Lessons Learned from Conservation of Malaysia ’ s Parliament House
By Ar . Zuraina Leily bt Awalludin Acasys Design & Environmental Architects Sdn Bhd
HERITAGE
Figure 1 : Aerial view of the Parliament Complex just after completion in year 1963 ( Photo source : Parliament Archives )
The construction of Malaysia ’ s Parliament House started in 1961 and was completed in 1963 . The implementation of the building project was carried out by the Public Works Department ( PWD ) Malaysia . The building was designed by architect William Ivor Shipley , a British national working in PWD at the time . The Parliament complex sits on a 15-hectare site . Initially the Parliament complex consisted of the Main Block , the Tower Block , the Annex Block as well as a Grandstand at the Parade Ground .
The Main Block has four levels including a service basement and houses the Dewan Rakyat ( House of Representatives ), the Dewan Negara ( House of Senate ), the Banquet Hall , the offices of the Speakers , the Deputy Speakers , Committee Rooms , the Royal Room , library , surau and cafeteria . The Main Block is attached to the Tower Block by a link bridge . The Tower Block which was originally used by the Members of Parliament consists of 17 storeys with a service and lift motor room on level 18 .
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