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BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
1.0 Introduction
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia. It is defined within the borders of the
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and is one of three Malaysian Federal Territories.
Kuala Lumpur lies midway along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala
Lumpur by far is the largest city in Malaysia. It represents the heartbeat of Malaysia,
serving as its cultural, commercial and transportation centre. It all began when in the
Middle of the 19th century when a group of tin prospectors came to settle around the
convergence of the Klang and Gombak River. This marked the foundation of Kuala
Lumpur and its share of growth and setbacks to become metropolitan centre of
today. Malays, Chinese and Indians comprise the main races among others in this
multicultural backdrop. This ethnic diversity has shaped the city over the years and is
clearly seen in the various cultural customs and religious belief, as well as
languages, cuisines and architecture. Kuala Lumpur has a rich legacy of historic
buildings. Fielden, 2000 point out that historic buildings is one that gives a sense of
wonder and attract people to know more about people and culture that produced it. It
is important to conserve and preserve historic buildings because they provide a
sense of identity and continuity in a fast changing world for future generations.
The architecture of Kuala Lumpur is blend of old colonial influences, Asian traditions,
Malay Islamic inspirations, modern, postmodern architecture mix. Prior to Second
World War, many shop houses, usually two storey’s with functional shops on the
ground floor and separate residential spaces upstairs, were built around the old city
centre. These shop-houses drew inspiration from St Straits Chinese and European
traditions. Some of these shophouses have made way for new developments but
there are still many standing today around Medan Pasar (Old Market Square),
Chinatown, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan H.S. Lee, Jalan Doraisamy, Bukit
Bintang and Tengkat Tong Shin areas. Kuala Lumpur is one of the best cities that
have managed to preserve the best of its cultural heritage and combine it with
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
modern conveniences to offer a wholly unique experience to visitors. Theater KTM
Sentul, Lee Rubber, Pasar Seni, Selangor Royal Club, PAM building, Colliseum
building and others are the historical building that is located at Kuala Lumpur. Among
all of this building, Lee Rubber building will be described in more detail in this
assignment.
2.0 History and background of Lee Rubber Building
Historic building represents the single most visible aspect of the history and culture.
Lee Rubber building has its own history during Second World War and after the war.
During Second World War, Kuala Lumpur was captured by the Japanese Army on 11
January 1942. Second World War was a global military conflict which involved a
majority of the world’s nations, including all the great powers, organized into two
opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. The war involved the mobilization
of over 100 million military personnel, making it the most war in history. They
remained in occupation until 15 August 1945, when the commander in chief of the
Japanese Seventh Area Army in Singapore and Malaya, Seishiro Itagaki, surrender
to the British administration following the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
The Japanese surrender at Lee Rubber Building. The Lee Rubber building was used
as the Kempetai headquarters and the present War Museum nearby was a bank
(called Bank Kerapu by locals) that was used by the Kempetai as a detention and
torture house. Thousand cheered the military police, mostly Koreans and Taiwanese
were driven by open Army Trucks to M.P. headquarters, the Lee Rubber Building.
The Kempeitai (Japanese Secret Police) Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur (Lee Rubber
Building) still stands at the corner of Jalan Hang Lekir and Jalan Tun H.S. Lee. Kuala
Lumpur grew through the war, the rubber and tin commodity crashes and the
Malayan Emergency, during which Malaya was preoccupied with the communist
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
insurgency.
Figure: The Japanese Campaign and Victory 8 December 1941 - 15 February 1942:
Japanese troops mopping up in Kuala Lumpur during their advance through Malaya.
Source = [http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/ IWMCollections]
Figure: Thousands cheered the military police, a view from headquarters (mostly
Koreans and Taiwanese) were driven by open Army trucks to M.P. headquarters, The
Lee Rubber Building, Kuala Lumpur
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source: Reported from Archives photo section negative bought from Lee & Son
Figure: Japanese surrender. Japanese war criminal being herded into the Lee
Rubber Building after the allied military police arrived and took over the former
kempetai headquarters, high street, Kuala Lumpur, 1945.
Source: Reported from Archives photo section negative bought from Lee & Son
2.1 Detail information of Lee Rubber Building
Figure: Front view of Lee Rubber Building
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Sources:http://www.streetdirectory.net.my/stock_images/malaysia/simg_show/
my_11810133500713/1/lee_rubber_building/
Figure: Side view of Lee Rubber Building
Source:http://www.streetdirectory.net.my/stock_images/malaysia/simg_show/
my_11810126630016/1/lee_rubber_building/
Name: Lee Rubber Building or Nan Yi
Years built: 1930
Address: No. 145, Jln. Tun H.S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Building function: Office (Recently)
Building category: Category 2
Colour: Grey, tired grey (Original); Bright yellow (recently)
GPS: Latitude: 3.144233, Longitude: 101.696202
Architecture style: Art Deco
Building Architect: A.O. Coltman
Lee Rubber building or Nan Yi is one of the historical buildings in Kuala Lumpur. It
was built in the year of 1930 with Art Deco design by A.O. Coltman. On that time, Art
Deco style was the most popular design at these areas. It has a strong geometric
shape with a corner set at a 45° angle. This building was then extended in the 1950’s
added the 4th floor in this building which makes this building become 5-storey
building. Before it was extended, it is a 4-storey building. During the British era, Lee
Rubber Building is famous because of it is the first high rise building in Kuala Lumpur.
Lee Rubber Building is one of the 1800s shop houses that were uniquely built for
practical living. Currently, it has been use for bookstore, shop and tuition centre. It is
located opposite the Chinese Temple. The name of the Lee Rubber building is given
according to the name of the Lee Rubber company founder, Lee Kong Chian. He was
a rubber tycoon and known as rubber king in pre-war Malaya. Lee Rubber Building is
located at the corner of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Jalan Hang Lekir (Cecil Street) in KL
Chinatown. Previously, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee is known as High Street during the British
era and Jalan Bandar in the early of Malayan Federation. During that era, the
building was the first high-rise building with four storeys in Kuala Lumpur. The name
of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee is given according to the name of HS Lee, a member of the
MCA political party which was part of the Alliance that fought for Malaya
independence.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Jln Tun H.S.Lee is one of the preserved road in Kuala Lumpur as there are numerous
number of short houses located at this areas. Lee Rubber building is one of the
buildings that have been preserved to maintain the building condition. This is
important to provide sense of continuity in a fast changing world for future
generations. Lee Rubber Building have unique building characteristic. The original
colour of the building façade was grey and tired grey. The façade have been
repainted to bright yellow colour during renovation. There are two shades of yellow
and ochre on its façade with dashes of blue on its windows. This new shades has
drawn attention to the geometric forms and clean lines that characterize the Art Deco
design on this building. In the year of 2003 to 2004, there is a big renovation have
been done on this building after the public bank company move out form these
building. The purpose renovation is to change the spacing and give more aesthetic
value to this building.
Lee Rubber Building is one of the famous destinations in Chinatown walk. This tour
starts from Masjid Jamek and finish at Jln Petaling. In this tour, there are 20 historical
building or place including Lee Rubber Building are being selected to become the
destination for the tourists. These included Masjid Jamek LRT Station, old shop
houses, Chettiar house, Medan pasar, OCBC building, MS Ally company, Sze Yan
Temple, Cental Market, Guandi Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Old China
Café, Chan See Shu Yuen Temple, Koon Yam (Guanyin)Temple and others. The total
distance for this tour is 1.6 km and the duration estimated is1½ hours.
2.2 Bibliography of Lee Kong Chian
Figure: Photo of Lee Kong Chian
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kong_Chian
A philanthropist and multi-millionaire businessman, the late Lee Kong Chian was the
son of an immigrant from Fujian who made the journey to Singapore in 1903 with his
father. His intelligence and talents attracted tycoons Cheng Hee Chuan and Tan Kah
Kee who were responsible for his early start in business. Lee made his mark in
rubber and later expanded into pineapple, coconut oil and sawmills among others.
Lee also invested large capitals in big enterprises like the Overseas-Chinese Banking
Corporation, Great Eastern Life, Sime Darby (Singapore), Singapore Cold Storage
and the Straits Tradings Company. The last fifteen years of his life was devoted to
charity work under the Lee Foundation of which the beneficiaries included the
Singapore Chinese High School, Nanyang University, University of Malaya, and the
National Library. Though a corporate magnate, Lee led a simple life and was known
to be humble. His legacy lives on, with landmark institutions named after him,
including the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (National Library Board), the Lee
Kong Chian School of Business and the Lee Kong Chian Building (Singapore
Management University).
Lee Kong Chian was born in the village of Nan Ann city in Fujian province on 18
October 1893. Back in his hometown, Lee received his early education in a private
school. Lee's father, Lee Kuo Chuan, was a poor tailor and like many other Fujian
natives, turned to Singapore to make a better living. Father and son arrived in
Singapore in 1903. Lee was only 10 then and he went to the Anglo-Indian School at Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Serangoon. The fees were cheap and though it was a Tamil school, Lee learnt
English. He then enrolled into Yeung Chia School (predecessor of Chung Cheng
School) at Aliwal Street to continue with his Chinese education. A hardworking and
excellent student, he topped his classes. In 1908, the 15 year-old Lee was among
15 overseas students armed with a Manchu government scholarship to study in Chi
Nan school in Nanjing. He continued his excellent streak and graduated as the top
student two years later. Ching Hwa High School in Peking was his next destination
for advanced study (a two-year course which was equivalent to pre-university
standard). Lee subsequently went to the College of Mining and Communication in
Tang Shan to study engineering. But China's political development and internal
turmoil as the country headed towards a Republic put a stop to Lee's educational
pursuit in China and he came back to Singapore in 1912.
Lee's break at business came in 1915 when, upon noticing Lee's talent, Cheng Hee
Chuan invited Lee to join China National Products Company. The company was
formed to import goods from Malaya into China as European merchandise during
WWI was in shortage. When Chee invited public investments, Lee subscribed to a
number of shares and was appointed assistant English Secretary to the company.
The venture did not take off but another opportunity came knocking two years later.
Rubber tycoon Tan Kah Kee offered Lee to manage his rubber company at a time
when Tan was planning to expand his rubber business to America and Europe.
Tan's rubber company, Khiam Aik, grew by leaps and bounds under Lee's capable
management and Tan took Lee to be part of his family by marrying him to his eldest
daughter, Tan Ai Leh. Lee's leadership graced important organization like the
Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce to which he was twice elected as
President. Lee also headed the Rubber Trade Association of Singapore, and as
President, he represented the association in various rubber conferences. At the end
of 1941, he was attending one of these conferences in Washington D.C. when the
Japanese descended on Malaya. He stayed in New York during the Pacific War and
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
Lee Rubber Company
British government
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
was appointed as a lecturer for Columbia University, educating the US military and
civil officers on Southeast Asia.
Lee's trademark was his progressive business style, exemplified by his success in
transforming a traditional rubber business into a modern corporation, thus earning
him the title, "the first modern towkay in Singapore". His simplicity and humility often
impressed his peers. By 1952, through the Lee Foundation which he established with
a capital sum of $3.5 million, Lee began using his wealth to sponsor his strong belief
in education. Generous donations to school-building funds and charities started and
have continued since. Lee's health deteriorated in 1964 and he was admitted to
Queen Mary's Hospital in Hong Kong for treatment of liver cancer. He made a
recovery after an operation, and in 1965, he proceeded to Shanghai for further
examination by Chinese physicians. He came back to Singapore three months later
and following months of rest, his health improved. However, his conditions took for
the worst and he passed away peacefully on Friday 2 June 1967 at 7 pm at his
mansion in Mount Rosie. His funeral service was held at Mount Vernon
Crematorium, and people from many walks of life from millionaires to rubber tappers
paid their last respect. The funeral procession was one of the biggest seen in
Singapore but was kept simple despite Lee's millionaire status. He was survived by
his wife, three sons, three daughters and several grandchildren.
2.3 Authority of Lee Rubber Building
Figure: Authority of Lee Rubber Building
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Kempetai (Japanese secret police)
British
Sources:
Lee Rubber Company
Lee Rubber Company was the authority of Lee Rubber Building before British
government.
British government
British colonial have their power in Malaya in the late of 1800s. British took over the
authority of Lee Rubber Building from Lee Rubber Company. The control of this
building was interrupted by the Japanese invasion and occupation from 1942 to 1945
during World War II.
Kempetai (Japanese secret police)
During World War II, the Kempetai were the military police of the Imperial Japanese
Army and Tokeitai were the military police of the Imperial Japanese Navy. From 1942
solders were sent to Malaya. Lee rubber building is used by the Kempetai as their
headquarters. Kempetai is the authority of this building until the Japanese surrender
in the year of 1945.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
British government
During British control, a well-ordered system of public administration was
established, public services were extended and large-scale rubber and tin production
was developed. This control was interrupted by the Japanese invasion and
occupation from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. After Japanese surrender, British
forces then landed in Malaysia and re-established their authority. On that time, British
government took over the Lee Rubber Building from Japanese. British end their
authority on this building after Malaya independence.
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)
Malaya became independent on 31 August 1957.Kual Lumpur was granted a city
status on 1 February 1972. Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur or Kuala Lumpur City
Hall (DBKL) is a local authority which administrates Kuala Lumpur city centre and
other areas in Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. Lee Rubber Building is under the
authority of DBKL after Japanese and British government. DBKL are responsible to
ensure Lee Rubber Building is preserve according to the guideline proposed. DBKL
is the authority of Lee Rubber Building until now.
2.4 Building owner / occupant of Lee Rubber Building
Figure: Building owner/occupant of Lee Rubber Building
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
1930’s-1939 –Tin smelting company
1939 – Lee Rubber Company
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source:
1930’s-1939 –Tin Smelting Company
The tin mining industry was once a major contributor to the Malaysian economy.
Indeed, Kuala Lumpur has its origin in tin mining. Tin Smelting Company is the first
owner of Lee Rubber Building starting from the year of 1930 to 1939.
1939 – Lee Rubber Company
Lee Kong Chian was the founder of Lee Rubber Company. In the year of 1939, the
owner of the Lee Rubber building was replaced by Lee Rubber Company. These
buildings function as an office for Lee Rubber Company. The ownership of Lee
Rubber end during Second World War when Kuala Lumpur was captured by the
Japanese Army on 11 January 1942.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
1942-1945 – Kempetai (Japanese secret police)
After Second World War – British
1949 – Lee Rubber Company
2003 – Law & accounting Company and Public bank occupant
2003-present – Popular bookstores, Peter Hoe & Pusan Tuisyen Kasturi
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
1942-1945 – Kempetai (Japanese secret police)
Kempetai was the authority of Lee Rubber building from year 1942 to 1945. During
Second World War, Kempetai use Lee Rubber Building as their headquarters in
Kuala Lumpur. Kempetai was the owner of this building until Japanese surrender on
August 1945.
1945-1948 – British Government
After Japanese surrender, British government took over the Lee Rubber Building
from Japanese. British become the authority and the owner of this building at the
same time. British government owned this building from year of 1945 to 1948.
1949 – Lee Rubber Company
Lee Rubber Company gets the ownership back from British government in the year
of 1949. In the year of 1980, Lee Rubber moved into its towering new headquarters
at the corner of the old Mountbatten (Tun Perak) Road & Malacca Street. Lee Rubber
Company still owned Lee Rubber Building although it has moved its company to its
towering new headquarters. The ownership remained until now.
2003 – Law & accounting company and Public bank
In this year of 2003, the ownership of Lee Rubber Building still hold by Lee Rubber
Company but this building was occupy by Law &accounting company and Public
bank. Lee Rubber Company rent upper floor to Law & accounting company while rent
ground floor of the building to public bank. They rent Lee Rubber building to generate
their business until the end of the year of 2003. After they Law & accounting
company and public bank moved out from this building, there was a big renovation
done to the building.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
2003-present – Popular bookstores, Peter Hoe & Pusat Tuisyen Kasturi
Figure: Sign board and Popular Bookstore at Lee Rubber Building
Source: Field Study 2009
Figure: Peter Hoe at Lee Rubber Building
Source: Field Study 2009
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Popular bookstores, Peter Hoe Evolution and Pusat Tuition Kasturi occupy Lee
Rubber Building after a big renovation completely done from 2003 until now. Popular
bookstore sell various type of book to public on ground and first floor and Peter Hoe
Evolution warehouse have a much bigger store, with a pleasant cafe, around the
corner on the 2nd floor of the old Lee Rubber Building on the corner of Jln Tun HS
Lee. Pusat Tuition Kasturi is located on 3rd and 4th floor of this building.
2.5 Summary for comparison between old and new Lee Rubber building
Picture Old New
Design
The old building has a plain white
design for the external and the
internal wall.
The new building after renovation on
2002, the color design used is bright
yellow and ochre
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Occupant
s
Law and accounting company (upper
floor)
Public Bank (ground floor)
Pusat Tuisyen Kasturi (3rd & 4th floor)
Peter Hoe Evolution (2nd floor)
Popular Bookstores (ground floor)
Owner
1930-1939 – Tin Smelting Company
1939 – Lee Rubber
During World War 2 – Kempetai
After World War 2 – British
1949-present – Lee Rubber
3.0 Element of Lee Rubber Building
Photo Explanation
Figure: Lee Rubber Building
Source: Field Study 2009
The current front view
of Lee Rubber Building.
This building is located
at the junction of Jalan
Tun H. S. Lee and
Jalan Hang Lekir.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Figure: Main Entrance of Lee Rubber Building
Source: Field Study 2009
This is the main
entrance for Lee
Rubber Building. It has
been renovated and the
wall is constructed at
the left hand site from
the entrance are made
from plywood. The
plywood are use to hide
the existing original
wall.
Figure: Security room
Source: Field Study 2009
This is for the guard
who looks after this
building. This building is
completed with CCTV
such as at the main
entrance.
Figure: Air well at Lee Rubber BuildingAir well in the Lee
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source: Field Study 2009
Rubber Building.
Figure: Lift and staircase
Source: Field Study 2009
In this building has lift
for users to travel up
and down in this
building. Other than
that, users can use
stairs provided because
there was only 1 lift and
can be used by small
number of users.
Figure: Store room on the rooftop
Store located on the
rooftop.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source: Field Study 2009
Figure: Decoration on the stairs
Source: Field study 2009
Figure: Decoration on the external building
The decoration and
architectural style in this
building. The first
picture shows the
decoration on the stairs.
The second picture,
show the style and
decoration on the
external of this building.
All the decoration was
repeated and same in
each floor.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source: Field Study 2009
Figure: Natural and electrical lighting
Source: Field study 2009
These are type of
lighting use in this
building. There are a
mixture of electrical
lighting and natural
lighting from the sun.
In 2002, the restoration was done to this building and ended in 2003. The restoration
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
is done to replastered and repainting the external and internal wall for this building.
Other than that, the windows also are change to glass pane as well as adding new
grills to the windows. The colour for the new restoration was selected by the Lee
Rubber’s family in Singapore out of three options of colour. There is an addition in the
3rd floor and 4th floor by the Pusat Tuisyen Kasturi (occupants), which is the addition
of the ceiling. These ceilings close the original ceiling which have architect’s
elements. But, in the 2nd floor which was occupied by the Peter Hoe Evolution, the
original ceiling is still have and not being hide.
3.0 Construction & Conservation Chronology
Figure: Chronology for construction and conservation at Lee Rubber Building
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
1930 – The building was built by architect A.O. Coltman
1949 – The 5th storey had been added when the Lee Rubber Company moved back in. Later it has been a residential house
for the Lee Rubber founder, Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian.
2002 – Restoration project that cost RM2.3 million started. Involved massive work from top to bottom of the building.
Early 2003 – The restoration project finished successfully.
BSES3189: INTEGRATED PROJECT IV
Source:
According to the staff from Unit Rekabentuk Bndr & Warisan, DBKL), the Lee Rubber
building that has been constructed during the 1930 by A.O. Coltman shows the great
characters of the Art Deco architectural styles. It is due to the great era where these
architectural styles had made its appearance in the mid-1930s and finally extended
to the 1950s. Most of the buildings that adapt this designs is the building that
previously need to be construct in a limited period of time, commonly comes from the
post-war era
Figure: A geometric form can be clearly seen in front of the building
Source: Unit Rekabentuk Bndr & Warisan, DBKL)
Strong geometric forms derived from classical or historical models.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
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Figure: Key stone, collonade and beam.
Source: Unit Rekabentuk Bndr & Warisan, DBKL)
Figure: ‘House’ on the roof. It’s where the founder, Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian live
before, who’s later been use as a quarters for the company’s employee.
Source: Case study, 2009
During 1949, it’s when the building had been changing hand from the British authority
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to the Lee Rubber Company back; it’s where the first addition in the building had
been carried out. The building that is previously was a four-storey high has been
added with one more storey, the fifth storey. It has been constructed to be like a
house, where it’s later has been a residential house for the Lee Rubber founder, Tan
Sri Lee Kong Chian. Later it has been use as quarters for the company’s employee.
Later, the restoration in 2002 has taken place. The main reason for the Lee Rubber
Company to come out with these initiatives was for the economic reason, to generate
more incomes. Other than that, the building also has been listed as a Category 2 by
the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL), which means that the building can be
renovate totally in the interior side and some of the exterior side. Seems that the
building has been considered as one of the heritage building in Kuala Lumpur, so the
planning approval to make a restoration for this building has been a lot more easier,
that have give great pleasure to the building owner to make the preservation process.
This restoration process who has started in year 2002 and ended in the early of 2003
has involved a massive work from top to bottom of the building. The work that had
been carried out was;
Figure: The foyer – has a retro feels with its bold use of color.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
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Source: Case study, 2009
Interior walls – all had been torn down, to create open floor space for a rental
purpose. It also has been replastered and repainting in white in color.
Facade/exterior walls – it has been repainting in yellow in colour. The colour
was selected by the Lee Rubbers’ family in Singapore, from a 3 proposed
colours. They always are adventurous with the building colours, like what they
had made to their Batu Pahat branches, where the bldg was painted in pink
(Ng Wai Hung, 2003).
Windows – added with a new grills and glass panes.
Mosaic tiles on the stairs – it has been stripped and retiles to retain its
aesthetic value.
Stairway – it has been lit up.
Other than to repair or retain the old materials, they also have made some
new addition to the building to expose its retro styles. The new addition that
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
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had been identified is;
Sunroof – it’s built above the air well and adjacent to the stairwell. The main
reason to build it is to allow a natural light and to brighten up the building
during the day. It also covers with a solar heat filter film, which lets in ample
light but not the intense heat from the sunshine.
Figure: The sunroof and view of the sunroof from the ground floor
Source: Field study, 2009
Horizontal timber bars – this new addition frame the corridors fronting the air well, to
give the passageways more light and space. The use of the timber bars are just with
one reason, to lend a contemporary feels to the building. These designs also are
complements with the Art Deco detail graphic patterns.
Figure: Views of the timber bars from top to bottom
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Source: Field Study, 2009
Figure: Timber bars that frame the corridors.
Source: Case study, 2009
Although the restoration had been carried out, but the Art Deco motifs can still be
seen there in the building. It’s always has been protected to be in its pristine
condition. It can be seen on the pillars, beams (who has been with embossed
squares) and at the ceilings (who has showcase the fine details). Due to its clean
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya
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lines, the Art Deco design has remain contemporary even the thick solid walls hint at
their age (Ivy Soon, 2003).
To support the initiatives that have been carried out by the building owner, the
Popular Bookstores & Peter Hoe Beyond have left the ceiling bare, allowing the Art
Deco design to be appreciated. However the Kasturi tuition centre owners have
boarded up the ceiling for acoustic & air-cond purposes.
4.0 Legislation
Currently, there are three legislations that have been identified related to the Lee
Rubber Building in terms of the conservation affair. That is;
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Federal Territory Planning Act 1982 (Act 267)
Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171)
National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645).
These three different acts have a different power regarding to the Lee Rubber
building. But all of these three acts must be use together when it comes to
conservation things. All the limitation must be followed by the owner and the
occupant to make sure the building got what it deserves to got, a protections from
being demolish and etcetera.
Faculty of Built Environment,University of Malaya