What is Shophouse?
Shophouse is a structure with some specific architectural features characteristic of Southeast Asia during the colonial era. Shofouses was built in large numbers from the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, and although many of them were demolished during the reconstruction of the 20th century, some persisted. Today, from this period they are considered an iconic example of southeastern Asian architecture. Similar structures can be seen in other regions of the world, including parts of Latin America and the Caribbean islands. The structure is two to three stories in height, with a narrow face and a long length. The lower floor was designed to suit a commercial business such as a shop, restaurant or light production facilities, while the upper floor or floors are designed for use in residentials.
Historically, several families could be or converted for use as a rail -lecture. The so -called chofouses were shofouses, which were strongly modified to suit large groups of people. These structures were often highly notHygienic and characterized by Warren small rooms and cubes used by residents.
Shophouse is designed to be built in a terraced design, with a range of shofouses that adjacent to each other along the street. Every shofouse shares walls with adjacent structures. The overlap in the front of the house extends the living spaces and creates a covered arcade. This arcade is known as "five feet" and was actually required by the Building Act in some southeast cities historically.
Although five feet belong to Shophouse, it is a public sidewalk that can use passers -by. It provides shelter from the wild tropical sun and periodic rainstorms characteristic of the region, which is very practical. Innercourtyards and ventilation shafts in the back of the Shophouse allow light and air penetration so that the structure does not become oppressible or stuffy, while the closures can be used to o o oWindow protection during strong weather and air current through shophouse.
Today, in some parts of Southeast Asia, Shofouses continues to be used as mixed work/living buildings. There is also a live business in the architectural community when buying the starting structures and their renovation for residential use. Reconed Shophusses can raise a high price in the real estate market in some areas of Southeast Asia.