ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 2 [ARC 1313]

Tutor: Ms. Shahrianne

Group Members:

Wesley Hew Xin Han 0307585

Lau Ee Tian 0309596

Elaine Bong Poh Hui 0310432

Amelia Michelle Bernard 0310316

1.0 Intro

The Old Standard Chartered Building (Figure 1.1), a once prominent bank used by the community of Klang

was built in the year 1808. It is located in Klang and occupies the corner site of Jalan Istana and Jalan

Hamzah, next to stately Bangunan Sultan Suleiman.

Figure 1.1: The Old Standard Chartered Bank

2.0 Building Layout

The building itself is comprised of two blocks which are separated by an inner courtyard. The bank

originally known as the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China had only utilized one of the block. The

bank consists of the main building, functions mainly as a banking business, and had a covered foot bridge

that connected to an annex that was used as living quarters of the employees as well as stable for the

horses for a period of time. Based on the book ‘The Architectural Heritage of Selangor’ by Mohamad

Tajuddin Mohamad Rasdi from Figure 2.1.

(Source: The Architectural Heritage of Selangor)

Figure 2.1: The Architectural Heritage of Selangor

(Source: The Architectural Heritage of Selangor)

Figure 2.2 Ground Floor Plan

(Source: The Architectural Heritage of Selangor)

Figure 2.3 First Floor Plan

3.0 History

The Standard Chartered Bank was founded by the Queen of England, Queen Victoria in the year 1853 and

is an amalgamation of two banks; the first being the Standard Bank of British South Africa and the

Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China in 1969. James Wilson, a Scottish magnate, was the main

pillar of the Chartered Bank that started the operation in London, England(Rasdi, 2012). Due to the strong

support and encouragement from to the England community, Mr. Wilson’s financial business was

successful.

The first bank was opened in Singapore in 1859 which after long negotiations with the authorities allowed

for the establishment of the Kuala Lumpur branch in 1888 on Jalan Mahkamah Tinggi. The branch in Klang

was set up in 1909 after the branch in Pulau Pinang and Kuala Lumpur.

From 1909 till 1996, the ground floor of the building operated as a bank, whereas the first and second floors

were occupied by British administration from 1909 until Malaya gained its independence in 1957. The

ground level of the second block was turned into the horse stables temporarily until 1957.

Today the former bank is being housed by Indians business where various varieties of boutiques of Asian

culture are being sold.

4.0 Context

From the 18th to the 19th century, Malaya was colonized by the British government with its Industrial

Revolution going on in Britain. Enabling them to exploit our natural resources, which the country was full of

at the time; spices, rubber tree, tin and gold mines are several examples of said resources. To make things

easier for them, they began building and constructing infrastructure that may better benefit them in terms of

transportation, telecommunication, economic viabilities and other aspects. Thus, the bank was introduced

to provide lending facilities as part of the commitment to investments, for implementing the yields and

results of the harvests. Kuala Lumpur flourish with the tin mine, making it the nation’s capital, the ideal

location for a financial institute acting as a backbone to the trade, commerce and industry. With traders

setting out shops at the Klang river for its tin mine, boasting its economy into another idyllic location. With

Klang being just 6km from Port Klang and 32km from Kuala Lumpur, the British were lead to provide

facilities like the rail route during the August 1890 for the high demand of tin mine, coffee and rubber. With

both cities rich with its economy, this persuades the British to extend the infrastructure and care for the

financial administration. As Swettenham initiated a rail link between Klang and Kuala Lumpur to overcome

transportation problem thus Malayan Railway was opened 15 years later on 15 September 1901 by

Swettenham (Brickfields, 2007).

During the 19th century, due to the fact that there was a Malay succession war between the royal

families concerning to whom the collection of tax should belong to who, which also disrupted two of the

largest Chinese gangster as they were constantly trying to gain control of the land with its tin production.

This allows the British to interfere with the administration of Malaya by placing Selangor’s first resident, JG.

Davidson, to guide the Sultanate reigning at that period (History of Petaling Jaya, n.d.). During that age,

Klang became the state capital; a royal town due to it being a prosperous town with a strategic location as

an integral role in terms of development of its economy and social aspects. Various accommodations are

located in Klang to accommodate the growing town. The Klang Municipal Council was placed to direct the

administration in Klang. Its building was placed at the surrounding site of our Old Standard Chartered

Building in 1941. Further developments help Klang change into the striving tow it is today, along with other

famous historical buildings and landmarks which are still functional today; several examples being the

Mahkota Puri Castle from the 1899 (Figure 4.1), Istana Alam Shah in the 1905 (Figure 4.2), Sultan

Suleiman Building in the 1912 (Figure 4.3) and the Klang High School (Figure 4.4) which is formerly a

British government school (Portal Rasmi Majlis Perbandaran Klang, 2013). Old shop buildings (Figure 4.5)

were only erected during the 1930s, a brief period after the Old Standard Chartered building was

established, proving that Klang was a progressive town which is slowly equipped with facilities that were

slowly providing. All was done under the British administration lead under the British resident, Frank

Swettenham but was shortly replaced by JG. Davidson, as he was still young.

(Source: http://www.mpklang.gov.my/)

Figure 4.1: Mahkota Puri Castle

(Source: http://static.panoramio.com/)

Figure 4.2: Istana Alam Shah

(Source: http://www.mpklang.gov.my)

Figure 4.3: Sultan Suleiman Building

(Source: http://www.oocities.org/)

Figure 4.3: Klang High School

(Source: http://l.yimg.com/)

Figure 4.4: Renovated Pre-War Shophouses

Socially, due to the amazing development of Klang, it has become a prosperous town leading to the

mass job opportunities surrounding the area. When the tin mine was found, many Chinese immigrates

migrate from China to Klang, due to the overwhelming demand of workers needed for the mining in the 19 th

century. Soon, rubber trees were brought to Malaya, and once again a large number of emigrates from

India migrated to Malaya and began the rubber tapping business. As time goes by, these immigrates began

to set up their business by trying to earn a living and setting up their own homes in Klang, thus increasing

the numbers of population of Klang. Numbers of British officers were placed in Klang as it slowly become a

prosperous town, since they tried to seized every opportunity to control the town properly due to the

businesses set up the British businessman in Malaya by expanding said British administration.

The first bank of the Standard Chartered Bank was located at the heart of the country, Kuala

Lumpur, currently known as the ‘National History Museum’ (Figure 4.5) was formerly the headquarters of

the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China. Being erected during 1888 by A.C. Norman, a British

architect (National Museum of History In Malaysia Tourism, n.d.). Being inspired by the rich Islamic culture

in Malaysia, he designed the building with a blend of Moorish and Islamic architecture style (National

Museum of History In Malaysia Tourism, n.d.), creating a huge contrast from the Standard Chartered Bank

located in Klang with its Dutch architecture style being nothing related to the culture in Malaysia. Norman

also managed to harmonize the building itself with the adjoining buildings around its perimeter. In contrast

to the bank in Klang and its neighbouring shop houses that have been decorated with Indian festive and its

rich culture, though they manage to compromised using the advertisement board display on the exterior of

the building. Wood and bricks were the main choice of material used during that period. Bricks could

evidently be seen being used as a part of ornamentation on the façade of Kuala Lumpur. Linking with the

building in Klang, using basically brick and wood, as in the past, the choices of material is limited with the

wall built using bricks and wood as the frame work. The Kuala Lumpur structure has two domes on both the

left and right side of the flat roof, compared to the pitch roof of the bank in Klang, where the tropical climate

of Malaysia was put into consideration with the monsoon season, allowing rain water to flow out. In terms of

ornamentation, using the Moorish architecture element, horseshoe arches forming the extended entrance

to building and the window frames for the ground floor (What is Moorish Architecture?, 2012). Whilst, the

other top half of the façade’s window utilized a slight scalloped window frame as part of an opening to the

structure to infuse the Moorish architecture style. The lack of ornamentation exteriorly is clearly visible due

to the fact that the Moorish were nomads that most commonly living in a tent thus resulting in a more

decorated interior. Only part of the roof was ornamented, by using turrets around the edges of the flat roof

(What is Moorish Architecture?, 2012). Klang, being Dutch colonial style, has the gables on the pediment

which is commonly placed at regularly spaced intervals on the slopes and edges. Relating to the building in

Klang, part of the interior of the structure being renovated to fit the requirement of a silk shop, thus some

elements are being eliminated for a more functional used. ‘National History Museum’ in Kuala Lumpur is

currently what the structure has been transformed to, because of its strategic location, similar to the one in

Klang, which was later transformed into a silk shop due to the needs of the community surrounding its site

and the its location being strategically marketable.

(Source: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/)

Figure 4.5 National History Museum

5.0 Architectural Elements

The Old Chartered Bank has neoclassical style with some Dutch influence (Figure 5.1). Some

examples of Dutch Colonial style include decorative windows with gables, overhanging eaves around full

width of house, and the symmetrical façade. One of the most significant features of the building is the

Dutch style gables with pediments of the façade. Traditional Dutch design can be seen on the three gables

was originated from the early houses in the Cape Town, South Africa making it one unique aspect of the

town (Cape Dutch Architecture, n.d.). The structure has a moderate pitch roof and slight overhung eaves

which were the elements of the neoclassical style, plus pitched roof was a common element in the houses

in Peninsular Malaysia during the 19th century. Malaysia having being in the mid-equator with rainy

seasons all year long required the incorporation of the pitched roof to prevent rain water from entering the

building.

Figure 5.1 Dutch Style Gable

Columns on the entry porch and balusters are the common point between the Old Chartered Bank.

Used as part of a welcoming entrance for the building as to integrate the idea of an architecture structure of

a bank. There are coupled Tuscan column, where the architect managed to incorporate elements from the

Roman order, on both sides of the pediment and vase-shaped balusters forming rows just outside the

windows along the road forming a veranda (Figure 5.2). An orderly proportionate exterior could be seen

with the neatly arranged balusters making it suitable for the bank. The building is symmetrical and

proportional with the centred door and balanced windows. Palladian window used at the front entrance of

the bank facing the road features a clear architectural component of neoclassical buildings. Windows

which are all proportionate and adjacent with each other where the architect has managed to relate the

building as a whole combining with the stable structure.

Figure 5.2 The Veranda

Based on the plan (Figure 2.2), the building was formed with two ‘L’ shaped being adjacent to each

other, forming a semi-look of a rectangle (Mohamad Rasdi, 2012). Another significant piece could be

seen in the huge keystone on the arches on the ground floor. The keystones appear to be located only on

the exterior surface of the building rather than the semi-exterior side with the Palladian windows. The key

stone extends as far as the balusters on the first floor as part of the garnishing.

6.0 Design and Concept

The building is categorized as a neo-classical architecture. Neoclassical architecture contains

classical features such as a comprehensive symmetry and clarity, Tuscan column orders, triangular

pediments above colonnades, a balustrade placed along the roofline, organized windows and doorways,

centrally placed domes, as well as white stone or whitewashed brick. Other than that, it includes the use of

different materials and architectural features.

(Source: Thrills And Treasures Of Historical Landmarks Of Selangor.)

Figure 6.1: Old Standard Chartered Bank.

European Style influenced Old Standard Chartered Bank building in Klang. It influenced the Malaya

architecture especially the styles that were modified according to the tropical climate of Malaysia. Besides

that, the styles were combined with the architecture influence of Malay, Classical Portuguese, Dutch and

English.

(Source: The Architectural Heritage of Selangor)

Figure 6.2: Western classical details on windows.

Figure 6.3: Windows on first floor.

(Source: Thrills And Treasures Of Historical Landmarks Of Selangor.)

Figure 6.4: Vase-shaped balusters.

Western Classical details are portrayed on the first floor windows which are glazed with

square panes and framed by twin Tuscan order columns. Tuscan pillars are also applied to the front

elevation (Gullick, 2007). The pillars are not only for aesthetic reasons but it carries the weight of the wall

above. Other than that, below the windows and in between the arches vase shaped balusters are placed.

Normally, balusters are separated by the same measurement as the size of the square bottom section.

The Old Chartered Bank is comprised of two blocks which are separated by an inner courtyard.

Both ground floor and first floor mainly consist of offices since it functioned as a bank before this.

(Source: Thrills And Treasures Of Historical Landmarks Of Selangor.)

Figure 6.5: Gables and pediments.

In Figure 6.5, it shows that Dutch style gables rise up in double tier-volutes. The gables marks to the

L-shaped double storey block which are located above the corner of the main entrance and at each end of

the building. While the pediments are made of bricks and concrete consisting of multiple classical features

that reminisce 14th century European architectural style.

7.0 Conclusion

Although the once well-known neo-classical bank that played a large role in the economic and social

development of Klang has been ultimately altered to serve its current purpose- selling various Indian

clothing- it still stands today as a structure that will continue to inspire future generations and remind us of

the influence of the British people in our great nation.

References:

Brickfields. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 11, 2007, from

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Brickfields- 124414.html

Cape Dutch Architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rumadani.co.za/index.php/articles-on-south-

africa/7-sa/24-cape-dutch- architecture

Gullick, J. M. (2007). History from the Selangor Journal, 1892-1897. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Branch of

the Royal Asiatic Society.

History of Petaling Jaya. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://motherearthtravel.com/malaysia/petaling_jaya/history.htm

Lam, S. F. (2008). Thrills And Treasures Of Historical Landmarks Of Selangor. Selangor. (pp.46-47). Shah

Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan: Marshall Cavendish.

Mohamad Rasdi, M. T. (2012). Standard Chartered Bank in The Architectural Heritage of Selangor (pp. 75-

86). Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor: D'Khairan Sdn. Bhd.

National Museum of History In Malaysia Tourism Info (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.malaysiahere.com/malaysia_museum/national_history_museum.php

Portal Rasmi Majlis Perbandaran Klang. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.mpklang.gov.my

What is Moorish Architecture? (2012). Retrieved from

http://www.hereinthishouse.com/home/2012/3/7/what-is-moorish-architecture.html

8.0 Building Inventory

8.1 Façade 1

Element Facade 1

Façade detail Ground Floor

Wall – White painted plastered bricks

Door – Metal roller shutter door

Fenestration – Balanced and symmetrical windows in a row

Window – 4 paneled windows with wooden frames

First Floor

Wall – White painted plastered bricks

Window – 5 paneled windows with wooden frames

Brief description The facade is balanced and proportional with the decorative windows. There is

polycarbonate roofing above the door, which was not there originally, to prevent

rain from coming in. The huge attractive gable on the very top of the facade

indicates influences from the Dutch.

8.2 Façade 2

Element Façade 2

Facade Detail Ground Floor

Wall – White painted plastered bricks

Fenestration – Repetition of windows with vase-shaped balusters along them

Window – Paneled wooden frame windows with a pair of twin entablature on each

sides (advertising boards have covered up the windows)

First Floor

Wall – White painted plastered bricks

Window – Decorative paneled window along roadside (advertising boards have

covered up the windows)

Brief Description The facade has a row of paneled windows along the side together with the

balusters. There are 3 arches with a large keystone on top on the ground floor

forming a verandah. The large advertisement boards cover up most part of the

facade forming an unpleasing view.

8.3 Interior

Element Interior

Interior Detail Ground Floor

Floor - Ceramic floor tiling

Stairs - Marble floor tile with wooden railing and one lading space where mannequins

are put on display

First Floor

Floor - Same as ground floor

Ceiling - Plastered ceiling with classical style chandeliers and down lights

Brief Description Interior wise, the panels used are woods which are from the past. Using mirrors to

expand the sight of space giving off a spacious feeling. Stairs placed in the center of

building near side entrance, help ease users to fully utilize the space by having easy

access to ground floor and first floor.