STREET MAP OF JALAN TAR ICONIC BUILDINGS
INTRODUCTION Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, also known as Jalan TAR to the locals was the main street in the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Located quite close to Merdeka Square and Jalan Masjid, Jalan TAR began as a railroad track heading straight to Batu Village, a mining town of limestone caves and tin mines thus giving it its former name of Batu Road. It was later renamed after the first Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tuanku Abdul Rahman. In the 1930s, the parish that was dominated by swamps, rice fields and coconut estates developed into one of the busiest roads in KL. In fact, it is the city’s longest road with shops set up in prewar buildings along both sides and it reflects the changing trend based in architectural design.
Jalan TAR was the ‘grande dame’ of KL shopping in the days before modern shopping complexes took the KL metropolitan city by storm. Pre-war buildings whose distinctive facades have been preserved and readapted to accommodate modern retailing businesses flank this stretch of road. People can walk through the archways of shops for an immersion into a shopping and cultural experience that goes back several decades. There are a lot of established shops like G.S. Gill, P. Lal and P.H. Henry chose to remain when others moved out. Pertama Complex, Campbell Complex and Odeon Cinema enjoyed some monopoly on shoppers in the late 1970’s to early 1990’s. The narrow alleys between the shops offer a fantastic range of clothing material. Other established names offer collections of silver and crystal ware. Every Saturday night, a Pasar Malam (night market) from the junction near Sogo to Jalan Tun Perak drew huge crowds until early 1990’s. It is held in the inner lane of Jalan Masjid India. Sogo Shopping Complex and Maju Junction Mall are also located along this stretch. Other than that, Jalan TAR was also famous for the Coliseum Cafe and Coliseum Cinema and surprisingly those two building are still running until now. The neighborhood flourished and in the early 1980’s, Jalan TAR was turned into a one-way street to ease the traffic flow.
These days, the expanse is famous for its antiques from China and carpets from the Middle East. Its popularity also abounds in imported fabrics, batik, saris, leather goods and men’s clothing. Prior to the arrival of modern shopping malls, this strip used to be the stomping ground of shoppers. Even today, this stretch of road has kept its imperial charm alive in the company of pre-war buildings whose unique facades are conserved and re-adapted to lodge contemporary retailing houses. A lot of the shops here offer a wide range of fabrics and t extiles, imported leather goods, bags and luggage, carpets, sports goods and winter clothing. The narrow alleys between the shops offer a fantastic range of clothing material. Other established names offer collections of silver and crystal ware. Until now, every Saturday between 5pm- 10pm, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and transformed into a Night Market “pasar malam�, where traders and hawkers sell an assortment of goods and needs in the open air and it is an attraction spot for the townsfolk and tourists who want to experience the atmosphere of a night market in Kuala Lumpur. Walking through it promises to be an interesting experience, and it is also a good place to pick up some casual attire, local products, as well as sample local delicacies. It is held in the inner lane of Jalan Masjid India. Sogo Shopping Complex and Maju Junction Mall are also located along this stretch. Coliseum cinema is an important landmark on the road because it is famous for how long it has been there in Jalan TAR. Maju Junction, a new constructed area, at the end of the road is a real contrast from the other building with older architecture. Jalan TAR also houses many hotels and restaurants, just right for any travelers who are not from around here. Although the retail scene nowadays focuses more on stocking various styles and fashions of traditional Malay attire, formerly Indian culture including fashion was one of the earliest and most successful proprietors of Jalan TAR. The Indian businesses grew more populous and attracted more traders to Malaysia until the adjacent street was appropriately named Jalan Masjid India due to the growing population of Indian traders. Jalan TAR consequently became a melting pot of cultures that becomes all the more apparent when nearing cultural festive seasons such as Hari Raya and Hari Vesak. Having a wide availability of fabrics and textiles is one of the precise reasons of attraction. It is not surprising to see long queues of excited customers at shop entrances eager to get their hands on the latest fashions from abroad. Some of them even come here year after year and make it as a tradition on where to get their festive wear. Having all the shops around would be fun for the tourist or townsfolk to get what they needs by exploring those shops.
The area of Jalan TAR has always been the quintessential part of Kuala Lumpur, which embodies the raw and earthy aspect of city living. It has managed to retain its charm over a period of hundred years despite being elbowed in by skyscrapers all around. On the other hand, a walk along this street is physically comfortable and less hazardous compared to other typical streets in Kuala Lumpur. The environment around it creates and leaves strong, lasting and positive impressions. It is also a very joyful and cheerful place to be in, where given a chance one usually wants to return for yet another enriching experience. As Kuala Lumpur continues converting remaining spaces into sanitized malls, the site is still standing proud in its essence and possessing strong genius loci, reliving a century of history, culture and shopping. There was an art environment, which had been understood and practiced. It is indeed a place where myriad activities take place for the public to cherish and to attain this, the site possesses high permeability and legibility within the city of Kuala Lumpur. Variety of activity and culture also robustness of spatial quality enliven the site thus ensuring its vitality for a sustained development.
JALAN TUANKU A HISTORY
PEOPLE + PROGRAMME
OLD ARCHITECTURE
BY FARAH KASSIM 0317534
BY FAWWAZ SUKIMAN 0311561
BY NATASYA LYANA 03220851
”Through o
ABDUL RAHMAN new ARCHITECTURE
CONTRASTing ELEMENTS
SOCIAL + CULTURE
BY NURAIMAN SHAKIR 0311759
BY NURBAHIRAH RAHMAN 0311085
BY RAHMAT AIDIL MAULA 0311462
our eyes”
HISTORY The golden vein of Kuala Lumpur in retrospect. Captured by Fara Kassim
UNCHANGED EST 1917 Pre-war shophouses bear witness to Jalan TAR’s journey.
“MULTI CULTURED”
And multi-colored. Shophouses evolve as owners chase trends and times, many remodeled the colonial style architecture as a result. Personalities and cultural preferences were added into the mix.
Prices were competitive, so was the architecture. Remodeling of shophouses were becoming more ambitious as businesses soared. The progression of different styles of architecture particular to different times as seen here, reflect the historical significance of Jalan TAR as one of KL’s first major roads.
“THE COLISEUM”
The Coliseum(above) was one of the first cinemas to be opened in pre-war Malaya. The Coliseum Cafe(left) adjacent to the cinemas used to be a hotspot in the 50’s, with famous faces such as P.Ramlee and other artistes having frequented its seats. The tables and chairs of the cafe have remained in the same position and arrangement throughout the years.
“TIMEL
Continuity, perseverance and preservation, every tile, every crack and every vinyl seat is imbued with the memories of Jalan TAR’s golden era.
LESS ESSENCE”
“PRESENCE”
The Globe silk store was one of the earliest stores to open on Jalan TAR, and one of the most successful. Globe Silk Store brought many visitors from Singapore, India and most of Southeast Asia to Malaya.
“NEVER FORGOTTEN” Jalan TAR is a celebrated testament to Malaya’s past, nestled within Malaysia’s future.
“Its like people who are in a track race ready to go for their shopping spree although it is still early in the morning�
“Not just fabrications, te shop also took place to
The relection of KL Tower showing how close the culture and people towards the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
extiles, leather goods and etc. Book be in this historical road (Jalan TAR)�
A very busy lane in between Jalan TAR, known as Jalan Masjid India and congested with a lot of people even before the night market started.
Some of the well-known fabrics and textile store in Malaysia located at the shoplots of Jalan TAR.
One of the oldest building showing the old architectural style used back in the days. A part of it has been tarnished and believe a new building will be constructed soon in the future.
END