AC 5007 - Batch 2 - Angela Wee Kah Man

Conservation of Living Heritage: Study of how adaptive reuse can impact one's 'Sense of place/belonging' in the core area of the Historic City of Melaka.

Angela Wee Kah Man A0245144L

Dissertation submitted to the Department of Architecture National University of Singapore

April 2022

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation

Supervisor: Professor Johannes Widodo

Abstract Consumers and lifestyle producers are embracing a vintage revival rather than replacing the older with the new. Rehabilitating pre-war buildings into tourist attractions has become a recent trend. As such, there are many heritage shophouses that have been preserved for various purposes. For instance, the preserved heritage shophouses, with their attractive features, are generally adapted for reuse as offices, businesses, restaurants, museums, residences and other public uses, thus becoming a major tourist attraction. Especially F&B establishments are becoming increasingly popular, characterized by their small size and distinctive location in repurposed buildings, are becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Regardless of how this heritage is infused with modern design, heritage has the potential to contribute to urban conservation and sustainability. However, the preservation and adaptation of these heritage buildings have not been done with the right approach and methods. Local communities are consequently alienated by and excluded from their built environment. Hence, this paper at its core is conducted to assess the adaptive reuse works that have been implemented on the heritage shophouses as F&B establishments, specifically in the core zone of the Historic Town of Melaka, UNESCO World Heritage Cities, in response to how they affect one’s sense and belonging of the shophouses as well as the place. These F&B establishments which are adapted from heritage buildings have been identified and questionnaire surveys have been performed on the respective stakeholders especially the local communities in order to obtain their responses, thus arriving at a more accurate research result. Lastly, several discussions will be obtained to help in promoting the correct concept of adaptive reuse works local community think should be and wanted in the future.

Keywords: Conservation, Adaptive reuses, Heritage shophouses, Sense of Place, Authenticity

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Acknowledgement

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Johannes Widodo, for his continuous guidance and inspiration during the course of dissertation writing, as well as to Professor Nikhil Joshi for his generous advice and support throughout the programme.

Also, tremendously thankful to whoever has helped in completing the survey questionnaire, both known and unknown, especially during this very difficult time due to the pandemic. I am truly appreciated by their valuable time and efforts which have allowed me to get inspiration, knowledge and ideas for the bettering of the research. Thank you, Melaka.

Moreover, I am thankful and sorry to my friends who I might have given cold shoulder while too focusing on completing my projects. However, they have always been with me and continuous support me, and I really appreciate this.

And lastly, my sincere thanks to my family for their endless support and unconditional love.

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Table of Contents Acknowledgement………………………………………………………………..……………1 Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………….……2 List of figures and images…………………………………………………………….…..5 - 6 Chapter 1 / Introduction 1.1 Background study………………………………………………………………………….7 - 9 1.2 Scope of research………………………………………………………………………...…10 1.3 Research objectives………………………………………………………………………..………10 1.4 Organization of study……………………………………………………………………………….11

Chapter 2 / Literature Reviews 2.1 Sense of Place……………………………………………………………………..………..….12 - 15 2.2 Adaptive Reuse………………………………………………………………………..…….…. 16 - 18 2.3 Authenticity………………………………………………………………………………..…..… 19 - 20 2.4 Summary…………………………………………………………………………………….….……21

Chapter 3 / Methodology 3.1 Hypothesis and research arguments…………………………………………..……………..22 - 23 3.2 Research Approach………………………………………………………………………….…...… 23 3.3 Research Design……………………………………………………………………………..…23 - 24 3.4 The Survey Questionnaire………………………………………………………………….….25 - 27

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Chapter 4 / Finding and Data Analysis 4.1 Profile and Background Knowledge of Survey Respondents…………………………..….28 - 29 4.2 Perceptions of the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka………………………………..29 - 31 4.3 Perceptions of Adaptive Reuse……………………………………..………………………… 31 - 35

Chapter 5 / Results and Discussion 5.1 A sense of place and belonging in the heart of people…………………………………….. 36 - 40 5.2 Approaches to conservation that affect the sense of place and belonging…………………………………………………………………………………….…..41 - 42 5.3 Current conservation challenges for the heritage shophouses and voices from the ground………………………………………………………………………....43 - 48 5.4 Summary……………………………………………………………………………………..………49

Chapter 6 / Conclusion……………………………………………………………..……50 - 51 Bibliography…………………………………………………………...……………..……52 - 55 Appendices…………………………………………………………...……………....……56 - 63

Words Count: 12,398 (Excluding table of content, bibliography, list of figures and tables, acknowledgement, footnotes and endnotes, and appendices)

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List of figures and images Figure 1.1.1 The Core And Buffer Zones of the Historic City Of Melaka………………………...… 7 Figure 1.1.2 Cafes in the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka……………………….…..….….8 Figure 2.1.1 Types of attachment involves the occurrence of a ‘sense of place’........................13 Figure 2.2.1 Arguments for and Against Adaptive Reuse Summarised…………………..………. 18 Figure 3.1.1 The relationships of 3 components that made up the living heritage…………...….22 Figure 3.3.1 Flow Chart showing the different stages of research…………………………………23 Figure 4.1.1: Respondents’ profile according to Gender…………………………………………….28 Figure 4.1.2: Respondents’ profile according to Age Group……………………………………….. 28 Figure 4.2.1: Respondents’ profile on their residential status………………………………………29 Figure 4.2.2: Respondents’ profile on how well they understand/know the Core Area of the Historic City of Melaka ‘Jonker Street……………………………………….….29 Figure 4.2.3: Respondents’ profile on how often will they go to have a meal in those hipster cafes on ‘Jonker Street’..............................................................................30 Figure 4.2.4: Respondents’ profile on what they think is the most attractive character ‘Jonker Street’ has………………………………………………………………………30 Figure 4.2.5: Respondents’ profile on what character makes them think they have the best dine in experience…………………………………………………………...…31 Figure 4.3.1: Respondents’ profile on, do they think that adaptive reuse of the majority of shophouses into Hipster Cafes in ‘Jonker Street’, today is being correctly done…………………………………………………………...31 Figure 4.3.2: Respondents’ profiles on which Cafes located on ‘Jonker Street’ have the best dine in experience…………………………………………………………...…32 Images 4.3.1.1: Interiors of The Daily Fix Cafes in Melaka…………………..…………………….32 Images 4.3.2.1: Interiors and exterior of The Stolen Cup Cafe in Melaka………………………..33

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Figure 4.3.3: Respondents’ profile on what they think are those 【Architecture / Design】 qualities a ‘good’ cafe in ‘Jonker Street‘ should have…………………..……………34 Figure 4.3.4: Respondents’ profile on what are that 【 Food and Beverage】qualities a ‘good’ cafe in ‘Jonker Street‘ should have……………………………..……………34 Figure 4.3.5: Respondents’ profile on what would they transform into If they would have a shophouse in ‘Jonker Street‘................................................................................35 Figure 4.3.6: Respondents’ profile on do they think it is ok to have more Cafes and Restaurants as a domain business in ‘Jonker Street‘ in a long term development plan…………………………………………….…………………………..35 Figure 5.1.1: Respondents on the meaning of ‘Sense of belonging/place’..................................40 Figure 5.2.1: Respondents on how important is traditional business in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka…………………………………………………………………..41 Figure 5.2.2: Respondents on why they think Traditional Business in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka is important………………………………………………………………………41 Figure 5.2.3: Respondents on how they think ‘Jonker Street’ is still as authentic as it used to be………………………………………….………………………………..42 Figure 5.3.1: Respondents on what they think ‘Jonker Street’ should be in the next 20 years…………………………………………………………….……….44 Figure 5.3.2: Respondents on the values accordingly that contributed the most to the ‘Sense of place’ in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka………………………..…………………..45 Figure 5.3.3:Respondents on what do they think should be the most concerned stakeholder in the decision making for the future development of Jonker Street………………………………………………………………………………48 Figure 5.3.4: Respondents on the possibility of their participation if they will be given a chance to voice up regarding the decision making in the future development and conservation of the Historic City of Melaka……………………...……………………..48

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background study This case study will evaluate the conservation area designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and by Malacca City Council (MBMB) as the 'Core Zone' in Melaka. It comprises a part of the settlement quarters, commercial area, and civic zone (Figure1.1.1).

Figure 1.1.1 The Core And Buffer Zones of the Historic City Of Melaka ( Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/101085 )

The study of this research will only cover some of the street on Core Area of World Heritage Site, Melaka (Jalan Hang Katsuri, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Jebat, Lorong Hang Jebat, Jalan Hang Lekiu/Kekir, Jalan Tokong, Jalan Masjid, Jalan Kampung Kuli, Jalan Kampung Hulu/ Kampung Pantai, Jalan Tukang Besi). For the rest of my question, the term 'Jonker Street' is used to represent the above mentioned streets for the ease of survey.

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For Malaysians as well as tourists from overseas, the research area is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malaysia. For instance, the inflow of tourists increased substantially after the 'Jonker Walk' program was introduced at the quarter on 9 June 2000.

Businesses have been investing there ever since. In response, many entrepreneurs and investors bought or rented shophouses in the area and adapted them for new purposes. Today, we can find many boutique hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops all along the shophouses on Jonker Street. And most of the new uses of shophouses are mainly to attract tourists as well as to boost the economy. During the late 2010s, due to the significant rise in the cafes culture, many shophouses is then transferred and adapted to their uses as a cafe. Physical adaptations to some of these buildings were carried out with care to preserve their architectural features.

Some, however, were done carelessly.

Figure 1.1.2 Cafes in the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka ( Source: Author’s Own )

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In the ongoing process of modernisation and development in Melaka, heritage sites in this city are facing issues that negatively affect their values [1]. It is deemed insensitive and dangerous to adapt the building without considering the local community, especially the 'sense of place,' but rather just for tourism purposes alone. As a result of urban development, some areas in Melaka have lost a sense of place, weakened by physical changes that weaken local identity and spirit, as explained by Othman (2017) [2]. In spite of the fact that tourism-led adaptive reuse can be beneficial to a historic area or community, such as boosting local economies and improving infrastructure, it can also have negative effects on the historic area's environment and its residents. Reusing buildings adaptively may result in the destruction of unique architectural features, the displacement of original residents, and the loss of privacy to locals. As suggested by (Samadi, 2009), we will gradually lose our local heritage as we allow development to run rampant, and will be replaced with a universal imprint. [3] Today, the modern development of Malaysian cities is accelerating at a fast pace [4], leading to increased pressure on the building industry to adapt to the modern style that is becoming a standard for global growth and advancement [5]. Conservation is defined as a shield from any environmental or human threat to the heritage, even as modernisation is inevitable[6]. As a consequence, the built heritage of the local area would be preserved, reducing the development impact[7]. While it is important to recognize how changes in the building's appearance, structure, and function may affect its heritage values, it is equally important to understand how the changes affect their significance. Moreover, it is important to understand how local residents perceive the impacts of repurposing buildings.

[1] Aziz, R. A. (2017). Heritage Conservation: Authenticity and Vulnerability of Living Heritage Sites in Melaka State. Kajian Malaysia, 39-58.

[2] Othman, R. N. (2017). The Impact of Gentrification on Local Urban Heritage Identity in Old Quarter, Melaka Heritage City.

Planning Malaysia: Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, 123-134.

[3][5] Samadi, Z. (2009). Integrating Architectural Heritage an approach for Urban Revitalization. Selangor: University Publication Centre (UPENA).

[4] Said, S. Y., Aksah, H., & Ismail, E. D. (2013). Heritage Conservation and Regeneration of Historic Areas in Malaysia. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 418- 428.

[6] Aziz, R. A. (2017). Heritage Conservation: Authenticity and Vulnerability of Living Heritage Sites in Melaka State. Kajian Malaysia, 39-58.

[7] Toore, M. (1999). Heritage Conservation and Values in Globalizing Societies. Retrieved from Getty Conservation Institute: http://www.chtalliance.com/about.htm

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1.2 Scope of research This research will focus on heritage buildings, shophouses in particular that have been adapted as cafes in the historic town of Melaka. The primary focus of the study aims to identify the motive and challenges of the conservation effort in Jonker street. As a central component of this research, it is to understand the impact of adaptive reuse on local communities. Moreover, it also to understand how users of historic places, especially local residents, feel about the new activities, like cafe culture, created by adaptive reuse. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide theoretical insight on adaptive reuse in the historic area as well as perceptions of how buildings are repurposed for the use of cafes. For instance, the hypothesis of the study thus wishes to prove that adaptive reuse, as demonstrated by the heritage cafes in Melaka, should reflect the feelings and understanding of the local community for the place.

1.3 Research objectives The objectives of the research are to investigate about adaptive reuse of heritage shophouses into the use of cafes in the core area, Jonker street of the Historic Town of Melaka, as well as its impact on the local residents. The objectives of this study are: 1. To study the conservation approaches and the adaptive reuse principles of shophouses in the Historic Town of Melaka.

2. To identify the design and conservation motive of the adaptive reuse of shophouses into cafes.

3. To identify the impact of adaptive reuse of shophouses into cafes from both social, political and economic aspects in reciprocal to the feeling of ‘sense of place’ by the local residents.

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1.4 Organisation of study This research paper is organised as such: Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the background of the research paper, the scope of research, and the objectives.

Chapter 2 reviews past literature on conservation, sense of place as well as authenticity in relation to my study context. The gaps in past research work with regards to the impacts of adaptive reuse would be identified.

Chapter 3 explains in detail the research methods that will be undertaken in this study, mainly through public survey, as well as the basis for the chosen method Chapter 4 presents the findings from surveys, followed by quantitative and qualitative data analysis of the results.

Chapter 5 elaborate more finding from the previous chapter that support the research hypothesis with discussion. Besides that, this chapter also furnishes and studies more information on Melaka's conservation background as well as its challenges.

Chapter 6 provides a conclusion to the entire research with a summary of key findings, contributions, limitations and recommendations for future research.

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CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW This chapter will provide a general and comprehensive review of previous literature reviews that have discussed adaptive reuse in the urban conservation area, sense of place, heritage and identity. All these will then form the groundwork for the research objectives of this research topic.

2.1 Identity and Sense of Place “The full range of meaning located as a “place”… belongs to an order of intelligibility that I call “topistic reality.” A place has no feelings apart from human experience there… The feelings of a place are indeed the mental projections of individuals, but they come from the collective experience and they do not happen anywhere else. They belong to the place.”

EUGENE V. WALTER [8] With the increasing unpredictability of the world and more so in times of difficulty, conservation has gained traction over the years as a pillar of support [9]. Social marginalization and low social mobility are particularly pronounced in groups such as the elderly, less educated, and the poor[10]. For instance, solace is found in familiar places and reminders of past memories.

Conservation thus plays a crucial role in connecting people to historic buildings and evokes feelings associated with them.

The conservation of places with rich value especially historical value is able to enhance the identity of the place, making them distinct. Consequently, the built environment can serve as a repository of meaning for local communities, creating a sense of identity and collective memory.

Pannell, Kerr, and Foster (1986) asserted that conservation serves the goal of providing a sense of peace and security to the community that resides in the particular place. Besides that, conservation efforts foster a sense of self-identity and belonging for the inhabitants as well as enhance the security and stability of their communities [11].

[8] Eugene V. Walter, Placeways: A Theory of the Human Environment, (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina, 1988), 21.

[9] Pendlebury, J. and Townshend, T. (1999). Public Participation in the Conservation of Historic Areas: Case‐studies from North‐east England. Journal of Urban Design, 4:3, 313-331.

[10][11] Lim, W. S. (2000). Memories and Urban Places. City: Analysis of Urban Trends, Culture, Theory, Policy, Action, 4:2, 270-277.

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In recent decades, the bond and connection between individuals and what they have been considering ‘meaningful’ places have received increasing attention [12]. Likewise, Morgan (2010) holds the view that attachment to a place implies a feeling of continuing affection for a particular place and the meaning that relationship conveys. Psychological interactions occurring between an environment and individuals, as well as their relationships with places, come under the umbrella of place attachment [13]. As Jorgensen and Stedman (2001) describe the psychological aspects of 'sense of place', it includes the affective, cognitive, and behavioural components [14][15]. Figure 1.1.3 illustrates how attachments built between people and places give rise to certain psychological traits including a 'sense of place' [16]. Functional attachments are derived from one's interaction with a particular place, while emotional attachments are derived from feelings of attachment towards that place. Taken together, these findings suggest that a ‘Sense of places’ is a generalized concept that encompasses how people feel about a particular place, from a comprehensive perspective from the emotional aspects.[17-22]

Figure 2.1.1 Types of attachment involves in the occurrence of a ‘sense of place’ ( Source: PLANNING MALAYSIA: Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners VOLUME 18 ISSUE 4 (2020), Page 33 – 46 )

[12] Altman, I., & Low, S. (1992). Human behaviour and environments: Advances in theory and research. Place attachment. New York: Plenum Press.

[13] Scannell, L., & Gifford, R. (2010a). Defining place attachment: A tripartite organizing framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 1e10.

[14] Morgan, P. (2010). Towards a developmental theory of place attachment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 11e22. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.07. 001.

[15]Scannell, L., & Gifford, R. (2010b). The relations between natural and civic place attachment and pro-environmental behaviour.

Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(3), 289e297.

[16] Jorgensen, B. S., & Stedman, R. C. (2001). Sense of place as an attitude: Lakeshore owners’ attitude toward their properties.

Journal of Environmental Psychology, 233-248.

[17] Brown, B., Perkins, D. D., & Brown, G. (2003). Place attachment in a revitalizing neighbourhood: Individual and block levels of analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23, 259e271.

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In the same vein, Scannell and Gifford (2010) also discuss place attachment as the creation of meaning about a place that involves the cognitive process of forming a sense of belonging. In his categorical concept of space, Lefebvre describes this occupation of space as manifest in three different ways: in ‘spatial practices', 'representations of space', and 'representational spaces'.[23] The first space is identified through perceptions of space in physical reality, which represents an interface between routine and networking in society. However, the conceived space refers to what is been imagined, designed, and conceptualized by professionals such as designers or architects as a mode of spatial production. Last but not least, the third kind of space is what we normally associated with collective memory. Representational spaces, for instance, are lived through as experiences in the social space of occupants, which imposes a symbolic meaning on material places.

The generalisability of much-published research on the sense of places however is not solely from the past progress. As a consequence, urban culture comprises a timeline - just like history leaves its residue in our spaces, contemporary spaces are also considered as the products of the present as they are lived out in their prevailing meanings. Kwok has stated that our attachment to places is also formed most effectively in real-time, through the direct experience of material objects and spaces. On the other hand, images of traditions that are transmitted through

various

media

and

not

experienced

first-hand

often

remain

detached

phantasmagorias.[24] Hence, it is imperative to see the contemporary urban experience as a spectacle, which constructs an artificial standpoint towards cultural identity. Thus, the individual becomes an 'actor', for whom his being is part of a performance that seems detached from genuine reality.[25]

[18] Cuba, L., & Hummon, D. M. (1993). A place to call home: Identification with dwelling, community, and region. Sociological Quarterly, 34, 111e131 [19] Fullilove, M. T. (1996). Psychiatric implications of displacement: Contributions from the psychology of place. American Journal of Psychiatry, 153, 1516e1523.

[20] Giuliani, M. V. (2003). Theory of attachment and place attachment. In M. Bonnes, T. Lee, & M. Bonaiuto (Eds.), Psychological theories for environmental issues (pp. 137e170). Aldershot: Ashgate.

[21] Hidalgo, M. C., & Hernandez, B. (2001). Place Attachment: Conceptual and empirical questions. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 21, 271e281.

[22] Hummon, D. M. (1992). Community attachment: Local sentiment and sense of place. In I. Altman, & S. M. Low (Eds.), Place attachnment (pp. 253e278). New York: Plenum Press.

[23]Henri Lefebvre, The Production of Space (New York: Wiley, 1991).

[24]Kwok Kian-Woon et al., “Introduction: Our Place in Time” in Our Place in Time: Exploring Heritage and Memory in Singapore, eds. Kwok Kian-Woon et al. (Singapore: Singapore Heritage Society, 1999), 124 [25] Heinz Paetzold, “The Philosophical Notion of the City” in City Life: Essays on Urban Culture, ed. Heinz Paetzold (Maastricht: Jan Van Eyck Academie, 1997).

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As stated in the Architecture of the City, a central concept is the locus of a city in which relates architecture to memory, which has illustrated the intertwining relationship between memory and architecture. The concept of memory is what Rossi describes as the "guiding thread" of a city's fabric as it links the present to the past. History thus is defined by our reflections on a past shared by all, and by our sense of identity. Despite the nostalgic sentiments experienced by contemporary society, they actually resemble a social condition of the present.[26] In reality, the continuity of social memory can be activated through the city's unique architecture, which is shaped by the collective and individual recollections of time and place.[27] A city's architectural history matures thus with its place of origin, and as such these amalgamations are characteristic reflections of the city's urban realities. However, such studies remain narrow in focus dealing only with how conservation of architecture can contribute to the sense of place. Whereas, several aspects of how the conservation method such as adaptive reuse of old or heritage buildings in the effects of sense of place by the local communities considers relatively little is known.

Researchers have also found that a sense of place plays a key role in a sense of belonging for a community, as well as its conservation and sustainability efforts[28]. Similarly, Boyer (1994) holds the view that cities with collective memories have the responsibility to represent the voice of the public through a comprehensive urban plan that incorporates both prestigious and humble places, commemorative and ephemeral monuments, and should include places for public assemblages, public debates, and private retreats. For instance, the city's collective memory that contributes to the identity and sense of place should not just consist of individual visual details or ornamentations, but should also encompass a comprehensive spatial structure that incorporates meaningful architecture as well as spaces that are able to encourage the communities in the engagement of shared experiences. There would therefore seem to be a definite need for adaptive reuse to be done while encompassing the collective memory that is tied to the sense of place. As a result, such an urban environment would avert not just the illusion of the city simply as an outdoor museum and a collection of historic districts but rather would accentuate the balance of cultural icons and places of social significance that are meaningful to people every day.

[26] Brenda Yeoh and Lily Kong, “The Notion of Place in the Construction of History, Nostalgia and Heritage” in Our Place in Time: Exploring Heritage and Memory in Singapore, eds. Kwok Kian-Woon et al. (Singapore: Singapore Heritage Society, 1999), 141.

[27] Aldo Rossi, The Architecture of the City (Cambridge: MIT Press, 1994), 130-131.

[28] Tan, Siow-Kian, Siow-Hooi Tan, Yon-Sin Kok, and Shay-Wei Choon. 2018. “Sense of Place and Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage – The Case of George Town and Melaka.” Tourism Management 67 (August): 376–87.

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2.2 Adaptive Reuse Reusing heritage buildings or structures for purposes other than those for which they were originally intended is referred to as adaptive reuse in the Burra Charter [29]. The fabric heritage significance of a building can only be preserved and maintained through adaptive reuse when a building's original purpose can no longer be served [30]. The adaptive reuse of historical structures preserves their historical values while meeting the needs of their occupants, according to Worthing and Bonds (2008). According to Highfield (1987), a slow construction time, low costs, easy approvals from the state, government regulations, and the aesthetic value of the building are factors that contribute to many conservation approaches of adaptive reuse for heritage buildings. In addition, heritage buildings can also be preserved through adaptive reuse.

In addition, utilising reuse to extend the life of a building will reduce demolition waste and carbon footprint. In order to ensure a heritage building stays in use, adaptive reuse is the best solution [31]. Conservative principles do not preclude some alterations, but they are often characterized by "careful management of change" [32] through which historically significant buildings are altered to provide a function they were not meant to serve, which is often commercially viable. [33] Using heritage buildings more efficiently is an excellent decision. The management and maintenance of historic buildings are key to reducing the number of vacant buildings, creating viable business districts, creating employment, and increasing tourism [34].

In the same vein, other researchers have concluded that heritage buildings that have been adaptively reused as a hotel in Melaka and George Town UNESCO World Heritage Cities have been a wise decision since the hotel industry is in high demand in both cities, especially in the tourism aspect [35].

[29](Australian ICOMOS, 1999).

[30] Bullen, P. and Love, P. (2011). Factors influencing the adaptive re-use of buildings. Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, 9(1): 32-46.

[31] Chandler, I. (1991). Repair and renovation of modern buildings. McGraw Hill Inc: London.

[32] Lithgow, K., & Thackray, D. (2009). The National Trust’s approach to conservation. Conservation Bulletin, 60, 16–19 [33] Austin, R., Woodcock, D., Steward, W., & Forrester, A. (1988). Adaptive reuse: Issues and case studies in building preservation.

New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

[34] Rani, P., Putri, C. and Devina, A. (2017). Transforming heritage building for commercialization. Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, 15(13): 135-46 [35] Wahab, Lilawati Ab, Noraini Md Zain, Zaiwanizar Zainal Abidin, and Norbaizura Abu Bakar. 2018. “Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings as Hotels in Melaka and George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Cities.” The Journal of Social Sciences Research, no. 6 (December): 22–27.

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Their finding has shown that it is lower in cost than building a new building. Hence for both the heritage cities, there were approximately 1/3 of the heritage shophouses were being the results of adaptive reuse works. Often, officials encourage conversions as a catalyst for urban renewal, revitalization, and renaissance in post-industrial cities [36], with financial incentives sometimes available [37]. Additionally, these initiatives align with sustainable development agendas [38]. As a result of this new use, buildings are saved from demolition, districts are preserved from losing their identity in order to make way for new development, which alleviates the problem of resource underutilization [39] [40]. These results agree with the findings of other studies, in which the regulatory regime for adaptive reuse and conservation is particularly important, and adaptive reuse in the form of hotel conversion can prevent buildings from degrading. As such, architectural heritage can be a catalyst for sustainable development and the achievement of related economic, sociocultural, and environmental goals [41].

As opposed to the point mentioned above, there are nonetheless social consequences to bear in adaptive reuse. According to Orbasli, adaptive re-use initiatives have taken piecemeal approaches to conserve only individual buildings regardless of the entire system or the surrounding environment [42]. In that case, Parham in his article has stated that the proliferation of cafes and restaurants with historic facades also contributes to the formation of an architectural theme park where leisure services are commodified and tourist interests are prioritized over those of local residents[43]. There are therefore arguments for and against adaptively reusing historically significant buildings. Adopting a similar position, Wilkinson and Reed (2008) summarised the arguments for and against adaptive reuse across a few dimensions, namely social, economic, environmental, and technological as shown in Figure 2.2.1. [44]

[36] McNeill, D. (2008). The hotel and the city. Progress in Human Geography, 32(3), 383–398.

[37] Jefferson, C. (2005). Adaptive reuse: Recent hotel conversions in downtown Philadelphia. Master of Science in Historic Preservation thesis, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Retrieved September 8, 2012 [38] Ball, R. (1999). Developers, regeneration and sustainability issues in the reuse of vacant industrial buildings. Building Research & Information, 27(3), 140–148.

[39] Bullen, P. and Love, P. (2011). Factors influencing the adaptive re-use of buildings. Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, 9(1): 32-46.

[41] Henderson, Joan C., Geraldine Liew, Jonathan Ong, and Benjamin Quek. 2013. “The Use of Urban Built Heritage for Boutique Hotels: Examples from Malaysia and Singapore.” Text. Cognizant Communication Corporation. 2013.

[42]Orbasli, A. (2009). Re-using existing buildings towards sustainable regeneration (School of Architecture: Place and Culture Identity Group Working Paper).

[43] Parham, S. (1996, October). Gastronomic architecture: The cafe and beyond. Architecture Bulletin.

[44] Wilkinson, S., James, K., & Reed, R. (2009). Delivering sustainability through the adaptive reuse of commercial buildings: The Melbourne CBD challenge. In PRRES 2009: Proceedings of the Pacific Rim Real Estate Society 15th Annual Conference (pp. 1-19).

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Figure 2.2.1 Arguments for and Against Adaptive Reuse Summarised ( Source: Wilkinson & Reed (2008) )

Likewise, (Bullen & Love, 2011) has also argued that the decision as to whether to adapt an existing building involved a complex set of factors, including architectural assets, heritage preservation, and market trends [45]. In spite of that, a lack of studies exists on the consequences of adapting historic buildings to attract tourists. [46]

[45] Bullen, P. A., & Love, P. E. (2011). Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. Structural Survey, 29(5), 411-421.

[46] Adlin Baizura Ariffin, Mohd. Salehuddin Mohd. Zahari, Salleh Mohd. Radzi, & Mohd. Zain Kutut. (2017). Adaptive reuse of historical buildings and local residents’ actual visitation. Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 9(2), 35-46.

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2.3 Authenticity A formal definition of authenticity as a concept within the context of heritage conservation has been adopted at the international level through the Venice Charter [47] and in particular by the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (subsequently referred to as the World Heritage Convention) [48]. Genuine authenticity can be defined as "... the manifestation of those values by the attributes which carry them...", and integrity as "...the expression of those values by the cultural heritage system which holds or contains them" respectively under the World Heritage Convention [49]. While accepting that different cultures construe the concept of authenticity differently, the World Heritage Program has also met several times to discuss such ambiguities. For instance, one of the most significant discussions on authenticity has taken place at the Nara Conference on Authenticity in 1994, which led to the creation of The Nara Document on Authenticity, describing how "authenticity" should be defined."The diversity of cultural heritage exists both in space and in time; the honouring of other cultures and belief systems is vital"[50]. As a result, there are concerns regarding the authenticity of Melaka's living heritage sites. The concept of authenticity and heritage conservation has always presented a challenge. According to Handler and Saxton, authenticity is the perfect simulation of the relationship between a living history activity and the piece of history that it is enacting [51].

As aforementioned, authenticity is always perceived differently and even in conflicting ways and varies across cultures and countries. As a result, the differing opinions about authenticity affected the values attached to the historic subject, and thus the subject's conservation as well as its own cultural context. Indeed,

authentic conservation describes preserving heritage

spaces in a way that strengthens the human connection to those spaces and enhances the sense of belonging to them.

[47] International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). 1964. International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (The Venice Charter 1964). Second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments, Venice. http://www.icomos.org/charters/venice_e.pdf [48] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 1972. UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage.

[49] Stovel, H. 2004. Authenticity in conservation decision-making: The world heritage perspective. Journal of Research in Architecture and Planning, Conservation and Cultural Heritage Volume 3: 1–8.

[50] World Heritage Centre (WHC). 2008. Operational guidelines for the implementation of the world heritage convention. Paris: UNESCO, World Heritage Centre.

[51] Handler, R. and W. Saxton. 1988. Dyssimulation: Reflexivity, narrative and the quest for authenticity in "living history". Cultural Anthropology 3(3): 242–260.

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It is evident that in order for heritage buildings to be authentically conserved, related aspects of the "sense of place" must be taken into account, since "sense of place" is a key defining characteristic of human spatial experience, without which spatial concepts cannot convey the sense of place, as people may feel alone among society members and they may feel placeless in their surroundings.

There has been a great deal of discussion about authenticity throughout literature. According to Chabbra, Healy & Sills (2003), authenticity is associated with traditional culture and origin, as well as an appreciation for the 'original' concept [52]. While Selwyn (1996) established that authentic experiences are intrinsically linked to the consumer [53]. On the other hand, authenticity can also be affected by several factors, including architectural aspects, trades and services, and activities, along with the character and spirit of the place [54]. As there has been a dearth of perception-based studies evaluating the authenticity of conservation buildings in the core of Melaka, these aspects are important when studying the authenticity of the place. Can authenticity be seen in Adaptive reuses heritage buildings? The concept of staged authenticity was first introduced by MacCannell (1979) in the context of ethnic tourism. According to him, sometimes tourees (host) are in the position of selling their culture to create an appealing package to the tourists. In addition to that, he argues that the purpose of the packaging is to alter the nature of the product, such that visitors become accustomed to "staged authenticity" [55]. This view is then supported by Cohen(1995) when he pointed out the term of ‘emergent authenticity’, denoting the evolution of authenticity, with its capacity for being 'negotiable', so that what may appear inauthentic at one point may become authentic over time [56]. In the same vein, Grazian (2010) explains authenticity as a quality inherent in a "legitimate or social value... a social construct with moral connotations rather than an objective and value-free evaluation".Authenticity, according to this definition, only exists when the object is perceived in accordance with an individual's interpretation of it, and the subjective determination of authenticity derives from an internally generated set of criteria. [57]

[52] Chhabra, D, Healy, R, Sills, E. (2003). Staged Authenticity and Heritage Tourism, Annals of Tourism Research, 30(3), 702-719.

[53] Selwyn, T. (1996). The Tourist Image: Myths and mythmaking in tourism. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons [54] Yuen, B. (2006). Reclaiming Cultural Heritage in Singapore, Urban Affairs Review, 41(6), 830 – 854 [55] MacCannell, D.(1979). Staged Authenticity: Arrangements of Social Space in Visitor Settings. American Journal of Sociology 79(3):589–603.

[56] Cohen, Erik. 1988. “Authenticity and Commoditization in Tourism.” Annals of Tourism Research 15 (3): 371–86.

[57] Grazian, David. 2010. "Demystifying Authenticity in the Sociology of Culture." Handbook of Cultural Sociology, 18.

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2.4 Summary In summary, concerns exist regarding Melaka's adaptive reuse of its heritage buildings.

Although numerous existing works of literature have widely discussed conservation and its value. Nonetheless, quantitative analysis of conservation shophouses remains understudied. In light of the above, it is evident that redevelopment and conservation must be in balance in order to preserve the sense of belonging and the identity of the city. Conversely, Melaka's distinctive multicultural heritage might be threatened by unchecked redevelopments. Many of the decisions pertaining to traditional shophouse redevelopments are derived from guidelines inherited from the monocultural British system, whose perspectives cannot fully reflect the multicultural society of Malaysia [58]. Overall, these studies highlight the need and importance of adaptive reuse in heritage buildings. However, considering all this evidence, it seems that there is still a lack of acknowledgement and actual thoughts of the local community regarding the 'sense of place' with the introduction of new functions in the heritage building. Hence, stakeholders should also consider the broader perspective of preservation, for instance, the relationship between continuity of facades and harmony between old and new buildings, also the impact to all stakeholders especially the local community, not merely just for commercialism as well as tourism purposes that adapt to the so-called construction ‘trend’ in the building.

[58] Wan Abdullah Zawawi Noor Amila, & Alias Abdullah. (2013). Evaluating stakeholders’ preferences: reconciling heritage and sustainability. International Journal of Sustainable Society, 5(4), 336-349.

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CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY This chapter explains the appropriate research method for collecting primary data on opinions from the target users about how the implications of adaptive reuse of old shophouses into high-end F&B establishments, cafes in particularly affect one’s ‘Sense of Place and Belonging’ in the core zone of the Historic City, Melaka. The data analysis method will also be described in this chapter.

3.1 Hypothesis and research arguments On the basis of the literature reviews (in Chapter 2), a hypothesis is then developed based on the objectives as mentioned (in Chapter 1). There are 2 hypotheses and central arguments of this research : 1) Adaptive reuse has contributed extensively towards a sense of place in those experiencing the vintage cafes of Melaka.

2) Adaptive reuse, as demonstrated by the heritage cafes in Melaka, should reflect the feelings and understanding of the local community for the place.

The research argues that adaptive reuse in the form of high-end F&B establishments, cafes in particularly would eventually alter the character of the conservation area, which degraded the history and meanings of the place with these particular new uses, causing a loss of the sense of place and belonging especially for the local communities.

Figure 3.1.1 The relationships of 3 components that made up the living heritage ( Source: Author’s Own )

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From the literature review, the sense of place is said to be varied and keep evolving over time for a living heritage like ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka. Therefore, respondents from different generations, backgrounds as well as places where they are from might have different perceptions of what a sense of place could mean to them. For instance, the objective on what is the impact of adaptive reuse could be studied.

To test the hypothesis, a research design is planned to understand the honest opinions of the communities.

3.2 Research Approach This paper will undertake a perception-based approach study to gain the public’s view on the topic of adaptive reuse of shophouses in the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka. As Cheung (1999) stated, a location can have different meanings for different people, and hence it is crucial to understand the perceptions of the diverse population. The study as set out in Chapter 1, will examine the meaning of the sense of place and belonging of the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka through the perspective of the public that will take on the following research approach.

3.3 Research Design [429]

Figure 3.3.1 Flow Chart showing the different stages of research ( Source: Author’s Own )

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The author’s first method of conducting this research is a qualitative approach in a semi-structured form which is perceived to be effective in achieving the objectives of the study.

An overview of the research comprises several stages, beginning with literature reviews, theoretical work, an inventory of the pilot study, and a questionnaire. The pilot study inventory aims to identify the number of cafes in heritage buildings in Melaka that have been converted to cafes through adaptive reuse. For the purpose of gathering responses to the problem raised, questionnaires will aim to distribute to the owner or manager of the cafe as well as to local communities and tourists to understand their perception of how adaptive reuse impact one’s sense of place and belonging. However, as there are still travel restrictions due to the COVID situation, there was some limitation to the conducting of face to face interviews. Hence, in order to ease the qualitative survey process, a google form had been created to complete the online survey questionnaire. The responses through the Google form survey eventually had also brought the author to the second method which is the quantitative approach. The quantitative results have allowed the author to analyse the findings as a supplement to the results gathered through statistics. Following a mixed qualitative and quantitative survey, the data were analyzed to understand people's perceptions of adaptive reuse, place and belonging, and authenticity.

Lastly, provide suggestions for conservation schemes in the future.

As for the author’s following method of conducting this research, a comprehensive literature review was done to review the critical points of current knowledge regarding the conservation of shophouses, adaptive reuse, sense of place, and authenticity. Moreover, important factors such as physical, economic, social, and environmental issues were examined in order to determine the importance and impact of conservation. These secondary sources such as recent news, videos, interviews, surveys and journals that have been conducted and done by other researchers were also taken into account to be analysed and be integrated with the findings as evidence and supplement that supports this research. Texts on the history, philosophy, theory, principles, concepts, regulations and legal requirements of integrated urban conservation and regeneration will also be discussed to clarify the current relationship between historic conservation and the planning system in Melaka, Malaysia. Case studies will be selected to understand and assess the levels of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings as cafes, the results of the comparison will then also be analysed and discussed. The original sources will be consulted to the extent possible in order to ensure the accuracy of these data.

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3.4 The Survey Questionnaire As the data was collected primarily through the results of the survey, the survey was self-crafted by the author in order to ensure that the data was relevant and accurate to her research topic.

To measure perceived sense of place and belonging, the online survey questionnaire consisted of questions allowing respondents to rate on a Likert scale, checkbox, multiple choices as well as open-ended questions. As such, a mix of both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods was undertaken subsequently. For instance, the online questionnaire survey was shared and distributed online regardless of the background of the respondents. The online survey questionnaire was also designed as such, all information of the respondents was disclosed, kept confidential and completely anonymous.

3.4.1 Interview Design Typical interview questions included the following, modified for the person being interviewed depending on their area of expertise: 1.

How often will you go to have a meal in those cafes located in the core of the Jonker Street area?

2.

Do you have a preferred go-to cafe in Melaka? What is it and why?

3.

From your experience, which are the best and worst cafes in Jonker street in terms of design. Why?

4.

What is the biggest difference between Jonker Street before and after these 20 years?

5.

Will you consider Jonker street to be a livelihood place? A place where this ‘sense of place’ remains? Why?

6.

How do you see the tourism in Jonker Street?

7.

How do you see the rise of new businesses such as cafes, whereas the degradation of traditional business?

8.

How do you see the conservation effort, especially the adaptive reuse of shophouses on Jonker street?

9.

If you will change a thing about Jonker street, what it is and why?

10.

Do you have any comments and suggestions for the future conservation and development of Jonker Street?

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With regard to the face-to-face and phone call interview sessions, previous interviews informed the discussion during subsequent interviews as per the iterative nature of the qualitative methodology. Consequently, with more information gathered during the interview, there was a slight change in the nature of the questions, and questions related to the issues raised during the interviews with other individuals, as described by Schutt. [59] 3.4.2 Online Survey Design A total of 25 questions in the online survey questionnaire were carefully crafted in order to gain accurate information from the respondents. Questions were easily comprehensible to facilitate the ease of surveying.

The survey questionnaire is structured into 3 parts (see Appendix A): 1. Personal and Background Information 2. Understanding of Adaptive Reuse / Sense of Place and Belonging / Authenticity 3. Suggestion 3.4.2.1 Personal and Background Information The first 5 questions seek to record information on the demographics of the respondents. To understand the profiles of respondents, the author aimed to obtain information pertaining to age group, gender, educational and career background, residence and how well they understand Melaka. The purpose was to ensure that the survey questionnaire included a wide variety of respondents.

[59] Russell K. Schutt, ‘Qualitative Data Analysis, in Investigating the Social World: The Process and Practice of Research, 7th ed (Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications, 2012), 320–57.

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3.4.2.2 Understanding of Adaptive Reuse, Sense of Place/Belonging and Authenticity Questions 6 to 20 were employed to obtain respondents’ views on the Adaptive Reuse, Sense of Place and Authenticity of shophouses in high-end F&B establishments, cafes in particular in the core zone of the Historic City, Melaka. Some of the questions are structured based on a five-point Likert scale, whereby “Strongly Disagree” is coded as 1, and “Strongly Agree” is coded as 5. Besides that, checkboxes and multiple-choice questions have been also structured to seek respondents’ views, for example, on the elements that contribute to the sense of place/belonging and authenticity and so on.

3.4.2.3 Suggestion This section consists of 4 questions, mainly to gather suggestions from respondents. This section begins with a multiple-choice question to gather insights into respondents’ ideas of what the research context will be in the next 20 years. Next, question 23 and 24 seeks to understand who respondents think should be placed in charge of conservation effort and future development of the research context. In addition, hopefully, to encourage and create a sense of awareness among the respondents regarding the importance of heritage and building conservation. Finally, the last open-ended questions focus on suggestions, complaints as well as improvements to be made to the conservation and development effort in the future.

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CHAPTER 4 FINDING & DATA ANALYSIS This chapter involves findings and data analysis gathered from the questionnaire where statistical means are used to compare and showcase the key factors that affect conservation and the effectiveness of adaptive reuse. The importance and need for data analysis are to indicate the level of measurement which enables the author to consider how reliable the statistics are in order to highlight useful information to support the hypothesis that brought to the impact on one’s sense of place and belonging which the further analysis and discussion obtain from the findings here will then be discussed in the next chapter.

4.1 Profile and background knowledge of survey respondents A total number of 278 people were surveyed, 156 have completed their questionnaire online and 22 of them have done it in physical hardcopy. The overall demographic data is presented below in the figure below.

Figure 4.1.1: Respondents’ profile according to Gender.

Figure 4.1.2: Respondents’ profile according to Age Group.

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Out of the 278 respondents surveyed, 55.8% of them were female and 43.6% of the respondents were male as shown in figure 4.1.1. The majority of the respondents belonged to Generation Z (born 1996-2010) with 37.8%. In descending order, this was followed by Generation X (born in 1965-1980) with a percentage of 25.6%, Millennials (born 1981 to 1995) with a percentage of 19.9% and lastly, Baby Boomers (born in 1946 - 1964) of 16% as shown in figure 4.1.2.

4.2 Perceptions of the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka

Figure 4.2.1: Respondents’ profile on their residential status.

After explaining the differences between the core and buffer zone areas of the World Heritage Sites along with the questionnaire, respondents were also asked about their residential status.

Figure 4.2.1 illustrates the various status of respondents. Amongst the 278 respondents, Malaccan consists of the largest making up approximately 80% of the overall data. However, most of them (56.4%) do not live in the core area of the Historic City of Melaka, whereas only 20.5% still reside in the area today. Only then followed by the minority, which is 23.1% of the outsiders.

Figure 4.2.2: Respondents’ profile on how well they understand/know the Core Area of the Historic City of Melaka ‘Jonker Street’. *1 being bad, 5 being good.

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Referring to figure 4.2.2, the majority of the respondents are not confident in saying that they know Melaka very well, of which 35.6% voted for 3 and 33.3% voted for 4. Nonetheless, only 16.7% of them from an educational background or are residents that reside in the core zone of the Historical Cities are said to understand the place well. In reciprocal, outsiders, tourists and respondents from generations, Z are not very familiar with the core area of the Historical City of Melaka. Hence, in order to know more about their understanding and perception of the place, more questions were then designed to examine how often they travel, why and what they think of the shophouses, especially F&B establishments in the core area of the Historical City of Melaka.

Figure 4.2.3: Respondents’ profiles on how often will they go to have a meal in those hipster cafes on ‘Jonker Street’.

Figure 4.2.4: Respondents’ profile on what they think are the most attractive character ‘Jonker Street’ has.

Looking at figure 4.2.3, it is apparent that the majority of the respondents (35.9%) will go have a meal in a hipster cafe once a week. Further statistics refer that tourists and outsiders (29.5%) will go whenever they are in Melaka. In these cases, cafes still have a key role in the contribution from the economical aspect. There is also a remarkable result showing that there is

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also 17.9% of them responded claimed that they had never been to this cafe these hipsters and modernise cafes. Although before getting the results based on the survey, the author assumes that food will be the main objective why people travel to Jonker Street’. Figure 4.2.5 however has illustrated that majority of the respondent actually think the most attractive character ‘Jonker Street’ has is actually the architecture and design (52.6%) followed by the history and stories (39.7%) and the so-called vintage experiences that the place has (35.9%). Surprisingly, restaurants and food only come in place at the fourth place with only (34%). This result hence can support the following survey question as the data revealed that the majority think that the design theme and experiences (63.5%), followed by the architecture and design of the building (50%) contribute the most to the character of giving them the best dine-in experience and reasons to make them want to dine in these cafes. Food and beverage only come in place in the third with a percentage of (47.4%).

Figure 4.2.5: Respondents’ profile on what character makes them think they have the best dine in experience.

4.3 Perceptions of Adaptive Reuse

Figure 4.3.1: Respondents’ profile on, do they think that adaptive reuse of the majority of shophouses into Hipster Cafes in ‘Jonker Street’ today is being correctly done.

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In order to obtain a more detailed and accurate explanation and information, there are also questions that were designed to obtain the perceptions of the respondents for the adaptive reuse of shophouses into F&B Establishment in the core zone of Historic City in Melaka. First of all, from the figure above (figure 4.3.1), we can see that majority of the respondent think that some of the shophouses in the core area of the Historic Melaka are not being done correctly, and some of them are. As such, a question was then designed to allow the respondents to choose what they think has the best dining experience. Further analysis of the data (figure 4.3.2) reveals that most of the respondents (51.9%) have chosen The Daily Fix to be the best cafe that has the best dining experiences and The Stolen Cup (24.4%) being the least.

Figure 4.3.2: Respondents’ profile on which Cafes located in ‘Jonker Street’ have the best dine in experience.

4.3.1 Case Study: The Daily Fix

Images 4.3.1.1: Interiors of The Daily Fix Cafes in Melaka Sources: https://www.eatdrinkkl.com/posts/snapshot/the-daily-fix-cafe-jonker-street-malacca

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Having to work there as a part-timer and a Malaccan herself, the author does also think that the Daily Fix Cafe is the best dining cafe compared to the others listed in figure 4.3.2. From the architectural aspect, minimal intervention and reconstruction on the facade can be seen be adopted. As such, from the raw concrete finisher of the wall, we can tell that plasters that are fall-apart are left as it is without plastering over or covering over with the use of other paint. In fact, this has allowed the wall to ‘breath’ without accumulating too much moisture in the wall if there is another layer covering above it. The Daily Fix Cafe also gives off a vintage vibe, with antique furniture items and decorations used. Music playlists ranging from the 60s to 80s are also chosen in order to accommodate the vintage and retro theme of the cafes. Moreover, local ingredients such as Gula Melaka or local cuisine such as Baba Nyonya Kuih have been also included in their food and drink menu as well as have been widely promoted and suggested.

4.3.2 Case Study: The Stolen Cup

Images 4.3.2.1: Interiors and exterior of The Stolen Cup Cafe in Melaka Sources: https://lavie-chicve.blogspot.com/2019/05/TheStolenCup.html https://ottencoffee.co.id/majalah/stolen-cup-melaka

On the other hand, The Stolen Cup cafe is repurposed into a more rustic industrial design that might not shift away from its authentic looks as a shophouse. From the above images, we can see, that black paint was used to repaint the exterior of the facade, a rather more modern furnisher and furniture items were used in the interior of the cafes. According to research, the food in the cafes is found to be more westernised. The cafe gives off a retro and vintage vibe as well but in a more different approach compared to the Daily Fix Cafes which has more local characters and elements in it. As a result, the respondent has voted it as having the least dining experience because it does not meet the characteristics which they think cafes should have in adaptive reuse of shophouses into cafes in terms of its architecture, design, theme and experience that would contribute to the sense of the place and belonging.

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Figure 4.3.3: Respondents’ profile on what they think are those 【Architecture / Design】qualities a ‘good’ cafe in ‘Jonker Street‘ should have.

Figure 4.3.4: Respondents’ profile on what are those 【Food and Beverage】qualities a ‘good’ cafe in ‘Jonker Street‘ should have.

For instance, figure 4.3.3 and figure 4.3.4 have both shown what are the expected good qualities respondents think should have from the aspect of architecture, design and food when it comes to the adaptive reuse of shophouses into a cafe in order to support the previous survey.

According to the results, a good example of adaptive reuse should incorporate both new and old elements and design. In this cafe, the Daily Fix cafe is said to achieve these qualities with its ability to incorporate both new and old design elements and food as well as to maintain more of the old elements that are able to keep the authenticity and the identity of the place. The Stolen Cup, however, might lack in the part to incorporate both and it seems the cafe introduced too many of the new elements in the adaptive reuse.

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Figure 4.3.5: Respondents’ profile on what would they transform into If they would have a shophouse in ‘Jonker Street‘.

Figure 4.3.6: Respondents’ profile on do they think it is ok to have more Cafes and Restaurants as a domain business in ‘Jonker Street‘ in a long term development plan.

It can be seen from the data in figure 4.3.5, respondent however do not see F&B establishment to be the best way to transform old shophouses into fully commercial uses if given a chance.

When it comes to the discourse of adaptive reuse and revitalisation of historical urban, they are still willing to see shophouses being in function as a mixed-use commercial as what the majority (33.3%) voted on. However, the most surprising aspect of the data is that many of the respondents actually still want to transform shophouses into the uses of boutique hotels (21.2%) and cafes (29.5%), which the result is somewhat counterintuitive. From the author's perspective, maybe the norm in the economic aspect is to transform these buildings into tourism-related businesses is the best way to boost economic income compared to the others listed on the survey question in a short term development plan. However, on a longer development plan, the majority of the respondents (61.5%) claimed that there should be a balance of differences in business as shown in figure 4.3.6.

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CHAPTER 5 RESULT AND DISCUSSION This chapter will further discuss and deal with the old shophouses of Melaka’s World Heritage site mainly from the data obtained from the previous chapter, as well as some of the conservation issues discussed in the book published by Pierpaolo De Giosa[60] in order to pinpoint the current conservation challenges faced by the historic city of Melaka, such as the illegal demolition of properties, displacements of residents, and tourism gentrification. But most importantly, it highlights what the sense of place/belonging means to the people of Melaka and how adaptive reuse has an impact on it. In contrast to a homogenously framed approach, this chapter also illustrates diverse discourses and conservation practices realized on the ground through quantitative responses gathered from the questionnaire in order to elevate conservation knowledge among all stakeholders.

5.1 A sense of place and belonging in the heart of people As urban and vernacular heritage gained prominence in the 1990s, shophouses have been transformed into valuable economic assets by the transformation and rejuvenation of forsaken buildings into valuable economic assets. In spite of opposition to the repeal of rent control, the transformation that has resulted has been marked by drastic processes such as demolition, displacement of residents, adaptive reuse of domestic space, and disappearance of local trades. As a result of gentrification and tourism, many of the shophouses have been restored and renovated. As a result, the 'increasing threat of uncontrolled development' brought on by gentrification was deemed to have significant negative effects, particularly for tourism-related businesses, displacement, and marginalization. "Gentrification" is generally regarded as a Western phenomenon [61]. Despite this, ‘gentrification can now be seen worldwide’ [62].

[60] De Giosa, Pierpaolo. “Melakan Row Houses from the Ground Up.” In World Heritage and Urban Politics in Melaka, Malaysia: A Cityscape below the Winds, 139–92. Amsterdam University Press, 2021. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1rr6djs.9.

[61] Atkinson, Rowland & Bridge, G.. (2004). Gentrification in a global context: The new urban colonialism.

Gentrification in a Global Context: The New Urban Colonialism. 1-308. 10.4324/9780203392089.

[62] Krase, Jerry & DeSena, Judith. (2020). Gentrification around the World, Volume I Gentrifiers and the Displaced: Gentrifiers and the Displaced. 10.1007/978-3-030-41337-8.

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Revaluations of shophouses in the historical centre of Melaka are reminiscent of the 'tourist gentrification' concept developed by Kevin Gotham[63]. In his opinion, gentrification and tourism, coupled with the desire of large corporations to make the neighbourhood a place of entertainment, resulting in greater property values. This was rather distinct at the end of the 1990s, as the city's potential World Heritage bid and considerable tourism promotion prompted the revaluation of these shophouses from abandoned buildings to commercial assets. Back in those days when many younger generations would move out to developed bigger cities such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to earn a living, the majority of them had no desire to return to these homes, hence they either sell, demolish the decaying structures or renovate and convert them into tourism-related business. Meanwhile, many investors, particularly from Singapore, are willing to pay millions of ringgit for even run-down shophouses. They considered the renovation of old shophouses into economic businesses, such as F&B establishments, boutique hotels, and souvenir shops, as the only option to both preserve, most importantly profit from them.

According to Damascus[64], these 'investors considered gentrification as "saving" the old city from the people who lived there.' The repeal, on the other hand, was a two-edged sword. The increased investment allowed the shophouses to be revitalized. The bulk of former renters and long-term inhabitants were displaced as a result of the exponential spike in rents and evictions.

However, this in turn has eventually altered the sense of place which has not really been emphasised.

An example obtained by Giosa in his study [65], Mr Chan, a long-time resident of the area in his eighties, recalled sharing space in the shophouses with a variety of residents and traders. He's told stories of how traditional trades, ranging from pharmacies to wholesalers, butchers to old coffee shops, have slowly faded away over the last two decades. Where he used to watch life on the streets from his window, implying that the diversity of the 'good old days' was fading.

[63] Gotham, Kevin Fox. 2005. “Tourism Gentrification: The Case of New Orleans' Vieux Carre (French Quarter).” Urban Studies 42 (7): 1099.

[64] Szanto, Edith. 2015. “Faedah M. Totah, Preserving the Old City of Damascus, Contemporary Issues in the Middle East (Syracuse, N.Y.: Syracuse University Press, 2014). Pp. 320. $39.95 Cloth. ISBN: 9780815633495.”

International Journal of Middle East Studies 47 (3): 632–34. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002074381500077X. [65] De Giosa, Pierpaolo. “Melakan Row Houses from the Ground Up.” In World Heritage and Urban Politics in Melaka, Malaysia: A Cityscape below the Winds, 139–92. Amsterdam University Press, 2021. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1rr6djs.9.

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As Commercial usage has started to supplant residential use of the shophouses, making the buildings fully commercial. Upstairs the shophouses are mostly converted to welcome tourists and provide additional space for shops, restaurants, and cafes. Having said that, losing its sense of place for its original use. In the case of Melaka, as federal and local authorities were not able to provide sufficient funds for the conservation of these properties, consequently, most of the initiative has been taken by the private sector. Adaptive reuse hence is done in its own favour without any guidelines and without considering factors such as sense of place, but merely for economic purposes. Additionally, Gotham [66]points out that gentrification is both commercial and residential. How then does such architecture incorporate both uses, as in the shophouses of Melaka? Tourism-related trades such as souvenir shops and boutique hotels have suspended many of the more traditional economic activities, resulting in the replacement of these commercial uses, especially by F&B establishments in recent years.

Another example was obtained in Giosa's study[67], Mr Raymond, whose family lived in a shophouse until its rent was raised, so he had to leave. Although not on the same block as his wife and parents, he did manage to rent a similar two-storey shophouse. Despite the fact that he purchased a flat a few miles from the city centre where two of his sons lived, he opted to live in an ancient shophouse similar to the one where he grew up. Mr Raymond was able to keep his rent of roughly seven ringgit, but only after a lot of haggling. He used the majority of the building as a residence for his family, but he also turned the entrance hall into a modest cafe with a few tables. Although the business is said to be modest, by doing such, it was able to assist in the payment of the increased rent. Similar cases happened to the author’s uncle, and cousin to her mother, Mr Lee. He used to stay in one of the old shophouses located along Jalan Hang Katsuri.

After he married, he was living there with his mother, wife and two of his children. Back in the days when Jalan Hang Katsuri was used to closed at night as a ‘food street’ that the locals would call Tofu Street, the author’s uncle and aunty would push their portable stalls from their shophouses and started to sell food such as Soya drinks and Char Kuey Tew with the others hawkers along the street every night.

[66] Gotham, Kevin Fox. 2005. “Tourism Gentrification: The Case of New Orleans' Vieux Carre (French Quarter).” Urban Studies 42 (7): 1099.

[67] De Giosa, Pierpaolo. “Melakan Row Houses from the Ground Up.” In World Heritage and Urban Politics in Melaka, Malaysia: A Cityscape below the Winds, 139–92. Amsterdam University Press, 2021. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1rr6djs.9.

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The author can still remember how her mother used to bring her there not only to support the business, but the hawker street eventually became a family meet up place every weekend.

Elders would sit down and had a chit-chat whereas children will play games such as hide and seek along the street after dinner. After that, the family would normally go for a walk to the famous ‘Jonker Walk’ for shopping purposes. The memory is still very vivid for the author. She remembers Tofu Street being a bustling but safe place, where family members gathered, where her family had delicious foods, fun and lots of joy. Since the authorities decided to allow transportation to pass by using the road due to the bad traffic situations in the Historic Area of Melaka, the authorities have no choice but to open up for transportation connectivity. Stall owners including the author’s aunt and uncle had had to find other places in order for their hawker business to continue. Recently, the author has been told by her uncle, that he is no longer renting the shophouses he used to stay in Jalan Katsuri anymore due to the increase in renting. However, he still managed to find another shophouse along Jalan Kampung Pantai (also located in the Historic Area of Melaka) to continue his soya drinks business. This shophouse used to be a second-hand bookstore run by a foreign lady. After she went back to her country and rented the shophouses to her uncle, her uncle then decided to manage the second bookstore (as there are still many books left, but also to keep the sense of the place as a bookstore), and continue his soya drinks business and sell some snacks at the same time.

Just like Mr Raymond's case, the business owned by the author’s uncle is relatively small as well, but running multiple small businesses, does help to pay the increased rent. According to him, although the rental is still high compared to other places in Melaka, however when the author asked her uncle why does he still choose to reside their business there when he can actually rent a commercial lot outside the historic centre of Melaka at a much lower price, he said, ‘‘We have been here for so long, we started our family and business here, we are used to the lifestyle here, we have built a special connection and relationship with this place. If we moved to the other place, we will have to, sort of start everything again’’. Even now, his family does not stay in the shophouses anymore, rather bought a house kilometres away from the city centre, he still travels every day to the shophouses for his business. As what the research has been about, the ‘sense of place and belonging’ has been deeply embedded in the heart of the author’s uncle.

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Figure 5.1.1: Respondents on the meaning of ‘Sense of belonging/place’.

The appraisal of shophouses as economic assets appears to be driven by business motives.

Vernacular

architecture

in

Melaka

has

undoubtedly

been

revitalized

by

economic

considerations. Even though many investments have brought these structures 'back to life' and 'back to beauty,' through the introduction of new or adaptive reuse mainly for high demand and new uses such as F&B establishments, the revaluation of these structures as economic assets should not be the sole reason for their conservation and perversion. As can be seen in figure 5.1.1, 69.9% of the respondent actually feel that in order to keep the ‘sense of place/belonging’ of a building or a place, buildings should be kept as authentic as possible that can be passed down as heritage from generation to generation. Whereas only 25% of the respondents think that the sense of place and belonging evolve over time. In summary, adaptive reuse in the modern days is only serving its physical symbolisation of the culture but could not really connect and link the community if the authenticity of the place is said to be shifted from time to time.

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5.2 Approaches to conservation that affect the sense of place and Belonging

Results were obtained in the author’s designated questionnaires survey on the importance and reasons for preserving historical shophouses and traditional businesses as they will affect one’s sense of belonging when new uses or conservation such as adaptive reuse is not done correctly.

Figure 5.2.1: Respondents on how important is traditional business in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka.

(1 being least important, 5 being most important)

Figure 5.2.2: Respondents on why they think Traditional Business in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka is important.

(Choices are up to 2)

Referring to figure 5.2.1, nearly 40% of the respondents have voted 4 and 51.9% of the respondents have voted 5. As such, it is clear that the majority of the respondent felt that

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traditional business and trades which are hardly seen today in the Historic City of Melaka is respectively important. As can be seen from figure 5.2.2, respondents think traditional business is relatively important in the Historic City of Melaka as the majority (87.8%) of the votes felt that traditional businesses have represented the identity of the place. Followed by (50.6%) stating that the importance of traditional businesses has contributed to the ‘sense of place and belonging’ to the community. As far as the economic assets such as traditional business are concerned, tourism (42.9%) and primary income (19.9%) became less significant compared to the social aspect which relatively has a higher percentage. On the contrary, votes with a minority of only (4.5%) felt that traditional business is not important as they think new uses or business should constantly evolve over time to suit the latest demand.

This has suggested that modernisation, for instance, the appraisal of shophouses especially with the increase of new commercial uses such as F&B establishments has led to a decrease in the ‘sense of place’ as the respondents are very much attached to the place through traditional business reliance, services, and facilities. Despite 39.7% of the respondents feel that there is still a balance between authenticity and commodification of the Historic City of Melaka shown in figure 5.2.3, however, 20.5% of the respondents actually feel the place being over commodification compared to 3.2% of them who feel that the Historic City of Melaka is still as authentic as it used to be. As a result, adaptive reuse of the place, if done only for more new commercial uses such as cafes and hotels without the consideration and concern of traditional business, will impair the ‘sense of place and belonging’ of the community of the buildings as well as the place.

Figure 5.2.3: Respondents on how they think ‘Jonker Street’ is still as authentic as it used to be.

(1 being authentic, 5 being over commodification)

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5.3 Current conservation challenges for the heritage shophouses and voices from the ground It may be argued, however, that the multitude of actors involved from the ground up characterizes a distinct difference from other approaches to the conservation of vernacular architectural forms, especially state-led top-down approaches, such as the revitalising of Singapore's historic shophouses. As opposed to Singapore, Melakan authorities have initiated a laissez-faire policy. Especially, the Melaka State Government and the City Council proved to be more reluctant to intervene during the management of the shophouses before their inscription which comprised the majority of private property within the World Heritage site - compared with their response to problems such as demolitions once the top-down approach was implemented.

As a result, what Ms Janice [68] referred to as a 'cowboy town' with no conservation rules began to closely resemble the 'facadism' policy promoted in Singapore, as described by Johannes Widodo [69]. In the case of buildings left in their original condition, the facades have been retained or restored to reflect the aesthetics of a particular period in time, though the interiors have been torn down and reconstructed in order to adapt them for new uses. There has been a transformation of social relations in Old Town during the course of the last few decades. Michael Herzfeld (2006) (2006:S260) addressed the dilemma of focusing on the physicality of conservation approaches while considering the perspectives of living people. He asked the question: ‘Shall one side vanquish the other for an ethical resolution to emerge in a contest between living people and objects from the past?’ Especially for local heritage experts and officials, this is perhaps still an open question. Also, this research approach tries to understand especially from the communities perspective. Even though authorities have developed conservation rules encouraging some adaptive reuses, such as the reworking of old trades within the World Heritage property, they acknowledge they were unprepared to control the massive conversion of row houses into hotels, guest houses, cafes, and souvenir shops.

[68] De Giosa, Pierpaolo. “Melakan Row Houses from the Ground Up.” In World Heritage and Urban Politics in Melaka, Malaysia: A Cityscape below the Winds, 139–92. Amsterdam University Press, 2021. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1rr6djs.9.

[69] Widodo, Johannes. 2011. “Architectural Conservation in Singapore.” SPAFA Journal (Old Series 1991-2013) 21 (3). https://www.spafajournal.org/index.php/spafa1991journal/article/view/33.

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Figure 5.3.1: Respondents on what they think ‘Jonker Street’ should be in the next 20 years.

While rapid urbanisation is leading to a high amount of commercial development along 'Jonker Street', a majority of respondents express the concern that the authenticity of its architectural heritage has been compromised in the name of economic growth. Of 178 respondents who completed the questionnaire (both online and through physical survey form), the author has obtained some constructive suggestions and comments regarding the future conservation approach and development of the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka. These suggestions and comments can be found discussing a range of factors that affect the sense of place and belonging as wee as what they will like to see the Historic City of Melaka will be like in the next 20 years as shown in Figure 5.3.1. Interestingly, there was a large amount of percentage (40.4%) inevitably thought that the Historic City of Melaka will still be commercialised and tourism for the economic assets that it is today. This is rather an unexpected result.

Nonetheless, the majority of them (43.6%) still will like to see the Historic City of Melaka as a cultural place where one’s can experience all the past memory and ‘Sense of Places’ as it used to have.

Furthermore, the conservation of the shophouses and city has been also discussed through suggestions and comments in the last part of the questionnaire. For example, suggestions such as how the shophouses should be done through adaptive reuse in order to maintain the sense of place and belonging as well as the authenticity of the place from the aspect of social, economic and political. A common view amongst these respondents was that they would like the shophouses in the historic city to be kept in their original form as authentic as it is. Based on their responses, these buildings are said to be rich in historical and architectural values.

According to the overview of the results obtained, the history and architectural values contribute the most to the ‘sense of place’ in the Historic City of Melaka as shown in figure 5.3.2.

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Historical Values

Architecture/Aesthetic Values

Political/Economic Values

Social/ Cultural Values Figure 5.3.2: Respondents on the values accordingly that contributed the most to the ‘Sense of place’ in ‘Jonker Street’, Melaka

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Even if new and modern designs are to be incorporated, minimum intervention should be applied to the shophouses. As one of the respondents said: ‘My sincere comment over Jonker Street is please preserve the orthodox architectural and old-fashioned building design accordingly, without making any changes to any old buildings around Jonker Street.’ For instance, conservation modellers such as a reasonable and sensible restriction on renovations can be done in old shophouses in the city just as in many major cities all over the world. Another respondent then furthers his/her suggestion by saying that shophouses shouldn't be renovated as owners like, at learnt not in the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka. Renovations should be more tastefully done, remaining faithful to the history and aesthetic values of the place and the era when it was built.

Although some of the studies argue that the revitalisation and the introduction of new uses are able to boost and sustain the current economic status of the historic city. Nevertheless, there should always be a balance between the social and economic aspects when it comes to the adaptive reuse of old buildings, especially when are located in an everyday living heritage like Melaka. One concern has been expressed by a respondent regarding the impact of over-commercialisation on the local community residing in the historic city. In his/her words, ‘Currently, it is over commercialised. Little identity of what it used to be such as the ‘Peranakan’ life, people, and activities are left. Taken over by global names such as franchise hipster cafes, Starbucks, H&M and so on. Where is the unique identity that Melaka was given the UNESCO inscription in the first place? Locals cannot live here anymore, rents are exorbitant. The consequences of bad traffic, as such, even moving stuff from the car to the house people will get a fine too. There is too little tolerance for the old folks/residents actually still there.’

Commercialization has taken and transferred many old shophouses into tourism-based use, which eventually has degraded the traditional business that contributes to the sense of place in the local community as discussed earlier, which rendered the city soulless. In fact, a variety of perspectives were expressed on bringing back the traditional business such as promoting traditional local arts and crafts instead of selling poor quality souvenirs during the survey.

Certainly, adaptive reuse of buildings shouldn't just main for economic purposes but a mixed-use of residential and shop as what ‘shophouses’ initially means.

In Malaysians and Singaporeans refer to Peranakan primarily as Straits-born Chinese - basically, as people born in the former Straits Settlements (specifically, Singapore, Penang, and Melaka) or former British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia) and their descendants.

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To keep the sense of place by what the local community meant, it is important to increase the live-in population. As one respondent put it: ‘There should be more 'live in' shops (business in front & residence in the back/upstairs as in the past), so that it is a living zone & not a dead zone when businesses are close.’ As a result, to always keep the place ‘alive’.

Apart from that, many concerns were also expressed regarding the traffic issues in the core zone of the Historic City of Melaka in the survey. A few of the respondents mentioned that pedestrian streets in the area were badly designed as it is not friendly not only to the tourists but to locals as well. Besides that, the issue of vehicles parking has been also raised by some of the respondents in the survey. In spite of that, one of the respondents actually highlighted that traffic mobility and parking have always been perennial issues ever since the city was inscribed as a World Heritage site, which consequently attracted the flock of tourists. It's impossible at times to balance development when both parking with preservation is involved. Additionally, a common view amongst respondents was that their politics has always been an issue when it comes to the conservation of the Historic City of Melaka. As one respondent commented: ‘Jonker Street should not be used as political pawns’. In one case, a few of them thought that it was all about economics and money, the authorities should have really focused on the local communities, on what they really wanted but not to fulfil the tourism expectation. As such, figure 5.3.3 presents the result obtained when asked about who thinks should be the most concerned stakeholder in the decision making for the future development of Jonker Street. Apart from an unexpected outcome of tourists/outsiders (23.7%) was observed to have a higher percentage compared to scholars (19.9%), the majority of them actually felt that the local community should have the say in the future development of ‘Jonker Street’. As one respondent put it: ‘Less commercialization of the area but the preservation of current businesses that have been running in the area for generations. Any development should consult the local community as they are the ones most adversely affected by it’. Following this, there is also another comment from the respondent, saying: ‘(In Chinese)To give local residents and intellectuals the right to discuss with government officials about future preservation strategies and development plans for these streets’.

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Figure 5.3.3: Respondents on what do they think should be the most concerned stakeholder in the decision making for the future development of Jonker Street.

Figure 5.3.4: Respondents on the possibility of their participation if they will be given a chance to voice up regarding the decision making in the future development and conservation of the Historic City of Melaka.

In response to the question above, respondents were asked to complete a question on the possibility of their participation if they will be given a chance to voice up regarding the decision making in the future development and conservation of the Historic City of Melaka. Over half of those surveyed reported having a positive stand on it. According to figure 5.3.4, the majority (37.8%) of them indicated that they will participate even though little can be done despite it might still be difficult if the conservation management plan in the area is still in a bureaucratic manner or top-down approach. Moreover, 26.3% of the results have shown that these respondents felt that they have the actual right to be part of the decision making in the future development and conservation of the Historic City of Melaka.

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5.4 Summary In summary, the emphasis must be on conservation as the pressure of development will constantly be there in our modern and fast-paced lives. Conservation should be done in a way that time must standstill to reflect the period and lifestyle it was established. For example, this can be done by creating or consolidating a zone or place such as a living museum to house the crafts, objects, and living space in their authentic form that reflects that time period as one of the respondents suggested. However, must be done carefully without being corrupted or influenced by modern interpretations or adaptations. As such, with the help of new technology such as AV or virtual simulation as well as employ paid and skilled craftsman to demonstrate these local and traditional trades of the city. For example, wooden clogs, tin-smithing, rattan products, traditional foods and so on that belong to the cultural identity of Melaka. Lastly, adaptive reuse of the building should be done in a sense where the locals are able to make the tourists immerse and participate in on-site activities will make them relive that period, a sense of belonging and prolong their stay over multiple days or repeat visits. It is all about priceless experiences and creating memories.

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CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION In conclusion, heritage is inevitable a valuable economic and cultural resource that should be preserved and however in long term sustainability goals. However, it is under threat from commercial and general development pressures. Even though adaptive reuse is considered a way of bridging the gap between development and conservation, the approach has limitations in the not just food and beverage industry, but also in other types of commercial uses. The results of the assessment are a little overwhelming because the conservation concept used in the adaptive reuse activity is fairly small. Unless specific actions and steps are done, adaptable reuse shophouses are likely to lose their advantage and become indistinguishable from any other modern cafes or restaurants. Hence, in response to the hypothesis, adaptive reuse, as demonstrated by the heritage cafes in Melaka, should reflect the feelings and understanding of the local community for the place.

While conservation is important to both current and future generations, it is critical to assess the values of these shophouses on 'Jonker Street' so that appropriate conservation and adaptive reuse strategies can be done. Through qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, this study has evaluated the historical, aesthetical, social, and economic values of architectural heritage and their relationship with the sense of place. Besides that, some respondents at the end of the questionnaire emphasized the importance of the community especially those who have been living in the area for a long time in establishing a sense of place, this study found that architectural history does contribute to the defined values and significant qualities of 'Jonker Street.' This is proven by the functional and emotional people-place attachment that exists between the place and its community.

Consequently, conservation and adaptive reuse should go beyond preserving the physical and tangible part of the buildings, the purpose of conservation is to represent and maintain the values of heritage monuments (in tis case, shophouses), according to paragraph (9) of the Venice charter (1964) [70] and Fielden believes that it is known to present [71].

[70] Orbasli, A. (2000). Tourists in historic cities: Urban conservation and heritage management. London: Spon.

[71] Hojjat, M. (2001). Miras- e farhangi dar Iran siasat ha baraye yek keshvar- e eslami. Tehran: cultural Heritage Organization.

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According to the guidelines for teaching and educating conservation of monuments, complexes, and sites [72], conservation not only extends the life of cultural heritage but also clarifies its messages. As a result, shophouses are not merely for commercial purposes but also as cultural heritage, the conservation of these buildings is essential as the act of educating and enabling the community to perceive.

In a complement to historical preservation, architectural conservation means preserving a sense of place within a particular heritage site, since architecture plays a crucial role in solidifying and objectifying "place". As a result, conservation from an architectural perspective has the primary function of semantic conservation, which aims to preserve heritage spaces' deeper meanings through modifications of structure, function, and context. Last but not least, conservation based on a "sense of place" is key to connecting architectural spaces with humanity and the modern world. Keeping the integrity of historic sites is one of the most authentic and stable types of preservation. As such, people's sense of affiliation grows, and they feel more responsible for their maintenance and conservation, ensuring the survival of heritage spaces.

[73] Jokilehto, J. (2015). A History of Architectural Conservation. Translated to Persian by: Talebian, M. H. & Bahari, K. Tehran: Rouzaneh Publication, Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization & Parseh- Pasargad Research Foundation.

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Appendices The appendices only include hardcopies from the questionnaire survey that have comments and suggestions from the respondents in the form of attached images.

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