AN APPRECIATION OF HISTORICAL HOUSES IN MALAYSIA THROUGH THE USABILITY OF VIRTUAL REALITY: A CASE STUDY OF MALAY HOUSES IN KAMPUNG BARU

Abstract

In the last half of the twentieth century, historical building preservation had become an increasingly important issue an had been recognized on local, state, national and international level. The environmental, economic, educational, social and psychological benefits of preservation had been proven from time to time, and should not be underestimated. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of usability on using virtual reality photography application in a way to appreciate and preserve Malay houses at Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur. Attention was given to propose a guideline and educational potential of walkthrough simulations of Malay houses in Kampung Baru through linked virtual reality photography system. One of the most obvious applications of virtual reality was the familiar architecture walkthrough of the structures and the other interior parts of the buildings through a mouse pointer. The possibilities of applying virtual reality technology in city simulations can be used for city planning practice will include the cooperation of Internet GIS and VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language). Users can walk around and fly through the real scene of Malay houses in Kampung Baru in Kuala Lumpur. This research would be pleased to conclude with a short consideration of future development and recommendation relating to the delivery of information and documentations of preserving our historical buildings through virtual environments. Furthermore, through virtual reality, we will discuss how interactive messages can be delivered to the public in a way to appreciate, to protect and to educate the people about our valuable Malay houses in Malaysia. To address these issues, this project will focus on improving and facilitating current methods of recording and documenting historical buildings.