Senvar 12 2011. Ref No:
(B6-03)
A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Carved Fenestration in Floral
Design of Malay Vernacular Architecture
Nursuriani Binti Shaffee
1
and Ismail Bin Said
2
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1
Master Candidate/Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, University Technology Malaysia
2
Associate Professor at Landscape Architecture Department/Faculty of Built Environment, University Technology Malaysia
nursuriani@umk.edu.my , ismailbinsaid@gmail.com
ABSTRACT [Cambria 10,]
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[Cambria 9] This paper presents an experimental study on complexity of pattern on Malay
woodcarving in two samples of ventilation panel from two traditional old palaces in Kelantan and
Terengganu. Existing methods of analytical review analysis for carved components rely
extensively on interpretation analysis of measured drawing and none has been looking on
scientific method as analysis technique. 2D image measured drawings of carving motifs were
retrieved from the Centre for the Study of Built Environment in Malay World at Universiti
Teknologi Malaysia as a pictorial data source. The data was analyzed using multidisciplinary
point pattern analysis. Supported by historical study of carved fenestration, the result suggests
that the background of building, status of the owner, the types of character design elements are
influencing factors on complexity of pattern on carving pattern. The result implies that these
methods are lead to new knowledge in this study, it also will allow architects and craftsmen to be
more attentive in sustaining this authentic local architecture embellishment.
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© 2011 12
th
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SENVAR. All rights reserved. [Cambria 8] [Do not delete this statement]
Keywords: Malay Woodcarving, floral motif, vernacular architecture, carved component
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1. Introduction[Cambria 10]
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Since before the arrival of Islam, woodcarving has long been entrenched in Malay Art of
traditional vernacular architecture Kelantan and Terengganu (Norhaiza,2009 and Zumahiran, 2010),
the north-eastern states of Peninsular Malaysia and still remains so to this day. The significant
physical functions of woodcarving as a vital component are not only served it purposes for
ventilation, light and aesthetic value, but also to adapt on thermal requirement of the hot-humid
tropical climate (Tajuddin, 2005). There are various major motifs such as floral, geometric and
calligraphy which used by craftsmen to express their level of creativity, sensibility and artistry in
creating an astonishing masterpiece (Ismail, 2008). From the era of establishment, floral motif is
dominating on the carved component in Malay vernacular architecture until present but the
complexity patterns were changes until present. The aim of this paper is to identify the changes of
floral motif on ventilation panels of traditional vernacular architecture. In this paper, we examine
physical character of Malay woodcarving from theoretical aspect and 2 sets of sample ventilation
panels measured drawing from The Centre for the Study of Built Environment in Malay World
(KALAM). The main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the new analysis techniques of the trend of
complexity pattern and factor influences which has taken the way of evident from the past to present.
In addition, the authors conducted qualitative, quantitative methods and also personal interview
targeted on craftsmen opinion on the change of patterns and motifs in Malay woodcarving from the
period of its establishment until now. This paper presents finding of an experimental study of the
floral motifs on ventilation panels of traditional vernacular architecture of Kelantan and Terengganu.
The major research question is what are the change trend of complexity pattern in flora motifs from
1850s until now that has been sustained in Malay woodcarving.
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