This centre was set up in June 1996 on the foundation of numerous intricate Measured Drawing works of Historical Buildings out of concern for the rapid disintegration and elimination of Malaysia’s architectural heritage. With the accumulation of these works since 1975, the research towards the identification, classification and analysis of the architectural heritage was established through Undergr
aduate and Post-Graduate studies. Today, KALAM has a documentary collection of more than 600 buildings such as Residences, Palaces, Mosques, Public Buildings, Commercial Buildings, Wakaf, Madrasah and Tombs. This centre came into being out of a wider concern for the understanding of the Malay World Architectural Heritage which stretches out to a greater part of the Asean continent and the Pasific archipelago. KALAM centre was set up for the sole purpose of conduction research towards a better understanding of the factors influencing and the relationship between built form and the many cultures of the Malay World. Much of the planning of cities and settlements in this part of the world were based primarily on Western planning concepts from the early modernist movements during the early part of the 20th century. These planning concepts were rooted in the idea of ‘progressivism’ which is premised on the nation that they would eventually exist a common global culture amongst all the inhabitants of the world. These final years of the 20th century has seen the inevitable fact that although there exist some similarities amongst the various cultures of the modern world, each cultures still holds strongly to some form of traditional belief system. This realization brought about the idea that the planning of settlements must take into account the peculiarities of certain race and culture. The Heritage of Built Environment in the Malay World holds many keys to the better understanding of eternal design principles and lessons of crucial use to present concerns of buildings and cities. Therefore, the main role of KALAM can be defined as follows:
1. To provide credible data on the architectural and built environment heritage of the Malay World through continuous documentation and research.
2. To educate and disseminate the importance of architectural and built environment heritage of the Malay World through Teaching, Training, Seminars, Exhibition and Publication.
3. To provide service and consultancy in design and conservation
Our Aim:
To become national centre in archive, service, training and consultancy of architectural and built heritage of the Malay World
Vision:
To become an internationally referred centre on built environment heritage of the Malay World
Mission:
To lead in the culturally sustainable development and protection of architectural heritage of the Malay World
