Investigating the Environmental Aspects of Courtyard in "Late Straits" Eclectic Style Shophouses, George Town, Malaysia

Abstract

The shophouses architectural can create comfortable social and environmental weather aspects. Recent renovation indicates installation of sliding roofs with polycarbonate sheet coverings. Hence, the effect is that air circulation, natural ventilation and lighting would be reduced. This research aims to investigate the original environmental aspects of courtyard in terms of natural ventilation and natural lightings components preserved in these shophouses. The research employed qualitative method involving observation and architectural documentation. This paper adopted the Lot Nos. 3, 5 and 7 on Lorong Ikan built in 1926 because they are the typical shophouses and are categorised as the Late Straits Eclectic Style in Penang. The study findings demonstrated that the courtyard central is the major component in the environmental characteristics of a shophouse and a representation of the components of place identity, thus, should be preserved by stakeholders for the next generation.