double function

1. Bachelor of Science (Hon.) (Architecture)
Theories of Architecture & Urbanism
[ARC 3233]
Project 2:
Analyzing & Theorizing Architecture
Name and Student ID:
Elaine Bong Poh Hui || 0310432
Tutor:
Mr. Lam Shen Fei

2. Contradictory Levels: The Double-FunctioningElement
Introduction
In our modern era, our capital the Kuala Lumpur city centre has advanced from its
previous humble roots to a massively developed cityscape where all the financial and
economic sectors are located and business transactions are made endlessly on a daily
basis. This large scale multipurpose development area covering over “Jalan
Ampang”, “Jalan P. Ramlee”, until “Jalan Pinang” stretches an impressive 100 acres
and houses numerous of Malaysia’s most prominent example of architecture.
Amongst those examples exist the G-Tower, a modern monument to Malaysian
architecture, is a mixed development structure compromising of retail spaces, hotel
service apartments, offices and diverse set of other functions. Being strategically
located at the crossroads of “Jalan Tun Razak” and “Jalan Ampang,” this 30 storey
building covers a total land area of 2000m² encompasses a 180 5-star hotel rooms,
112 CEO duplex office and a club designed by “BEP Akitek” under Goldis Tower and
construction was completed in June 2009. The G-Tower was designed will a mostly
glass based façade which relates to the client’s interest towards buildings as Modern
Art Deco designs similar to jewellery (Goldis Berhad, n.d.).
Robert Venturi’s “Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture” shows Venturi’s
ideology - double function - of observing things as individual parts by parts rather than
its complete whole, which he does by linking everything together causing the end
product to be comprehensible. The above mention theory of double functions also
encompasses the concept of double meaning which can most easily be portrayed by
an example of a column that can act both as an art decoration while simultaneously
serving as a structural element.
From that theory, the adaptation of this double functioning element will be identified
within and around the grounds of the G-Tower be it to improve the overall aesthetical
value. The double meaning that will be present exist in having a dominant - an initially
obvious - meaning within a certain layout or design whilst serving a secondary function
that may be less noticeable unless intentionally observed; both ultimately serves to
provide benefits to its intended occupants.

3. Dual Expression
Upon entering the grounds of the G-Tower, the most noticeable feature-aside from its
grandeur entrance (Figure 1) - would be the vegetation covers along its supportive
column reaching a height almost equivalent to reaching the ceiling. These column acts
as an expression of a more nature inspired design and atmosphere compared to its
dull supportive counterpart. The purpose of implementing the crawlers that are
growing upon the cover around the column (Figure 2) aside from creating an aesthetic
and cooling effect towards oncoming viewers, it also seeks to create a visual sense of
continuation from the plantation that are growing on the surface directly below the
column. These plants also sit upon a sort of pedestal surrounded by a water body, this
base elevates the column above ground level giving it a very monumental appearance
worthy of the entrance of such a building.
This column serves more than just an artistic expression that it appears, but rather
acts a shading element and a separation device between the interior space and the
exterior region of the entrance; shading the interior from the early morning sunlight
and its glare (Figure 3). This illustration of creating a continuous link comes from an
example of Robert Rauchenberg’s “Pilgrim” which he seeks to show how the still life
of a chair was able to make connection with art. The surface pattern from the artwork
continues from its stretcher canvas onto the actual physical chair placed in front of the
canvas, making an ambiguous pattern between a painting and a piece of furniture,
and on another level, the work of art in a room (Venturi, 1966). To link spaces together,
the same medium being the vegetation cover in this case, is used to create a visual
continuity from the façade towards the interior.
Deceiving Appearance
Being known for its eco-friendly nature, the G-Tower have numerous facilities that
serve to conserve, recycle and reuse as is their concept. One such innovative feature
is the fish ponds of the G-Tower; a system that helped them achieve their certification
for being a green building. This system while elaborate follows a certain order. The
rain harvesting system collects rain water which then goes through a specifically
engineered water re-circulation system and then cleaned water is the used both
landscape irrigation as well as for housing the organically raised fish (Figure 4). Aside

4. from being an efficient method of reducing water consumption, also provides the fish
growing within the pond to be nurtured in a pollution and stress free environment. The
organically grown fish are later retrieved and is checked for edibility before being
brought to the kitchen to be cooking and served for customer’s consumption (Figure
6). This entire process is an example of Robert Venturi’s perspective on a deceiving
appearance whereby users will be able to enjoy the entertaining design of having a
fish pond without knowing that is merely a camouflage, a façade. This feature is similar
to Mies’ and Johnson’s Seagram Building that excludes functions other than offices,
and by using a similar wall pattern camouflages the fact that at the top there is a
difference kind of space for mechanical equipment (Venturi, 1966).
Dual Function
After moving to the upper section of the building, the bridge bar (Figure 7), a private
space located on the 28th floor and is available for members only, becomes the most
interesting feature reminiscent of the bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers. It portrays
the concept of dual function whereby it acts not only as a bridge/corridor that connects
the two block of hotel service apartment but simultaneously function as a room serving
an alternative function of being a bar for occupants of the hotel. Recognition of the
reality that in the total fabric of a town each type of building contains signifiers that
denote its identity and function, guiding and reassuring the citizens as they go about
their daily lives (Hearn, 2003). The guests that first visited the place would not have
recognised the bridge as a structural element but just a room or a corridor that
connects two spaces. Venturi (1966) mentions that a room can have many functions
at the same time or different times. Kahn prefers the gallery because it is both
directional yet non-directional, a corridor and a room at once. Based upon that, the
function of the room is based on what it is used for besides its initial design as a
structural element. The bridge bar not only provides a linear circulation along the
middle for guest who merely wish to pass through to the other side, along with seating
areas provided closer to the edges of the bar as the sides provide a better view of the
cityscape no matter the time of day (Figure 10). Since the position of the bridge bar is
atop the highest portion of the building, occupants within the hotel may come to de-

5. stress and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views while enjoying a delicious meal of their
choice.
As a whole, the theme of the G-Tower being “work, stay, play” under a single hub is
an ideal example of the integration of Venturi’s dual function of architecture in our time,
embodying retail, hotel and office under a single room. Similar to another instance
Venturi (1966) provides involving the P.S.F.S that radiates a positive expression
through its wide range variety and complexity of its programs. The integration of shops
on the first floor and a big bank on the second with offices above even a special
purpose rooms at the peak. While other buildings within the district may serve a similar
business based community to G-Tower, they however don’t provide any other facilities
such as club lounges, function rooms, and an outlet that serves food and beverages
to their business personnel. This integration of a work and entertainment environment
under a single roof suitably exemplifies Venturi’s views a dual function and dual
expression concept, not just a space that serves two separate functions but rather a
space that allows for mutual relationship between functions for the comfort and
enjoyment of the guest.
Conclusion
The ability to focus on individual details, where other would not notice, like Robert
Venturi who with the tendency to create interesting and memorable spaces from his
designs. A common person within our society while being so exposed to information
from the internet are still unable to grasp the actual intention that a certain architects
design may want to portray seeing as they are not involved or concern in anyway
continue with their own personal observations. Whether they know it or not,
architecture has played a major role through the decades and centuries and revolves
around people and architects continues to improve the benefits they can be provided
to our community and future generations to come. Personal observations suggest that
even the most minor of details that are designed may bring life to an otherwise bleak
surrounding and may be beneficial to their users; similar to how the fish in the pond
that may appear to be specifically there for aesthetic reasons can in fact be retrieved
for the enjoyment of the palate. The bridge bar may considered a social succession
as it allows for guests who merely wish to pass through to be exposed to a new

6. experience, dining on a bridge above with a beautiful view of the city line below. The
extension of the green element from the base onto the column stretching towards the
ceiling of the lobby creates a unique perspective as a symbolism of minimal numbers
of trees within the city, the columns themselves serve two simultaneous function yet
express different intentions. Design is in fact made more intriguing when we take the
time to notice and observe this finer details around us, as it is based on opinion and
interpretation to which every single person has their own. The building itself acts a
haven that seeks to introduce the element of greenery to the dull cityscape, as was
the clients interest with jewellery, the G-Tower stands today as an actual diamond in
the rough. A small sprout growing out from amongst the concrete jungle.
References
GayaTravel,. (2012). Bridge Bar G-Tower Hotel. Retrieved from
http://www.gayatravel.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Bridge-Bar-01-
1764x700.jpg
Goldis Berhad,. gtower: a sustainable tower. Retrieved 20 June 2015, from
http://www.goldis.com/media/doc/Architecture%20Malaysia%20G%20Tower%20a%
20Sustainable%20Tower.pdf
GTower Hotel,. (2015). GTower Hotel. Retrieved from
http://gtowerhotel.com/home.html
Hearn, F. (2003). Implications of Robert Venturi's theory of architecture. Facta
Universitatis - Series: Architecture And Civil Engineering, 2(5), 357-363.
doi:10.2298/fuace0305357h
MSC Malaysia,. (2012). G-Tower Map. Retrieved from
http://www.mscmalaysia.my/sites/default/files/cybercities/GTower_Map.jpg
Venturi, R. (1966). Complexityand contradiction in architecture (pp. 34-35). New York:
Museum of Modern Art.