OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUES (OUV S) ATTRIBUTES

Transcription

1 OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUES (OUV S) ATTRIBUTES This table lists the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in the core and buffer zones of the George Town World Heritage site. Heritage professionals in GTWHI workshops identified these attributes in These attributes of OUVs may also apply to Melaka. These attributes must be safeguarded in accordance with the World Heritage Convention. The attributes are explained and described here with information on the current issues faced by each attribute and their sensitivity to change specifically on the impact to significance and the World Heritage site of George Town. The issues highlighted here are obtained from George Town which provide further evidence of how the OUVs could be impacted by change that is occurring daily and will become more acute as pressures from rapid redevelopment and tourism grow. In addition to the illustrations on the negative impact or issues, this document also provides examples of best practices that would help to protect the OUVs of our World Heritage Site of George Town and Melaka. Criterion Attribute Issue(s) Photo (Issues) How attribute could be impacted by change Best Practice SHOP HOUSES (ii), (iv) 1.0 Forecourt/ Courtyard 1.1 Enclosure 2.0 Finishes and Colours 2.1 Exterior/ Walls Removal of granite features and lack of knowhow to repair original granite slabs and kerbs. Theft of authentic materials such as old granite kerbs and slabs, wall and floor tiles, damage and poor quality repairs or New works that encroach on existing court yards damage the spatial design of the traditional buildings. The replacement of porous wall surface finishes with impervious paints. The repainting of building with new bright colours. The loss of authentic function causes loss of architectural significance and authenticity of the whole place. The soft yellow, blue and green colour washes and whitewashes on buildings are an historic feature since the beginning of settlement, reflecting Asian and European influences. The self-cleaning, lime-based finishes are a distinctive attribute. Their replacement with modern impervious emulsion paints, in nontraditional colours, impacts adversely on the aesthetics and promotes salt losses of authentic plasters. The introduction of non-authentic colours, which have no relevance to the history or significance of the places, is creating visual changes that are contrary to the World Heritage values of the place. 1

2 2.2 Exterior Timber Work Removal of timber works/ finishes and replacement with other material such as aluminium frame for windows. 2.3 Original fittings and fixtures The survival of many original features and fitting is a unique feature of the WHS.. The opportunistic dispersal for profit of authentic artefacts of culture and commerce reduces the value of the story of George Town, like tearing the pages from a book. The overall values of the WHS are diminished. (ii), (iv) 2.5 Chien Nien The traditional cut porcelain decoration is an important feature of many building facades and roofs in George Town which is now badly neglected. This feature is slowly disappearing as authentic examples are removed and degraded during renovation works. 3.0 Roof 3.1 Terracotta Roof Tiles The replacement of terracotta roof tiles with asbestos/metal roofing and other non-traditional materials. Terracotta (unglazed) roof tiles were one of the earliest roofing materials used in George Town. They were introduced as early as Terracotta was an ideal roofing material for hot countries. Replacing tiles with new compressed cement and corrugated metal roof sheeting impacts adversely on aesthetics and disrupts the roofs cape values in the WHS. 2

3 3.2 Structure of Main Roof Replacement of existing timber purlins and battens and introduction of modern roof structures and materials as well as new roofing system and design. (ii), (iv) 3.3 Ridge, Gable and Party Wall Replacement of existing ridge, gable roof and introduction of new roof design and materials. 3.4 Jack Roof Removal and replacement of jack roof with new roof design and materials. 3

4 3.5 Eaves Roof Overhang Poorly researched and indiscriminate renovations result in the loss of authentic features of high value. The loss of authentic details leads to the loss of architectural significance and authenticity of our unique shop house. There is lack of enforcement on authentic heritage architectural features by local authorities.. Poor works by developers and unskilled contractors (including non-compliance) cause the change in architectural details which leads to the loss of architectural significance and authenticity. (ii), (iv) 4.0 Front/ Side Facade 4.1 Building Façade Changes to the shop house style without reference to George Town s existing shop house typology and architectural style. Wholesale changes of architectural style. Demolition and reconstruction for new buildings, dilapidation of buildings and neglect of ruins that are left unattended pose serious threats to the OUV of George Town Additional new and incompatible installation to building façade that does not blend or harmonize with existing architectural building style Changes to the correct historical form of shop house will cause severe loss of architectural significance and authenticity. Irreversible damage is caused to the buildings when their authentic features are removed or re-constructed using non-reversible methods. Loss of architectural significance and authenticity results when authentic fabric and details are lost through any or all of the common causes listed here. The losses are irreversible. The damage to the authenticity of the buildings cannot be recovered. 4

5 4.2 Faux Brick Pattern The surviving examples of this special features of the WHS are fast disappearing through change including replacement with poor imitations of the original materials The original method of producing faux brick appearance in pattern has been forgotten and there are no serious attempts to understand and repeat the method. Recent examples at reproduction are poor. The loss of authentic examples and the introduction of poor imitations are threatening the values of places. (ii), (iv) 4.3 Upper Facade (Under Roof) Removal or alteration to existing decorative features for the following elements (located below roof beam and at first floor beam): i. Painted historic stories/murals; ii. Chien Nien cut and paste porcelain works; and iii. Lime mortar mouldings. The original method of producing decorative features has been forgotten and there are no serious attempts to understand and repeat the method. Recent examples at reproduction are poor. There is also a shortage of skilled artisans to reproduce such decorative features. The loss of authentic examples is threatening the values of places and eventually the overall values of the World Heritage Site will be diminished. The replacement of timber shutters with new modern materials and design. The definition of the materials and design as define in table D5-19 item 4.2(b i-iii). 5

6 Demolition or alteration to existing balustrades in terms of design and material. (ii), (iv) Removal or alteration to existing spandrel features found below shutters or above five-foot-way beams. Examples of spandrel features are as follows: i. Simple intended brickwork, lime plaster mouldings; ii. Intended brickwork with Green Chinese Vent Tiles; iii. Intended brickwork cast iron panels and iv. Highly decorated with Chien Nien Shard work Additional new and incompatible spandrel features that do not blend or harmonize with existing architectural building style. 6

7 Demolition, closure or alteration of balcony. Loss of the balcony s key function as a viewing platform and as a sun shade in the event of a demolition. (ii), (iv) The installation of canopy with new design and materials that does not blend and harmonize with the local setting and existing architectural building style. Such indiscriminate installation of canopy creates an adverse visual impact and will gradually result in the loss of architectural significance and authenticity of the building. The cumulative impact will erode the outstanding universal values of the WHS. 7

8 4.5 Side Façade Closure and relocation of original side wall opening. Creation and addition of new side wall opening. Indiscriminate installation of airconditioning compressor(s) or Astro disc(s) on the side wall. The closure of existing side wall opening will result in the loss of natural lighting and ventilation which in turn necessitates the need for more artificial lighting and air conditioning. The indiscriminate closure and creation of new openings will adversely impact on the architectural significance and authenticity of the building. (ii), (iv) 4.6 Signage Inappropriate installation and placement of signage that obscures the historic building. Such indiscriminate installation and placement of signage on historic buildings creates an adverse visual impact and will gradually result in the loss of architectural significance and authenticity of the building. The cumulative impact will erode the outstanding universal values of the WHS. Oversized signage will obstruct natural lighting and natural ventilatation to the rooms of the building. 8

9 (ii), (iv) 5.0 Five-Footway - Verandah Obstructions that prevent free pedestrian movement along the covered five-foot ways. Traders, stalls and motorcycles parking in covered five-foot ways. Actions that would deny access to the five-foot ways for cultural activities. Removal and replacement of floor tiles or wall tiles. The blocking of five-foot ways is contrary to the design and function of shop houses and George Town and Malacca s historic urban form and function. Access along the covered areas is an essential aspect of the World Heritage experience. When passenger ways are blocked by ad hoc localised activities, pedestrians are forced onto the road where they are put into conflict with road vehicles and exposed to heat, rain etc. The use of the five-foot ways for trading and motorcycle parking can cause damage to the building fabric with the construction of makeshift cycle ramps, fittings for merchandise or displays. The cumulative impact of such activities erodes the heritage values of the fivefoot ways. Actions that would interfere with cultural continuum would cause cultural activities to either cease or be relocated to a more convenient locations, thus interrupting or possibly terminating important culturally relevant behaviours. The gentrification of these spaces, incorporation into adjoining businesses and exclusive uses for the original intended purpose. The high incidence of wall and floor tile replacement is changing the heritage values by removing authentic materials and introducing foreign pattern and finishes. The management of this highly visual aspect of OUV should be controlled and monitored in accordance with authenticity and building fabric. 9

10 6.0 Rear Façade 6.1 Windows, Doors & Vents Demolition, modification, alteration or replacement of windows, doors and air vents in term of design and material. (ii), (iv) 6.2 Terrace Conversion of open terrace to enclosed interior spaces. 10

11 7.0 Air Well 7.1 Size and Location Reduction or enlargement of air well size. Relocation of air well to other parts of the building. Loss of natural light and ventilation results in the need for high-energy consumption and fabric deterioration. Closure of air wells impact adversely on the aesthetics and original layout of a typical shop house. High moisture content in heritage building fabric causes damage to building elements, particularly wood and masonry. The high incidence of floor tile replacement is changing the heritage values by removing authentic materials and introducing foreign pattern and finishes. The management of this highly visual aspect of OUV should be controlled and monitored in accordance with authenticity and building fabric. (ii), (iv) 7.2 Floor Finishes The change of original floor finishes to modern or non-traditional floor furnishes. Owner decisions to close up air wells to obtain more usable space is leading to loss of authentic spatial arrangements and introducing new environmental implications including dampness of masonry fabric. 7.3 Windows, Shutters & vents - upper floors Closure of windows, shutters & air vents in upper floors due to closure of air wells. 11

12 Sanitary, Plumbing, Drainage 1.0 Drainage The use of granite and the form of the deep monsoon drains provide strong visual features of urban form. The theft of granite slabs, careless and irresponsible handling, replacement of existing steps/ edges with new and incompatible materials all cause erosion of the values of the George Town World Heritage Site. Concealment, loss of original function, loss of material and inappropriate changes result in the irreversible loss of architectural significance and authenticity. (ii) 2.0 M & E The careless installation of M & E equipment (i.e. air-cond. compressor, exhaust ventilation pipe, Astro disc, etc) at certain parts of the building facade facing the main road is tarnishing the original architectural style of the building. Such careless installation of M & E equipment will result in an adverse visual impact on the architectural values of the building and ultimately the erosion of values in the WHS. (ii) 12

13 MONUMENT Loss of monuments, which are also historic landmarks in the urban centre and the threat of destruction or relocation, can arise with new development or redevelopment.. Relocation of the monument. Monuments are records of human respect for events and prominent people. They are intended to last a long time in their locations. Destruction or relocation of monuments diminishes the potential for memory of people and events of great importance. (ii) ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING (ii), (iv) Public buildings, which served communities and provided servicessometimes become disused and subject to incomplete renovation or modification. Destruction or loss of architectural value can occur with changes of use or simple updating for new services. The degradation of these prestigious community-owned buildings can have a profound impact on community values and community esteem. This will also reduces the degree of World Heritage significance of the entire WHS. LIGHT HOUSE (ii) Maritime markers like the lighthouse are no longer seen in association with the sea and shipping. Urban development and encroachment, which obstruct views to and from these items that were designed to be viewed from afar quickly, erodes their values and erases their importance as markers in history. 13

14 RELIGIOUS BUILDING 1.0 Mosque Excessive renovation. 2.0 Chinese Temple De-population and out-migration of urban dwellers (from the George Town historic centre) to outlying suburbs. Excessive renovation and the introduction of new material will affect the architectural value, significance and authenticity of the places of worship. The exodus of residents from the historic centre will reduce the size of worshipping communities. As a result, the use of the places of worship will decline and it will become more difficult to safeguard the continuous use of these historic places of worship in the WHS (ii), (iii), (iv) 3.0 Hindu Temple 4.0 Church 14

15 HISTORIC STREET FURNITURE 1.0 Granite Post and Chains Removal and loss of street furniture. Damage of street furniture due to low maintenance, wear and tear and vandalism. Introduction of modern street art/furniture - to the WHS will result in loss of architectural significance and authenticity of the place. The will be eternal loss of historic street furniture when they are poorly maintained, damaged or vandalised. In turn, this loss will erase all historic evidence of time, place and memories for a particular community/society. 2.0 Fountain (ii) 3.0 Lamp-Posts 15

16 4.0 Post Boxes 5.0 Tramlines And Trolley Bus Poles (ii) 6.0 Fire Hydrants And Fire Assurance Plaques 16

17 7.0 Granite Pathway Removal of granite features and lack of technology to repair original granite slabs and kerbs replacements. 8.0 Engineering Brick Drains (ii) GODOWNS/ WAREHOUSES Once common and essential in the trading settlement, these structures are now mostly no longer in operation. They are undervalued and falling into ruins even though they are usually suitable for compatible new uses. The disuse of godowns may result in inappropriate changes of use or demolition for new development and other commercial pressures, thus destroying an important class of unique structures. Such irreversible change will reduce the degree of World Heritage significance of the entire WHS. 17

18 CLAN JETTIES (iii) Clan jetties are a unique feature, now under pressure from excessive tourist intrusion and non-traditional activities. Change of building materials. The impacts of tourism and commercial pressures may disrupt the traditional uses and clan culture. It may interfere and encroach into original lifestyle and will cause the original community to move out. This threatens the traditional lifestyle of the community endangering the living heritage of the WHS The use of modern and incompatible building materials is changing the architectural character and values of the jetties. The management of this highly visual aspect of the OUV should be controlled by the resident community and monitored in order to safeguard the building fabric and cultural authenticity of the jetties. Loss of original authentic materials leads to loss of architectural significance and 18

19 WATER FRONT Commercialisation of activities at the waterfront (e.g. cruise ship & yacht moorings encroaching in traditional activities). Small boats for trading causes conflict and displacement of traditional activities, which may cease operation totally. This will endanger the living heritage of the WHS. (ii) Developments adversely impact on the waterfront values when they do not respect the historic evolution and detail of the water edge. A significant loss of historical evidence of Penang s early history has been experienced through changes at the waterfront- when the early forms of the water s edge have been ignored or misunderstood and not reflected in the design of new works. Such irreversible change will reduce the degree of World Heritage significance of the entire WHS Acquisition and reclamation of foreshore land. Land reclamation triggers re-development and affects the foreshore character. In particular, it affects the overall visual character and urban form of the shoreline- a formerly unique feature of this Straits settlement. Such irreversible change will reduce the degree of World Heritage significance of the entire WHS 19

20 ARCHAEOLOGY (ii) (ii) FORT CORNWALLIS The importance of the archaeological resource in the World Heritage site is often overlooked in the pursuit of development gains. Archaeological material is destroyed before it is fully researched, understood and recorded Lack of maintenance and management of the place. The opportunity to learn from authentic material from the past that has been well preserved underground will be lost forever if this highly important aspect of historical evidence is swept aside in re-development works before it has been fully researched, understood, recorded and in some cases, conserved. Protection of archaeological material is important because of its long-term value as learning resources. It must be fully investigated, researched and understood. It should be destroyed only in exceptional circumstances and only following proper recording. The lack of maintenance will cause damage and disrepair to the fort. Destruction of the fort diminishes the potential for memory of people and events of great importance. (ii) URBAN FORM Urban form is disrupted by excessively large developments, foreign roof forms, large signboards, poor colour schemes and other non-traditional elements Poorly designed and poorly integrated new works impact adversely on vistas, town scape urban form and heritage fabric in direct and indirect ways. Some new works make it hard to appreciate the legacy of history in the older buildings and urban values. Unsympathetic new addition and changes authenticity which in turn affects the degree of World Heritage significance of the WHS. 20

21 INTANGIBLE OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUES (OUV S) ATTRIBUTES Criterion Attribute Issue Photo (Issue) How attribute could be impacted by change Best Practise (iii) 1.0 Wholesales Spice Trading The magnitude and volume of this traditional form of business has shrunk to be smaller and more domesticated in nature. Wholesale spice trading may eventually be phased out. The communities directly involved in this business may lose their livelihoods one day. 2.0 Transportation 2.1 Sampan and Ferry Reduced demand for ferry services as a viable mode of transportation by the locals. The existing Penang bridge and the newly constructed 2 nd bridge are alternative routes to link the island to the mainland, thus, reducing the use of the existing ferry service at Weld Quay. The ferry\sampan will lose original function as a vital mode of transportation for the locals. Discontinuity of the ferry service would cause a loss of identity and sever links between Penang and their sea trading heritage. (ii) 2.2 Trishaw The old time trishaw trip has been overtaken by faster and more comfortable modes of modern transportation. Trishaw peddling as an economic activity may eventually be phased out. As a result, George Town may lose the sight of trishaws on its roads as well as lose the unique experience of riding in one. The trishaw may remain as a tourist attraction only and no longer as a means of transportation for the locals. 21

22 Criterion Attribute Issue Photo (Issue) How attribute could be impacted by change Best Practise 3.0 Local Gastronomy Establishment of modern bistros If left unchecked, the local gastronomic scene - Hawker centre, Street food and international focused food will be gradually overtaken by the uncontrolled outlets in the World Heritage Site is growth of modern café culture as newly competing with and displacing local refurbished heritage buildings are turned into businesses. modern café/restaurant serving tourists. This threatens street food hawkers. Additionally, (iii) the rising middle class in Penang prefer and opt to dine in Western-style cafes and bistros to traditional hawker centres. 4.0 Street of Harmony 4.1 Clan House Indiscriminate changes to key buildings along (ii), (iii), (iv) 4.2 Temple 4.3 Church 4.4 Mosque The street is vulnerable to change of the temple form, change of front court, new buildings, new road side stalls and severe pruning of trees. the Street of Harmony will change the original character, alter the original building forms and temper with the original streetscape and vistas. Examples of undesirable changes include using an open yard as a car park, thus, impacting on the character of the natural land. 5.0 Multi Ethnic LALA / Cross Change of use of shop houses/ Change of original use to commercial activities cultural eating town houses, garish colours that do and loss of original identity impacts on vista not blend and harmonises with and streetscape. (iii) other buildings in the vicinity and closure of five-foot way. More external visitors to these places will cause congestion and inconvenience to the resident population. 22

23 Criterion Attribute Issue Photo (Issue) How attribute could be impacted by change Best Practise (iii) 6.0 Religious Festivals Longstanding ceremonies and festivals involving road closures during processions are being altered to accommodate new concern, Alterations to longstanding customs, including changes of venue, can cause loss of authenticity of certain community events, impacting on the cultural continuity of the events and potentially diminishing their value in the short term and threatening their survival over the long term. (iii) 7.0 Language Traditional languages are falling into disuse. Dialects are disappearing from conversation. E.g. Hokkien is now minimally used by the younger generation. The gradual extinction of local dialects can be seen in the communities of the WHS. Their loss will erode community diversity and identity. (iii) 8.0 Traditional trades and businesses Many of the traditional trades and activities are very demanding and therefore losing appeal for the young, who are not interested in these activities. There is no interest in apprenticeships and no planning for successors. Traditional crafts trades and businesses will be discontinued or displaced by modern methods and businesses, eventually disappearing from use altogether endangering the living heritage of the WHS. Locals are often disinterested and ignorant of the long traditions associated with these activities. 23

24 Criterion Attribute Issue Photo (Issue) How attribute could be impacted by change Best Practise (iii) 9.0 Traditional fabric costume Original techniques of production are threatened by modern techniques, automation and mass production. Decline in demand for authentic costume and materials will result in gradual disappearance of traditional costume and erosion or loss of multi-ethnic identity. (iii) 10.0 Boria There is declining interest in the tradition and practice of Borias. Locals are often disinterested and ignorant towards the activities. The younger generation has little interest. The fading away and ultimate disappearance of traditional cultural activities will result in the loss of multi-ethnic identity and cultural heritage (iii) 11.0 Urban Settlement Gentrification has its downsides, which include de-population and out-migration of urban dwellers to suburbs. Loss of community living in the historic centre and the community s socio-cultural activities that were used in the past to build and hold communities together severely erodes community cohesion and cultural strength. It threatens multicultural values. 24