Architectural interventions and effects on shophouse façade in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

• Main Author: Yasmin Mohd Faudzi,
• Format: UMK Etheses
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: NA Architecture
• Online Access: http://discol.umk.edu.my/id/eprint/10264/1/YASMIN%20BINTI%20MOHD%20FAUDZI.pdf; http://discol.umk.edu.my/id/eprint/10264/

This thesis concerns architectural interventions on shophouse facades among the heritage shophouses in the study area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The dramatic urban development in Malaysia brought on by the needs and demands from society has had a significant impact on heritage shophouses. This study raises the issue of the value of the historical shophouse facades, a value which has been neglected by society and does not match the prominent cultural identity of these buildings. The study also seeks to identify the factors that might contribute to this situation. The objectives of this research are 1) to identify architecture interventions on shophouse facades in the study area, 2) to study these architectural interventions, and 3) to study the elements of shophouse facades that have changed as a result of the interventions. From the preceding studies of Penang, Malacca and Singapore, it was found the emergence of architectural interventions on shophouse facades was influenced by modernisation of the urban area as well as a lack of awareness from the shophouse owners. In addition, lack of legislation and poor enforcement of existing legislation by the local authority has triggered architectural interventions and demolition of shophouse facades in the study area. An observation and interview method was applied to obtain the data . Observations were carried out on four selected units of shophouse facades along Jalan Temenggung in the study area . This was combined with interviews with shophouse owners and the local authority in order to achieve the research objectives. The findings revealed that besides natural causes, architectural interventions were caused by poor awareness by the building owners and the local authority; urban growth; and financial constraints. Those factors led to architectural interventions which changed elements of the facades of the shophouses.. The demolition of heritage shophouse facades will eventually destroy the identity and image of the city. The research discovered changes to facade elements included modifications of walls, upper floors, roof, windows, doors, columns as well as the pavement in front of the buildings. Changes include repainting structures, change of construction materials, change of space function, as well as poor maintenance leaving vacant lots in a dilapidated state.