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History's Riches presents
19th September 2022
Melaka's Gem
Shining diamonds of the lost centuries
Newsletter #3:
Architecture and Influences
History Overview
Walking along the road that is Heeren Street, one may start to notice some features of each building inhabiting the streets. The houses built on this road has architectural influence from many other cultures due to colonialisation and culture assimilation. The most prominent influence seen from this street would be Chinese culture, but there are many houses displaying Dutch and British influences as well.
Before the mass immigration of Southern Chinese people in the lands of Malaya, these houses were inhabited predominantly by Malays and Indians back in the 1790s to 1840s. After the rise of Chinese labour workers in the 1840s to 1900s as well as the rise of wealthy straits peranakans during the 1890s to 1910s, these houses have been made to fit Chinese architectural styles. The increased exposure and education of European culture has also resulted in the import of European and Western decoration styles and materials.
Building Structure
One of the most prominent features of Heeren Street is the way everything surrounding it is structured. The roads are narrow and the same can also be said with the houses around the area. From the front, each house appears to be small and there is a reason for that.
Back in the day, taxes were paid depending on the width of the house. To avoid paying a large sum of tax money, the people of Heeren Street had decided to decrease the width of their house and instead increase the length of the houses instead
A Mix of Influences
Motifs of animals such fishes and various flowers seen is a nod to the Chinese-styled influences inherited by the people of Heeren Street.
These circle-framed windows, known as "moon window" connects from house to house, creating a tunnel vision effect. The circle is a symbol for heaven in Chinese culture.
The stained glass used for the windows are an example of European influence displayed at Heeren Street.
To elaborate on their wealth, the people of Heeren Street would decorate their houses with tiles imported from England. Geometric designs was a famous floor tile choice during Victorian England from 1860s.
Once Flourished, Now Forgotten
Exploring Heeren Street, one will notice that some houses have been left without maintenance, decomposing and ruined. It arises the question of how it ended up like this, especially once you know of the fact that these houses were once inhabited by the rich and wealthy. Whatever the case may be, the government has seen the importance of this street, as it is listed as one of Melaka's Heritage, therefore there has been efforts in restoring these buildings to their former glory.
References
Sze, L. (2017, December 10). Heeren Street, Malacca Photobook. Issuu. https://issuu.com/lisze/docs/chloeteh-asian-architecture-photobo#:%7E:text=Heeren%20Street%2C%20or%20Jalan%20Tun,the%20Dutch%20colonisation%20of%20Malacca.