We hope this blog will provide you with the basic info on George Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site particularly on conservation and restoration as well as promoting of our heritage.
CHAT
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Latest News
Marking George Town
The State Government of Penang, Malaysia invites submissions for an international competition for design ideas to physically brand the historic city of
Penang Shophouse Typology and Launching of 'Heritage Conservation Counter'
George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
On 7th July 2008, George Town and Melaka were inscribed together as a World Heritage Site validating their outstanding ‘cultural heritage’. The built and living environment of the two ‘historic port cities on the Straits of Melaka’ reflect the unique coming together of multi-cultural elements from the Malay Archipelago, India, China and Europe to create an architectural and cultural townscape unparallelled in the world today.
Boundary Site Map
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Some important facts:
1. Total of 259.42 hektar inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Core Zone: 109.38 ha , Buffer Zone: 150.04 ha
George Town Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)
UNESCO assessed 3 outstanding universal values (OUVs) which highlights to the world a rare example of ‘multiculturalism’, forged from the unique ‘meeting’ of various cultures at the historic ports cities of Melaka and George Town.
The built and living environment in George Town is testimony of the meeting and layering of various sub-cultures from India, China, the Malay Archipelago and Europe
a) OUV Criteria (ii) – Multicultural Trading Towns forged from exchanges of Cultures
Melaka and George Town represent exceptional examples of trading towns in Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile, religious and cultural exchanges’ of several civilizations (Malay, Chinese, Indian and European), with each culture having left its imprint on the built and living environment.
(b) OUV Criteria (iii) – Testimony to Multicultural Tangible and Intangible Heritage
Melaka and George Town are living testimony to the multi cultural tangible and intangible heritage and tradition of Asia and Europe’s colonial power….expressed in the living environment with its great variety of religious and cultural practices, many languages, festivals, art and music, food and lifestyles
(c) OUV Criteria (iv) – Melting pot of Multicultural Architecture and Townscape
Melaka and George Town display a mixture of influences which has created a unique architecture, culture and townscape……. with an exceptional range of eclectic shophouses and townhouses, religious buildings of different faiths, public buildings with colonial influence.
Brief Early History of George Town
World Heritage Office George Town
About WORLD HERITAGE OFFICE George Town
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka and George Town
The World Heritage Office George Town is an Incorporated Company set up under Invest Penang to manage the World Heritage Site of George Town in
The primary role of the World Heritage Office George Town is to monitor and safeguard the heritage values of the site, conduct research, training and education programs for stakeholders and to promote the site. The World Heritage Office is headed by a general manager who is advised by a committee of heritage experts.
Address : 116 & 118 Lebuh Acheh, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Email : whsgeorgetown@gmail.com
Tel/Fax : 604 – 2616606
General Manager
Maimunah bt Mohd Sharif
WHO Committee Member
Maimunah Bt.Mohd Sharif
Khaditjah bt Abdul Karim
Tan Lin Hai
Lim Chooi Ping
Rozaini bt Hassan
Khoo Salma Nasution
Tengku Dato' Idaura bt Ibrahim
Ooi Bok Kim
Lim Gaik Siang
Laurence Loh
Janet Pillai
Gwynn Jenkins
Tan Yeow Wooi
Lim Yoke Mui
Mohd. Zahry
Lee Lik Meng
Wan Mariah Wan Harun
Ho Sheau Fung
Organizational Chart
Heritage Clinic -
FREE OF CHARGE !!
This Clinic offers free advise for those who would like to know in details how to restore a traditional shophouse.
Schedule : Monday to Saturday
Time : 9am-12noon
For appointment, please contact: 04-2616606
Sunday, March 7, 2010
New Infomative Blog on George Town's Heritage
Dear all,
Welcome to George Town, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE!
This is a New Informative Blog on George Town's Heritage
Still under progress, information will be put in slowly
CHAT team
Welcome to George Town, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE!
This is a New Informative Blog on George Town's Heritage
Still under progress, information will be put in slowly
CHAT team
Penang Shophouses
What is a shophouse?
The shophouse is an urban terrace house characteristic of Asian towns from the 18th – 20th century. The shophouse commonly incorporates a shop or business premise on the ground floor while the family resides on the top floor, providing both convenience and security. The shophouse may also be used totally as dwelling quarters.
Shophouses are built in rows and each row is arranged in blocks contained within a grid of main roads, backlanes and side roads. A shophouse is usually two or three storeys high and is long and narrow, sharing a ‘party’ wall with neighbours on either side. Each row of shophouses is fronted by a continuous sheltered five-foot way and a decorative façade which reveals a historical style.
The Penang shophouse is a perfect example of a green building, using materials that are locally available (lime, clay stone and timber) and suited to local geology and weather conditions. A shophouse also possessing architectural features such as air vents and airwell that help with natural ventilation and cooling.
Earlier impressions which had endeared me to the city were (and are still) being challenged. This intrusion was (and continues to be) in the shape of …. new building forms (that are) out of scale, impersonal faceless buildings that gave neither clue or identity to their use, meaning or purpose”.
Khoo Salma in Preface to ‘Streets of George Town'
How to judge the ‘heritage value’ of your shophouse
Built heritage in George Town has ‘special values or significance’ related to history, use, aesthetics, building methods, design, material science, etc. If these special significance of built heritage is ignored or replaced then built heritage value is eroded.
Historicity: Get to know the historical period and style of your shophouse
Architecture: Learn about multicultural influences and symbolism on the structure, layout features and decorative elements of your shophouse
Materials: Familiarize yourself with the traditional building materials and building methods suited to the local Penang shophouse
For more information on shophouse, visit http://penangshophouse.blogspot.com/
The shophouse is an urban terrace house characteristic of Asian towns from the 18th – 20th century. The shophouse commonly incorporates a shop or business premise on the ground floor while the family resides on the top floor, providing both convenience and security. The shophouse may also be used totally as dwelling quarters.
Shophouses are built in rows and each row is arranged in blocks contained within a grid of main roads, backlanes and side roads. A shophouse is usually two or three storeys high and is long and narrow, sharing a ‘party’ wall with neighbours on either side. Each row of shophouses is fronted by a continuous sheltered five-foot way and a decorative façade which reveals a historical style.
The Penang shophouse is a perfect example of a green building, using materials that are locally available (lime, clay stone and timber) and suited to local geology and weather conditions. A shophouse also possessing architectural features such as air vents and airwell that help with natural ventilation and cooling.
Earlier impressions which had endeared me to the city were (and are still) being challenged. This intrusion was (and continues to be) in the shape of …. new building forms (that are) out of scale, impersonal faceless buildings that gave neither clue or identity to their use, meaning or purpose”.
Khoo Salma in Preface to ‘Streets of George Town'
How to judge the ‘heritage value’ of your shophouse
Built heritage in George Town has ‘special values or significance’ related to history, use, aesthetics, building methods, design, material science, etc. If these special significance of built heritage is ignored or replaced then built heritage value is eroded.
Historicity: Get to know the historical period and style of your shophouse
Architecture: Learn about multicultural influences and symbolism on the structure, layout features and decorative elements of your shophouse
Materials: Familiarize yourself with the traditional building materials and building methods suited to the local Penang shophouse
For more information on shophouse, visit http://penangshophouse.blogspot.com/
Heritage Links
ORGANISATION
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CHAT ( Cultural Heritage Action Team)
A voluntary alliance of Penang heritage groups and activists which includes architects, historians, conservationist and educators, all of whom share one vision which is conservation, propagation and sustainability of George Town’s built and living heritage. CHAT has undertaken to providing a platform for dialogues ,discussion workshops and multi-lateral planning with all the stakeholders.
CHAT shares its operational office with ARTS~ED at No19, Cannon Street.
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PENANG HERITAGE TRUST
The Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) was established in 1986 as a charitable NGO, dedicated to promoting Penang's cultural and built heritage. Its objectives are to promote the conservation of Penang’s heritage, to facilitate cultural educational programmes, to organize the public awareness programmes and to cooperate with other like-minded organizations in Malaysia and abroad.
Add : 26 Church Street, 10200 Penang.
Email : phtrust@streamyx.com
Web : www.pht.org.my
Tel : 604 264 2631 Fax: 604 2628421
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ARTS~ED
Community-based Arts and Heritage Education Program
A community based non-profit organization focused on providing heritage education and training for children, young adults, community and stakeholders. Founded since 1999, Arts-Ed provides innovative and best practice heritage education through non- formal arts programs such as Anak-Anak Kota, through publications and performances. It works in collaboration with local and regional arts educators, artists and communities.
Add : 19, Cannon St, 10200 George Town
Tel : +604-2633471
Email : arts_ed_penang@yahoo.com
Web : www.arts-ed-penang.org
www.anak-anak-kota.blogspot.com
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TAN YEOW WOOI CULTURE RESEARCH STUDIO
A company that provides architectural and cultural consultancy service in Conservation and Restoration of Heritage Building including Architectural Research, Measured Drawing, Illustration, Photography and Adaptive Re-use Design. Specialists in Traditional Chinese Architecture, Cultural and Historical Research.
81, China Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Tel/Fax: +60-4-2642481
Handphone: +60-12-4743726
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LESTARI HERITAGE NETWORK
'Lestari' is an Indonesian/Malay word denoting 'to continue, preserve and revitalize'.
Lestari Heritage Network maintains a web-based information platform for Asian heritage organizations such as the Aceh Heritage Community Foundation and Perak Heritage Society.It has incubated several initiatives in Penang such as the Little Penang Street Market and the Penang Global Ethic Project which nurtured the concept of "Street of Harmony".
Add:120 Armenian Street 10200 Penang (Operating from the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Penang Base,
Tel : 604 2620123
Email: info@lestariheritage.net
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BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA
Badan Warisan Malaysia is the leading national heritage NGO with a reputation for excellence in heritage conservation services. Their work to promote the preservation of historic buildings and places involves community groups, institutions, the private sector and all levels of Government.
They play a pivotal role in advocacy through heritage education and training programmes, as well as demonstrating best practice in the conservation and management of heritage sites. They are a registered charity, and completely independent of government.
(The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
No 2 Jalan Stonor
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-21449273
Fax: 603-21457884
E-mail: heritage@badanwarisan.org.my
Website: www.badanwarisan.org.my
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BADAN WARISAN MASJID MELAYU
Badan Warisan Masjid Melayu was registered in 1993.
Its main objective is to preserve the heritage of the Malay community of George Town by organizing activities such as historical discussions on all aspects of Malay culture and heritage. Its fore front is the Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh
The Yang Dipertua : SYED OMAR IDID 019 4450004
The Deputy : Cikgu MOHAMAD YAHYA 012 4795957
The Secretary : HAJI MUTALIB 016 4711616
Email: somari2003@yahoo.com
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GEORGE TOWN WORLD HERITAGE OFFICE
An office serving the function of heritage conservation and monitoring, heritage education,training and research, communication and promotion within
Liaison office between the heritage site stakeholders and the government
Add : 116 & 118 Lebuh Acheh, 10200
Email : worldheritageincorporated@gmail.com
Web : www.gtwhi.com.my
Tel : 604 – 2616606
Fax : 604- 2616605
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CHAT ( Cultural Heritage Action Team)
A voluntary alliance of Penang heritage groups and activists which includes architects, historians, conservationist and educators, all of whom share one vision which is conservation, propagation and sustainability of George Town’s built and living heritage. CHAT has undertaken to providing a platform for dialogues ,discussion workshops and multi-lateral planning with all the stakeholders.
CHAT shares its operational office with ARTS~ED at No19, Cannon Street.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENANG HERITAGE TRUST
The Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) was established in 1986 as a charitable NGO, dedicated to promoting Penang's cultural and built heritage. Its objectives are to promote the conservation of Penang’s heritage, to facilitate cultural educational programmes, to organize the public awareness programmes and to cooperate with other like-minded organizations in Malaysia and abroad.
Add : 26 Church Street, 10200 Penang.
Email : phtrust@streamyx.com
Web : www.pht.org.my
Tel : 604 264 2631 Fax: 604 2628421
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARTS~ED
Community-based Arts and Heritage Education Program
A community based non-profit organization focused on providing heritage education and training for children, young adults, community and stakeholders. Founded since 1999, Arts-Ed provides innovative and best practice heritage education through non- formal arts programs such as Anak-Anak Kota, through publications and performances. It works in collaboration with local and regional arts educators, artists and communities.
Add : 19, Cannon St, 10200 George Town
Tel : +604-2633471
Email : arts_ed_penang@yahoo.com
Web : www.arts-ed-penang.org
www.anak-anak-kota.blogspot.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAN YEOW WOOI CULTURE RESEARCH STUDIO
A company that provides architectural and cultural consultancy service in Conservation and Restoration of Heritage Building including Architectural Research, Measured Drawing, Illustration, Photography and Adaptive Re-use Design. Specialists in Traditional Chinese Architecture, Cultural and Historical Research.
81, China Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Tel/Fax: +60-4-2642481
Handphone: +60-12-4743726
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESTARI HERITAGE NETWORK
'Lestari' is an Indonesian/Malay word denoting 'to continue, preserve and revitalize'.
Lestari Heritage Network maintains a web-based information platform for Asian heritage organizations such as the Aceh Heritage Community Foundation and Perak Heritage Society.It has incubated several initiatives in Penang such as the Little Penang Street Market and the Penang Global Ethic Project which nurtured the concept of "Street of Harmony".
Add:120 Armenian Street 10200 Penang (Operating from the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Penang Base,
Tel : 604 2620123
Email: info@lestariheritage.net
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA
Badan Warisan Malaysia is the leading national heritage NGO with a reputation for excellence in heritage conservation services. Their work to promote the preservation of historic buildings and places involves community groups, institutions, the private sector and all levels of Government.
They play a pivotal role in advocacy through heritage education and training programmes, as well as demonstrating best practice in the conservation and management of heritage sites. They are a registered charity, and completely independent of government.
(The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
No 2 Jalan Stonor
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-21449273
Fax: 603-21457884
E-mail: heritage@badanwarisan.org.my
Website: www.badanwarisan.org.my
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BADAN WARISAN MASJID MELAYU
Badan Warisan Masjid Melayu was registered in 1993.
Its main objective is to preserve the heritage of the Malay community of George Town by organizing activities such as historical discussions on all aspects of Malay culture and heritage. Its fore front is the Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh
The Yang Dipertua : SYED OMAR IDID 019 4450004
The Deputy : Cikgu MOHAMAD YAHYA 012 4795957
The Secretary : HAJI MUTALIB 016 4711616
Email: somari2003@yahoo.com
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GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF
Building Department
In charge of reviewing all building plans and planning permissions submitted to the MPPP for renovation and restoration work.
CHIEF ARCHITECT
Ar. Yew Tung Seang
16th Floor, KOMTAR,
Email : tsyew@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-2592212
Heritage Unit
Will give advise on heritage building Do& Don’t;s, educate the owner on the historical value and architectural features of the heritage building.
HERITAGE ARCHITECT
Mr. Tan Lin Hai
16th Floor, KOMTAR,
Email : lhtan@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-2261340, 04-2592144
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Planning Department
Reviews all planning permission submitted for development in the City.
DIRECTOR OF TOWN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Khoo
16th Floor, KOMTAR,
Email :
Tel No :
Town Planning Officer (Kawalan Pemajuan)
Mdm. Lim Chooi Ping
Email : limcp@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-2592164
Engineering Department
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
Ir. Khoo Say Boon, AMN, PKT, PJK
Email : sbkhoo@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-2592219 (P)
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Licensing Department
In charge of approvals and issuance of all forms of licenses required by MPPP
DIRECTOR OF LICENSING SECTION
Mdm. Rafiah bt. Mohd Radzi, PJK
Email : rafiah@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-2632084
One Stop Centre
Compiles all forms of applications and routes it to the respective technical departments for review and approval
Mr. YUSRI
4th Floor KOMTAR
Email : rafiah@mppp.gov.my
Tel No : 04-259 2038
About CHAT
Sharing Our Stories
Together we work for sustainable development in George Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Together we work for sustainable development in George Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Cultural Heritage Action Team (CHAT) was formed in January 2009. CHAT is an alliance comprising of volunteer conservation architects, historians, heritage practitioners and educationists who have come together to share information, knowledge and problems and lobby for right policies to be implemented to serve and sustain the built and cultural heritage of George Town.
CHAT works on the ground to engage critical gatekeepers in the community and government agencies. It creates platforms that facilitate dialogue and discussion on issues related to cultural conservation and sustainability.
Since February 2009, we have steered stakeholder engagement initiatives by facilitating dialogues, workshops and discussions on built and cultural heritage of the World Heritage Site- George Town.
Stakeholders include:
1) Government agencies
2) Property Owners & Real Estate Agencies
3) House owners and tenants
4) Businesses and SMEs
5) Research groups
6) Building Contractors
Programs in 2009 included:
1) Setting up an advisory team
2) Research and compilation of literature related to the site
3) Development of educational materials and publications
4) Educational walks and talks on built/living heritage conservation for stakeholders
5) Monitoring of site and negotiation of conflict situations
6) Engagement with government agencies setting up of World Heritage Site office
7) Feedback on guidelines for conservation areas & heritage buildings prepared by
Municipal Council of
8) Multilateral planning with stakeholders in setting up preliminary organisational structure of
World Heritage Site Office
9) Knowledge exchange with government agencies
10) Training, research and education services
11) Dissemination of information to the public through CDs, publication and website
Team Members:
1. Gwynn Jenkins, Researcher
2. Janet Pillai, Educationist
3. Khoo Salma, Historian
4. Kuah Li Feng, Researcher
5. Laurence Loh, Architect
6. Lim Gaik Siang, Heritage Supporter
7. Lim Yoke Mui, Researcher
8. Ooi Bok Kim, Architect
9. Tan Yeow Wooi, Architect & Conservationist
10. Tengku Idaura bt Tengku Ibrahim, Heritage Supporter
11. Ho Sheau Fung, Secretariat
12. Chen Yoke Pin, Secretariat
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Outstanding Universal Values (OUVs) of Melaka and George Town
UNESCO assessed 3 outstanding universal values (OUVs) which highlights to the world a rare example of ‘multiculturalism’, forged from the unique ‘meeting’ of various cultures at the historic ports cities of Melaka and George Town.
The built and living environment in George Town is testimony of the meeting and layering of various sub-cultures from India, China, the Malay Archipelago and Europe
It is critical that conservation and development efforts in George Town study, document, support and promote the multicultural imprints manifested in
- the heritage buildings and townscape
- the trade and business activity
- the daily cultural expressions and lifestyle .
a) OUV 1 – Multicultural Trading Towns forged from exchanges of Cultures
Melaka and George Town represent exceptional examples of trading towns in Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile, religious and cultural exchanges’ of several civilizations (Malay, Chinese, Indian and European), with each culture having left its imprint on the built and living environment.
(b) OUV 2 – Testimony to Multicultural Tangible and Intangible Heritage
Melaka and George Town are living testimony to the multi cultural tangible and intangible heritage and tradition of Asia and Europe’s colonial power….expressed in the living environment with its great variety of religious and cultural practices, many languages, festivals, art and music, food and lifestyles
(c) OUV 3 – Melting pot of Multicultural Architecture and Townscape
Melaka and George Town display a mixture of influences which has created a unique architecture, culture and townscape……. with an exceptional range of eclectic shophouses and townhouses, religious buildings of different faiths, public buildings with colonial influence.
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