VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

Downtown Yangon, Myanmar has Coloni Tike Khan Residential Blocks constructed between 1880s- 1930s according to Dr. William Montgomerie and Lt. Alexander Fraser’s re-planning to accommodate business, administrative and private residences. These Coloni Tike Khan gained attention in 2012, during Yangon’s urbanization. This emerges challenges in balancing contemporary living needs with the heritage values of local living culture within the domestic interior. This paper investigates interior renovation trends of Coloni Tike Khan units in downtown Yangon, (1) maximum intervention renovations by private owners, (2) mid-scale renovation by organizations such as Doh Eain, and (3) small-scale modifications by local residents. Using qualitative methods, including case study analysis, site observation, and comparative functional evaluation, the research examines how each renovation approach affects spatial quality, functionality, and everyday living practices. The findings indicate that type (1) renovation significantly improve comfort, aesthetics, and building performance, while the type (2) balances heritage preservation and functional adaptability for rental purposes. However, type (3) modifications are poorly done to prioritize immediate, practical needs. This type (3) forms the focus of the research, as it represents the most common form of renovation by local residents for themselves. This paper suggests a set of interior renovation aimed to enhance the small-scale modifications by improving local residents’ long-term livability and heritage value. The suggestions provide renovation approach for local residents, designers and architects supporting sustainable and culturally responsive renovation in Yangon and others such as Manadalay and Thahtone, so local residents can continue to live in these Coloni Tike Khan.
Keywords: Coloni Tike Khan, Heritage Apartment, Livability, Domestic Interior, Renovation