The physical attributes of decorative architectural components of Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) in central Perak / Iryani Abdul Halim Choo

The decorative architectural component is one of the Malay traditional architectural components commonly used to incorporate the sense of traditional architecture elements into contemporary modern building design. The characteristic of the decorative architectural components formed part of the traditional Malay house identity. However, the insensitive usage of the decorative architectural component that ignores its' original characteristic and meaning may contribute to confusion and misconception issues on the Malay traditional architectural identity. Previous research conducted on decorative architectural components focused mostly on the visual aspects from the perspective of symbolism, mathematical pattern, placement, influence, principal form, design motifs, design pattern, configuration, and composition, where most of these studies were conducted on the decorative architectural components of the Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Kedah traditional Malay house. There is a gap in research that discusses the physical attributes of the decorative architectural component, including its physical dimension and ratio. In addition, there has been a gap in the study of the decorative architectural components of the traditional Malay house of Perak, particularly on the Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP). In line with the thrust outlined in the National Identity Architecture 2017 and National Cultural Policy 2021 that aims to form a successful nation with identity anoVnational personality, this research aims to seek a deeper understanding on the physical attributes of the decorative architectural component of RLBP. The research was approached using the qualitative method with three research questions. A pilot study was conducted to achieve RO 1 involving research processes such as document review and on-site observation. From the pilot study, fourteen decorative architectural components are found in RLBP. Multiple case studies were conducted to achieve RO 2. A few research processes were involved, including developing an observation checklist, conducting pilot test, expert validation, inventory study and fieldwork observation. Six samples of RLBP houses were shortlisted from 250 RLBP houses identified from all over the state. The observation was conducted on the six sample houses of RLBP, and the data collection is using the observation checklist and measured drawing of details. The research findings have established the physical attributes of the decorative architectural components of RLBP. The findings show that the attributes of the decorative architectural components adhere to a set of principles closely related to the Malay culture, values, practises, the Malay belief system, and the environmental and climatic aspects. The establishment of knowledge on the physical attributes of decorative architectural components of RLBP contribute to filling the knowledge gap on the decorative architectural components of traditional Malay house and particularly on the overall physical attributes of the decorative architectural components of RLBP.