Public Awareness on Architectural Conservation in Malaysia

Public Awareness on Architectural Conservation in Malaysia Project 1

CHOW WEI QI KHOO YUNG KEAT KOH JING FAN NG JIA YING ANGELINE ONG YI TENG TAN YANG WONG LIENG KAM YAP SHU WON

Introduction of Conservation Architectural conservation is a process of which the material, historical, and design integrity of any heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. It deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity of a architectural character and integrity, such as form and style, and it’s constituent materials such as brick, glass, metal and wood.

Conserving a heritage building can be daunting. However, the conservation of a heritage building is something that we owe to the future generations, something we must do to accomplish.

According to Avrami et. al. (2000),“the process of conserving a heritage building begins even before a building is considered as heritage. It is derived from individuals, institutions, or communities deciding that some historic building is worth preserving and conserving as it represents something worth remembering about themselves and their past that should be passed to future generations�.

Thus, the emphasis of conservation is about the inheritance of the cultural heritage significance of a heritage building that focuses on sustaining the physical condition of a heritage building.

In General Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa’s Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world’s heritage.

What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage , adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

East Africa’s Serengeti

Egyptian Pyramids

Great Barrier Reef in Australia

Baroque cathedrals of Latin America

In Malaysia Being a developing nation, the concept of ‘Heritage Conservation’ is relatively new in Malaysia, as opposed to the West, where the idea of nationalism had emerged since the 19th century.

Central Market Building

In 1986, the adaptive re-use of the Central Market building in Kuala Lumpur has opened the eye of all Malaysian on local heritage building conservation. In accordance with the basic conservation principles of minimum intervention, this wet market built in the 1930s Art-Deco style was successful converted into a colourful handicraft and cultural centre.

Since 1990s until 2000, the government, through the Department of National Heritage has taken initiatives to protect and conserve the heritage buildings, resulting in the conservation and restoration of more than 30 buildings and monuments.

Heritage conservation in Malaysia received a leap in development in 2005, through the enactment of the National Heritage Act by the Parliament. It covers all the matter relating to preservation, restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation and adaptation or any combination of the aspects. In 2008, the historical cities of Malacca and Georgetown were listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Despite such recognitions, the regeneration initiatives should continue be introduced to restore the wealth of the prestigious past of the historic cities and to improve the lifestyle of its population, as the vibrancy of a heritage site is only significant when its original community remains.

Malacca City

Georgetown, Penang

Public Awareness on Architectural Conservation

Public Awareness In General.

Communicating that significance to everyone concerned with a place, particularly those whose actions may affect it, is then essential if all are to act in awareness of its heritage values’ In Asia, the Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China, commonly known as the China Principles, also assert that while heritage values are inherent our understanding of them can change through recognition and awareness of different cultures. ‘Recognition of a site’s heritage values is a continuous and open-ended process that deepens as society develops and its scientific and cultural awareness increases’

In Malaysia Public Awareness Towards Conservation.

Malaysian public are often known for their golden heart in charities and donations which give the broad picture of their level of understanding and sensitiveness.

It is necessary to distinguish public’s perception on heritage building conservation in Malaysia before they were later enquired on the importance to conserve them. It is an essential pace to verify on the public’s basic knowledge on conservation substance and whether they have any interest on the matter.

Factor Affecting Public Awareness

Environmental Issue

Weather Condition Building Condition Economic Pressure

Environmental Issues

Survey Question.

What do you think is the main issue affecting the awareness of architectural conservation?

Weather Condition Survey Analysis

ov)

Survey.

Response.

Climate

We live in a tropical country where the humidity levels are high all year round, especially so during monsoon season. I think that affects a building’s foundation because most historical buildings

humidity surrounding the site affecting the condition of building,

are made of wood.

as Malaysia is hot and humid climate country, thus increase the difficulty of conservation, where greater exposure to severe weather events impact on building material

The natural disaster could destroy those old building if not properly maintained

Building Condition Survey Analysis

Rate of Deterioration building deteriorate to a limit that building that cannot be repair and reconstruct, when considering conservation of building.

Due to lack of regular maintenance

Economic Pressure Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Economic Benefit

Economy wise need to be stronger it is very costly to maintain an old building then convert it to commercial use that will come with much higher profits.

continuous change in economy and development patterns create development

When the world continue to evolve, human needs will change

pressure in rural and urban area,

and this will impact the purpose of the building. When the

cost to conserve a building is more than rebuilding a new facade,

purpose disappears, the need to conserve will be less.

buildings owners did not see any economic benefit in updating buildings to sustainability standards.

New buildings always provide opportunities for owners to benefit economically. So it's financially not always viable to retain old buildings. Old buildings would require substantial refurbishment otherwise they would be less environmentally friendly. The environment also can be harsh on old buildings.

Organization Issues

Survey Question.

What do you think is the main issue affecting the awareness of architectural conservation?

Organization Issue

Maintenance Authority Opposing Conservation Philosophies Confusing Laws and Guidelines No Standard Method of Conservation

Maintenance Authority Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Poor Planning by Authorities

Organization don’t have adequate planning on preserving the buildings as it is not their priority.

Lack of expertise in Malaysia and thus need expertise from overseas + lack of new generation wants to

some organizations of historical buildings do not include a proper setup of maintenance department to carry out conservation work, the lack of technical skills and expertise to carry out the maintenance works.

study the conservation techniques

Opposing Conservation Philosophies Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Various Approaches to Conservation

Most of the parties or organisations main focuses are profitability and personal interests Building owner who may be more concerned about the Return of Investment rather than historical,

new architecture conservation philosophy evolve over time, developer viewing a property as an opportunity to be exploited while preserver viewing the building as an inheritance of the country to be preserved.

architectural and cultural values

Confusing Laws and Guidelines Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Inadequate Guidance governing laws pertaining conservation works for historic buildings are not specific and inflexible, inadequate guidance about how maintenance should be managed and integrated with other key management activities in the context of heritage building conservation.

Weak implementation of laws and regulations leads to neglection of building conservation

No Standard Method of Conservation Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Lack of Enforcement absence of the enforcement of a scheduled or periodic inspection by the authorities on historical buildings, lack of action taken to initiate assessment on buildings and setting proper conservation policies.

Organization don’t have adequate planning

Human Issue

Community Issues.

Poor Communication.

Poor Knowledge.

Stringent Bylaws Requirement.

Human Issues

Survey Question.

What do you think is the main issue affecting the awareness of architectural conservation?

Community Issues Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Lack of Participation Among Community community did not participate on conserving historical fabrics, hence, historical building were abandoned by the community

Community did not understand the proper value of historical architectural structures. Therefore they don’t show any interest in preserving the historical fabrics This causes lack of appreciation and initiative to preserve the historical buildings.

Poor Communication Survey Analysis

Miscommunication poor communication between professionals, craftsmen and general labourers, results in different framing of tasks, caused by misinterpretations of instructions or difference in understanding of scope of work.

Poor Knowledge Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Premature Loss of Valuable Historic Fabric lack of knowledge among building professionals, causes failure to differentiate their approach to new and old buildings, hence, lots of valuable historic fabric were not preserved

There is a lack of knowledge and awareness in the importance of conserving historic fabric for the future generations.

Stringent Bylaws Requirement Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Bylaws Requirement building codes and conservation guidelines are intended to ease the conservation process with minimum interventions, many organisations and individuals found adhering to these a hassling feat without suitable experience and expertise.

Weak implementation of laws and regulations leads to neglection of building conservation

Financial Issue

Budget.

Economic Profit.

Financial Issues

Survey Question.

What do you think is the main issue affecting the awareness of architectural conservation?

Budget Survey Analysis

$ High Cost. maintaining an old building is expensive, restoration cost is more due to manual building technology.

Survey.

Response.

The value of a traditional heritage building is vulnerable, Financially the restoration cost is higher due to the very low availability of original material, lacking of competent craftsman.

Not much attention is being paid to maintain the old buildings and the cost of maintaining is high.

Most of the parties or organisations main focuses are profitability and personal interests.

Economic Profit Survey Analysis

$ Financial Benefit.

Survey.

Response.

Money makes the world go round. When attention is spammed across the business board. They will be more content when they are given a benefit back as well.

New buildings always provide opportunities for owners to benefit

old building would require substantial refurbishment otherwise will be eliminated,

economically. So it's financially not always viable to retain old

when attention is spammed across the business board,

buildings.

developer will be more content when they are given a benefit back, therefore converting it into commercial use benefits them with much higher profits.

Technical Issue

Manpower

Technical Issues

Survey Question.

What do you think is the main issue affecting the awareness of architectural conservation?

Manpower Survey Analysis Survey.

Response.

Lacking of Manpower.

The value of a traditional heritage building is vulnerable, Financially the restoration cost is higher due to the very low availability of original material, lacking of competent craftsman.

lacking of manpower on conservation built techniques,

Technical issue: lack of expertise in Malaysia and thus need

for instant, in maintaining or repairing historical architecture required personnel

expertise from overseas + lack of new generation wants to

trained, therefore conserving historical buildings is discourage as there is no manpower to assist maintenance.

study the conservation techniques

Action Taken to Raise Public Awareness There are many organizations that work to raise public awareness of the necessity to preserve ancient and historic buildings and areas, across communities, users and government. In addition to promoting the cultural value of these buildings, and encouraging appropriate policies and strategies for conservation, the organizations can help in raising the required funding to implement conservation initiatives and plans, and often serve as a link between the community and local/federal governments to advance conservation projects.

Conservation Bodies in Malaysia

Official Conservation Committees

Private Societies

Charitable Trust

Official Conservation Committees

Kuala Lumpur City Council

Melaka Historic City Council

Penang Island City Council

Malaysian Institute of Architects

Official Conservation Committees

Kuala Lumpur City Council

Melaka Historic City Council

Penang Island City Council

Conservation and Urban Design Unit (Unit Pengekalan Dan Seni Bandar)

Melaka Conservation Unit (Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Pemajuan)

Penang Conservation Unit (Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Pemajuan)

Retaining the unique character of Georgetown

-

carry out research , documentation, conservation, promotion and educational activities provide guidelines and implement regulations for its urban environment and conservation areas Preserving old buildings and streetscapes Identify buildings and sites for conservation zoning

Official Conservation Committees

Malaysian Institute of Architects

Conservation and Heritage Committee

- Asian Heritage Tour and Malaysian Architecture - Design Heritage Trails Guided Tour - Organize student competition - Series of Heritage Talks and Architectural Conservation Course

Private Society

-

Promote the conservation of Penang’s heritage and working to save the island’s many historical buildings Organises cultural, educational and public awareness programmes for its members and the public

Penang Heritage Trust

-

International Committee on Monuments and Sites Malaysia (ICOMOS)

Conserve of tangible and intangible heritage the Committee serves as a forum for discussion and information exchange, on matters of doctrine and of technical, legal and administrative practices, affecting the conservation, restoration, rehabilitation and enhancement of monuments, groups of buildings, and sites.

Charitable Trust

-

Badan Warisan Malaysia

-

Create awareness and public support for conservation so as to ensure the survival of our built heritage Influence policy so as to create a conservation-friendly environment Promote education so as to develop an understanding of our built heritage as an expression of our history and identity Provide technical resource as the national knowledge-base for conservation skills

Overall Action Taken To Raise Public Awareness

Youth Engagement

Annual Children Art Competition

Talks and Sharing Session

Implement Heritage Walks

Education

Heritage Tours

Reinforcing Laws

Current Progress In Creating Public Awareness Public Awareness State of Heritage Conservation in Malaysia Today?

Infancy Stage

Around 9 official organisations -

Malaysian heritage conservation movement started in 1976

-

Only 42 years experience

-

Insufficient knowledge

Around 31 official organisations

The knowledge and experience in heritage conservation is not sufficient to create impact to prove or allow the public to understand the significance.

Government in State of Ignorance -

Government still do not put their attention on conservation heritage

-

Results: demolishment

-

If the government doesn't care, why would the citizens?

Demolishment of Bok House, Ampang

Demolishment of Pudu Jail mural wall fence, Kuala Lumpur

The government is demolishing evidence before the public even get the chance to acknowledge the historical value and also making the citizens believe that there is no chances to conserve a historical site.

Locals’ in State of Lack of Knowledge in Heritage Sites

-

Locals are only familiar about commercialised heritage sites.

the

famous

and

-

According to the conclusion in a research done by (Timothy.D; Nyaupane.G.P, 2009) on factors affecting public awareness on heritage conservation, locals that visits heritage sites are more likely to acknowledge the historical value

-

No knowledge about the heritage site = no visits = no awareness

Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley

Malaysians are still not able to determine heritage sites that have not been commercialised due to the lack of exposure. How are we to understand the importance of a heritage site when we do not even know it is considered one?

Education System in State of Incorrect Educational Approach for Younger Generations

-

Educational syllabus teaches about the history/story but not the value and importance of the event

-

According to (Timothy.D; Nyaupane.G.P, 2009)‘s research conclusion.

The younger generation, lower income, less educated, and younger people are more likely to be unaware and not visited heritage sites.

Masjid Kampung Hulu

Online response when asked about the history syllabus in Malaysia’s secondary school

The inadequate educational system are not appealing to the youths. Hence, public do not acknowledge the importance of these historical sites, resulting in the teaching of these youths to not give attention to these sites.

Conservation organisation in State of Exposure -

Conservation organisations are the sole group of people that truly understands the significance and are taking action to conserve the heritage sites.

-

These organisations realise the importance of bringing in public’s awareness to allow successful conservation movement

-

Example: ICOSMOS engagement

talks/walks;

art

competition;

youth Youth art competition with theme of Malaysia’s heritage

Organisations are exposing to the youths and pulling in public participation

Youth engagement trip to Kuala Lumpur historical sites

Case Study

Cheng Hoon Teng is one of the notable landmark in Malacca because of its deep and rich history and situated on Jalan Tokong. This Chinese temple covers an area of approximately 4600m2, which is built as a place of worship for the Buddhist community in Malaysia. Built in 1646, it is also widely known as the ‘Merciful Cloud Temple’. It is now a time capsule for Chinese Temple in Malaysia’s past and an educational institute for the public in terms of traditional Chinese architecture to learn and appreciate the history and beauty of this ancient culture.

Cheng Hoon Teng

AUG 13-19 2018

Conclusion.

“It's important to learn about heritage of place and community.

Without understanding our pasts, how do we move forward into the future?�

Weak implementation of laws and regulations leads to neglection of building conservation, worsen by high conservation cost which is often a burden to the building owner who may be more concerned about the return of investment rather than historical, architectural and cultural values.

Google Form Response

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k53UMCT9lPLRe58KhmIWDwwQPvuSR2wBLsLCP1JpRw8/edit#responses