The May 13 Memorial Museum for Peace & Unity is an architectural response to one of Malaysia’s most pivotal and painful historical events—the racial riots of May 13, 1969. This incident marked a dark chapter in the nation’s history, characterized by ethnic violence and societal division. The project is situated in Padang Merbok, a significant site bridging Malaysia’s past and present, located near Dataran Merdeka, the birthplace of independence. The museum seeks to confront the scars left by the riots while fostering dialogue, education, and reconciliation in a multi-ethnic society. The primary goal of this project is to heal the lingering divisions and remove the stigma.

The May 13 Memorial Museum for Peace & Unity uses a phenomenological approach to immerse visitors in the stories of the May 13, 1969, tragedy, presenting a balanced and multifaceted narrative. Through carefully designed spaces, the museum invites visitors to experience the emotions tied to the event—fear, grief, hope, and unity—by engaging with exhibits that weave together government accounts, survivor testimonies, and personal perspectives. This approach allows visitors to reflect deeply and form their own unbiased understanding of the event. The architectural design emphasizes emotional resonance, with each space guiding visitors through a sequence of historical events and personal stories. From entry to exit, the spatial journey transitions from the somber retelling of the tragedy to a hopeful vision of reconciliation, fostering empathy and critical engagement. The museum aims to educate visitors not only about the event’s causes and impact but also about the importance of fostering unity in a multiethnic society. This integration of storytelling and spatial design offers a unique solution to the challenge of remembering a painful history while inspiring progress toward a harmonious future.

The May 13 Memorial Museum emphasizes innovative materiality and structural ingenuity to reflect sustainability and resilience. Recycled polyethylene tarpaulin, sourced from heavy-duty truck coverings, is repurposed for the roofing, showcasing adaptability and reducing waste. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is used for floor slabs, offering strength and sustainability, while the sub-basement walls and structural components are crafted from reinforced Timbercrete, incorporating sawdust from local timber industries for enhanced insulation and reduced carbon footprint. Corten steel columns provide durability and weather resistance, symbolizing resilience and permanence while requiring minimal maintenance over time. The living columns, extending from the sub-basement to the ground level, integrate photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy, underscoring the project’s environmental commitment. Prefabrication techniques are employed for the Timbercrete walls, silo sections, and LVL elements, enabling precise assembly on-site, reducing construction waste, and expediting timelines. This structural and material strategy aligns functionality with a narrative of sustainability and cultural sensitivity.