Traditional

Architecture
In Malaysia
PRESENTED BY HENG SENG JING
 Traditional Malay architecture employs sophisticated
architectural processes ideally suited to tropical
conditions such as structures built on stilts, which
allow cross-ventilating breeze beneath the dwelling to
cool the house whilst mitigating the effects of the
occasional flood.

High-pitched roofs and large windows not only allow

cross-ventilation but are also carved with intricate
OLD PALACE OF SERI MENANTI IN NEGERI SEMBILAN
organic designs. Traditional houses in Negeri
Sembilan were built of hardwood and entirely free of
nails.

Today, many Malay or Islamic buildings incorporate

Moorish design elements as can be seen in the Islamic
Arts Museum and a number of buildings in Putrajaya.

MOORISH DESIGN OF MOROCCAN PAVILLION PUTRAJAYA

In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two
broad types: traditional and Baba-Nyonya.

Many old houses especially those in CHENG HOON TENG TEMPLE

Melaka and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya

heritage, built with indoor courtyards and
beautiful, colourful tiles.

BABA-NYONYA PATTERN
With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from
Southern India, local Hindu temples exhibit the
colourful architecture of that region.

The detailed decorative scheme for the temple

incorporates intricate carvings, gold
embellishments, hand-painted motifs and
exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain.

The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have

their temples of more staid design in many
parts of the country.

SRI MAHAMARIAMMAN TEMPLE IN KUALA LUMPUR

National Art Gallery, with
“long ridge roof” adapted from
traditional Malays house is a
building that serves art expressionist
and public who love art
(Wan Sharizatul Suraya and Wan Mohd
Rashdi, Malaysian Architectural
Identity, April 11, 2013).

National Theater (Istana Budaya) SIRIH JUNJUNG ISTANA BUDAYA IN KUALA LUMPUR

was influenced with ‘sirih junjung’

at the roof design. The building
portrays national identity with theater play
either internationally or locally. The theater
show Malaysian ways of life to others.

National Museum, the building facade show

the Malaysian lives also using art expression,
wall paintings, design with pitched roof, again
symbol of traditional Malay houses.
NATIONAL MUSEUM IN KUALA LUMPUR

NATIONAL LIBRARY IN KUALA LUMPUR
NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE IN KUALA LUMPUR
The National Library uses the concept of a
traditional ‘folded bracket head gear’ (songket
tengkolok) in showing its importance as it
being put at the head of men.
While the National Science Centre shows the
science concept of the building, it applies the
usage of ‘geodesic domes’ a top of a circular
base.
Certain themes in the folk
arts, such as the repetitive
versions of the star pattern
and scroll forms, reminiscent
of vegetable forms are also
widespread, and continue to
be used to this date
(Tay Kheng Soon, 1983). SONGKET TENGKOLOK
Reference
http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-
asia/Malaysia/sub5_4f/entry-3157.html

https://www.malaysiadesignarchive.org
/an-influence-of-colonial-architecture-
to-building-styles-and-motifs-in-
colonial-cities-in-malaysia/?print=pdf