COMMUNITY MORALITY AND SPATIAL PRACTICE OF MELAYU MELAKA SOCIAL VALUES IN MALACCA TRADITIONAL HOUSE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2026.9.1.882Abstract
Abstract: This paper examines how the deep-seated moralistic values of the Melayu Melaka community dynamically shape, regulate, and sustain the spatial, material, and symbolic dimensions of residential architecture in Malacca. Rooted in centuries of historical layering characterized by profound Islamization, mercantile cosmopolitanism, and local adat (customary laws), this community expresses its value system through the meticulous organization of domestic space, rituals of dwelling, material culture, and architectural ornamentation. The synthesis of regional influences cultivates a unique architectural identity that manifests the community's ethical worldview. Employing a qualitative, interpretive methodology grounded in architectural anthropology, vernacular studies, and cultural history, this study integrates spatial analysis with socio-cultural observation. The paper argues that core Melayu Melaka moralistic values specifically adab, profound religiosity, communal cooperation, and social harmony are materially encoded within traditional house typologies. This encoding is prominently evident in hierarchical spatial sequencing: from the public serambi used for hosting guests, to the highly private rumah ibu reserved for family intimacy, ensuring that modesty and religious protocols are seamlessly maintained. By analyzing classical kampung houses, the research reveals how these moral frameworks inform physical forms, construction methods, threshold rituals, and domestic aesthetics while functioning as active cultural drivers. They continuously mediate social relations, reinforce collective identity, and regulate the rhythms of everyday life. Ultimately, the research concludes that the traditional Melayu Melaka house operates as a living moral architecture, a spatial text continually negotiated across generations. As rapid urbanization and global tourism threaten to commodify or erase these vernacular landscapes, safeguarding this integrated moral-architectural heritage is crucial. It is vital not only for historical preservation but for sustaining local cultural resilience amidst contemporary modernization.
Keywords: Melayu Melaka; Vernacular Architecture; Spatial Practice; Moral Values; Malay Traditional House; Architectural Anthropology; Cultural Heritage.
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