THE MARKETPLACE

Abstract

Explorations for this thesis were sparked by the increasing un-acceptance of pork within the Muslim society in Malacca, Malaysia. Lately, there has been increasing tension based on complaints that the Muslims have been victimized by the inconsiderate attitude of the Chinese in the rearing, slaughtering and selling of pork. As pigs are considered impure in their religion, most Muslims find the mere sight and scent of this animal unbearable. Proliferated by the Muslim scholars as a symbol of filth, this animal has become a tool in creating divisions between the two races.

Unfortunately, these religious sensitivities are beginning to erode qualities of mutual tolerance and hybrid culture that have long existed in Malacca due to its nature as a free port in the past. It was a place where people from various backgrounds, beliefs and status come together with a common purpose of trading. In a marketplace, there is no racial segregation but a series of negotiations, bargains and agreements. Thus, this thesis aims to bring back these traits of the past by seeking means of accommodation between the two parties. It wishes to create possibilities in which co-existence within a space can once again be made possible through the understanding of the Malay culture.

The site chosen for this thesis is an abandoned meat market that has been relocated due to its proximity to a Malay village. However as bringing pork back into the area may pose problems among Muslims from the village, the project compensates by presenting a series of ‘purifying portals’ which radiates from the market, located strategically along the route to a neighbouring mosque. Revolving around the notion of cleansing, these portals act as spaces of respite as Muslims travel to the mosque for prayers. With this, it is hoped that the importance of racial tolerance could be conveyed; a subtle reminder to all that differences should not only be used to segregate and distinguish.