Gifts towards this
are being received from all over the nation and over $2 million dollars has been contributed by the Federal Govern-
ment.
One of the delays at the moment is the removal of many premises occupying the site and at the present moment designs are being prepared by the P.W.D. of the Federation. It is hoped that the site will be ready for occupation towards the end of this year.
Civil architecture all over the world is often reflected in the con- struction of museums and art galleries. Some controversy has arisen in Malaya over the architec- tural designs for Malaya's National Museum.
Many architects have suggested that the architectural basis for this centre of Malayan culture is not Malayan and that it is of Siamese inspiration.
Nevertheless, the Government feels that this museum reflects Malaya's
long culture and is a pointer to a Malayan style of architecture.
The museum. costing M$1 million. is designed by a Singapore architect. Mr. Ho Kok Hoe, and once again reflecting pools in front of both wings of the building will be used.
A huge mural will decorate the front facade designed and executed by local Malayan artists. The roof will consist of a huge double layer of wood and inside will be a spiral staircase of huge dimensions.
This will occupy the site of the present temporary museum con- structed since the war to replace the museum destroyed during World War II.
The two one-storey wings of the building will house administration offices and the main two storey building will house exhibits.
The proposed museum is related to Kedah architecture and is styled on the Balai Besar in Alor Star. The building will be air conditioned
and will have a parking space for more than 80 cars in the courtyard behind the building.
One of Kuala Lumpur's pressing needs is adequate postal facilities to meet the needs of the fast increasing population and expanding business.
The new 14-storey General Post Office. designed to meet that need. is to be sited on a two acre site. and will house the headquarters of the postal administration and various departments including the Post Office Savings Bank.
The estimated cost of this build. ing will be M$7 million and it is expected to meet the requirements of Kuala Lumpur during the next 50
years.
Among Kuala Lumpur's many needs is a Teachers Training College to replace the overseas colleges.
Situated in the educational heart of Kuala Lumpur alongside the University and the Language In-
New Teachers Training College going up alongside the existing Language Institute
SMALL MOSQUE
EXISTING LANGUAGE INSTITUTE & HOSTEL
SIX STOREY LECTURE
& ACCOMMODATION BLOCK
SPORTS ARENA
PAVILION
STAFF QUARTERS
ASSEMBLY HALL
222
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THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER · VOLUME 15. NUMBER +