istana negara lama

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION (ARC2333) PROJECT 1: PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF HERITAGE BUILDING

ISTANA NEGARA, KUALA LUMPUR (MUSEUM)

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………1 2. Historical Background………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………...…2 3. Architectural features…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 4. Significance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 5. Objective of Conservation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 6. Reference………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...10 7. Drawings………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

Acknowledgement

We would like to formally recognize and thank those those responsible for the completion of this project due to which we have a deeper understanding about the historical and social background of Kuala Lumpur, being the Capital of Malaysia. We would like to express our utmost gratitude to our lecturer, Pn Nor Hayati Hussain for being so committed to educate and guide us through the process.

We would also like to thank the Istana Negara Team for measuring and documenting the whole of the Istana Negara, providing us with a report for our better understanding of the building and its history. The staff at Istana Negara Museum, for being so accommodating and providing us with the floor plans and other information they had, including interviews that were made on site.

This report and drawings are also made possible with the support, dedication and cooperation from the members of our team.

Team Members1. Soh Wei Aun 2. Lee Qin Ni 3. Jayesh Ellayah

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1

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 1.0 Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur 1942-1945:- Great Britain established colonies and protested in the area of current Malaysia which were occupied by Japan 1948:- the federation of Malaya was formed by the British who ruled territories on the Malay peninsula 1957:- The federation of Malaya became independent 1963:- British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak located on the northern coast of Borneo joined the federation to form Malaysia 1965:- Communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore’s secession from the Federation 1981-2003:- Malaysia was successful in diversifying its economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to expansion in manufacturing, services, and tourism under the prime minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.

Concluding the national identity of Malaysia was another problem faced after independence since there was a very diverse mix of people in the country. Since the majority of the population were Malay they were given permanent positions in government while the Chinese were dominant in business and trade.

The government imposed some quotas to help the Malays improve their chances economically as they were lagging behind in this field, the Chinese were not happy with this initiative and formed a political party that won a number of seats in the following elections in 1969. The Malays protested this political win by beginning riots in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia was turned to chaos for the next couple of years. Malaysia progressed to a great extent in term of growth and wealth and the Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammed who has led Malaysia since 1981 has contributed a lot in Malaysia’s success

Riots in Malaysia in 1969

Malaysia’s Independence day ceremony in Merdeka Stadium, August 31st 1957

1.2 History of Kuala Lumpur 1.1 Independence to the Present: 1957- Now After Malaya’s independence new decisions were made and the first one was to establish which territories to include in the new state. The term Malaysia was introduced by the designated Tunku in 1961, the latter convinced Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak to combine with Malaya in a federal union but failed to do so with the Indonesian president Sukharno. The Indonesian president feared that such union would affect his plans to expand the Indonesian borders and even conspired several unsuccessful attacks against Malaysia.

In the 19th century, Kuala Lumpur was an important settlement for the tin-industry. Thanks to the important work of Yap Ah Loy, the city grew from a settlement to an eventual city.

The end of the 19th century was harsh on Kuala Lumpur, as at this time the city was tormented by disasters and adversity. Diseases, epidemics, fires and floods plagued the city with high consistency. During this period people began to build stone houses instead of wooden houses.

This was also the period in which the first railroads was constructed. Some people believe that it was not Yap Ah Loy, but Raja Abdullah, who founded Kuala Lumpur, since Raja Abdullah had allegedly sent miners to look for tin in the region years beforeYap Ah Loy arrived in the area now called Kuala Lumpur.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keenam Al-Marhum Tuanku Yahya Petra ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ibrahim State: Kelantan Period: 21 September 1975 – 29 Mac 1979

A comparison of the old KL and the new one

1.3 History of Royalty in Malaysia In August 1957, having rejected the suggested title of Yang di-Pertuan Besar in favour of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Council of Rulers met to elect the first occupant of the throne. By seniority, the 84-year-old major general Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan of Johor since 1895, was first in line, but he declined due to old age. Sultan Abu Bakar, Sultan of Pahang since 1932, despite being next in line for the throne following Sultan Ibrahim, was rejected five times by his fellow electors, and did not secure the necessary votes.

Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan, having been elected to his state throne in 1933, was eventually elected, with eight votes in favour of him against one opposing vote.

1.4 List of Yang di-Pertuan Agongs in Malaysia since 1957 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Pertama Al-Marhum Tuanku Rahman Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Muhammad State: Negeri Sembilan Period: 3 Ogos 1957 – 1 April 1960 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua Al-Marhum Tuanku Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj Ibni AlMarhum Sultan Alaiddin Sulaiman Shah State: Selangor Period: 14 April 1960- 1 September 1960 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail State: Perlis Period: 21 September 1960 – 20 September 1965 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keempat Al-Marhum Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Zainal Abidin State: Terengganu Period: 21 September 1965 – 20 September 1970 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kelima Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah State: Kedah Period: 21 September 1970- 20 September 1975

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketujuh Tuanku Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah ibni AlMarhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’Ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah State: Pahang Period: 26 April 1979- 25 April 1984 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kesembilan Al-Marhum Tuanku Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah State: Perak Period: 26 April 1989 – 25 April 1994 Yang di –Pertuan Agong Kesepuluh Al-Marhum Tuanku Ja’afar ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman State: Negeri Sembilan Period: 26 April 1994- 25 April 1999 Yang di -Pertuan Agong Kesebelas Al-Marhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alnaj ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah Alhaj State: Selangor Period: 26 April 1999 – 21 November 2001 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Kedua Belas Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail State: Perlis Period: 13 December 2001 – 21 December 2006 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ketiga Belas Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billal Shah State: Terengganu Period: 13 December 2006 – 12 December 2011 Yang di-Pertuan Agong Keempat Belas Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Al-Haj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah State: Kedah Period: 13 December 2011 – Present

1.5 History of the Istana The “Istana Negara” means the “national palace”. Each individual state in Malaysia has its own royal family, meaning that every state has its own history of residential palaces for the royalty in that state. The Istana Negara of this study is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2.0 Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur

2.2 Timeline of Istana Negara

The old national palace; Istana Negara is located on a 13-acre site positioned on the slope of a hill in Bukit Petaling in the heart of the Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and overlooks the Klang River.

2.2.1 Built in the early 1930’s, Istana Negara has an extensive and rich history. Chan Wing, a migrant from China, was able to establish a prosperous and comfortable life for himself and his family in Malaysia, despite many struggles. He was so successful that by 1913 he opened a new bank, and had already planned to build the biggest house in Malaya.

Unfortunately Chan Wing was well-known for having a hand in aiding the Chinese, and would have been most likely being targeted by the Japanese invaders during the second World War; this caused him to flee from Malaysia, and the Japanese consequently used the mansion he left behind as a residence.

The original mansion was heavily influenced by Palladian architecture. The main important historical architectural elements that are found in this building are the doors, windows, roof, dome, porch and the landscaping. It is also important to note the multiple renovation works that have been done to this building in its lifetime.

2.1 Location Istana Negara is located at the South of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Syed Putra and Jalan Istana. It is surrounded by several landmarks; Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara which are found northerly of the palace. The palace can be accessed easily via several entrances.

Old Istana Negara built by Chan Wing

The Main Palace Entrance acts as the main gate, which is also a favorite spot for picture taking. The other entrances are only permissible for authorized administrative members of the palace.

The Istana Negara overlooks Klang River, which can be seen from inside the palace.

The exterior design of the palace gradually changes overtime as the ownership changes.

The Istana Negara mansion itself takes up half of the 13 acres land.

It is located on a slope of a hill as to provide a natural defense for the palace as well as to show its grandness in comparison to its surroundings.

The remaining space has been taken care of beautifully as a garden. The palace is completely surrounded by greenery with a fountain that effortlessly blends with the geography, making the palace more picturesque.

2.2.2 Three years later the British occupied Malaya and commandeered the mansion as a senior military officer’s station.

2.2.3 In 1950, the Selangor government rented the residence from the British and renovated it to become the palace for the Sultan of Selangor.

2.2.4 The Federal Government then bought over the building for RM 1.4 million, a few months before Malaysia’s Independence Day. It was then converted into the National Palace. A major renovation was undertaken in 1980 where a whole new building (annexed) unit was added.

2.2.5 Construction for a new Istana Negara commenced in 2007 and took four years to complete.

Currently, the original Istana Negara is open to the public as a nostalgic representation of the Malaysian monarchy.

2.3 Ownership Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur

Chan Wing Chan wing is a Chinese immigrant who built Istana Negara, he was born in1873 in the Xin Hui District, Pearl River Delta, Canton (Guang Zhou) and arrived in Malaya at the age of 14 in 1887. He had a total of 22 children with 8 wives. Being a staunch believer in the teachings of Confucius, he and many other Chinese men of their times took multiple wives to carry on

the family lineage.

Timeline of Chan Wing and Istana Negara 1887

Chan Wing arrives in Malaysia at age 14 from Guang-zhou, China

1897

Chan Wing becomes richest and successful man in KL after the opening of the Hong Fatt Tin Mine in Sungai Besi, which is known as the Mines today Chang Wing’s mansion was completed. He had bought 13 acres of land and hired architect Swan & Maclaren to design “the biggest house in Malaya”. His family moves into the mansion Chan Wing leaves Malaya because of the Japanese imperial army

1928

1941 19421945 1946 1947 1957

The mansion was used as the Japanese officer’s Mess Selangor state government bought Chan Wing’s mansion and converted it to the sultan of Selangor’s palace Chan Wing passed away at age 74

Three thousand litres of paint was used to produce the carefully chosen color scheme.

Wide ranges of colors starting from mimosa yellow to the commodore blue were used in the interior of the building, while white and grey were used in the exterior sections.

It took four months for the renovation work to complete, leaving just one week before the Independence Day on August 31st, 1957.

Due to the increase of palace staff, an annex was added four years later to the east wing.

Further improvements were made at Istana Negara in 1980, which included the erection of fences around the whole palace grounds as well as two special guard posts at the main entrance. More renovation took place in conjunction with the Crowning Ceremony of the 7th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong where a two-storey building was added to the Istana for the purpose of accomodating a royal conference room and the throne room (Balairong Seri).

This newly built structure is accessible through a closed passage on the second floor of the main building.

On 15th November 2011, it was bought over by the federal government and it became the official residence of the king and queen of Malaysia

Photo of Istana Negara in 1956

Mr Chan Wing

2.4 Renovations In May 1957, a total of RM 328,000.00 was spent on the renovation and redecoration of the palace (which was then 29 years old). Sixty workers under the supervision of a local contractor started the construction, bringing architect E. K. Dinsdale’s beautiful design to reality. Dinsdale’s design was successful in creating a majestic atmosphere, with 350-square-yards of carpet adding grandeur to the majestic staircases.

New Istana Negara after renovations

Pediments

Windows

Pediments are a construction element consisting of a gable

A Palladian window is usually a large window that is divided

The Istana Negara has very obvious indications of its

supported by columns. They were used over doors and

into three separate parts. The centre section is larger than

architecture style being influenced by the Palladian style with

windows of the buildings and are also found over the interior

the two side sections and is usually arched. At the Istana

many prominent features and elements present.

doors. In the Istana Negara these pediments are found in

Negara, there are many different designs for the windows,

abundance and the main designs of it were mostly curved

which differ at different places. Some are frosted, tinted and

pediments. It also has its relief of the Royal Insignia of His

some were completely translucent. (See Figure 4)

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Corinthian Columns Palladian style is widely known for its usage of Corinthian

Majesty printed on a glass. (See Figure 2)

order columns. These columns are most recognizable by their decorative capital, which has been adopted into the columns seen in Figure 1 and 2. The slender fluted columns are ornate with two rows of acanthus leaves and four scrolls.

An example of these elegant columns can be found in Istana Negara’s entrance to the Minister’s Room.

Symmetry As seen in Figure 3, Palladian designs heavily emphasize the ideology of symmetry. The Istana Negara, when divided into two, demonstrates symmetry and thus proving itself to be a Palladian influenced building. It consists of a structured west and east wing with a large space in between. Symmetry can also be seen in the two white cupolas, which tops the structure above each wing. Finally, the reflection of the plan Figure 4

in the section is also an important factor in the building’s symmetry.

Doors

The designs for the doors are different depending on the hierarchy of importance of the doors. Figure 5 shows a door to the exterior topped with a rounded arch, which are flanked

Figure 1

by vertical rectangular areas of fixed glass on each side that are narrower than and also not as high as the door. This is suggestive of the appearance of a Palladian styled window.

Figure 2

Figure 3

that big of a difference. To further proof the design concept is

INTERIOR

from Islamic architecture are the usage of domes and also

The interior has a more prominent Islamic concept whereby

the ornamental tiles used. The usage of domes has been a

Islamic imagery is used to decorate the interior. From the

feature of Islamic architecture and has been incorporated

design concept of Islamic architecture, we can see traditional

into the construction of all the mosques. (See Figure 7)

Malay houses design in the Istana Negara. This is shown through the embellishments which can be found on the panels and furniture of the palace. These embellishments are a symbol of wealth and power in traditional Malay society and seeing as to how they were incorporated into the Istana Negara; it goes to show that the Sultan of Malaysia was indeed a man of both riches and rule. In Figure 9, the plans are extensive and scale of the mansion demonstrates a prominent sense of wealth and prosperity, which contribute

Figure 5

to the excessive use of ornamentation in the interior.

Main Entrance The main entrance of the Istana Negara where the changing of guards occurs has a strong sense of the Palladian style.

(See Figure 6) The columns used are solid and structural, to emulate security, while the gold ornamentation shows a

Figure 7

The dome has become a prominent feature of Islamic architecture. (Seen in Figure 8) The dome at Istana Negara

sense of royalty.

plays a huge part in the element of architecture as it brings out the Malay architecture feel.

Figure 6

DOME The Istana Negara bears great resemblance to Islamic architecture. This is proven by its plain exterior with a lavish

Figure 8

interior. The Istana Negara’s building exterior although packs a whole lot of details but when compared to the interior, it is

Figure 9

SIGNIFICANCE History is an integral part of the environment, living on as physical proofs of the past. What we observe in present days are not simply ‘historic’ artefacts but part of the inherent character of a city.

Hence to preserve these historical values, conservation should take place. Another reason for conservation arises from a desire to promote national identity or explicitly to stimulate domestic and international tourism. Practically, it makes environmental and economic sense to use what is already there, rather than to waste a resource that remains available for exploitation. There is often a presumption that old buildings present a heavy maintenance, the cost of which is often under-estimated for new buildings.

Architectural conservation ranges from the early stage of preventative maintenance and performing minimal repairs to major modifications, whether part tearing down of the structure, or to make space for a new function in an existing building. Just like design studio, architectural conservation is a creative process. What is unique about architectural conservation is that no two conservation projects are similar. Hence, understanding and respecting what is already there can be an excellent starting point. To put it simply, conservation is the process of knowing, protecting, fixing, maintaining and restoring the historic value to preserve its cultural significance. The following should be taken into account in conserving a building: 1) The history of a building 2) Resources available at present 3) Possible future sustainability Architectural conservation is complex; first because a building must continue to stand up; secondly, economic factors usually dictate that it should remain in use; thirdly it has to withstand the effects of climate.

Without doubt, some buildings are of national importance and as such will also be respected for the roles in reflecting the national identity. For example, the Istana Negara is not simply valued for its architectural qualities but also for its historical values. In part, heritage can evoke a sense of nostalgia for a past period and of historic interest. For the hosts, the economic value and local employment impact of tourism is often a solid reason for conservation.

OBJECTIVE OF CONSERVATION The role of conservation is to preserve some of values which serve as the objectives of conservation.

Age and rarity value Since the loss of historic structures is unavoidable through the transit of time, the more ancient a structure is, the more value is likely to be attached to it. What may be of value from one period may not be seen to have similar value to the others.

Cultural value Buildings provide source of knowledge related to a past period, from lifestyle to the use of materials, crafts and construction methods. In present cultural conditions, they may continue to play a role.

Educational value Sites and buildings with historical values have qualities which we can learn from, with topics which include a period of history, a traditional way of life, social relations or construction techniques.

Educational value relates to a wide spectrum of learners from young children, through life-long learning for all age groups. There is also an educational value related to the conservation process itself.

Local distinctiveness Some of the qualities of a cultural heritage asset might be the contribution that it makes to the local uniqueness of a place, providing a unique quality that makes it different from anywhere else.

Sustainability Conserving and reusing an existing building is in itself a more sustainable method than complete renewal or replacement with a new building. Many traditional building practices were proven to be more sustainable in that buildings were repaired frequently but with minimal interventions. The choice of minimum intervention and frequent maintenance of buildings with historical value is an ecological and environmentally sensitive approach to building conservation.

REFERENCE 1. Bridgwood, Barry, and Lindsay Ann Lennie. History, Performance, And Conservation. London: Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. Print.

2. Orbasli, Aylin. Architectural Conservation. Malden, MA: Blackwell Science, 2008. Print.

3. Pickard, R. D. Conservation In The Built Environment. Harlow: Longman, 1996. Print.

4. Dome, (n.d.), Retrieved September 15, 2015, from http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/168257/dome 5. Istana Negara, (n.d.), Retrieved September 14, 2015, from http://www.malaysian-explorer.com/istanaNegara.html 6. Istana Negara Complete Report. 1st ed. Petaling Jaya: Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, 2015. Print.

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TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

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TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

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TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence

TAYLOR'S UNIVERSITY Wisdom

Integrity

Excellence