Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
1.0 INTRODUCTION
pg 1
4.0 CONCLUSION
pg 24
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4
5 6
Year of construction: -
Function: - Hosts an abundant number of textile
shops, Indian cuisine restaurants and
goldsmiths
Klang is known to be the Royal town of Selangor, filled with historical buildings and
streets. Recently, a project known as Klang’s Heritage Walk was implemented to conserve
the historical buildings. One of these building’s and one of Klang’s top attractions is the
Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery that is located nearby Klang Railway Station and beside
Little India.
The Royal Gallery is located in the Sultan
Suleiman Building, which was beautifully designed by a
well-known architect back then, Arthur B. Hubback in the
year 1909 during the British colonization (Malaysia
Traveller, 2011). He worked alongside Public Works
Department of the Federated Malay States on designing
the Sultan Suleiman Building (Oxford Dictionary of
National Biography, 2004). He is also recognized in
designing some of his previous works such as the Kuala
Lumpur Railway Station, Masjid Jamek Mosque and
i) A.B. Hubback
Carcosa City Hall with a Neo-classical essence (Muthiah,
2012).
The building itself had gone through multiple changes of function since it was
completed. It was firstly used as a British Administration Centre, and then as a Japanese
Military Headquarters during the Japanese occupation (Malaysia Traveller, 2011). After the
war had subsided, the building was passed on over to the Klang District Office which dealt
mostly with land matters of the area. From 1973 onwards, it was known to be the Royal
Malaysian Police Contingent. The Klang Municipal Council then made it their office. Few
years later, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah decided to house the Royal Gallery to
commemorate his father’s legacy Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, and hence the
gallery was named after him (Zureuel, 2008). The gallery provides a fascinating glimpse
into the history of the Selangor sultanate and the life of the eighth Sultan ( Zureuel, 2008).
West elevation
North Elevation
North Elevation
South Elevation
Upon further research, it can be seen that Sultan Abdul Aziz’s great grandfather,
Sultan Alauddin Shah’s Palace in Banting had a similar concept resembling the western
architectural style (Ismail, 2003). It has the same building elements in terms of the
principles of design as well as the characteristics Neo classical architecture has.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Klang | ARC 1323 | 7 !
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.3 BUILDING CONCEPT!
In the process of doing so, some plants and roots that grew over the years on all parts of
the building had been removed to make the building look new and clean.
Although there were no any additions or demolition to any parts of the Royal
Gallery, there is one addition to the site of where the building is located. The old garage
situated on the east part of the site was demolished and was replaced by a new building
which functions as the Administrative Building (AR. Lim, 2007).
The garage at the back of the site was renovated into the gallery’s administrative block.
10 9 8 7 6 5
1. KLINIK SHAPE
The nurses working in the clinic were available at the time and they had stated that they
are aware of the function of the gallery but they’ve never been inside. When asked why,
they responded by saying that they haven’t had the time.
2. FAMISTA TRADING
The worker in the shop was unaware of the building’s presence as well as it’s function.
The shop has had no relationship with the building whatsoever.
Some of the locals do not even know that such beautiful building exist in their
hometown while only a few know about the building’s history and the purpose of its
existence. This can be seen through the brief survey that was carried out. Despite all that,
there are locals who do know and still do appreciate the beauty of this building. Mostly the
watch and clock shop business owners. This is because the Sultan had a wide collected
of clocks and watched in the gallery that all need intricate maintainence work and what
better way to seek for help then from the locals themselves. It makes them proud to have
a meaningful and historical structure still strongly erected in the centre of their hometown
and it gives them a sense of accomplishment to contribute to such a historical building.
Ocassionally, The building brings in tourists from all over the place such as sailors who
dock at Port Klang.
The current building of Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery was initially used as the
British administrative centre when it was first built in 1909. However, during the World War 2
when the Japanese invaded our land, this particular building acted as the Japanese army
base. Soon after the war ended, the army base was used as an office. It was to attend to the
land administration matters in Klang. During 1973 up until 1985, the building was being
occupied by the Royal Malaysian Police Contingent of Selangor. The changes occurred right
after the previous office was relocated to Jalan Kota. Two years later, Klang Municipal
Council had decided to use the building as their office until the year 2002. Unfortunately, the
building was abandoned for several years later due to the relocation of the council. That was
until his Royal Highness, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, turned it into a gallery to
commemorate his late father. Currently, the building functions as a galerry named after the
late sultan, Sultan Abdul Aziz.
DETAILS
Due to it being constructed by the British, the building was based off
neoclassical architecture. Much like most Neo-classical architecture,
the façade of this building is symmetrical in it’s design. The central
portico is the main focus of the building with it being the tallest of the
porticos and functions as the Grand Entrance to the space inside. The
building is painted white to resemble the white washed brick walls that
are common in neoclassical architecture.
Pediment
Entablature
Columns
Base
DETAILS
DETAILS
The columns used in the main building are used as structural support
as well as to enhance the aesthetic view of the building. The repetition
of columns give the building a sense of order and balance. Similar to
Greek temples, “entasis” was used in visually correcting the
appearance of the columns. The corners of the porticos were visually
strengthened by groups of three columns. In contrast to the main
building, the administration building used the columns as
ornamentation instead of structural support much like in Michelangelo’s
Laurentian Library.
COLUMN DETAILS
DETAILS
The courtyard was added to enhance the design of the building. Like
most British architecture, the landscaping played a huge influence in
the design of a building. Very minimal foliage and plants were used so
that the building would not be overwhelmed by greenery and will be
appreciated for it’s aesthetics. The garden contained eastern
influences such as the guardian lions to add an Asian essence to the
space. The combination of the gravel, grass and water feature created
a tranquil space as a sense of repose from exploring the gallery.
DETAILS
The usage of marble and white paint gives a sense of grandeur to the
space. Because it it the first space you enter, the intention was to
impress the user. The reflection of the staircase and walls on the
marble makes the space looks bigger than it is.
DETAILS
The interior spaces are very somber and regal thus coming off as very
dark. These windows were located near the stair well accessing the
upper floors. Whilst allowing light to enter the space, it gives a sense of
enlightenment upon the users. The windows are arranged in an
organized manner when viewed from the exterior of the building.
The effort taken to refurbish the building proves initiatives were taken to ensure
that historical buildings are in their top form for our future generation. During the
refurbishment, the gallery helped form a close bond between the architect, Ar. Laurent
Lim, and Sultan Sharaffudin Shah. The architect had to dwell into the Sultan’s late father’s
life and this opened a door in his heart for the Royal family.
However, despite all these efforts to preserve our culture and history the building
will remain just a building if no effort is taken from a citizen’s point of view. Through the
survey, it can be seen that very little awareness is known about the building. The fact that
some of the residents are unaware of the gallery is unfortunate. All these initiatives and
efforts taken would all be in vain if we do not change our mindset. We should embrace
buidling’s like this as they hold many keys to unlocking our nations culture. Hopefully, the
Royal Klang Gallery will be loved for it’s architecture and symbolism somewhere in the
near future.
Ismail, A. S., & Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, P. M. (2003). Traditional Muslim Architecture in
Malaysia (Volume 2 ed.). Kuala Lumpur: Pusat Kaji Alam Bina Dunia Melayu.
Laurent Lim Architect. (2006). Ar. Laurent A. G. Lim. Retrieved from http://
www.llarchitect.com.my/profileLaurent.html
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. (2004). Hubback, Arthur Benison. Retrieved from
http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=96296&back=
Roman Columns. (n.d.). Roman Columns. Retrieved October 29, 2013, from http://
www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-architecture/roman-columns.htm
PICTURES
i) http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=96296&back=
iii) http://www.llarchitect.com.my/profileLaurent.html
iv) http://www.mdhs.gov.my/image/
v) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1a/Sultan_Salahuddin_of_Selangor.JPG