The Disclosure of Tropical Architecture in Malaysia

Running head: THE DISCLOSURE OF TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA
THE DISCOURSE OF TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA
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THE DISCLOSURE OF TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA 2
Abstract
Tropical climate is mainly characterized by high solar radiation and emissivity levels. This has
resulted to high dependence on mechanical air-conditioning systems so as to achieve the desired
indoor environmental quality of buildings in tropical zones. However, these systems are
expensive to install, operate and maintain, environmentally unfriendly and unsustainable hence
the need to find their alternatives is inevitable. This research aims at exploring the common
discourse on tropical architecture in Malaysia and identifying alternative tropicalities that exist in
Malaysia which combines the tropical modernist and postcolonial Asian identity. Tropical
architecture is the art of designing and constructing buildings that are more functional, safe,
resource efficient and sustainable in tropical climates. This concept was successfully applied
several decades ago but it started losing its relevance in late 1970s as a result of increased
availability of low-cost energy. The research will be carried out using qualitative research
methodology. Relevant data will be collected using observation, interviews, questionnaires and
analysis of existing literature (desktop study) techniques. The expected outcomes from this
research projects is to determine the common discourse on tropical architecture in Malaysia, and
identify alternative tropicalities that exist in Malaysia which combines the tropical modernist and
postcolonial Asian identity. The findings from this research are expected to increase knowledge
of tropical architecture and promote adoption of this concept in modern architecture in Malaysia.

THE DISCLOSURE OF TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA 3
Table of Contents
Abstract....................................................................................................................... 2
1.0. Research Background and Research Questions...........................................................3
1.1. Research Background/Literature Review...............................................................3
1.2. Problem Statement............................................................................................. 8
1.3. Research Questions............................................................................................ 9
2.0. Aim and Objectives............................................................................................... 9
2.1. Aims................................................................................................................ 9
2.2. Objectives........................................................................................................ 9
3.0. Methodology and Methods.................................................................................... 10
3.1. Data Collection Method.................................................................................... 11
3.2. Analysis Method.............................................................................................. 12
4.0. Significance and contribution of the research...........................................................12
5.0. Limitations and expected outcomes........................................................................13
5.1. Limitations..................................................................................................... 13
5.2. Expected Outcomes.......................................................................................... 14
6.0. Gantt chart........................................................................................................ 14
Works Cited............................................................................................................ 15
1.0. Research Background and Research Questions
1.1. Research Background/Literature Review
Design of buildings in tropical zones is largely influenced by changing lifestyle and climate
needs. These elements determine the most appropriate design strategies that should be applied so

THE DISCLOSURE OF TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA 4
as to develop functional, safe, efficient, cost effective, long lasting and sustainable buildings. The
practice or art of designing and constructing buildings or structures that are more functional,
safe, resource efficient and sustainable in tropical climates is known as tropical architecture. It is
mainly concerned with achieving the desired thermal comfort and overall indoor environmental
quality (IEQ) in buildings using passive design elements such as cavity walls, sunshades, wall
and roof insulation, overhangs, light shelves and shading. These elements started being used
during postcolonial era. However, use of ancient architectural elements in Malaysia has reduced
due to several reasons including: inability to meet the current lifestyle and climate needs, lack of
appeal to the current population (lack of modernism), lack of specialized materials needed for the
elements, and lack of knowledge.
Malaysia is located in the tropical region at 3° N from the equator and receives even
rainfall all year round (high relative humidity). Solar radiation level in the region is high with
temperatures ranging from 22° C and 33° C (Al Yacouby, et al., 2011). The average daily
sunlight duration is 8.7 hours and average annual solar radiation level is between 4.21 kWh and
5.56 kWh. This means that indoor temperature in most houses in Malaysia is likely to surpass the
comfortable or desired temperature level. The majority of modern houses are also designed such
that their design features and building materials allows transmission of exceed outdoor
temperature into the houses and does not allow flow of excess heat from the house. As a result,
mechanical air conditioning systems are highly relied upon in creating the desired thermal
comfort. However, these systems are expensive to install, operate and maintain, and have
negative impacts on the environment. One of the proposed approaches of creating comfortable
thermal comfort in Malaysian houses sustainably is use of tropical architecture. This concept can
create the desired IEQ with minimal energy consumption, costs and environmental impacts.