Architecture In Kuala Lumpur

Architecture In Kuala Lumpur

by Manjeet Dhillon
Share

Author

sarongtrails

Share

A City in Layers

Kuala Lumpur’s architecture reflects the city’s soul: a smorgasbord of cultures, each leaving its mark on brick and mortar. A glance around the city and you feel like you’ve stepped into a museum of living architecture. Traditional vernacular homes (kampung) with sun-bleached walls and worn steps jostle against modern skyscrapers; juxtaposed in the background are remnants of colonial structures standing sentinel, like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building with its Moorish arches and soaring clock tower, each stone a silent historian whispering tales of empires past and the eclectic Straits Chinese shophouses line the streets of Old KL.

Layer by layer, we’ll peel back the history etched in brick and mortar, deciphering not just Kuala Lumpur’s architectural timeline but stories of communities, cultures, and a city constantly pushing its boundaries.

Indigenous Dwellings

Vanished from Kuala Lumpur’s panorama are the organic allures of indigenous Orang Asli’s forest dwellings. Made from forest-derived materials, these homes tell a story of sustainability and a connection with nature.

Indigenous dwellings of the Orang Asli rely on a variety of natural materials readily available in their local environment. Mengkuang (screwpine) leaves are used to weave decorative wall panels, while rotan (rattan) is stripped to form strings that bind bamboo strips together. Bamboo, when still green and flexible, is cut into mat-like strips for flooring. Bertam leaves contribute to the creation of attap roofs, valued for their durability and, with regular kitchen fire fumigation, can last five or more years. Cengal and Petaling trees are sought after for their termite-resistant hardwood, used for house standing tiang (poles). Additionally, hardwood beams are used for elevated steps (tangga), raising them high above ground for structural support.

Attap houses close to the banks of the Klang River, circa 1920. Attribution: Cheah Jin Seng. (2011). Selangor 300 Early Postcards (p. 160). Editions Didier Millet.

These forest sanctuaries offer a cool respite from the midday sun and an earthy scent of damp forest floors linger at every creak and sway.

Kampung House

Sunlight dapples the walls of kampung homes, a harmonious marriage of practicality and beauty. Ingeniously designed for the warm and humid climate, their fenestration patterns cast patterns on the woven bamboo floors. Louvres and vents hum with the constant flow of air. Built on stilts, these homes embrace the breeze through thatched roofs and open verandas and into the heart of the rumah ibu, the main living room, where laughter and stories abound

Their rooflines reveal each kampung’s story. The understated lines of a bumbung panjang’s gabled roof, speak of kampung simplicity, while the hipped silhouette of a bumbung lima (five rigid roof), echoes wisdom of generations. Look for hints of Dutch influence in the gambrels of bumbung perak (also known as bumbung potongan Belanda) or trace the sharp angles casting shadows that characterise the geometric grace of bumbung limas, more commonly found adorning mosques and surau (small mosques). Every ridge and rafter holds a story, waiting to be discovered.

In Negeri Sembilan, the roof mirrors a bull’s head and horns, paying homage to the buffalo and resembling the Minangkabau houses of Sumatra. Meanwhile, in Kelantan and Terengganu, Singhorra tiles adorn the roofs, with the number of tiang (poles)—either 6 or 12—defining the structure. Thai and Cambodian influences manifest in the gentle curves of the roofs and the sturdier wall panels.

At the heart of every kampung stands the rumah ibu (main house), its expansive embrace sheltering not just family, but also the communal spirit that defines this way of life. But step beyond its threshold, and you’ll discover a series of spaces, each playing its own vital role.

Image from M.S. Sulaiman (www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Challenges-in-the-conservation-of-the-Negeri-Malay-Sulaiman/818ea95478315a565f9e5447050a4b002a28d794)

The anjung (main porch), with its welcoming shade and woven mats, invites conversation and community, while the selang (passageway), a narrow but vital artery, connects one space to the next. There’s the bustling hearth of the rumah dapur (kitchen) to the airy retreat of the serambi (veranda), each space serving a distinct purpose.

The Malayan Bungalow

While the term ‘bungalow’ initially referred to the humble Bengal house—a timber structure with a thatched roof and a ground-level veranda—the Malayan bungalow takes on a more substantial form. A curious mix of European and local elements, including timber posts and thatched roofs. 

Predominantly situated on plantation sites throughout Malaysia, their steeply pitched, hipped thatch roofs are both lightweight and efficient in shedding heavy downpours while remaining low in heat retention. Encircling verandas on both levels shield walls and interiors from the sun, while tilt-up flaps and blinds, canopied and fringe roofs, shading doors and windows further alleviate the tropical heat. The bungalow is a story of adaptation. 

Carcosa Seri Negara

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Lake Gardens, veiled by sun-drenched foliage, stands Carcosa Seri Negara, a forgotten guardian of history. Completed in 1898, this architectural gem, blending Neo-Gothic and Tudor Revival styles, once served as the residence of Frank Swettenham, the Resident General of the Federal Malay States (FMS).

Maison des Palmes

Undoubtedly, one of the most renowned structures is Socfin’s ‘Maison des-Palmes,’ built in the early 20th century by planter and author of ‘Soul of Malaya,’ The driveway is lined with two rows of palm trees, leading to a house surrounded by a lush garden. The most striking feature is the Minangkabau thatched roof, its broad overhang shading the windows, while green-striped chiks (bamboo blinds) drape the surroundings for extra respite. The timber walls, varnished to a deep red reminiscent of the local soil, exude an earthy charm, and though it fell victim to World War II, the house was meticulously reconstructed to mirror its original design.

Colonial Buildings

Colonial architecture in Kuala Lumpur stands as a unique testament to the cultural influences that shaped the capital. One prominent example is Indo-Saracenic (‘Saracen’ means Muslim/Arabic-speaking people – this term was used in Europe until the 19th century) architecture, a blend of Western elements like symmetrical layouts, arched windows, and columned facades with the intricate geometric patterns, arabesque decorations, bulbous domes, multifoil and horseshoe arches of Islamic traditions, particularly those from Indo-Islamic (Mughal) and India.

This architectural exchange gave birth to iconic structures like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, whose majestic clock tower and expansive arches embody the spirit of this architectural style, 

These echoes of a bygone era stand as a complex interplay of colonial ambitions, local traditions, and architectural ingenuity that shaped the face of Kuala Lumpur.

Shophouse

A ubiquitous sight in many Southeast Asian cities, the shophouse is a versatile urban building with a rich history. Introduced by immigrants from Guangdong province in southern China, these narrow but deep structures traditionally served a dual purpose: business conducted in the street-facing portion on the first floor, and living quarters nestled upstairs. This convenient and secure arrangement ensured the watchful eye of the owner over their livelihood. Built in rows or terraces with a sheltered five-foot way providing shade and passage, shophouses typically rise two or three stories, their facades often spanning 5 to 7 metres but stretching deep into the block (between 18 to 40 metres). Designed to thrive in tropical conditions, they echo the passive cooling systems of traditional Malay houses, with features like ventilated doors, ceramic air vents, and open courtyards facilitating natural air circulation.

But shophouses are not mere relics of the past. Beyond their original commercial-residential blend, they’ve adapted to modern times, housing everything from trendy cafes and art galleries to boutique hotels and co-working spaces. These charming chameleon-like structures continue to evolve, their adaptability ensuring their enduring presence in the urban landscape.

Over different eras, shophouses reflected the ebb and flow of building techniques, transforming their external appearances and heights, particularly in their facades. From the simple elegance of Early Shophouses to the ornate details of the Straits Eclectic style, each period left its unique mark on these versatile structures. While the internal hierarchy and space usage remained relatively consistent until the 1920s, the facades became dynamic canvases showcasing the changing times, with Old Market Square and its vicinity reflecting these changing times.

Art Deco

Embracing the global wave of modernity, 1930s Malaysia saw Art Deco rise to prominence, particularly in the bustling shophouse culture. Vertical and horizontal lines accentuated the facades, often punctuated by decorative flagpoles, horizontal banding devices, and striking plaster mouldings. Local builders ingeniously used Shanghai plaster as a cost-effective and readily available alternative to stone.

Kuala Lumpur stands as a vibrant testament to Malaysian Art Deco. Architectural gems like the Central Market, the former Odeon Cinema on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, and the Oriental Building on Jalan Tun Perak feature vertical emphasis and geometric lines. The Medan Pasar clock tower flaunts a sunburst motif, while the Rubber Research Institute on Jalan Ampang showcases bas-relief panels depicting rubber tapping.

Modern Architecture

The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed the ascent of steel and concrete skyscrapers, defining the modern skylines of bustling cities. Contemporary buildings in Kuala Lumpur seamlessly blend tradition and innovation, as exemplified by the iconic Petronas Towers, where elements of traditional Islamic architecture converge with cutting-edge design.

The towering Dayabumi Complex, resplendent in white, stands as a milestone in the quest for a distinct local, modern Islamic architectural identity. Meanwhile, the Menara Telekom, with its bamboo shoot design, pays homage to the building’s Southeast Asian locale. Adding to this architectural narrative, the design of Menara Maybank is thought to echo the form of a keris, a traditional Malay dagger. Additionally, Menara 118 draws inspiration from Tunku Abdul Rahman’s historic outstretched hand gesture, made while chanting “Merdeka!” during the proclamation of Malaysia’s independence on August 31, 1957. Each of these structures not only graces the skyline but also blend cultural motifs with contemporary design.

  • If you could design a building that represents Malaysia, what elements would you include?

From the forest dwellings of the indigenous Orang Asli to the harmonious kampung homes and the grandeur of colonial structures, every building resonates with stories of resilience, adaptation, and cultural amalgamation. The architectural journey, like a well-preserved manuscript, connects us to the roots of the city while celebrating its evolution. In every beam, roofline, and facade, we find echoes of the past, a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s enduring spirit, constantly reinventing itself while holding onto the threads of its heritage.

Reference:

  • Malaysian Architectural Heritage Survey: A Handbook, Badan Warisan Malaysia
  • Rumah: An Ode To The Malay house, Tenas Affendy
  • Singapore Shophouses, Julian Davison (Author), Luca Invernizzi Tettoni (Photographer)
  • The Architecture of Malaysia, Ken Yeang · 1992
  • The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Architecture, Volume 5 of ArchitectureVoon Fee Chen.
  • The Malay House: Rediscovering Malaysia’s Indigenous Shelter System, Lim Jee Yuan
  • The Planter’s Bungalow: A journey Down The Malay Peninsula, Peter and Waverly Jenkin

The images used on this blog are to be within the principles of fair use for informational and non-commercial purposes only. We make every effort to attribute images to their original sources whenever possible. If you believe any image used on this blog infringes your copyright, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss the matter and remove the image if necessary.