Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) officially launched the book, Kuala Lumpur And Masjid Jamek: A Timeless Estuary, A Landmark Mosque, A Unique History today (Oct 20), which also marked its first ebook release.
The main focus of the book is on the early illustrations of Masjid Jamek, known as the 1906-1908 Architectural Illustration of Masjid Jamek, which was donated to PAM by Peter Barbor, grandson of Arthur Benison (AB) Hubback, the mosque's architect.
The illustration was successfully listed as a national heritage in 2018 through the effort of PAM's Heritage and Conservation Committee.
PAM president Assoc Prof Sarly Adre Sarkum said a book on the historical Masjid Jamek is important because he believes that "without looking into our history, we cannot forge a better future".
"Why I say that the analysis of the past is key to unlocking the future is because we are creatures of evolution. We make mistakes in the past and correct them in the future. Therefore by remembering our past, only then can we create a better future," he said at the launch.
(Far left) Zulkhairi with (third from left) Sarly, (fourth from left) PAM past president Tan Pei Ing, (third from right) Jesse Kah Ingland, managing director of Wonderbuuk, and other PAM members at the launch of the 'Kuala Lumpur And Masjid Jamek' book at the PAM Centre.
Kuala Lumpur And Masjid Jamek's project leader, architect Datuk Zulkhairi Md Zain, said the idea for the book first came about in 2018 after PAM's exhibition of A.B. Hubback's work in 2014 at the National Textile Museum Kuala Lumpur.
He added that the book was made possible due to the work of eight writers – all with an architectural academic background – who contributed to it, among them, professor of architecture Dr Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, who is also a columnist with The Star.
Kuala Lumpur And Masjid Jamek project coordinator Dr Nor Hayati Hussain said that, at first, their idea was to commemorate the illustration as a national heritage with a simple book, highlighting the architect and the mosque's beautiful architecture.
"However, we looked at the illustration and felt that it was more than just a building to be remembered. There were many aspects attached to it – the people, the city, the history, culture, and so on.
"So we wanted to capture as many aspects as possible in the book that gravitates around the illustration, with the hope that the reader will understand the connection between architecture and people, place, culture, history, politics, aesthetics, material, construction... the list goes on," she said.
Nor Hayati added that Masjid Jamek is seen as a manifestation of the city's growth, reflecting the British colonial initiative to provide architectural masterpieces for religious purposes for city dwellers.
"Thus the book is a compilation of articles on Kuala Lumpur's history and Masjid Jamek, the first mosque by the British in KL. The book takes us on a historical journey from the 1800s to recent times, focusing on social culture and architectural achievements.
"My view is that this book conveys three points: Firstly, that architecture, culture and history are inseparable. Architecture cannot be understood without comprehensive writings on architecture.
"Secondly, it's about architectural conservation. To conserve a building, both the tangible and intangible aspects should be considered. Buildings should not be just treated as monuments. As much as possible, they should be a part of us today and for the future. "Lastly, our idea is to share the book and all the information in it within a larger atmosphere, hence the introduction of the ebook. The ebook platform is a step forward by the PAM resource centre to encourage members and others to join forces to write and tell stories – stories that make change and provide reference for future generations," she said.
Kuala Lumpur And Masjid Jamek is priced at RM150 per copy and is also available as an ebook on Wonderbuuk.
