Seminar

 of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  
 

A  STUDY  OF  STYLES  CLASSIFICATION  AND  INFLUENCES  ON  ADMINISTRATION  

BUILDING  IN  MALAYSIA  (15th  –  21st  century)  
Hazrina  Haja  Bava  Mohidin1,  Alice  Sabrina  Ismail2,Aminatuzuhariah  Megat  Abdullah3  

1  Post  Graduate  Student,  Department  of  Architecture,  Faculty  of  Built  Environment,  Universiti  
Teknologi  Malaysia,Skudai.  81310,  Johor.    

2  Senior  Lecturer,  Department  of  Architecture,  Faculty  of  Built  Environment,  Universiti  
Teknologi  Malaysia,  Skudai.  81310,  Johor.  

3  Associate  Profesor,  Department  of  Architecture,  Faculty  of  Built  Environment,  Universiti  
Teknologi  Malaysia,  Skudai.  81310,  Johor.  

ABSTRACT   models   are   not   necessarily   the   best  

precedence   to   project   the   architectural  
The  main  purpose  of  the  paper  is  to  describe   message  of  one’s  nation  due  to  country’s  own  
on   the   initial   framework   of   administration   identity  and  the  value  of  regionalism.    
architecture  in  Malaysia  within  the  context  of  
architectural   ‘style’.   The   main   concern   is   to   Keyword:   administration   building,  
elucidate   the   different   architectural   styles   of   architectural  style,  and  national  identity  
administration   architecture   in   Malaysia   and  
outlined   the   possible   factors   that   may    
influence   the   conception   of   these   styles.  Even  
1.0 INTRODUCTION  
though   studies   undertaken   of   administration  
 
buildings   in   other   countries   show   a  
1.1 Definition   of   Administrative  
relationship   between   administration  
Architecture  
buildings   and   politics   as   well   as   symbolizing  
 
the  identity  of  a  particular  race,  there  are  no  
A   government   administrative   architecture   is  
studies   that   describe   on   the   administration  
a   particular   type   of   building   that  
building   in   Malaysia.   To   date,   the   research   on  
accommodates   the   work   of   administrators  
the   administration   building   in   Malaysia  
despite   of   their   levels   and   houses   the   office  
focuses   on   six   main   aspects:   these   are  
of   the   government’s   lawmakers   (Vale,  
documentation  of  the  administration  building  
2008).   There   is   a   wide   range   of   known  
historical   development,   methods   of  
administrative   architecture   that   is   available  
preserving   and   conserving   past  
throughout   the   world.   At   the   national   level,  
administrative   buildings,   documentation   of  
an   administrative   architecture   is   purposely  
administrative   building   in   the   form   of  
built   to   show   their   power   and   status   in   the  
measured   drawings   as   well   as   discussing   on  
society,   apart   from   serving   as   a   building   to  
theory  for  designing  administrative  buildings  
run   the   seat   of   the   government   (Markus,  
in   urban   cities.     A   case   study   approach   as  
1993).  Like  any  other  forms  of  architecture,  
defined   by   Yin   (2003)   was   applied   by   using  
administrative   building     too   carries   a   wide  
six   prominent   case   studies   from   different  
selection   of   vocabulary   especially   in   the  
phase   of   Malaysian   administration   (15th   till  
subject   of   styles   and   from   where   these  
present)   as   method   of   data   collection.   As  
styles  are  being  adapted.  This  paper  seeks  to  
opposed  to  the  three  common  classification  of  
elucidate   the   different   styles   that   are  
Traditional,   Colonial   and   Modern   styles   of  
probable   to   the   design   of   the   state  
administrative   architecture   proposed   by  
administrative   architecture   in   Malaysia   in  
many   historians,   the   research   has   identified  
each   main   eras   dating   back   from   the   15th  
six   main   styles   with   a   suggestion   of   the  
century   to   our   present   times.   The   study   is  
rationale   and   influences   of   those   styles.   The  
important   because   present   administrative  
research   is   of   value   for   practicing   architects  
architecture   much   focuses   on   eclectic   style  
to   understand   that   the   present   syntax   of  
such   as   traditional   vernacular,   colonial,  
‘administrative   architecture’   with   its  
Islamic   revivalism,   modern   and   post  
references   in   Middle   Eastern   and   Western  

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Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  

modern   styles   instead   of   referring   to   the   methods   to   preserve   and   conserve   old  
local   identity   and   values.   The   study   is   of   administration   buildings   in   Malaysia.   In  
important   for   practicing   architects   and   Vis(2001)   work   ,   he   proposed   methods   and  
designers   to   understand   that   the   present   ways  on  how  to  preserve  old  administration  
and   existing   examples   of   administrative   building   and   proposed   future   restoration  
architecture   may   not   necessarily   be   the   best   program   to   maintain   the   dilapidated  
example   of   administrative   architecture   to   condition   of   the   rustic   administration  
symbolize   Malaysia   as   a   multiracial   society   building   found   in   Malaysia.   Izani   (2002)   on  
and  a  democratic  country.     the   other   hand   only   briefly   explain   the  
  methods  on  how  to  remodel  the  demolished  
administrative  structure  from  the  past  using  
1.2 Research   Scenario   of   Administrative   computer   simulation   and   software.   Another  
Architecture  in  Malaysia   type  of  study  on  the  administration  building  
  in   Malaysia   is   in   the   form   of   measured  
drawing   works   documented   by   students  
Published   writings   on   the   subject   of  
from   the   Architectural   Department  
administrative   architecture   have   been  
University   Technology   of   Malaysia   and  
produced   by   architects   and   academicians.  
compiled   by   KALAM.   This   work   consists   of  
Their   writing   however   touches   on   historical  
scaled   drawings,   detailing,   written   reports,  
development,   methods   of   preserving   and  
and   visual   photographs   and   illustrations   of  
conserving   past   administrative   buildings,  
administration   buildings.   Their   focus  
documentation   of   administrative   building   in  
however   is   on   districts   and   states’  
measured   drawings   as   well   as   discussing   on  
administrative  centers.  A  study  on  placement  
theory  for  designing  administrative  buildings  
and  setting  of  administrative  centre  in  urban  
in   urban   cities.   Much   of   their   works  
city  centers  had  been  completed  by  scholars  
nonetheless,   do   not   include   any   detailed  
like   Moser   (2002),   King   (2001)   ,   Johan  
analysis   of   the   overall   administration  
Ariffini  (2000),  and  Siong  (2002).  Their  work  
building   from   the   aspect   of   spatial  
described   on   the   role   of   urban   planning   and  
organization   and   built   form   or   discuss  
layout   to   highlight   the   administration  
factors   that   influenced   its   style   and   design.  
buildings   as   center   of   state   power   and  
Their   work   also   did   not   provide   much  
authority.    
information  on  major  shifts  that  occur  in  the  
development  of  the  administration  buildings   In   summary,   a   survey   of   the   published  
in   Malaysia.   In   addition,   these   previous   sources   reveals   that   there   is   a   gap   in   the  
works   also   did   not   trace   the   emergence   of   literature   of   the   administrative   building   in  
the   administration   building   in   chronological   Malaysia.  None  of  the  works  reviewed  above  
manner   beginning   from   the   early   eras   until   include   comprehensive   documentation   of  
present   context.   Studies   on   the   the   development   of   the   administration  
documentation   of   prominent   historical   buildings,   in   particular   the   state  
administrative   building   typology   have   been   administration   government   building   in  
documented   by   scholars   like   Rasdi   (2001),   Western   Malaysia   built   during   the   pre   until  
Ismail   (2008),   Endut   (2001),   Vlatseas   post-­‐independence   period   or   explain   the  
(2001),   Kosman   (2002),   Nik   Ibrahim   (2008)     possible   factors   that   influence   the  
and    Jaafar  (2002).  These  works  nevertheless   architectural   style   of   the   administration  
only  discussed  on  general  design  features  of   buildings.  To  address  this  gap  and  to  achieve  
the   administration   building   in   Malaysia   and   the  objective  of  the  study,  this   paper  focuses  
classify   them   according   to   external   on   documenting   the   main   administrative  
appearance  and  style.  Their  studies  however,   buildings   in   Malaysia   in   chronological  
did   not   present   a   comparative   analyses   of   manner   concerning   historical   development  
the   administration   building   built   during   and  architectural  description  of  the  building  
different   periods   in   Malaysian   history   and   in  depth.    
study   the   changes   in   the   administrative  
architecture   in   Malaysia   from   pre   -­‐colonial    
and  colonial  eras.  Another  type  of  study  is  on    

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2.0 Administrative  Building  in  Malaysia   and   religious   activities   under   the   guidance  
  of  palace  religious  scholars.  
2.1 Brief   History   of   Administrative  
Building  In  Respective  Scenario    
 
Early  Colonial  era  
a. Traditional  era  
  The  glorious  reign  of  Malay  Sultanate  ended  
During   the   traditional   era,   the   country’s   when   the   Portuguese   invaded   and  
administrative   system   was   under   conquered   Malacca   in   1511.   The   Portuguese  
monarchial   ruling   where   Sultan   held   the   main   intention   was   not   only   to   control   the  
highest   ruling   position   in   the   Malay   sea   lanes   of   the   Straits   of   Malacca   and   the  
kingdom.   Below   him   was   the   bendahara,   as   spice  trade  that  centers  on  the  Malacca  port  
the   sultanate   adviser   followed   by   the   but   also   to   spread   the   Christian   religion  
laksamana.   A   laksamana   is   an   admiral   and   along   the   Asian   trade   routes.   The   seat   of  
was   responsible   for   the   state   and   the   administration   hence   was   transferred   from  
sultan's   security.   Temenggung   ranks   under   sultan   absolute   monarch   to   the   Portuguese  
the   laksamana   and   at   the   bottom   of   this   Army   Governor.   The   entry   of   Portuguese   in  
nobility   structure   are   penghulu   bendahari,   Malacca   introduced   a   formal   structured   of  
who   was   the   treasurer   of   the   state   and   the   political   administration   in   the   country  
shahbandars   of   whom   were   responsible   to   which   was   led   by   the   Portuguese   Army  
matters  of  trade  and  ports.  In  the  early  years   Governor   followed   by   army   commandants.  
of   the   traditional   era,   much   of   the   populace   The   Portuguese   administrative   structure  
practiced   Hinduism   but   in   the   15th   and   the   however   centered   on   defensive   strategy   and  
early  16th  centuries  there  was  a  major  shift   military   ruling   since   they   were   continuously  
of   religious   belief   from   Hinduism   to   Islam   threatened   by   other   western   rivalry   that  
due   to   the   spread   of   Islamic   religion   made   envies   the   wealth   of   Malacca   port.   To   gain  
possible   by   Islamic   traders   from   the   Malay   maximum   protection,   the   Portuguese   built  
archipelago   like   Sumatra,   port   of   Sunda,   ánd   well   equipped   forts   as   center   of  
Java   to   the   port   of   Malacca.   This   administrations   which   are   located   at  
proselytization   process   which   made   strategic   places   facing   the   Strait   of   Malacca.  
possible   by   the   Islamic   missionaries   and   The   most   prominent   fort   is   the   Porta  
trader   not   only   transforms   the   society’s   Santiago   or   well   known   as   A   Famosa.   It  
cultural   belief   but   also   influences   the   comprises   of   administrative   building,  
political   structure   and   social   order   in   religious   building,   barracks   as   well   as  
Malacca   as   well   as   other   regions   in   the   hospital   to   accommodate   the   needs   of   the  
country.  The  Malacca  port  is  not  only  a  well   Portuguese   armies   and   administrators.   In  
known   entrepôt   trade   in   Southeast   Asia   the  early  17th  century,  the  Dutch  East  India  
during   this   16   centuries   but   it     also   becomes   Company   with   their   local   allies   took   over  
the   center   of   Islamic   studies   in   the   eastern   Malacca   from   the   Portuguese   in   January  
sphere.   The   Malay   sultanate   hence   1641.  Although  the  Dutch  settled  in  the  city  
controlled  the  administration  of  the  country   of   Malacca,   their   intention   however   much  
from   its   palace   located   on   higher   ground   focused   on   Batavia   which   presently   known  
and   Islamic   religion   was   used   as   political   as  Jakarta  since  it  is  their  main  headquarter  
tool   to   unify   the   Malay   populace.   The   most   in   the   orient.   The   Dutch   brought   in   their  
well   known   Malay   palace   is   the   Melaka   culture   and   administrative   agenda   as   soon  
Sultanate's   palace   which   was   built   during   they   set   foot   in   Melaka.   They   built   buildings,  
the   era   of   Sultan   Mansur   Shah,   who   ruled   which  also  include  an  administrative  center  
from   1458   to   1477.   Most   historian   and   known   as   the   Stadthuys.   This   building  
scholars   considers   this   Malay   palace   as   the   functioned  as  the  Dutch  Governor’s  resident  
first  kind  of  administrative  architecture  that   and   Dutch   administration   office   for   nearly  
had   ever   existed   in   Malaysia.   Besides   200   years.   Similar   like   the   Portuguese,   the  
functioning   as   a   center   for   law   making   it   Dutch   also   improved   and   expanded   the  
also  serves  as  a  place  for  conducting  cultural   Portuguese  fortress  as  well  as    built  walls  to  

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Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  

protect  the  harbor  and  expanded  the  city  of   elaborate   construction,   in   public,   private  
Malacca.  In  brief  the  early  colonial  era  under   and   government   owned   buildings.   Public  
the   Portuguese   and   Dutch   governance   and   Government   buildings   were   often  
portrayed   the   practice   of   military   rendered   on   an   intentionally   grand   scale,  
administration   since   their   interest   much   reflecting   and   promoting   a   notion   of   an  
centered  in  protecting  the  Malacca  port  and   incontestable   and   insuperable   British  
its   importance   as   Asian   trading   center   Empire.   The   architectural   style   of   Straits  
against  other  European  powers.   Eclectic   and   Anglo   Indian   also   visible   on  
  most   of   façade   shop   lots   as   well   as   British  
b. British  Colonial  Era   own  residential  in  Penang  and  Malacca.    
 
Early  British  era   Late  British  Era  
   
The   British   begun   to   settle   in   Malaya   in   year   British   invasion   continued   and   they  
1786   when   the   Sultan   of   Kedah   agreed   to   conquered   the   Non   Federated   Malay   States  
allow   the   British   East   India   Company     to   comprising   of   Pahang,   Perak,   Selangor   and  
build   a   trading   post   and   to   operate   in   Kedah   Negeri   Sembilan   after   signing   the   Pangkor  
in   favor   of   protecting   the   Kedah   state   from   Treaty   in   1884.   During   the   early   21st  
external   threats.   Since   then   the   British   century,   they   managed   to   surmount   The  
authority   had   expanded   their   territory   and   Federated   Malay   States   which   include  
played  a  more  active  role  in  the  Malay  states   Kedah,   Kelantan,   Terengganu   and   Perlis.  
and   its   politics   by   conquering   the   main   Each   of   these   states   receives   a   resident  
strait   settlements   like   Penang   (1771),   general   whom   was   appointed   to   advice   the  
Malacca   (1795)   and   Singapore   (1819).   Malay   ruler   in   each   state.   The   resident   holds  
Under   the   East   India   Company   ruling,   the  highest  ranking  of  administrative  power  
British   sought   to   consolidate   as   well   as   in   the   Malay   states   as   most   of   political  
centralizing   the   administration   of   Penang,   decision   excluding   the   Malay   culture   and  
Malacca   and   Singapore.   In   1826   a   religious   affair   are   determined   by   the  
framework  known  as  the  Straits  Settlements   resident   himself.     This   era   also   witnessed  
was   established   with   Penang   as   its   capital.   rapid   development   in   the   local   built  
Later,   the   capital   was   moved   to   Singapore   environment   context.   Various   architectural  
since   it   seems   to   be   a   more   prominent   city   styles   were   incorporated   in   most   of   public  
under  the  rule  of  an  appointed  Governor  or   and   government   buildings   to   symbolize  
High   Commissioner.   The   East   India   British   supremacy.   The   previous   main  
Company,   however   was   dissolved   and   the   administrative   building   located   in   Penang  
Strait   Settlement   was   taken   over   by   the   was   transferred   to   Kuala   Lumpur   in   the  
monarch  of  England  under  the  ruling  of  the   early  21st  century  after  Malacca  and  Penang  
Crown   Colony   in   1858.   When   British   were   absorbed   into   the   Malayan   Union,  
developed   the   Strait   Settlements,   they   built   while   Singapore   was   separated   from   the  
necessary   buildings   such   as   administrative   Union  and  made  into  a  new  crown  colony  on  
building,  churches,  schools,  shops  and  other   its   own.     The   colonials   began   to   be   more  
institutional  buildings.  They  also  brought  in   dominant  and  the  local  people  trusted  them  
labors   from   China   and   India   to   develop   the   in   taking   care   of   the   country.   Nevertheless,  
Strait   settlements   to   enhance   the   economic   there   were   groups   of   people   who   soon  
situation   in   Penang   as   the   capital   of   the   realized   that   Malaya   was   under   the  
Straits   Settlements.   The   absorption   of   exploitation   of   foreign   power.   The   locals  
external   culture   into   the   local   scene   had   soon  began  to  form  political  parties  to  fight  
influenced   the   country’s   built   environment   against   British   and   the   winning   coalition  
scene.   As   a   result   the   designs   of   the   political   party   known   as   the   Barisan  
buildings   portrayed   Indo-­‐Saracenic   designs   Nasional   (formerly   the   Alliance)   that   has  
to   promote   British   own   sense   of   “rightful   three   prominent   members   —   the   UMNO,  
self-­‐glorification”   like   their     colonies   in   MCA   (Malaysian   Chinese   Association)   and  
India,   whilst   implementing   their   own   MIC   (Malayan   India   Congress)   obtained   the  
engineering   innovations   to   support   such   country’s   independence.     Nonetheless,   the  

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British   left   significant   legacy   that   still   cabinet   led   by   the   prime   minister.   Judicial  
prevails   until   the   present   context   and   this   however,  is  theoretically  independent  of  the  
includes   architecture,   administrative   executive   and   the   legislature.   Nonetheless,  
system,   lifestyle   and   culture   in   the   local   in  Malaysian  practice,  more  power  is  vested  
scene   due   to   their   long   subjugation   that   in  the  executive  branch  of  government  than  
lasted  for  170  years.     in   the   legislative.   The   early   years   after  
  independence   under   the   administration   of  
c. Independent  Malaysia   Tunku,   Razak   and   Onn   portrayed   political  
  agenda  that  much  focuses  on  nation  building  
Post  Independence  era   and   national   progress.   During   these   periods,  
  the   leaders’   main   intention,   strategies   and  
After   achieving   independence   in   1957,   the   actions   were   to   unite   all   races   and   religion  
ruling   of   Malaysia   is   based   on   the     federal   in   the   country   while   maintaining   the  
representative   democratic   constitutional   importance   of   Malay   culture   and   Islam   as  
monarchy  framework,  in  which  the  Yang  di-­‐ the   main   religion.   The   main   intention   is   to  
Pertuan   Agong   is   head   of   state   and   the   search   for   a   common   identity   to   symbolize  
Prime   Minister   of   Malaysia   is   the   head   of   Malaysia’s  as  a  newly  independent  state.  For  
government.   In   this   sense,   the   Malaysian   that   reason,   the   country’s   building   scene,  
administrative  structure  is  divided  into  two   particularly   government   and   public  
separate   roles.   The   Yang   di-­‐Pertuan   Agong   buildings  not  only  portrays  the  idea  of  unity  
is   the   head   of   the   Islamic   faith   in   Malaysia.   among   the   populace   and   the   country’s  
Besides   that,   he   is   also   the   head   of   the   progress,   but   also   evokes   nationalistic  
religion   of   Islam   for   states   that   do   not   have   sentiments   among   the   masses   due   to   the  
kings,   such   as,   Melaka,   Penang,   Sabah,   representation   of   the   national   identity  
Sarawak,   and   all   the   Federal   Territories   in   image.   Such   prominent   example   is   the  
Malaysia   whereas   the   prime   minister   The   Parliament   building   designed   by   Sir   Ivor  
Prime   Minister   of   Malaysia   is   the   indirectly   Shipley  in  1962.  Thus,  in  spite  of  assertions  
elected   head   of   government   (executive)   of   concerning   the   expression   of   ‘national  
Malaysia   and   heads   the   Cabinet,   whose   identity’   with   local   traditional   forms,   the  
members   are   appointed   by   the   Yang   di-­‐ Parliament   building   also   was   created   to  
Pertuan   Agong   on   the   prime   minister's   present   a   modern   appearance   to   present  
advice.   The   system   of   government   in   Tunku’s   political   idea   of   modernisation   and  
Malaysia   is   closely   modeled   on   that   of   Malaysia’s   progress.   In   addition   the   building  
Westminster   parliamentary   system,   a   legacy   also  represent  the  expression  of  ‘Malayness’’  
of   British   colonial   rule.   The   federal   for   its   design   form   as   a   symbol   to   unify   the  
government   has   three   main   branches   the   Malay   Muslim   since   they   are   the   majority  
legislative,   executive   and   judiciary.   The   ethnic  group  in  the  country.  
legislative   power   is   divided   to   federal   and    
state  legislatures  in  which  Malaysia  has  two   Present  era  
sources   of   law   –   the   national   constitution    
which   is   the   nation’s   supreme   law   and   the   The   early   era   of   20th   century   Malaysia  
Syariah   law   that   only   applies   to   Muslim   in   portrayed   different   political   intentions   and  
the   country.   Executive   branch   of   the   strategies   unlike   previous   years.   This   is  
government   on   the   other   hand,   consists   of   because   the   country’s   administration   under  
the   Prime   Minister   as   the   head   of   the   Mahathir,   Badawi   and   Najib   much   focused  
government,   followed   by   the   various   on  the  positioning  of  the  Malay  race  and  the  
ministers   of   the   Cabinet.   The   executive   Islamic   religion   as   integral   parts   of   the  
branch  does  not  have  the  right  to  intervene   nation   building   process   besides   placing   high  
in   the   legislative   or   judicial   branches   of   the   interest   on   the   aspect   of   economic   and  
state   The   executive   branch   of   the   social  development.  To  secure  the  country’s  
government   formulates   various   socio-­‐ success   many   nation   building   programs  
economic   policies   and   development   plans,   were   conducted   in   the   country   like   the  
for   the   development   of   the   country   as   a   erection   of   mega-­‐projects   to   yield   a   direct  
whole.  The  executive  power  is  vested  in  the   return   to   the   economy   due   to   creation   of  

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Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  

jobs   along   with   other   multiplier   effects,   as   2.2 Function  and  Typology  of  
well   as   to   serve   as   the   country’s   national   administrative  architecture  
icon   and   pride.   This   nation   building    
programs   does   not   only   involve   the   erection   This  section  will  be  discussing  on  two  types  
of   public   but   also   government   buildings   of   functions   that   the   administrative  
throughout  the  nation.  Examples  include  the   architecture   possesses.   The   first   kind   is  
North-­‐South   Expressway,   the   Multimedia   direct   functions   and   the   second   is   the  
Super   Corridor   and   the   Cybercity   of   indirect  functions.  
Cyberjaya,   the   Kuala   Lumpur   International    
Airport,  the  Sepang  Formula  One  circuit,  the   a. Direct  Functions  
2.4   billion   Bakun   Dam   and   the   Petronas    
Twin   Towers   as   symbols   of   modern   Direct   functions   of   an   administrative  
Malaysia  and  Malaysia's  new  administrative   architecture   much   relates   to   the   building  
capital   Putrajaya   (see   Kheng   2002;   Shome   purpose.   In   this   sense,   administrative  
2002;   Teik   2003).   The   city   of   Putrajaya   buildings   typically   will   houses   offices   that  
embody   elements   that   are   rooted   in   the   range  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest  seat  of  
tradition  and  the  culture  of  the  people  even   government   to   control   the   political   climate  
though   it   is   projected   in   a   contemporary   of  the  country.  An  administrative  building  is  
outlook   using   advanced   materials   and   a   place   where   matters   concerning   the  
technology,   complete   with   modern   country’s   policies   and   affairs   as   well   as  
infrastructure   and   amenities.   The   scale   of   foreign   issues   are   debated   and   determined.  
the   Putrajaya   project   was   grandiose   and   it   It   may   also   become   point   of   landmark   and  
was   publicised   as   Malaysia's   biggest   real-­‐ located   at   strategic   place   in   the   country’s  
estate   project   and   one   of   the   largest   and   capital.    
most   costly   developments   in   South   East    
Asia.   “The   final   cost   of   the   overall   project   b. Indirect  Functions  
was   projected   to   be   24   RM     billion”    
(Putrajaya   Holdings   2003:   74).   The   most   The   administrative   building   may   also   carry  
prominent   building   located   at   the   indirect   functions   or   signifies   various  
Putrajaya‘s   Government   Precinct   (Precinct   meaning   that   associated   with   identity  
1)  is  the  Prime  Minister’s  Office  Complex  or   prevalence.   Vale   (2008)   highlighted   that  
also   known   as   the   Perdana   Putra   that   there  are  three  types  of  identity  that  related  
houses   the   prime   minister’s   office   and   acts   to   administration   building.   This   identity  
as   the   main   administrative   center.   making   is   vital   to   indicate   the   reason   why  
Completed   in   year   1997,   the   architectural   why   the   administration   building   is  
style   of   this   building   reflects   the   Indo   constructed.  According  to  Vale  (2008)  there  
Saracenic   design   approach   which   much   are  three  main  purposes.  First,  function  as  a  
influenced   by   architectural   style   movement   product   of   subnational   identity.   Second   for  
introduced   by   British   architects   in   the   late   the   reason   of   personal   identity   and   third,  
19th   century   in   British   India.   It   drew   signify  supranational  identity.    
elements   from   native   Indo-­‐Islamic   and    
Indian  architecture,  as  well  as    a  mixture  of   Subnational   identity   refers   to   symbol   that  
Malay,   Islamic   and   European   cultures   such   the   nation   wants   to   manifest   through  
as   the   Palladian   and   Neoclassicism.   The   architecture.  As  a  newly  constituted  state,  it  
appearance   may   represent   the   government   is   necessary   to   put   forth   the   building   as  
political  ambitions  in  promoting  a  notion  of   national   representation   symbol   to   fulfill    
an   unassailable   and   invincible   Malaysia   in   four  main  purposes.  First,  is  to  highlight  the  
the  new  millineum.   identity  of  a  dominant  group  within  a  plural  
  society  which  normally  would  resemble  the  
  leaders   in   the   government   seat.   Second,  
  signify   country’s   political   climate.   Third,   as  
  national   symbol   to   connote   the   cultural,  
  social,  and  economical  characteristics  of  the  

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 Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  
 

country  and  fourth,  indicates  political  status   not  only  incorporated  many  of  the  beliefs  of  
of  the  current  government.   the   sultans   and   reflected   their   way   of   life  
  but,  adopts  the  style  common  to  the  various  
Personal   identity   on   the   other   hand   defines   regions   of   the   Peninsula   like   Acheh,  
as   individual   intention   or   agenda   that   one   Sumatera,  Java  and  Riau’’(2008;  15).    
implied   to   determine   the   architectural  
appearance  of  the  building.  In  this  sense,  the    
building  patron  played  an  important  role  in  
 
defining   the   prescribed   building.   This   is  
because   it   is   vital   for   the   politician   and    
leaders   of   a   newly   established   country   to  
gain   the   respect   of   the   populace   hence    
architecture  is  seen  as  an  act  of  medium  that  
can   symbolize   political   power   to   empower    
the  masses.  In  other  words,  the  design  of  the  
building  not  only  verifies  the  presence  of  the    
ruler   to   the   masses   but   the   design   of   the  
 
building   also   signifies   personal   taste   of  
individuals’  leader.    
Figure  2.1  A  Perak  Palace  (  Adapted  from  A  
The  third  is  supranational  identity,  which  is     History  of  Malaysia  by  Vlatseas  1990  based  on  a  
almost   similar   to   subnational   identity.   In   design  in  “  History  of  Perak”  by  R.O  Winstedt  and  
this   sense,   the   built   form   does   not   only   act     RJ  Wilkinson.  
as  symbolic  representation  at  national  level  
but   also   image   for   the   country   at   the   Interestingly,  
  the   traditional   administrative  
international   front.   The   desire   to   be   buildings   had   unique   characteristics   that  
 
recognized   at   the   global   level   was   vital   to   suit   the   local   conditions.   The   architecture  
gain   public   acknowledgement   and   to   had   a   good   compatibility   with   the   regional  
Indicators:  
convince   the   populace   as   well   as   to   portray   climate   and   was   always   built   in   wood,   a  
that   the   ruling   government   is   capable   in   resource  
  that   was   easy   to   get   and   adapted  
promoting   progress   and   defending   the   very  well  in  hot  climate.  In  dealing  with  the  
A  Verandah  and   technical  
structures     D  Inner   Hall  of  system,  
building  
stature   of   religion   and   the   built   form   is   to  
Audience     G   K itchen  
the   traditionally   built   architecture   had  
present   the   extension   of   social   control   and  
political   manipulation   at   the   international   mechanism   that   was   done  
B  Palace  Proper    
based   on   culture  
E  Outer  Hall  of  
context.   and   the  
Audience   Malay   custom.   In   sum,   everything  
  that  the  traditional  built  environment  had  in  
  the  
C  Ip ast  Hwall  
nner   as   in   accordance  
  to   the   way   of   life  
F  Throne  
2.3 Typology   that  the  people  had  during  those  times.    
 
 
An   administrative   building   during   the   15th  
There   are   four   types   of   administrative    
century  was  then  the  Malay  palace  that  had  
architecture  Malaysia.    
its   form   and   space   carefully   laid   out   to   suit  
 
its   dual   function   as   the   residency   of   the   king  
a. Traditional   built   to   suit   the  
as  well  as  the  official  administrative  ground  
administrative   climate,   modest  
for   the   government.   Agreeing   to   this   the  
and  congruent  in  nature.  
spatial   arrangement   of   a   traditional   Malay  
 
palace   had   segregations   that   occurred  
The  first  type  of  administrative  architecture  
between   the   residential   and   administrative  
in   the   country   existed   in   the   form   of   Malay  
areas.   This   was   done   using   architectural  
palace.   According   to   Syed   Ariffin   (2000:15)  
elements   such   as   verandah,   courtyards   and  
‘’the   palaces   of   the   sultans   were   of  
gardens   as   intermediate   spaces   within   the  
paramount   importance   in   feudal   Malay  
two  main  areas  of  the  palace.    
society,   not   only   as   places   of   residence   but  
as   centers   of   administration,   learning   and    
culture’’.   He   also   added   that,   “the   palaces  

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Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  

b. Brought   in   by   force   by   colonial    

rule.  
   
When   western   powers   came   to   Malaysia,  
 
they   did   not   only   bring   in   change   in  
administrative  system  with  them.  They  also    
brought   in   culture,   lifestyle,   technology,  
architecture   and   many   more   along.   With   the    
years   of   colonial   rule   span   to   more   than   400  
years,   it   is   obvious   that   the   western    
influence  could  be  seen  in  a  lot  of  aspects  of  
life   which   also   includes   the   design   of    
administrative  buildings.   Figure  2.3  Ipoh  Municipal  Council  that  was  design  
during  the  British  colonial  era  had  a  touch  of  western  
 During   the   early   stages   of   colonial   rule,   architecture.  
Portuguese   and   Dutch   came   in   military   form  
where   they   were   more   concern   of   When   Malaya   was   under   British   colonial  
protection   than   the   spread   of   their   rule.   rule,   the   type   of   administrative   building   was  
Even  then,  we  can  see  that  the  material  and   still   under   western   control   with   major  
technology   had   changed   starting   this   early   changes  that  differentiated  the  two  types  of  
colonial  era  where  bricks  and  new  methods   colonial  rule.  Administrative  buildings  were  
of   construction   were   being   introduced.   Most   still   having   western   designs   and   western  
of  the  resources  were  brought  in  from  their   technology   in   construction   with   a   mix   and  
country  by  ship.  Methods  of  construction  as   match   kind   of   outlook.   This   was   caused   by  
compared   to   the   traditional   vernacular   integration   among   races   as   well   as  
buildings   were   very   much   different   and   the   European  culture  that  merged  with  the  rest.  
style   is   mostly   the   product   of   their   regional   It   is   undoubtedly   that   the   building   built  
backgrounds.     during  the  colonial  era  tried  to  adopt  certain  
aspects   of   local   design   such   as   the   façade,  
Buildings   that   were   built   were   bigger   in   form,   as   well   as   materials   even   when   these  
scale   and   the   administrative   complex   was   buildings   had   unique   characteristics   that  
placed  in  the  center  of  town.  Although  it  was   were  foreign  to  the  local  culture.  
built   based   on   their   regional   designs,   they  
tried   to   adapt   to   our   local   scene.   Certain  
characteristics   of   the   Malay   architecture  
were   included   in   the   construction   of  
administrative  buildings.    

 
a b
.     .  

 
c Figure   2.4The   old   Railway   Station   administrative  
  .   building,  now  known  as  KTM  Berhad  

   

Figure  2.2  The  early  colonial  era’s  forts  and    

administrative  buildings.  
 
a.  Drainage  and  Irrigation  Department  Building,  
Malacca  b.  Porta  Santiago,  Malacca  c.  Fort  Cornwallis,    
Penang  

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c. Postcolonial  administrative   in   the   country   had   resulted   to  

complex  construct  as  a   administrative   architecture   as   well.  
resurgence  of  nationalism  or   Architectural   elements   that   suited   the   local  
national  identity.   condition   was   famously   adapted   and  
  incorporated   into   governmental   buildings  
during  this  era  as  a  symbol  of  nationalism.    
During   the   first   decade   after   independence,  
Malaysia   still   had   colonial   forces   embedded   d. Post  independence  advancement  
within   the   system   and   their   way   of   thinking.   in  polity  –  government  trying  to  
Administrative   architecture   during   those   portrait  new  established  political  
times  had  foreign  approaches  in  design.  This   agenda.  
includes   ideas   from   famous   modernist    
architect   in   the   west   such   as   Le   Corbusier,   As   Malaysia   progress   into   a   well   developed  
Frank   Lloyd   Wright   and   a   few   others.   country,   new   sentiment   and   political   agenda  
Adaptation   of   new   technology   and   fall   into   place   where   in   the   case   of  
mechanism  had  penetrated  into  the  designs   administrative   architecture,   the   design   now  
of   government   administrative   building   and   had   a   new   order   and   was   more   open,   irony  
other   massive   projects   like   the   rail   way   to   previous   era   where   the   agenda   of   the  
stations.     dominant  group  within  a  plural  society  was  
kept   hidden.   Establishing   itself   as   an  
  economically   and   politically   stable   country,  
Malaysia   is   now   more   vocal   in   voicing   out  
what   the   country   really   want   to   be   seen   as;  
Malay-­‐Muslim  polity.    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure  2.6Palace  of  Justice,  Putrajaya  
 
Administrative   building   played   the   role   in  
voicing   this   agenda   aloud   as   it   is   the   most  
suitable   building   to   describe   the  
Figure2.5WismaPermodalanNasionalBerhad,  had  a   government  as  a  whole.  It  is  clear  as  to  how  
modernistic  approach  with  a  touch  of  Malay   our   political   leaders   wanted   Malaysia   to   be  
architecture   seen   in   the   eyes   of   the   world   through   the  
new  Federal  administrative  city.  The  design  
The   new   government   of   Malaysia   was   in   of   this   new   city,   Putrajaya   had   a   foreign  
search   of   a   new   vocabulary   for   the   architecture   vocabulary,   a   revivalism   of   a  
architecture   that   can   resemble   the   national   once   very   glorious   political   structure   from  
identity   and   with   this   effort,   most   of   the   the   Middle   Eastern   countries,   brainchild   by  
government   building   had   a   modernistic   the  political  leaders.  
approach   apart   from   being   constructivist    
and   had   metaphoric   expressions   in   them.   It   is   clear   that   historical   development  
The  idea  of  uniting  the  races  and  community   fostered   different   types   of   administrative  

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buildings   and   the   four   main   types   of   fostered   by   the   main   administrative  
administrative  architecture  in  Malaysia  each   buildings  of  important  eras  in  Malaysia.  
have  its  own  unique  characteristics.      
  a. Traditional  Vernacular  style  
3.0 Methodology    
  When   traditional   vernacular   style   is   being  
Following   the   methods   that   were   outlined   mentioned,   we   would   usual   refer   to   the  
by   Yin   (2003),   the   paper   utilized   multiple   traditional   Malay   houses   seen   in   villages   in  
case   study   analysis   to   gain   information   for   our   minds.   The   Malay   palace,   acting   as   an  
the   study.   The   case   studies   were   chosen   administrative   center   during   the   Malaccan  
based   on   prominent   eras   as   segregated   by   Sultanate   era   in   Malaysia   had   images   like  
changing   regimes   and   political   climate   in   the   traditional   Malay   houses   only   bigger   in  
Malaysia   dating   back   from   the   15th   century   scale  and  more  grandiose  in  its  appearance.  
till  present  era.  In  order  to  begin  the  project,  
it   was   necessary   to   gather   information   to   The   main   administrative   seat   during   that  
identify  the   main  administrative  building  of   era   was   the   Malaccan   Sultanate   and   the  
each   prominent   era   as   case   studies   which   Malacca   Istana   Seri   Menanti   is   the   only  
were   classified   into   six   main   eras.   These   palace   that   was   somewhat   similar   to   the  
eras   are   the   Traditional   era,   Early   Colonial   original   one.   Even   if   the   palace   that   we   see  
era,  British  Colonial  era  which  is  broken  into   today   is   only   a   replica   of   the   actual   one,   it  
Early   British   Colonial   era   and   Late   British   was   rebuilt   in   reference   to   the   historical  
Colonial  era  and  finally  the  Independent  era   documentation  of  the  past.    
which   is   broken   into   Post   Independent   era  
The  traditional  vernacular  styled  palace  can  
and   Present   era.   These   case   studies   are   then  
be   distinguished   from   its   dominant   roof  
analyzed   based   on   indicators   that   could  
feature.   It   is   usually   gabled   and   extended  
determine   the   architectural   style   and   it’s  
with   many   tiers   that   made   it   appear   very  
influence.   For   this   study,   the   architectural  
grand   and   powerful.   The   whole   building   is  
styles   of   each   case   studies   were   observed  
rectangular   in   shape.   It   is   made   of   timber  
from  the  form  of  the  building  with  particular  
and   raised   from   the   ground   as   high   as   the  
emphasize  on  the  structure  of  the  façade.    
shoulder   of   a   man.   The   palace   had   many  
 
windows   that   were   decorated   with  
4.0 Classification   of   Styles   and   possible  
woodcarvings.  It  is  built  without  using  nails  
influences    
and   only   utilized   the   traditional   Malay  
 
construction  system;  joints  or  tanggam.    

The  construction  of  the  palace  was  led  by  a  

very   specialized   tukang   rumah   or   wood  
craftsman   followed   by   others   with  
compartmentalization   specialty   like   carving  
craftsmen   and   many   more.   The   palace   is  
design   with   clustered   spatial   arrangement  
Figure  4.1  The  replicated  palace  of  Sultan  Mansur  Shah  
and  its  exterior  is  surrounded  by  gardens.  
 
 
In   Malaysia,   with   reference   to   the   different  
  types   of   administrative   building,   there   are    
six  classifications  of  styles  that  are  available  
in   the   design   of   the   main   administrative    
architecture   in   each   main   era   since   the   15th  
century   to   present   era.   Case   study   of    
administrative   building   of   each   era   will   be  
elaborated   in   this   section   except   during   the    
Portuguese  era  due  to  lack  of  data.  There  are  
 
a   few   others,   but   these   are   the   main   styles  

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 Seminar  of  International  Convention:  Bridging  Between  Old  &  New  2012,  KALAM,  UTM  
 

  deputy  governor’s  office.  The  Dutch  came  to  

Malacca   along   with   their   culture   and  
  building   style.   The   Stadthuys   is   oldest  
surviving   administrative   building   in  
 
Malaysia  built  during  Dutch  colonial  rule.    
   
a   The   Dutch   administrative   building   was  
  designed   in   a   rectangle   shape   with   three  
stories   in   height.   The   Dutch   architecture   of  
  that   time   was   greatly   influenced   by   the  
classical   order   of   Greek   and   Roman  
  Architecture   which   can   be   seen   on   the  
b   columns  as  well  as  the  arches  on  the  façade.  
 
Figure  4.2  The  Plan  and  elevation  of  Sultan  
 
  Mansur  Shah’s  Original  Palace  

a.  the  plan  of  the  Sultan  Mansur  Shah  Palace    

 
b.  The  Façade  of  the  Sultan  Mansur  Shah  Palace    
  both  based  on  historical  write  up.  
 
 
 
Parameswara,   a   prince   from   Palembang,   a  
neighboring   kingdom   that   was   uprising   at    
that   moment,   founded   Malacca.   From   one  
generation  to  the  next,  Malacca  flourished  as    
kingdom   that   practiced   trade   as   its   main  
economical   contributor   and   the   Malaccan    
port   was   the   connector   that   was   preferred  
by   most   traders   because   of   it’s   strategic    
location.   Traders   from   nearby   neighboring  
 
kingdoms   such   as   Acheh,   Sumatera,  
Palembang,  Pasai  also  actively  traded  in  the   Figure  4.3  The  oldest  surviving  Dutch  building  in  
Malaccan   port   and   this   is   possibly   where   Malaysia  and  the  first  official  administrative  center  
influence   of   the   design   of   the   Malaccan  
Sultanate   originated.   Besides,   Malacca   is   Stadthuys   has   a   very   modest   outlook   with  
strategically   located   in   the   Malay   limited  decoration  on  it  but  nonetheless,  it  is  
Archipelago   overlapping   itself   with   these   still   very   impressive   in   appearance.   The  
neighboring   countries   which   contribute   to   most   prominent   feature   of   the   buiding   is   the  
the   same   architectural   adaptation   methods   roof   which   is   gabled   and   was   parapeted  
toward   the   regional   climate   of   the   area.   with   pediments   at   the   edge   of   the   roof   and  
Therefore,   it   is   believed   that   the   fitted  with  red  Dutch  roof  tiles.  The  building  
architectural  style  that  was  employed  by  the   has   roof   eaves   protruding   about   1   meter  
Malay   palace   was   through   political   and   beyond   the   walls.   This   overhang   feature  
economical   integration,   as   well   as   keeps   the   second   floor   windows   shaded,   a  
adaptations   towards   the   natural   common   way   of   dealing   with   the   harsh  
surroundings.   climate   in   this   region,   although   some  
  scholars   claimed   the   feature   to   be   an  
b. Dutch  Colonial  style   original   characteristic   to   the   Dutch  
  architecture.   Apart   from   the   roof,   the  
The   second   era   had   a   military   windows   that   are   placed   on   the   exterior  
administrative   system   with   official   façade   of   the   building   shows   a   multi-­‐panned  
administrative   buildings   built   to   window   with   arches   made   of   limestone  
accommodate   the   Dutch   governor   and   blocks   on   top   of   it   which   is   covered   by   the  
canopies   at   present   time.   Another  

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outstanding   feature   of   Stadthuys   is   the   the   engaged  pediments.  Most  of  the  windows  on  
two   grand   staircases   that   lead   to   a   verandah   the   first   floor   are   in   pairs   and   are   multi-­‐
on   the   first   floor.   Another   rather   common   panned.   It   is   unavoidable   to   notice   that   the  
feature   is   the   columns   on   the   first   floor   building   utilizes   colonnades   and   paired  
supporting  the  second  floor.  It  said  that  the   columns  made  of  Corinthian  order.    
Dutch   architecture   style   have   always   used  
columns   to   align   the   upper   floors   with   the    
ground   floor.   The   building   is   built   using  
 
Dutch   red   bricks   and   due   to   the   tropical  
climate   in   Malacca,   they   plastered   the   walls      
using   whitewash   made   from   lime   to   keep  
the   house   cool   and   dry   without   being    
porous.    
 
The   moderate   renaissance   style   which   is  
based   on   the   classical   order   of   Greek   and    
Roman   architecture   was   originally  
Figure  4.4  The  Penang  Municipal  Council  which  was  
developed   in   Netherlands.   When   the   Dutch   an  important  building  during  the  Strait  Settlement  era.  
took   over   Malacca,   they   brought   in   this   The  building  was  renovated  by  the  Penang  state  
influence   and   applied   it   on   most   buildings   government  in  2004-­‐2005  
that   were   built   during   those   times.   It   is  
possible   that   this   happened   because   the   A  very  appealing  influence  to  this  building  is  
Dutch   wanted   to   create   a   place   that   made   obviously   because   of   British   occupation   on  
them   felt   at   home   and   also   to   assure   the   the  Island  of  Penang.  Perhaps  the  style  came  
ownership   of   the   city   that   they   had   just   along   with   the   most   famous   architecture  
conquered  and  have  a  sense  of  belonging.     style  of  that  time  which  originated  from  the  
  Edwardian   era   which   was   drawn   from   the  
c. Neo  Baroque  style   architecture   of   France   in   the   18th   century  
  and  that  of  Sir  Christopher  Wren  in  England  
One   of   the   most   picturesque   pieces   of   in   the   17th   century.   The   British   architects  
architecture   left   behind   by   the   British   might   have   carried   the   style   together   with  
colonial   era   is   the   Penang   Municipal   them   when   they   started   the   idea   of   having  
Building   in   George   Town.   The   building   in   this   building.   It   is   also   possible   that   there  
white   paint   has   a   Neo   Baroque   or   and   was   the   idea   of   westernizing   and  
Edwardian   Baroque   style   designed   to   it.   Christianizing   the   city   when   they   made  
Some   architectural   characteristics   were   Penang   their   capital   city   for   the   Straits  
adapted   from   the   English   Baroque   Settlement   and   one   of   the   most   effective  
architecture   or   also   known   as   the   ways  of  doing  this  is  to  leave  behind  carbon  
renaissance  architecture.     copies  of  their  identity.    
 
The   building   has   a   very   symmetrical   front   d. Anglo-­‐India  style  
façade.  It  consists  of  a  very  prominent  entry    
point   that   is   topped   with   a   central   tower-­‐ The   anglo-­‐india   style   consists   of   two   main  
like   rooftop   decorated   with   a   segmental   features;   Moghul   architecture   and   the  
arched   pediment   and   cornered   with   domed-­‐ classical   renaissance   architecture.   The  
like   rooftop   pavilions.   This   exact   same   Sultan  Abdul  Samad  building  was  the  capital  
feature   also   exists   on   the   other   two   side   of   of   British   administrative   center   from   1896  
the  wing  which  balance  up  the  building.  The   onwards   once   Kuala   Lumpur   was   declared  
entrance   of   the   building   has   a   verandah   on   as  the  capital  town  of  Malaya.  
top   of   the   ground   floor   arched   opening  
which   derived   from   the   French   architecture.   R.A.J.   Bidwell   was   the   architect   who  
There  are  also  stone  railings  attached  to  the   designed   the   space   layout   of   the   building  
edge  of  the  roof.  The  windows  are  all  topped   with   a   touch   of   renaissance   classical   style  
with  either  arched  block  of  stones  or  having   while  A.C  Norman  balanced  up  the  design  of  

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the   form   and   façade   in   a   Moghul   style.   On   to   Malaya   who   had   commercial   powers   at  
the   exterior,   the   building   has   three   copper   that   time   and   this   may   result   in   the   design  
onion   domes   that   marked   the   North   Indian   preferences   of   the   administrative   building  
style   of   architecture.   It’s   façade   comprised   during  this  era.  
of   arches   of   different   patterns   such   as   the    
pointed   arch,   ogre   arch.   horse-­‐shoe   arch,   e. Modern  Expressionism  style  
multi-­‐foiled   arch   and   four-­‐centered   arch    
punching   through   a   red-­‐bricked   wall.   This   The  style  adopted  by  the  newly  independent  
signature  building  has  three  towers  with  the   government  in  developing  the  country  was  a  
center   tower   equipped   with   a   tower   clock   style   that   resembled   all   the   races   and  
and  the  other  two  side  towers  are  decorated   religions   in   Malaya   and   is   said   to   be   the  
with  arches  in  a  spiral  motion.     symbol  of  democracy  of  the  government.    

   

   

   

   

   

   

`    

   

  Figure  4.6  Parliament  of  Malaysia,  a  symbol  of  

democratic  architecture.  
 
For   a   modernistic   building   such   as   the  
  Parliament   House   of   Malaysia,   it   is   clearly  
seen   that   the   architectural   language   had  
  change   tremendously   as   compared   to   the  
previous   eras.   This   is   due   to   the   changing  
  hands   of   the   government   from   being  
Figure  4.5  Sultan  Abdul  Samad  Building,  a  landmark  in   colonized   to   an   independent   country.   The  
Kuala  Lumpur   building   built   after   the   year   1957,   shows  
little   or   no   trace   of   historic   revivalism  
The  design  of  the  building  was  perhaps  due   characteristics  in  it’s  design.  
to   the   architectural   background   of   the  
architect   whom   we   know   are   British   Parliament   House   carries   various   meaning  
architects   working   in   the   Public   Works   and   it   acts   as   a   medium   to   symbolize   the  
Department.   Apart   from   that,   it   is   a   known   country.   It   is   also   very   structural   and   had   a  
fact  that  the  British  had  a  long  stay  in  India   minimalist   style   that   is   functional   and  
and   being   there   for   such   a   long   time   has   emphasized   on   expressionistic   architecture.  
influenced   their   thinking   and   their   Therefore,   as   Rasdi   had   highlighted   in   his  
architectural   expression.   Nonetheless,   write   up,   the   Parliament   House   of   Malaysia  
during   this   time,   the   British   government   bears   a   modernistic   expressionist   style  
was  trying  to  gain  the  hearts  of  the  people  in   ready   to   be   translated   by   the   society.   The  
Malaya   and   one   of   the   ways   to   do   it   is   to   Parliament   House   has   two   parts;   the   main  
emphasize   the   Islamic   elements   in   building   which   is   3   storeys   in   height   and   the  
architecture.   Another   reason   was   probably   tower  building  that  comprised  of  17  stories  
due   to   the   emergence   of   Indian   merchants   of   office   building.   The   main   building   has   a  

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Malaccan   traditional   Malay   roof   style   that   50   meters   in   height   and   had   a   mix   of  
definitely   defined   the   Malay   architecture.   architectural   language   where   the   pitch   roof  
While   the   tower   carries   no   racial   reference   and   the   domes   are   being   used   to   give   the  
at   all   and   being   the   taller   and   more   strongest   character   to   the   building.  
dominant  part  of  the  building,  it  emphasized   Nevertheless,   the   more   appealing   feature   is  
more   on   the   adaptation   of   the   building   the   green   onion   dome   that   topped   the  
towards   the   surrounding   where   there   highest   point   of   the   building   which   gives   a  
façade   is   being   set   back   probably   to   shade   reflection   the   Arabic   and   Islamic   character  
the   interior   from   direct   sunlight.   New   on  its  surface.  The  building  also  has  smaller  
mechanisms   were   utilized   during   that   era   domes  surrounding  the  building.  The  façade  
where   steel   frames   are   adapted   into   its   of   the   building   is   classically   designed   with  
structural  system.   the   use   of   columns   and   arches   and   topped  
with   the   classical   ornamented   cornice  
Based   on   the   design   of   the   building,   it   is   slightly   below   the   roof   line   imitating   the  
easily   interpreted   that   the   building   was   Roman  temples.    
trying   to   achieve   a   nationalist   architecture  
vocabulary.   This   is   probably   due   to   the  
government   agenda   of   that   era   where   it   is  
their   goal   to   achieve   racial   unity   while  
maintain   the   dominant   race   that   is   the  
Malays.  The  design  had  a  modernistic  touch  
due   to   the   architectural   background   of   the  
building   where   the   architect   that   was  
responsible  for  the  design  of  the  building  is  
Sir   William   Ivor   Shipley   who   went   to   India  
to   study   the   Chandigarh   designed   by   Le  
Corbusier  with  a  modernistic  characteristic.  
Imitating   this   idea,   therefore   it   is   natural   for   Figure  4.7  Rear  View  of  the  Perdana  Putra  
the   Parliament   to   have   both   modernistic    
expressionism  style  in  its  design.  Apart  from    
that,   new   structural   ideas   were   developed    
by   invited   engineers   such   as   Messers    
Hennessy   &   Edmonds   and   Messers   Frank    
&Vargeson  and  many  others  whom  were  the    
most   advance   structural   engineers   of   that    
time.    
   
f. Post  Modern  Revivalism  style    
   
Post   modern   revivalism   style   is   a   style    
glorious   in   the   past   and   is   being   adapted   in    
new   modern   buildings.   As   we   speak,   it   is    
important   to   refer   Post   modern   revivalism    
style  as  either  foreign  or  vernacular.       Figure  4.8  Viewing  the  Perdana  Putra  from  the  
parade-­‐like  gateway  that  has  a  long  terminus  point.  
 
 
Putrajaya,   the   new   Federal   Administrative  
 
Center   has   its   highest   administrative  
The  building  is  most  probably  influenced  by  
building   that   houses   the   office   of   the   Prime  
glorious   eras   in   the   past   like   the   Islamic  
Minister  named  Perdana  Putra.  The  Perdana  
civilization   and   the   Western   civilization.  
Putra   has   a   distinctive   feature   that   might  
This   is   to   signify   that   the   government   is  
adopt   classical   and   Islamic   or   Mogul   styles  
symbolically   as   glorious   as   past   eras   and   to  
of  architecture.  As  a  building  that  is  Foreign  
show  the  advancement  of  the  administrative  
Revivalism  in  style,  Perdana  Putra  is  built  on  
system   as   well   as   its   social   and   economical  
stone   cladding   walls   that   goes   up   to   about  

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status   of   the   country.   The   building   being   the   As   in   the   case   of   Malaysia,   democracy   has  
most   obvious   political   model   is   the   best   become   the   common   vocabulary   in   our  
medium   for   the   government   to   show   its   political   wellbeing.   It   is   essential   that   the  
status   as   an   advance   Malay-­‐Muslim   polity   administrative   architecture   reveal   the   idea  
especially  voiced  out  by  the  political  leaders   of   a   democratic   country.   As   Ismail   (2008)  
of  the  country.     highlighted,   a   building   should   concern   its  
  users   and   a   democratic   building   should   be  
5.0 Conclusion  and  Future  Suggestions   designed   for   the   convenience   of   the  
  community.   A   democratic   building   should  
5.1 Conclusion   be   modest   in   all   its   architectural   elements  
  that   include   its   façade   as   well   as   its  
It  is  clear  that  Malaysia  has  a  wide  range  of   structural   arrangements,   location,   the   scale  
styles   in   the   design   of   administrative   of   the   building,   access   to   the   building,   and  
architecture   and   each   and   every   single   one   spatial  arrangement,    
of   these   styles   preceded   a   certain   source   of    
influence.   It   can   be   concluded   that   in   fact,   6.0 Reference  
every   main   administrative   building   in    
Malaysia   has   its   own   unique   characteristics   Articles,  Books,  Journals    
that  was  shaped  due  to  certain  factors  such    
as   the   political,   social,   economical,   religious   Abdul   Wahid,   Zainal   Abidin   (1992)  
and   the   spirit   of   time   and   place   brought   in   Malaysia;   Warisan   dan  
by  different  regimes.     Perkembangan,  Abdul  Wahid,    Zainal  
  Abidin   et.   al,   Kuala   Lumpur:   Dewan  
From   the   case   studies   above,   it   is   proven   Bahasa  dan  Pustaka  
that   all   the   administrative   architecture   in    
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