(Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology)
Interactive Historical Gallery with Art & Culture
The intermarriage of old and new architectural elements on a profound historical site mirrored a ‘time capsule’ for not only the built heritage and occurred events but also a ‘preservation and propagation hub’ that brings alive the unique, unparalleled traditional arts, culture and way of life into the contemporary.
The project, located in George Town, Penang, dwells on multiple layers of history translated through the arts, culture, and built heritage that form the local identity within the city’s fabric. The site encapsulates an abandoned colonial mansion at the fringes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, colloquially known as ‘Goh Chan Lau’ or five-storey villa in Hokkien. It was once home to the Chinese Consulate to the Straits Settlements, Belleview and Raffles Hotel, and Shih Chung Branch School.
The proposal includes a new annexe wing to anchor its contemporary use as a Communal Arts and Culture Hub while the existing one is adapted as an Interactive Historical Gallery. The virtual and augmented reality experiences illuminate visitors on a journey of the past, bridging present and future for new interpretations of self and remembrances. It enables the continued relevance and appreciation of these priceless tangible and intangible artefacts in modern times.
