Architectural Design Evolution of the Malay Traditional Houses Along Sungai Perak

Abstract

Sungai Perak is the second longest river system in Peninsular Malaysia flowing along 400km of river basin. For hundreds of years Sungai Perak has been the seat of the traditional Malays of Perak. Used as the main ‘highway’ during its heyday, it is seen as the economic, social and political seat of the Perak royals. Sungai Perak also forms the heart of the transportation and communication for the people of Perak. As with other main rivers systems Sungai Perak holds many wealth and secrets. Remnants of old Malay palaces, traditional houses, royal tombs and vernacular mosques can be seen to this day along the river basin, as prove of the existence of the old Malay civilization. Architecturally, traditional house was built not only for shelter and safety reasons. All forms of traditional architecture are built to meet specific needs, accommodating the religious, cultural values and way of life. Based on these circumstances, it tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural, technological and historical context in which it exists. However, this traditional Malay home will face extinction if it is not well preserved and documented for future reference. This paper discusses the development of architectural style on the Malay houses at Sungai Perak. Fifty (50) houses in Kampung Aji, Bota Kiri were documented and analyzed chronologically. The evidence is derived from sixty houses as case study. Data is collected through site observation and variety sources of documentation. The roof design, spatial organization and architectural elements several types of architectural design were found in the period of 150 years. All of these shapes up the evolution of architectural design of the Malay houses in Perak and contribute as an extension of knowledge to the traditional Malay architecture in Malaysia.