Integrating the Malay Traditional Design Elements into Contemporary Design: An Approach towards Sustainable Innovation

The traditional Malay designs have been known to be a reflection of the splendor and beauty of the aesthetical elements or ornamentations adorning them that carry deeper philosophical and sacred meanings. The traditional Malay designs are not merely objects of beauty but also serve as means of creating an environment of peace and tranquility. The elements found in the traditional Malay design can be regarded as a factor of global players, which only have their own identity and cannot be found elsewhere. Thus, the elements of traditional design can play a significant role in establishing local identity for global positioning of the nation. Therefore, integrating these traditional design elements into contemporary design is seen as an approach towards sustaining the nation's heritage values as genius loci. Hence, this paper seeks to identify and illuminates on some of these Malay traditional elements in Malaysia with particular reference to the North East region states (Kelantan and Terengganu). The paper also illustrates by examples how these elements can be enhanced and sustained by integrating them into contemporary building designs either as direct or adaptive design.