Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PROJECT 02
ADAPTIVE REUSE
GEOGRAPHER
CAFE
83 JALAN HANG JEBAT
75200
MELAKA
MALAYSIA
PREPARED BY:
INTRODUCTION
GEOGRAPHER CAFE MELAKA
1.1 HISTORY
The Geographer Café was originally Mei Jing Kopitiam in 1994. It sits on a corner as a pre-war building, which to this
day is Lot. 83. In 1999, construction and renovation was carried out to enhance the characteristics of the building.
Geographer Café opened on the 9th of August in the year 1999, officiated by the Chief Minister of Melaka on 27th of
January 2000. In the year 2005, Geographer Café launched a new extension, the new wing next door, lot no. 81.
These two lots are located in the heart of Old Melaka, on the corner of Jonker Walk (Jalan Hang Jebat) and Jalan Hang
Lekir.
The street where Geographer Café sits along has not always been what it is today. Up until the year 1998, Jonker
Street was an eerie streets it was surrounded by funeral parlours, casket shops and dilapidated shop houses. The
street was eerie, empty and lifeless.
Geographer Café was an attempt in 1999 by Mr. Peter to bring new life to Melaka. Seeing that lot 83 was not utilised
well, Mr. Peter persuaded his director to allow him to renovate lot 83 into what is now known as the Geographer
Café. It was not successful at first, but slowly it started attracting the attention of tourists as well as the locals. Thus,
new life was given to Jonker Street.
1.2 BUILDING OWNER
Mr Peter Tseng
Mr Peter Tseng he is not only the owner of the Geographer Cafe but he also
owns a Logistic company in Melaka. When he was young he always has a
dream of owning a cafe and bar business so he bought up a few shoplots in
Jonker Street and started the business in 1999.
1.3 DRAWINGS
ROOF PLAN
1.3 DRAWINGS
FRONT ELEVATION
1.3 DRAWINGS
SIDE ELEVATION
1.3 DRAWINGS
ISOMETRIC PROJECTION
1.3 DRAWINGS
FEATURE AXONO
1.3 DRAWINGS
FEATURE AXONO
02
SITE ANALYSIS
GEOGRAPHER CAFE MELAKA
2.1 SITE CONTEXT
SITE
SITE
2.1 SITE CONTEXT
KEY PLAN
Every festival is worth remembering as it calls for celebration where it is normally marked as a holiday from different religion,
tradition or nation. Throughout the year, people in Malacca celebrate different festivals like :
• Festa de San Pedro
• Malacca Carnival
• Palm Sunday
and similar to the other states they also celebrate, which are far more common :
• Chinese New Year
• Thaipusam
• Malaysia Festival
• Moon Cake Festival.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Chinese New Year is celebrated in either January or February depending on the Lunar calendar. This festival lasts for 15 days where
every Chinese family gather on the eve of Chinese New Year to have family reunion dinner. Family members travel from near and far
to join their family for the reunion dinner as it is the start of a new year The sky will be filled with colours when all the fireworks are
released once the clock strikes 12 to usher in the new year. Besides, there will also be lanterns released into the sky with new year
resolution written on them. According to the tradition, it is better for the Chinese to wear red on Chinese New Year especially the first
day as it is good luck.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Hinduism. Although the number of Hindu is minor, Malaccans still celebrate this festival.
Over a million Hindus gather in various temples around the nation to celebrate Thaipusam every year. The exact date of this important
event is based on the full moon day in the month of Thai in the Hindu calendar which normally falls in January or February. Thaipusam
celebration is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Patvati. Thaipusam is the biggest festival for
Hindus after Deepavali and usually falls in January or February. It is observed as a day of thanksgiving and paying penance for Lord
Murugan. In many states in Malaysia, Thaipusam is a public holiday. Devotees prepare themselves for the occasion by cleansing their
bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time. Many devotees began
paying penance a few days before the actual festival, with the carrying of the kavadi on their shoulders and milk pots carried above
their heads
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a festival celebrated by the Portuguese-Eurasian community. The celebrations are unique to them and faithfully
observed every year at St Peter’s Church. These processions and traditions were introduced by Augustinian monks in 1587. During
the Palm Sunday procession, life-size wooden statues of Christ carrying the Cross of Mother Mary of Sorrows are carried in a
candlelight procession. These processions scenes are repeated on Good Friday with the inclusion of three boys playing the role of
three Marys standing at the foot of the cross while singing a mournful Latin dirge. Also introduced during the procession is the Dead
Lord statue mounted on a wooden bier.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Malacca Carnival
Malacca Carnival is a celebration that lasts for a month and showcases traditional dances and a variety of expositions covering local
tourism, industry and art. The Malaccans celebrate this festival throughout the whole of August with performances such as singing
and dancing which are related to their culture in order to celebrate the independence of their country. During this festival, they
promote the art and culture of the country by combining them into performances . Besides, boating and windsurfing competitions are
available whole month long as a way to celebrate this festival. It’s been part of the city’s cultural landscape since 2009 after melaka
received UNESCO’s nod in 2008
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
To the Chinese, Mid-Autumn Festival means family reunion and peace. The festival is celebrated when the moon is believed to be
the biggest and fullest. To the Chinese, a full moon is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and family reunion. It is the second most
important traditional festivals after Chinese New Year which falls on either September of October depending on the Lunar calendar.
During this festival, the Chinese celebrate by having mooncakes and lanterns. It is a celebration to admire the moon as it is a
harvest festival with origins in moon worship. The main traditions and celebrations include eating mooncakes, having dinner with
family, gazing at and worshipping the moon, and lighting lanterns. On that night, children will be carrying their lanterns or hanging
them on tree branches. A glance through every house of colourful lanterns lightening the whole neighbourhood is a blessing.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
While Malacca has a multiracial population of Malays, Chinese and Indians reflecting the overall racial make-up of Malaysia, it is the Peranakan
and Portuguese culture that is still practised by a few descendant communities that attracts visitors
Peranakans are descended from Chinese migrants who first came to Malacca
many centuries ago. Adopting Malay customs and cultures, theirs is a unique
heritage unlike any other. Peranakans are also referred to a 'Straits Chinese'. It
is still a subject of debate whether the Peranakans actually intermarried with
the local Malay population or maintained a pure bloodline, but most are said to
be of Hokkien ancestry. 'Babas' refer to male Peranakans while 'Nyonya' refer to
females. Peranakans also settled in Penang, the only other state than Malacca.
The Portuguese
When the Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511 and ruled for 130 years, a few
stayed behind and formed a fishing community that has lasted till today. As
devout Catholics, they celebrate various festivals dedicated to their religion
which can be witnessed throughout the year in their settlement the Portuguese
Square. Portuguese intermarried with the local population and are now
collectively referred to as Portuguese-Eurasian or 'Kristang', but they still
maintain their traditional surnames such as 'Sequiera' and 'Lopez'. Usually, they
speak a distinct language which is a Creole (fusion of two languages) based on
Portuguese and Malay. The 3000-people large Portuguese community in
Malacca are a merry bunch.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Before the opening of Geographer Cafe, Jonker Street was empty and lifeless. The street is eerie and empty. Surrounded with funeral
parlours and casket shops, people do not like to go to Jonker Street. Shop houses on the street were not taken care of and was left in
a bad state.
Due to the state it was in, Jonker Street almost faced demolition. To prevent that from happening, Geographer Cafe started placing
tables and chairs on the street, increasing the flow of patrons on Jonker Street. Other coffee shops along the street followed.
The increase in number of people on Jonker Street prevented its closure. People started selling items and food on the street, which
formed the now famous Jonker Walk.
Jonker Street before Geographer Café opened. Geographer Café placing tables and chairs on the street.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
View of Jonker Street from Geographer Café. Stall that selling small accessories in front of
Geographer Café.
.
2.2 SOCIO-CULTURAL ANALYSIS
Jonker Street where during the day it is filled with quaint antique
shops, charming cafes, beautiful boutique hotels and trendy trinket
stores.
The Jonker Walk Night Market is also popular amongst the busking
community where they are encourage to perform at any corner of
Jonker Street in the efforts to attract more tourist. Jonker Street at
night is a feast for the eyes with its many colorful lanterns and light
that decorates the building.
Besides being held as the heritage hub of Melaka, Jonker Street also
offers many interesting modern attractions such as the Melaka River
Cruise which takes visitors along the Melaka River and the famous
Hard Rock Café Melaka. Jonker Street is truly the pride of Melaka Stage at the end of Jonker Street where
people just getting up and sing.
and if you have the opportunity to visit, you will find the experience
very heart throbbing.
ARCHITECTURE FEATURES
GEOGRAPHER CAFE MELAKA
3.1 ARCHITECTURE STYLE
● As for Lot 81, it is an early shophouse which dates back to the 1600s. It
was built when Melaka is under the ruling of the Dutch.
● It can be easily recognised from its covered walkway and small windows
on the first floor.
● The windows located on the first floor are French louvered windows
with a pair of full-length timber shutters, paired with a rectangular
transom.
● Geometric floor motifs dominate the interior and exterior of the café.
They are made of terrace-cotta clay tiles which are one of the common
features in the Straits Eclectic-style shophouses.
3.4 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
WINDOWS
FUNCTION TO VENTILATE THE SPACE THROUGH FAÇADE, INTO INTERIOR SPACES WHICH FACES
THE STREET.
FRENCH STYLE OPENINGS PROVIDE FULL VIEW OF JONKER STREET. ALLOWS NATURAL
LIGHTING INTO INTERIOR SPACE.
AFTER RENOVATION IN 1999, GLASS PANELS WERE ADDED AS ANOTHER LAYER TO PREVENT
ANY DAMAGES TO THE INTERIOR SIDE OF THE BUILDING.
3.4 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
DOORS
THE ENTRANCE IS AN OPEN CONCEPT CORNER ACCESS, WHEREBY IT REVOLVES AROUND THE
ENTIRE CORNER OF THE BUILDING.
DOORS USED ARE WELL MAINTAINED METAL FOLDING DOORS THAT ENVELOPES THE CORNER
PERIMETER ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
THE POSITIONING OF ITS FOLDING DOOR RESPECTS ITS PUBLIC BY MAINTAINING THE
ARCADE/WALKWAY SPACES.
3.4 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
DUTCH AWNINGS
ONE IS A ABLE TO SEE THE LIFE OF JONKER STREET BY LOOKING THROUGH THE FIRST FLOOR
WINDOWS WHICH IS CAPPED WITH A TYPICAL DUTCH AWNING.
THIS AWNING IS MADE OUT OF PURE CONCRETE, THUS IT IS STIL IN GOOD CONDITION AFTER
ALL THESE YEARS.
THREE DUTCH AWNINGS ARE LOCATED ALONG THE LINEAR SIDE OF THE CAFE AND THEY ARE
WELL PRESERVED TILL TODAY WITH CONSTANT MAINTENANCE SUCH AS REPAINTING AND
SEALING CRACKS.
3.4 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
AIR WELL
ONE OF THE MAIN DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF A
SHOPHOUSE IS THE WELL-LIT AIR WELL THAT INTRODUCES
NATURAL DAYLIGHT INTO THE INTERIOR SPACES AS WELL AS
KEEPING THE BUILDING VENTILATED WITH NATURAL AIR.
ARCADE
IN THE GEOGRAPHER CAFÉ, THE ARCHES ARE SUPPORTED BY THE COLUMNS ON BOTH
SIDES, FORMING A COVERED WALKWAY.
THE ARCADE PROVIDES SHELTER FOR THE PEDESTRIANS FROM THE SUN AND RAIN.
TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE PLACED IN THE ARCADE TO PROVIDE MORE SEATS FOR THE
CUSTOMERS ESPECIALLY DURING LUNCH AND DINNER TIME.
3.4 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS
STAIRCASE
STAIRCASE
THE PILASTER IS USED TO AND ENHANCE THE PREVIOUSLY WHEN THIS CORNER LOT WAS KNOWN AS
APPEARANCE OF A SUPPORTING COLUMN, AND TO MEI JING KOPITIAM, THERE USED TO BE AN AIR HOLE. THE
ARTICULATE AN EXTENT OF WALL, WITH ONLY AN AIR HOLE PROVIDES PROPER VENTILATION AND
ORNAMENTAL FUNCTION. IT CONSISTS OF A FLAT CIRCULATION, HOWEVER DURING THE RENOVATION, A 38-
SURFACE RAISED FROM THE WALL SURFACE, IT IS INCH GLOBE WAS CUSTOM- MADE TO COVER IT. INSIDE
USUALLY TREATED AS THOUGH IT WERE A COLUMN, WE SEE ONE HALF OF THE GLOBE AND THE OTHER HALF
WITH A CAPITAL AT THE TOP AND PLINTH AT THE OUTSIDE. THE GLOBE SHINES DURING THE DAY BECAUSE
BOTTOM. OF SUNLIGHT. IT IS ALSO LIGHTED UP AT NIGHT.
3.5 ARCHITECTURE ELEMENTS- ORNAMENTS
CORNICE CORBELS
VENT BLOCKS
DILAPITATION SURVEY
GEOGRAPHER CAFE MELAKA
3.1 STAINS
FOOTSTEP OF INCOMING VISITORS OVERTIME WHICH CAUSE UNWELCOMING APPEARANCE WHILE MOVING TO ANOTHER
SPACE. THIS CAN BE REMOVED BY CLEANING IT FROM TIME TO TIME. ELEMENTS LEFT BEFORE GEOGRAPHER CAFÉ, WERE
KEPT AND PRESERVED TO ENHANCE THE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF THE BUILDING. OVERTIME, WEATHER CAUSE THE
ELEMENTS TO DIFFER FROM ITS ORIGINAL APPEARANCE.SOME STAINS CAUSED BY INSECTS WASTE AND DUST ARE HARD TO
REMOVE AS THEY ARE USUALLY FOUND IN HARD TO REACH AREAS.
1 2 3
4 5
3.1 STAINS
1
3
4
3.2 RUST
1 2
3.3 PEELING PAINT
1 2
3.4 FADING COLOURS
1 2
3.5 CRACKS
1 2
04
PROPOSAL
GEOGRAPHER CAFE MELAKA
4.1 PRECEDENT STUDY
CHINAHOUSE