Malay vernacular architecture: mirror of the past, lessons for the future

Abstract

Research posed the question as what can be learned from vernacular architecture that may inform contemporary design. Malay vernacular architecture formulated its characters in relation to the cultural and environmental context as the important components in the formation of contemporary architectural language. The qualitative mood of this investigation was conducted to explore the phenomenon. The evidence compiled through numerous research and archival records as the justification for supporting the argument. Additionally, direct observation based on authors' perceptions captured supplementary information as the result of field investigation. The empirical findings from the evidence discussed, provided a new understanding of the effectiveness of social, cultural and environmental context and concluded with the powerful overview of contemporary quality of style that could learn about Malay vernacular architecture.