Developing the architecture of Astana Seri Menanti during the early period of federated states

The Early Federated Malay States was a time when Malaysia was at the dawn of a new political governance under the British rule through the unification of Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Pahang. The new system also introduced the British Resident system as a means of having a localized ruling system for each of the Malay State. It was evident that this new political movement affected the ruling societies specifically in Negeri Sembilan. In particular was the impact on state funded government projects especially Astana Lama Seri Menanti. Hence, the purpose of the current study is to establish the factors that influenced the architecture of Astana Seri Menanti during the early period of the Federated Malay States. The objectives include establishing the contextual requirement for constructing Astana Seri Menanti, identifying the role and involvement of the individual prominent figures and establishing the relationship of the prominent figures in shaping the final architectural design of Astana Seri Menanti. Qualitative research methodology was utilised in this research through Document Analysis methods which encompassed triangulating historical studies (archival); comparative studies; and empirical research (case study). Research samples for Traditional Malay Royal Palaces were obtained from Measured Drawings archived at the Centre for the Study of Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM); Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM); National Archives in Kew, London; Arkib Negara in Kuala Lumpur; Cambridge University Library; and Negeri Sembilan State Museum in Seremban. Findings indicated that the construction of Astana Seri Menanti was initiated as a result of British involvements and the consequent loss of the royal palace which left the Yamtuan who is the a ruler without a palace. Furthermore, it was identified that the involvements of the prominent figures such as the Malay Tukang, the British draftsman and the Chinese contractors was influential in the construction of Astana Seri Menanti. Last but not least, the relationship of these different prominent figures contributed in the development of the Astana’s architectural design through traditional construction methods. In short, the involvements of the Malay, British and Chinese prominent figures in the construction of the Astana Seri Menanti during the early Federated State resulted in an architectural design that is characterised as a traditional vernacular palace with a western spatial layout, built using colonial construction methods but utilising traditional construction materials. The findings of this study provide significant contribution to studies on vernacular palace architecture specifically on timber palaces in the 20th Century. It is hoped that future generations can benefit from the findings of this study and encourage future generations to appreciate and conserve Malay Royal Palaces

Placements and influences on woodcarvings of traditional Malay houses in Negeri Sembilan

Woodcarving is a form of art depicting the carver’s intentions and emotions which are laid out on a canvas of timber panels. Despite mass application of woodcarvings in Traditional Malay Houses around Malaysia, the knowledge behind the placements and influences of woodcarvings implemented in Negeri Sembilan needs further research in order to define, identify and differentiate local woodcarvings. This study aims at investigating the placements and influences on woodcarvings of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan through detailed analysis and synthesis of the woodcarvings used. Qualitative research methodologies were used; firstly based on 15 case studies of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan and secondly through content analysis of books, reports, journals and measured drawings. 15 research samples were obtained from measured drawings archived by the Centre for the Study of the Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Analysis of the data gathered through the various means mentioned above suggested that the woodcarving designs and placements have similar cultural influences of Minangkabau, Chinese and Javanese with religious influences from Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. These placements and influences were incorporated with local designs which made the juxtaposition of the woodcarvings found in Negeri Sembilan involving many cultural, religious and political influences. The findings indicated that woodcarvings of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan are infused with a variety of placements and influences which ultimately provided some insight into the multicultural and multi-faith community that live side by side in Negeri Sembilan. Even though they were from different backgrounds, the locals and outsiders lived peacefully together and their influences were depicted on the woodcarvings of the Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan