ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION IN MALAYSIA- Georgetown

GEORGE TOWN 乔治市

HISTORY OF GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

Penang stands as testimony to the centuries of maritime trade that shaped this country and a had a significant influence on the region.

The first British port town along the Straits of Malacca.

Founded in 1786 by Francis Light. It slowly attracted European and people from other origin.

In the 19th century, thriving entreport activities in George Town also attracted settlers from other parts of the world including: Armenia, Arabia, Burma, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka.

Georgetown has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since July 2008. Recognised as having a 'unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia‘.

WHY IS IT QUALIFIED TO BE UNESCO HERITAGE SITE? • UNESCO World Heritage Criteria • Criteria (ii): exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.

• Criteria (iii): bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.

• Criteria (iv): be an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.

Trading Town forged from Multicultural Exchanges George Town represent exceptional examples of multicultural trading towns in the East and Southeast Asia forged from the mercantile and civilizational exchanges of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European Cultures.

Testimony to Multicultural Living Tradition George Town are living testimony to the multicultural heritage and traditions of Asia, where the greatest religions and cultures met. The coexistence of distinct faiths-both tangible and intangible- in particular the different religious buildings, is a testament to the religious pluralism of Asia.

Multicultural Architectural Landscape Melaka and George Town reflect the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Malay Archipelago and from India and China with those of Europe to create a unique architecture, culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in the East and Southeast Asia, in particular a range and exceptional architecture of shophouses and townhouses.

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109.38 hectare core zone 150.04-hectare buffer zone

CORE ZONE

Penang City Hall

Fort Cornwallis

Penang State Museum

• The core zone includes the oldest quarter of George Town. It consists of over 1,700 historic buildings, including the important administrative buildings of Penang Island such as the City Hall and the State Assembly Building.

BUFFER ZONE

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Shophouses

• Buffer zone is delineated along George Town's 19th century boundaries. Chinese shophouses, Hindu temples, Indian Muslim mosques and two oldest wet market are located within this zone, as are Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Campbell Street Market (1899)

Chowrasta Market (1890)

BLUE MANSION BACKGROUND The Circa 1880s mansion built by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze at the end of 19th century has 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases & 220 vernacular timber louvre windows.

It served as Cheong's private residence as well as the seat of his business activities.

The architecture of the mansion originates from the Su Chow Dynasty Period in China.

14, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

With both Asian traditions and Western influence adorning the interior, the mansion is pretty much Cheong Fatt Tze’s manifestation of success during his lifetime

PURPOSE NOW The mansion is entirely available for booking for themed functions such as seminars, dinners and weddings.

You can speak to the persons-incharge to have your event tailormade to suit your budget and needs The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion also functions as a boutique hotel.

Travelers can stay at the mansion for one or more memorable nights.

CHOWRASTA MARKET BACKGROUND The original Chowrasta Market was built in 1890 by the George Town municipality. The front portion facing Penang Road was rebuilt in 1920 and has remained virtually unchanged until 1981 when a new market was built in its place. In Urdu, Chowrasta means "four cross roads". In the early days, more than threequarters of the stall holders were Indian Muslims from south India.

Lebuh Tamil, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

CHOWRASTA THEN

With both Asian traditions and Western influence adorning the interior, the mansion is pretty much Cheong Fatt Tze’s manifestation of success during his lifetime

PURPOSE NOW

CHOWRASTA NOW

Integration of existing marketplace activity while sensitively adding new functions and spaces to revitalise the character and quality of the market.

The design also intends to create a pioneer eco-project based on responsible and sustainable planning, aiming for GBI certification.

Challenges and Issues (on site)

Intrusive Features/Factors that threaten Significance

On the whole, the greatest threats to the retention of significance are related to issues of:(a) Development Pressure from Infrastructure and Real Estate projects (b) Non-Compliance with Conservation Plans, Policies and Guidelines (c) Gentrification and loss of community cohesion

Development Pressure from Infrastructure and Real Estate projects

The most significant large-scale pressure comes from highimpact projects, mainly involving infrastructure development, which have been directly planned at Federal Government level such as: • Penang Monorail Project - a monorail system that is currently planned to provide a rail-based public transport system to link George Town and its suburbs, with one of the lines ending at the ferry terminal.

• Another project is the Northern Corridor Economic Region Development (NCERD) programme - an initiative which was launched in 2007 to accelerate economic and growth and elevate income levels in the north of Peninsular Malaysia with the focus on tourism and logistics services, levering the region’s strengths such as Langkawi and Pulau Pinang as the region’s premier tourist destinations.

• There are also in existing development plans that have been granted planning permission and building plan approval prior to 2007. Issues arise from these new development projects which have yet to be built but are now not in consonance with the new Guidelines for Conservation Areas and Heritage Buildings approved by the State Planning Committee in August 2007.

Non-Compliance with Conservation Plans, Policies and Guidelines

"The present building control system requires all building owners to apply to the Municipal Council for permits to repair buildings and for building plan approval in the case of alterations and additions to an existing building or for the erection of a new building"

Guidelines for heritage buildings have to be complied with if the building is identified as a heritage building. When a proposed development is on a site that is not designated as a heritage building, the proposed building must comply with design guidelines.

The Guidelines for Conservation Areas and Heritage Buildings, 2007 is applicable for all buildings in the Core Area and Buffer Zone to ensure that the setting or views into or out of the area are protected.

However, the enforcement of these guidelines throughout George Town may limit development growth.

Gentrification and loss of community cohesion

"The lifting of the RCA in 1997 and abolishment in 2000 resulted in an economic change and gentrification of areas within the Site"

The Penang Structure Plan 2020 incorporates specific policies for special areas or places that have economical, environmental or development importance; but many of the heritage buildings in the Site are privately owned and a large number are poorly maintained as direct result of the RCA and its limitation on economic gain.

The lifting of the RCA in 1997 and abolishment in 2000 resulted in an economic change and gentrification of areas within the Site. The Site currently faces threats in the form of development pressure from local developers to maximize the development potential on private lots for economic gains. This has resulted in possible threats in the form of:i) the gentrification of the WHS due to population demographics ii) change in character of the Site. •

Approaches and Overcoming The Challenges

1. Adaptive Reuse • The process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for, • While conserving resources and historic value.

• Most cases in local- convert historical building to interpretive centers • Factors: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Societal value- importance to site community Potential- character of proposed reuse Historical importance Environmental conditions

Successful Example

Wet market

= Tourist attraction

2. Restoration • The process of accurately revealing, recovering or representing the state of a historic building, as it appeared at a particular period in its history, • While protecting its heritage value.

• To reverse decay, or alterations made to the building • Work include: 1. Preservation- leave as much material untouched 2. Reconstruction- replace missing elements 3. Repair work

Successful Example

Kedai Mulong Mosque, Kota Bharu before and after restoration (2009).

Originally was a palace hall (balai istana) in 1958 have been relocated to Kedai Mulong.

Restoration was based on historical and physical documentation.

The new mosque is compatible with the historic/original character of palace hall.

Adaptive Reuse Case 1Syed Al-Attas Mansion to Penang Islamic Museum • • • •

Built year 1860 Known as “Rumah Besar” Indo Malay Straits Eclectic style Significant to the Malay-Muslim enclave in George Town • Located in the conservation core zone • Conservation undertaken by the Penang State Government and MPPP with the technical assistance from French conservator, Didier Repellin.

Historical Background • By Syed Mohammad Alatas, a black pepper trader in 19th century, leader of the Red Flag Society, a Malay secret society • Also served as the central point where celebrations such as Awal Muharram and the annual boria performances

Overcoming The Challenges • 1996- fully restored and became The Heritage Centre of Penang, with technical assistance from the French government • 2002- Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce took over and converted it into Penang Islamic Museum after conducting some minor renovations.

• Closed down several years later as it had again deteriorated to the point of being hazardous and it was left vacant • Penang Islamic Foundation took over the tenancy – Conduct studies on the extent of the damage – Consult heritage architects – Drew up a proper plan for its conservation works to fulfil the council’s restoration guidelines – The restoration plan meant a multimillion ringgit bill.

• 2013 reported- Repair work has done but there is still much to be done.

• At least two years to fully restore the building, provided that they raise enough funds. The plan is to turn the mansion into The Al-Attas Gallery after it is fully restored.

Approaches Repair and Replace Work

1. Termite infestation problem resolved, leaking roof and corrupted walls repaired 2. Rotten timber flooring has been replaced at the first floor of the mansion (right)

Approaches Repair and Replace Work

Syed Al-Attas Mansion undergoing a makeover (left).

The Syed Al-Attas mansion now sports a brand new coat of paint but there is still a lot of work to be done (right)

Adaptive Reuse Case 2Rumah Teh Bunga to Penang Malay Heritage Gallery • Built year 1893 • Floral Tea Mansion • 138 Hutton Lane, a stately double-storey historic bungalow in George Town • Name given due to the choice of colour for its exterior • Malay Straits Eclectric style • Located in the conservation buffer zone • Registered as a heritage building under the National Heritage Act 2005 in 2009.

Historical Background • By a prominent Malay trader, M.Z. Merican, who is the son-in-law of Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Tajoodin, one of the richest Jawi Peranakan in the late 19th century • 20s- bought over by one Tan Chong Keat and remained a Chinese residence for several generations • Bought over by the National Heritage Department (Jabatan Warisan Negara) via the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage • The intention was to turn it into the Penang Malay Gallery.

• 2007- Conservation work began, over a good 18 months.

• Restoration work included replacing parts that have been damaged, and strengthening the structure.

Approaches- materials There are two materials that have undergone major changed which are timber for flooring and plaster for wall.

Broken flooring were removed.

Meranti Merah used for timber flooring

Paint remained original colour External- chrysanthemum flower Internal - blue shade

Approaches- addition The only structure that has been removed in order to do a conservation work on this mansion is the partition walls.

The partition wall is made from timber structure and it is covered with a material called “Papan Lapis Cantik� (Glossy Plywood)

Partition wall to create exhibition area

Partition wall as decoration in lobby

Approaches- spaces • Cultural centers, spaces for management, handicraft courses, meeting rooms and exhibition halls are needed. • Some of the space will remain to original usage intended for exhibition purposes such as kitchen area and bedrooms

Ground floor before re-use

Ground floor after re-use

Restoration of the St. George’s Church, George Town, Penang (1816-1818) • • • •

Restoration Year 2009 – 2011 Georgian Neo-classical religious building Masonry & timber structure Project Restoration of National Monument – Scope • Architectural conservation documentation analysis & guidelines • Materials and deterioration assessment for brick masonry, lime plaster, paintwork, stone, terrazzo, timber and metallic finishes • Interpretation of laboratory test analyses incl. petrographic-minerological analysis • Restoration specification and techniques

• Client/ Architect East Design Architects Sdn Bhd • National Monument (Malaysia) in UNESCO World Heritage Site

Historical Background • Designed by Captain Robert N. Smith of the Bengal Engineers, the church was constructed at a cost of 60,000 Spanish dollars • First significant event- The marriage of Janet, daughter of Governor Bannerman, to William Edwards Philips in 1818 • 11th of May 1819- consecrated by Reverend Thomas Fenshaw Middleton, the Bishop of Calcutta, India.

• 1885- Mahogany trees were planted in the church compound followed by the erection of the Francis Light Memorial built in 1886 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Penang by Sir Francis Light.

Restoration Work • •

A dilapidation survey had confirmed the generally poor condition of the church.

Building diagnoses showed numerous problems including rising damp, salt contamination, termite infestation, defect plaster walls and renderings, harmful growth, peeling paint and roof leakage.

Crumbled lime plaster had to be removed from the base of the columns which were infected with salt attack and rising damp

Salt attack was treated through the salt desalination process

Restoration Work

The new clock consists of aluminum minute markers, stainless steel Roman numerals; and stainless steel hour and minute hands which were all gilded with 23.5-carat gold leaf

A working replica of 1.27-meter clock was fixed onto the north side of the spire

CONCLUSIONS • Heritage sites are divided into two different zones, which are core zone (administrative) and buffer zone (temples, shophouses).

• Different approaches are being utilized for conservation of George Town such as adaptive re-use, repair and replace work, using different materials, spatial function and additions.

• Successful examples includes Blue Mansion, Syed Al-Attas Mansion (Penang Islamic Museum), Rumah Teh Bunga (Penang Malay Heritage Gallery)

REFERENCES •

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THE CONSERVATION PLAN FOR WORLD HERITAGE SITE: GEORGE TOWN ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.academia.edu/6035394/THE_CONSERVATION_PLAN_FOR_WORLD_HERITAGE_SIT E_GEORGE_TOWN_PENANG_AND_MALACCA_MALAYSIA UNESCO World Heritage Centre - The Criteria for Selection. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://whc.unesco.org/en/criteria/ Strategies for urban conservation: A case example of ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197397507000586 Penang Fort Cornwallis - The Historic Fort Of Penang. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.penang-vacations.com/fort-cornwallis.html Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion Tour Times, Entrance Fees. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/discover/daily-tours/ Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.eohotels.com/main.php GTWHI Resource Centre. http://penangshophouse.com.my/

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REFERENCES The World Heritage Challenge - WSJ. (n.d.). Retrieved

October 20, 2016, from http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB100014240527487048 53404575322022762324864 • George Town, Penang as a World Heritage Site: The ... (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187 7042813025366 • George Town World Heritage Site - gtwhi.com.my. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.gtwhi.com.my/introduction/george-townworld-heritage-site.html

References • •

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A. (2011). The Seventh Regular Report. Malaysia, (Restoration of the St. George’s Church, George Town, Penang, Malaysia), 15-18. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.nara.accu.or.jp/activities/img/dissemination/7th.pdf Harun, S. (2011). Heritage Building Conservation in Malaysia: Experience and Challenges. The 2nd International Building Control Conference 2011. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://ac.elscdn.com/S1877705811029468/1-s2.0-S1877705811029468-main.pdf?_tid=ff7c184a-9698-11e6b2f7-00000aacb35e&acdnat=1476949634_6f5217c807ebb8e73e594c43e8687939 Jabatan Warisan Negara. (2011). Rumah No 138. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.heritage.gov.my/index.php/konservasi/konservasi-bangunan/bangunantradisional/rumah-no-138 Marhamah, A.H., MD, A.O.M, Noor, F.A. (n.d.) Investigation on Adaptive Re-use of Heritage Building in George Town, Penang. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://anale-ing.uem.ro/2013/313.pdf Muhammad, F. (2013). An Evaluation On Adaptive Reuse of Interior Spaces with Reference to the Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings 1977: Case Studies of Syed Al-Attas Mansion and Rumah Teh Bunga, George Town. Fifth International Conference on Southeast Asia (ICONSEA 2013): “Southeast Asia Rising”. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from https://www.academia.edu/19596005/An_Evaluation_on_Adaptive_Reuse_of_Interior_Spaces_wit h_reference_to_the_Guidelines_for_Rehabilitating_Historic_Buildings_1977_Case_Studies_of_Sye d_Al-Attas_Mansion_and_Rumah_Teh_Bunga_George_Town.

Opalyn, M. (2014, March 14). Restoring the grand Syed Al-Attas mansion… again. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.themalaymailonline.com/features/article/restoring-the-grand-syed-al-attas-mansionagain Studio Lapis. (n.d.). Architectural Conservation Portfolio. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.studiolapis.sg/StudioLapisPortfolio201602op.pdf