Discourse of democratic architecture in Malaysia: an analysis of Putrajaya government building in comparison to parliament building

Abstract

Democracy is an important element in society as it is generally described by many as a form of government or a set of political institutions in the context of a political state. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, democracy is commonly viewed as a political practice which not only meant for retaining the freedom of the masses but also for ensuring country's economic and social rapid development through political stability. However, very little is known regarding the ideas and philosophy of democracy towards the development of Malaysia's built environment since very few studies have been done. The aim of this paper is to discuss the architectural characteristics which represent the idea of democracy by referring to Western philosophies that concerned with human and cultural values in its built environment, as well as seeks to investigate to what extent does the philosophy of democracy as understood from the Western philosophers are implied in the design of two prominent Malaysian administrative building, which are the Putrajaya government office and the Parliament building. An analysis of the data exposed that the idea of democracy are not well represented and reflected in the architectural design of government buildings in Malaysia as practiced by the Malaysian political institution. This paper, therefore, offers new insights, which not only add to knowledge in this field by widening and strengthening the understanding of political and architectural historical theory in Malaysia, but also are valuable for range of associated fields including architectural semiotics and non verbal communication. This is because this paper reveals deep understandings of the built form and material environment operating as a sign in a cultural and social context.