Abstract:
The quality of contemporary residential
functional spaces has been mostly based on
style and modernity rather than the tradition
of particular regional context. This has led to
new buildings which are not based, on the
tradition of their own regional context. In
view of the rapid modernization of Malaysia,
the kampong house as a Malay vernacular
architecture has been replaced by modern
architecture. We are motivated to conduct
this study because we observed the increasing
loss of functional spatial features of kampong
houses and their cultural values that support
Malay local quality of life. The functional
spatial features include spatial characteristics
of functions and spaces that are based on
local needs while the cultural values represent
the local way of life. We posit that the loss of
functional spatial features and cultural values
is key to the diminishing quality of life for
people living in contemporary houses. In this
research, the vernacular architectural
features of kampong houses representing
Malay vernacular houses are studied using
archival search. We use text analysis for
analyzing the cultural meanings of vernacular
functional spaces and their functional spatial
features. The vernacular functional spatial
features are the socio-cultural or
environmental characteristics of a local region
in a functional space. On the other hand, the
cultural meaning of functional spaces is the
value that represents the resident's local way
of life in a functional space. The analysis
determines the vernacular functional spatial
features and cultural meanings of the
functional spaces of Malay houses which
represent the local needs. This study theorizes
that the vernacular functional spatial features
and the cultural meanings of functional
spaces within Malay houses are influential in
enhancing the quality of life. Correspondingly,
the research found that the vernacular
functional spatial features and their cultural
values could support the quality of life while
integrated successfully into contemporary
functional spaces. Consequently, these
features when utilized in designing
contemporary functional spaces could exude
the Malay local quality of life. In conclusion,
the cultural values and functional spatial
features of Malay vernacular functional
spaces can be considered in contemporary
residential design for enhancing the Malay
quality of life in urban area.
