Introduction

The Old National Palace (Istana Negara Lama) has been adapted five

different times in its lifetime, according to changing usage requirements. It was

originally designed as a double-storey mansion by the oldest Singaporean

architectural firm, Swan and Maclaren, for a contemporary local Chinese millionaire

called Chan Wing. The construction of the mansion was started in 1928 and

completed in 1933. It is now a museum, after having served as the official residence

of the Supreme King of Malaysia (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) for 54 years, since the

country’s independence until 2011. It had also been used for the Japanese and

British armies. The palace is located on a 13-acre site positioned on the slope of a

hill in Bukit Petaling in the heart of the Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and

overlooks the Klang River. The original mansion was heavily influenced by Palladian

architecture and was especially built in such a way to bring together Chan Wing’s

huge family of 8 wives and 22 children in one house. The main important historical

architectural elements that are found in this building are the doors, windows, roof,

dome, porch and the landscaping. It is also important to note the multiple renovation

works that have been done to this building in its lifetime.

The Contemporary Cultural & Economical Context

In the 1920s, Malaya experienced a large inflow of migrants, mainly from

China and India. Due to this migration pattern, a multiracial community was formed.

The Chinese played an important role in society as they were the ‘economic tigers’ of

the country – they owned businesses, tin mines and agricultural land, hence resulting

in rapid economic growth. In fact, this growth led Malaya in becoming a leading

nation in the Southeast Asian region, with the highest recorded GDP of the region in

the late 1920s. Chan Wing, a Chinese national who migrated to Malaya in 1887

started off as a laborer at a tin mine but eventually worked his way up the social

ladder. From laborer to tin mine owner (the largest and deepest open cast tin mine in

the world, known today as The Mines), his wealth has contributed to the nation’s

economy and infrastructure. His mansion was chosen as a suitable site to act as the

contemporary National Palace as it was the biggest house in Malaya at the time.

Furthermore, its geography being on top of a hill overlooking much of the city made it

ideal for a ruling monarch. Chan Wing’s history itself reflects the contemporary

economic and cultural climate of Malaysia.

Timeline

This building has an incredibly rich history, having been constructed in the

early 1930’s.

Chan Wing was a migrant from China who, after much struggle, was able to

create an affluent life for himself and his big family in Malaysia. By 1913, he had

acquired enough success to open his new bank and wanted to mark his fortunes by

building the biggest house in Malaya at that time.

Unfortunately, Chan Wing was infamous for having contributed towards the

China War and would have been possibly targeted by the Japanese invaders. He

fled Malaysia and the mansion was used as the residence of the Japanese.

Three years later, the British occupied Malaya. During this time, they

commanded the mansion for a senior military officers mess.

In 1950, the Selangor government rented the residence from the British and

renovated it to become the palace for the Sultan of Selangor.

A few months before the Independence of Malaysia was declared, the

Federal Government bought over the mansion at a cost of RM1.4m, converting it as

the National Palace. The palace saw many renovation and upgrading works, the

main being the addition of a whole new building (annexed) unit in 1980.

In 2007, the construction of the new Istana Negara began. It only took four

years for the majestic new building to be completed. Now the original Istana Negara

is open to the public as a nostalgic icon of the unique Malaysian monarchy.

Important events and historical timeline of Istana Negara.

Location

Istana Negara is located at the South of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Syed

Putra and Jalan Istana. There are several landmarks that are found surrounding the

palace; Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. Both the buildings are found

northerly of the palace. The palace can be accessed easily via several entrances.

The Main Palace Entrance acts as the main gate, which is also a favorite spot for

picture taking. The other entrances are only permissible for authorized administrative

members of the palace. The Istana Negara overlooks Klang River, which can be

seen from inside the palace. The exterior design of the palace gradually changes

overtime as the ownership changes. The Istana Negara mansion itself takes up half

of the 13 acres land. There are other facilities available on site such as a swimming

pool and badminton courts. It is located on a slope of a hill as to provide a natural

defense for the palace as well as to show its grandness in comparison to its

surroundings. The remaining space has been taken care of beautifully as a garden.

The palace is completely surrounded by greenery with a fountain that effortlessly

blends with the geography, making the palace more picturesque.

Image  1-­‐  The  location  of  Istana  Negara  which  is  situated  in  Kuala  Lumpur.  

Swan & Maclaren

Established in 1892, Singaporean architectural firm Swan & Maclaren

remains in operation until today. Similar to the Istana Negara, the firm has also

undergone several alterations throughout its lifetime, especially in the architectural

styles of their designs. In the late 1800s to the early 1900s, their focus was mainly on

Early Singaporean colonial architecture (the Istana Negara was built within this

period), when they designed what is now a national monument in Singapore, the

Raffles Hotel. They then developed on to post-colonial Singaporean architecture

from the 1960s up to the early 21st century. Today, Swan & Maclaren Architects

mainly design corporate and residential buildings at an international level.

Though the works of Swan & Maclaren are mostly found throughout

Singapore, their legacy is also marked in Malaysia by several buildings including the

Kuching General Post Office building in Sarawak. Looking at the design of the Post

Office, it is evident that the Palladian architectural style was a huge design inspiration

in their designs during that era. Built three years after the Istana Negara, the Post

Office illustrates architectural elements quite similar to that of the Istana Negara.

Image  2  –  A  picture  of  the  Istana  Negara  taken  in  1945  showing  the  main  façade  of  the  Istana  Negara  (Choong)

Image  3  –  The  Kuching  General  Post  Office  has  similar  architectural  qualities  (borneoboy)

There are strikingly similar features in the two buildings as can be seen

through the visuals. The high arched doorways, a dominant architectural element

(the dome and the pediment), the use of Corinthian columns and a symmetrical plan

are all common features reminiscent of Palladian architecture.

It is worth noting that although Swan & Maclaren designed the building in its

original form, other architects were involved in the development of the Istana Negara

throughout its lifetime. E.K. Dinsdale, a Public Works Department architect, was

responsible for the renovations that took place in 1957. In 1980, the senior architect

of Public Works Department, Captain David Wee designed the additions to the Main

Throne Hall (Balairong Seri Utama).

Renovation & Redecorating

In changing the building’s function from mansion to palace, a total of RM

328,000 was spent on renovating and redecorating the then 29-year old building. In

May of 1957, sixty workers under the supervision of a local contractor started

bringing the designs of architect E. K. Dinsdale to life. Additions to the building

include seven bedrooms (giving the palace 20 bedrooms altogether), four living

rooms, a ‘balai mengadap’, a dining room and a kitchen that can serve up to 100

people. Dinsdale’s design was successful in creating a regal atmosphere – 350

square yards of carpet added splendor to the grand staircases while 3000 litres of

paint was used to generate the carefully chosen colour scheme. White and grey were

used in the exterior while a wide range of colours, from mimosa yellow to

commodore blue were used in the building’s interior. The renovation work was

completed in four months’ time, a week before Independence on August 31st, 1957.

Four years later, an annexe was added to the east wing of the palace to house the

offices of the increasing palace staff. Further enhancement works were done at

Istana Negara in 1980 – fences were erected around the whole palace grounds while

two special guard posts were added at the main entrance. In conjunction with the

Crowning Ceremony of the 7th Yang Dipertuan Agong, further renovation took place.

A two-storey building was added to the Istana to house a royal conference room and

the throne room (Balairong Seri). This newly built structure is accessible via the main

building through a closed passage on the second floor.

Image  4  –  The  then  Prime  Minister  of  Malaysia  overlooking  the  renovation  works

Image  5-­‐  The  renovation  and  additional  plan  of  the  Istana  Negara.  

Image  6-­‐  The  detailed  drawings  of  the  main  gate  of  Istana  Negara.  

Image  7-­‐  On-­‐site  sketches  of  the  interior  of  Istana  Negara.  

Architectural Style and Elements

The Istana Negara follows the style of Neo-Palladian architecture, with many

prominent features and elements present. The Neo-Palladian style originated in

England in the early 18th century. Lord Burlington, considered the father of this

movement, focused more on the revival of Palladio’s villas and palaces, rather than

religious buildings. This architectural style was widespread across England, forming

the hallmark 18th century English country house and influence the streetscape of its

urban cities.

Neo-Palladian architectural style is an evolution of Palladio's original concepts.

Palladio's work was strongly based on symmetry in the plan, perspective and values

of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greek and Roman. It

emphasizes certain building types; villas and palace-terraces and features; columns,

pediments and Palladian windows.

Image  8-­‐  Palladian  doors  and  windows  used  throughout  the  Istana  Negara.  

The Istana Negara is a double-storied mansion constructed using mainly

brick and cement. Concrete and stonework was celebrated and almost always shown.

This creates a very solid, sturdy and heavy massing of the structure, reminiscent of

Palladio’s palaces.

The symmetry (Image 9) can be seen in the floor plan. It consists of a

structured west and east wing with a large space in between. Symmetry can also be

seen in the two white cupolas, which top the structure above each wing. Finally, the

reflection of the plan in the section (Image 10) is also an important factor in the

building’s symmetry. Symmetry and balance were important in the ancient Greek and

Roman architecture that inspired Palladianism.

In the center of the ground floor is a banquet hall lined with the hallmark

Palladian long windows. Pediments are used over doors and windows on the outside

of buildings. They are also found over the interior doors.

Image  9  -­‐  Symmetry

Image  10  –  Plan  To  Section

The  ground  floor  layout  plan  of  the  Istana  Negara.  

The  first  floor  layout  plan  of  the  Istana  Negara.  

 

The main entrance of the old palace where the changing of guards occurs

has a strong Palladian style clearly seen on the columns and gate structure. There is

a strong usage of Corinthian columns with acanthus leaf capitals at the top.

The palace is located within a 13-hectare site, and therefore the surrounding

landscape is very important. Especially when comparing with one of the most

prominent Neo-Palladian architecture, the Chiswick House. In both, we can see the

interplay between the building and the landscape whereby the landscape is used to

highlight the majesty and grandeur of the building.

Image  11-­‐  The  prominent  main  gate  where  the  changing  of  guards  occurs.  

Comparison to Chiswick House

The Chiswick House located by the River thames in London was built by Lord

Burlington. It is one of the first and finest examples of neo-Palladian architecture. It is

designed as homage to the works of the Renaissance architect, Palladio. It was

completed in 1729 but unlike the Istana Negara, it was never intended as a place of

residency. Instead it was more an architectural exercise for Burlington to experiment

with the style. He would later use it to display his personal art and book collection.

The Chiswick House consists of classical Palladian features; low ceilinged

ground floor against a taller, more elaborate first floor. It has an octagonal dome

central to the floor plan, and this shapes the central room on both floors. Found on

the ground floor are the library, the linen room, butler’s pantry and other

miscellaneous rooms. On the top floor are the suites, for Lord Burlington and his wife,

which overlook the extensive garden. Central to the top floor is the octagonal shaped

saloon topped by the dome. Much like the Istana Negara, the finish of the Chiswick

House was luxurious and regal-like. The rooms were adorned with rich red, green

and blue walls.

The Istana Negara was built almost 200 years after the Chiswick House had

been completed, and we can see several similarities between the two. Firstly, the site

of both buildings has been carefully chosen to fit the contextual requirements of the

time. They are surrounded by beautiful, picturesque landscapes and the buildings

have a prominent interplay with the exterior. The Chiswick House is surrounded by

grand vistas and architectural structures (Ionic temple and Doric columns) whilst the

Istana Negara sits atop a hill and boasts a lake and lavish gardens. Structurally, both

buildings are built using brick and cement

Furthermore, both buildings feature a symmetrical plan with a central

emphasis executed by the big domes. In addition to this, the buildings also feature

other classic neo-Palladian features such as the columns, use of pediments and

Palladian windows.

Image  12-­‐  Front  façade  of  the  Istana  Negara.  

Image  12-­‐  Front  façade  of  the  Chiswick  House.  

Conclusion

Overall, the Istana Negara is an essential building symbolizing the nation’s

political, cultural and architectural transformation throughout 85 years of epic

changes; the most exciting time of Malaysia’s history. It provides valuable insight into

the changing architectural styles, hence enlightening us on the influence of Western

civilization (particularly that of the Palladian style) on local art and culture.

It was a memorable experience visiting the Istana, where we had the

opportunity to witness the Istana in its original form. We had the chance for a grand

tour around the Istana, immersing ourselves in the spaces once used by the royal

family of our nation. Due to fine attention to conservation work, it is mostly as it was

when it served as a home for the royal family. As the contemporary youth, we believe

that careful conservation of this national icon is an important aspect that needs to be

meticulously managed. From mansion to palace to museum, the Istana Negara,

today known as the Muzium Diraja, is surely a building of high significance in the

growth of Malaysia as a nation. It is a powerful symbol of Malaysia's national identity,

a conglomerate of various cultures' influences.

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mamadou. (2005, 09 25). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://everythingspossible.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/istana-negara-kuala-lumpur/ (mamadou, 2005)

Salleh, R. M. (2013, 01 23). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://khabarkini2.blogspot.com/2013/01/istana-negara-lama-jadi-muzium.html (Salleh, 2013)

Rahim, M. L. M. (2013, 27 01). Nostalgia istana negara.Kosmo!. Retrieved from http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2013&dt=0127&pub=Kosmo&sec=Rencana_Utama&pg=ru_05.htm (Rahim, 2013)

RIBA. (n.d.). Palladianism - some definitions. Retrieved from http://www.architecture.com/LibraryDrawingsAndPhotographs/Palladio/AndreaPalladio/PalladianismDefinitions/NeoPalladianism.aspx (RIBA)

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Appendix

The laundry room situated at the

apartment of the royal family.

 

The royal clinic. The royal family will

have their checkup every

Wednesday.

The view from Her Majesty’s Office. The Dining Room which is heavily influenced by Robert Adam interiors.

The signage of Istana Negara with the significant coat of arms of Malaysia.

The Guard of Istana Negara wearing the Malay traditional attire.