Malay abstractions of ecological patterns into geometricised expressions in palatial architecture and the applied arts / Nurhaya Baniyamin...[et al.]

Malay ornamental traditions are more generally known for their
curved, expressive and convoluted patterns, emerging from the
traditions of woodcarvers and artisans in observing ecological
forms, rather than geometric or gridded patterns. Typically,
observed flora and fauna are developed into curvatures and
ornate forms and translated into panels and ‘papan larik’ in
vernacular, including palatial, architecture. This paper
highlights a lesser known tradition in Malay architectural
decorative traditions in which such ecological forms are
abstracted into more geometrized elements, either due to the
modularity needed for insertion as architectural elements,
using techniques such as weaving, or modern techniques
encountered bye craftsmen and builders; such as metallurgy.
The paper highlights five examples in the palaces of
Kedah, Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor, and
examples of geometricized elements are also observed in
applied arts. These highlights the essence of the Malay culture
and civilization have a resource in both organic and
geometric patterns evolvement which reflect a form of rationality
and simplified geometric form, which had arisen from more
traditional patterns such as weaving and paneling. The
findings of the paper contribute to the availability of the range of
expressions in Malay traditions in more modular design and
format available for regional and localized identity in present
modern buildings and developments.