Potential impacts in the conservation of old shophouse towards its heritage values

Abstract

Efforts in conserving the architectural inheritance of old shophouses are quite challenging due to the condition and age of the buildings nowdays. In Kota Bharu, there are many old shophouse structures and buildings that are left unattended even though the city is still recognized for its unique cultural values. The factors that led to the negligence of these old shophouses are due to the financial problem, lack of awareness in the importance of heritage conservation, decreasing rate in business prospect, no continuity in heritage ownership and business operation. This situation leads to failure in conserving these buildings where some of the old shophouses started to collapse. Thus, this study aims to identify the unique characteristics in the architectural designs and heritage of the old shophouses for the conservational purpose as well as acknowledging the significance of its heritage values. This is a qualitative research that employs structured observation and structured interview methods. The outcomes from the observation method found that the shophouse buildings in Kota Bharu still exhibit its unique design in architectural heritage and the modifications are still minimum. Meanwhile, the research outcomes from the interview method stated a higher percentage of respondents who agree on the significance and importance of the old shophouse's architectural structure conservation effort. Therefore, the old shophouses have a high potential to be conserved due to their contribution to heritage values. As the outcome, this research could provide an opportunity to the authorized bodies to see its potential to be recognized as a gazetted city or heritage site as well as improving the Cultural Zone area, Kota Bharu.