Full Report Final CENTRAL MARKET CONSERVATION STUDY

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1

Historical Background of Central Market The Kuala Lumpur Central Market, also as known as Pasar Seni or Pasar

Budaya, is currently a centre for Malaysian culture, arts and crafts. It is a result of a successful adaptive reuse of the existing old historical building. It serves as a commercial cultural centre that is dedicated to the preservation and sale of Malaysia’s traditional handicrafts from all sorts of races.

Figure 1: Aerial View of Kuala Lumpur 1937 Source: http://centralmarket.plansbiz.net The Central Market dates back to 1888 and used as an open wet market for citizens and tin miners in Kuala Lumpur. Later when the open market continued to expand, a permanent structure was built to house all vendors. According to Marketplace (2008) brochure, Central Market had undergone further expansions in 1889, 1895, 1920 and 1921. By the 1930s, the permanent structure was further improvised to have the current size and art deco façade. It was called Pasar Besar Kuala Lumpur and served as wet market. In its thriving days as a wet market, Central Market was the place to go for daily supplies for the citizens. The building was able to house three cold rooms for 1

frozen meats,170 vegetable and fruit stalls, 158 fish stalls, 36 beef stalls, 27 pork stalls and 20 poultry stalls. Figure 2 shows a view of a poultry stall in Central Market while Figure 3 indicates the vegetable and fruit stalls back in the 1950’s.

Figure 2: A typical poultry stall at the Central Market in the 1950's Source: www.centralmarket.com.my

Figure 3: A view of stalls selling vegetables & fruits in the 1950's Source: http://centralmarket.plansbiz.net During construction of Dayabumi on the opposite bank of the Klang River, the market together with the old shop houses north and south of it acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to be demolished for the Dayabumi Phase V, a 2

development project of commercial offices and hotels. According to Marketplace (2008) brochure, The Malaysian Heritage Society successfully petitioned against the demolition of Central Market. In 1985, it was renovated and developed into a centre for arts and crafts. On 15 April 1986, it was officially opened and known as Pasar Budaya to date with various outlets within its building selling an array of goods ranging from souvenirs to clothing. A view of exterior façade of Central Market after the conversion can be seen in Figure 4. Melewar Leisure Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of Kumpulan Melewar Berhad took over the ownership of the building and used to promote the Malaysian Culture through the sales of Malaysian Arts and Handicrafts products.

Figure 4: A view from the river back of the Central Market after its conversion from a wet market to a Centre for Culture, Arts and Handicrafts. Source: http://centralmarket.plansbiz.net

Majalah Arkitek vol 3 & 4, 1986, Central Market, which used to be known as “the biggest room in Kuala Lumpur”, was then declared a Centre for Malaysian Culture, Arts and Handicrafts. In 2004, Central Market Sdn. Bhd. bought the lease from Melewar

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Group through an open tender by Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd and since then, the Central Market has been managed by Central Market Sdn. Bhd. Based on our site visit, the Central Market has 300 shops selling local handicraft and textiles, souvenirs, collectibles and restaurants. It is also a place for cultural performance and art exhibitions.

1.2

Location From the map in Figure 5, Central Market is located along Jalan Hang Kasturi,

Kuala Lumpur, at the border of Chinatown. It is placed in a walking distance from Petaling Street, which is a popular tourist attraction. Walk across the Leboh Pasar Besar bridge is Kuala Lumpur’s major architectural heritage buildings, starting with the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad High Courts and the other buildings around the Padang Merdeka. The Central Market boasts a privileged location in the heart of historic Kuala Lumpur where the city was founded, just downriver of the confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers. The place was once the ‘landing place’ of the city’s founding fathers in their search of tin. With its continuous 50-year history as the city’s Central Market, it’s gained a cachet as proven business venue. Kuala Lumpur’s major banks are all ranged in a region north of it. The city’s major bus terminal is situated on the south. The Pasar Seni LRT station which is situated in a short distance from the south of the market practically lands passengers at its doorsteps. Majalah Arkitek vol 3 & 4, 1986 stated that the demolition of 23 shop houses at the time renovation work started on the Central Market has given the Central Market 175 car parks right at its main entrance.

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Figure 5: Location Map Source: Majalah Akitek 3 & 4, 1986

1.3

Building Description 1.3.1

Architectural 5

The Central Market is a trapezoidal box measuring 401’ length x average 200’ width x 26’ high. It may still be Kuala Lumpur’s largest single room. There are no two facades are alike but the whole is held together by unifying fenestration treatment, which the same entrances design repeated on the two long sides with glazed panels of varying widths set up an irregular rhythm. The original designer, architect T.Y.Lee claimed: “The building is so strong that it can still accommodate a mezzanine floor and one more floor on top of the roof.” (Malay Mail 18/11/1985). Today, the building is single storey with a mezzanine floor. Figure 6 shows the plan of first floor while Figure 7 shows the plan of mezzanine floor.

Figure 6: First floor plan Source: Field study 2009

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Figure 7: Mezzanine floor plan Source: Field study 2009 The building data which stated in Malay Mail story dated 5/6/1936 in which the Town Engineer, Mr. R.H.Steed unveiled the plans of the new market to members of Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board (currently known as DBKL). While the Consulting Engineers were trying to track down Mr. R.H.Steed in United Kingdom to find out more about the reinforcing steel used, the original designer surface and identified himself, engineer and architect T.Y.Lee. In his words when asked if he had been influenced by the Art Deco style popular at that time, “I designed the market according to my style. I never followed any style. I like the design and I wanted it to be strong and nice-looking.” (Malay Mail 18/11/1985). However, the architecture style of Central Market is said to be the Art Deco Style by the professions. Façades of Central Market posted the architectural style of Art Deco with straight, bold use of stepped forms frontages rising to flat roofs, sharply geometric door surrounds and tall window. Roof in Central Market consists of three types which are barrel vault roof, skylight glazed roof and flat roof. According to Chen Voon Fee, by using the barrel vault roof over the atrium it does two things spatially, first it directs one upwards to the roof as well as practically housing the hydraulic lift structure, and secondly its form imposes a second

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axis at right angle to the skylight. A strong moulded frieze runs right along the top at roof level, ties the whole together. The doors and windows of Central Market consist of 508 square meters bluegreen coloured Calorex glass. Twenty four step-headed and metal grilled entrances with two main ones at either end of a central roof-lit mall open out to the surroundings on four sides. Metal grilles with a stepped motif infill over all the entrances are the only decoration apart from four plaster mouldings on the main entrance. All windows are fixed window. Three bridges link the pavilions to the restaurant side across the central mall. Other vertical access is via the main stairs or the hydraulic passenger lift facing the stairs, these last two are placed in the central atrium. Stairs in each pavilion except for one with a fire escape stairs lead directly up to the shops at mezzanine floor. The central mall is kept clear with its strong axial glazed skylight, breached at the centre. On the other side along Benteng are two levels of restaurants, food and beverage outlets whose floors are taken up to the window mall – a necessary compromise, except in the centre where there is an open restaurant with the mezzanine slab floating freely over it, here free of the outside wall, as stated in Majalah Akitek 3 & 4, 1986.

1.3.2

Materials Majalah Akitek vol 3 & 4, 1986, stated that the main structure of Central Market

consists of Reinforced Concrete, supported on R.C. piles. Sturdily built in reinforced concrete, the roof was designed to take another floor. The building has remained structurally sound after years. The doors and windows of Central Market are glazed with 3/16” distinctive bluegreen coloured Calorex rolled plate glass, which lets in only around 20% of the sun’s heat and 60% of daylight. Inside, the central skylight running the entire 401’ length of the building was glazed with Calorex of a lighter tint. This must have been the earliest use of 8

heat resisting glass on such extent in Malaysia. In fact, Central Market may have well been Kuala Lumpur’s first energy-efficient building. The doors and windows are installed with metal grill.

According to National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645), building means a building or groups of separate or connected building which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science. Each historic building has its own unique quality which must be protected for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations.

In this project, we will choose historical buildings around Kuala Lumpur. The historical building that have been chosen and proposed to our client is Central Market which had very high historical value. A lot of surveys have been conducted to understand more on the history and also the structure of the building. Problems and the environmental issues which will be faced during the initialization of the conservation on the targeted building will be discussed in detail here.

Even a lot of parties highly support this conservation project, the costing and negative outcomes will be identified in details during the implementation of the project. We will strictly obey to the regulation and requirement during the logging of the project as well. Hereby, a thorough structure of the building will be revised and new elements of the building structure will be proposed and gaining feedback from all the parties.

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1.4 Legislation

1.4.1

Reasons for Conserving Central Market

To institute a policy of building conservation for Central Market by legislation or through planning policies, a set of decisions based upon a number motives and criteria is invariably made by the government authority, often with the assistance of conservation bodies. Both political and economic considerations are important if a conservation plan is to be successfully implemented. In making decisions, it is important to have a firm understanding of why Central Market should be preserved or conserved. The reasons for conserving Central Market are importance of tourism to the Malaysian economy and maintain local cultural.

(a) Importance of Tourism to the Malaysian Economy Central Market preserved and conserved for the purposes of the tourism industry. This is because Central Market will demonstrate aspects of the past or continuing culture of a country or region. The Central Market is built to promote Malaysian culture by develop tourism industry where most tourists come to Malaysia will visit to Central Market. People and tourists in particular are often attracted to buildings which are either of historical value or are architecturally outstanding. Rehabilitation or careful adaptive reuse of Central Market into appropriate new uses will help to promote tourism industry and encourage domestic and external tourists to visit Central Market. Thus, it can generate income and improve Malaysian Economy.

(b) Maintain Local Cultural British Colonial Architecture, 1997, stated that the Central Market is a cultural centre that is dedicated to the preservation and sale of Malaysia’s traditional handicrafts from all sorts of races. It can help to preserve and maintain local culture so that local culture did not extinct. Beside that, the Central Market can give the knowledge to local people and foreigner about local culture and instill interest and awareness of culture 10

heritage that unique and difficult to be replaced. The Central Market is a place to scout for talents and production from population in Malaysia such as handicraft and art among local young people.

1.4.2

Malaysian Law on Conservation of Central Market

Malaysia is a developing country where new developments are largely in momentum. This will causes old and historical buildings in Malaysia demolished or renovated without proper and adequate guidance. As an effort to conserve historical buildings, the government has appointed organizations form various sectors to implement, monitor and supervise the conservation activities. They consist of the Malaysia Heritage Trust- Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM), the Conservation and Townscape Unit of Kuala Lumpur City Council (CTU) and the Museum and Antiquity Department of the National Museum (MAD). (Source: http://www.efka.utm.my/)

There are few laws on conservation in Malaysia to control and supervise Central Market such as Antiquities Act 1976, National Heritage Act 2005, Local Government Act 1976, and Town and Country Planning Act 1976.

(a) Antiquities Act 1976 (Act 168) This act is enforced by the Federal Government of Malaysia and provides for the control of preservation and research into ancient and historical monuments. In this act, "ancient monument" is defined as any monument which is or is reasonably believed to be at least one hundred years old or which is declared as one. Such monument may be a house, temple, church, building, cave, grave or a standing stone which has historical, religious or cultural significance. Under this act, any person who demolishes or damages any ancient monument without permission commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment not exceeding three 11

months or to a fine not exceeding MR 500 (Malaysian Ringgit) or both. In December 2005, the Antiquities Act 1976 has been replaced by the National Heritage Act 2005. (Source: http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation/) (b) National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) This act provide for the conservation and preservation of National Heritage, natural heritage, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, underwater cultural heritage, treasure trove and for related matter. Under this act, “antiquity” means: (a) Any moveable object which is or is reasonably believed to be at least fifty years old; (b) Any part of any such object which has at any later date been added or re-constructed or restored; and (c) Any human, plant or animal remains which is or is reasonably believed to be at least one hundred years old.

From this act, the Minister shall be responsible for providing or issuing policies, statements or directives in respect of any matter, business, strategy or conduct on the conservation and preservation of heritage. The functions of the Commissioners stated in this act are: (a) to determine the designation of sites, registration of objects and underwater cultural heritage; (b) to supervise and oversee the conservation, preservation, restoration, maintenance, promotion, exhibition and accessibility of heritage; (c) to advise and co-ordinate with the local planning authority, the Council and other bodies and entities at all levels for the purpose of safeguarding, promoting and dealing with any heritage; 12

(d) to advise the Minister with regard to any matter in respect of conservation and preservation of heritage. (Source: National Heritage Act 2005) (c) Local Government Act 1976 The Local Government Act 1976 is enforced within the local authority jurisdiction and apply only to West Malaysia. This act explains that the local authority shall have legal power regarding conservation and preservation actions in its local governing area. According to Part XII, Section 101(c)(iv), the local authority has the power to maintain or contribute the maintenance of historical buildings or sites and acquire any land, with or without buildings for the purpose of or in connection with the maintenance of historical buildings or sites. This act also empowers the local authority to establish, acquire, erect, construct, maintain, assist, promote, control and make or receive grants of money in respect of public libraries, art galleries and museums (Part XII, Section 101(g)(i)). (Source: Local Government Act 1976)

(d) Town and Country Planning Act 1976 This act is for the proper control and regulation of town and country planning in the local authority area which gives power to the State Government. Under this act, the local authority is required to purpose and prepare development plans include structure plans and local plans as mentioned in Part III. Due to Part IX, Section 58(2) (f), the state authority makes the rules for the protection of ancient monuments and lands and buildings of historical or architectural interest. (Source: Town and Country Planning Act 1976) 2.0 BUILDING ANALYSIS Conservation of Central Market has been done successfully until it changed into a cultural market. Central Market becomes an attraction for the visitors. However, not 13

everyone knows that Central Market was a wet market to serve the local population. These historical values of the building need to be clarified.

2.1

Building Chronology A state-owned historical building, Kuala Lumpur Central Market, slated for

demolition for redevelopment was taken over by private conservation-minded developers, saved and reused as a “cultural market” in a period of economic downturn during 1980’s. It has served as the city’s wet market for 50 years. The histories of Central Market need to be traced for public awareness to appreciate and conserve. Besides, there are lessons to be drawn from this, the first major adaptive reuse project of a private developer. The success of the Central Market in its new role gives similar buildings in the Old Town a new lease of life. Therefore, architecturally interesting buildings need not be demolished to make way for new development. Construction chronologies of Central Market are summarized and categorized into chronology before, during and after adaptive reuse.

(a)Construction Chronology before adaptive reuse. Year

Description

1888 Construction of wet market with area 64,000 square feet started by British. The British government eventually took over the market and extended it to 250 feet long and 90 feet wide. At the same time, the floor was laid with concrete tiles, the walls were clad with timber and the roof covered with zinc sheets.

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Figure 8: Proposed Location plan for the extension of the Central Market in 1895 Source: http://www.centralmarket.com.my/history.aspx 1889 3rd Jan 1894 9th Feb 1984 1895

Construction finished with cost $48,000 Acquisition of land re-improvement

Resumption of land for extension Further extension (Brick drain along side of the parapet adjoining at the rear of Central Market- 21.5.1895 to 3.7.1895)

1907

Further extensions (6.2.1907 to 26.3.1907)

1912

Re-rendering floor (28.2.1912 to 7.10.1912)

1920 Further extensions 1921 Re-roofing 1923 1930

Sanitary Board officers claimed that the wet market was out of date building, and unable to served the needs of populations in Kuala Lumpur which increased rapidly

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Year Popul ation

1889 18,000

1901 30,000

1930 120,00 0

*Source: KL Sanitary Board 1933

Further expanded with cost $167,000

December However, the market was still unable to served huge population 1934

Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board studied and suggested the expansion of the market 21 contractors submitted their tender document, which contractor Brizary &

1936

Co. from Singapore won the contract with $249,000 tendered value. A temporary market was built near to the wet market during the expansion. 16

New construction finished with over-cost: $330,000. The temporary market 1938

was demolished after this. Details and architecture style of the new Central Market building are discussed in the following sub-chapter. The Central Market together with the old shop houses near to it acquired by

1970’s to

the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was to be demolished for

1980’s

Dayabumi Phase V, a multi-million dollar development of high rise offices, hotels and shops

(b) Construction Chronology During and After Adaptive Reuse Concerned citizens group, Heritage of Malaysia Trust campaigned for its 1983

conservation and possible reuse as the home of Malaysia’s National Art Gallery, then about to be evicted from its former premises, but to not avail.

1984 to

With the economic downturn coupled with the glut of office and commercial

1985

space on the property market, government agreed to the developer’s proposal to save Central Market. •

April 1985 - a preliminary meeting with the client followed by feasibility study which started in the first week of May.

•

June 1985- The report with the concept design was submitted to the client and cleared by government.

•

August 1985- Tender documentation have been finished up and were called on 28th August

•

In September, an agreement between UDA and developer was finalised for seven years lease of central market.

•

October 1985- Due to administrative foul up and poultry section clearance, the contractor doesn’t move until 22nd October 1985.

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Owner Urban Developmen t Authority/ Perbadanan Pembangun an Bandar

Developer Harta Bumi Sdn. Bhd.

Architects Architectural Consulting Services: Chen Voon Fee Associates: William Lim

Civil & Structural Engineers Arup Jururunding Sdn. Bhd.

Mechanical & Electrical Engineers Tenaga Ewebank Preece Sdn. Bhd.

Landscape Consultant

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15th April 1986

millions) which turned it into a Cultural Market (Pasar Seni) and managed by Melewar Leisure Sdn. Bhd.

2006

2.2

Reopen of the Central Market (with final construction cost around RM 8.5

2 phases of upgrading Central Market for Visit Malaysia Year

Central Market Adaptive Reuse Concept

According to Majalah Arkitek vol 3 & 4, 1986, adaptive reuse concept applied is to retain as much as possible of Lee’s original design which is ‘strong and nice looking’. Harta Bumi Sdn Bhd clearly want to keep the ‘largest single room’ concept where all new structure must be contained inside it, no new structure attached to the existing building envelope, so the new structures should be free from peripheral walls and the roof. Harta Bumi Sdn Bhd also clearly stated that the concept should not follow typical shopping complex with enclosed glass box and long corridors, but more towards an open corridor, lots of movement, coloured intimacy and bazaar like.

2.2.1

Adaptive Reuse Construction

Shops in central market are designed to be in clusters or free standing pavilions. So, six double storeys pavilions have been built along Jalan Hang Kasturi side. Each pavilion is painted with two shades of bright colours to show a colourful theme and cultural aspect of the central market as shown in Figure 9. Mezzanine level has been built and so do the stairs, directly from downstairs to the mezzanine level that can be seen in Figure 9. Central mall with continuous glazed skylight is kept clear. There are two levels of restaurants, food and beverage outlets whose floors are taken up to the window wall, excluded the center where an open restaurant with mezzanine slab floating freely over it. Three bridges were built linking the pavilions to the restaurant side as shown in Figure 11. Figure 10 shows vertical transportation provided in Central Market that are stairs and a hydraulic passenger lift. 19

According to Majalah Arkitek vol 3 & 4, 1986, all new structures are in reinforced concrete with raft foundation for the pavilions and bored piling used for the restaurant side. Barrel vaulted roof by the way is built in steel trusses with metal roofing sheets a shown in Figure 10. Hawker stalls on the roof have timber posts and trusses and are supported by additional reinforced concrete slab. A new column is built to carry the load of water tanks and cooling tower. All new walls in the central market are 4 inches brickwork and been plastered or tiled. Central Market originally designed with good natural ventilation where there are low level openings below glazed level. Central Market nowadays has undergone some renovation such as removing some of the shops in the second floor, and replaced by a toilet. Furthermore, some shops also have been added at the cluster’s side; especially between the two clusters make it look continuous between the clusters.

Figure 9: Clusters and mezzanine floor with two bright colours theme. Source: www.archnet.com

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Figure 10: Glazed Barrel Vaulted Roof and Stairs to Mezzanine Floor Source: Majalah Arkitek Vol 3 1986

Figure 11: Bridge that link the pavilion to the restaurant side and centre atrium. Source: Majalah Arkitek Vol 3 1986

2.3

Building Condition

(a) Floor From observation, floor in Central Market generally in good condition where most of the floor in mezzanine level and ground level are tiled, only at the restaurant side on rooftop is not tiled. All the floor area is kept well maintained and clean. There is no major 21

defect found on the floor, only a hair crack found in various places but not seriously damaged as shown in Figure 12. Floor tiled are designed with variety of design and colours where every path in central market come with different design of tiles made up from ceramic (Figure 12).

Figure 12: Variety of tile design in central market and picture on the right side show some hair crack Source: Field study 2009

(b) Wall From observation, interior wall generally still in sound and good condition. The entire wall is made up by 4 inches brickwork and painted white. Original peripheral wall however are left abandoned especially in isolated area of the central market such as behind the cluster’s wall. There are some defects found, believed caused by water penetration and dampness as the isolated wall does not receive sufficient airflow and always in damp condition as shown in Figure 13. Exterior wall however is in a very good condition where there is just a minor defects found such as peeled paint while there is no crack found. All the painting work also in good looking condition and mostly painted in light blue green Art deco colour.

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Figure 13: Some defects found on the exterior and interior wall Source: Field study 2009

(c) Roof

Roof in Central Market come in three types which are flat roof, barrel vaulted roof, and skylight glazed roof (Figure 14). However there is no leakage found during rainy days (there was heavy rain during site visit) and the skylight glazed roof also provide sufficient light into the market and act as a good energy saver.

Figure 14: Skylight glazed roof(left) and barrel vaulted roof at the center of central market Source : Field study 2009 (d) Doors and Windows 23

Doors and windows in central market are entirely made up from blue green colorex glass with metal grilled stepped designed added with some Art deco motive moulded decorations. There is no broken glass or crack found in any part of window or doors. All windows are fixed window as the central market is fully air conditioned. Overall windows and doors is in very good condition

.

Figure 15: Two types of windows at central market. Source: Field Study 2009

2.4

Significant Of Conserving Central Market At first, there are many shop houses near to the Central Market. When UDA Sdn

Bhd decided to demolished all the shop houses, Central Market got 175 car parks at its main entrance. This gave advantages to the local visitors and tourists to park their vehicles near to the entrance and no need to walk faraway. 24

Preservation has been made to its original Art Deco features, blue-green heat resistant glass, metal grill work and strongly moulded friezes. This can perpetuate the originality of specialty of early Central Market. Before this, the building used load bearing party walls without damp proof course. In order to conserve the building, the walls were injected with chemical that provide damp proof course. This can prevent any rising damp that can destroy the building structure. The timber floors have been rebuilt and upgraded to a multilayered sandwich using gypsum boards. These changes gave the floors fire proofing to minimize ruination if there is any emergency case. It also gave Central Market prestige when it became to a ‘modern historical building’. All the original exterior facades glazed by blu-green heat resistant Calorex glass and moulded friezes, with the original colours; pastel pinks and baby blue, have been restored. These gave a very good perception to the visitors and the building itself can perpetuate its uniqueness. The building enhanced its charm and character as a cultural centre through the refurbishment works at its interior. The visitors can feel as they were in Central Market long time ago and the tourists can gain knowledge about Malaysian culture through the shops in it. Nowadays, Central Market used fixed windows due to the retrofitted airconditioning in the building. The installation of air-conditioning in Central Market is to give comfort ability to the visitors and tourist as the climate in Malaysia is hot.

2.5

Changes in Building by Elements

Building Element/Design Layout and floor plan

Description Before 1888, there is no building façade for central market, it’s a 25

large square open area where people selling wet stuff (see figure 16), then, after government have build a building in 1890, it become a ‘box’ shape and some refurbishment afterwards (see building chronology pg 15), in 1909, central market’s layout is like ‘I’ shape, (see figure 17). Extension process has taken place in 1920 where it become wider and longer (figure 18). In 1986, after renovation for adaptive reuse, central market layout has become a trapezoidal shape until today (figure 17). The first roof for central market which is in 1890 is made up from zinc sheet with pitched roof design, then during extension in 1907, roof material have changed from zinc sheet to asbestos sheet( figure 17) and re-roofing process with the same material have taken place in 1923. In 1936, whole building has been Roof

demolished and a new central market roof is made up from concrete with flat roof design added with a glazed colorex tinted skylight running along the middle atrium (figure 21). In 1986, adaptive reuse has taken place, and a pair of barrel-vaulted roof made up from colorex-tinted glass, steel trusses and metal sheet has been added on the roof to enhance natural lighting (figure 23) and it is remain until today. In 1888, British government has design central market with

Floor

concrete tile (figure 21) and floor re-rendering process with the same material taken places in 1912, and it remained until 1986, and after that, the floor have been tiled with two types of tiles which are terracotta tile and ceramic tile till today.

Wall Central Market’s wall have been fully made up from timber since British government has built the central market building in 1888 until the construction of new central market in 1936 where all peripheral wall is made up from 4 inches brickwork and remained until today (figure 20 and figure 22). However, the shop’s wall in the cluster is excluded from previous statement as the shop’s owner have been given permission to design their shops 26

according to their own style and therefore the shop’s wall currently made up from various types of material such as timber, glass and brick. 1986, natural ventilation louvers under the parapet wall were sealed with colorex tinted glass as it use fully mechanical ventilation afterwards. Windows and Doors

Windows and doors before1936 is made up from timber and have changed to colorex tinted glass in 1936 during restoration of central market. During adaptive reuse rehabilitation in 1986, three sky bridges (figure 23), six double storey clusters and a mezzanine floor have

Other elements

been built in the central market, some new column have been built to support some of new structure including water tanks, all columns and beams are made up from concretes after 1986 and before that, are made up from timber.

Figure 16: Central Market area in 1887 Source: www.centralmarket.com.my

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Centra l Market

Figure 17: Central Market in 1909 (left) and 1986 Source: www.centralmarket.com.my

Existing Area Open Area

Centra l Market

New Area

Figure 18: Central Market layout plan in 1920 Source: www.centralmarket.com.my

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Figure 19: Central Market’s layout plan Source: www.centralmarket.com.my

Figure 20: Central Market’s entrance view in 1983(left) and 2008 Source: www.archnet.com

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Figure 21: Central Market inside view in 1983(left) and 2008 Source: www.archnet.com and www.centralmarket.com.my

Figure 22: Central Market inside view in 1987(right) and 2008 Source: www.archnet.com and www.centralmarket.com.my

3.0

Figure 23: Barrel vaulted roof, stairs (left) and sky bridge Source: www.centralmarket.com.my PROBLEMS AND ISSUES 30

In years of 1970’s, Central Market together with the old shop houses near to it acquired by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was to be demolished for Dayabumi Phase V, a multi-million dollar development of highrise offices, hotels and shops. Concerned citizens group, Heritage of Malaysia Trust campaigned for its conservation and possible reuse as the home of Malaysia’s National Art Gallery, then about to be evicted from its former premises in 1983, but to not avail. In order to serve the local population, government had proposed 3 new wet markets to take the place of Central Market, which are located in Taman Maluri Cheras, TTDI Damansara and 4.8th km Jalan Gombak. The 835 stall tenants (only 641 licensed stallholders) have been asked to move from Central Market.

Figure 24: Central Market - Old market Kuala Lumpur Source: http://www.centralmarket.com.my/history.aspx With the economic downturn coupled with the glut of office and commercial space on the property market, government agreed to the developer’s proposal to save Central Market. A window of opportunity presented Central Market itself during the economic downturn and over building at the time seized by the enlightened developers with vision. It was the first major adaptive reuse project of Harta Bumi Sdn. Bhd., a private developer. The historical ambience is maintained and even enhanced.

However, the shop houses on the north of the Central Market have been demolished before the decision of the new proposal. The site was then turned into car 31

park for the Central Market. The central location in its historic setting with pedestrian routes and available car park was a real estate dream site for heritage conservation development.

In 15th of April 1986 Central Market reopened and has been turned into Cultural Market. It has since being classified as a Heritage Site by the Malaysian Heritage Society and it is now a landmark for Malaysian Culture and Heritage displaying a wide variety of Malaysian Arts and Handicrafts, Batik, Antiques and attractive souvenirs. The success of the Central Market in its new role gives similar buildings a new lease of life. Therefore, architecturally interesting buildings need not be demolished to give way for new development.

Figure 25: Success of Central Market for being awarded “The BrandLaureate SMEs Chapter Awards” in Year 2007 (left) and 2008 (right) Source: http://www.centralmarket.com.my/news.aspx

4.0

CONCLUSION

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Central Market, currently a cultural market, is the most successful example of adaptive reuse the existing historical building. The credit goes to Heritage of Malaysia Trust who campaigned for its conservation and adaptive reuse.

The realization of Central Market is a result of many factors. They include increasing public awareness on heritage issues, suitable economic conditions, politic support, enlightened developers with definite visions, responsive bureaucracies, committed and dedicated designer. Public response is quite overwhelming up to now. The superb location should ensure its continued success.

The success of the Central market in its new role gives similar buildings in the Old Town a new lease of life. Its historical ambience is maintained and even enhanced. Therefore architecturally interesting buildings need not be demolished to make way for new development. Conservation can be a positive planning tool for urban development in Third World Countries. Government take care of these cultural and heritage sites in  order to appreciate the world heritage.

By the conservation and adaptive reuse, we are able to keep the sense of human scale and homeliness that the old buildings have while keeping our heritage and our identity in the city centre.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. A. Ghafar Ahmad. (1997). British Colonial Architecture. Malaysia: Museums Association of Malaysia. 33

2. A. Ghafar Ahmad. ( Edited 2008). Conservation Bodies. Heritage Conservation. Acquired Janaury 21, 2009 dari World Wide Web : http://www.hbp.usm.my/conservation

(Source: http://www.efka.utm.my/)

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