Temporal Tapestries: Weaving Architecture Through Time | Interior Architecture Thesis

Site Context

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Petaling Street is a lively reflection of the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Once known as “Market Square,” this bustling district has transformed over the years into a vibrant hub where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Petaling Street has been struggling with the impact of rapid urban development, which threatens its cultural and architectural heritage. While modernization efforts, such as adding a roof in 2003, aimed to revitalize the area, critics argue that these changes often disregard its historic character. The fast-paced development frequently results in the loss of old materials and architectural features that could otherwise be repurposed to preserve a link to the past.

The construction industry plays a major role in environmental degradation by producing waste, a problem that worsens when culturally significant areas like Petaling Street undergo redevelopment without proper heritage preservation. Many believe that modernization and tourism-driven changes threaten to erode the area’s cultural essence. In response, local advocates are pushing for more balanced approaches that integrate progress with heritage conservation, ensuring that Petaling Street retains its unique identity amid rapid urbanization.

Design Process

At the beginning of this interior architecture project, the designer explored ideas through models and narrative drawings. The model became a reflection on the passage of time, inspired by crumbling walls eroded by rain. While walking through the site, they were struck by the layers of history embedded in the decaying structures, each revealing stories of past inhabitants.

The project aimed to capture the patterns of decay—how mold, human activity, and plant growth contribute to the deterioration of these buildings. The exposed steel framework amid the ruins symbolized resilience, standing strong against time. By incorporating site textures into the model, the designer sought to preserve its history while emphasizing the ongoing erosion of these facades.

The narrative drawing seamlessly merges old structures with modern elements, creating a dialogue between historical and contemporary aesthetics. A staircase bridge serves as a symbolic connection between two eras, maintaining the community’s social fabric while adapting to evolving dynamics. This carefully curated drawing illustrates the cycle of time, demonstrating how modern designs will inevitably age and how historical elements can be revitalized. It highlights the ever-evolving nature of architecture, where past and present continuously intersect, shaping spaces that honor both heritage and innovation.

Final Outcome

This project fosters a connection between the community and the city’s collective memory, encouraging active participation in shaping its future. Rather than merely preserving history, it plays a dynamic role in the city’s evolving identity. Visitors interact with spaces that intertwine the past, present, and future, gaining insight into their role in building a sustainable tomorrow.

The spatial program is divided into three distinct zones:

1- The Archive (Past): A gallery displaying salvaged materials and the histories of the buildings they originated from.

2- The Workshop (Present): A makerspace dedicated to hands-on activities, emphasizing reuse strategies and design experimentation.

3- The Pavilion (Future): An experimental space showcasing sustainable design exhibitions and prototypes that address future environmental challenges.

By creating communal spaces for discussions, workshops, and exhibitions, the project strengthens local engagement and deepens the bond between people and place. It empowers the community to imagine a future that honors history while embracing innovation. The design incorporates layered elements to symbolize the passage of time, blending materials from different periods. A mix of reclaimed tiles, stone, and modern concrete in the flooring reflects temporal transitions, while transparent surfaces expose the layers beneath, revealing the site’s historical imprint.

Conclusion: The project bridges heritage and innovation, promoting dialogue between the city’s past, present, and future. It integrates history with forward-thinking design, encouraging community participation through interactive spaces, workshops, and sustainable design explorations. This empowers the community to shape a resilient future while respecting its roots.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]