ve done it maybe it’s good la.So just a brief start of a Town Hall as we mentioned in the slide presentation tadi. Sorry lah sometimes I have to put my glasses on.. I only have about 7 / 800 days more before I pension la that’s why I have to put my glasses.

I will give you a brief introduction about the Town Hall. You all already knew about the Town Hall before you came down to Ipoh. I think you have done your research – when the Town Hall was built, who built it and what the size is. I, myself have not measured the size of the columns.

Maybe you’ve done it, so that’s good. So, as a brief start about the Town Hall, as we mentioned in the presentation slides earlier… Sorry, sometimes, I have to put my glasses on.. I only have about seven to eight hundred days before I reach my pension, so that is why I have to put my glasses on.

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 As you know this building was built in 1914 and completed in 1916 and you all know this building was designed by the architect at that time, the Government architect at that time who was named as Arthur Benison Hubback. Pronunciation sometimes people say A-Back and sometimes Abuck, and the correct pronunciation should be A-bbuck. Cause B-A-C-K is back kan? So nevermind la whatever it is, the same person and this guy comes from Liverpool tau? So any of you are fans of Liverpool fan your football club is one of them la, okay?

As you know, this building was built in 1914 and completed in 1916, and you all know that this building was designed by the architect at that time, the Government architect at that time, who was named as Arthur Benison Hubback. Some people say that the pronunciation is A-Back and some say that it is Abuck. The correct pronunciation should be A-bbuck. That is because B-A-C-K is back, right? Whatever it is, they are the same person, and did you know that this guy came from Liverpool? So, are any of you Liverpool fans?

He was an architect in Malaya at that time from 1871 to 1948. He built many buildings in Malaysia la, actually. I think about dia tak silap saya dah built about dalam dua puluh in Malaysia and many buildings are built in Kuala Lumpur and Perak and Perak will be Ipoh and Kuala Kangsar. And Kuala Lumpur as you know will be the most prominent one is the Railway Station. The building is nearby Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad that one. I don’t know I can’t remember the building. Masjid Jamek is one of them la.

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 In Ipoh one of the buildings supposed to be this Town Hall, the Railway Station, the High Court and then I think a few buildings but undocumented la. There is no documentation whether he built or he designed it. Meaning not he built la he designed it and then in Kuala Kangsar, Masjid Hudiyah the iconic building in Malaya at that time and also now. He was the architect at that time.

In Ipoh, some of the buildings are this Town Hall, the Railway Station, the High Court and a few other undocumented buildings. There is no documentation whether he built or designed it, which means he designed it, not built it. In Kuala Kangsar, Masjid Hudiyah happens to be one of the most iconic buildings in Malaya then and also now. He was the architect at that time.

And you can see, at that time, his design pun sama saja kan? You lihat design Masjid Jamek dan Masjid Hudiyah di Kuala Kangsar have the same characteristic and have the same design and also if you see this Town Hall and also with the Railway Station with the Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur have similarities, kan? So I mean architects dia tak boleh kembang, dia kurang sama aje, I don’t know. They can put here and there the differences la, but the main thing is there la kan, so I don’t know. I’m not the architect kan, so maybe, but maybe have to go further than that kan.. Maybe at that time you have to venture into certain things that can have the differences. Okay, what else I’m gonna say about this guy, uhm, next slide.

As you can see, at that time, his designs were all similar, right? Take a look at the design of the Masjid Jamek and Masjid Hudiyah in Kuala Kangsar. They both have the same characteristics and design. If you take a look at this Town Hall and the Railway Station as well as the Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur, they have similarities, right?  

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 With that said, architects don’t expand, they’re about the same, I don’t know. They can attempt to implement differences here and there, but the main idea is obvious. I’m not an architect, but, maybe they have to go further than that. Maybe, at that time, you have to venture into certain things that possess differences. Okay, moving on to the next slide.

Bangunan ini digunakan sebagai pentadbiran, Administrative Centre and used as also Pejabat Pos dan Telegraph. Pejabat Pos and Telegraph was used on the belakang tau, the next building to this building of the main building of this Town Hall. Belakang tu, there’s a building the same design as this but maybe dia tak ada, dia banyak compartment sikit la kan, so that was the Post Office and Telegraph at that point of time. But before that we don’t have any documentation of the real use of the building la because the Telegraph was and the Pejabat Pos was used in 1928. So again this building was built in 1916, between that time tak tau siapa yang guna kan. This building was used as pejabat of the people in Ipoh at that time but it is in 1948. Between 1916-1948, we have no documentation who used it, by the State Government or by the Federal Government at a point of time, tapi maybe there is some sort of government authority using this building at that time.

This building is used as an Administrative Centre and also a Post and Telegraphs Office. The Post and Telegraphs Office was at the back, while the building next to it is this Town Hall. At the back, there’s a building with the same design as this but without as many compartments. So, that was the the Post and Telegraphs Office at that point of time. Before that, we didn’t have any documentation as to what the real use of the building was because the Post and Telegraphs Office was used in 1928. So, again, this building was built in 1916, but we do not know who used it at that time.

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 With that said, architects don’t expand, they’re about the same, I don’t know. They can attempt to implement differences here and there, but the main idea is obvious. I’m not an architect, but, maybe they have to go further than that. Maybe, at that time, you have to venture into certain things that possess differences. Okay, moving on to the next slide.

Bangunan ini digunakan sebagai pentadbiran, Administrative Centre and used as also Pejabat Pos dan Telegraph. Pejabat Pos and Telegraph was used on the belakang tau, the next building to this building of the main building of this Town Hall. Belakang tu, there’s a building the same design as this but maybe dia tak ada, dia banyak compartment sikit la kan, so that was the Post Office and Telegraph at that point of time. But before that we don’t have any documentation of the real use of the building la because the Telegraph was and the Pejabat Pos was used in 1928. So again this building was built in 1916, between that time tak tau siapa yang guna kan. This building was used as pejabat of the people in Ipoh at that time but it is in 1948. Between 1916-1948, we have no documentation who used it, by the State Government or by the Federal Government at a point of time, tapi maybe there is some sort of government authority using this building at that time.

This building is used as an Administrative Centre and also a Post and Telegraphs Office. The Post and Telegraphs Office was at the back, while the building next to it is this Town Hall. At the back, there’s a building with the same design as this but without as many compartments. So, that was the the Post and Telegraphs Office at that point of time. Before that, we didn’t have any documentation as to what the real use of the building was because the Post and Telegraphs Office was used in 1928. So, again, this building was built in 1916, but we do not know who used it at that time.

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 This building was used as an office for the residents of Ipoh at that time, however it was in 1948. From 1916 to 1948, we didn’t have any documentation as to who used it, whether it was by the State Government or by the Federal Government, but maybe, there was some sort of government authority that used this building at that time.

You can talk about the cornice, the columns, the pillar and whatever it is. The facilities of the building is part of the Jejak Warisan Ipoh and also is listed in Ipoh Heritage, in the Ipoh Heritage Trail. Actually there’s a trail around this Old Town we called the Heritage Trail. If you have time, you wear your proper wearing to walk about 2 km around this area to enjoy the trail.

You can talk about the cornice, the columns, the pillar and so on. The facilities of the building are part of the Jejak Warisan Ipoh and it is also listed under the Ipoh Heritage Trail Walk. Actually, there is a trail around the Old Town we call the Heritage Trail. If you have the time, you should wear proper attire to walk approximately two kilometres around this area to enjoy the trail.

Terdapat story tentang lorong bawah tanah yang dibina melalui Town Hall ke bangunan Mahkamah Tinggi. Actually, kita dalam dua tahun yang lepas, we try to excavate the tunnel actually from this Town Hall to the High Court. The reason is because the tunnel was built at a point of time for reason was this building was the Pejabat Polis at a point of time and we were also told that there is a tunnel from this building to the Railway Station. Why was built that it’s because the criminals from all over Malaya, Perak, was taken by railway line at a point of time so the criminals were dropped at the Railway Station then goes into the tunnel bring them under the ground goes to the Pejabat Polis, the police station here, keep them here and then when they want to bring them to the court, they bring them also under the tunnel to go to High Court.  

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 There is a story about a tunnel that was built, linking the Town Hall to the High Court Building. Actually, in the last two years, we’ve tried to excavate the tunnel from this Town Hall to the High Court. The reason for the tunnel being built at a point of time was.. This building was the Police Headquarters Office at a point of time, and we were told that there was a tunnel from this building to the Railway Station. Why was it built?

It was built because the criminals from all over Malaya and Perak were taken by the railway line at a point of time. So, the criminals were dropped at the Railway Station. They then go through the tunnel towards the Police Station, are kept there and when they were needed to be brought to the court, they would be brought through the tunnel to proceed to the High Court.

So, but, until today we have tried to excavate those things but I don’t think so we managed to do at this point but probably later we will try to find whether this story about the tunnel linking from the Railway Station to the Town Hall, from town hall to the High Court really exist. I hope that this thing is not the matter of will eventually become a reality. And hopefully if this become the reality it’s going to be a big thing of Ipoh. Maybe in Malaysia itself.

So.. But.. Until today, we have tried to excavate the tunnel - but I don’t think we’ve managed to do so at this point, although probably later, we will try to find out on this story about the existence of the tunnel linking the Railway Station to the Town Hall, and Town Hall to the High Court. I hope that this will eventually become a reality, and hopefully, if it becomes a reality, it’s going to be a big thing in Ipoh, maybe, in Malaysia itself.

Other important things that happen to this Town Hall peristiwa penting is mesyuarat penting vernacular di Perak yang diadakan oleh seorang India yang menang Nobel yang bernama Raf Inddraf Tagor as you can see dalam slide ini dan video presentation tadi. Kemudian the first  

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 nationalism party was ditubuhkan in this Town Hall. The first congress was announced here in 1945 and perhimpunan agung keenam by Tun Dr. Mahathir in 1983, 1988 is perisytiharan Bandaraya Ipoh, Bandaraya pertama selepas Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur di bawah Akta 172 Kuala Lumpur di bawah akta lain. Kuala Lumpur has different acts than other towns in Malaysia. Pada 27 Mei, pengisytiharan Ipoh sebagai Bandaraya oleh Sultan Azlan Shah yang langsungkan di dewan ini. Pada 4 Ogos hingga 9, pameran photo Perak Perayaan Jubin Perak Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Azlan Shah. Ada pameran kongres. Disember program bicara negarawan Tun Mahathir.

Other important things that have happened in this Town Hall was the significant vernacular conference in Perak that was organised by an Indian poet who won a Nobel prize, named Raf Inddraf Tagor, as you can see in this slide and in the presentation slides earlier. Next, the first nationalism party was established in this Town Hall. The first congress was announced here in 1945 as well as the sixth official assembly by Tun Dr. Mahathir in 1983. In 1988, Ipoh City was declared, being the first city after the city of Kuala Lumpur under the Act 172 Kuala Lumpur and also under several other acts. Kuala Lumpur has a variety of acts, as compared to other towns in Malaysia. On the 27th of May, the declaration of Ipoh as a city by Sultan Azlan Shah was held in this hall. From the 4th to the 9th of August, a photo exhibition of Perak by the Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Azlan Shah was held here. There was a congress exhibition. In December, a statesman talk programme was held by Tun Mahathir.

Not many peristiwa yang historical berlaku di bangunan ini, biasa sajalah, tak hebat. Mungkin dua peristiwa la, satu ialah penubuhan Parti Nasionalisme, political party was existed in here and secondly was the pengisytiharan Bandaran Ipoh, the announcement of City Council for under the Act 172 was done in this building.

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 Not many historical events have taken place in this building. They’re mediocre and not extraordinary. Only about two significant events have taken place, and that is the establishment of the Nasionalist Party, a political party that existed here and secondly, the declaration of the city of Ipoh, announced by the City Council under the Act 172 that took place in this building.

So I buka soalan-soalan kepada mana-mana student. Kalau say boleh bantu.

So, questions are opened to the floor for all students, if I may offer any help.

Ling Rong: What happened the Post Office? Kenapa dia abandoned?

What happened to the Post Office? Why was it left abandoned?

Mr. Tajuddin: Post Office sebenarnya dah buat dia conservation recently. Tak recently pun was dalam 2008, 2009 Februari. The only problem at a point of time is that after they finished the conservation, there is a dispute of that building whether that is under the Federal Government or is under the State Government. So when the dispute came along, so, you taulah, when the dispute ni, state kena buktikan documentation of you punya authority kan. Federal Government pun has to prove dia punya letter to say that it is your property kan. But after quite some time, saya menerima surat daripada KPTG, Pengarah Tanah dan Galian Persekutuan mengatakan bahawa lot tanah tersebut milik tanah federal dan  

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 bangunan milik State Government. Walaupun State Government kita yang jaga tapi we are under the state la. So right now the Federal Government is the has done the conservation is available, they had done the measured drawings, the conservation. I think they will install balik satu office-office di Pejabat Warisan, dia northern punya branch to be over here. Cause sekarang dia punya pejabat is in Lenggong. So they will transfer the office from Lenggong to here. So maybe you tau la ekonomi sekarang tak baik kan, so they don’t have the money to come down at this point of time. So at this point of time we see macam abandoned la tapi this is under the Federal Government actually.

Actually, the Post Office went under conservation works recently. Not recently actually, it was in 2008, February 2009. The only problem at that point of time was that after the conservation procedures ended, there was a dispute concerning the building, whether it was under the Federal Government or whether it was under the State Government. So, when the dispute came along, the state needed to prove through documentation of their own authority. The Federal Government, on the other hand, had to prove through letter stating their proprietorship. After some time, I received a letter from KPTG, stating that the plot of land was under the Federal Government while the Town Hall was under the State Government. Even though the State Government is under our care, but we are still considered to be under the state. So, as of now, the Federal Government has done the necessary conservation works, they have done their measured drawings. I think they will install the Heritage Office – the Northern branch over here. This is because their office is now situated in Lenggong. They will transfer their office from Lenggong to here. And as you know, with the economic downturn, they don’t possess the necessary funds, which makes the Post Office seem like it’s left abandoned, although it is actually under the possession of the Federal Government.

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 Ini senang sahaja, nak tau bangunan tu, atau tapak tu milik Kerajaan Persekutuan atau Kerajaan Negeri, mengikut Undang-undang Malaysia ini, bangunan-bangunan yang dimiliki oleh mana-mana pihak before 1957, sebelum kemerdekaan dikira milik dia. So at that point of time, Post Office was under the Federal Government and Telegraph kan? So when Post Office and Telegraph was under Federal Government, means that the Federal Government owns the building. So this building was owned by the State Government so this building is under the State Government even though the building was in satu authority, means it is designed by Arthur Hubback. Contractor doesn’t matter who built it. But at a point of time, who sits the building who owns the building at a point of time in 1957. That’s how particular they calculate who owns the building if that is dispute. So probably how they manage to get the result of who supposed to have the building. So this is how they go about.

It’s pretty simple, if you want to know the owner of a certain plot of land – whether it is owned by the Federal Government or the State Government – adhering to the Malaysian Law, buildings that were owned by a certain body before 1957, before Independence, was considered their land. So, at that point of time, the Post and Telegraphs Office was under the Federal Government, right? So, as the Post and Telegraph Office was under the Federal Government, it means that the Federal Government still owns the building. As this building was owned by the State Government, this building is under the State Government, although the building was built by a single authority – having been designed by Arthur Hubback. The contractor doesn’t matter, but at that point of time, whoever owned the building before 1957 takes the ownership of the land. That was how particular they were; they evaluated the ownership of the building if any dispute arose. That was probably how they managed to resolve the ownership of a building. This was how they went about.

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 Bridget: Sir, in your opinion, what’s the significance of this building? What do people come here for?

Mr. Tajuddin: To me, the significance of the building is something like this la, you are in Malaysia, kan. This architecture la I ask you.. Does this architecture resemble Malaysia, or not? Mungkin? Masa dijajah? To me, bangunan-bangunan colonial ini dia tidak mencerminkan image latar belakang suasana tempat itu sendiri, kepada saya lah. Ia boleh menggambarkan suasana tempat yang melambangkan apa yang difikirkan oleh mereka tersebut. Saya difahamkan mereka masa itu memikirkan di Malaya ada salji, ada snow. So they built in such a way as where they were raised, top part of the building yang mana melibatkan the snow can fall easily to the ground and whatsoever.

In my opinion, the significance of this building happens to be something like this. If I may ask, does the architecture of this building resemble Malaysia, or not? Maybe? During colonisation? To me, colonial buildings do not reflect the atmosphere or the background of a place, but that’s my opinion. It represents the atmosphere of the place sought for by the colonialist. It gives me an impression that they were thinking that Malaya then had snow. So, they built it in such a way where they were raised, having the top part of the building in such a way that involved the ease of snowfall to the ground and whatsoever.

And also the building yang pada saya pergi ke country like Europe, I see there is some similarities. You see this giant columns all these things.

So this is the unique of it, like a foreign building in this country. This is for me la. Because for you, you might see in the point of design, but me as a Town Planner, or an ordinary person, I see a foreign building in this country. The Railway Station, the High Court, the buildings in Kuala

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 Lumpur because you see in Kuala Lumpur, bangunan-bangunan yang direka pada masa itu adakah sama seperti yang kita lihat yang direka oleh pereka-pereka sekarang. Totally different kan? Even though we have huge columns, very tall, very big whatever it is kan, but it’s different from what the colonials had done to the building as compared to what we have built the building presently.

Also, the buildings that I’ve visited in countries like Europe possesses similarities compared to this building. Take a look at the giant columns and so on. This is the uniqueness of it. It’s like a foreign building placed in this country. This is my opinion. For you, you might look at it in the aspect of design, but as a Town Planner, or even an ordinary person, I see it as a foreign building in this country. The Railway Station, the High Court, the buildings in Kuala Lumpur.. As you can see in Kuala Lumpur, the buildings that were erected at that time, are they the same as the buildings we see today, built by today’s architects? Aren’t they totally different? Even though we have huge, tall, big columns, it’s different from what the colonials had implemented in this building as compared to what we have built presently.

So this is the differences, so this is the unique thing, do you see our building in Europe, in London, in America? We don’t see, right? Because we do not go to that country and build the idea of our architecture or our design in the foreign country. So, for me, I see a foreign design in our country. Kalau kita menjajah negara orang, probably we will see our design in their country. So that’s the uniqueness of it la.

So, these are the differences. This is the unique thing about it. Do you see our buildings in Europe, in London, in America? No, right? That’s because we do not venture to those foreign countries and spread the idea of our own architecture or our design. So, for me, I see a foreign

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 design in our country. If we colonise a foreign country, we would probably see our designs in their country. So, that’s what I find unique about this building.

Ling Rong: Sebagai seorang Town Planner, you rasa lokasi ini strategik tak?

As a Town Planner, do you find the location of this building strategic?

Mr. Tajuddin: Lokasi memang strategik, because strategik ini, kalau kita tengok, it is near the Railway Station and as you know Railway Station atau railway line is the main transport at that point of time for the waterways kan. So, at that point of time, the technology at that time, the fastest way of communication is the railway line. Kalau ada jalan pun is not that efficient, kan. So the location is very strategic, sebab they build the Railway Station there because the railway line there and then this town hall, keperluan, the need of one building to the other, I would say the need of building for one purpose. So location is very strategic la. It is very close to the High Court. Most of the buildings are down here, kalau kita tengok pun Old Town pun started in this area. It didn’t start in east bank of Kinta River. It only started on the west bank of Kinta River. This is on the west bank of the Kinta River. Kinta River where? Kinta River that side. Are you all from perak? Tu ada, itu ada amoi seorang, lain mana?

KL? Klang Valley. Any more questions? Ada dua orang saja ya?

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 The location is very strategic. It is strategic due to the fact that it is near the Railway Station and as you know, the Railway Station or the railway line, is the main transport system at that point of time for the waterways. So, at that point of time, with the technology, the fastest way to communicate was the through the railway line. If there were roads, they were not that efficient. So, the location is very strategic, because the Railway Station, the railway line was built nearby. This town hall served as a need of one building to the other. I would say that it was the need of building for one purpose. It is situated nearby the High Court. Most of the buildings are down here, if we take a look, the Old Town, too, started in this area. It didn’t start at the east bank of the Kinta River. It only started on the west bank of the Kinta River. This is on the west bank of the Kinta River. Where is the Kinta River? Over there. Are any of you from Perak? Oh, there is. What about the rest of you? KL? Klang Valley.

Any more questions?

Bridget: From our research, we found that the construction of the Post Office has been going on for quite a long time, why is that? Is that because there are some spirits lingering in the building?

Mr. Tajuddin: Sure la! There are spirits lingering over there. You see la, three days, we don’t occupy the building, and spirits will come to the building you know! Ah! You don’t worry, day time don’t have spirits, because spirits they live in the night time. Day time they go somewhere else.

Spirits no problem la, small issue aje. During the conservation time ah, dia ditinggalkan kerana ada isu. Sebab there was a dispute like saya cakap tadi. Bila dah siap, when they have done the conservation in that area, you tau lah, sebelum bangunan tu buruk tau? And then somehow one officer of Jabatan Warisan Negara came to me. Dia kata, dia nak cari office dekat sini. Saya kata you nak cari office untuk apa? Untuk cawangan dialah! Saya tanya kenapa dia tak ambil dewan maraan. Post Office ditinggalkan in 1983.  

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 So I cakap you Pejabat Warisan, you buat conservation. That’s how that building got for conservation. It was myself and that officer la. This idea was from.Jabatan Warisan pick up the thing with the fund. They do the conservation. So bila sudah cantik, semua orang mau la, kalau buruk semua orang tak mau. Jabatan ini mau, jabatan ini mau, jabatan ini mau, so somehow now it was silent. When it was silent, spirit pun masuk la.

So until a point of time, katakan there is a dispute of ownership la that sort of thing sampai hari ini. So sampai hari ini, the ownership belongs to the Federal Government, and the only thing right now is the economy is not good at the point of time. So the building is having a bit of renovation kan? Must touch up a bit kan? So for that reason la, the day has been prolonged until today. The spirits are happy la. They have longer time to have that building for themselves la.

Of course! There are spirits lingering there. If you don’t occupy a building within three days, spirits will come to the building! Don’t you worry, spirits don’t come in the day time, they only live in the night time. During the day, they go somewhere else. This is only a small matter – the spirits. It was left abandoned during the conservation period as there were issues that arose. As I said earlier, it was because of a dispute that took place. Before they were finished with the conservation works, did you know that the place was in a horrible condition? Somehow, one officer from the World Heritage Office came to me, and told me he wanted to find an office here. I asked what he wanted to find an office for. For his branch! I then asked why he didn’t find a remuneration hall. The Post Office was left abandoned in 1983. So, I told him that you should carry out the conservation works since you are from the Heritage Office. So, that’s the story of how this building started its conservation works. It was between myself and that officer. The idea came from the Heritage Office, who picked it up with the necessary funds. They carried out the conservation works. When a building is beautiful, everyone wants it. If left in a horrible condition, nobody wants it. This authority wanted it, that authority wanted it, so somehow, it silenced everyone. When it was silent, the spirits came in. Until a point of time, a dispute took place  

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 concerning the ownership of the building and it has been going on until today. So, until today, the ownership is under the possession of the Federal Government, and the only thing worsening the situation now is the unstable economy. The building is undergoing a bit of renovation, right? A little bit of touching up, right? So it is for that reason, that the day has been prolonged until today. The spirits are happy. They have a longer time to keep the building to themselves.

You tau ada berapa bilik sini? How many rooms you have found in this Town Hall? Maybe when you do your measured drawings you find a tunnel la apa ka.. Any cemented, cement covering any evidence.. Eh you never know.. You jangan la measure measure measure aje. Some buildings ah, a lot of story you can tell you know? Aaaaaaa… new building different la. Old building a lot of stories! Macam cerita terowong tu. I think the terowong start at the stage there you tau? Maybe you nampak apa-apa, then you can do the study of the tunnel. They tutup the tunnel.

Dalam itu tunnel pun banyak stories.

Do you know how many rooms there are in this building? How many rooms have you found in this Town Hall? Maybe, when you do your measured drawings, you might find a tunnel or whatsoever. Any cement covering any evidence, you’ll never know. Don’t only measure. Some buildings tell a lot of stories, you know? Well, new buildings are different. However, old buildings possess a lot of stories! Just like the story of the tunnel, I think the tunnel starts at the stage, you know? If you see anything, then you can do a study of the tunnel. They closed the tunnel, but it possesses many stories.

Bridget: Do you know the estimated number visitors that visit this building?

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 Mr. Tajuddin: No.. but maybe in future there is a program that we can do to know the number of people. Maybe we can do that later la. When this building is under the heritage then we control the capacity, then we can know the number of visitors or activities.

No, but maybe, in future, there would be a programme that we can implement to know the number of visitors to the building. Maybe we can do that later. When this building is under the Heritage Office, we’ll control the capacity, and know the number of visitors or activities in this building.

Mr. Adib: Dewan tu maksimum berapa orang?

What is the maximum number of people that the hall can hold?

Mr. Tajuddin: Itu depends on arrangement. Any more questions? Tak ada. And thank you everyone. Saya ucapkan terima kasih. You buat model kan? Buat yang besar daripada building ini? Banyak perkara yang you boleh lihat di town ini la. Banyak penerbit filem-filem di Ipoh sini, ada Hong Kong, Taiwan. Who remembers the film producer that comes to Perak or Ipoh to do the film making picture? ANNA AND THE KING. Alright thank you again and maybe you can have your refreshments there okay.

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 That depends on the arrangement. Any more questions? No? Thank you everyone. I wish thank you to all of you. You’ll be doing a model, right?

Do one bigger than this building? There are a lot of things that you can see in this town. Many film publishers were from here, from Hong Kong, from Taiwan. Who remembers the film producer that came to Perak or Ipoh to do a motion picture? Anna and the King! Alright, thank you again and help yourselves to the refreshments right over there.

Ling Rong: Terima kasih. Encik, ini cenderahati.

Thank you. Sir, this is a souvenir from us.

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Figure 200: Genius Loci (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 201: Genius Loci (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 202: Poetic Quality (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 203: Poetic Quality (Fong Tze Ying)  

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Figure 204: Poetic Quality (Fong Tze Ying)  

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Figure 205: Cultural Attribute (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 206: Cultural Attribute (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 207: Construction Detail (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 208: Construction Detail (Chong Yee Ching)  

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Figure 209: Newspaper Article Source: Faroque, New Straits Times, 2007  

Figure 210: Newspaper Article Source: Sunday Mail, 2004 

฀฀

  DBI – Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh Jabatan Warisan Ipoh – Ipoh Heritage Office Jejak Warisan Ipoh – Heritage Trail Walk KPTG – Jabatan Ketua Pengarah Tanah dan Galian MBI – Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh

 

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 

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