Introducing Modern Design

Welcome back again!! After talking about few examples of Malaysian vernacular architecture, I am going to move on to modern design. Now you must be wondering why I would talk about modern design, you will see the connection later on. Modern design is a clear line in showing the transition of design style from the more traditional to the modern kind. Modern design are "sleek, spacious, simple and emphasizes on function. Modern design uses geometry and clean lines" (iMatchDesigners, 2011). Modern design do not have intricate carvings and decoration. 

The obvious characteristics for modern design is the materials used to build houses. In modern design, materials used usually are bricks, concrete, metal and glass, things that are man-made rather than natural materials. Plus, the materials used now is lighter than the materials used in olden days. Nowadays, you can see houses made from concrete and bricks everywhere, especially in the city. Another characteristic is modern design is simplicity and functionality. You can see from the modern houses, the design is simple and focus more on the function. 

Modern houses also have mechanical cooling system such as air-conditioner, electric fans and more. This is basically because in modern houses, concrete absorb heat during the day which makes the interior of a house getting warmer. In this case, mechanical cooling system is used to lower the temperature of the house. The roof is not as steep as a traditional houses, but still remain the shape of it. The roof are insulated in order to trap the heat from getting into the interior of the house, preventing the house from getting warm. 

Another obvious characteristics is modern houses do not have base raised on stilts and stairs like the traditional ones. Modern houses however have stairs in the interior that can lead up to first floor or even second floor. Modern design is a breakthrough from vernacular architecture that are more appropriate to the modern era.

MM Adventure Travel and Discovery (2016) Malay Traditional Stilt House. The house raised on stilts and has stairs to enter the house.
(Source:http://mmadventure.com/wildlife/malay-traditional-house.htm)

Damansara Kim Home. House built on ground and has large gate instead of stairs for the entrance.
(Source: http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/156-damansara-kim-home-revitalised)

References:

iMatchDesigners(2011) "Modern Design: Discover the Joy of Simple, Clean, Uncluttered Space". Available at: 

http://imatchdesigners.com/interior-design/modern-interiors-discover-the-joy-of-simple-clean-uncluttered-space/ [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

Image Sources:

Damansara Kim Home (2016) [Image] Available at: 

http://www.habitat-my.com/house-renovation-design/156-damansara-kim-home-revitalised [Accessed 8 June, 2016]

MM Adventure Travel and Discovery (2016) Available at:

http://mmadventure.com/wildlife/malay-traditional-house.htm [Accessed 8 June, 2016]