Assignment 1 – Cultural Mapping + Site Study
In this first project, students were required to develop a foundational understanding and appreciation of heritage and conservation practices through site visits and cultural mapping. Cultural mapping is a systematic method for engaging communities in identifying and recording local cultural assets. This process informs collective strategies, planning initiatives, and other heritage-related efforts.
For this assignment, the study area focused on significant heritage sites around Central Market, Medan Pasar, and Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur. Our group was assigned Jalan Hang Kasturi, a historically rich and culturally vibrant street.
TASK A
The objectives of this assignment included:
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Conducting a site visit to observe and document tangible and intangible elements, as well as gathering stories from the site.
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Investigating the historical background of Jalan Hang Kasturi, including its buildings, residents, cultural context, architectural styles, timeline, activities, food culture, and the current condition of the site and its surroundings.
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Identifying the significance and values of the street, including its heritage buildings, history, culture, and people.
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Producing a detailed cultural map and street site plan with panoramic photos, illustrations, and collected information.
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Documenting the façade condition of a selected heritage building, including photos, scaled drawings of the elevation, and the five-foot walkway plan. Additionally, we researched the background of the chosen building.
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Concluding with an analysis of the importance of conserving Jalan Hang Kasturi, highlighting its hidden gems, interesting stories, and unique elements, supported by references or conservation charters.
TASK B
For this assignment, students were tasked with conducting two detailed precedent studies, focusing on buildings that closely align in size or condition with the selected building from the study site. The primary aim was to analyze and understand key aspects of heritage conservation methods, guided by international and local charters such as ICOMOS and JWN.
Each precedent study serves a distinct purpose:
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One building emphasizes the study of façade treatment, investigating design elements, material preservation, and architectural detailing.
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The other building explores the full conservation process, including restoration, reconstruction, or adaptive reuse practices.
The scope of the precedent studies includes:
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Historical Background: Researching the location, cultural context, residents, architectural style, construction methods, and the condition of the site and buildings.
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Significance and Values: Evaluating the heritage and architectural importance of the site, including its cultural and historical contributions.
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Drawings and Visuals: Providing plans, elevations, sections, and before-and-after photos to illustrate the findings.
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Conservation Methods and Processes: Documenting the step-by-step approach to conservation and restoration.
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Adaptive Reuse: Highlighting repurposing strategies employed in the building, if applicable.
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Charters and Principles: Integrating relevant conservation charters, theories, and practices into the analysis.
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Comparative Analysis and Conclusions: Comparing both precedent studies to extract key takeaways, assessing their relevance to the final project proposal.
This assignment was an eye-opening exploration of heritage conservation, highlighting the delicate balance between preserving historical authenticity and adapting to modern needs. Analyzing façade treatments deepened my appreciation for architectural details, while studying full conservation processes showcased the transformative power of adaptive reuse.
The research reinforced the importance of community involvement, meticulous documentation, and adherence to charters like ICOMOS and JWN. These experiences have equipped me with valuable insights and practical approaches that will guide my efforts to preserve cultural heritage in future projects.