Urban Morphology of

Commercial Port Cities and

Shophouses in Southeast Asia
Wang Hana, Dr. Jia Beisi
Department of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong
Overview of the reading
Southeast Asia has been a hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange for
centuries, influencing its civilizations and lifestyles. This paper examines the
evolution of port cities and shophouses, focusing on macro-urban and
micro-building aspects. The study examines Malacca as case studies, focusing on
specific urban evolution factors and cultural continuity. Shophouses in Southeast
Asian port cities are classified into serial, partitioned, and combined types, with
sustainable strategies for meeting changing needs.
Morphology Specific Study on: Malacca, Malaysia
Malacca, established by Parameswara in 1402, relied on overseas trade and was
occupied by Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its economy declined, eventually
being replaced by Penang and Singapore.
Urban Spatial Layout & Usage
Early Malacca was an un-walled town
with a separate trading area and
administrative distinct. During the Dutch
period, it was divided into a European
fort and a cosmopolitan town. Wealth
became the main criterion for divisions,
with Chinese merchants dominating the
busiest part. Major divisions were
marked by a grid.
Block Structure & System
During the Dutch period, Portuguese
buildings in the fort were destroyed,
while the cosmopolitan town on the
other side was preserved. Malacca
had two major street systems:
waterfront and grid. Ethnic
communities lived in their blocks,
with brick-roofed shophouses and
interlaced alleys.
Reference
● Urban Morphology of Commercial Port Cities and Shophouses in Southeast Asia by Wang Hana, Dr. Jia Beisi