House No.47a. The Epitome of Protecting and Preserving The Nation’s Cultural Heritage

22 Feb 2023

5 Min Read

Taylor's Impact Lab (Liveable Urban Communities)

IN THIS ARTICLE

A Taylor’s Impact Lab project to protect Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

As a unique Malay settlement in the heart of a bustling city, Kampung Baru is one of the last untouched places in Kuala Lumpur that still retains its rich Malay lifestyle and cultural heritage. With rapid urban development, there is a threat of losing Kampung Baru’s heritage buildings and its rich history.

Some of the old ‘Kampung’ homes have been majestically standing for more than a hundred years. Amongst them, House No.47A.

As part of Taylor’s Liveable Urban Communities Impact Lab initiative, a group of students, together with lecturers, are on a mission to promote appreciation and protection of the nation’s cultural heritage with a special project on House No.47A in collaboration with VERNADOC.

“House No.47A stands alongside KL’s skyscrapers. VERNADOC wishes to draw people’s focus on its architectural beauty and bring to life the home’s stories through our drawings.” said Soong Khang Wei, VERNADOC Malaysia.

Vernadoc: The blueprint of preserving heritage buildings

VERNADOC or vernacular documentation, is a methodology of vernacular architecture study that emphasises on the collection of data and information on site.

Associate Professor Dr. Veronica Ng, Head of School of Architecture, Building and Design and Impact Lab Director of Liveable Urban Communities said, “VERNADOC is a unique method to document vernacular buildings that easily connects with communities. Through the drawings, we can begin conversations on heritage.”

Taylor’s University collaborated with VERNADOC Malaysia, Placemaking Malaysia, ICOMOS Malaysia and Persatuan Pembangunan Kampong Bharu on heritage education and the documentation of No.47A along Pintasan Raja Muda Musa 4.

The VERNADOC drawings of House No.47A was exhibited at Rumah Tangsi in conjunction with KL Dulu Dulu event, and Young People’s LAB 2022 which was part of the International Conference on World Class Sustainable Cities (WCSC) 2022.

Visitor looking at the sketching by Taylor's students

Commenting on the values of the Taylor’s-VERNADOC collaboration, Dato’ Hajeedar said, "Students gained valuable exposure and benefitted from 'real and rich intercultural Malaysian values' during their 2-week VERNADOC programme.”

“This is the first traditional Malay house VERNADOC Malaysia is documenting”, said Soong Khang Wei. “We hope that this event will inspire ideas that bring the best of urban development and cultural preservation together.”

Inspiring Others to Protect and Preserve

“Protecting our building heritage is a collective effort. Our drawings are easily read by everyone, providing greater accessibility and impact for all to appreciate the beauty of our heritage with the hope of protecting them together,” said Mr. Nicholas Ng, who facilitated the VERNADOC Camp.

Justin Moh Guo Yi, a Year 2 architecture student expressed, “Taylor’s Vernadoc Kampung Baru made me appreciate a side of KL that I have never experienced. It was a very sentimental and intimate interaction with the house, its people, and its history; it really helped me understand what heritage conservation is all about.”

This project is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities - with a focus on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

“As architects, we see not just with our eyes, but also with our hands. The field experience of documenting and drawing onsite allowed for both to happen; from the concrete experience of measuring to the markings of the measurements on paper, they create the final drawings that you see. It’s a holistic approach to a better understanding of our heritage buildings. This is a brilliant approach for a unique settlement like Kampung Baru,” complimented Ar. Ts. Hj. Sri Nor Shamsul Rizal Bin Hj. Mohammad Jalani, Chairman of Persatuan Pembangunan Kampong Bharu.

“This initiative helps restore the authenticity, identity and soul of Kampung Baru. An effort that should be continued to inspire and set the benchmark of preserving the future of Malay architecture.”

Group photos of the communities with Taylor's students

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

This project is an example of impact projects from Liveable Urban Communities Impact Lab whereby like-minded partners, academics and students come together to improve the lives of urban communities.

Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Taylor's Impact Labs aim to empower our communities and fulfil our purpose to positively impact different societies and ensure positive progression on societal problems. Work with us to make a postive impact on society.

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