On Asian Streets and Public Space

THE MALAYSIAN MULTICULTURAL STREETSCAPE

THE MALAYSIAN MULTICULTURAL STREETSCAPE YUSHI UTAKA + M. AMIRUDDIN FAWZI CHALLENGES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM In Malaysia, a multiracial country comprising three major racial groups in Asia — Malay, Chinese and Indian — co-exist especially in the urban sector. In congruence with the Asian population trend and growth of the new millennium, the Malaysian urban growth pattern and trend characterised by a population boom in the urban sector will have a great as well as significant impact on the urban and cultural landscape of the country. Historically, the street functions as an interface of social, economic, political and design determinants which will have important considerations for a multiracial and multireligious society. However, this peculiar urban pattern and fabric has been progressively challenged over the years – from being the core and foundation during the early days of national consciousness which culminated with the nation’s independence on 31 August 1957, it was severely tested after the immediate days of the racial riots of 13 May 1969 and now it is, arguably, being positively challenged with the aftermath of 11 September 2001. Notwithstanding the above, the future urban scenario hinging on the multicultural dimension is argued to be one which will be both positive in tone and creative in manner for the Malaysian environment. Nevertheless, a more current and culturally sensitive definition and interpretation of multiculturalism is required. The multicultural dimension of the traditional urban pattern and fabric has to be reformulated in order to be accepted as another feature of modern mainstream Malaysia. As conventional wisdom has it, the Malaysian streetscape has been significant in maintaining as well as sustaining cultural plurality, and diversity as well as multidimensional urban life. The attributes and characteristics, which in the past have germinated and contributed towards the formation of this particular perspective of the Great Asian Street will be the central focus of this article. THE MALAYSIAN MULTICULTURAL STREETSCAPE 01. INTRODUCTION Streetscapes in Asian countries are still culturally and functionally relevant and significant as compared to the demise and disappearance of their counterparts in the world. In Malaysia, it is very significant that the streetscape reflects the nation’s multiracial composition. Generally, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures co-exist within the traditional or old urban quarters of the cities. The street functions as an interface of social and economic activities as well as communication space for a multiracial society. Established academic sources have generally attributed Malaysian multiculturalism as a product and legacy of colonialism. [1] It is stressed in this paper that this claim is not entirely correct since the essence of multiculturalism had long existed before the country had been subjugated under any form or kind of colonialism. Historically this trait had been reflected by the monsoon trade wind activities in the Far East. The Southeast Asian region had practised trading activities and evidence of this can be traced back right to the Silk Route days. Obviously, with the occurrence of the trading exchange activities this often led to the planting of the seeds of multiculturalism. Historically, the traditional street in the Malaysian context has functioned as a contact space and interface among the different and various racial groups. However, rapid as well as modern development has threatened the role of Malaysian streetscape and consequently has changed its characteristics and perception. This article focuses on the Malaysian urban streetscape as a space for multidimensional activities and function. It is argued that this multidimensional characteristic can be an important feature of the future Malaysian built environment scenario. 01.01 DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE: INHERENT ASIAN TRAIT VS COLONIAL LEGACY Between independence in 1957 and the immediate years after the 13 May 1969 racial riots, the Malaysian streetscape underwent certain drastic changes. [2] Knee-jerk responses to nationalistic fervour have contributed to the design and construction of buildings with narrow as well as skewed interpretations of Malaysian architecture. [3] In terms of the built form these buildings are often monumental in scale and devoid of the human spirit. Effectively, space for interaction, which in Malaysia can be translated as space for multiracial interaction, has been sacrificed. Islamic influences on the Malaysian urban form have been evident since the mid 1980s, very largely in response and reaction to Islamic propagation at the international level.Again, this has pushed further away the idea of space for interaction among the Malaysian multireligious populace. CHALLENGES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM 80 ON ASIAN STREETS AND PUBLIC SPACE 02 - The Culture of Streets [18.218.127.141] Project MUSE (2024-04-19 14:21 GMT...