The Revival of a Neglected Colonial Past | SUTD M.Arch

This thesis prep would not be possible without the help of several people.

Firstly, I would like to thank my thesis mentor, Prof. Daniel Whittaker, for his patience and guidance. His valuable insights have been instrumental in developing this thesis.

I would also like to thank my friends in SUTD, especially Michelle and Clarissa for all their thoughts and opinions on this thesis.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family for supporting me in whatever ways that they can. This thesis is dedicated to my family and my home country, Myanmar.

CONTENT PAGE before we begin Abstract Introduction to issues Research Direction Colonialism in Myanmar 1.

looking at the colonial downtown district Overview Key Figure Buildings Zoning And Character Precincts Challenges Historic Mahatma Building Conditions Case Study: Gandhi Hall Downtown Street Grid Road Network Street Character Form and Movement BETTER SAVE NOW OR NEVER

2.

what has been done in Myanmar?

Yangon Heritage Trust Yangon Heritage Strategy Doh Eain Adaptive Reuse In The Private Sector (Case Study)

3.

what has been done in other countries?

Case Study: Singapore

4.

looking at the future of the Yangon colonial buildings Problems faced Possible Reuse Opportunities

5.

why museum as solution?

Benefits And Opportunities Why Museum is still relevant Yangon Museum Scene

6.

kit-of-parts proto-strategy the parts why musum kit? proposed programs possible location

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Abstract Yangon, the former capital city and largest city in Myanmar, has the densest concentration of colonial-era buildings in Asia. However, many of these colonial buildings are abandoned and left to crumble today. After decades of military rule, when Myanmar finally opened its doors to the world in 2011, these colonial buildings face the threat of being demolished and replaced to give way for urbanization. Sure enough, the colonial period in Myanmar were filled with atrocities and disorder. However, it was also the time when Burma underwent major transformation from a traditional, subsistence-oriented indigenous society into one of the then wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, there is a need to preserve this colonial heritage to remind ourselves of our past glamour that our ancestors used to live in and hopefully, motivate us to work hard to make Myanmar a great country to live in again. When it comes to the conservation, we must ask ourselves, how do we ensure that we still continue to preserve the colonial heritage while promoting the modernization of Yangon in an architecturally sensitive way? How do we inject life into the dilapidating buildings so that they remain relevant and even contribute to Modern Yangon?

The goal of this thesis is to explore flexible museum typology using kit-of parts as a more sustainable solution for revitalization of the heritage homes and buildings where the buildings are able to adapt to the occupants’ needs and wants. This new museum-structure-reuse-project proposal hopes to serve as a model to inspire future conservation works in other heritage buildings in order to save the crumbling Burmese Colonial Heritage.

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“Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our nation. �

-Nelson Mandela

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INTRODUCTION TO ISSUES Today, when one walks down the streets of downtown Yangon, the person will likely catch the glimpse of many moss-covered, weather-stained early-20th Century facades of the historic colonial buildings that are either abandoned or occupied with tenants that take little or no effort to maintain them. In fact, this is the condition of the majority of the colonial buildings in Yangon that used to be the testaments of the ‘golden’ period of colonial Burma. The heritage buildings that are left from the colonial era face a plethora of issues that threaten the mere existence of these buildings and the historical legacy of one of the significant periods in the history of Burma.

Image Duy Phuong Nguyen / Alamy Stock Photo

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“Yangon today has everything to gain and everything to lose.

Now is the moment to set the city in a new direction and avoid the mistakes of its regional neighbors. Now is the moment to begin turning Yangon into Asia’s most livable city.�

-Yangon Heritage Trust

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HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Political and Economic Turbulence Urbanization & Development Pressure

Myanmar has a long history of political and economic turbulence which affected its progress as a country radically. During the 1960s,Myanmar was in the totalitarian one-party state ruled by the Burma Socialist Programme Party. Under its rule, Myanmar went to economic isolations which led it to become from one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia to be one of the poorest countries in the world1. Nationwide protest and civil unrest broke out in 1988, which was also known as The 8888 Uprising. The uprising ended with the bloody military coup which lasted for 60 years. Many countries, including the United Nations and European Union refused to acknowledge the coup and started imposing economic and trade sanctions2 in a bid to force the military to give up the power.

Although the military rule has finally ended in 2011 and the sanctions has been suspended, decades of political and economic turbulence have greatly weakened the country’s growth.

When Myanmar finally opened up to the world in 2011 after decades of military rule and diplomatic isolation, foreign investments sprung in, increasing the demand for residential and commercial spaces. Developers and landowners were fixated on building cheaper,larger and newer structures and destroying old buildings to make money. Based on the survey done by the Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT), an nongovernmental organization, as much as 35% of downtown Yangon (around 1800 buildings) were destroyed between 1990 and 20111 to make way for new development projects.

With many cheap buildings that are springing up, conservationists are facing a hard time preserving the historic Yangon. As of today, only 189 buildings are protected by the municipal government throughout all of Yangon.2

1. McGowan, W. (1993). Burmese Hell. Retrieved from http://williammcgowan.com/pdf/WorldPolicyJournal-BurmeseHell.pdf 2. Factbox: Sanctions imposed on Myanmar. (2011, October 11). https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-sanctions/factbox-sanctions-imposed-on-myanmar-idUSTRE79A0YR20111011.

1. Heijmans, P. (2015, February 9). The struggle to save Yangon’s architectural heritage. Retrieved from https:// www.bbc.com/news/business-31146066 2. Oxford Business Group. (n.d.). The Report: Myanmar 2016 (pp. 1–224).

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Lack Of Conservation Management Plans & Heritage Impact Assessments A proper Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a crucial part of the conservation process before any development works are undertaken. It is also fundamental when it comes to master planning for a heritage site, establishing priorities and understanding the place before the major proposal for the heritage site is prepared. However,in Myanmar, it is only drawn up during or after major decisions have been established.1 A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) indicates and analyses the impact the developmental process will have on the Heritage Significance of the site. It is now a mandatory requirement of the authorities in some parts of Asia (e.g.

Hong Kong). Sadly, the Secretariat Building in the only building in Yangon that has a Conservation Management Plan to oversee the conservation works today. Without these management plans and assessments, many heritage buildings fell into a state of negligence or demolished.

1. Vines, E. (2015, April). Yangon, Myanmar Heritage Legislation Framework (Recommendations).

Retrieved from http://www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_annexes/YHS_OLA7. pdf

Complicated Legal Challenges Legal complexities such as land ownership issues and lease agreements of the centuryold colonial buildings make the people who are interested in the revitalization plans discouraged and put them in the red tape.

The ownership of many of the buildings is ambiguous, often with landlords who are either absent or cannot be contacted.

Government owned buildings are also not clearly assigned to any government agency.1 These issues prevent signatories from investing in the upkeep of their buildings. Since there are no proper legal initiatives, the landowners will often let the heritage buildings become dilapidated in the hope of getting the approval from the government so that they can then partner with developers and tear down the building, making way for more new and profitable structures. The landowners will then refuse the tenants or the initiatives to revitalize the building so that they can better convince the authorities to allow them for demolition as the structures are now in dilapidated condition.

1. Waldie, P. (n.d.). Unlocking the Economic Potential of Residential Buildings in Yangon’s Heritage Zone. Retrieved from http://www.yhtliveableyangon.org/wp-content/uploads/online_annexes/ YHS_OLA5.pdf

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RESEARCH DIRECTION So, how can we help the colonial buildings that are in desperate need of assistance? Traditionally, retrofitting and conservation of these buildings are extremely costly and requires consistant maintenance. It is so much cheaper to demolish them and rebuild better and stronger buildings in replacement of them. Why conserve an old building, when it is easier and cheaper to build a new one? These are the typical questions raised whenever conservatory efforts are mentioned in the nation-building process.

How can the architects, the urban planners and the government convince the people to take in the conservation of the built heritage more seriously?

The fact is that the issue of decaying colonial buildings cannot be solved alone by the government. Private sectors, various stakeholders and the community must come together to treat this as a national issue. How do we ensure that we still continue to preserve the colonial heritage while promoting the modernisation of Yangon in an architecturally sensitive way? How do we inject life into the dilapidating buildings so that they remain relevant and even contribute to Modern Yangon? These are the questions we must kept asking to ourselves so that we truly understand and examine the depth of this issue of saving the crumbling colonial heritage .

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Image Source: The New York Times

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BRIEF HISTORY ON COLONIALISM The British Colonial rule in Myanmar started in 1824 with the First AngloBurmese War. By 1886, the British had gained control of all of present-day Myanmar and had established it as a province of British India. Myanmar was then known as British Burma. At times, Myanmar was also called the “Scottish Colony”, as the Scotsmen played a significant role in colonizing and running the country.

Second Anglo-Burmese War followed 1824

First Anglo-Burmese War broke out

1852

King Mindon (1853–1878) transfers the Burmese capital to Mandalay.

Ayarwaddy Bank Image Source: Marcin Konsek

U Thant House Image Source: Yangon Heritage Trust

Embassy of India Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

Rosewood Hotel Image Source: Rosewood Hotel Website

Governor Residence Hotel Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

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Timeline Source: Emanuelle. Burma (Myanmar) history and timeline. https://www. insightguides.com/destinations/ asia-pacific/burma-myanmar/historical-highlights.

All of Burma fell under British control.

The Burmese king was sent into exile.

1885

Bogyoke Aung San, independence hero led the army to retake Burma.

1947 1948 1942-1945

1861 Japanese Occupation

) l

Myanmar became an independent country.

Burma under the British Rule

Strand Hotel Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

Myanmar Economic Bank Branch 2 Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

Under the British rule, Burma underwent major transformations from a traditional, subsistence-oriented indigenous society into one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia. The main economy then was the export of goods such as rice, rubies and teak. The economic development, however, mainly benefited the British who formed the elite classes while the Burmese remained low-class workers. A notable English writer, George Orwell, who also served under British Empire, described the relationship between the Burmese and the British as slave and master. Nonetheless, the British colonialism made significant changes to the city of Yangon that laid the foundation for modernday Myanmar. A master plan for Yangon was established with road networks that formed a grid system in the downtown Yangon. A great number of majestic buildings in the style of Victorian, Queen Anne, Art Deco, British Burmese and Neoclassical were built for administrative and commercial purposes. Some of these buildings are still standing tall today as government offices, embassies, the stock exchange, even shops and cafĂŠs.

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YANGON THROUGHOUT THE YEARS 1855

Sule Pagoda

1895

Sule Pagoda

Yangon Map (Redrawn) in 1790

Even before the arrival of British in 1852, Yangon had long been serving as the port for centuries. However, it was not considered to be an important regional port as the city constantly had to deal with flooding issues. The city lacked proper planning and was often plagued by fire outbreaks. As a result, Yangon remained a small, under-developed city with improper city layout before the colonial era.

1. Pearn, B. P. (1939). A history of Rangoon. Rangoon: American Baptist Mission Press.

2. Roberts, J. L. (2011). Tracing the ethos of the Sino-Burmese in the urban fabric of Yangon, Burma (Myanmar).

When the British arrived in 1886, the British believed in a well-designed city with a comprehensive layout in order for the city to prosper. The local commissioner, Phayre and the Governor-General Lord Dalhousie undertook the task of transforming the looselyorganized Burmese port into a proper city befitting British Empire.1 They then started introducing the Western concept of urban planning of “a grid of major and minor streets covered with hierarchy of lots�.2

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1945

1915

Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda

Yangon (Rangoon) Map in 1912

Yangon (Rangoon) Map in 1945

“This city of approximately 1.5 by 1 mile wide.

It was designed to: 1) preserve the asset deemed most valuable by the British, the riverfront, with a strand that would prohibit the building of any structures except government-related institutions such as the customs house; 2) to present a grand modern facade to the European guests arriving by sea; 3) establish an orderly and hierarchical grid of streets emanating from the strand that would mitigate the problems of periodic floods and fires; 4) overcome the problems of diseases common in a marshy tropical climate; 5) facilitate the sale of property and collection of taxes to generate income for the British government and support the empire; and 6) create a highly regular and urban environment in which British law could be enforced at the lowest cost possible and international trade could prosper.� 2

The city was heavily damaged from the Japanese invasion that had been ongoing since 1941.

The Japanese targeted their bombings mainly at the city downtown districts, killing thousands of civilians. The docks were paralyzed and the transport system came to a halt. The British temporarily lost control of Rangoon to the Japanese and it took them three years to regain back the control of Rangoon.

Image Source: Yangon Time Machine Film Inspector Website

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YANGON AT THE END OF COLONIAL ERA By the end of the British colonial era, Burma was the wealthiest country in Southeast Asia. It was the largest rice exporter in the world, with teeming ports and busy railways. The colonial architecture of Rangoon, which some of them are standing today, spoke of the golden period of Myanmar where it went into a period of great modernization.

King’s Residence (Demolished)

Accountant General Building (Still Standing)

Secretariat Building (Still Standing)

Clockwise from left:Unknown (demolished),Rowe and Co (left) (Still Standing), Emmanuel Baptist Church (Still Standing)

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Images Source: Yangon Time Machine

Bogyoke Aung San Market (Still Standing)

Unknown Church (demolished)

Yangon High Courts (Still Standing)

Former Rowe and Co (Still Standing)

Yangon Hight Courts (Still Standing) and Fytche Square (Still Standing)

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COLONIAL BUILDINGS LISTED IN PG 18 & 19

AYARWADDY BANK (FORMER ROWE &CO)

EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Still standing colonial buildings (listed in page 18-19)

BOGYOKE AUNG

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N

G SAN MARKET

SECRETARIAT BUILDING

YANGON HIGH COURTS

ACCOUNTANT GENERAL BUILDING

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Image source: Myanmar Times

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COLONIAL DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

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COLONIAL DOWNTOWN DISTRICT OVERVIEW Downtown Conservation Area was first designated to be a focused area of heritage conservation in 2012 by the Yangon Heritage Trust after assessing over 3000 buildings.1The downtown district has the dense concentration of significant colonial heritage places and it is also the place where it received the high development pressure.

Moreover, it is also the place where British first laid out the east-west grid,with the Sule Pagoda in the centre, to facilitate the city growth during the century-long colonial rule. It has since then developed into Yangon’s Central Business District, where there is a unique mix of colonial heritage along with high-rise modern commercial and residential infrastructure.

1. Trust, Y. H. (n.d.). Yangon Heritage Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.burmalibrary.org/docs23/2016-08Yangon_Heritage_Strategy-en-red.pdf

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“If the wave of construction and investment is not implemented with a holistic vision for the future of Yangon, growing demand for new residential and commercial areas will cause many buildings to disappear like they have in other cities across Asia.�

- Daw Moe Moe Lwin, Director, Yangon Heritage Trust: Interview by Oxford Business Group Image Source: Yangon Drone Lab

26 List of key figure buildings in Downtown Conservation Area

Yangon General Hospital

Rosewood Yangon

Strand Hotel

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N

Yangon City Hall

Ayarwaddy

The Secretariat Building

Sule Pagoda

High Court of Yangon Region

Mahabandoola Park

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ZONING AND CHARACTER PRECINCTS Due to its long history of over 100 years, the historic downtown has grown into a place with diverse character precincts. During the colonial times, this downtown district was the central core of Yangon where all the administrative and legislative activities by the British in running the country took place.

This explains the location of the old administrative core in the centre of the district. Some of the administrative buildings that were built during the colonial times such as Yangon City Hall and Yangon High Courts are still found and functioning today.

With Yangon River waterfront running at the southern part of the district, it provided with the opportunities for trading and industrial port facilities. This strategic location was what drive Myanmar’s river and ocean trade1 in the colonial days. The country’s teak, petroleum products and rice were shipped off to the rest of the world through this place. With the buzzing trade and economy, it became to attract labour migrations and settlement from other countries, especially from India and the Chinese from the nearby Strait Settlements. This explains the existence of China Town and Indian Quarter in the district. Over the years, the district has grown into a major hub of social and cultural core with multi-racial and diverse religious places .

1. *, A. G. Y. Yangon’s Waterfront:A City With A View.

Architectural Guide Yangon. https://www.yangongui.de/ yangons-waterfront-a-city-witha-view/.

HERITAGE ZONE Old Administrative Core Secretariat Zone Social and Cultural Core China Town Indian Quarter Theingyi Zay Market Zone Thetyattaw Monastic Complex

YANG O

N RIV

ER

YAN G

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N

R

GON

RIVE

R

Image redrawn from the Yangon City Development Committee’s Heritage Zone and Character Precincts Map

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DOWNTOWN DISTRICT’S CHALLENGES RAPID URBANIZATION GROWTH Myanmar’s population now stands at 54.45 million according to the release issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, after the Population Department under the ministry has successfully completed the interim census at the end of 2019. The figure grew by about 300,000 since the last census done in April 2019.1 In fact, the total population of Myanmar is expected to be 65 million by 2050. The population of Yangon grows more rapidly than any other area, by 39 per cent between 2015 and 2031.2

*Urban population refers to the people living in urban areas as defined by the national statistical offices.

“Other Myanmar cities” refers to the urban population not living in the country’s largest metropolitan area, which in this case is Yangon.

Source: World Bank Development Indicators.

With a rapid population growth, especially in Yangon, it puts a pressure on the physical infrastructure and resources. Unless there is a proper institutional and legal framework to protect the essence of cultural and architectural heritage in the district, there is a risk to the destruction to the historic urban fabric.

URBAN POPULATION GROWTH IN MYANMAR %

URBAN POPULATION (% OF TOTAL)

50

MILLION

CITY POPULATION

15

THAILAND

40

OTHER MYANMAR CITIES*

LAOS

12

VIETNAM

9

30 MYANMAR

20

CAMBODIA

YANGON

6

10

3

0

0 1998

2004

2010

2016

2004

2010

2016

1. Mizzima. (2020, August 4).

Myanmar’s population rises to 54.45 million. http://mizzima. com/article/myanmars-population-rises-5445-million.

2. UNFPA Myanmar. (2017, November 2). Census report projects population growth over 35 years, and supports long-term planning. https:// m y a n m a r. u n f p a . o r g / e n / news/census-report-projectspopulation-growth-over-35years-and-supports-long-termplanning.

3. Graph Source: McDonald, L. (2018, January 12). Speech: Managing the challenges of rapid urbanisation: A review of the existing property tax system in Myanmar. Renaissance Institute. https://rimyanmar. org/en/blog/speech-managing-challenges-rapid-urbanisation-review-existing-property-tax-system-myanmar.

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“Myanmar’s population living in large cities with 200,000 plus inhabitants could double from just 13 per cent to one quarter of the population in 2030.”

-Data from McKinsey Global Institute Cityscope 2.0 database

Image Source: Photography by Jochen Hertweck

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FREQUENT FLOOD AND POOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM With the rapid urbanization taking place, there is also an increase in the impermeable surfaces such as roads and rooftops. There is also a change in the vegetation and the landscape in the city as more land areas are used for building infrastructures. This has led to the loss in the catchment areas and the increase in the frequency of floods in Yangon.

To make matters worse, the sewage system in Myanmar is outdated with poor management and facilities. Sewage system in Yangon was constructed in the downtown in the 1880s, initially starting at 9 km2 at the southern part of the district.1 However, overtime, the existing drainage structure has deteriorated due to poor management and planning. The unlawful disposal of garbage into the drains due to lack of discipline by the people, weak law enforcement and insufficient providence of sufficient trash bins by the government have also exacerbated the issue of floods in Yangon.

The frequent floods in the city is detrimental to the historic architectural heritage in the district as it can cause damage to the structures and furnishings of the building. Overtime, the floodwater can cause long-term damp and decay2, affecting the structural ability of the building.

1. Japan International Cooperation Agency. (2014, March). Preparatory Survey Report On The Project For The Improvement Of Water Supply, Sewerage And Drainage System In Yangon City In The Republic Of The Union Of Myanmar. https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/ pdf/12175634_01.pdf.

2. Tim Hutton and Christopher Marsh. Flood Damage in Historic Buildings. https://www.buildingconservation. com/articles/flood/flood_damage.htm.

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“Flooding has always been one of the major hazards in Myanmar, accounting for 11% of all disasters, second only to fire.�

Source: Manual on Flood by UN Habitat

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TRAFFIC CONGESTION & INEFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION As the city urbanizes, deteriorating traffic congestion becomes an inescapable condition in Yangon. In fact, Yangon has the worst traffic congestion compared to other cities. To make matters worse, more and more foreign cars are imported, from over 4 million in 2013 to over 6 million in 2017.1 Everyday, during peak hours, many traffic-clogged roads are packed with cars and buses which often result in major traffic jams with vehicles moving at snail’s pace. During monsoon season, heavy downpour results in the widespread flooding which further intensifies the congestion issue in Yangon.

To make matters worse, public transport in Yangon is over-used with an urgent need for major upgrade in the vehicles and the transport network. Yangon Bus Service (YBS), which is the main operator of the public transport in Yangon, has poor management in the proliferation of routes and provide inadequate bus networks.

It also lacks financial support to improve their system as well. Approximately 2.8 million commuters catch YBS everyday. YBS accounts for the 80 per cent of the daily commutes ,with 20 per cent using their private vehicles. Until, today, buses and trains still operate on the cash system which affected the overall efficiency and productivity of the public transport system.

1. By, & Myanmar Insider. (2017, August 15). How to Handle Yangon’s Appalling Traffic Jams. https://www. myanmarinsider.com/how-tohandle-yangons-appalling-traffic-jams/.

2. Aye Nyein Win, & Thiha Toe. (2013, June 10). Public transport at heart of city plan for Yangon, says JICA. The Myanmar Times. https:// www.mmtimes.com/national-news/yangon/7068-publictransport-at-heart-of-city-planfor-yangon-says-jica.html.

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The traffic congestion and the inefficient public transport system can also negatively impact the urban fabric and the architectural heritage inside the district. The abandoned or underutilized colonial buildings run the risk of being demolished to expand the roads or build new roads to address the traffic congestion issue.

However, merely expanding the roads will not entirely solve the traffic issue; there is a need for a comprehensive urban development master plan that incorporates the use of technology in the traffic control and the public transport. The Myanmar government is now working together with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)2 to come up with the master plan to solve the traffic issues by 2040. Until then, the future of the underutilized and abandoned colonial buildings remain at stake.

Image Source: The Irrawaddy

Approximately 2.8 million commuters catch YBS everyday accounting for the 80 per cent of the daily commutes.

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HISTORIC BUILDINGS CONDITIONS 60% of downtown Yangon is typical tenement buildings (‘shop houses’ with commercial function on ground floor and residential on the upper floors1, with a significant heritage value but generally poor living conditions.

Many of the typical tenement buildings - in particular the ones built in the 1990s - have a contributing value to the historic street scape and some even individual heritage significance. Years of underinvestment have left most of these buildings in dilapidated condition and, hence, these buildings are in serious need of repairs. The Pre-Feasibility Study done by the Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) has shown that roof leakage, plumbing/drains and back alley rubbish are the resident’s main concerns for their heritage buildings.1 Apart from a decline in aesthetic value, the deferred maintenance of these buildings can also pose a serious safety hazard to the residents and the pedestrians.

The roofs are covered with rust, which is indicative of little or no maintenance.

The plasters and the paint have been long gone and the building is left to gather dust.

Inappropriate placement of advertisement boards that upsets the facade of the historic building

Some of the buildings are covered with creepers or moss on the walls.

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1. The Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA).

(2016, April 8). Heritage-led Urban Regeneration in Yangon: Pre Feasibility Study in three pilot areas. http://urbandiscovery.asia/wp-content/ uploads/2019/07/2016-YANGON-URBAN-REGENERAT I O N - P R E - F E A S I B I L I TY-STUDY.pdf.

Improper placement of satellites

Nonchalant placement of air-conditioners boxes on the facade of the building

Improper placement of electrical wires which can pose serious threats to the pedestrians and the building itself

Unauthorized roadside vendors setting up their shops next to the building

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CASE STUDY: MAHATMA GANDHI HALL Many of the colonial buildings found in the downtown district have significant heritage values, having witnessed many historical events that shaped Yangon to be what it is today. However, it is a pity that some of the buildings are abandoned or in derelict conditions, just like the Mahatma Gandhi Hall. Once a grand building that produced the nation’s most prominent newspapers, the building is now left abandoned in total dilapidated condition, waiting to relive its glory days again.

Year Built: early 1900 Architect : Unknown

Site: At the junction between Merchant Road and Bo Aung Kyaw Street Formerly known as : The Rangoon Times Building Typology: Office Building

The Rangoon Times was colonial Burma’s oldest English-language newspaper.

This three-storey building was its main office at the turn of the 20th century.

More recently, Gandhi Hall was in the news when the trustees unveiled their plans to destroy the building and replace it with a new condominium. The Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT) intervened and lobbied—successfully—for the Hall’s preservation. The bid was supported by the Yangon City Development Committee and the Indian Embassy.

Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon The Irrawaddy

Mahatma Gandhi Hall Today

Nanda. (2019, July 24). Gandhi Hall in disrepair. https:// www.mmtimes.com/news/ gandhi-hall-disrepair.html.

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ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS (EXTERIOR) 1) Rows of Arched Windows and Doors with circular openings

2) Sign on top of the gate in English and Burmese stating “ Mahatma Gandhi Hall”

3) Symmetrical arrangement of windows (2nd and 3rd level) and doors (1st level) on both sides of the facades facing the street

MATERIAL COMPOSITION 1) Built using Concrete with plaster-painted walls 2) Foldable Steel Shutters used for gates, Steel Accordion gates 3) Steel Frames used for windows

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TIMELINE The Rangoon Times

Under the British Colonial Rule, the building was used to house the Rangoon Times, one of the country’s Englishlanguage newspapers.

Early 1900

1951

Burma & India Relations -It played an important role in the heady friendship of the 1950s between India and Burma -The Burmese Prime Minister U Nu and Indian Ambassador M.A Rauff bought the structure to turn it into a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. They founded a trust to run it, and U Nu was on the board until exdictator Gen Ne Win ousted him in a military coup in 1962.

-It was used mainly for religious, social, intellectual and political gatherings over the following decades.

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Timeline Source: 1) *, N. (n.d.). Mahatma Gandhi Hall. Retrieved July 18, 2020, from https://www.yangongui.de/mahatma-gandhi-hall/ 2) Nanda. (2019, July 24). Gandhi Hall in disrepair. https:// www.mmtimes.com/news/gandhi-hall-disrepair.html.

8888 Uprising -The Mahatma Gandhi Hall is also part of the country’s modern politics.

July 1990

-When the military government refused to honor the National League for Democracy’s landslide victory in the 1990 election, all 392 candidates gathered at the hall on July 28 under the heavy presence of security troops to discuss their next move.

-The following day they issued the Gandhi Hall Declaration, urging the then-government to call Parliament within two months. But their request fell on deaf ears; most of the candidates were arrested.

Today - Steel Accordion gates are rusty - Broken glass/ missing glass windows - Wall Covered with moss - Plasters falling on the wall - Creepers on the wall - Illegal occupants occupying the building - Unauthorized roadside vendors outside the building -Illegal dumping of rubbish along the building -No electricity, no running water inside the building -Inside all the hints of its history has been tucked away -Ceiling destroyed by the storm

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LIFE INSIDE GANDHI HALL The building has been vacant and left abandoned for almost thirty years. So, it is not surprising that people sometimes come and live inside the building illegally as the building is not under any legal protection from the legal authority.

Hamar Oo and her family is one of the groups of people who live inside the building, though it is unsure whether they are still residing there. All of the descriptions listed here based on the photo essay done by the photographer Elizabeth Rush when she visited the building during her visit to Myanmar in 2015.

Hamar Oo and her family were originally from the southern delta region of Yangon. However, when the Cyclone Nargis hit Yangon in 2008, it flooded her entire village, washing away her house, stranding her and the rest of her family on the roof for days. With their home demolished, they moved to Yangon and rented a single room apartment. The rent was expensive so they could not live there for long and had to move out again.

That was when they moved to Gandhi Hall to stay since there was no landlord and rent to pay.

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Source: Rush, E. (2015). Still Lifes from a Vanishing City.

Moving into Gandhi Hall did not make Hamar Oo and her family entirely better either. There was no running water or electricity in the building. They live inside the hall with make-shift clothesline sagged between the hall’s decorative columns as part of the improvised partition.

For water, they had to carry through four flights of stairs. At night, Hamar Oo studied with flashlight and sometimes when they ran out of money to buy for batteries, she used candle light instead.

They used the hall’s old public bathrooms, and when they wanted the plumbing to work they poured a few pails of water into the ceramic basin, forcing their excrement down.

At the back of the hall, cat feces littered the space. A huge portion of ceiling was missing ; it had collapsed during the same storm that had set Hamar Oo and her family adrift.

“In the hall almost everything that could have suggested its long and convoluted history was packed away – everything except a single portrait of Gandhi on the stage at the far end of the room.... This image, so perfectly succinct in its politics, sat on a stage in a famous-hall-turnedsquatter-home, in an uncanny country that is as isolated as it once was exploited.”

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REDRAWN ELEVATIONS

South Elevation Scale: 1:125

East Elevation Scale: 1:125

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CHALLENGES With its loss, NLD shut down its office and moved out of the building. Since Gandhi Hall was used as a venue for anti-government activities, it was closely watched by the military intelligence1. Since then, nobody dared to maintain the building’s general upkeep and slowly, the building fell into a dilapidated state.

The Mahatama Gandhi Memorial Trust (TMGMT) wanted to reconstruct the building into 12-storey building. Its aim was to renovate the interior and make it functional without losing the historical value. Both the former and current boards of trustees decided to come up with the idea of reviving the building as the “Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Museum” in a hope to revive the building’s cultural significance and attract visitors. However, until today, the building remains abandoned with no plans for refurbishment. The building status is still under debate and it is unlikely to be granted the blue plaque by the YHT as TMGMT had warned the YHT to not make any declarations on the building, without first an agreement from the trustee boards.

1.Nanda. (2019, July 24).

Gandhi Hall in disrepair. https://www.mmtimes.com/ news/gandhi-hall-disrepair. html.

Image Source: The Myanmar Times

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DOWNTOWN STREET GRID Downtown Yangon has a historic grid layout.

Streets generally run in north-south and eastwest direction with the rectangular grid offset from 5 degrees to the northeast.

100 feet

Some of the widest streets are 100 feet in width (around 30m) and are positioned 1000 feet (around 300m) from another. Between the two wide streets five sub streets with central medium streets that are of around 50 feet in width (around 15m). The rest of the four sub streets are of around 30 feet in width (around 9m). The narrow streets are numbered sequentially with the 1st Street starting from the far west with 64th Street at the east.1

1000 feet

30 feet

50 feet

30 feet

100 feet

100 feet

1. Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

30 feet

30 feet

100 feet

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Sule Pagoda N

District Center

Yangon River

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ROAD NETWORK IN THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Latha Street

Anawrahta Road

Latha Street

Maha Bandoola Road

Strand Road

Road Network Downtown Conservation Area

Shwe Dagon Pagoda Road

Bo Gyoke Road

Merch

hant Road

Pansodan Street

Sule Pagoda Road

Anawrahta Road

Bo Aung Kyaw Street

Sule Pagaoda

Merchant Road

Bo Aung Kyaw Street

Pansodan Street

Sule Pagoda Road

Shwe Bon Thar Road

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N

Bo Gyoke Road

Maha Bandoola Road

Strand Road

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STREET CHARACTER, FORM AND MOVEMENT 1

STREET & SIDEWALK CHARACTER The character of the streets vary differently based on the regions the streets are located in. In the centre of the conservation downtown area, the streets are wider and seem to be regularly maintained. The streets are repaved and coated with fresh paint. The curb height of the streets are also relatively higher compared to some parts of areas in the downtown area.

View towards Mahabandoola Road, near Sule Pagoda

The sidewalk near the city centre is relatively wide (around 8m) with ample space to walk. It is also very well maintained with even pavings.

The markings are distinct indicating a regular maintenance in the area.

Sidewalk along Mahabandoola Road 1. Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

Image Source: Google Street View

9.5m

7m

30m Section Drawing Of Mahabandoola Road *drawing not drawn to scale

2m

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1

2 2

Near to the waterfront, the Strand Road is lined with the long strip of stalls that make up part of the Yangon Night Market scheme. The stalls are protected by temporary yellow concrete barriers that separate the main road with the stalls, allowing for the people to stroll freely. The road is relatively well maintained although the paint seem to have worn off with heavy traffic flow.

View towards Strand Road, near the water front

The sidewalk along the Strand Road varies in width throughout the road. The condition of the sidewalk also varies road. The sidewalk near the private hotels and office buildings tend to be well maintained while the sidewalk near the residential housing tend to be in poor conditions with litter disposal and broken drainage covers.

Sidewalk along Strand Road

Night Market Temporary Concrete Barrier

6m

20m Section Drawing Of Strand Road *drawing not drawn to scale

10m

1. Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

Image Source: Google Street View

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STREET CHARACTER, FORM AND MOVEMENT 3

STREET & SIDEWALK CHARACTER Latha Street is the central medium street that is around 800 feet long and around 85 feet wide. (1) It is a two way, four-lane street with perpendicular parking along the two sides of the street. The street is generally well maintained and repaved.

View of Latha Street

The shops along the Latha Street, typically tea shops or restaurants have the tendency to extend their commercial spaces by placing movable items like chairs and tables to attract more customers. This has left the pedestrians with little space to move around. Part of the sidewalk are uneven or irregular with notable damages to drain covers and damaged pavings. With the commercial activities and human traffic, the sidewalk are not well maintained.

Sidewalk along Latha Street 1. Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

2.5m

Image Source: Google Street View

small tea-shops/ restaurants

20m Section Drawing Of Latha Street *drawing not drawn to scale

5m

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3 4 26th Street is a narrow street lined with commercial activity that is just half a kilometer away from the city centre, Sule Pagoda. The street is much narrower with around 30 feet in width. The street is a single-lane street, with cars parked on the left. There is no clear demarcation for the sidewalk and the shops have hoarded the sidewalk by putting their items on display. As such, pedestrians have no choice but to walk on the street.

View of the 26th Street

4

The sidewalk along the 26th street is very narrow with around 1.5 m in width. There is no proper paving for the sidewalk, instead it is aligned with drainage covers that are damaged. Since the street is mostly occupied by shops on the street level, many shops tend to extend spaces by putting their display items on the sidewalk, making the sidewalk even narrower for the people to walk along.

Sidewalk along 26th Street

Shops

Items on display

Image Source: Google Street View Yangon Built Form Study

Parked Car

1m

1m 20m

1. Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

Section Drawing Of 26th Street *drawing not drawn to scale

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BETTER NOW OR

It is a very critcal time now for the colo ones that are either abandoned or are gears up for the modernisation, only mo people coming in, more buildings and mo buildings to be protected and conserved years

R SAVE R NEVER

onial buildings in Yangon, especially the e in dilapidated conditions. As Yangon ore issues will arise. There will be more ore cars. It is now time for these colonial d, or we might risk losing them in a few time.

55

56

It would be unfair to say there are absolutely no efforts done to conserve the colonial architectural heritage in Myanmar. In fact, some of the colonial buildings have been re-adapted into various institutions such as museums,hotels and restaurants in the private sector. There are also non-governmental organizations and private institutions that have dedicate their work to restore the architectural heritage. Yangon’s city planners and related stakeholders are also growing increasingly aware of the benefits of preserving its heritage buildings. Recently, a temporary ban has been imposed on the demolition of the buildings over 50 years old in Yangon, in a push to preserve what historians regard as one of Asia’s most distinctive colonial-era cityscapes. The ban would remain until a conservation strategy is drawn up and adopted as the legal framework.

However, there is a need for the Myanmar government to quickly come up with the comprehensive heritage strategy and legalize it as time is running out for Yangon , who is constantly suffering from creaking infrastructure, electricity shortages, traffic congestion and pollution.

Image Source: Yangon Heritage Trust

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PLANNING INITIATIVES IN MYANMAR

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YANGON HERITAGE TRUST Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT) is a non-governmental organization founded

by Dr. Thant Myint-U to conserve heritage buildings in Yangon. Their work includes Urban Heritage Planning, undertaking conservation projects, advocacy and public engagement and providing training and studies to the public.

URBAN HERITAGE PLANNING

YCDC HERITAGE LIST

Currently there is unfortunately no legal framework, guidelines or processes regarding the management of change affecting Yangon’s Urban Heritage. YHT works closely with the various municipal authority in undertaking this work. In 2013, YHT was approached by the government to draft the Myanmar’s first urban heritage conservation law which allows the numerous heritage places such as buildings, parks,streetscapes, conservation areas and archaeological sites to be considered heritage items for the first time.1

After the 1988 riots, the military undertook a series of economic reforms leading to an increase in medium-rise development throughout Yangon’s historic downtown. Several hundred of the city’s significant heritage properties were demolished during this time. In 1996, the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) responded by creating an official list of 189 heritage buildings.1 Today, this list provides the only statutory protection for urban heritage in Yangon and performs and important role.

YANGON URBAN HERITAGE CONSERVATION LAW In 2013, YHT was approached to assist in the drafting of Myanmar’s first urban heritage conservation law. Previously, the existing heritage law only considers the ancient monumental sites such as Bagan as places of heritage significance and only provides statutory protection for such places. The Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage Regions Law (1988) only considers the buildings older than 100 years old to be heritage buildings.1 The new law will allow the various types of urban heritage places such as buildings, parks, streetscapes, conservation areas, movable objects and archaeological sites to be considered as heritage items. It does not also put limitation on an age by which a place can be considered valuable and instead acknowledges that Yangon’s urban heritage has an evolving and diverse value for the community.

1. Yangon Heritage Trust. Conservation Projects. https:// www.yangonheritagetrust.org/ conservation-projects-2.

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Yangon General Hospital

Strand Hotel

High Court

Buildings shown here are some of the 189 buildings that are protected by the government.

Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

Governor’s Residence Hotel

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CONSERVATION PROJECTS YHT also works on several pilot projects to demonstrate the alternatives for the adaptive use and upgrade of historic structures. It entails going beyond the physical restoration of buildings and also emphasizing on holistic approach to preserve the spirit and vitality of the neighborhood life.

One of the notable conservation projects is the Secretariat building which is currently ongoing several stages of renovations. Another example is the U Thant House which was renovated for reuse as a museum dedicated to the life of U Thant and his work.

THE SECRETARIAT BUILDING The Secretariat or the Minister’s Building holds significance in Myanmar’s history as it witnessed some of the key moments in its colonial, independence and post-independence history. Built in stages between 1889 to 1905, The Secretariat was the centre of British administration. It was also the place where Myanmar’s first steps towards independence took place. With ravages of time, political circumstances and natural disaster, this iconic building slowly fell into disrepair.

In 2014 YHT initiated and funded a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the iconic Secretariat. The work was undertaken by Edinburgh-based heritage consultancy, Simpson and Brown. Myanmar Investment Commission and the Yangon Regional Government gave permission to Anawmar Art Group to restore the Secretariat to its former glory and give a new lease of life and turn it into a cultural complex with museums, galleries and a cultural centre.

Estimates for the total price tag differ widely, with the highest being more than USD 100 million.1 1. Yangon Heritage Trust. Conservation Projects. https:// www.yangonheritagetrust.org/ conservation-projects-2.

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Image Source: Architectural Guide Yangon

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U THANT HOUSE U Thant House is a colonial era building within the Windermere compound in Yangon and now currently belongs to the government. U Thant was a prominent Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. U Thant lived in the building in the 1950s when he was secretary to Prime Minister U Nu before leaving to serve as Burma’s Permanent Representative to the UN in 1957. After U Thant moved out of the house, the house was owned by a couple of owners until it was left abandoned.

In early 2012, President U Thein Sein approved a request from YHT Chairman Dr. Thant Myint-U that the house be renovated for reuse as a museum dedicated to the life of U Thant, as well as a centre for public events, such as lectures and seminars, on issues related to the former Secretary General and his work. The museum now holds exhibitions, dialogues, educational talks, tours and various programmes such as heritage and research programmes. It also hosts many discussions and exchanges with ambassadors from various countries.1 1. Yangon Heritage Trust. Conservation Projects. https:// www.yangonheritagetrust.org/ conservation-projects-2.

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Image Source: U Thant House Official Website U Thant House Official Facebook Myanmar Times Bridge Myanmar

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ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Through this, YHT aims to reconnect residents with the buildings around them and explore their understanding and perception of the city’s heritage.

BLUE PLAQUE PROJECT

Source: Yangon Heritage Trust. Advocacy and Public Engagement. https://www. yangonheritagetrust.org/advocacy-and-public-engagement.

YHT is also installing a series of commemorative Blue Plaques around Yangon Images Source: Yangon Herito highlight historical buildings and renowned residents who contributed to tage Trust Website the narrative of the city. Blue Plaques are permanent signs installed at a public place to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or landmark.

The first plaque was installed in mid-August, 2014 at City Hall. Through this, it hopes to draw attention to the known and the forgotten histories of the city.

With their direct appeal to the public, the introduction of blue plaques will make Yangon’s rich history accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS YHT also works with various organizations to hold exhibitions that showcase the city’s history and culture. Through this, the Trust aims to conserve the city’s rich cultural heritage and move towards its vision for Yangon as one of the most livable and vibrant cities in Asia.

It also gives out awards for Heritage Conservation as a way to recognize the achievement of sustainable and sympathetic conservation of structures, places, properties and public space of heritage value in Yangon.

65

TRAININGS & STUDIES YHT regularly organizes and participates in studies, workshops, and trainings related to building conservation and broader urban planning topics to record and document all the existing buildings within Yangon to gain an understanding of the layout and form of Yangon’s built urban heritage. They hold seminars, conferences and also walking tours and exhibitions to raise awareness of the unique urban landscape of Yangon.

The Secretariat Study Following discussions with the government and with the Anawmar Gallery, who have been awarded the rights to create a museum in the building, the Yangon Heritage Trust commissioned international heritage expert Philip Davies of Philip Davies Heritage & Planning Ltd. to prepare an outline CMP for the entire site. The objective of the CMP is to explore options for the Secretariat’s future adaptation and reuse and to set out conservation guidelines for its effective long-term management. The completed CMP was then presented to President U Thein Sein and Chief Minister U Myint Swe.

Source: Yangon Heritage Trust. Trainings & Studies. https://www.yangonheritagetrust.org/trainings-studies.

Images Source: Yangon Heritage Trust Website

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Source: Trust, Y. H. (n.d.).

Yangon Heritage Strategy. Retrieved from https:// www.burmalibrar y.org/ docs23/2016-08-Yangon_ Heritage_Strategy-en-red.pdf

YANGON HERITAGE STRATEGY The Yangon Heritage Strategy is a 152-pages strategy by the Yangon Heritage Trust that presents a new vision of Yangon as the next Asia’s most livable city. The strategy consists of three phases.

1) INTERIM MEASURES In order to protect Yangon’s unique heritage from the impending development pressures, it is necessary to immediately impose an interim set of measures such as setting up conservation areas with a moratorium on demolition and basic guidelines on development. A calibrated mix of initial rules and regulations must be established to prevent thoughtless demolition until there is wider support and willingness from the people and the government to adopt a comprehensive legislation that will help to ensure conservation in the long term. YHT has been assisting the government to come up with the interim legislations until long term regulations are processed and adopted.

Legend River Road Network Proposed Walking Route Downtown Conservation Area Proposed YHS Action Areas Colonial Buildings

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2) BUILDING SUPPORT AND AWARENESS FOR CONSERVATION There is limited public awareness of the importance of heritage conservation and the economic and social benefits of retaining the city’s heritage buildings and established neighborhoods. There is also possible oppositions from parts of the business community once the new heritage regulations are established.

Therefore, it is important that government see that heritage conservation is supported by the general public. Wide-spread support from all levels of society can also attract financial assistance through private sources, charities and foreign governments.

YHT is now working on high-profile conservation projects that upgrade highly used public spaces such as the Waterfront Plan (below) to show that these building can still contribute to the society by improving local economies, thus garnering support from the public.

Proposed New Shwedagon Landing Park Redesigned Ferry Terminal Proposed New Pansodan Park

PROPOSED WATERFRONT REDESIGN Waterfront Promenade Proposed New Parkland Public Roads Proposed Public Open Space

Conserved Heritage Buildings Proposed New Development Areas Botahtaung Pagoda Complex

Source: Trust, Y. H. (n.d.).

Yangon Heritage Strategy. Retrieved from https:// www.burmalibrar y.org/ docs23/2016-08-Yangon_ Heritage_Strategy-en-red.pdf Drawing Source: Trust, Y. H. (n.d.). Yangon Heritage Strategy. Retrieved from https:// www.burmalibrar y.org/ docs23/2016-08-Yangon_ Heritage_Strategy-en-red.pdf

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3) LONG-TERM REGULATIONS In order to succeed in the long term, there must be a heritage law that consists a tailored mix of immediate actions and a comprehensive urban plan within a solid regulatory framework. YHT has come up with a set of suggested regulations that involves the introduction of a first-generation set of planning controls and processes such as height limits controls, Legal Property Ownership Action Plan and Regulatory and Legal Reform Action Plan, to ensure that the city can protect its architectural assets and grow at the same time.

An excerpt from the Yangon Heritage Strategy publication (pg 133) detailing the suggested changes the current landownership and property laws can adopt to bring clarity to owners and occupants.

An excerpt from the Yangon Heritage Strategy publication (pg 135) detailing the heritage framework and guidelines to facilitate conservation works in the city.

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Image Source: Southeast Asian Globe

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DOH EAIN Doh Eain (“Our Home�) is multi-discipline restoration and place-making social enterprise based in Yangon. Founded in 2017, its specializations include preserving heritage, improving public spaces and organizing cultural and social activities, employing a user-centered, participatory approach. Not only do they preserve heritage spaces, they also offer full property management of renovated heritage spaces and cultural programming and maintenance plans to activate and maintain places.

Source: Doh Eain. Our Services. https://www.doheain. com/en/our-services.

Image Source: Mark Horton.

Online

HERITAGE RESTORATION Many owners of the heritage buildings see little value in their assets, with many buildings falling into disrepair. Most of them do not realize the monetary potential of these buildings once these are renovated. Doh Eain offers a full range of services that are intended to provide an accessible alternative to demolition or neglect. The firm works with building owners and neighborhood residents to renovate historical buildings in the city and increase their value, while letting them maintain the ownership of the buildings.

BEFORE Heritage Home Restoration By Doh Eain At 47th Street, Yangon

AFTER

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PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN Doh Eain uses participatory approach and engages with communities to re-imagine and reinvent public spaces in their neighborhoods.

One of its notable public space design project is the Back Alley Project1 where it transforms one of the filthiest comers of Yangon into parks, playgrounds, street art galleries and concert venues.

Each project is planned and designed together with local residents, who decide what space will contain , along with a team of experts that includes urban planners, designers, artists and community leaders. Since its launch in 2017, Doe Eain has garnered support from both the government and corporate sponsorships for its signature back alley projects, several of which have become popular stops for city tours.

Source: 1. Downing, J. (2019, July 23). Hang on, Yangon!

The City Getting a Facelift One Alley at a Time. Cal Alumni Association. https://alumni. berkeley.edu/california-magazine/just-in/2019-07-23/ hang-yangon-city -gettingfacelift-one-alley-time.

Image Source: Doh Eain

BEFORE

AFTER Before and after at 30th and Bosoonpat Street upper block alleyway

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ADAPTIVE REUSE IN MYANMAR CASE STUDY: PEGU CLUB Year Built: 1882

PEGU CLUB

Architect : Unknown Site: Zagawar Road, Yangon The Pegu Club was once the most prestigious gentleman’s club of colonial Rangoon. The Pegu Club plays an intimate part of Yangon’s history and went on to inspire world-famous novels and cocktails. In 2018, the first phase of restoration was undertaken to serve as a multi-purpose event venue by KT Group together with The Beaumont Partnership and Yangon Heritage Trust. The second phase is planned for the near future. The Pegu Club is now considered as one of the heritage sites of Yangon as it is now being bestowed the Blue Plaque.

Image Source: The Pegu Club Official Website

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ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS (EXTERIOR) Pegu Club is the fine example of syncretic architecture between traditional Burmese and colonial architecture. These kinds of fusion with Burmese and colonial architecture were common during the colonial period, especially in the smaller-scale residential homes, in which most of the occupants tend to be from high-class members of society or government officers.

1) Burmese Architecture Details The edges of the roof are decorated with vertical metal ornamental embellishments called du yin, which are typically found at the Burmese monasteries.

2) Colonial Architecture Details Although the building is made of timber structure, which is the traditional Burmese building material, the building is decorated with colonial architecture elements such as Georgian Style glass window panels and doors, Spanish half -circle windows, and Corinthian pillars.

MATERIAL COMPOSITION The main building material is timber, which was the popular building material during the colonial period when the timber and teak exports and business were the one of the biggest economy in colonial Burma. There are also uses of glass and steels which might probably be exported from Europe.

Image Source: The Pegu Club Official Website The Big Chilli Website The Myanmar Times Andrew Rowat

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TIMELINE

The Pegu Club’s history goes back to 1871,1 by which time the British presence in Burma felt irrepressible and called for the creation of a colonial members’ club, where senior officers came here to relax and mingle.

In 1920, the club was undergoing a series of expansions with the most notable being the The Prince of Wales Great Hall. The large hall was built in preparation for the visit by the Britain’s Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII in 1922.1 The hall was built with steel, masonry and concrete in a Neo Classical Revival architecture style.

1922

1871

1882 The original Pegu Club was founded in the 1880s on Cheapes Road. As the membership increased, in 1882, it moved to its current premise between Pyay Road, Padonmar and Zagawar Street. The location was within easy reach of the busy, expanding downtown areas and the northern military cantonments.

Pegu Club was famous for its drink named Pegu Club cocktail, which is still famous around the world for its strong taste.

1871

The British poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling visited Rangoon for a single night in 1889 while he served as a soldier during the Third Anglo Burmese War.

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When the Imperial Japanese Army took Yangon from the British in March 1942, the compound became an officers’ club. After World War II, Britain’s Royal Air Force tried to revamp the premises but after Myanmar’s independence in 1948, the club was passed to the new country’s armed forces, whose officers built squash courts in the grounds.

The building was used as a tax office for some years before being nationalized in 1975, although it had officially closed a decade earlier.1

Timeline Source: 1) Unknown. Pegu Club. Architectural Guide Yangon. https://www.yangongui.de/pegu-club/.

2) Barrett, K. (2019, August 7). Yangon’s historic Pegu Club comes back to the future. Nikkei Asian Review. https://asia. nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/Yangon-s-historic-Pegu-Clubcomes-back-to-the-future.

Between 1975 to 2018, the club was left abandoned with weed overgrown and the teak structures slowly decaying due to weather conditions.

The building was guarded by a family who also did nothing but stay on the dilapidating building.

1942 2018

The building was leased on long term to the private group named KT Group which then began multimillion dollar conservation and renovation works on the building, under the guidance from the Yangon Heritage Trust . The Beaumont Partnership, based in Bangkok was in charge of handling the complex and delicate task of restoring the collection of dilapidated teak structures2. After two grueling years of renovation, the building is restored to its original conditions and now stands today as a high end restaurant for private and exclusive events.

TODAY

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SIGNIFICANT AREA OF RESTORATION FACADE The facade of the building has been carefully restored to its original conditions, without any changes in the materials and the color palette.

The local craftsmen have used the original lime plastering technique to maintain as much authenticity as the original ones.

THE PRINCE OF WALES GREAT HALL The original building structure was remarkably sound even after all those years of neglect. Termite infestation was limited to areas where the original wood had been replaced by less-resistant timber. The structural engineers had managed to retain the original structure with an additional reinforcement so that the building is structurally sound. The new floor tiles have been taken and arranged according to the original floor pattern. Even for the sourcing, it is ensure that the materials are sourced from the original quarry which was located in near Mandalay.

Source: Barrett, K. (2019, August 7).

Yangon’s historic Pegu Club comes back to the future. Nikkei Asian Review. https://asia. nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/ Yangon-s-historic-Pegu-Clubcomes-back-to-the-future.

BEFORE Pegu Club Yangon (2014),Pegu Club Yangon (2019)

AFTER

Image Source: The official Pegu Club Website Alex Cochrane, adcochrane. wordpress.com

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AFTER THOUGHTS Pegu Club is an excellent example of adaptive reuse where the building is conserved to the original and authentic condition, with modern interiors. It is apparent that the new owners of the building put a big emaphasis on the conservation as the new materials to be replaced are even ensured to be from the same quarry, to keep the authencity of the building.

However, with heavy conservation works came a heavy price. It was reported that millions of dollars1 were spent on the alone, excluding the operation causes of the restaurant. With a heavy investment in the restoration of the building, it is no wonder that the restaurant is catered to high-end services , which are affordable only by the upper-class people. This is, sadly, a common phenomenon for the conserved projects in Yangon. After millions dollars investment, most of the rennovated colonial buildings like Rosewood Hotel and The Governor’s Residence Hotel end up alienating themselves from the society as they are now targeted towards the exclusive clientele. It is important that these renovated colonial buildings still maintain relationship with the people so that their legacy will remain in the long run.

Source: 1) Barrett, K. (2019, August 7).

Yangon’s historic Pegu Club comes back to the future. Nikkei Asian Review. https://asia. nikkei.com/Life-Arts/Life/ Yangon-s-historic-Pegu-Clubcomes-back-to-the-future.

Image Source: The Pegu Club Official Website The Myanmar Times

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CONCLUSION Though Yangon Heritage Trust has laid out an impressive and comprehensive master plan for Yangon, it must be noted that strategies listed out in the Yangon Heritage Strategy are still in the proposal stage and has yet to be adpoted by the government.

There are so much various organisation, be it civic or private, can do unless there is support and the long term-commitment from the government in the restoration and the conservation of the colonial heritage.

For a developing nation that has just opened its doors after years of isolation filled with political and economical turmoils, the Myanmar government does not have it easy in nursing the country back to health. There are myriads of issues in various forms and scales, revolving from the citizens of Myanmar, to natural resources, economy and many more.

However, we must still not lose hope and easily give up our heritage that had withstood the test of time, for it holds so many memories that make us what we are today.

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“There’s every possibility that Yangon can become one of the most beautiful and most liveable cities in Asia. I strongly believe preserving its architectural heritage will be a big part of making that happen … but we have to use this small window that we have.

In a year or so it will be too late”.

- Thant Myint-U Historian and the Chairman of Yangon Heritage Trust

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LEA

Image Source: Marco Verch

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ARNING FROM THE NEIGHBOURS Southeast Asia is no stranger to colonialism. Various countries in this region had been under various European colonies for years, and for some, even centuries. Just like Myanmar, traces of colonial past are found and being conserved in these countries with varying levels of success. It is necessary to learn and understand different conservation strategies being adopted in other countries and the challenges they face so that we can take them as a learning point and even adopt them, especially the successful ones, as part of our conservatory efforts.

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CASE STUDY: SINGAPORE For a small country with a short history of nationhood, Singapore has done well in its efforts to conserve its built heritage. As of now, over 7,000 buildings have been protected and restored according to accepted international practice. Like Myanmar, Singapore was also under British colony from 1946 to 1963.Under the British colony, Singapore thrived from a fishing village to one of the most important trading posts in Asia SINGAPORE CONSERVATION STORY

1960

1967

1985

FIRST STIRRINGS

FIRST CONSERVATORY EFFORTS

CENTRAL AREA STRUCTURE PLAN

The 1960s and early 1970s were focused on urgent urban renewal.

Much of Singapore’s problems came from the city centre where housing shortage was acute then.

The renewal efforts were focused on slum clearance, housing development and a comprehensive redevelopment of the Central Area of Singapore. The primary goal then was to transform the city into a modern centre for business, finance and tourism.

Even amidst urgent renewal efforts, planners had already begun identifying areas and buildings for conservation.

Alan Choe was the first architect-planner to initiate and propose the conservatory efforts to the then government.

The plan marked four historic places such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam as conservation areas.

1973 MONUMENTS IDENTIFIED Following the setup of the Preservation Monuments Board in 1971, the first eight national monuments were identified: Thong Chai Medical Institution, Armenian Church, St Andrew’s Cathedral, Telok Ayer Market, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Hajiah Fatimah Mosque and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

83 Source: Centre for Liveable Cities.

(2019). Search Results Web results Past, Present and Future: Conserving the Nation’s Built Heritage. https://www.clc.gov. sg/docs/default-source/urban-systems-studies/uss-conserving-the-nations-built-heritage.pdf.

Urban Redevelopment Authority. 30 years of conservation in Singapore since 1989. https://www.clc.gov.sg/docs/ default-source/contributions/ bc-2020-02-30yrs-of-conservation.pdf.

Image Source: National Heritage Board Sergey (Flickr)

1989

1990s

2000s

CONSERVATION MASTER PLAN

MAKING IT WORK

CONCEPT PLAN (2001)

After three year effort, the plan was announced in 1986.

10 areas were eventually gazetted for conservation in 1989 covering 3,200 shop houses - Chinatown, Kampong Gelam, Little India, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Cairnhill and Emerald Hill.

This marked the start of more comprehensive conservations efforts The URA also became the national conservation authority that year.

Throughout the 1990s, the focus was on clarifying and deepening conservation principles and standards that could hold up to global standards.

Beyond the historic districts, conservation efforts expanded to other phases to include bungalows and secondary settlements.

Major infrastructure works were also carried out for historic districts to meet modern needs.

IDENTITY PLAN (2003) By 2000s, a critical mass of buildings had been restored.

The public has shown more awareness and interest in shaping a stronger sense of past and identity together.

The focus was moved beyond the conservation of individual buildings to include heritage structures such as bridges and towers as well.

TODAY SUSTAINING HERITAGE To sustain the heritage and for buildings to last well, there is now a focus on the science on restoration so that the historic buildings will last longer.

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CHINATOWN Chinatown is in many ways the first district-level effort at conservation in Singapore and set the framework for the subsequent conservation project. Chinatown is a historic district located within Singapore’s Central Area, and was originally set up by the British to be a settlement for Chinese immigrants. Each dialect group of the same provincial origin occupied a different sector.

Contrary to its name, however, Chinatown represents a shared, plural and multi-layered space within which various ethnicities, religions, communities and cultures co-exist. It is home to the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore; the Jamae Mosque (also known as Masjid Chulia), one of Singapore’s oldest mosques; and the Thian Hock Keng Temple, dedicated to the Chinese deity Mazu.

These places of worship, which go back to the 19th century, are prominent landmarks of Chinatown to this day. This historical identity and the cultural vibrancy of the Chinatown is what makes Chinatown a cultural heritage, a form of capital that is Singapore’s wealth.

Source: Toh , A., Chee , W. J., Lai , J. Q., Aziz-Boey, N. M., Tan, C. M., & Chiam , V. (2017).

SAFEGUARDING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CHINATOWN: THREATS & STRATEGIES. https://www.singaporeheritage.org/wp-content/ uploads/2018/05/LKYSPPSHS-Cultural-Heritage-inChinatown-Final-Report-13Nov-2017.pdf.

Image Source: Roots.sg Alfred Molon

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CONSERVATION EFFORTS The Chinatown Conservation Area, which is located at the south of Singapore River, comprises of four sub-districts: Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar.It was gazetted as conservation area on 7 July 1989.

The main principle behind conservation is to retain and enhance the existing activities which form the backbone of the historical and cultural heritage, to restore buildings of historical and architectural significance, to improve the general physical environment, to harmonize the old and new trades and to involve both private and public sector in carrying out the conservation projects.

Map of the Chinatown Conservation Area

China Town in 1939 China Town Today

Source: 1.Toh , A., Chee , W. J., Lai , J. Q., Aziz-Boey, N. M., Tan, C. M., & Chiam , V. (2017).

SAFEGUARDING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CHINATOWN: THREATS & STRATEGIES. https://www.singaporeheritage.org/wp-content/ uploads/2018/05/LKYSPPSHS-Cultural-Heritage-inChinatown-Final-Report-13Nov-2017.pdf.

2. URA. (2011). Conserving The Past, Creating The Future: Chinatown. https://www.ura. gov.sg/Conservation-Portal/ Resources/Articles?bldgid=KTAY. Image Source: Chinatownology Urban Redevelopment Authority Marco Verch

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CRITICISMS AND COMPLICATIONS Admittedly, the Singapore government had done an amazing job in conserving the architectural heritage of Chinatown. From an overcrowded, congested and polluted place plagued with appalling living conditions, Chinatown today is a vibrant district with its unique blend of old and new ,with historic temples and traditional medicinal halls sitting alongside bold new bars and trendy lifestyle shops. When it comes to conservation and revitalization of a place, there are, of course, certain facets that have to be given up as new law and order and arrangements come in. This is typical in the gazetted historic districts where they face the threat of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage.

Loss of community spirit One of the onset consequence of the conservation is the gentrification of the area. Some have complained about the loss of ambiance of Chinatown after its original residents were resettled to make way for the redevelopment, thus, losing the community spirit that had prevailed in the past.

Loss of street life The conservation efforts were not well-liked by the locals initially. There was a massive cleanup which forced the street hawkers (740 of them) to be resettled. Many hawkers complained of the small allocated space and there were demolition of the dilapidated shop houses. Visitors and residents lamented on the loss of street life Disneyfication There has also been allegations that Kreta Ayer has been “disneyfied�. In other words, the social fabric that makes up the district has been largely emptied out, with whatever that remains being similar to a theme park that is make-believe rather than an authentic cultural heritage site. The Conservation Guidelines are primarily related to the physical infrastructure of Kreta Ayer, with more focus on the tangible forms of heritage.

Source: 1.Toh , A., Chee , W. J., Lai , J. Q., Aziz-Boey, N. M., Tan, C. M., & Chiam , V. (2017).

SAFEGUARDING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CHINATOWN: THREATS & STRATEGIES. https://www.singaporeheritage.org/wp-content/ uploads/2018/05/LKYSPPSHS-Cultural-Heritage-inChinatown-Final-Report-13Nov-2017.pdf.

2. URA. (2011). Conserving The Past, Creating The Future: Chinatown. https://www.ura. gov.sg/Conservation-Portal/ Resources/Articles?bldgid=KTAY.

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WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT? It is apparent that the Singapore’s succsesful conservation efforts are due to the governemnt’s consistent commitment in the conservation of its cultural and built heritage. Its dedication to the heritage conservation is apparent in its inclusion of heritage conservation in the city master plans, with various stages, even in the early years of Singapore’s development. Once the plans were initialised, the government made sure that they follow the plans and even made various revisions along the way to commit as much as they can to the conservation. What could have been better with the Singapore’s conservation efforts woud be the community engagment with the locals and the stakeholders. Since nation-building was done in such a rapid process, the community and their respective stakeholders were left out in the decisionmaking process regarding the conservation in the respective community.

So, what Myanmar government can learn from Singapore is that heritage conservation must be considered and planned, right away, in conjunction with the nation-building process. Comprehensive and systematic conservation plans should be drawn up and strictly followed through,just like what the Singapore government had done. Along the way, the government should regularly consult with the locals and various stakeholders to come up with the optimal conservation measures.

Image Source: Wowabouts.com

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Ever since Myanmar has been

YA

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THE FUTURE OF ANGON COLONIAL BUILDINGS

Image Source: Pansodan Street by Helen

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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE COLONIAL BUILDINGS? DECAY After years of neglect, many of the colonial buildings are slowly falling apart due to the weather strain and continuous usage without any proper maintenance and protection. The lack of proper conservation management plans and regulations only make them become more prone to damages.

LAND PRICES The soaring land prices are not helping much to the buildings too. Maintaining the old colonial buildings is expensive and with time, they will require more maintenance. With the soaring land prices in Yangon, many of the buildings’ owners purposely let them decay so that they can eventually sell the land and building to the developers. Developers, too, are eying on the colonial buildings, especially the ones which are abandoned or unoccupied.

It is now time to seriously start thinking about revitalizing these colonial buildings; how to give them a new lease of life and what can be retrofitted into them before they start disappearing in a few years time.

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An old colonial building stands side by side a more recent construction Image Source: Sailingstone Travel

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Ever since Myanmar has been

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MUSEUM AS SOLUTION There are numerous ways colonial buildings can be re-adapted into. Many of the colonial buildings in Yangon are re-adapted into high-end restaurants and hotels,often catering to the exclusive clientele or tourists. As such, those fully refurbished colonial buildings end up losing the relationship with the local people as they have become more private and exclusive to a certain group of people in the society? So, in what ways can these colonial buildings be retrofitted into, such that they still remain relatable to the people? This thesis looks into museums as a possible solution for this issue. Museums are an integral part of social fabric of the communities. They can otherwise be termed as education institutions as history and heritage are shared through the artifacts ,exhibits and the programs. Retrofitting colonial buildings into museums will help to ensure that the history and the legacy of the places are still passed on the people.

Images Source: The Myanmar Times

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WHY MUSEUM? Apart from museums being great educational tools for the people, the museums in Yangon are ,sadly, in need of a major transformation as well.

There are a total of over 20 state-owned museums in Myanmar, excluding the many privately-owned museums. Different ministries administer different types of museums: The Ministry of Culture is in charge of Myanmar’s first National Museum (Yangon), archaeological museums, regional cultural museums and memorial museums. There are other kinds of museums as well belonging to other ministries and private sectors. 1 These museums have an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that show varying scopes and breaths, from themes of history, archaeology, art, to ethnology. Although, most of these museums especially the state-owned ones have undergone major transformations, they are still in need of major improvements.

Most of the exhibits are displayed in outdated fashion and poorly lit with inadequately labeled explanations.2 There is also a lack in the varieties of programs that cater to the different generations.

Most of the visitors tend to be tourists with only a handful of local visitors. 2 Use of technology is also minimal with exhibits being presented in traditional raised platforms or glass-boxes.

According to Daw Nu Mra Zan,the veteran museum professional and a consultant for the Museum of Culture, there is also a need for strong museum law and regulations on the establishment of the museums. There is a need for a collaboration and communication between the government and the private museums.1 With a huge plethora of exhibitions that represent many facets of Myanmar’s colorful heritage past, the museum scene in Myanmar should be given a major upgrade not only in the areas of exhibitions but also have reforms on a legislative area as well,

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Source: 1. Sonoda, N. (2016, January). New Horizons for Asian Museums and Museology.

2. Chen, J. (2014, October 29). Myanmar’s National Museum Reveals Country’s Dynamic Past. The Asia Foundation. https:// asiafoundation.org/2014/10/29/myanmars-national-museum-reveals-countrys-dynamic-past/.

Image Source: Nyein Su Wai Kyaw Soe ,Frontier Myanmar

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YANGON MUSEUM SCENE CASE STUDY: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MYANMAR (YANGON) Year Built: 1990-1996 Architect : Public Work Department Site: Pyay Road, Yangon The National Museum of Myanmar (Yangon) is one of the major two national museums for Burmese art, history and culture in Myanmar. The total site area is two hectare. The museum consists of three five-storey public buildings, with its huge concrete facade facing the main Pyay Road. The main entrance, however, is at the side of the building. On the ground level are three huge bronze statues of three legendary kings of Myanmar: King Anawratha (10441077), King Bayinnaung (1550-1551) and King Alaung Min Tayar (17521760). The main attraction of the museum is the Lion Throne, which was made of Yamanay wood and completely smoothened. It is the only original throne used by the last Burmese King Thibaw.

1. Heijmans, P. (2015, February 9). The struggle to save Yangon’s architectural heritage. Retrieved from https:// www.bbc.com/news/business-31146066 Image Source: Yangon Architectural Guide

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ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

The building follows the modernist architectural style. The front facade appears to be windowless at an initial glance. The slim windows are punctured at the side of the building to prevent the sun from directly entering the building. Although the building is relatively young, without proper maintenance, the building is already showing signs of wear.

Image Source: Trip Advisor, Justgola

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PROGRAM ANALYSIS

HISTORY HISTORY

LvlLvl5 5

Natural NaturalLion Lion RoyalRoyal Myanmar Yadanar Yadanar Bon Bon Myanmar History History Throne Exhibition Exhibition Throne Regalia Civilisation RegaliaCivilisation

LANGUAGE LANGUAGE Myanmar Myanmar Epigraphy Epigraphy & & Calligraphy Calligraphy

ARTS ARTS

LvlLvl4 4

PERFORMING PERFORMING ARTS ARTS

Myanmar Myanmar Traditional Traditional Myanmar Myanmar Art Gallery Folk Arts Folk ArtsArt Gallery Performing Performing Arts Arts

ORNAMENTS ORNAMENTS

LvlLvl3 3

Myanmar Myanmar Ancient Ancient Ornaments Ornaments

SOCIETY SOCIETY EthnicEthnic Cultures Cultures

RELIGION RELIGION

LvlLvl2 2

Buddhist Buddhist Art Art

NATION NATION Nation-building Nation-building Endeavours Endeavours

LvlLvl1 1

Toilet Toilet Lift

Lift LobbyLobby Entrance Entrance

Staircase Light LightStaircase Museum Museum TicketTicket OfficeOfficeCounter Counter

Programmatic Function of the National Museum of Myanmar (Yan-

The programs inside the museum, as indicated in the diagram above are dedicated mainly to the history, civilization and the culture of the Burmese people. The arrangements of the floor plans are relatively similar from one level to another. The exhibition rooms are rectangular in shape so that there is no negative corner in the space; this room shape is conducive for the arrangement of exhibition room. The programs are arranged in the radial arrangement with the main gathering space in the core of the building.

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CIRCULATION ANALYSIS

Lvl 5

Source: 1.Chen, J. (2014, October 29). Myanmar’s National Museum Reveals Country’s Dynamic Past. The Asia Foundation. https://asiafound a t i o n . o r g / 2 014 / 10 / 2 9 / myanmars-national-museum-reveals-countrys-dynamic-past/.

Lvl 4

Lvl 3

Lvl 2

Lvl 1 Horizontal Circulation Lift Circulation Staircase Circulation

Traffic Streamline of the National Museum of Myanmar (Yangon)

The horizontal circulation of the building is structured in a one way maze manner to direct the visitors in a certain path, so that history can be told in a certain story. The vertical circulation in the building is concentrated in the centre, via the two central staircases and the elevator. There is a missed chance to connect both the vertical and the horizontal circulation here. By combining the two types of circulation, visitors can have an enhanced experience as they move from one level to another at different parts of the building.

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TRAFFIC SPACE ANALYSIS

level 1

level 2

level 3

level 4

Entrance Staircase Lift Traffic Space

level 5

Entrance Staircase regionLift that forms Traffic Space

Traffic Space is the spatial linkage with all the different types of spaces in the museum. Thus, it plays a crucial role in the organizing the traffic flow of people and the guiding visitors. Traffic Spaces aids in the transportation of the visitors and helps them to better understand the spatial perception of the museum. Here, in the National Museum of Yangon, the traffic space is concentrated in the middle of the building. There is the missed opportunity to distribute the traffic space around the two light wells in the building. Placing the transportation facilities around the light well will help to form central spaces with artistic conception.

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Images Source: Lodggy.com

EXHIBITION ARRANGEMENTS ANALYSIS

Lion Throne Room

Exhibition at Yadanarbon Showroom

Entrance Staircase Lift Traffic Space

Entrance Staircase Lift Exhibition at Royal Regalia Showroom Traffic Space

Exhibition at Myanmar Civilization Showroom

Exhibition at Preforming Arts Showroom

Exhibition at National Races Showroom

The artifacts and the exhibits are displayed either on the raised platforms or in an encased raised platform for the exhibits that are fragile.

Labels with explanations are found next to the exhibits. Though the exhibits had undergone major upgrades, there are still rooms for improvements. The exhibits can be presented in a more interactive manner through digital displays, auditory equipments, or even through virtual reality.

Exhibition at Natural History Showroom

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WHY IS MUSEUM STILL RELEVANT?

CHIN TSONG PALACE TO BECOME AN ART MUSEUM

MYANMAR’S HISTORIC SECRETARIAT BUILDING TO BE RESTORED

Article extracts from Myanmar Times

by Zon Pann Pwint, 30 June 2020

Article extracts from Myanmore

by Myanmore, 14 November 2017

The museum will be housed in the Chin Tsong Palace, thanks to an agreement between artists U Hla Tin Htun, U Lun Gywe, Panchi Soe Moe and the Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, Thura Aung Ko. Together, the artists asked the minister to locate the art museum inside the Chin Tsong Palace, and the minister immediately approved.

The restoration of one of the most important buildings in Myanmar, The Secretariat, will see one of the largest Colonial buildings in Southeast Asia restored to its former glory and adaptively reused as a cultural complex

“We’ve had an art museum in Myanmar, especially one which is devoted to just paintings. Our museums have all kinds of historical and cultural artifacts, so this one will be different,” U Hla Tin Htun said.

The Chin Tsong Palace is owned by the Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, and has remained empty for a long period of time. The building was built over a hundred years ago, with 2018 marking its centenary year.

Above Museum scene in Yangon news collage

Their multiple appointment for conservation architecture, interior design, landscape design, lighting, way-finding and branding will see the sensitive restoration of the abandoned 120-yearold former colonial government office – turning it into a cultural complex containing museums, galleries, cultural event spaces, lounges and offices for creative industries. These functions will be complimented by an array of heritage, retail, and food and beverage spaces set within lush, landscaped gardens.

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DENMARK TO PROMOTE U THANT HOUSE AS EDUCATION CENTRE IN YANGON Article extracts from ScandAsia

by Zazithorn Ruengchinda , 29 July 2020 The Danish Ambassador, H.E. John Nielsen met on 23 July 2020 with the U Thant House Chairman, U Thant Myint-U to discussed on promoting the venue as a learning centre.U Thant House is Myanmar’s leading discussion centre and a museum dedicated to the life and work of the UN’s Third Secretary General.

Later on the same day, the Embassy of Denmark has entered an agreement with U Thant House to promote the museum as a centre for learning and dialogue on the key challenges Myanmar is facing and to promote the respect for peace and tolerance among young people.

BUILDING-UP YANGON’S PAST AGAIN Article extracts from Myanmar Times

by Zon Pann Pwint, 26 July 2020

Filled with a sense of loss, U Aung Soe Myint decided to rebuild a new house with the remnants of the old. With this very personal project, he became a passionate collector of Yangon’s historical memorabilia-all found amid the ruins of destroyed or neglected buildings.

“Because I live in Yangon, I always see buildings that have been demolished to make way for new projects or because they were structurally unsound,” U Aung Soe Myint said.

His collection is a homage to Yangon’s rich cultural history, and the many buildings we’ve lost over the years. The collection showcases images, alongside the many interesting and rare cultural artifacts that U Aung Soe Myint has managed to recover and restore over the years.

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Images Source: The Myanmar Times

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MUSEUM KIT Rather than designating the whole building to be re-adapted into a museum, the whole system of museum can be split up into different modules which can then be implemented into different colonial buildings of different sizes and typologies. Museum Kits consisting of components that are of essential elements for the museum will be customized and prefabricated to be later transported to the respective places. These kits will offer flexibility and the adaptability in the uses of the buildings since they can be assembled and dismantled according to the different needs of the day. Through the museum kits,many heritage buildings that require assistance can be re-purposed into buildings of various uses that cater to the different societal demands throughout the city. In this way, unconventional buildings that previously were not given much attention are given with a new lease of life as they can now draw in tourists who might otherwise not have chosen these buildings for their destination. In addition, the relationship between the people and the colonial buildings can be more strengthened too, both between the owners of the buildings and the society, as the buildings are now presented with new light.

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PROTO-STRATEGY

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Stage 1:

Prefabricate Necessary Components

All the components necessary for the establishment of the museum such as structural components, lighting, acoustics, electrical wiring components, display components and furniture will be prefabricated in advance according to the size of the venue. The parts should be modular and collapsible for easy assembly and transportation.

Stage 2:

Package into Museum “Kit-of-Parts�

Once the parts have been fabricated, they will then be packaged together according to the similar categories. The packages will also consist of instruction manuals so that user of the buildings can easily set up the museum and utilize the components.

Stage 3:

Transport to the Designated places

The packages will then be delivered to the respective places. The kits are targeted at the abandoned or derelict colonial apartments and the buildings where there may be potential occupants.

Stage 5:

A fully refurbished and mixed use colonial building

With the kits, the once abandoned or dilapidated colonial buildings are given with a new lease of life.

Through the museum, history can be preserved and retold. Through the other uses of the building, it can be ensured that the building will stay relevant and continue to serve the people.

Stage 4:

Adaptive Reuse

Before the installment of the museum kits, the venue will firstly be restored and enhanced for the benefit of the owners and the visitors. Once the place has been fully refurnished, the museum kitof-parts will be installed so that the place can be turned into a museum during the day and return to the original or other use at night.

MUS

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KIT-OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

MOBILE WALLS

CEILING GRID • Provides flexibility to the spatial arrangement of the museum.

• All the structural components will be attached to the ceiling grid.

• Act as mobile partition walls for the exhibition layout • Act as a display surface

WALL PANELS • Changeable and Detachable Panels • Act as acoustic & pin-up surface • Attach to the ceiling grid.

CEILING • Acts as acoustic surface.

• Attaches to the ceiling grid.

DISPLAY LIGHTS • Detachable Lighting • Attach to the ceiling grid.

LIGHTING

SPEAKERS • Detachable and Mobile Speakers • Enhance the acoustical atmosphere of the museum.

ACOUSTICS

SEUM

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F PARTS EXHIBITION FURNITURE • Modular and Movable • Act as a display surface

STORAGE FURNITURE • Modular and Movable • Act as both storage and seats

FURNITURE

PRESENTATION SCREEN • Attaches to the ceiling grid.

• Acts as display surface.

POWER CABLES • Detachable and Retractable • Attach to the ceiling grid.

ELECTRICAL WIRES SYSTEM

SECURITY CAMERAS • Provide 24/7 surveillance to the museum

SURVEILLANCE

DISPLAY

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WHY MUSEUM KIT?

FLEXIBILITY The museum allows for the flexible use of space throughout the day.

With the mobile walls and the detachable wall panels, the place can be turned into a museum during the day and be of another use at night. Even for the museum itself, the museum kit will offer with varieties of museum layout to accommodate different events and programs.

FAST SETUP Since the museum kit is customised according to the individual places, the museum can be quickly set up in with kit-of parts with majority unskilled labour and standard tools, requiring only a fraction of time of the total building time that uses traditional constructions.

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CHEAP With the museum kit, the building can be easily re-adapted into a mixed-use museum. This will help to save costs as it eliminates the construction and labour expenses, as compared to turning the entire space into a museum from scratch.

The building can also enjoy more monetary benefits from a mixedused museum as opposed to a building that is dedicated solely for the museum purpose.

SUSTAINABLE The museum kit also provides with a sustainable solution due to is nature of modularity. If an object is made of standard parts, and one of those parts breaks, it can be easily replaced with another pre-fabricated part. It also extends the buildings’ lives and avoids the demolition waste.

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POSSIBLE LOCATIONS The targeted buildings for this museum kits will be abandoned or derelict colonial buildings that are found in the Downtown Conservation Area.

The buildings can either be occupied or vacant, as the museum kits can be applied to both scenarios. The kits can also be extended to the family-owned residential apartments that are built in the colonial period. Some of these heritage apartments have had many generations of families living in the same place. Therefore, these apartments are of sentimental value to the families.

The museum kit will give them the opportunity to turn their homes into a place where they can share their legacy and history, without having to give up the space they live in. Indicated on the maps are the possible buildings for the strategy. These buildings are chosen based on their long history and historical significance. For heritage apartments, the exact apartment is yet to be decided. In this way, unconventional buildings that previously were not given much attention are given with a new lease of life as they can now draw in tourists who might otherwise not have chosen these buildings for their destination ABANDONED/DERELICT COLONIAL BUILDINGS

A. Former Ministry of Hotels and Tourism

B. Waziya Cinema

C. Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank

D. Yangon Division Court and Pension Office

E. Former US. Embassy

F. Balthazar Building

G. Myanmar Economic Bank 2

H. Former Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise

I. Printing and Publishing Enterprise

J. Sarpay Beikman

Image Source: Yangon Architectural Guide

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COLONIAL APARTMENTS Image Source: Y. (n.d.). Yangon Built Form Study. Retrieved from http:// www.yhtliveableyangon.org/ wp-content/uploads/online_ annexes/YHS_OLA6.pdfitage Trust).

A. Apartments along Latha Street

B. Apartments along Bogalay Zay Street

C. Apartments along 26th Street

N

I A H

Legend River Road Network Downtown Conservation Area Possible Colonial Buildings Legend Possible Heritage Apartments

E F G K C D

BOGALAY ZAY STREET

26TH STREET

LATHA STREET

B

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PROPOSED PROGRAMS DIGITAL DISPLAY SECTION As digital technology has become more advanced and widely available, it has become an integral part of the visitor’s museum experience.

Digital Technology allows the museum to be able to present information in ways that help us to expand the knowledge and explore new ideas.

Through the digital technology, the museum is also able to offer a more interactive experience for the visitors as well.

As such, the museum will have a separate section on the digital displays. Digital displays can take in many forms from the LCD display screens, interactive screens to holographic projection screens. These display screens are compatible to the museum-kit strategy as they are portable, modular and occupy little space.

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MULTI-GENERATIONAL EDUCATIONAL SPACE The exhibits and the displays that are usually found in the Burmese museums tend to be a basic physical showcase of the artifacts that are usually encased in a transparent box or barricaded for protection. They are then placed together with other artifacts that share the same theme or time period in one room. The rooms are categorized based on the historic time period or of the similar. Hence, there is rarely attempts to engage or interact with different generations.

The programs intended in this thesis proposal will cater to different age groups, ranging from young children, young adults to the millennial and the elderly as well. It is of great importance that museums have programs that engage different generations so that the museums stay relevant and be connected to the people. Only then, will the people have the desire to conserve the colonial buildings and its heritage.

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GALLERY The gallery space forms the central core of the museum. The displays in the gallery,the events that are taking place and the programs inside the gallery are what attract people to visit the museum. The gallery space have the ability to affect the displays, which in turn affect the visitors’ perception of the gallery space and the museum. Different museums will have the different themed-galleries to share the different parts of history in the varying scales and depths.

There are various components to look into when forming a gallery space in the museum.

Circulation, the layout of the exhibits,the lighting used for the displays and circulation of the museum are crucial aspects to consider when a museum is being set up.

Each colonial building comes with different shapes and sizes so there is a significant challenge to turn some parts of the buildings into a museum gallery. Thus, the museum kit will be customized according to the individual buildings to create the optimal gallery model.

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STORAGE Though, storage places are usually hidden away from the public sight, they play an important role in the making of the museum. Storage places should be big enough to house the artifacts and the exhibits once the operation of the museum has ended for the day. They should also be compact and well organized so that it does not occupy huge amount of space especially when setting up the museum in the heritage apartments. The kit will also have furniture with storage compartments so that they can be used as display surfaces as well as the storage spaces.

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SOCIAL MEDIA VENUES Social Media is an undeniable force in today’s world. It is the most powerful form of marketing the world has ever seen. As part of the outreach strategy to attract the visitors and the tourists especially the youths, the museum will also have spots with creative backdrops and decorations for selfie-loving visitors or photo-enthusiasts ,who wish to upload and share with people on social media, a piece of memory of the time they visit the museum.

Not all parts of the museum, however, will be allowed for photo-taking. Private living spaces especially for the heritage apartments will be barred from entering as there should be respect for their privacy as well. Photography will also not be allowed for special exhibitions to protect them from copyrights violations and theft. Having zones with different accessibility level to the public will provide different visitor experiences and make them more curious to visit the museum.

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TRAINING PROGRAMS For every museum module, there will be a team of curators put in place to be in charge of attending to the care and display of items. They are also in charge of overseeing the documentation and providing assistance on what kind of display and events to be chosen, how to care and store the items after the museum operation is over for the day. These teams of experts are necessary, especially for the museum modules at the heritage apartments, to assist the owners of the heritage apartments in setting up the museum modules and taking care of the artifacts.

Numerous training programs and worships will be held to educate and train the locals so that they can fill in the positions of the museum curators.

In this way, the museum modules will provide job opportunities to the locals. There will also be monthly training programs, workshops and seminars to educate the people who are involved in this operation of museum module.

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THE BURMESE WAY The interiors of the gallery will reflect the characteristics of the Burmese way of life and architecture to appeal and relate better to the lives of the Burmese people. The structural components and the furniture used inside the kit will have Burmese elements such as Burmese wood carving patterns, Burmese geometries and the weaving patterns to convince the people that conserving the colonial buildings does not necessarily mean glorifying and immortalizing the colonial heritage. Retrofitting the colonial buildings with Burmese elements will only show that two different cultures can coexist together to form a unique hybrid where both the colonial and the Burmese heritage are celebrated.

Intricate wood carvings are the signature elements of the Burmese architecture.

The structural components inside the kit such as the mobile walls and the wall panels can be carved with the traditional wood patterns.

Myanmar Lacquerware has a very unique style and a long tradition dating back to the 13th Century. The lacquer ware products are coated and varnished with the resin from the Burmese native tree and decorated with Burmese floral designs. These Burmese lacquereware products can be used as decorative items or souvenirs inside the museum.

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Burmese silverware products which come in the form of betel or lime boxes, cups and bowls are coated with silver coating and are carved with Buddhist symbols, animals and figures. These bowls can be used as exhibit cases, decorative items or souvenirs inside the museum.

Burmese umbrellas (also known as Pathein Htee) are decorative umbrellas that are made of bamboo and cotton. They are characterized by their intricate bamboo patterns and bright colors. These Burmese umbrellas can be used as decorative items or souvenirs inside the museum.

Burmese have been using Rattan for their furniture, home products and even as building element since the early days. Burmese rattan can be used in both the exhibit furniture, storage or even as seatings inside the museums.

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VISUALISATION

Museum by day

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Home at night

“THIS IS BURMA , AND IT WILL BE QUITE UNLIKE ANY LAND YOU KNOW ABOUT. “ -RUDYARD KIPLING

Edited by: Shoon Lei Khin Mentored by: Daniel Joseph Whittaker (PHD) Master of Architecture Thesis Prep Singapore University of Technology and Design