Penang02 - City Hall

2 .2.1

PENANG CITY HALL

2.2.1.1

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Penang city hall (also known as Dewan Bandaraya) was built in 1903 and opened in 1906 after a few decades after the completion of Penang Town Hall. It was built at a cost of 100,000 Straits Dollars and incorporated ironwork from Europe. It was the first buildings completely fitted with electrical lights and fans in Georgetown. It also was a fine example of venerable British colonial architecture which still existence in Georgetown, Penang. This building was housing the city administrative offices. This heritage building was located on Lot number 69, Section 19, along Jalan Padang Kota Lama. It is closer to the sea and is the larger structure along the Esplanade. A Cenotaph located on the Esplanade which near to Penang City Hall. It is a memorial to the victims of World War 1. (Refer to figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1: Cenotaph, a memorial to the victims of World War 1 at Esplanade Source: Field Study (2008)

On 29th July 1982, Federal Government was listed this two storey building as national monument under The Antiquities Act 1976. It was gazetted as national monument (gazetted no. PU (A) 221) by its well know significant historical and architectural values.

2.1.1.2

ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND CONCEPTS

It was constructed with typical and impressive British Palladian architectural style featuring with magnificent Corinthian column and plenty of typical tall windows, a small dome and arches. The Palladian architecture was strongly emphasis on the symmetry, perspectives and value of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Roman. Besides that, grace and impressive decorative elements were use in classical orders in the design. The others important element in the Palladian architecture style was the Palladian window. The windows consist of central light with a semicircular arch above the window which carried the impost of entablature of two pilasters on left and right side of the window. This constituted an impressive architecture and an outstanding value to the building. The concept of design for old City Hall was constitutes a similarity to the Penang Town Hall which located at the right sides of City Hall. The similarity of design is use balcony as the main features overlooking to the Esplanade Padang in George Town. It is painted white and located at the prominent corner near the sea and looking opposite to Fort Cornwallis at the Esplanade.

Figure 2.2: The front of Penang City Hall Source: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/ (2008)

Figure 2.3: Balcony as the main features in the design of Penang City Hall

Source: http://i.pbase.com (2008)

2.1.1.3.

BUILDING SIGNIFICANT AND ELEMENT OF IMPORTANT

The Penang City Hall is painted in white with two storey height and has a significant historical values, architectural values, social cultural and political values.

a)

Significant historical values It was the first buildings completely fitted with electrical lights and fans in George Town.

This statement was contributed to the significant historical values to the Penang City Hall. It was one of the most outstanding colonial buildings and still can be seen today which present the colonial history. It can create the Penang’s awareness of its pass legacy.

b)

Significant architectural values

It was a fine example of venerable British colonial architecture. It was constructed with typical British Palladian architectural style featuring with magnificent Corinthian column, plenty of typical tall windows, a small dome and arches. The concept of design for Penang City Hall was similarity to the Penang Town Hall which use balcony as the main features overlooking to the Esplanade Padang in George Town.

This beautiful old building’s architectures was show by the classical structure supported by white colonnades. The entire column in the building was design with special decorative cornice which contributes the venerable architecture to the building. (Refer to figure 2.4). The veranda of the building is arcaded. The architecture design of this building incorporates many arches and pillars which reflect the influence of the Palladian architecture.

c)

Significant political

Significant political and social cultural values can be founded in this building. It was once of the seat of local government and originally was specially built to house the municipal offices in the early days. The Penang City Hall is currently houses the Penang Municipal Council

(MPPP) and the two department’s offices, namely the Licensing and Urban Services Departments. It also use as the venue for Council Chamber’s monthly meetings, various functions and gatherings.

d)

Significant Social and Cultural Values

The building define has social cultural values because it being used as administration spot for public. Public with different races and even from different country will proceed their process at this municipal office. It was the place for elegant social and civic events.

Figure 2.4: Column with cornice as decorative elements in the design of the City Hall. Source: http://i.pbase.com (2008)