REHABILITATION OF PULAU SEKING

Abstract

Architecture and the urban setting are about the strongest symbols of culture so far as to become essential sources in any cultural research works. Symbols of culture, which includes the tangible and intangible cultural heritage, are physical manifestation of the people's values, beliefs and norms. In conservation and other culture related architectural projects, two conflicting views concerning the cultural heritage arises: Should Heritage be left untouched and if desired be reproduced in its original form so that its true significance to the traditional culture is preserved? Or should it be discarded to make way for new ideas and future development if it is symbolically irrelevant and functionally inefficient in its contemporary context. Standpoint "Symbolic forms are progressive states of the self emergence of consciousness." (Paul Schlipp; The Philosophy of Ernst Cassirer; Open Court Publishing Company; quoting Cassirer) This quotation opens an alternative view to the issue. That is, cultural heritage could be cultivated and developed to keep in stride with the growth of the culture itself. What we have inherited have to be interpreted to accomodate as well as express the changes that has taken place. Hence it may then become a valid symbol of the contemporary culture and then in turn be heritage tomorrow. Project Rehabilitation of an existing village on Pulau Seking. This project is chosen to explore the architectural and urbanistic capability of the Malay dwelling system to address the current changes in social, cultural, economic, belief, technological and environmental landscape. The people of Seking is at a crossroad of their cultural history. A rich culture could be wiped out should policy-makers decide to use the island for industry - as it is currently on JTC's drawing board. Should on the other hand, the government decides to retain residential usage on the island, there is opportunity to propogate developmental changes in Malay architectural and urbanistic concepts in accordance with the changes brought about by modernisation and other external influences.