1. Architecture of Brunei
The most authentic and oldest form of architecture in Brunei is domestic (home)
architecture. Since most of the country lies on the water, wooden stilt houses were
the living arrangements formost of time as they tend to be fairly open to let in the
breeze to cool the houses. Although the people have moved away from this style of
house to more modern amenities, Kampong Ayer is still home to many houses in this
style.
Over time the architectural styles changed slowly and with no great leaps other than
with the introduction of Islam. As a part of the trading world forhundreds of years
Indian and Chinese influences slowly entered the region, but it wasn't until about the
1400s when Islam arrived did the style change greatly. The greatest change at this
time wasn't in style, but rather in structure as mosques and other Islamic buildings
were constructed.
Since this time little has changed; the British added some changes, but more
importantly brought in new building techniques and materials to be used and most
of the country's commercial, public, and religious buildings today are built with this
new technology.
Among the greatest buildings in the country, first among them is the Sultan Omar Ali
Saifuddien Mosque (1958) in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Royal Palace of the Sultan of
Brunei is also an architectural masterpiece and is again very symbolic of the local
architecture.
