Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the design characteristics of space components observed in Malaysian hotel lobbies. For this study, we conducted a case study on the facades and indoor space components of 15 hotel lobbies in Langkawi and Penang, and drew conclusions as follows. First, designs found in the facades and indoor space components of Malaysian hotel lobbies reflected all of traditional and colonial styles, religious styles including Islamic, and contemporary styles. Second, traditional designs showed rather the modernization of traditions than the preservation of traditions. Particularly in ceilings, walls and windows/doors, conservative or progressive modemization was observed frequently. Third, contemporary designs were mostly formative modernization, and materials and colors still adhered to traditions and nature. Fourth, in applied furniture, traditional wood sculptures were mixed or traditional material rattarn(stems of climbing palms) was utilized actively. Fourth, a large number of designs symbolized the Malaysian first religion Islam. Summing up these results, the common point of designs observed in the facades and indoor space components of Malaysian hotel lobbies was that they were transformed into Malaysian style regardless of whether they were traditional or colonial.