Belonging Beyond Borders
Malaysian Diaspora in Bayswater, London
Hao Feng Chuah (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.M.K. Hanna – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
The Malaysian diaspora is defined by migration histories and cultural reinventions that have long influenced the preservation of heritage in new societal landscapes all over the world throughout time. This thesis examines the diasporic identity of Malaysians with a focus on the area of Bayswater, London. It draws on architectural history, sensory ethnography, and spatial analysis to explore how physical sites and intangible practices foster a resilient sense of belonging. Engaging with ongoing discussions about cultural hybridity and appropriation, this thesis argues that the diasporic identity goes beyond simply replicating traditional heritage. Instead, it reflects a continuous negotiation between past and present. Interviews, observations, and photographic documentation show that everyday experiences and shared memories are central to maintaining a vibrant urban heritage.