MACMILLAN Modernity, Nation and Urban-Architectural Form: The Dynamics and Dialectics of National Identity vs Regionalism in a Tropical City

This book explores how Malaysia, as a multicultural modern nation, has approached issues of nationalism and regionalism in terms of physical expression of the built environment. Ever since the nation’s post-Colonial era, architects and policy makers have grappled with the theoretical and practical outcomes of creating public architecture that effectively responds to traditions, nationhood and modernity. The authors compile and analyse prevailing ideas and strategies, present case studies in architectural language and form, and introduce the reader to tensions arising between a nationalist agenda and local ‘regionalist’ architectural language. These dichotomies represent the very nature of multicultural societies and issues with identity; a challenge that various nations across the globe face in a changing environment. This topical and pertinent volume will appeal to students and scholars of urban planning, architecture and the modern city. Review “What is identity in architecture? There have been numerous tomes and articles that wrestle with this complex topic. It’s a slippery slope but this book gets close to defining what it means in a way useful for the designer. It should be read by every scholar and student of architecture interested in seeking to address the collective angst of what constitutes identity in architecture ― aesthetically, spatially, culturally, emotionally, functionally, systemically, perceptively, and ideologically.” (Dr. Ken Yeang, Architect, Planner, Ecologist, and Principal of T. R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd., named by The Guardian as one of the 50 persons who could save the planet) From the Back Cover This book explores how Malaysia, as a multicultural modern nation, has approached issues of nationalism and regionalism in terms of physical expression of the built environment. Ever since the nation’s post-Colonial era, architects and policy makers have grappled with the theoretical and practical outcomes of creating public architecture that effectively responds to traditions, nationhood and modernity. The authors compile and analyse prevailing ideas and strategies, present case studies in architectural language and form, and introduce the reader to tensions arising between a nationalist agenda and local ‘regionalist’ architectural language. These dichotomies represent the very nature of multicultural societies and issues with identity; a challenge that various nations across the globe face in a changing environment. This topical and pertinent volume will appeal to students and scholars of urban planning, architecture and the modern city. About the Author Shireen Jahnkassim is both an academic and practitioner of architecture, and is currently Associate Professor at the International Islamic University, Malaysia. Norwina Nawawi is Associate Professor at the International Islamic University, Malaysia. Mansor Ibrahim is Professor of Urban Regional Planning, IIUM