The greatest architectural transformation followed Merdeka, or Independence in 1957. Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia was transformed from colonial towns into parts of the new nation and Kuala Lumpur became its capital. Proud symbols of nationhood were expressed in new and daring forms. Innovative construction techniques and industrialized components changed the scale of commercial buildings and enabled the erection of the first prominent buildings and sky scrapers that shaped the nations modern architectural scene. According to Ar. Chan Seong Aun, president of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (2013-2015), most Malaysian architecture of the modern movement are not documented thoroughly and have not made the list of heritage buildings. It is therefore important that we properly record the heritage of Malaysian architecture before it is destroyed and lost forever. This research project adopts document analysis methodology that involves documenting, analyzing, producing, and a critical chronological and diagrammatical interpretation of Modern Malaysian architectural history. This project emphasizes critical analysis of the post Merdeka/Independence of Malaysian architecture in the effort to understand the influences of post-modernism to architectural design and construction, building science and technology, and urban design. The project is to distinguish the way in which many diverse factors contribute to the development of Modern Malaysian architecture. The development of the project will involve active discussion, analysis interpretation and consultation with the tutor.

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Objectives of this project are as follows: To allow students to undertake a research analysis process on Modern Malaysian architecture practices throughout history through literature review and document analysis and present an appropriate chronological account of the Malaysian architecture based on the understanding gained through the analysis procedure. To familiarize students with the activities of culmination and production of a research analysis through assemblage, chronological indices and evaluation of information; composing and organization of study; assembly of illustration and text; design layout composition; poster and presentation. To introduce visual and critical thinking through learning from precedents with diagramming, and to introduce the basic principles of form, space and order in the architectural design of Modern Malaysian architecture. The analysis is based on, but not limited to, the following:

a) Organization of form

b) Organization of space

c) Circulation and paths-space relationship

d) Axis and relations of axes

e) Massing

f) Symmetry and balance

g) Rhythm and repetition