My visit to the Galeri Rumah Lat in Batu Gajah, Perak, about two years ago evokes memories of the philosophy that underpins the design of a wooden house on stilts. It also emphasizes how Datuk Lat's formative years have motivated the country, incorporating a mix of humor and innocence, interwoven with diverse cultures in a harmonious way.
The house is constructed on elevated wooden stilts to mitigate flooding, deter wild animals, and enhance airflow beneath the structure. The area beneath the house can serve as a space for relaxation and for neighbours to visit while enjoying afternoon tea and the refreshing breeze from the rice fields or gardens.
It is not surprising that environmental and community factors are highly prioritized in village life, such as living in harmony and fostering cooperation.
The numerous wooden windows, the walls that do not reach the roof, and the plank floors featuring small gaps facilitate air circulation, thereby maintaining a cool environment within the house. The soft breeze that flows into the area, particularly when paired with sunlight, fosters a warm and tranquil ambiance.
This traditional village residence is segmented into a verandah space designated for welcoming guests, a maternal dwelling serving as the family room, and a kitchen structure located at the rear for fire safety purposes. Examining the design of this village house, each architectural element imparts significance and comfort to daily life; even in the absence of advanced equipment or cutting-edge technology, life continues to be lived.
Consider this dressing table placed next to a window that allows natural light and fresh air to enter, enabling a smooth preparation process without reliance on artificial lighting and fans.
Reflect on the importance of valuing life as it is and expressing gratitude for the experiences of the day.
At the same time, the vibrant greenery of nature and the wide-open windows provide vitamin D, which is advantageous for the body and soothes the eye muscles, aiding in mental peace. However, it is now essential for us to venture outside our homes and into the garden to receive this gift, especially for those residing in urban environments.
At times, we neglect in our pursuit of modernization that certain elements of life have become inaccessible and have been lost over time. Wealth and status become nothing more than distant dreams.
We hasten forward without considering the timing of our aspirations, oblivious to how significantly they can enhance our happiness, mental health, and overall well-being.
The core of village life is not concealed within that house replica; rather, every aspect of house construction holds significance in facilitating a comfortable and peaceful living environment.
I believe that Datuk Lat's living environment has influenced his legacy in comics and serves as an inspiration to the nation, demonstrating how life can elevate one's status in the eyes of the world.
Ana Muzi (mzpenakarya210821@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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