Entry 5: Dutch Style Architecture in Malaysia

From the previous post which stated the Islamic and Malay architecture which based locally in vernacular Malaysian architecture.

Here comes the other interesting foreign style of architecture in Malaysia which is Dutch. One of the famous architecture building in Malacca state had represent this style with obvious components that define as Dutch style in vernacular Malaysian architecture.

Christ Church, Malacca

For your information, Christ Church in Jalan Kota Melaka, Malacca was built by the Dutch, the exterior of this building is easy to recognize because of the brick-red building with a big white cross at the top part of the Christ Church. It was built in 1753 when the Dutch conquered Malacca. The history stated that this was built because the Dutch had no place to worship other than a small chapel which is St. Paul’s Church. After the British took over Malacca, they actually added a weathercock and bell to the Christ Church and converted it from a Protestant church into a Anglican one. (Malacca, n.d.)

Dutch colonial is defined as an architecture style with gambrel roof and curved eaves. Take a look of the image below.

In summary, Malaysia architecture building which built during the historical period were having interesting components and design elements that it influenced by foreign countries' architecture. As my case study above, the design of arches, roof eaves, colour used for the design are barely seen in vernacular Malaysian architecture. Therefore, the historical buildings which leftover from the war and concurred period plays an important role in Malaysian architecture. 

Stay tuned for the next post!

Reference:

Malacca, (n.d.) Christ Church Melaka. [Online] Retrieved from http://www.malacca.ws/attractions/christ-church-malacca.htm?cur=MYR

The Free Dictionary by Fyrex. (n.d.) Gambrel. [Online] Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gambrel+roof