In 1957, Malaysia gained its independence from years of colonisation. At that point, an important move for nation-building was a monumental task for the nation-state. Now, over half – a century later, the initiative of nation-building through architecture and the built environment has multiplied, transcending from the vernacular language of a building into a more contemporary architectural style. The architecture and its built environment processes include the marriage of the country’s history, religion, culture, and languages that results in the animation of such conversation medium through time, passing on from one generation to another. As it should, architecture indeed is public art.

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The relationship between nation-building and the notion of an independent country is through ideology, function, and design. Drawing back to the first handful of the buildings that emerged in the first couple of decades, post-independence, the goal was to portray a country that is unified and politically stable. While at it, the form-making and façade are indigenous to the country’s populace as well as Malaysia's unique climate. This uniqueness instantly helps make our nation-building an icon of our home country.

 

The Nation Building archive is a collection of memories and significant knowledge about the built environment and its tales. A total of 10 buildings are identified to be the first set of Malaysia National Buildings ranging from religious institutions, and administrative buildings to sports facilities that have and still serve as an icon to our beloved country. For the narrative of the beholder, the collection includes paramount information that has to be sealed to set a boundary of information being handed down to future generations. While in all, for the history that has built the country until today, these buildings are here to stay in our memories forevermore.