Impact of Modern Architecture on Vernacular Malaysian Architecture

Hello again!! On my last few posts, I talked about the advantages and disadvantages of modern design and also compare between vernacular architecture and modern design. Now let me look at how modern design impacts on vernacular Malaysian architecture.

Modern design will surely influence the vernacular architecture as the time goes by. This is because vernacular architecture will need to suit with the modern times and do not get left behind. Thus, a combination of the old and new design can be seen. Some traditional materials are used in a new way. In another way, this actually meant that how modern design impact the vernacular architecture. 

Modern design influence the vernacular architecture in form of materials. You can see from the Malay houses these days, most of them actually incorporated new materials into the vernacular Malaysia architecture. By using new materials, they are improving the condition of the traditional houses. For example, as time goes by, the surroundings is getting less safer, thus materials such as atap nipah is not so practical. People tend to choose bricks to prevent theft. With the combination of old and new, the house can be a safer yet comfortable house to live in.

Neo Nusantara (2010) Modern Kampung House. Timber is used but not build on stilts.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Modern Kampung House. Swimming pool as modern elements.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Modern Kampung House. The facade inspired by Melaka houses.
(Source: http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html)

Moving on, modern design also impact on vernacular Malaysian architecture in a significant way, which is the role of technology. In vernacular houses, there is zero electricity. When modern design starts to make an impact in architecture, vernacular Malaysian architecture starts to incorporate electricity into their architecture. Vernacular houses do not have electricity and light during the olden days but since the influence of modern design, there are light bulbs, electric fan, air-conditioner, water heater and more. All these electrical appliances can make out life easier. With light, we can do our work even if it's dark; With electric fan, we won't be sweating as much as we usually do. 

Asia Accommodations (n.d.) Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi. The usage of light and television shows modern elements.
(Source: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html)

Bon Ton Resort. It uses electric fan also showing modern characteristics.
(Source: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html)

Modern design also impact vernacular Malaysian architecture in spatial qualities. Modern design introduce the division of spaces to vernacular architecture. In vernacular Malaysia architecture, the spaces are quite open and there's no distinctive separation to show the difference of area present. But with the modern design, doors, curtains and partition are used to divide the spaces to have larger space to do specific activities. More privacy is given through the impact of modern design.  

In short, modern design impacts on vernacular Malaysian architecture in some ways that can seen quite obviously. Through these impacts, modern design may have traditional characteristics while traditional houses have modern characteristics. In this way, there is a combination of both types of architecture which creates a new type of design that only can be seen in Malaysia. 

Image Sources:

Asia Accommodations (n.d.) "Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi". [Image] Available at: https://accomodations.asia/Malaysia/Langkawi/Bon-Ton-Resort.html 

[Accessed 19 June, 2016]

Neo Nusantara: Outdoor Living Space (2010). "Modern Kampung House". [Image] Available at:

http://www.neonusantara.com/news_star_june2012.html [Accessed 19 June, 2016]