Architecture, Power, and National Identity Essay -- Architecture

Having a sense of belonging is one of several fundamental human needs and national identicalness refers to a psyches sense of belonging to one country with its history, values and traditions. Since achieving independence in 1957, the issue of Malaysias national identity has been in the spotlight overdue to its strong social, political and economical factors implication. As a multi-cultural country, the search for a national identity is not an easy undertaking as Malaysians consist of opposite ethnics such as Malay, Chinese and Indian. Each ethnic group contributes their own unique culture and religion, hence making it difficult to form a Malaysian identity. In fact, in September 2010, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced the 1 Malaysia concept. This concept acts as a call-for-action for the government leaders and bodies to place a greater emphasis on national unity and ethnic tolerance. This demonstrates that even at present day, Malaysias national identity remains unsettled. Architecture plays an important power in achieving national identity and this essay aims to discuss the significant events that transpire throughout the history of the country that contributed in shaping and altering Malaysian vernacular architecture as well as to examine why Malaysias national identity still remains unsettled.The role of vernacular architecture in the 21st century has been kept to a minimum, given the practice of modern-day architects placing aesthetic quality above function, comfort, or ecological benefits. Vernacular architecture is delineate by the understanding that form follows function and there is a prevalent usage of local materials taking into consideration the manner of how its intended user impart utilise the structure. Vernacular ... ...cology and Ethics in Design and ArchitectureJohn Hilley, Malaysia Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition (London Zed Books, 2001). Mahathirs role in initiating this search for Malaysia identity in architectur e was further affirmed in an interview with Tay Kheng Soon, 29 July 2004. The headmans house, Chen, Voon Fee Architecture The Encyclopaedia of Malaysia (Singapore Archipelago Press,1998) Yeang, Ken The Architecture of Malaysia (Amsterdam The Pepin Press, 1992) Oakman youngish Asians in our homes Colombo Plan students and White Australiap89Oakman, Daniel Young Asians in our homes Colombo Plan students and White Australia Journal of Australian Studies (1 January 2002) 72, pp. 89-98http//blogs.artinfo.com/objectlessons/2012/05/09/malaysia-looks-to-local-talents-and-vernacular-architecture-to-design-public-transit-system/