Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

MALAY TRADITIONAL STYLE. Istana Kenan- Figure 3. : The colour of this palace which are yellow, black and
gan is noted for being built entirely of wood and white is the original colour for this palace since it have been built,
woven bamboo, without the use of nails. It was by Author
planned to shape like a sword (pedang) in its scab- Figure 3. : Staircase to the Balai Rong on the first floor, by Author
bard (sarung pedang).
The handle of the sword is where the Sul-
tan’s bedchamber is located. The scabbard is where
the royal court or Balai Rong Seri was located.
Although small, it has a beautiful throne (singgah-
sana).
The walls are made of diamond-shaped
plaits (kelarai) while the roof structure takes the
combined styles of the five ridges (perabung lima)
and the ridge of the five bananas (perabung pisang
sesikat).
It rests on 60 wooden pillars and is 42 me-
tres long and 11metres wide. Its original roof was
made of wooden planks.

Serambi Balai Rong Seri tFhigeurroeya3l.ty a:nDdetchoeradtiiavme foanscdiashbaopaerddpwlaitihts,labcye pAautttehronr to symbolize
Bilik Istirehat

Ruang Makan

Dapur

Figure 3. : Floor plan of Istana Kenangan in 3D, Figure 3. : Ground floor where its original timber floor had been FHiigduaryea3h. Ro:slTanie(rMedMroUo)f to allow ventilation and sunlight, by
replace with marble floor, by Author

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708 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Istana Kenangan, 1928 - Malay Traditional Style

Istana Lembah 1928 After the calamity of the Big Flood of 1926, when Royal Palace Malay carpenter, Haji
the original palace, Istana Sri Sayong, was almost Suffian from Bukit Merta-
Istana Mayat swept away, a decision was made to build a new pal- jam, with his sons Zainal
ace that is on higher ground. Abidin and Ismail
Istana Kenangan
Royal museum Of Perak Istana Lembah was built as a temporary palace while
(current) the large and permanent Istana Iskandariah was un-
der construction

1933 Upon completion of Istana Iskandariah, the palace Royal residence
was used to host royal receptions and where the pal-
ace guests stayed

The palace was also known as Istana Mayat or the
Palace of Bodies because it was once used as a stop-
over for bodies royal family to be refined before be-
ing buried

1960 The name of Istana Kenangan is just used beginning
in the late 1960s after the palace restored with an ef-
fort YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman

1986 The structure is home to a museum with displays on Royal Museum
the state’s history and the Perak royal family

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Sultan Iskandar Shah Traditional Malay Architecture Fine wooden carvings and woven wall-mats enhance the beau- The detail of diamond
Metaphoric Architecture of sword ty and uniqueness of this beautiful wooden building. shaped kelarai of the walls
stored in a scabbard It rests on 60 wooden pillars and is 42 metres long and 11me- make the whole palace
Perak’s Kutai House tres wide seems to be carved with
royal palace assence.

Istana Kenangan is noted for being built entirely of wood and
woven bamboo, without the use of nails.

It was planned to shape like a sword (pedang) in its scabbard
(sarung pedang). The handle of the sword is where the Sultan’s
bedchamber is located. The scabbard is where the royal court
or Balai Rong Seri was located.

The walls are made of diamond-shaped plaits (kelarai)

The roof structure takes the combined styles of the five ridges
(perabung lima) and the ridge of the perabung pisang sesikat.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

710 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Istana Iskandariah, 1933

Building on map Figure 3. : Sky view of Istana Iskandariah, by KM Visuals Photographer
Figure 3.1. Building on map shown in black mark

Istana Iskandariah is the royal palace of the
Perak Sultanate and the official residence of the Sul-
tan of Perak since its completion in 1933. All the
Sultans of Perak have been installed in the palace
since its completion. The palace is named after Sul-
tan Iskandar Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Mur-
shidul Azzam Shah I Rahmatullah (1918 - 1938) who
initiated its construction.
Years before the current palace located at
Bukit Chandan, Sultan Yusuf Sharifuddin Mudzaf-
far Shah of Perak who ruled from 1877 to 1887 had
his first royal palace built beside the riverbank named
Istana Sri Sayong at Persiaran Sayong. But after the
Big Flood or Air Bah in 1926, Sultan Idris Murshid-
ul’adzam Shah I decided to move the palace further
up onto the current Royal Palace.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

INDO-SARACENIC STYLE. The design Extended building in 1984

of the palace is based on the Indo – Saracenic archi-
tecture, which is famous for its pointed arches and
onion-shaped domes. The building is rectangular in
shape and faces the sunrise and the river. The roof
is designed with one main dome in the centre and
four subsidiary domes, one on each of the palace.
The palace is three storeys high.

The ground floor houses: Figure 3. : The old and the extended building appears as if it were the same building at the same time, by Author
• The Royal Dining Room
• Two Audience Halls In 1984, Istana Iskandariah was extended to- rectangular in shape with one main dome and four
• Reception Area wards the rear by an additional 11,468 square meters, small er ones, one at each corner.
• The Royal Rest Chambers at the same level as the main palace and is connected As is seen now, the palace has two main
• Ladies’ Cloak Room to it by a covered bridge at the first floor level. The domes and eight small er ones located at each corner
• Aide-de-Camp’s Office architecture of the extension is similar to that of the of the palace.
• Music Hall main palace so
• Royal Council Chamber. that it appears The ground floor
The first floor consist of : as if it were of the extension is the
• Princesses’ bedrooms one building garage for the royal cars
• Princesses’ bedrooms constructed at and the new Banquet
• 2 nos of Royal Guest Rooms the same time. Hall, while the first floor
• Royal Highnesses’ suite is the new Throne Room
The second floor : The extension (Balairong Seri). The
• Princess’s bedrooms which mea- Throne Room and Ban-
• Royal Guest Room. sures 99 me- quet Hall are decorated
ters by 38.7 with carvings of Bunga
meters is Kelumpang.
Figure 3. : Carving of Bunga
Figure 3.1. : Plan of new extended building kelumpang, by Author

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712 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Istana Iskandariah, 1933

Figure 3. : Old palace at the same site called Istana Negara been Fthigreueren3ar. r :oGwopldoeinnteodniaornchshwaipneddowdosmone oevnetrhyessidqeusa,rbeytoAwuethr owrith Figure 3. : Main gate of Istana Iskandariah, by Author
demolished in 1930 to build the current palace, by National Archive Figure 3. : The highest point of Bukit Chandan from the big
flood in 1926, by National Archive
Based on the Perak’s history from Arkib tFRhiogrnouguregwh3a.as lco:ocOvaertreigeddinnbaorlwibd,ugbieyldtRoinTtghMiennreewd sbquuiladrienmg warhkeerxettehnedneedwinB1a9la8i4
Negara (National Archives), the current building of
Istana Iskandariah is actually a second design and
build project after the old palace called Istana Negara
had been demolished in 1930 to build a new palace.
The first design is a very authentic arts of Siamese
architecture and also looks like Chinese architecture
with tiered roof style of merong at the edges of the
roof and teratai motives on top point of the roof.

With some request touch of Sultan Idris Figure 3. : Main covered bridge also act as a drop off, by RTM
Shah, the mixed of its Indo – Saracenic architecture
and Art-Deco architecture is a rare but significant
piece of architectural milestone in Malaysia. Painted
building with a pristine cream and white colour, with
regal golden domes, the palace is sprawled over a
large gated compound with the canopy of huge rain
trees shading its beautifully landscaped grounds.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3. : New Balai Rong on the first floor of new extended
building, by Author

Figure 3. : Main royal stair to the Balai Rong hall, by Author

Figure 3. : Covered bridge on top of the Drop off area in between Figure 3. : Open ceremony area overlooking to the Panca Persada, by Author
the two buildings, by Author

Kuala Kangsar today has spread across the gentle
undulating lands along the bank to accommodate
the growing community but its core and historical
part of town still sits quietly on the high grounds by
the bend of the river.

FAcoiugmtuhproeler3te. th:eP“aUnpcaacPaerarsBaderasiinrafmroTnatboaflt”h(ebaotpheinngcecreermemonoynya)r,ebayto

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714 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Istana Iskandariah, 1933 - Indo-Saracenic Style

Istana Idris 1895 When Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah I became Royal Palace British Architect
Istana Negara (demolished) the 28th Sultan of Perak on 5 April 1889, he decid-
ed to move his administration from Sayong to Bukit
Istana Iskandariah (current) Chandan. There, he built a new palace called Istana
Idris

1897 The palace has been renamed to Istana Negara
The palace is also known in Malaysian history as the
site where the first Conference of Rulers, the Durbar,
was held in 1897.

1930 Istana Negara was demolished in 1930 to build a new
palace called Istana Iskandariah

1933 The completion of the new royal palace of the Perak
Sultanate and the official residence of the Sultan of
Perak

1984 Istana Iskandariah was extended towards the rear by
an additional 11,468 square meters, at the same lev-
el as the main palace and is connected by a covered
bridge at the first floor level

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Sultan Idris Murshidul’ad- Architecture of Indo-Saracenic style Narrow pointed arches all over the openings and arches. The smell of yellow Bunga
zam Shah I, the 28th Architecture of West Asia Gold Onion shaped dome on the square towers with three kenanga were all around
Sultan of Perak. with some Victorian Architecture narrow pointed arch windows and minarets the palace as nearer to the
The building is rectangular in shape and faces the sunrise and building
the Perak River The golden shining dome
can be seen from afar and a
The roof is designed with one main dome in the centre and glimpse of its royal pal-
four subsidiary domes located at each corner, one on each of ace can be seen from the
the palace Lembah area. It is dramati-
cally beutify the view from
The Throne Room and Banquet Hall are decorated with carv- the Perak River continued
ings of Bunga Kelumpang. with the presence of majes-
tic assence from the royal
The palace is three storeys high with a covered bridge in be- mosque which is Masjid
tween the two buildings on the first floor. Ubudiah.

Decorative patterns columns designed to give a sense of a gov-
ernment which is the umbrella for the people.

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716 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Lanai Casuarina, 1960

Building on map Figure 3. : Lanai Casuarina from the street view only exposing the original old building of Lanai Casuarina, by Author
Figure 3.1. Building on map shown in black mark

Figure 3. : Currently Lanai Casuarina have been extended with a new building block on the right connected with the double volume drop off, by Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 717
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Lanai Casuarina also used to be named as
Kuala Kangsar rest house. It was built in 1960 and it
is one of a rest house which is still operating today in
the royal town of Kuala Kangsar.

It is popular among foreign tourists because
it is listed in the book of international tourism. Kua-
la Kangsar Rest House is located on a hill called
Government Hill, better known as Bukit Resident at
which time there was a house occupied by the British
Resident and top government officials.

The building is just nice overlooking the riv- FAiugtuhroer3. : Concrete royal balusters around the curve balcony, by
er and has a curve balcony on each room unit with
modern colonial style

MODERN COLONIAL STYLE. The design of Figure 3. : Round column and coloured glass, by Author
Lanai Casuarina influenced by Modern Colonial ar-
chitecture since it was built after the Independence
Day era, the architecture colonial style with an ap-
proach to the modernism just fit in with the suitable
theme for the royal district.

There are two different blocks which is the aFfiagru, rbey3A. uth: Boray windows with semi arch window can be seen from AFiugtuhroer3. : The new block that continued the same theme, by
new one was built with the same architectural style
to make it seems as a whole one big building of Rest
House.

The old building use a round fluted column
at the extended balcony with a bulky planter box and
concrete royal balustrades at every unit room.

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718 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Lanai Casuarina, 1960 - Modern Colonial Style

Kuala Kangsar Rest House 1960 Kuala Kangsar rest house is one of a rest house Rest House -
Lanai Casuarina which is still operating today in the royal town of Hotel
Kuala Kangsar. It is popular among foreign tour-
ists because it is listed in the book of international
tourism. Kuala Kangsar Rest House is located on a
hill called Government Hill, better known as Bukit
Resident.

2004 Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Kangsar has fully taken
over the management of the Rest House at the
command of Sultan Azlan Shah. Sultan Azlan Shah
has also decreed that the level of cleanliness and
facilities upgrades at the Rest House

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

- Mordern Colonial Style Curve balcony with with royalty concrete balustrades at every Mixed with modern but
unit room seems exposed with the
Round column with colonial round column and
blustrades that clearly can
be seen from the street
overlooking to the Perak;s
river

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720 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

The commercial district comprises of buildings that focus on commercial usage,
like traditional cafeterias, coffee shops, sundry shops, bookstores, stationary
shops and more. This part of the chapter explains architectural details about the
Old Town and the New Town over a timeline.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Jalan Kangsar has been the main street of Kuala
Kangsar since the late 1800s.
Jalan Kangsar was a lively street during the 60-
70s. The shops used to open until late at night.
People used to acess the street by foot.
There were a variety of occupations on the street
during the 60-70s. Stalls of blacksmiths, wooden
shoe making and repair, rattan furniture shops
that sell big rattan screens littered the street.
Barbers that operate on manual fans, bookstores
managed by different races, selling different
languaged books, cinemas and little coffee shops
were mushrooming along the busy street.
The current traffic condition in Kuala Kangsar
is relatively convenient mostly due to everyone
owning their own transportation vehicle.

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722 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS YUT LOY
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
DATE 1880s
THE OLD TOWN ARCHITECTURAL
JALAN KANGSAR STYLE Straits Eclectic

The figure depicting the old town below South West Elevation
consists of a long stretch of Jalan Kangsar, the
architectural styles and the date each prominent
building was built.

Front elevation, side elevation, interior

North East Elevation

CIMB BANK

DATE 1990s
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES Modern

Frontage of CIMB Bank

TSUNG HWA THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 723
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
DATE 1910s
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Colonial DOUBLE LION HOTEL

Steps leading to the hall, the office DATE 1910s
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Art Deco

South West Elevation

LISSE PHOTO STUDIO North East Elevation

DATE 1880s DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Straits
Eclectic

Side elevation, 5-foot way of Lisse Photo Studio

724 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: TUNhVeEILEINaGrlITyS-CSHhAoRMpShouse architecturual style, which developed around the 18th century,
could be seen throughout the first portion of the Jalan Kangsar. Detailed study of
JALAN KANGSAREXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

EARLY STYLE selection buildings would be discussed in the following pages.

EARLY STYLE STRUCTURE OPENINGS
SHOPHOUSSES
The Early-Shophouse style comprises of Timber shutter openings are often used on the first
shophouses that have large wooden beams and floor of the building,
heavy (brick) pillars. The dividing walls between
buildings were also made of brick with the ORNAMENTATIONS
intention to retain fire-spread in areas with highly
condensed population. In general, cornices of the doric order are found
along the beams of the building facade, matched
The upper floor of the shophouses are mostly with doric-capped square columns with a tuscan
constructed of timber, comprising of thick timber squared or savannah base.
beams imported from outside the country. Roofs
of the shophouses were steep and tiled, often
including jack-roofs for better ventilation.

Early style shophouses in Jalan Kangsar

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

South West Elevation

Timber shuttered windows Doric cap of the square columns, with a plain base, Jack roof of RHB Insurance and Jaky Trading.
and timber ventilation slits on the frontage of Thye Loong Enterprise
lining across the facade of

Thye Loong Enterprise

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726 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

JALAN KANGSAR

Thye Loong Enterprise functions as a grocery

store, and is located in the front portion of Jalan

Kangsar.

THYE LOONG ARCHITECTURE
ENTERPRISE
The building of Thye Long Enterprise has a built
of load bearing brick walls and timber beams and
rafters. The front facade of the first floor of the
shoplot has full length timber louvred windows
and a strip of timber lattice on top for optimum
ventilation.

Glass doors were used to replace the old timber
folding doors of the entrance and bamboo blinds
were also used to block the sunlight in the
afternoon.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

728 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

STRUCTURE Terracotta U-shaped roof tiles are often used in the
roofs.
The shophouses, like the Early Style shophouses,
has a structure of bricks and timber. The party OPENINGS
walls of the shophouse are made of bricks, The openings are framed with timber, and the
forming a load bearing wall. The shophouses are openings often exist in the number of threes, due
also symmetrical vertically. to the western Christian belief of God the trinity.
Georgian fanlights could also be found above
The shophouses of the Straits Eclectic period some of the timber louvred windows.
were usually long and narrow, due to building In the late Transitional period, glass panels could
laws. The narrow width could also be caused by be found.
technological limitations of the time (limitations
of the load bearing capacity of the timber beams)

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

ORNAMENTATIONS

Early transitional styled shophouses often had
little ornamentation. Cornices cover the beams of
the shophouses, with minimum decoration on its
pillars. Columns are usually in Doric or Tuscan
order.

During the late transitional period (1930s),
shophouses with elaborate moulds of floral or
animal motifs and corinthian styled columns could
be found. This style, however, does not exist on
Jln Kangsar. There seem to be a gap from the early
eclectic styled shophouses to the newer art deco
shophouses.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Yut Loy is a famous coffee shop located in the ARCHITECTURE
mid section of Jalan Kangsar. Currently rented
and run by the third generation of the family, the Yut Loy is a building from the British Colonial
shop is frequented by the royals of Perak that period. The load bearing brick walls and the
reside in Kuala Kangsar for its pau. timber floor suggests that it was probably from the
Straits Eclectic period. Also, the building portrays
a slight Chinese influnce on its fresco (chinese
calligraphy) and facade.

Rafters and beams were of thick hardwood that is
termite resistant, supporting an attic space that is
covered with ceiling panels. The roof structure is
not exposed, similar to other shoplots that were
built in the same era. The balcony at the side of
Yut Loy was built during the initial construction
of the shophouse (according to the owner) and has
been there ever since.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

732 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Lisse photo studio was located at the opposite of ARCHITECTURE
Yut Loy. Also built during the 1880s, the photo
studio had similar architectural qualities of Yut Lisse Photo Studio has load bearing brick walls
Loy, displaying the traits of an early Straits and timber based roof structure, tainted glass
Eclectic shophouse. panels as decorative elements to shield the
sunlight, and also manually operated timber
louvred windows..

However, the timber flooring of the photo studio
is covered with a layer of plywood to keep things
sturdier as the owner (Mr. Kuan) puts it.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Full length timber windows could be seen lining Cornices (detail depicted opposite) can be found
the side elevation of the Photo Studio, consisting lining the exterior wall of the building, bending
of 4 panels, 2 timber louvred panels above and 2 over to its side elevation. A typical western
recessed timber panels beneath. decoration during the Early Straits Eclectic period.

The lower portion of the window has timber bars Columns were squared with cut-outs at each
at its interior as to prevent accidents. corner, showing a cross-like cut-section. The cap
and the base of the column are of the Doric order.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

734 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
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Colonial architecture can be found influencing all ARCHITECTURE In all, TsungHwa has a building typology
shophouses with its column design, but the most independant of the other shoplots along the street
prominent building lies with Tsung Hwa primary TsungHwa displays an architectural style that due to its initial and current function as a school.,
school. of the British colonial style (Refer painting of but displayed similar characteristics with its sister
TsungHwa, above, right), being in the intermediate secondary school, TsungHwa High School.
The school started humbly as an organization times of the Straits Eclectic period and the Art The first portion of Tsung Hwa Primary was built
named JueMing that hosted night classes for the Deco period. on its current location (approved by the British
pupils in two rooms rented on the main street. The building is designed to be vertically council) on 1924, led by its 3rd principal, Mr.
There were only as few students at that time as 15 symmetrical on its facade, showing a sense of Twu. Renovations and new additions continued till
boys and 2 girls in the whole school. order in all its architecture. its latest block construction during 2008.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

The school planning was designed to have a The windows and doors were made of timber
central courtyard, a large open space in the and louvred for ventilation. However, the school
midst of the building blocks. The buildings were underwent renovations after the flood, and the
arranged in a way around the assmbly hall and openings were replaced by newer, more modern
the basketball court to allow students to meet and materials.Plastic doors are also in use for the
assemble. It creates a central focal point for the toilets in the school.
people using the building.
The columns used were more of a mix between
Covered walkways line up the whole school, the Doric and tuscan order, with a savannah styled
providing a continuous link from the front porch, base and a tapered doric cap. The side columns of
the parking area, with the whole area of the the front porch was designed to be thick to show a
compound. sense of boldness for a strong entrDaEnPAcReTMstEaNtTeOmF AeRnCtH.ITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

736 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
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Art Deco shophouses were constructed during the OPENINGS
1940-1960s. Art deco shophouses usually feature
a parapet wall on its front facade and with it large The openings were often grouped in clusters,
letters on top of the building. rather than the usual set of threes like the previous
styles. Metal frames were also used.
STRUCTURE
ORNAMENTATIONS
Art Deco shophouses are a new invention on
shophouse architecture where the use of reinforced Art Deco shophouses were often stripped off its
concrete is first explored. The shophouses often ornaments, in contrast to the previous styles of
have cantilevered sunshades for its openings and the shophouses. It mainly consisted of clear and
has a coat of Shanghai Plaster, as it is something simple lines (usually in threes), be it horizontally
newly invented at the time. or vertically, together with geometrical shapes to
emphasise its simplicity.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

738 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 739
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

740 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

STRUCTURE ORNAMENTATIONS

The shoplots can be built to higher altitudes due to Early Modern shophouses did not have much
the introduction of reinforced concrete as the main ornamentaions like the previous Art Deco style.
construction material during the period. Buildings Greatly influenced by Great Artchitects like Le
were built for maximum space utilization. Due Corbusier, the Early Modern architectural style is
to the developments of New villages people no a style that is simplified from the previous styles
longer lived on the first story of the shops. Large to suit the culture of different places.
department stores were also built by combining
multiple shoplots.

OPENINGS

Windows panes are now made with glass instead
of timber and are framed with steel or aluminium.
Tainted glass are also used to reduce glare.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 741
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

742 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

The newer shoplots, built around the 1990s, The figure above shows a single unit of the
were built to be more efficient in terms of space modern shophouses.
saving, maximizing interior area usage. The building units were still designed in a
symmetrical way that is pleasing to the eye,
The evolution of building construction like the while integrating elements from past architectural
introduction of reinforced concrete columns styles into the building. This cluster of buildings
made the transfer of load easier, allowing taller integrated strong vertical and horizontal elements
buildings to be built, minimizing landuse. that was prominent and heavily used in the Art
Deco style.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 743
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Kampung Pecah (approximately 5 hectars of land) Architecturally speaking, the houses that
came to be during the cummunist era. could be found in the village were mostly
made of timber, with timber structures, timber
The village was originally occupied by the slated walls and timber openings allowing for
Malays, but as they slowly shifted out or sold their maximum ventilation.
land, the chinese residents, who either bought
the land together or separately from the landlords The houses resemble Malay vernacular
to build their homes, shifted in. They have been architecture, with a verandah or a front porch
living here for three generations.Houses were built in front, and storage beneath the houses. Raised
irregularly plotted and hastily constructed due to ceiling height allows for easy cooling of the
the communist invasion in town. buildings. The houses are usually different from
its neighbour because the additional portions of
Most of the villagers found work in Jalan Kangsar, the units were often made because of need rather
creating a direct social connection of the two than aesthetics.
locations. A bridge was also built to connect the
town to the village. The roads were also enlarged
recently to accomodate larger vehicles.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

744 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS SMELL
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
Smell could also be a factor to distinguish
richness boudaries or districts in an area. And in an area
as tight and linear as Jalan Kangsar, it is hard to
SIGHT have an alloted space for a clear boundary.

The buildings along Jalan Kangsar could easily One could smell the freshly steamed paus, the
be distinguished in clusters that developed from fried Maggie Mee or get a whiff of the curry the
a starting point (the clock tower), due to many mamak is cooking up back in the kitchen from a
cluster of buildings of the same architectural style. block away, and that gets people enticed in a way
The buildings increase in height and simpler that clear-cut boundary lines could not achive.
in facade treatment towards the end of the
street, showing the contrast of early architetural
preferences and how it has developed into more
simple forms in terms of shapes and typology.
As for the social aspect on things, one could see
the influx of candy sellers during school hours,
and also the sudden increase in traffic (double
parking, even) before and after schooling hours,
and also when the market opens.

VISUAL APPROPRIATENESS THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 745
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Two story buildings could be seen along the first
half of Jalan Kangsar, due to its early development
with a lot of load bearing walls. The highest
(preserved) building in the first half of the town
was only of 2 storeys in height.

However, due to the advancement in technology
and the introduction of reinforced concrete into
the market, an increase in building height can be
observed as one progresses through the stretch
of shoplots. Concrete shoplots can be seen at the
end of the street, with an average of 3-4 storeys in
height.

There has been an irregular development on the
shoplots, resulting in a variety of heights between
clusters of the shoplots. Some old brick shoplots
have been renovated or even demolished to be
replaced by concrete shoplots, resulting in a
sudden increase in height.

Serial vision through Jalan Kangsar in
the morning and at night

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

746 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
(IN THE RECREATIONAL DISTRICT)
The commercial district along Jalan Daeng Selili are an old
commercial district which are rich in variety. There are mamak
shop, food court, art and craft shop, Arena Square and many
more.

OLD TOWN THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 747
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

This old town commercial district along Jalan
Daeng Selili is also known as “Lembah” among the
locals as it is near to the Sungai Perak.

The building in this district originated from the
clock tower where the older colonial shophouse is
the mark of history.The shophouse in this district
are mainly restaurant, hardware shop, and even
the community college. The old shophouse in area
mainly own by the chinese while the new shophouse
near river are mainly own by Malays.

The riverside and arena is active in night especially
in the weekend where the local spent time with
their family and having meal in food court.

The traffic in this area is also very hectic in weekend
when there are morning market. The morning
market are one of the main attraction in this area.

Figure 3.x: Commercial Distric along Jalan Daeng Selili
Source: author

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

748 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS

jalan daeng seliliEXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

early style

shophouses ARCHITECTURE Most of them were modified to a greater or
in jalan daeng selili leaser degree by the use of local building
The Early-Shophouses architectural style materials and architectural traditions
LEGEND is more to colonial british style which was
developed around 1890-1910s. This can be The shophouses often constructed a 10 feet square
Early styles in Jalan Daeng Selili seen through front facade of Jalan Daeng Selili. strong brick vault to protect their wealth. The load
bearing walls and the timber floor that suggest is
The shophouses along Jalan Daeng Selili to avoid from rapid destruction and fire weakness.
mostly are the early style which is has been
built around 1900. The design of the building Although the huts of the house indicated the malay
is from the influence of BritishColonisation. construction techniques and materials. The roofs of
these shops were half-hipped and gabled-roofing.
Aesthetically, British colonial architecture is
essentially a hybrid. Under Western influence, the
buildings sometimes look like Classical, sometimes
Gothic and showing the influences of oriental forms.

A THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 749
B EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
C
A Figure 3x : The cornices is the simple pattern that has
been found around the top of the window arches. The
geometrical shape are form inside of the cornices which
is located on top of the wooden opening. This is one of
the influences that come through the British Colonial era
Source : Author

Figure 3x : The front facade of Kedai Eng Seng. B Figure 3x : This is one part of the building C
The building shows the style of British colonisation that shows a style of British colonial. The
which can be seen through the big arches block opening is constructed by the timber wooden
posts with the column are made from
at the ground floor and also at the opening.
Source : Author concrete covered both side of the window. Figure 3x : The details of the window that can be seen
Source : Author
through the exploded of the openng. The window are

constructed by the timber wooden posts with the steel grill

inside of it. The timber louvres are covered the bottom of

the timber window. Its give the ventillation for the building.

Source : Author

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

750 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS

art decoEXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Old Shophouse

art deco STRUCTURE ORNAMENTATIONS
shophouses
Art Deco shophouse facade were distinguished by Strong horizontal and vertical lines on facade
strong horizontal and vertical elements that give form the bold characteristic of the style. The upper
strong feeling of height and dignity to the building. facade is often seen along with typical date plague.
Flat roof are commonly used as it celebrates It has special focus on street corner, which in this
simplicity in form and structure. case showed in corner lot of Jalan Nakhoda.

OPENINGS The concrete hole and thin slits on parapet
wall function as air vent and simple geometric
New modern materials such as casement windows, decoration. On the other hand, the vertical and
steel frame, glass are commonly used in the art horizontal fin act as sun shading device.
deco shophouse. Metal frame doors are also one of
the feature.

LEGEND
Art Deco Style shophouse

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 751
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.x Street view Jalan Nakhoda
Source: www.google.com/maps

Figure 3.x: The verticle concrete panels shade Figure 3.x: Concrete parapet wall on the facade have Figure 3.x: Concrete hole can be seen on parapet Figure 3.x: Clear, bold and simple line on facade
the facade of art deco building. The year which it slits which provide ventilation to the interior. New wall of Gemilang Cake house hich function as
is built can be clearly seen on the top of building ornamentation and ventilation. are the main characteristic of Art Deco building.
material such as metal frame and casement window are Source: www.google.com/maps Source: www.google.com/maps
facade. used.
Source: www.google.com/maps
Source: www.google.com/maps

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

Jalan daeng selili

752 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.x: The Rubber Dealers Association is located in a connerlot of Jalan Daeng Selili’s Shophouse Figure 3.x: From the corner we can see the name of
Source : author
association written in Jawi and chinese which showed a mix of
Rubber dealers ARCHITECTURE
1971 association culture in Malaysia.
This three storey building are designed in Art-Deco Source : author
The Rubber Dealers’ Association function style. The building is constructed with reinforced
as a place for the dealers to do annual concrete. Strong and clear horizontal and vertical
meetings. line emphasize the characteristic of Art-Deco.

It is the corner lot building therefore it has more
detail than the other shophouse. There are vent
block and horizontal thin slits can be seen on the
corner facade.

LEGEND The date of it is built is claerly written on the Figure 3.x: Ventilation hole is made on the side facade to allow
Rubber Dealers Association top of facade. The name of this building is also
established on the facade in Mandarine, english, ventilation to interior.
bahasa malaysia and Jawi. Source : author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 753
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.x: The year its built and the name of association is written clearly in multi language Figure 3.x: The association building had its entrance at the side of building. Decorative
which emphasize the characteristic of art deco shouphouse. The clear horizontal and ventilation hole can be seen on the wall. There are a traditional wooden signage on
vertical line on facade also showed the style of building in that era.
the wall.
Source: author
Source: author

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

754 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

JALAN SHAHBANDAR

Jalan Shahbandar one of the secondary road
in Kuala Kangsar after Jalan Temenggong and
Jalan Laksamana. The old Town in Lembah
Kuala was been built in 1900s which there is
shophouses located occupied as a considerable
part of the town area. This shophouses thus
came on top of the list and offered not only
the place for business, but also accomandation
for many town dwellers in the early years.

Figure 3x : West facade of Jalan Temenggung Wan Hassan Figure 3x : West Facade of Jalan Dato Maharajalela
Source : Author Source : Author

YEAR 1926 YEAR 1920
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Colonial British Style
Colonial British

Clock Tower Jalan Temenggung Wan Hassan Jalan Dato Maharajalela Front Facade of Jalan Shahbandar
Back Alley

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 755
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3x : East Facade of Jalan Nakhoda Figure 3x : East Facade of Jalan Laksamana Figure 3x : West Facade of Jalan Persiaran Sungai Perak
Source : Author Source : Author Source : Author

YEAR 1900 YEAR 2000
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ARCHITECTURAL
Colonial British Style Modern Style

Jalan Nakhoda Back Alley Jalan Laksamana Jetty Lembah Kuala

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

756 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

commercial districts

Jalan persiaran sungai

Jalan Persiaran Sungai Perak is the road that
connected to the Jalan Laksamana until Jalan
Shahbandar. There are junction from Jalan
Persiaran Sungai Perak is the important road
that can connect the three secondary road

Figure 3x : Sourth Facade Of Jalan Temenggung Figure 3x : North Facade of Jalan Temenggung
Source : Author Source : Author

YEAR 1915 YEAR 1915
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Colonial British Style
Colonial British Style

Medan Selera Jalan Shahbandar West Facade of Jalan Persiaran Sungai Perak
Jalan Temenggung