PLAY: Former Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building 131009!

The former Sarawak Legislative Assembly Building is an iconic building that drew upon the concept of Neo-Traditionalism. In the search for an architecture that symbolizes the values of the newly established nation, this building displays a novel amalgamation of traditional Malay Vernacular Architecture and the Modern Line.


The Modern framework, which was then the prominent International Style in the West, was selected to reflect the country’s new spirit. The locally-named “Dewan Undangan Negeri” illustrates the pioneering attempts in reviving the ingenious vernacular architecture through the integration of architectural mechanics that respond to the tropical climate of Sarawak.


Its structural design can be traced back to the tripartite division of traditional Vernacular architecture comprising the kolong (space below the house raised on stilts), its main body and the pitched gable roof. Its elevation is also a reminiscent of Le Corbusier’s Domino House model that raised the main body of the house above the ground by the means of pilotis.


The traits of Brutalist Architecture, which was largely inspired by the French Swiss-born architect, are visibly distinctive. Brutalist Architecture is commonly associated with rough, unadorned concrete finish. This revivalist, eclectic assembly accentuates the pure conception of form, function and materiality. A state of equilibrium is achieved by softening the concrete with void spaces and water elements.


Its tectonic values are evident in the (single-layered) pineapple-like sun-shading panel that is closely identical to those applied on the façade of Kuala Lumpur Parliament Building. The functionalist rationale is also realized through the provision of deeply-shaded glass wall, which cuts down the penetration of direct sunlight.


The rationale for its built location is to enable this emblematic building to stand solitarily as a monument. This concludes the pioneering endeavour of the then newly established state in conceiving more communicative architecture that speaks the vocabulary of the local sociocultural & historical context.


Text by Leong Su Wei (Sheounz)

A prayer hall located beside the DUN building. The design of the newly built Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building seemed to have been inspired by this building.