Architecture of Friction: The Administrative Archive of a Post-War Penang Architect, Lim Soo Loon and Son (1946–1957)

You are cordially invited to attend the exhibition:

Architecture of Friction: The Administrative Archive of a Post-War Penang Architect, Lim Soo Loon and Son (1946–1957)

Location: Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Architectural and Urban Heritage (TTCL_Centre) 54-56 Jalan Tan Cheng Lock, Malacca.
Date: 23 May 2026, 2.00- 5.00pm (Official opening, by invitation only)
Open to the public (on Saturdays 2.00 to 5.00pm) till 20 June 2026.

The working folders in the form of ‘history of buildings’ annotate the documentary lines of projects undertaken by Lim Soo Loon and his son, Lim Yong Fong, a relatively low-keyed Asiatic architectural practice in Penang from 1930-1960. Because of the dire absence of the documentation materials and ephemerals associated with post-war architectural practices in the Straits Settlements, the materials disclosed provide us with an opportunity to examine the processes of the period’s work; and,more importantly as evidence of institutional, social and practical obstacles in bringing the simplest of projects to fruition in a colonial urban setting. Thus, the notion of ‘friction’ from without, as opposed to those formed within the practice, namely the constant adaptation of the design skill sets and legacies to meet new demands of style and functions.

Contact person: Wong Yunn Chii

Program Details:
2.00 PM – Opening Welcome & Remarks: Dr Wong Yunn Chii
2.00 PM – Opening Address: Prof J Widodo, Director TTCL-Centre
2.15 PM – Introduction to the works of Lim Soo Loon & Son: Dr Jon Lim Sun Hock, author of two comprehensive books on Penang Architecture in Malaysia history
2.30 PM – Curatorial angle of the Exhibition: Dr Wong Yunn Chii (NUS Hon. Fellow)
2.45 PM – Prof J Widodo declares the exhibition open. Walk around

3.00 PM – Tea Refreshment served. Questions and answers entertained informally.