Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and

Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Research Title

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in

Kampung Chuweh and Contemporary Architecture in Belum
Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

NAME:

Tan Heng Yee

STUDENT ID:

0314941

LECTURER:

Mr Koh Jing Hao

SUBMISSION DATE:

11/11/2014

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Table of Contents

Page

Abstract ............................................................................................................................. 3

1.0

Introduction ........................................................................................................ 2

2.0

Background Literature .................................................................................... 4-6

2.1

Belum- Temengor Rainforest

2.2

Kampung Chuweh

2.3

Belum Rainforest Resort

3.0 Spatial Organisation ........................................................................................... 7-10

3.1 Comparing Spatial Organistion
3.2 Factor affecting the Spatial Design

4.0 Spatial Hierarchy ............................................................................................. 11-13

4.1 Comparing main space
4.2 How the main space serve community

5.0 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 14

6.0 References ............................................................................................................. 15

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Abstract
The purpose of doing a comparative study of the spatial design of Belum Rainforest Resort
and Kampung Chuweh is to study the spatial design in architecture and how spatial design
response to the cultural factors and how it express in the context. The culture factors included
the way of life and set of values which does not share. In assisting the validation of research
,literature review based on various sources regarding the background and cultural context of
Orang Asli Settlements and Belum Rainforest Resort were conducted to enhance the process.
In order to enhance the reliability of this research ,it is important to deliberate on the cultural
context in Belum-Temengor Area. Other than studying the spatial and social organisation of
Jahai tribe , some further research is carried out to understand the Temiar tribe which is also
one of the Orang Asli tribe can be found in Belum-Temengor Rainforest. Some rainforest
resort in Malaysia such as Mutiara Resort Taman Negara in Pahang and The Dusun ,located
in the Berumbun Forest Reserve of Negeri Sembilan are studied to further understand the
similar characteristic can be found in Rainforest Resort in Malaysia. In comparing the spatial
organisation, both are arranged in clustered layout However, due to different cultural context,
social organisation and needs of users.,the purpose of the similar spatial layout have different
meaning in both different cultural context. For the spatial hierarchy of spaces, the study
assumes that it depend on the way a person from a specific culture interacts with others ,belief
and needs. In this paper ,the study will be focusing on the most significant space in term of
function space in Belum Resort and Kampung Chuweh. The definition of the most important
space is different in both different context. In conclusion ,cultural context is a significant
factor which affects the formation of social hierarchy and spatial hierarchy in term of
architecture.

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

1.0 Introduction
Culture can be regarded as a fundamental issue, even a precondition to be met on the path
towards Sustainable Development in the context of indigenous cultures ,nature
conservation ,tourism and regional development. (Soini & Dessein,Wikipedia, 2013).Belum
Rainforet Resort is surrounded by the context of indigenous cultures and nature conservation
region. Therefore ,it is important for the architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort maintain the
essence of the surrounding context encircled it. Other than achieving sustainability in term of
building construction, building materials or other aspects, , Belum Rainforest Resort should
maintain the sustainbility in term of culture as well. The sustainability of culture requires the
acceptance and recognition of local cultural values of the respective communities (Wikipedia,
2013). Therefore, architecture in Kampung Chuweh are selected to make a comparative study
in term of spatial design with the architecture in Belum Rainforest. Kampung Chuweh is one
of the oldest indigenous village in Belum Rainforest , therefore it represent the indigenous
culture of Belum Rainforest.
The objective of this paper is to study the anthropogenic factor from the perspective of spatial
design in architecture. It is also to study how the culture factor reflect on the spatial design of
architectures. This paper will comparing the spatial design of Belum Resort and Kamung
Chuweh responding to the following research questions:
Question 1
How does the spatial organization of native indigenous village and Belum Rainforest Resort
similar and different from each other?

Question 2
What affect their spatial organization and how these spatial organisation serve the users?

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Question 3
What is the function of the main space and how it serve its community and acts as support to
the surrounding dwelling?

Question 4
How the spatial hierarchy conscious or subconsciously response to the cultural factors and
how it express in the context?

2.0 Background Literature

Belum Temengor Rainforest is one of the oldest
rainforest in the world which shares with Thailand
dating

back

130

millions

years

ago.

(Wonderfulmalaysia.com, 2007) Belum Temengor

Rainforest is divided into 2 sections the Royal
Belum State Park located up north spreading toward
the Malaysia- Thailand border and the Temengor
Forest Reserve south of the rainforest complex. The
Temengor Lake lies at the heart of the rainforest
Figure 2: Location Map of Belum Rainforest Resort and
Kampung Chuweh in Belum Temengor Forest

covering over 15200ha. Before the manmade

Temengor Lake is formed, a number of rivers from the mountain ranges flowed into
Temengor lowland ,creating a huge catchment area. Due to the communist , the Temengor
catchment area with water from mountain river was filling up to flush out the communists.
This is how Temengor lake formed and Pulau Banding become an inland island encircled by
Temengor lake ( Banding Island ,2014) .With the East-West highway running through the
island, Banding is the only island in Malaysia that is serviced by two bridges linking it to the
mainland.

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

1.1 Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 2. 1 Bird Eyes' View of Pulau Banding

Belum Rainforest Resort is one of the ecotourism holiday destinations in Malaysia. It is

located in Pulau Banding, which is the midst of Belum Temengor. It is also situated midway
between the east and west coasts of Malaysia . The nearest towns to Belum are Gerik in Perak
and Jeli in Kelantan, which are connected by the East-West Highway. The visitors to Belum
Rainforest Resort are normally tourist from all over the worlds and different cultural
background. They are normally nature lovers, bird watcher ,researcher and students.

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

2.2

Kampung Chuweh

Figure 2.2 Indigenous children in Kampung Chuweh

Kampung Chuweh is one of the oldest orang asli settlement still exist today before Temengor
Lake ever formed. Kampung Chuweh is a close-knit orang asli community located in Gerik.
The Chuweh village propped on the top of a small hill which turns out to be an island on its
own .Due to the constantly increase level of Temengor catchment area, the orang asli force to
migrate to a higher level constantly over the years.
This villagers is formed by Jahai tribe which is one of the largest sub-ethnic group among the
Negritos The Jahai lead a semi-nomadic life. However, they are less mobile than in the past
due to the gradual change from shifting cultivation to semi sedentary agricultural cultivation.
The Jahai are animists. Black magic and superstitious are very strong among the Jahai. They
fear Karei, a malevolent spirit that they believe brings death and disaster whenever taboos are
broken. The headman and witchdoctor ( Tok Halaq) are an influential group of people in the
tribe. (Asia Harvest, 2014)

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

3.0 Spatial Organisation

According to Collins Dictionary ,the definition of spatial organisation is an organised
structure or system relating to space in term of architecture. The arrangement of spaces is
very significant to the community as it have to engage and deliberate with the cultural
background of the community it serve. The spatial organisation have to related to the way a
person from a specific culture interacts with others ,belief and needs.

3.1 Comparing Spatial Organisation

Figure 3.1a : Site plan of Kampung Chuweh

Figure 3.1b : Site plan of Belum Rainforest

Resort

Referring to the site plan of Kampung Chuweh, the houses of Kampung Chuweh is arranged
in clustered layout .In Kampng Chuweh ,there are 10 houses for the orang asli, 1 under
construction school,1 mini library and a main hall. According to observation during site visit ,
the toilet and bathrooms are separated from the houses. Some of the residents share one unit
of bathroom ,as some have their own toilet and bathroom. From the site plan, it can notices
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

that the dwellings is built surrounding the main hall at the center which is located far back
away from the jetty that act as the main entrance into the village. Other than that , instead of
building the houses on the flat ground , the dwellings are built and elevated on the steep
terrain of the island.

For Belum Rainforest Resort ,the organisation of spaces are much more complicated in
compare with Kampung Chuweh. The phase 2 villas of Belum Resort are arranged in
clustered organisation and oriented facing Tasik Temengor. Even though the phase 2 hotel are
arranges in clustered organisation , the circulation still remain linear. The clustered deluxe
suites allow the transition of spaces become more interesting in compare to a linear
organisation of buildings. This enhance the spatial experience of the users when walking
along the pathway. At the upper part of the terrain is where the restaurant and phase 1 hotel
located. The phase 1 is arranged in linear organisation which is more enclose in compare with
phase 2 building. The circulation of phase 1 and phase 2 are connected through the restaurant
by a walkway connecting the restaurant to the rooftop of deluxe suites

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

3.2 Factor affecting the Spatial Organisation

Figure 3.2a Bird Eyes view of Kampung Chuweh

Figure 3.2b : Dwelling elevated along the terrain

Figure 3.2c : Orang Asli wash their clothes using lake water

The dwellings in Kampung Chuweh is built and elevated on the steep terrain of the islands at
both side as it is more convenient to get water supply for daily life. According to site
observation , the orang asli will wash their clothes using the lake water. Due to the lack of
sanitary and sewerage system in Kampung Chuweh ,the small bathroom separated from the
houses and located nearer to lake allows direct drainage of sewerage into the lake. Orang asli
of Kampung Chuweh have their own patch of land for farming which is not located at the
island ,however it is located on the opposite islands. The farm on the opposite island is on the
steep terrain facing the east ,therefore it can receive maximum sunlight and most
importantly ,the separation of farm and dwellings area enable the resident from being attack
by wild animal such as elephant which may intrude into the farm anytime. By locating houses
near the lake, residents will be easily access to the lake and row bamboo raft over to their
farm.

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Figure 3.2d Bird Eyes View of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 3.2e Phase 2 hotels oriented facing lake

In Belum Rainforest Resort ,the phase 2 s villas in Belum Resort are orientated in a way that
overviewing the Tasik Temengor .The tradisional kampung house is located near the lakeside
at a lower ground level compare to the deluxe villa. The arrangement of the hotel modular of
phase 2 is designed to follow the terrain of the vegetation and minimise tree being cut down.
Other than that, the clustered design of deluxe villa capture best view and give privilege to
everyone in the hotel.

In comparing the spatial organisation, the arrangement of spaces in Kampung Chuweh is

based upon the daily demand to the water supply and the natural resources surrounding it,
however in Belum Rainforest Resort , the spatial organisation are designed in a way to satisfy
the visual enjoyment and the spatial experience of the users.
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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

4.0 Spatial Hierarchy

Spatial hierarchy is an organisational structure in which items are ranked according to levels
of importance. The spatial hierarchy of architectures is a physical expression of the
ideologies of persons which directly linked to the social hierarchy. Hence, study of
architectures provide insights on its cultural background as both are mutually inclusive. In this
research paper, only the most important space in an organisation structure will be studied and
how the main space will support the surrounding dwellings. The definition of main space is
varies by different cultural context.

4.1 Main Space

Figure 4.1a: Main Hall act as a multipurpose hall

Figure 4.1b Main hall in Kampung

Chuweh having performance

In Kampung Chuweh, there is a main hall located at the center of the village. This main hall is
act as a multipurpose hall for the villagers to host a reception to the visitors . Other than that ,
it is a place for Orang asli to carry out cult ,wedding ceremony and funeral. It is a gathering
point as well for the meeting carry out by the chief of Kampung Chuweh.During ordinary
daytime, it is also a place whereby most of the children will gather here .

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

Figure 4.1b Hornbil Restaurant in Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 4.1c: Outdoor Dining Area

Figure 4.1d Interior Dining Area

In Belum Rainforest Resort ,the main gathering point for all the visitors is the
restaurant .Belum Resort is located in suburban district , it can also be said that it is located on
the mid way of the East-West Highway .Therefore, the food resources is very limited for the
visitors. In the course of nature , the restaurant become an important gathering space for the
visitors. Most of the time , the meals are served in a self-service mode ,therefore it encourage
a more freestyle way for people to having their meal within the small community.

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

4.2 Comparing and Analyse Main Space

Figure 4.2a : Site Plan of Kampung Chuweh showing

Figure 4.2b : Site Plan of Belum Resort

orientation of dwellings facing main hall

showing surrounding dwellings facing the lake

According to physiologist, Sigmund Freud ,the formation of social hierarchy of human being
is due to the human collective pschology. By applying this theory to the social structure and
organisation aspect of Kampung Chuweh , the Orang Asli community still maintain the
significant of co-operation in their daily life. The chief of village is responsible to take care
and ensure the well-being of his tribesmen. He is also the contact person with the outside
world. The chief of village has the authority to determine rules for his tribe and impose
punishment on those who have made mistakes or offences. Orang Asli also believe in black
magic as bomoh whose role is to conduct rituals. (National department for culture and arts,
2013). Indirectly ,these social hierarchy and rituals belief will affect the spatial layout of
architecture. In Kampung Chuweh , it can be observed that even though all the dwellings are
built and elevated on steep terrain ,the main entrance of the houses are still orientated in a way
that facing inwardly toward the main hall. This can link back to the human collective
psychology , the main hall is the axis of their daily life. This is the inner mainstay of their life.

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

However in compare with Belum Rainforest Resort, the restaurant which acts as the center
point for visitors does not provide a spiritual sustenance to the users. Even though it has a
greater flow rate of users , it serve the users in a more practical way. This can be observed
from the spatial organisation of the surrounding hotels. The surrounding hotels are focus
away from the restaurant and orientated toward the Temengor lake ( phase 2) . Even the
phase 1 hotels located just beside the restaurant does not embrace the main building as it stand
independently. The main space is more like a supporting element that connecting the phase 1
and phase 2 buildings.

5.0 Conclusion
In this research , it can conclude that the spatial design of architecture are closely linked to the
cultural context of a community . The orientation and hierarchy of architecture, public, semipublic and private depends on the way in which a person from a specific culture interacts with
others and his own ideas beliefs, social hierarchy, customs and traditions, religion and identity
etc (abishateslin, 2012). Therefore, despite the same site context in Belum Temengor
Rainforest, the spatial design of Belum Rainfores Resort and Kampung Chuweh have their
own intepretation and consideration which follow closely to their own cultural context.
Cultural context is an important factor which affects the making of architecture.In comparing
the vernacular architeture and contemporary architecture in Belum Raiforest it show a strong
contrast in term of spatial design. The cultural changes over a period of time affects the way
people define architecture and even modifies it to achieve cultural sustainability.Cultural
sustainability has been viewed more broadly, as a cultural evolution towards more sustainable
way of life, based on ethical choices in the everyday activities.

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.

6.0 References
abishateslin. (2012, September 26). House and its spatial hierarchy -an expression of culture.
Retrieved from http://anthropologyblitzsap.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/house-and-itsspatial-hierarchy-an-expression-of-culture/
Asia Harvest. (2014). Jahai.
Retrieved from http://asiaharvest.org/pages/profiles/nonChina/Malaysia/Jahai.pdf

belumrainforestresort. (2009). Location.

Retrieved from http://www.belumrainforestresort.com/location.html

Belum Rainforest Resort. (2014). Belum rainforest resort - getting here.

Retrieved from http://belumresort.com/contact_getting_there.html

King, A. D. (1980). Buildings and society: Essays on the social development of the built
environment. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.

National department for culture and arts. (2013). Orang asli community.
Retrieved from http://www.jkkn.gov.my/

Soini, K., & Dessein, J. (n.d.). Investigating cultural sustainability.

Retrieved from http://www.culturalsustainability.eu/

Wikipedia. (2013, April 07). Cultural sustainability.

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_sustainability

Wonderfulmalaysia.com. (2007). Royal Belum State Park | Wonderful Malaysia.

Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/royal-belumstate-park-malaysia.htm

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.
Figure 2 Location Map of Belum Rainforest Resort and Kampung Chuweh in Belum
Temengor Forest
Google Maps. (2014). [Temengor Lake] [Street Map]. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com.my/maps/place/Tasik+Temenggor,+Perak/@5.4787664,101.
3768152,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x31b4552faf3bbc37:0x279d6927c028687
a?hl=en

Figure 2.1 Bird Eyes' View of Pulau Banding

Jardness. (Composer). (2013, March 2). Exploring belum rainforest resort @ pulau banding,
perak [Web Photo]. Retrieved from
http://ignorantbrat.blogspot.com/2012/03/exploring-belum-rainforest-resort-pulau.html

Figure 2.2 Indigenous children in Kampung Chuweh

Ent, M. (Producer). (2013, Nov 11). Kampung chuweh grik perak [Web Photo]. Retrieved
from http://jangan-bukak.blogspot.com/2013/11/projek-heart-dari-maybank.html

Figure 3.1a : Site plan of Kampung Chuweh

Personal drawing by author.

Figure 3.1b : Site plan of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 3.2a Bird Eyes view of Kampung Chuweh

Horlicks Malaysia. (Producer) (2014). Horlicks school journey: kampung chuweh project
(english) [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkEI2yEdEhY

Figure 3.2b : Dwelling elevated along the terrain

Personal photograph by author.

Figure 3.2c : Orang Asli wash their clothes using lake water
Horlicks Malaysia. (Producer) (2014). Horlicks school journey: kampung chuweh project
(english) [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkEI2yEdEhY

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Comparing How the Spatial Design of Vernacular Architecture in Kampung Chuweh and
Contemporary Architecture in Belum Rainforest Resort Respond to Cultural Context.
Figure 3.2d Bird Eyes View of Belum Rainforest Resort
Figure 3.2e Phase 2 hotels oriented facing lake
Figure 4.1a: Main Hall act as a multipurpose hall
Figure 4.1b: Main hall in Kampung Chuweh having performance
Belum Rainforest Resort. (2014). Belum Rainforest Resort. Retrieved from
http://www.panomatics.com/nextgen/my/belumrainforestresort/

Figure 4.1b Hornbil Restaurant in Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 4.1c: Outdoor Dining Area
Personal photograph by author.

Figure 4.2a : Site Plan of Kampung Chuweh showing orientation of dwellings facing main hall
Personal drawing by author.

Figure 4.2b : Site Plan of Belum Resort showing surrounding dwellings facing the lake
Architecture drawing from Emkay Group

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