The façade of heritage shophouses is the tangible aspect responsible for the character of historical streets in Melaka. Since the UNESCO World Heritage listing, Melaka has experienced a surge in tourism activity. This has resulted in owners and tenants renovating their heritage shophouse to capitalise on the economic boom. A comprehensive understanding of façade design features is the crucial criterion for good exterior restoration work. The description for shophouse façade design elements is singular in literature.

Conversely, it is subjectively more complicated in actual practice. Hence, this study analyses the façade of heritage shophouses along Heeren Street and reviews their possible variations. The research undertook a qualitative approach where photographs are used as primary data and interpreted using thematic frameworks. Three categories of variations are identified: (i)variation within the architectural style, (ii)integration of decorative element from another architectural style, and (iii)structure hybridisation between architectural styles. The study suggested the variations due to the ‘whims’ are seen on the decorative element influenced by the culture. The ‘trend’ is responsible for structure hybridisation. The data is then extrapolated in the mosaic mapping to review the relationship between architectural styles and the street’s character. The research has suggested the authenticity level and concluded that 25.42% of the sample along Heeren Street are in their authentic condition. This research fills the gaps in the lack of reference for façade design elements and variation for future conservation work to ensures that the Outstanding Universal Values of Melaka World H

eritage Site (WHS) remains intact.

So, what is authentic? The ordinary fake or the ageing real.