Interior Design Of The Baba-Nyonya Eclectic Shophouses In Melaka
Loading...
Date
2012-02
Authors
Chung, Siaw Ting
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The Straits Chinese, fondly known as the Baba-Nyonya or China Peranakan. The Baba-Nyonya culture features a hint of the people’s cultures of the Malay (Javanese, Batak), Thai and European (Dutch, Portuguese and British) cultures but mainly revolves around Malay and Chinese cultures. Nonetheless, the supreme architectural achievement of this minority group- their eclectic shophouses is now facing a crisis which may determine its survival. The problem is critical for there is inconsistently lack of sound knowledge in conservation of their shophouses. It is, therefore, the aim of this research to explore the uniqueness of the Baba-Nyonya cultures which are can be unfolded through inspecting their architecture and interior design. The targeted four shophouses of interest of this research are those that can be found on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka. This research analyzes the architectural aspects and focuses on the interior design features of the Baba-Nyonya shophouses. The methodology adopted herein is qualitative in which documenting evidence, direct observation, twenty interviews and visual data are utilized to fully conceive the value of this cultural heritage in Malaysia. The results are then related to their cultural philosophies, customs and rituals. The findings of this research revealed that the culture of Chinese, Malay and European have strong influences on the furniture and, interior space and details of Baba-Nyonya eclectric shophouses. The result also displayed that the allocation and embellishment of wood carving, building facade and furniture within these old buildings are designed in a way to exhibit their spiritual images. The significance of these shophouses comes from its seamless connections with every daily lifestyle in any Baba-Nyonya enclave. Since Melaka has been listed under the UNESCO world heritage list, it is essential to study the Baba-Nyonya architecture to ensure a continuous conservation of its cultural existence.
Description
Keywords
The uniqueness of the Baba-Nyonya cultures , their architecture and interior design