The greatest architectural transformation followed Merdeka, or Independence in 1957. Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia were transformed from colonial towns into parts of the new nation and Kuala Lumpur became its capital. Proud symbols of nationhood were expressed in new and daring forms. Innovative construction techniques and industrialized components changed the scale of commercial buildings and enabled the erection of the first prominent buildings and sky scrapers that shaped the nations modern architectural scene. According to Ar. Chan Seong Aun, president of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (2013-2015), most Malaysian architecture of the modern movement are not documented thoroughly and have not made the list of heritage buildings. The Subang airport for example has been replaced by a “non descript warehouse. It is therefore important that we properly record the heritage of Malaysian architecture before it is destroyed and lost forever.

 

This research project adopts document analysis methodology that involves documenting, analyzing, producing, and a critical chronological and diagrammatical interpretation of Modern Malaysian architectural history. This project emphasizes critical analysis of the post Merdeka/Independence of Malaysian architecture in the effort to understand the influences of post-modernism to architectural design and construction, building science and technology, and urban design. The project is to distinguish the way in which many diverse factors contribute to the development of Modern Malaysian architecture. The development of the project will involve active discussion, analysis interpretation and consultation with the tutor.