ASTAKA PERPADUAN : UNITY PAVILLION

Abstract

This thesis stemmed from my interest in the continuity of culture and tradition in architecture. Today there is this question of tradition versus modernity. We live in the realms of the physical and mental world that are fused together. Consequently, the organisation of one factor is the result of the other. As an aspect of the physical world, architecture has a role to play because it is able to evoke a deeper feeling of our existence by making us experience its significance and meaning. Coming from a society which is rooted in its cultural and traditional heritage sets me to ponder whether, in reality, I can maintain this continuity in modern architecture. In human history, new and ancient elements of life are continuously interacting leading to the modern to become traditional. By learning the rules of the past, one would learn to determine and create a new equilibrium. It is this aspect of Malay architecture which often neglected to a stage of oblivion, would be looked into. The project chosen for this thesis would be a building serving the Malay/Muslim community. The economic and educational problems facing the Malays are being openly discussed. The main emphasis is getting the community assimilated into the mainstream of the population. Two areas which need improvement were identified - the need to uplift the Malays/Muslims in the fields of education and economy. The existence of a building housing the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and a few other concerned Malay/Muslim organisations, would serve as a catalyst for the community and also reflect the aspirations of the Malays/Muslims in their quest to improve themselves.