Topic proposal |Asian Architecture

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE

ASIAN ARCHITECTURE PROJECT 01: TOPIC PROPOSAL

Cheng Hoon Teng: Challenges in Restoring Timber in Terms of Cultural Value and Sustainability of Timber TUTOR: MS ALIA GOH JYIA WHEY JORDAN TOK WEN XUAN LEE JIA MIN TAN CHIN WERNG TAN YANG YUEN XUAN HUI

0324910 0327629 0324621 0324408 0322025 0324292

CONCEPT MAPPING

PROBLEM STATEMENT Timber, one of the buildings material that immensely used in traditional Chinese architecture for element such as load-bearing timber-framed structures and the timber brackets. However, timber becomes vulnerable when it encounters moisture, fire, insects, and the ravages of time; thus, very few ancient architecture has survived. Therefore, timber restoration was carried out in Cheng Hoon Teng, Malacca, after the collapse of roof purlin above Mah Choe Deity which caused by termites infestation.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS 1. How the limitation of competent craftsmen can have an effect in maintaining the values and sustainability related to the cultural significance of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng?

2. Why the usage of traditional technique of treatment on timber is crucial for the restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?

3. How the authenticity of timber is linked to the cultural values of Cheng Hoon Teng?

4. How to maintain Unesco Merit Award for Restoration eligibility in the conservation and restoration of Cheng Hoon Teng?

5. How effective is the timber restoration in maintaining the value and sustainability of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng in terms of cultural and architectural aspects?

SUMMARY This research paper discusses the challenges in the restoration works of Cheng Hoon Teng. It examines the challenges in preserving and restoring the main building material- timber, in terms of its cultural value and sustainability. With the information gained through literature reviews, books, online researches, journal and interviews regarding the challenges in the restoration works of timber in Cheng Hoon Teng, this paper studies the key challenges into preserving timber in Chinese architecture specifically temples from a cultural perspective.

REFERENCES 1. Tan, R. J.. (2004). A sacred place : the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, 25, Temple Street, Malacca, Malaysia : a study of the impact of tourism on a heritage place of worship and suggestions for its management through interpretation. (Thesis). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.5353/th_b3146404 2. Einar Larsen, K., & Marstein, N. (2000). Conservation of Historic Timber Structures: An ecological approach. Retrieved from http://openarchive.icomos.org/1656/1/Conservation_of_Historic_Timber_St ructures-2.pdf 3. L, L., & Ong, J. (1997). Cheng Hoon Teng, The Main Temple: A Dilapidation Report. Penang.