Asian Architecture (ARC60403)  Project 1: Research in Asian Architecture 

Topic & Issue Proposal (10%) Due Date: 9 Oct 2018 

Group Members:
1. Foo Ming-Wei, Fabien (0327869)
2. Lissa Lai Jing Ying (0326465)
3. Aidiel Syazrie Bin Azhar (0327161)
4. Ahmad Nabil Bin Jimi (0327780)
5. Hee Kar Hang (0328186)
 
Assessed by: Miss Alia Ahamad
 
Research Title:
ANALYSIS OF DESIGN OF MOSQUES IN KUALA LUMPUR FROM PRE-INDEPENDENCE TO
POST-INDEPENDENCE OF MALAYSIA

Issues/ Problem Statement​​:

The inevitable evolution of mosque design in Malaysia is prevalent nationwide and there are many existing
analysis towards mosque designs in Malaysia. However, there is a significant lack of in depth analysis towards
the mosque designs in Kuala Lumpur from pre-independence to post independence of Malaysia, specifically from
the 1900s to the 2010s. Thus, there is a dire need to raise awareness on the prominent changes of mosque
designs in Kuala Lumpur for architectural education purposes as these mosques are historical assets, not only
for Kuala Lumpur but for the whole country. Apart from that, lack of thorough research and decision making by
the relevant authorities might invoke the demolition and change of these historical mosques.

Research Questions: 
 
1. How does the ornamentation change from pre-independence to post-independence, specifically from
the 1900s to the 2010s ?

2. What craftsmanship is involved in the different decades from the 1900s to 2010s ?

3. How ventilation in mosques changes from the 1900s to 2010s?

4. How has modern technology affected the use of materials in comparison from pre-independence to
post-independence, specifically from the 1900s to the 2010s ?
 
Summary of Research :
The research aims to analyze the progressive changes of mosque’s design in Kuala Lumpur within the period of
pre-independence to post independence from the 1900s to 2010s. From the studies conducted, there was a
need for Malaysia to have an architectural identity of its own. Methods used for the research are literature
reviews, interviews, documentaries and general research through journals and books and observe how the
styles have been modified and evolved throughout the passing times, specifically through the transition from pre
to post independence of Malaysia. The follow up from that is to look into more detail, the different design such as
ornamentations, ventilation, materiality and the craftsmanship applied into the designs from each of these
mosques from different eras and compare the differences between them to further show the evolution of
architecture from the two different eras. This research will aid in raising awareness on the prominent changes of
mosques from pre-independence to post-independence and to halt the destruction or changing of historical
mosques.

Concept Mapping

References

1. Adi, S. M. (2016). Mosque as a Model of Learning Principles of Sustainable Architecture. Journal of

Islamic Architecture
2. Ahmad, A. G., Dr. (n.d.). The Architectural Styles Of Mosques in Malaysia:. Retrieved from
http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/SeminarPaper/PAPERRIYADH.html
3. Baharudin, N. A., & Ismail, A. S. (2016). Architectural Style of Da’wah Mosque in Malaysia: From
Vernacular to Modern Structures. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability
4. Goh, B., & Liauw, D. (2009). Post-colonial projects of a national culture. ​City,​ ​13(​ 1), 71-79.
doi:10.1080/13604810902726210
5. Nasir, A.H. ​Mosques of Peninsular Malaysia​, Kuala Lumpur, Berita Publishing Sdn. Bhd., 1984.
6. Rasdi, M. T. (2012). Traditional Islamic architecture of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan
Pustaka.
7. Yeang, K. ​The Architecture of Malaysia​, Amsterdam, The Pepin Press, 1992

Journals

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272293471_Ventilation_in_a_Mosque_-_an_Additional_Purpose_the_
Minarets_May_Serve