A STRATEGY STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE RURAL GHOST TOWN REVITALIZATION VIA NEW ARCHITECTURE IN SUNGAI LEMBING

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
(MASSA)
MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Dissertation 1
A STRATEGY STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE RURAL GHOST TOWN
REVITALIZATION VIA NEW ARCHITECTURE IN SUNGAI LEMBING
NAME : TEO KEAN HUI
STUDENT ID : 0310165
INSTRUCTOR : DR. KEITH TAN

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 i
Table of Contents
Abstract..................................................................................................................... ii
Preface ..................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgement................................................................................................... iv
Declaration................................................................................................................ v
1.0 Chapter 1: Introduction.................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background study ................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1 Background ..................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement ............................................................................................... 2
1.3 Research Question ............................................................................................... 4
1.4 Research Aim and Objectives.............................................................................. 4
1.5 Research design: Method and Methodology ...................................................... 5
1.6 Limitation and expected outcome ....................................................................... 6
1.7 Significance and Justification.............................................................................. 6
2.0 Chapter 2: Literature Review......................................................................... 7
2.1 Value and authenticity of historical heritage ...................................................... 7
2.1.1 The Nara Document of authenticity (1994) by ICOMOS (International Council
of Monument and Site)................................................................................................... 7
2.1.2 UNESCO guidelines ........................................................................................ 8
2.1.3 Heritage and conservation ............................................................................... 9
2.2 New architecture in Heritage site....................................................................... 10
2.3 Materials and construction methods in conservation...................................... 11
2.4 New development in rural .................................................................................. 12
2.5 Tourism ............................................................................................................... 13
2.6 Summary ............................................................................................................. 14
3.0 Chapter 3: Rural Ghost Town Revitalization.............................................. 15
3.1 Case Study .......................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Examples of utilizing ghost town ...................................................................... 19
4.0 Chapter 4: Sungai Lembing......................................................................... 20
4.1 Sungai Lembing.................................................................................................. 20
4.1.1 Historical Background.................................................................................... 20
4.1.2 Data collection- Interviews ............................................................................. 26
4.2 Summary ............................................................................................................. 30
5.0 Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusion..................................................... 30
5.1 Discussion........................................................................................................... 30
5.1.1 WIP................................................................................................................ 30
5.2 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 30
References.............................................................................................................. 31
6.0 Bibliography ................................................................................................. 32

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 ii
Abstract
Since the last decades, ghost town is town which is rich in history, used to be
populated and economic viable. Ghost towns has been created due to abandonment
of the local community who are no longer capable to sustain themselves. The
depopulations of younger generations, aging, urban migration and decreasing in
local businesses profitability contributed large amount in the creation of rural ghost
town in Malaysia especially ex-mining town. Therefore, this research paper aim to
investigate possible strategies of new architecture that able to contribute to rural
ghost town Sungai Lambing revitalization and at the same time allowing community
sustainability. To achieve the research aim, literature review on effort and attempt of
revitalization to preserve, enhance and treat the historical sites and in the rural
context to form a framework of study. Case study as research method to investigate
on effort and strategies of ghost town revitalization that has been done internationally
supported by interviewing both locals and visitors at Sungai Lembing as primary data
will be conducted as quantitative research. A research conclusion could be formed
with goal in contributing to designers, planners and academic researchers on
approach to rural ghost town revitalization through new architecture. At the same
time providing guide for the developers who are interested in this field and benefiting
the local communities, visitors and local historical value.
Keywords: rural ghost town revitalization, historical site, ex-mining town,
contribution of new architecture, architectural strategies, Sungai Lembing

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 iii
Preface

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 iv
Acknowledgement

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 v
Declaration
Signature :
Name : TEO KEAN HUI
Date : 8 December 2018
Student ID Number : 0310165

TEO KEAN HUI - 0310165 1
1.0Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background study
1.1.1 Background
Ghost town is normally a village or town on countryside or rural that has been
abandoned by people who stayed there. The town was once well-developed,
populated and rich enough to keep everyone feed until economic failure or events
causing the people no longer having capable to sustain themselves. Events are
revolving around economic shifting, human intervention destroying the town,
massacres, disasters or diseases. Many evidences of significance architectural
gems, historical heritage, culture and memories are slowly being forgotten and cast
aside as the urbanization, technology, time past them through quickly.
Since worldwide urbanization especially in the 21st century, architects are putting
much effort in development within the urban context and neglecting rural
development. This phenomenon causes serious problems such as population
shrinkage of younger generations in rural communities has becoming so dominant.
Aging, migration to urban and decreasing in agricultural profitability which lead to
decline stage for the rural towns. “Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in
urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050.” (United
Nation, May 2014) In Malaysia, as a rapid developing country. Rural towns are also
facing similar problems where the rural community is getting lesser, rural places are
slowly deserted and losing their state. “The population of rural folk has decreased
from 29.1% in 2010 to 26.3% in 2014. This shows that the migration rate from the
rural areas to the cities has risen over the years, especially among the youths.” (The
star, May 2017) “Population of rural declining non-stop for the past 10 years- near to
1 million of depopulation.” (worldbank.org, 2018) To achieve balance in development
of the entire nation, rural development shall not be neglected as “Rural areas that
have strong place identities, formed through the reproduction of traditional cultural
practices alongside contemporary influences. These identities are performed and
constructed through a varied repertoire of knowledge, histories, and customs.”
(Beel, D. E., Wallace, C. D., Webster, G., Nguyen, H., Tait, E., Macleod, M., &
Mellish, C. (2017). Cultural resilience: The production of rural community heritage.)

1.2 Problem Statement
In the context of Malaysia, there’re several general rural settings can be found. The
general rural settings found will be the Malay Kampung where they’re the most
prominent once in Malaysia. The architecture of Rumah Kampung are vernacular
Malay houses and constructed using natural materials mainly timber but they
evolved throughout time adapting and utilizing modern materials and construction
technology such as bricks. Although many of them evolved, the original once are still
easily traceable everywhere throughout rural of Malaysia.
Conservation of rural town or village mostly happened when a village is very
valuable and contributing as important piece in history of Malaysia to a certain
extend. Conservation comes in many forms, some emphasize on remaining the
originality where the rural characteristic, architecture, local culture and identity are
the important aspect to protect and preserve. Some are conservation towards the
traditional tectonics, building materials and construction method. Development of the
town will not be encouraged in the case of conservation and things should remain
the close to its original.
Fraser’s Hill is a small town located at the boarder of Pahang and Selangor. It is
once called ‘Little Britain’, a piece left by the British colonial which was once mining
town. Tudor architecture style has been strongly influencing and adopted the
architecture style of the entire town. Now, the place has turn into a tourism spot for a
getaway. The activities such as bird watching, golf, bungalow hoping and jungle
tracking has become the main program there to sustain the community of the town.
In developing a rural, the idea is to suggest conversion of rural into an urban or semi-
urban. In developing rural, much new architectural input will be needed while
neglecting the heritage of the originality. This will eventually lead to involvement in
large scale of constructions and the zoning of the city will increase. Cameron
Highland is a unique town in Malaysia adopting the idea of transforming rural to
semi-urban. Many new buildings with foreign and contemporary style architecture
invaded the place causing supply over demand. In building massive buildings
creates lack of human scale and original architectural essence on Cameron
Highland.

By going through several rural setting found in Malaysia, would there be a new way
of rural setting? A new way of rural where architects come through instead of
following the traditional trend of rural treatment and revitalization. Sungai Lembing
has been selected as site to study as it is a rural town where geographically located
in the valley surrounded by mountains. Its significance as the world deepest
underground tin mining and identified as the only underground tin mine in Malaysia
which rich historical value equate with a small old mining town just next to it.
The local economy could not generate the jobs needed to persuade young people to
stay behind, offering only occupations in forestry and farming and manual labour
such as construction work. (Knight, 1994)
In Europe, ghost towns are geographical differences have always brought
irreplaceable creative variation to art and architecture; a source of inspiration for
current and future generations. As cultures and society homogenise, retaining, and
not just conserving, Europe’s diverse industrial and agricultural heritage becomes
ever increasingly important.
Like outlaws and cowboys and wagon trains, ghost towns can seem too old-
fashioned and unusual to be the subject of serious thought and inquiry. They seem
instead, a more appropriate target for the passions of amateurish, unsophisticated
historians. This dismissal of ghost towns is of some consequence because
conventional approaches – popular or academic – to western American history have
not taken failure seriously. (Limerick and Klett 1992: 22)
Documentation poses difficulties in any historic preservation task, but the problem is
especially severe when dealing with company and resource-based communities. Not
only were these communities usually small, isolated, and short-lived, but they have
seldom proved to be of interest to historians and other scholars. (Alanen 1979: 50)

1.3 Research Question
What are the potential contributions of architects or new buildings to rural ghost town
revitalization in Sungai Lembing to ensure sustainability?
1.4 Research Aim and Objectives
To investigate on potential contribution of architects or new buildings to rural ghost
town revitalization to ensure sustainability of the cultural identity and historical
identity. To study on possible ways of rural ghost town revitalization for Sungai
Lembing.
1. To explore on the role of new architecture in assisting rural ghost town
revitalization.
2. To examine on authoritative implication on protection of rural historical
heritage.
3. To explore on local community, the way of living and historical heritage of
Sungai Lembing in relation to architecture as an input to rural ghost town
revitalization.

1.5 Research design: Method and Methodology
This Research paper adopts a qualitative research as research methodology where
it allows comparison between the significance findings and synthesizing them
forming possible outcomes.
Fieldwork spanning a short period of time for ethnography study in Sungai Lembing
are conducted as method for data collections used to help to engage on those being
researched and understand what causes and effects influence their viewpoints
(Cook & Crang, 1995) in order to understand the real-life situation. Interviews as
research method to obtain primary data, the interviews are carried out verbally to
both the locals and visitors who travelled to Sungai Lembing. Questions will be
formed and raised based on the local old and new architecture in relation to historical
heritage. Response from the interviewees will be hand written on spot, then compiled
and refine then translated into soft copy after the completion of interviews. This
research method supported by media review looking into online sources such as
journals, videos and photographs about Sungai Lembing.
To enrich the research contributing to the research question, case study will be
conducted looking into similar cases of rural ghost town revitalization on architectural
strategies and attempt in various project done internationally as secondary data.
Research objectives Research methods
1 To explore on the role of new architecture in assisting rural
ghost town revitalization.
Literature review
and case study
2 To examine on authoritative implication on protection of
rural historical heritage.
Literature review
and case study
3 To explore on local community, the way of living and
historical heritage of Sungai Lembing in relation to
architecture as an input to rural ghost town revitalization.
Interviews on site
and media review

1.6 Limitation and expected outcome
The research will be limited by the availability of sources, literature that is relevant to
the topic and case studies for data collection and analysing. The outcome of this
research can potentially be used as a reference in rural ghost town revitalization with
similar criteria and potential.
1.7 Significance and Justification
A research conclusion could be formed based on the findings of relationship
between rural ghost town revitalization and architectural input with goal in
contributing to designers, planners and academic researchers on approach to rural
ghost town revitalization via new architecture. At the same time providing guide for
the developers who are interested in this field and benefiting the local communities,
visitors and local historical value. It will be contributing to the effort of creating a
liveable rural historical ex-ghost town with rich historical value enhancing the
sustainability of the community while remaining its original charm.

2.0Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Value and authenticity of historical heritage
In identifying and evaluating the authenticity of a historical heritage has been set by
various parties of different region as the heritage vary between different part of the
world. The most commonly known guideline is the UNESCO guideline consisting
criteria of evaluating heritage piece.
The aim of conservations projects towards heritage is to prolong the life of particular
cultural heritage, to clarify the artistic and historical message therein without the loss
of authenticity and meaning stated in the ICOMOS education and training guidelines
Conservation is a cultural, artistic, technical and craft activity based on humanistic
and scientific studies and systematic research. ‘Conservation is very largely the art
of controlling or managing change.’ (Fielden. 1997)
2.1.1 The Nara Document of authenticity (1994) by ICOMOS (International
Council of Monument and Site)
The conference held on authenticity in relation to the World Heritage Organization in
Nara, Japan with the aim to have broader understanding in evaluating the
authenticity to cultural diversity and historical heritage in the field of conservation
drafted by 45 representatives from different countries.
Stated in the paper that all judgements about values attributed to cultural properties
as well as the credibility of related information sources may differ from culture to
culture, and even within the same culture. So, it is thus not possible to base
judgements of values and authenticity within fixed criteria.
Suggesting that the criteria of evaluating the legibility of heritage should be
adjustable according to the local culture as some culture might have morphology or
evolution over time play important role as part of their local culture. Allowing the
nature of the cultural heritage, cultural context and its evolution through time.
But of course, with the specific nature of its heritage values resources should be
accurate, credible and truthful beforehand. Aspect of sources may include form and
design, materials and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques,

location and setting, and spirit and feeling, and other internal and external factors. It
could be specific artistic, historic, social and scientific dimensions of cultural heritage
to be examine.
As a result, not only the ancient buildings are being preserved, but also the once that
comes afterwards contributing in enriching the traditional life and culture of specific
place. In Japan, buildings that has been destroyed get the chance of rebuilding as
some of the buildings serve or meant something linked to the local tradition or
heritage that is important to the community, identity and history of the entire nation.
2.1.2 UNESCO guidelines
In relation to authenticity, reconstruction of archaeological remains or historic
buildings or districts is justifiable only in exceptional circumstances. Having more
fixed criteria and restricting consideration in terms of evaluating authenticity of a
heritage. To UNESCO, a historical artefact which contributed as an important part of
mankind evolution through out time are most likely to get approved for example
having the ‘world first’ historical heritage.
Reconstruction is acceptable only on the basis of complete and detailed
documentation and to no extent of conjecture. Reconstruction and modification are
least admissible as UNESCO prefer to have ultimate preservation of the historical
fabric as it found. The evaluation will only begin after completion of the project and
there’s only slight chance of getting acknowledge by UNESCO.
Goal of doing so is to preserve the originality of historical fabric as an artefact for the
purpose of appreciation without filling in with other programs and function where
engages with more extra spaces or structure.

2.1.3 Heritage and conservation
Architectural Heritage is considered to comprise the following permanent
properties:
1. Monuments: all buildings and structures of conspicuous historical,
archaeological, artistic, scientific, social or technical interest, including their
fixtures and fittings;
2. Groups of buildings: homogeneous groups of urban or rural buildings
conspicuous for their historical, archaeological, artistic, scientific, social or
technical interest which are sufficiently coherent to form topographically
definable units;
3. Sites: the combined works of man and nature, being are as which are partially
built upon and sufficiently distinctive and homogeneous to be topographically
definable and are of conspicuous historical, archaeological, artistic, scientific,
social or technical interest.
(Council of Europe,” Convention for the protection of the architectural heritage of
Europe”, Granada, 1985 Articles in Newspapers)
Cultural Heritage comprises of several aspects of heritage such as:
1. Tangible cultural heritage: Movable cultural heritage like paintings, sculptures,
coins, manuscripts, Immovable cultural heritage like monuments etc.
2. Intangible cultural heritage: Oral traditions, performing arts, rituals etc.
3. Natural heritage: natural sites with cultural aspects such as cultural
landscapes, physical, biological or geological formations.
(UNESCO,”Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property”)

2.2 New architecture in Heritage site
With rise of demand and needs of having new architecture on historical site in some
cases, the designing process and method much influence by the local historical
identity. In Strike’s Architecture in Conservation, Management Development at
Historical Site. He stated that a successful piece of new architecture should be able
to portray the local identity hence enhancing it though jowl with the historical
buildings on historical site proposing association, location, monumental and
assimilation.
In many cases, connecting the old and new through association where in its
simplest form, new piece of architecture can de designed to remind the observer of
the other building. Observer will be able to recognise the similarities or characteristic
between the new architecture and another existing building. Basic principles about
perception where human receive sensations in architecture and places through our
sense organs of sight, hearing, touch and smell. Through this we’re able to form
connection between object and make perceptual connections which forms the basis
of the architectural concept of association.
A successful piece of architecture should response to the location where the
location and setting of a historic building can influence the design of a new piece of
architecture on site. Evaluation and response to the space in and around historic site
should be analysed critically before designing. Response to location can be in the
form of building scale, architecture style, building materials and construction method.
Through monumental, design can be done through integration of new architecture
into the fabric of historical building. The idea of this approach is the design of the
architecture generated from factors within the existing fabric, impression of a new
piece or architecture enveloped by old existing architecture.
Connection between new architecture and historical site through assimilation. Link
the old and new through designing new architecture generated by assimilation of the
existing element of the site.

2.3 Materials and construction methods in conservation
In the field of conservation, studying and understanding the properties of the local
materials that has been used, on where they located and how it’s been utilized as a
basis to understand the performance of building materials and construction methods
together with an appreciation of the processes of deterioration over time. Which
should be an essential and fundamental requirement for any conservation
The ability to evaluate materials, its procedure and deterioration processes will
provide the framework of understanding them that will then be utilized in
conservation works. (Bridgwood, B., & Lennie, L., 2013)
In conserving regionalism in the contemporary context, knowing the materials and
construction methods used by the locals would help in reinterpretation of local
typological characteristics in accordance with contemporary architectural, functional,
construction, technology, energy and landscape solutions, avoiding formalistic and
widely accepted styles of construction and imitation of traditional houses. During an
architectural revitalization, it is necessary to consider preservation of harmony
between nature and the constructed, which represents the primary characteristic in
assessing the quality of the traditional architecture of this place as respect for the
traditional principles. (Rajković, I., & Bojović, M., 2016).
To the Industrial Revolution in England, each region had its own method of building
based on local materials and local methods of construction. It was only the wealth
landowners and the Church who could inspire to new ideas coming in from abroad.
These local traditions gave the buildings a regional identity. These regional
characteristics are well known and well recorded. (John and Penoyre, 1978)

2.4 New development in rural
Developing rural can be found as a strategy of reviving rural area through utilizing
urban planning theory including bringing in new buildings, improving infrastructure
allowing better accessibility, new facilities as an attraction, new community and so
on. In developing entirely new township, effort of preserving will be put aside and
primarily focusing on making the entire development work. Development like this
could be found in many places where developers risk it and developed with a central
of attraction to active the entire planning.

2.5 Tourism
Improving and promoting of rural tourism will contribute to the protection of local
architecture, the local lifestyle and keeping the economy vibrant by suggesting rural
tourism as an alternative income sources other than from just agriculture. Which lead
to prominent issues in the maintenance and sustainability of rural vernacular
architecture and cultural landscapes. (Danaci, H. M., & ATİK, M., 2014) The lifestyle
of the locals will become the intangible heritage to showcase to the visitors, the
locals will be more likely to get involve and continue the local tradition and culture
that has been passed down from the older generation. Visitors who travelled and
participate in learning the local tradition will generate income for the locals to keep
them sustain.
Rural tourism focuses on developing over a relatively smaller area and thus the
impact is would be greater in portraying the local cultural and identity. Tourists who
travelled to the rural areas usually do not belong to rural areas themselves, so there
might have huge gap in the understanding, interpretation and culture. (Shermin, F.,
2017)
As far as contemporary rural Japan If older rural industries were in decline, there
were examples of other, newer industries being established. For many areas, the
1980s were a decade of tourist growth, with Japanese drawn to the countryside to
visit hot- spring and seaside resorts, shrines, and temple (Knight, 1994). Which then
required large amount of architectural input in designing facilities and buildings to
compensate the activities alongside with tourism as rural revitalization strategy.
According to projections based on existing plans for resort construction, around 30%
of the total land area of Japan was set to become recreational. (Tokyo: Nihon
Hyoronsha, 1989), p. 13.

2.6 Summary
In the case of reviving rural ghost town, new piece of architecture should be able to
deliver the narrative of the local through framing and response to site and
contemporary context.
Different approach of rural revitalization can be done by application the most suitable
strategy evaluating through the local historical heritage, culture, community,
buildings physical appearance, local materials and construction methods.
As summary of 3 different approaches:
Conservation Adaptive re-use New development
Preservation to the original
form and injecting new
programs.
Preservation to the form and
injecting new programs.
Introducing new form and
new programs.
Preservation to both the
form and program originally.
Preserving the original form
partially and introducing new
form, remaining the original
program.
Introducing new form and
remain the old programs.
Preserving the original form
partially, introducing new
form and programs.
* The programs injected into
the fabric are preferred to be
in temporary than
permanent.
* The programs could be in
both permanent and
temporary.
* The programs could be in
both permanent and
temporary.

3.0Chapter 3: Rural Ghost Town Revitalization
3.1 Case Study
Xihe village (Source: China Daily)
Xihe village is a historical settlement located in Henan, China. It was a village that
slowly turning into a ghost town until involvement of rural tourism and architect. The
conversion of a barn in Xihe village into a community centre as the heart of the
village allowing gathering space for the villagers and tourist. Architect intention is to
convert the use of building from private to public, open up the wall allowing more
visual permeability between the in and out with designed corridor connecting
buildings. In the revitalization effort village has established facilities to support
tourism and the villagers are encouraged to open up their door step to the visitors
through restaurants serving local delicacy and accommodation with local cultural
characteristics. New architecture of Café and museum exhibiting the tradition of
village can be found integrated into the village. Until today, Xihe village has received
over 700,000 visitors in total for the past 4 years.

Pingtian village. (Source: China Daily)
In year 2014, Pingtian village in China was a dilapidated village due to urbanization.
The depopulation in younger generation leaving the older generation and eventually
many homes were started to get disserted and forgotten. Pingtian village is one of
the traditional villages in Songyang located approximately 20 kilometres away from
the county centre deep inside mountains. The village is a modern twist while
preserving original appearances.
Government has worked together with architect Xu Tiantian in developing the village
to attract visitors with conversion of houses into hospitality uses to enhance tourism.
Restoration effort to the old houses and modernize their function. Teaching of local
culture, tea plantation, colouring technique through black tea and etc. Until today, the
local residents slowly developed sense of responsibility to preserve the landscape
and promote the cultural merits of the local charm so that visitors get than change to
see and experience merging of tradition and modernity.

Albergo Diffuso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Source: awesomestories)
Italy is a country with most Ghost towns, the government has put a lot of effort trying
to revitalizing them though selling them very cheap with condition of purchaser must
live there, but eventually many efforts has put into waste. Albergo Diffuso in the
village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a fortified medieval village located in the
mountains of Abruzzo. It was abandoned with many ancient buildings until recent
year of revitalization effort where architect intention in turning of deserted building
into almost invisible scattered hotel. In the process of revitalization, architect has
searched out original architectural materials, furniture and textiles preserving local
culture as an effort to bring the village back to life and allowing visitors. The design
are all refer to Middle Ages from buildings to all little details. Visitors to travelled
there are encouraged to take part in the village daily lives as they’re part of the
community experiencing local lifestyle. Villages earning their daily lives through
teaching traditional skills in baking, weaving and craft to the visitors. To retain the
Santo Stefano’s original characteristic, all modern technology is hidden.

Corippo (Source: TicinoTopTen)
Corippo in Ticino’s Verzasca Valley, Switzerland is a historic location saved by
tourism with population of just 12 inhabitants in July, 2018. This place receives a
preservation award as part of the European Year for the Preservation of
Monuments and Cultural Heritage in year 1975. The principle is that rooms,
decorated in an authentic and local style, are scattered throughout different
buildings within the village.

3.2 Examples of utilizing ghost town
Making Use of ghost settlements in various purpose. Distillery District industrial
settlement with extraordinary architecture, located in Toronto was established in
1832, it was the largest liquor brewery centre of the world and steered establishment
and development of Toronto City. This place transformed into a ghost settlement
after termination of production in 1990. Then, it was revived in 2003 and became the
prominent cultural-tourism center of Canada (Torlak, 2013).
Opening for Tourist Visitors. Italy - Balestrino – This town is located in Toscana
territory and has the same appearance for centuries. As the town was established by
San Pietro Prince around 1100s, its historical fortress and buildings exhibit medieval
view. It is open for tourist visitors (Gençalp, Sabah, 2015).
Film Studio. Namibia – Kolmanskop – Upon discovery of diamond in 1900s, the
town was rushed by people; and casinos, hospital, luxury mansions were established
in the middle of the dessert. As the demand for diamond reduced in 1950s, this
brought end of the city. Abandoned city was raided by dust of dessert; houses and
streets were covered by sand. "The King is Alive" (2000) and "Dust Devil" (1993)
films were shot in this city because of its interesting scenery. It is open to visitor
(Gençalp, Sabah, 2015).
Museum-City. France- Oradour-sur-Glane – During the World War II, Germany
brutally invaded by mistake; killed all residents and burned the whole town. Their real
target was Oradour-sur-Vayres territory. After the war period, the city built on another
location. The old town was preserved in the memory of this tragic event. Burnt
buildings and goods witnessing the invasion are currently exhibited in this museum-
city (Gençalp, Sabah, 2015).
Opening for Tourism Settlement. Russia - Kizhi Island – The island was developed
around the church built in the 16th century. Since there is tough winder season (-40),
the residents who were mainly farmers left the island. Then in 1960, the island
became an open archeological museum exhibiting Russian wooden architecture. It
was acknowledged as world heritage by the UNESCO. Main income resource is
tourism. All residents of the island have business in tourism (wikipedia, Kiji,2015)

4.0Chapter 4: Sungai Lembing
4.1 Sungai Lembing
4.1.1 Historical Background
Sungai Lembing is a small town located approximately 40 kilometres away from
Kuantan. This town is very significant as it was once the richest and booming town in
Malaysia due to its tin mining activities started in year 1888, also known as the
Eldorado (Ancient city of gold) of the East with unique achievement as the longest
and deepest underground tin mining in the whole world ensemble as an outstanding
technological ensemble of industrial sites that reflected the rapid and distinctive
industrialisation. British invasion forming Pahang Consolidated Company Ltd (PCCL)
took over in the year 1891 and started the longest running tin mining activity with
1400 people made up of mostly Malay and Chinese working during the heyday until
the mining price fail and closed town in year 1986. Sungai Lembing has the first
hospital in Pahang and a wooden structured PCCL Cinema Sungai Lembing was
provided as an entertainment facility for the locals back in the 1930, but its then
demolished and reconstruct in the late 50s.

Macro plan of Sungai Lembing showing zoning of old and new.
The ratio between new buildings: old buildings are approximately 1: 5. Where old
buildings are considered very prominent in Sungai Lembing. Which contributed to
visitors who perceived entering a mining era period..

Macro site plan of Sungai Lembing showing zoning and uses
Commercial zone is the ‘main street’, the heart of Sungai Lembing which receive the
most visitors and most celebrated. The commercial are business activities at the
ground level while residential at the back and upper level of the building.
Due to the long run of tin mining activity in that area by British, the architecture of the
bungalows that used to accommodate mining managers and executives are
influenced by the British colonel style.
Town area of Sungai Lembing

The mine manager’s British colonial style
bungalow has transformed into a museum.
(Source: Department of Museum Malaysia)
Underutilized bungalow with low maintenance.
Shophouses are the buildings that can be found most in Sungai Lembing at the town
area. Back in the days, the ‘main street’ that located along the town area was the
most happening place in the entire town where people will hangout there other than
working or at home. The shophouses adopted early shophouse style mainly
constructed using local materials such as timber and zinc as finishes, and these
building are referred as ‘hundred years old shops’ by the locals.
Shophouses at the Chinese residential zone
across the river, connected to the town through
suspension bridge.
Shophouse along ‘main street’ in the town area.

Several buildings that belongs to the Chinese association such as Khek Association
(1964), Hainan Association (1964) and Kwang Siew Association (1965) can be
spotted on ‘main street’. The buildings are constructed in the 60s adopting modern
materials such as bricks and plaster as compared to the shophouses.
Khek Association (1964) Kwang Siew Association (1965)
Residential zone of Sungai Lembing is located mostly located across the river for the
Chinese community. The Malay community mostly accommodating at Malay houses
can be found at the outer zone before entering the Sungai Lembing town.
The architecture style varies between these two types of houses, Malay houses are
found elevated from ground allowing ventilation and prevent flood while the Chinese
houses are on ground and normally gated. Both shares the common type of building
materials and method of construction, timber as the structure and wall with zinc roof.
Chinese residential Malay Kampung House

With the rise of interest in ecotourism, Sungai Lembing has started bringing in
accommodation building in order to fulfil the demand. Foreign contemporary
architecture style started to invade into Sungai Lembing forming phenomenon the
co-exist of between the old and new within the town. But most of the new buildings
are not located within the town boundary, in fact they’re located enveloped by nature.
New guest house from renovation of the old
shophouse.
Accommodation within nature.
(Source: Time Capsule Retreat)
A café building that newly constructed. The container hotels development.
The town area consisting the mostly old buildings that has been left over since last
time, the British colonial bungalows are zoned at the uphill area near to the mining
pit. And surrounded by the Chinese residential and Malay kampung houses. New
buildings of accommodation constructed to fulfil the demand mostly located further
up the mining pit and few guest houses infused into residential and town zone.

4.1.2 Data collection- Interviews
Local Communities
Interviews has been conducted targeting the local communities age range from 40
years old to 80 years old made up of miners and descendent of the miners who run
business and live in Sungai Lembing. The questions raised revolve around the point
of view towards the old and new building in Sungai Lembing.
Through interviews, the locals are relatively satisfied with existed condition in Sungai
Lembing. The quiet lifestyle here has been fully adapted and the locals enjoyed living
surrounded by old buildings. The younger generation tend to leave the village to
seek better living quality leaving the older generation which made up the
interviewees.
To locals, what has been left over since last time are important to them because
that’s where the sense of nostalgia and the essence that made up of what they are
today especially the older generation of the locals. Many of them accept that the tin
mining industrial theme should be implement into new buildings in order to portray
the historical identity of Sungai Lembing and at the same time respond to the site
while neglecting new modern contemporary architecture style invade into Sungai
Lembing. The old shophouses in Sungai Lembing town area are mostly
underutilized. Locals are satisfied if the shophouses are to put into use again but
with minimal renovation remaining its original form.
Even though Sungai Lembing has been integrated with tourism, but Sungai Lembing
only happening during the weekends morning where activity and crowds fade out
towards afternoon. To further revitalization, locals suggested that the old buildings
can have the opportunity integrate into part of the museum having artefact not only
showing in the museum but also along the street especially the unused once so that
visitors are well aware about the local historical identity. Locals also suggested
having flexible community hub or tourism hub as the heart of Sungai Lembing
providing gathering spot.

Interview questions to local communities
Satisfaction of living in
Sungai Lembing?
Agreed due to rural lifestyle, nature, historical enrich
their lifestyle and business.
What Sungai Lembing
meant to you?
Memory? Culture?
Architecture?
Memory of history from older generation along with
old buildings.
Retired lifestyle, away from modern technology.
Do you like about the
new architecture that
currently have on site?
Locals are ok because they don’t interrupt the
existing much in terms of location and building scale.
Prefer to have
protection or
conservation towards
old buildings? OR
Agree
Having a new building
that actually reflect to
the site history, OR
Agree
Do you support new
programs injecting into
the existing old
buildings?
Agree
Having new building
with contemporary
style?
Disagree
How about renovating
them to for the new
programs? Having
partially old/ new?
Support on minor renovation, remaining the essence
of the originality.
Do Sungai Lembing
need of further
revitalization or remain
as it is? Why?
Yes, Sungai Lembing is well celebrated on
weekends especially in the morning but it turns quiet
towards the afternoon.

What do you think
Sungai Lembing can
actually attract more
visitor/ bringing people
back to this place
through architecture?
What kind of
architecture?
Community center, tourism hub.
Instead having artefact display in museum, infusing
museum into shophouses would be interesting so
that visitors are well aware of what the town really is
about.
Tin mining industrial themed design to promote local
history.
Visitors
The interview targeted on visitors who travelled here age range from 20 years old to
50 years old mostly based in Kuantan who has been travelled to Sungai Lembing
several times. Question raised revolving around what they do there and point of view
towards buildings in Sungai Lembing.
Purpose of traveling are local delicacy, nature activities, sightseeing, visiting old
mining town and its historical heritage. Interviewee who based in Kuantan for a one
day try while the others who came from different cities came for two days one-night
trip. The accommodation is selected based on the level of cleanness and visitors still
preferred to overnight in new buildings.
Through interview, the visitors like Sungai Lembing because its filled with old
buildings giving the sense of traveling back in time. The building materials and
construction used are old and everything is in human scale with no building more
than three storeys tall.

Interview questions to visitors
Purpose of traveling?
(Food? Nature?
History? Architecture?
Family?)
Attracted by the nature activities supported by food,
rural environment as a getaway and wanting to see
historical mining town.
How do you find here? Through friends and family from Kuantan.
Social media for those who are from other cities
besides Kuantan.
How long are you
staying here?
1 day trip for those who travelled here from Kuantan.
2 days 1 night for those who travelled here from
other cities.
Does the buildings on
site reflect the
characteristic of the
place as a historical ex-
mining town?
Yes, the use of material shows the age of the
buildings as they’re constructed at that period of
time.
But the design and theme not emphasizing on the
industrialize of tin mining.
What kind of building
are you expecting to
see before traveling to
Sungai Lembing
(Expectation)?
Bad condition of old buildings, some newly built
buildings serve tourism in Sungai Lembing.
And what you actually
see? (Reality)
The shop are still in operating although there’re still a
lot of them underutilized.
Would you rather
accommodate in the old
building or new
building?
New buildings provide cleaner environment to stay.
The chance of coming
back to SL if everything
pretty much remain as
it is now?
Yes and most likely.

The chance of coming
back to SL if new
architecture reign over the
old once?
Yes, as long as the nature and programs remain.
4.2 Summary
As a summary, both visitors and locals wanting to see prominent of old architecture
and mining industrial related architecture to been seen on site instead of new
architecture perceive the entire town as part of the artefact besides what’s in the
museum.
After several interviews, theoretical saturation appeared. Theoretical saturation is the
phase of qualitative data analysis in which the researcher has continued sampling
and analysing data until no new data appear. So, the interview ended with 6 locals
and 15 visitors.
4.3 Analysis
5.0Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusion
5.1 Discussion
5.1.1 WIP
5.2 Conclusion

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6.0Bibliography
Figure 1 - Title (Reference)
Table 1 - Title (Author, #)
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A STRATEGY STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE RURAL GHOST TOWN REVITALIZATION VIA NEW ARCHITECTURE IN SUNGAI LEMBING

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A STRATEGY STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE RURAL GHOST TOWN REVITALIZATION VIA NEW ARCHITECTURE IN SUNGAI LEMBING