Page 961 - Proceedings Collega2023

Introduction

This paper studies the traditional Malay architecture of Istana Jahar located in Kelantan, Malaysia

(Figures 1 and 2), an establishment that has seen changes in its function since the day it was constructed.
Situated in the heart of Kota Bharu, the palace is now known as the Muzium Adat Istiadat Diraja Kelantan
(Museum of Royal Traditions and Customs of Kelantan). This study investigates the place attachment of
the palace due to its architectural change and spatial functional conversion. Many rising issues
demonstrated a conflict between preserving the heritage or altering its function to place valuable artifacts.
The change has impacted the palace's attachment due to its architectural change.

Figure 1

Map of Malaysia

Problem Statement

Many past studies on the palace focused on the changes that took place in the building by looking
at the architectural style and how this palace adapted to the new function. However, the study on the
making of the palace as a ‘place’ and the criteria that contribute to the ‘place attachment’ of the palace is
not analysed in depth. Hence, the issue of making it a place for the public has not been studied since the
function of the space has changed since its construction. The place attachment of this palace includes all
the attributes needed to make the place attachment of this architecture a success. Hence, the goal of this
study is to elucidate the place attachment visibility based on the architectural change that took place in
the architecture.

Research Objectives
The investigation into Istana Jahar aims:
i. to study the fundamental architectural components and values of Istana Jahar
ii. to investigate the architectural change that took place in Istana Jahar, architectural
functions, and spatiality
iii. to elucidate the visible place attachment of Istana Jahar based on the architectural change
The objectives determine the status of Istana Jahar with its current architectural functionality and
spatiality. The study analyses the current situation of the palace by connecting the theoretical framework

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 948 -