This project looks at the problem of climate change and impact of global warming, specifically rising temperatures in the island of Penang in Malaysia where there has been a 6.37°C increase in the highest and lowest recorded surface temperatures between 1998 and 2019. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity and coverage of heatwaves in Malaysia, with higher temperatures increasing heat-related illnesses, especially among the young, elderly, and women.
This research looks at how traditional building techniques and materials can be harnessed to reduce heat and carbon emissions and improve well-being. It seeks to identify ways to adapt to, and mitigate against, the impacts of climate change in the urban environment in the World Heritage Site of George Town in Penang, Malaysia, by learning from and promoting the use of traditional building techniques and materials, with the working hypothesis being that traditional building materials and techniques reduce heat and carbon emissions, improve comfort and safeguard the authenticity of heritage buildings.
How can traditional building techniques and materials help reduce heat and carbon emissions, and safeguard the authenticity and integrity of heritage buildings in George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS)?
How have the UHI effect and climate change impacted temperatures in GTWHS?
Are areas immediately adjacent to heritage buildings cooler than equivalent areas adjacent to modern buildings?
How do traditional building techniques and materials compare with modern equivalents in terms of their carbon footprint?
What is the current local knowledge base and capacity for the use of traditional building techniques and materials?
What are the current attitudes to the adoption of traditional building techniques and materials?
How economically feasible is it to produce and scale up traditional building materials?
