Penang architecture style

Hi.this is simply a note for my own study.I've decided to make my thesis of architecture in my own hometown,Penang (or called by local, Pulau Pinang) and here i am!
listing some study in short for my own note which MAYBE will be beneficial to anyone whom may want to know too,OR, even those with more knowledge whom would share more or correct me.


OK!HERE it is!


Penang is simply famous for its colonial branding in architecture, or in specific, Georgetown, the town of Penang.
Well, in a lot of data, a study of Georgetown(Only) and Penang (the whole state) makes a lot of different especially in the influence of culture.So to make sure you are clear of which one to study. Georgetown was and is still the the town of Penang so it experiences more cultural exchange and influences.Penang was formally apart of kedah (more info by googling Penang history)


So,this is how penang is divided,into 5 parts and the percentage of population in each area:

Penang Division by its administrative state and population in 2010 

and this is the community's race in Penang by 2010,

Penang statistic sketch pie chart by ethnic group 2010

penang race statistic (penang population by ethnic group,2010)

OK!thats abit of the statistic(of people whom live in Penang) which may have influence the architecture, 

so now, the main note,PENANG ARCHITECTURE in time line.

I find it difficult to look for Penang house history somehow (well,most Penang architecture record came after the time of English Colonialism ). The early houses in Penang came in the influence of the Malays(original local),later, the chinese shophouse and the collonial english style buildings. Building style and influence  also varies building type.As for the houses,a lot of it have the Malay local influence,while shop houses (which is also a home to the Chinese on the upper level) is in influence of the Chinese and administrative buildings are  mostly in influence of European colonial style. So,

1.The Malay Houses:Traditional Penang Malay Architecture

So,early people are the Malays.Since Penang was before apart of Kedah,it may have influence also on architecture.The local originally live in an on stilt timber houses.

The traditional Malay houses in Malay

There is a bit lacking of information finding by these Malay houses so I would also share my grand parents's retreat house in Sg.Nibong,Penang because they were leaving in Georgetown back than.Its close to the sea so they some times went there to enjoy the sunset with their children..here is the picture(sorry for the blur,its to cover the identity;)) 

The Penang Architecture style(Penang traditional malay architecture) in Sg Nibong ,Penang 1967

**Another good example is the P.Ramlee house(rumah P.Ramlee)

(still under study:some references from a thesis report in1982 UTM:http://eprints.ptar.uitm.edu.my/1345/1/JOHAN_BIN_ABDUL_85_24.pdf)



2.Shop houses 
A lot of helpful references may be found regarding this especially after Penang is awarded as UNESCO world heritage in site such as : http://penangshophouse.blogspot.com/ and alot of helpful reference from ARTS-ed and GTWHI.


After the time of the traditioanl Malay architecture,came more influence into the local architecture with the Indian and chinese architecture and happen to have alot of cultural exchange.

Penang shop houses architecture in timeline

***alot more to learn and until than!will add more when i receive more info,PLEASE help in adding information for those whom may know more:)