No_2_August_1964 — Page 91

(Continued from page 82.)

ORNAMENTAL GABLES

A charming Malay feature of the exterior of the building, apart from the high-ridged double roof, is the use of ornamental gable projections. These are in anodised aluminium and are decorated in another leaf design, also the work of the versatile Nik Zainal.

Nik Zainal's largest and most am- bitious composition however was em- bodied in the four great window panels at the western end of the building, each more than 30 ft. high. The inspiration here is the traditional decorative wooden bird heads, called bangau, used to decorate Trengganu fishing boats. The panels feature five different types of bangau and a num ber of other decorative themes from east coast fishing boats, Above and below the main panels are smaller ones decorated with patterns adapted from those used in gold-thread sarongs.

STIMULATING EXAMPLE

Combining as it does all the charm and grace of traditional Malay styles, and yet at the same time making intelligent and striking use contem- porary architectural ideas and struc- tural materials, the National Museum is an exciting addition to Kuala Lumpur's array of public buildings.

Although modern in concept, it is a building which is immediately and unmistakably Malayan in tone, and for this reason sets a stimulating example to other Malayan architects. seeking to evolve સ distinctively national architectural style.

MUSEUM CONSULTANTS-

Dr. Lothar P. Witteborg, former Head of the Exhibition Depart- ment of the American Museum of Natural History (UNESCO), Mr. J. C. Irwin, Keeper of the Indian Section of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Mr. J. J. Lowry, from the Vic- toria and Albert Museum in London.

88 88

1

▲ The precast concrete panel above the main door (viewed from inside).

The unusual flight of stone stairs up to the main entrance.

Details of mosaic tiles ▸ on the approach steps.

AVAV