Determining the Intervention Strategy for Heritage Shophouse Facades at Ipoh, Perak

Abstract

Nowadays, there are a large number of heritages shophouses remain intact in the major urban area in Malaysia, including Ipoh, Perak. However, some of the shophouses are facing inappropriate façade changes due to improper actions committed against the heritage property. The situation resulted in the phenomenon of inconsistency elements of building facades. This paper focuses on two aspects; first, identifying the improper actions committed against heritage shophouse facades compared to proper conservation approaches, and second, classifying the condition of the heritage shophouse facades to determine the current problems and dilemmas. From the literature review, five terms of improper actions are relevant; refurbishment, replacement, redesign, alteration, and deterioration. A pilot test involved twelve shophouses have been selected via purposive sampling. The results show that the terms are reliable to classify the condition of the shophouse facades. Most of the samples encounter dilemmas, mainly replacement and deterioration of the elements of the façade. The terms are also seen as relevant for a future heritage shophouse grading system for inventory purposes. The research findings may promote greater awareness among the owners, stakeholders, and the local authority on the prevailing situation experienced by the heritage shophouses.