Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 757
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3x : South Facade of Jalan Laksamana Figure 3x : Along Jalan Laksamana Figure 3x : North Facade of Jalan Laksamana
Source : Author Source : Author Source : Author

YEAR 2002
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Modern Style

Jalan Laksamana Arena Square
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

PERSIARAN SUNGAI PERAK

758 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS

MODERN STYLEEXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Art and Craft Shop STRUCTURE ORNAMENTATIONS

Figure 3.x:Street view of Persiaran Sungai Perak The fundamental principle of modern architecture The buildings are mostly in linked rectangular
Source: www.google.com/maps are clean and simple structure. form which are repetitive modular units.

MODERN STYLE The structure focuses more on industrial material There are no decorative ornaments in modern
shophouses such as steel, concrete and glass. Materials such shoplot as they celebrate clean aesthetic.
as long span steel structure create open, flowing
interior space with fewer or no wall similar to
Arena Square, exposing the structural elements.

OPENINGS

Modern materials are used such as tinted casement

windows and metal roofing.

LEGEND
Modern Style Shophouses

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 759
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Food Court Arena Square

Figure 3.x: The art and craft area is1 Figure 3.x: Concrete floors are exposed in the Figure 3.x: In food court, the space for food Figure 3.x: The long span steel structure
construted with simple or in other words, less food court area. Steel awning are used in food preparation and dinning areas are no create an open plan in Arena Square.

decoration facade. court and craft shop area. longer defined by wall but flow together as The semi dome shaped Arena is a
continuous interior space. modern landmark in Kuala Kangsar.
Source: author Source: author
Source: author Source: author

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

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

JALAN LAKSAMANA

Figure 3.x: The side view of Arena Square Figure 3.x: The night view of Arena Square in weekend.
Source : arthor Source : arthor

ARENA ARCHITECTURE
SQUARE
Late 2000s: The building are the industrial design which is
celebrate the mechanical aesthetic. Its use long
Arena Square is a multipurpose area in Persiaran span steel structure semi dome. The roof are using
open web joist.
Sungai Perak provided by the goverment for the
Rectangular floor plan is used in this design. The
local. building are open plan which is no wall on it. Its
easier for having an event.

The building are open from all the side and its more Figure 3.x: The exposed long span steel structure showed the
convenience for the people to come and create characteristic of modern architecture.
welcoming feeling tot he visitor.
Source : arthor

LEGEND
Arena Square

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 761
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.x: The weekend traffic condition around Arena Square Figure 3.x: Daily items, clothes and souvenir are available in
increase in weekend. Arena Square The open space area of Arena can provide

Source : arthor flexible space for the traders.

Source : arthor

Figure 3.x: The open plan area enable the locals to clear the Figure 3.x: The open web joist joint into concrete column base. Figure 3.x: The open web joist steel structure is bend to form a
space when there are government event going on. Source : arthor semi dome shaped cover.

Source : arthor Source : arthor

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

762 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS SATUR
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
After the ro
EDUCATIONAL followed b
DISTRICT and banks,
the royals
The educational district includes a few of the ed
educational institutions in one similar area, Located w
saturated with school compunds. The non- core, the
educational adjacent buildings are covered as well, primary s
including a palace, a former hospital and a pavilion.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 763
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

RATION OF SCHOOL COMPOUNDS

Figure 3.X: Educational district shaded in map of Kuala Kangsar
Source: Author

oyal family settled down in Kuala Kangsar, In year 1897, a secondary boys’ school was Other than educational institutions, the area used to
by the emergence of commercial shoplots established along Jalan Taiping; followed by have some other minor facilities as well, including
, the need for education of her people, both the prominent Malay College of Kuala Kangsar the first hospital of Kuala Kangsar and the Iskandar
and peasants, has led to the development (Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar), a school specially Polo Club. However, the former is now the property of
ducational district in Kuala Kangsar. established for the young royals and nobles. Clifford School, serving as a sports equipment store.
westward of the town’s commercial These three schools built in close proximity has made The dominance of education has
the area an obvious district for education purposes, made the area serve minimal variety.
educational area started off with a where the area is constantly passed by scholars.
school in Jalan Stesyen, in year 1880.

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

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

JALAN TUN RAZAK

This street was previously known as Jalan Most of the buildings seen as you go along the street
Raja Idris, however, it was renamed after are educational institutions. Tucked behind other
Tun Razak’s return from the railway station buildings is the Sek. Keb. Sultan Idris II, followed
through this street, where he waved to his by the distinctive Malay College Kuala Kangsar as
people who were welcoming his glorious return. you move towards the junction to Jalan Daeng Selili.

TAMAN VILLA GAHARA MCKK NEW HOSTEL
DATE 1980s DATE 1972
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Modernism Modernism

RAJA BENDAHARA PALACE
DATE 1930s
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Neocolonial & Palladian

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 765
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

MCKK EAST & WEST WING BIG TREE RIDZWANIAH MOSQUE
DATE 1955 DATE 1900s DATE 1981
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES ARCHITECTURAL STYLES Islamic
Modernism

Firgure 3.X: Street elevation sketch of Jalan Tun Razak
Source: Author

MCKK BIG SCHOOL
DATE 1909
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Neoclassical & Pseudo Greco-Roman

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

MALAY COLLEGE KUALA KANGSAR - BIG SCHOOL

Figure 3.X: Big School building in white wash (photo taken in 2015)
Source: Author

Established in 2 January 1905, the Malay College Big School Big Tree
Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) is a school founded
specially to educate only the children of the In 1909, the most recognisable building of the Rumour states that this gigantic tree is as old
Royal Family, high ranking Malay dignitaries and college - the Big School, has been brought into as the Big School building, or might even exist
royal court officials, to train manpower for the use. It is of pseudo Greco-Roman style. before it. It is a species of raintree (Samanea
governmental sector. From mid 18th century, neoclassicism revolution saman), located in front of the East Wing.
Hence, it is also known as “Eton of the East”. The was brought into Britain, and for Perak being a As seen today, its canopy stretches as long as half
school is one of the only two boarding schools in Federated Malay State, the influence is tangible. of the Big School facade. It had once faced the
Malaysia that are under the royal patronage. Some of its prominent features are Ionic columns threat of withering due to termite attacks.
in a colonnade and detailed cornice plaster
mouldings.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 767
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.X: Round louvre plaster moulding in the middle of the Figure 3.X: A close-up of the top of the building, showing its
frieze and architrave with elaborate moulding details. The
cornice reflects its neoclassical style brought in by the British column capitals with scrolls identify its Ionic style column
Source: Author
Source: Author

Figure 3.X: The balustrades in the first floor corridors are made Figure 3.X: The combination of all the architectural features Figure 3.X: The parts of Ionic order architecture, found in the
up of decorative spindles or stair sticks out of stonework, in the creates the intricately elegant look of the facade in a pseudo
facade of Big School.
form of Greek amphoras Greco-Roman style Source: Author
Source: Author Source: Author

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

MALAY COLLEGE KUALA KANGSAR - PREP SCHOOL

Figure 3.X: The Prep School, viewed at the junction of Jalan Taiping & Jalan Kolej Melayu Figure 3.X: Viewed from Jalan Kolej Melayu, by the Clifford Field
Source: Author Source: Author

To increase the accomodation capacity, the Malay This block is known as the Prep School Bearing resemblance in decorative elements
College Kuala Kangsar had another dormitory (preparatory school), currently used as the with the Big School, the Prep School has
block built in 1912 to cater its growing community. students’ dormitory, for those in lower forms. cornice mouldings, balustrades and louvre
Though it is slightly smaller than the Big School After they enter the upper forms (Form 4 & 5), moulding in the middle of cornice as well.
building, it has equally distinguished features. they will be allowed to stay in the Big School.

It is located along Jalan Kolej Melayu,
facing the Clifford Field. Part of it
faces the main road, Jalan Taiping.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 769
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.X: Prep School with its adjacent streetscape: gates & lampposts along Jalan Taiping Figure 3.X: Prep School with its adjacent streetscape: gates & lamp posts along Jalan Taiping
Source: Author Source: Author

However, there are slight differences in Two, the frieze has less detailed plasterwork Finally, at the top of the cornice, the round
these elements. One, the column style of Big compared to Big School, reflecting the hierarchy of louvred plasterwork is replaced with a more
School is Ionic order, but for Prep School it status and importance. The cornice around openings rectangular one, split into three parts, with
is Tuscan order. Note that the scrolls in the are more simplified as well, with only simple grooves. its centre portion topped with a semi-circle.
capital are absent for Prep School columns.

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

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

MALAY COLLEGE KUALA KANGSAR - EXTENSIONS

Figure 3.X: The main administration block Figure 3.X: The front elevation of of west wing
Source: Author Source: Author

Administration Block East and West Wings

In 1955, the admin block was completed with a The administration block was located at the Their construction took place at the same
more modern and simplified facade compared Academic complex together with Main Hall, Prep time as the clocktower and admin block,
to the former buildings. The clocktower School and field. All these blocks, were constructed were completed in 1955. The east and west
penetrates the block beside the entrance patio. in different years according to the needs of school. In wings facade are as the admin block, being
general, there are a clear different styles of each block simple and minimal decorative elements.
The building facade has deep tapering from the Big School to its others extension parts. The humble architecture brings out the visual
fins of paint-coated zinc sheets, that contrast with its neighbouring building -
acts as a sunshade for the openings. the Big School, placing it in the limelight.

DISSECTING THE ARCHITECTURE THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 771
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

The clocktower
The clocktower was built in 1955, with 2
clock faces and the school emblem facing
the street (Jalan Tun Razak). The body of the
tower has plaster moulds of geometry and
a ‘kris’ (malay sword-type weapon) motif.

Vernacular features
Expose brick are use as perforated wall to allow
air movement while detering the sun radiation
and rain. Balcony with large overhang also
served as a transition space to internal space
while providing the user a shady hallway.

Neo-classical Influences
Built in 1912, the Prep school has a direct link
with the Big School, a Greco-Roman styles.
Distinctively elements likes large casement
windows, timber louvres at the pediment
and doric columns are propotionaly arrange
while maintaing the bilateral symetrical order.

Two-layered Roof
A Jack roofing construction is used in the
administration block as a mechanism to invite
the natural daylighting into interior space while
promoting a natural ventilation to occur as the
hot air rised and displaced with cooler air outside.

Figure 3.X: (clockwise, from top left) The Clock Tower, Acadeimic block with perforated brick, Gymnasium with
porous wall, Victoria styles building and administration’s block jack roof
Source of Clock Tower : courtesy of Mohd Hafiz Noor Shams

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

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

ISKANDAR POLO PAVILION

Figure 3.X: Pavilion painted yellow in 2007 Figure 3.X: Pavilion painted white in 2011 Figure 3.X: Pavilion painted partially red in 2014 (current
Source: Dr. Kamarul Syahril Kamal Source: Faizal Abd Fathi appearance)
Source: Author
The Iskandar Polo Pavilion was constructed This pavilion served as a watch platform
alongside the Iskandar Polo Clubhouse back for rugby and polo sports for the royals and It is a fusion of Malay and Chinese style,
in 1920s. As the result of a fire incident, the nobles, as well as a resting spot after the games. with the form of a pagoda and Malay decors,
pavilion is the only structure that is left of today. designed based on a Victorian bandstand.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 773
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.X: Carved Figure 3.X: Wooden
wooden fascia in floral baluster surrounding the
watch platform terrace
motif
Source: Author Source: Author

Figure 3.X: The top of the pavilion with stained glass atrium, Figure 3.X: The concrete columns are ornated with locally-
where extra support of criss-crossing timber holds the roof in suited floral capitals, supporting the top floor of timber
structures
place Source: Author
Source: Author

Figure 3.X: Capital of Figure 3.X: Louvres and
columns decorated with stained glass atop the
doors of the octogonal
leaves motif
Source: Author platform
Source: Author
Figure 3.X: The watch platform with English-style doors of Figure 3.X: The timber staircase leading to the watch

stained glass, as semi-circular transoms are present platform, with detailed timber balustrade handrails
Source: Author Source: Author

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

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

CLIFFORD SCHOOL OF KUALA KANGSAR

Clifford School is an all-boys secondary school Figure 3.X: Morning assembly being held at the school compound
that is established even before the Malay College of Source: Author
Kuala Kangsar. In 1897, it is established and known
as the Government English School or Hogan School Figure 3.X: (insert) the building of Clifford School seen back in history
(named after its first principal Mr James Hogan).[1] Source: www.cskk.blogspot.com
In 1928, the school was renamed as Clifford School,
after the Straits Governor and High Commissioner The main building of Clifford School, known Gradual expansions of the school has not been
of Malaya at that time, Sir Hugh Clifford. as Block A, is of a hybrid of Roman and documented of its period. Most of its school
modernism style. An arcade of round Roman compound is hidden from public view due to its
arches with a disticntly keystone. The first building cluster away from the public streets.
floor facade is of modern casement windows, In front of Block A, is the Clifford Square,
as seen in old photographs of the school. where the students held their Monday assembly.
The building was built as an office for the British, DuringWorldWarII,theschoolwasusedasamilitary
later used as a school. It is currently the office for headquarters by the Japanese army till year 1946.[2]
Special Programme Classes and Japanese classes.

[1] db.ipohworld.org
[2] The Perak Library, Ipoh.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 775
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Timber Louvres High Ceiling Large Openings
Introduction of louvres has allow natural The design of higher ceiling had help to create a Climatically, the application of large openings
ventilation to occur at the first floor. As a result, stacking of the ventilation inside the building. The such as door and window is to boost the cross
an optimum thermal comfart are achieved stacking of ventilation allow the lighter hot air to ventilation within the buildings. In order to
in this hot tropic climate. Aesthetically, the rise and discharge through openings at the higher control the heat gain, a continous verandahs
louvres reflects fusion with local architecture. outlets. It also promotes air circulation process. and large overhangs had been featured.

Round Roman Arches with Keystone Locally Available Materials Pitched Roof
An arcade of round Roman arches with a Timber and concrete are the main construction Clifford School feature a pitched roof styles
distinguished outlined keystone at apex of materials for this school. The selection of these and used a low thermal capacity materials
each arch lines the facade. Architecturally, materials were due to its abudance in resources as finishes. These features are important as
these arches are proof of colonial locally and its good properties and aesthetic values. respod to Malaysian hot an d rainy season.
influences that have been locally adapted.

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

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

FIRST HOSPITAL OF KUALA KANGSAR

Figure 3:X: Front facade of hospital, facing westward, viewed from Clifford field Figure 3.X: Rear facade viewed from Persiaran Bendahara
Source: Author Source: Author

The first district hospital of Kuala Kangsar, built The architecture of this hospital building is a fusion As one of the property of Clifford School today,
in the 1890s along Jalan Taiping for all to access. of Malay and Chinese style. Its triple tiered roof it is barely considered as a heritage building
It is rather small to be a complete hospital, as it with louvres allows lighting and natural ventilation, encouraged for tourism. However, considering
covers only a small corner of the Clifford field. which is very important to medical centres for its age, it is actually a very well-maintained
their operation and a healthier atmosphere. building from back in the 19th century.
In 1930, the hospital building was given to
Clifford School, which is currently used as It has intricately decorated fascia boards along its
a sports equipment store and fitting rooms roof eaves, carved in a cut-through method with
for students to change into their PJ attires. geometrical motives, reflecting the local culture.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 777
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.X: The gable end of the second roof tier, with Figure 3.X: The triple-tier roof is of a Chinese influence, Figure 3.X: The Malay-style fascia board of the roof
where the levelling of the roof tiers serve as ventilation
decorative timber fascia board overhang has a longer fascia at the tip of the roof corners
Source: Author chutes Source: Author
Source: Author

Figure 3.X: Timber louvres are fixed at the top tier of all Figure 3.X: The second tier of the roof utilises concrete Figure 3.X: The original fencing column of the hosptial with
three roof tiers, promoting natural ventilation with more ventblocks for natural ventilation, with the pattern of an some simple moulding pattern, now surrounded by the
Clifford field gates
lightweight materials ‘X’ in each block Source: Author
Source: Author Source: Author

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

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

RAJA BENDAHARA PALACE

Figure 3.X: The palace as seen from the street, Figure 3.X: The most unique feature of the palace being the octogonal tower.

romantically framed by tree canopy The timber portion connected behind the mansion assumed to be formerly the servants’ quarters
Source: Author Source: Author

This official palace of the Raja Bendahara is This palace was the residence of the last Raja The mansion as seen today is rather poorly-
situated halfway between the Malay College and Bendahara Abdul Rashid ibni Sultan Idris maintained, as the paints are peeling and moss
the railway station. The double-storey mansion Murshidul ‘Adzam Shah I, until his death in grows around, the floorboards torn out and the
is of a mix of Palladian and neo-colonial style. 1953 and still used by the family of late Raja glass shattered. Hence, the town council has a
There is no exact record as in Bendahara Abdul Rashid until the early 1990s. plan of recovering its former glory for the benefits
when the mansion was built. of historical heritage as well as for tourism.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 779
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 3.X: The side elevation of the Palace showing Figure 3.X: The entrance patio in the front facade Figure 3.X: Detailed fascia carvings with Medilinna flowers,
Source: Author
another entrance patio at the side of palace leaves, 6-pointed stars and Chinese coins as motifs
Source: Author Source: Author

Figure 3.X: The Figure 3.X: The full Figure 3.X: The
Tuscan order column length window at entrance patio from
capital is used in this the first floor of the beside the palace,
palace is framed
palace. with a concrete
The double column with moulded stairway with huge
cornice plasterwork
is present at the handrails
entrance patio Source: Author Source: Author

Source: Author

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

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Figure 3.X: The Lutheran Church building renovated from a residential unit
Source: Author

Figure 3.X: The signage at According to one of the counsel of the He maintained some of the features in the original
church, Ms Alice (42), the land in which the building, such as the raised floors, which was
the church gates church was on, used to be of agricultural replaced with concrete stubs to resist termite attacks.
Source: Author landuse, now under religious landuse instead.
The building accomodates about 70 active The Dutch gable roof is merged with an octogonal
members for “Divine Service” (Lutheran mass). roof that branches out, with English-style
casement windows around the church. There
In 1970s, The Lutheran Church of Kuala The church as seen today was designed is a kindergarten behind the church compund,
Kangsar was renovated from its original by a bishop himself, whom is said to be accomodating around a hundred children.
building, which is a residential unit of timber an experienced traveller around the world
suffering from serious termite attacks.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 781
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

ELEMENTS OF THE BUILDING

Mix of Influences

This church is a clear cross culture of Tudor
Architecture brought by British with local
adaptation. Elements such as steep roofs, half
timbering and mullioned windows with a small
paned casement windows was incorparted with
its genuis loci features like building on stilt (refer
to figure 3.Y) and timber constructions with steel
structures. Internally, this church had gone through
minor modifications based on the introduction of
gympsum boards and addition of apse to serve
its church purposes. This modification can be
detected clearly due to juxtaposition of elements.

These influences are important as the church or Figure 3.Y: Building on stilts with concrete base
the locals generally, begin to accept and adapt Source: Author
colonial architecture as part of their religous lives.

Openings Figure 3.X: (clockwise, from top left) Openings, front
porch, interior, view front back, roof with cross and Steel

construction
Source: Author

The openings in this building generally to allow an Roof and Gable
adequate amount of sunlight penetration. Having a
relatively smaller window than in Britain is important It is distinctive that this church applied a steep
to control the heat gain into the building in this hot and roof with clay roof tiles on top as a tropical
humid tropical climate. The top casement windows respond. Besides that, a striking effect of this
also assist natural ventilation process to occur. style is the half timbering on its gable end. It is
visible especially at the porte cochere and the
the front (refer to figure 3.Z) and back facade.

Figure 3.Z: Half timbering at the porte cochere
Source: Author

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

RICHNESS

Figure 3.X: (from left)Students sitting at the field, Prep School of MCKK , Clifford’s

morning assembly and a street business by locals
Source: Author

Sight Along Jalan Taiping, Clifford School’s facade, the Sound
The educational institutions with their formal and 2 storey building with arcades of roman arches at Cars and buses bustle through, and the schoolboys
solemn architecture reflects their great mission the bottom and timber louvre at the top presenting walk and cycle quietly across Jalan Kolej Melayu
in shaping the future of the younger generations. a fine vernacular architecture during Colonial and Persiaran Bendahara. The sound of school
More cars and a few school buses pass through era. Moreover, the Big School of MCKK is visible morning assembly when the principals speak
Jalan Taiping during the rush hour, while from the main road. The visual connection is through amplifiers can be heard vaguely through
schoolboys (only a few Form 6 girls from Clifford) important to remain visble as it potray a neo- the field. After school hours, the school band starts
can be seen walking and cycling to their respective classical architecture with 2 storey ionic pillars. practicing and chattering sounds can be heard.
schools before school starts, as most of them Both of the school planning had emphasize of
stays in the dormitories not far from their classes. the field as part of the design. These field has Smell
assist the building to make significance present. The huge compound with mostly school fields
The students have their morning assembly, and at the core makes the district barely smell of
the Clifford field will be filled with students who anything. Sometimes only a whiff of leaves
are having their Exercise classes. After school, scent can be perceived through the wind.
the MCKK field is used for rugby practices.

VISUAL APPROPRIATENESS THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 783
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

The school buildings are arranged uniformly in
their own linear grids, following the form of the
streets. Both, Clifford School and Malay Collage
Kuala Kangsar exhibit a symentrical facade,
with a repetitives elements and demonstrate a
propotional arragement. These elements had
create a harmoniuos visual and at the same times
a strong preception towards it architecture. The
school fields of Clifford School and MCKK
covers a large area of the district, giving the
area a clear-cut view between both schools.

The most prominent buildings of both schools are
aligned face-to-face, separated by the vast school
fields. Most of the buildings in the district has two-
storeys, some of those built in later period rose up to
4-storeys. This creates a harmony in terms of building
heights as the variation is not quite noticeable.The
building features progresses from the decorative
neo-classical style to a more simplified modernism
facade, with less embellishments over time.

Other than that, Iskandar Polo Pavilion also exhibit a
fusion of a Victoria bandstand with Chinese infllunce
of pagoda. These western and eastern influences
are later being adapted to its local context with
the introduction of timber louvres as sunshadings
and traditional ‘cucur atap’ as the facsia board.

Figure 3.X: (clockwise, from top left) Prep School, Clifford
School facade, Iskandar Polo Pavilion, Big School and First

Hospital of Kuala Kangsar
Source: Author

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 785
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

TITLE

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 787
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 789
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 791
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 793
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 795
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 797
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 799
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

800 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS STRENGTH
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
1. The sites that are covered are sites that
exhibit historical monuments of buildings that
have been through times of much significance.
The architecture details of each and every building
are unique to itself and its period of construction,
and could not be found elsewhere.
2. Old buildings and its lavish history also
served as a tourist attraction, a motivation for
people to come visit and see for themselves
the details that are preserved in those ancient
buildings. Like the old palace, for example, is a
location that tourists will definitely visit, because
of its sheer beauty and history.

WEAKNESS

1. The demand for such architecture is very low.
No one would rebuild or construct from scratch
a shophouse that resembles that of the earliest
style. Project developers would delve straight into
projects of multi-storey high end shophouses that
focus more on efficiency in space planning than
in meticulous carvings and details, for maximum
revenue.
2. The materials of the old shophouses are also
deteriorating. The old plaster of shophouses
like Lisse Photo Studio are chipping away, and
according to its owner, very fragile. They had to
find spots that are less sensitive to nail objects
into the wall due to its current brittle state. Sooner
or later all these shophouses would need to be
reconstructed or renewed in the sense of bracings
and materials.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 801
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

RECOMMENDATIONS and CONCLUSIONS

The people of Kuala Kangsar have high hopes that the government will continue this effort of conserving the
town. However, they could not do it themselves due to insufficient funding. Hence, it is recommended to work
with government and private sectors to continue the preservation of old buildings. Conservation works are also
very much needed for old buildings that are slowly chipping away. New materials and reinforcements could be
added to sustain the building, and keep the building in check. Shophouses could be transformed and refurbished
to become chic cafes for the people to sit and chill and enjoy themselves, or reused to become hotels for tourists,
like how our tourism industry had initiated the conversion and conservation of olden colonial villas into retreats
and hotels. People would start to gain knowledge of the old buildings in this way, learn to appreciate the intricate
details and the architecture of the spaces inside, and perceptions of the old would change.

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 803
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

4.0 PERMEABILITY OF KUALA KANGSAR

“Only places which are acessible to people However, after the existence of the highway, Diagram 4.1 : the circle indicates the clock tower that acts as
can offer them choice. The extent to which Kuala Kangsar has lost its popularity among the the focal point for the streets
an environment allows people a choice of outsiders as the new road took them away by just
access through it, from place to place, is passing by Kuala Kangsar without need to enter it. Since the main roads are two directional, entering
therefore a key measure of its responsiveness. and exiting Kuala Kangsar have become easier.
we have called this quality permeability”. Entering Kuala Kangsar, the significant starting Roads are well connected. Thus, the possiblities that
point of the town starts at the clock tower which users can meet and use alternative pathways are high
Citation from Responsive environments is known as the zero point of Kuala Kangsar. eventhough they are not very familiar with the place.
From the clock tower, it disperses into four main
Kuala Kangsar is situated in the east of roads spreading into the town: Jalan Taiping, Jalan
Perak. It gives an image of a royalty town Kangsar, Jalan Istana and Jalan Daeng Selili.
to those who are unfamiliar with this place.

Kuala Kangsar has a good quality of permeability These main roads are important as the main Figure 4.1 : Two directional road with three carriageways
as it offers few alternatives road to enter the town. path for the locals and even outsiders who wish beside Malay College.
Including the old roads and the new roads, Kuala to go to the town. Almost all the main roads Source : Author
Kangsar is accessible from every adjacent areas offer two-ways with two to three carriageways
especially the two big cities: Taiping and Ipoh. Before except for Jalan Shahbandar which is one-way
the North-South Highway take over the Federal heading to the Clock Tower from Lembah.
Road, Kuala Kangsar is well known for its local
businesses such as handcrafts and local materials.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 805
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 4.2 : Good permeability gives clear visual clues about Since the commercial buildings in Kuala Kangsar Figure 4.3 : The intensity of vehicles is higher along commercial
the junctions and back alleys.. are situated along the main roads, these roads buildings along Jalan Shahbandar
Source : Author become the most busiest road especially during Source : Author
weekend. Going into the secondary and tertiary road,
Going along the main road, the road again is disperse the vehicular intensity starts to decrease. Moreover, Figure 4.4 : Social activities encourage human intensities in
into two to three small junctions for bringing the users the areas of Kuala Kangsar are occupied with certain areas.
to the divided area of the town: commercial area, significant landmarks, thus attract a lot of people to Source : Author
industrial area, educational area and residential area. come and visit the places. These kind of activities
contribute to the high number of human intensities to
These areas in Kuala Kangsar are usually consist a certin places that make the places easily accessed.
of small blocks of rectangular shape. They provide
numbers of alternative roads including the back The pedestrians in Kuala Kangsar received few
alleys which are more familiar for the locals. facilities in the scope of safety. They are provided
with zebra crossing, pedestrian traffic lights and also
Some of the junctions are very important as they pedestrian pavements. Unfortunately, these facilities
connect the main road to the other main road such are usually not being used. Pedestrian always cross
as Jalan Bendahara which is the link of the Jalan the road iwthout using any of these facilities. As a
Taiping and Jalan Kangsar, Jalan Raja Chulan link whole, pedestrians are hardly to be noticed as people
the Jalan Taiping with Jalan Daeng Selili through mostly use motorcycle at least, to go anywhere in
another main road which is Jalan Raja Idris. In town. Only in evening, few pedestrians are spotted
the Royal area, Jalan Raja Muda is the main linger around and walking along the river. These
junction from Jalan Istana to the residential area. will be further explained in the next sub-topic.

Figure 4.5 : The market in Kuala Kangsar is the main crowd attention.
Source : Author

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

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

4.1.1 Vehicular network