JOHOR HISTORICAL BUILDING DOCUMENTATION: GALERI DATO’ ONN

GALERI DATO’ ONN

This study was undertaken to document JKR Building 525, also known as the Dato’ Onn Gallery in Batu Pahat, as one of Johor’s significant heritage assets. The building is not only closely associated with the legacy of Dato’ Onn Ja’afar, but also reflects the architectural development of colonial government officers’ residences and the evolution of the building’s function within the historical landscape of Batu Pahat. The findings indicate that the Dato’ Onn Gallery possesses outstanding historical, architectural, social, and symbolic significance. The building exemplifies the architectural style of Late Colonial Government Quarters, which has been adapted to the tropical climate and local building traditions, while retaining much of its original character despite undergoing several functional changes and physical alterations throughout its period of use. The study further demonstrates the close relationship between the historical development of Batu Pahat, the formation of its urban identity and the evolution of Johor’s architectural heritage, all of which provide the historical context for the building’s significance. Overall, this study provides comprehensive historical and technical documentation that serves as a valuable reference in formulating sustainable strategies for the preservation, conservation, and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. It is anticipated that the findings will contribute to strengthening knowledge of Johor’s built heritage while supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard the Dato’ Onn Gallery as a heritage asset of both the state and the nation.