2. Content Page
1.0 Project Background
- 1.1 Introduction
- 1.2 Project Aims
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
- 2.1 Site Introduction
- 2.2 Historical Background
- 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
- 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
- 3.2 Design Intention
- 3.3 Site Issues and Proposed Programs
- 3.4 Design Strategy
- 3.5 Site Response
- 3.6 Spatial Programming
- 3.7 Design Development
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4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies
- 4.1 orientation: Wind and Solar Analysis
- 4.2 Environmental Strategies
- 4.3 Sustainability Concepts
- 4.3.1 Energy Conservation Features
- 4.3.2 Materials
- 4.3.3 Innovation
- 4.4 Structural Concept
5.0 Compilation of Final Presentation Boards
6.0 References
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3. 1.0 Project Background
1.1 Introduction
The design brief calls for the proposal of a City Lobby along Jalan Trus of Johor Bahru, Johor. The proposed City Lobby would become a landmark of the city which caters
to the needs of the public and community. The proposed City Lobby would be leaning towards the cultural aspects of Johor, mainly in the sector of arts. Around the site
lies multiple pieces of art such as murals, statues as well as statement pieces hidden along the alleyways of the city. These pieces of art represents the artistic side of
Johor Bahru which is slowly dying out and is a something the City Lobby is also trying to prevent.
The proposed City Lobby would also aim to be the art hub of Johor Bahru due to the lack of art related buildings and organisations in Johor. Aside from that, it also aims
to be a breathing space within the city where greenery is used to break up and contrast the concrete jungle which is Johor Bahru. At night, the city comes to life through its
bazaar held by the locals which has a wide coverage in the town. The City Lobby can also be used to accommodate the stall vendors when needed.
1.2 Project Aims
● Establish a central hub for art in Johor Bahru for the locals and foreigners.
● Create a green space to provide a break from the surrounding concrete jungle of Johor Bahru.
● To establish a space for the public’s use in which can be used throughout the day.
● To create a space for the bazaar vendors to use at night.
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4. 2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
2.1 Site Introduction
The site is located by Jalan Trus, the main road
through the city. It is surrounded mainly by
small shop lots as well as a few tall banks such
as CIMB and OCBC. It is also surrounded by
multiple cafes and eateries which usually
attract the morning crowd of people.
The roads are narrow and congested
throughout the day due to double-parking
which are partially due to the parking touts in
the area who are helping drivers double-park.
During the night, the bazaar opens up for
business, bringing out the night-life but also
bringing about more traffic congestion.
The site also receives the sea breeze from the
South which provides the area with a natural
and windy breeze during the day.
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5. 2.2 Historical Background
The city was once a fishing village which slowly began to evolve to become the gateway to another country. The city started as small fishing villages connected to the river
which community slowly grew in size. Years later, the town would undergo development during the era of invasion from foreign powers. This would help steer Johor Bahru to
become the city it is today.
Originally a fishing village known as
Tanjung Puteri, the town was renamed
to Iskandar Puteri in 1858 and then
Johor Bahru by Sultan Abu Bakar in
1866. The town was declared as the
capital of Johor.
In 1879, the Segget Market opened at
Sungai Segget island, which is where the
current site sits upon.
1850s - 1900s
In August 1919, the Johor Causeway
was built to cater the expanding trade
industry with a connecting railway.
1900s - 1920s 1920s - 1940s 2000s onwards
The town underwent major development
during the 1920s with the Johor Causeway
having its upgrading works done to
accommodate both rail and road.
The Indian communities built their residence
alongside a Hindu and Sikh temple along
Jalan Trus and the Sultan Ibrahim Building
began construction in 1938.
Since the 2000s, Johor Bahru had
developed into a metropolitan with the
third largest population in Malaysia.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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6. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Land Use
FINANCE BUILDINGS
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
INSTITUTION BUILDINGS
EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
VACANT BUILDINGS
OFFICE BUILDINGS
PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDINGS
VOID
SOLID
MARKET
The site is made up of mainly commercial buildings which are active during the
day and are mostly run by the Indian and Chinese population of Johor Bahru. The
commercial sector in Johor Bahru mainly consists on eateries and cafes which
cater mostly to the morning working crowd before they head to work. Certain
eateries and cafes also attract the attention of the foreign crowd which mainly
come from Singapore. There are also many other shops which sell daily
necessities all around the city.
There are also 2 religious buildings North of the site with one being a Buddhist
temple and another being a Hindu temple. The Buddhist temple is active during
the day while the Hindu temple is more active during the night with the active
ringing of bells and the night crowd.
At night, the commercial shop lots will close and the bazaar would open for
business. This bazaar is un mainly by the local Malay population. Multiple roads
would close for the business to run as the stall are set up on the roads itself. This
causes congestion by Jalan Trus as the bazaar extends to the other side of Jalan
Trus which brings the movement of pedestrians across the road, causing the
vehicular-pedestrian congestion to rise.
The bazaar is one of the main features of Johor Bahru as well as one of the local
population’s source of income.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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7. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Landmarks (Vehicular)
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2
3
4
5
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8
9
10
12
11
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
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7
6
12
Many landmarks can be found in Johor Bahru which
mainly comprise of the large and tall buildings which
stand out from the rest. These buildings are usually
made for commercial use or are religious buildings.
These large buildings can be easily spotted when
passing by in a vehicle and can be used for wayfinding
and navigating.
1. Old Temple of Johor Bahru
2. Johor City Square
3. Gurdwara Sahib Johor Bahru
4. UTC Johor Bahru
5. Hindu Temple
6. Bank Negara Johor Bahru
7. HSBC bank
8. Car park
9. OCBC Bank
10. CIMB Bank
11. Hong Leong Bank
12. IPD Johor Bahru
Vehicular Circulation Landmarks
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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8. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Landmarks (Pedestrian)
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
11
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
There also landmarks which are more easily recognised
when moving about through Johor Bahru on foot. These
landmarks are mainly the shops themselves and other
smaller details of the site.
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
1
5
3
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1. Madura Shop
2. Bazar karat
3. Ya Wang Restraunt
4. Tokyo Marine building
5. Container Food court
6. Hua Min Kopitiam
7. Mamak shop
8. Flowers in the Window Cafe
9. UNITAR University
10. Hiap Joo Bakery
11. Laluan Kebudayaan gate
Human Circulation Landmarks
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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9. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Vehicular Circulation and Points of Conflict (Day)
A
D
B
C
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
D
Main path
Major path
Minor path
Point of conflict
Main path
The main path borders the town and becomes
the main entry points into the town.
Major path
The major path through the site is the most
congested due to the double parking by the
road.
Minor path
The lesser roads in the town which opens up
paths throughout the site like veins.
Points of conflict
The local culture of parking jockeys and
double parking has caused a one lane
circulation in the town which causes
congestion. The intersection causes conflict
in traffic between vehicles and people within
the town.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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10. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Vehicular Circulation and Points of Conflict (Night)
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
D
Main path
Major path
Minor path
Point of conflict
Main path and Bazaar Karat
At night, the main path is more congested due
to the bazaar and the paths which changed.
The main path will then be more congested
due to the extended bazaar and the moving
pedestrians.
Major path
The major path now cuts through the town
leading to the main path due to the bazaar.
Minor path
The minor paths have changed due to the
bazaar which is now used for human
circulation.
Points of conflict
The points of conflict are now mainly with the
people at the bazaar, making travelling the site
on foot slightly dangerous. The town also
seems more lively due to the slow traffic.
A
B
E
C
D
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
B
A
C
E
D
Main path
Major path
Minor path
Point of conflict
Bazaar Karat
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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11. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Pedestrian Circulation (Day)
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
D
Main path
Major path
Minor path
Point of conflict
Primary Human Circulation
Primary human circulation that are primarily
found nearby roads or roadsides. Mainly used by
both locals and visitors alike. Easily accessible for
pedestrians to get around the town.
Secondary human circulation
Secondary human circulation that runs through
shop lot blocks. Mainly used by locals or those
whom are familiar with the paths. Often hidden
between blocks.
Transient zones
Transient zones by which can be used to bridge
from one block to the other.
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
B
A
C
E
D
Main path
Major path
Minor path
Point of conflict
Bazaar Karat
A
B
C
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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12. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Pedestrian Circulation (Night)
A
B
C
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Jalan Segget
Walkways @Jalan Ungku Puan
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
A
B
C
Primary Human Circulation
Primary human circulation changed as it
transitions from day to night, shifting with the
bazaar as it comes up for business.
Secondary human circulation
Giving priority to pedestrians as vehicles can
no longer access main paths such as Jln
Segget & Jln Tan Hiok Nee. The main paths are
then used by the pedestrians and the bazaar
until it closes.
Some circulation paths remain within the
designated walkways just as they are during
day time. These paths are constant through the
day.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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13. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Nodes + Human Density (Day)
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Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
4
Meldrum Walk
3
Hindu Temple
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7
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
The Hindu temple is active at 7am where the
Hindu devotees carry out their morning
practices and prayers before going about
their day.
There is a row of eateries selling local food
for the lunch crowd as well as later in the
night but the traffic is heavier during the day.
The Heritage Walk along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
has some famous eateries along the street as
well as a famous shop selling banana cakes.
This particular street has the highest
concentration of foreign visitors in the area.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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14. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
- Nodes + Human Density (Day)
The Hindu temple is more active during night
hours. Ringing its bells to call upon devotees for
prayers.
The storefront and walkways of Jalan Wong
Ah Fook get more active during the night
where activities start to take place be it active
or passive. Illicit activities also start taking
place at this hour around the area.
Aside from the bazaar, another place where
an empty area becomes crowded and lively is
the Hookah District which becomes a
gathering spot with eateries and shisha hubs.
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5
6
JalanwongAhFook
Jalan Ibrahim
JalanTrus
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
1
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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15. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
The identity of Johor Bahru lies on the people moving around it, leaving tracks of their movements in the town and creating a sense of movement art. The constant
changing of the town to suit the activities at the particular time of day which supports the neverending amounts of people in the town is one of the main features which is
special. Another big thing about Johor Bahru is that the local culture of parking touts and double parking has shaped the town particularly the area around the site where
roads have become narrower and more congested which slows down everyone’s day but brings about a livelier town due to the slow traffic.
Aside from the hustle and bustle of the busy town, the dying of the artistic and cultural side of Johor is turning the town into a mindless working community where
everything done on a daily basis is for money and survival alone. The art pieces around Johor Bahru are scattered and hidden throughout the town for keen observers to
pick out. The lack of greenery is also a sad sight as the concrete jungle only grow more and more and has already overpowered the once green area.
The artistic and cultural side of Johor should be preserved and kept alive before it dies out completely due to the straight working mindset of the modern day. This would
keep the history and culture of old Johor alive.
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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16. 2.3 Macro Site Analysis
2.0 Site Introduction and Contextual Studies
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17. Human Density
Afternoon (12-4pm)
3.1 Micro Site Analysis
Human Density
Morning (9-12pm)
Early crowds visit the local businesses for
goods and supplies.The kopitiams attract both
locals and tourists for a hearty brunch.
These places attract both the morning working
class as well as the foreign visitors to visit before
they go on about with their daily lives.
offices
finance/pawn
residential
local business
religious
F&B/leisure
bazaar/market
Human Density
Evening (4-7pm)
The cultural streets are visited frequently for
meals or shopping. Local businesses see most
activity during the afternoon hours such as the
banana bread bakery as well as the snacks
shops along the same street.
The bazaar shopkeepers begin setting up their
stalls which in turn forces some roads to be
closed for the bazaar’s use. The bazaar stretches
across the entire site creeping across roads and
into streets.
Certain eateries are left open for the night crowd
as well as the opening of the Hookah Districts
which have food as well as shisha.
Human Density
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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18. 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
offices
finance/pawn
residential
local business
religious
F&B/leisure
Jalan Segget offers a low sense of enclosure with
its parking setting, enabling activity to thrive while
having large amounts of space overhead. The
Northern part of the site is comprised of low rise
shop lots which gives a larger view of the skyline
and also gives it a more open feeling.
The South part of the site are covered with
high-rise buildings which are used as banks. These
tall buildings limit the view of the sky and the sea.
Due to their tall height, these tall buildings funnel
the sea breeze into the site area during the day
which provides a good amount of natural
ventilation to the site.
2:1 Ratio
1:1 Ratio
Proximity
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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19. 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
The site is relatively enclosed by low rise buildings and a few high rise buildings which
are the banks. These buildings form a perimeter around the site and turns it into a plaza
where activities can take place and events can be held.
The large difference in height between buildings can only be seen between the banks and
the 2 storey shop lots. This creates a gradual climb of heights in the area between
buildings.
2 storeys
7 storeys
2 storeys
7 storeys
2 storeys
Skyline
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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20. 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Strength - Coastal wind from the South gets funneled into the site area as natural ventilation
- High amounts of traffic around the site area in both human and vehicular aspects.
- Site is very accessible on foot with covered walkways from the surrounding shoplots.
- Site area has greenery which provides natural shading in the area.
Weakness - Narrow roads and double parking causes high traffic congestion.
- Lack of public spaces in the area for gatherings and public activities.
- A lack of greenery to provide sufficient shading for the entire site.
- One-way roads contribute to the traffic congestion in the area.
Opportunity - To create an open public space for activities and an area to showcase art.
- To create a green space with more trees and greenery to shade and cool down the hot
town.
- A space for the bazaar stall vendors to use instead of taking up road space.
- To create a breathing space for the congested and busy town of Johor Bahru.
Threat - The noise from the traffic is almost always present throughout the day and night.
- Entry to the site via vehicle will be difficult due to the already congested roads.
- Johor experiences high temperatures very often.
The site possesses its fair share of positives and negatives but shows that it has potential to flourish as a new
development which could make use of the natural elements such as the sea breeze and the strong sunlight during
the day which can be used for natural lighting and ventilation.
There are elements of the site which can improved such as the lack of greenery and the tight spaces within the
town. The city lobby can also be designed to accommodate the bazaar stall vendors to in a sense, give back the
public a part of the space. Another aspect to place into importance is the connectivity as well as to not obstruct
movement of pedestrians and users through the site.
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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21. 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
Precedent Study 1
Victor Hugo Market
Internationally known for its culinary options, the newly renovated scheme highlights its two uses,
market and car park, whose fluctuating activity throughout the day brings intense pedestrian
and vehicular flow to an already dense urban fabric. The ceiling is raised at the market space
to create a double-volume space for a better atmosphere in the space. There are also entry
points in and out of the building from all 4 sides to allow uninterrupted movement through the
building. There are also 2 separated vehicular access points into the carpark with a serrated
car park to match the parking grid design.
Uniform and accessible ground level
to serve as a pedestrian-friendly
public space.
Raised walkway connected to the
market allows viewing decks above
street level.
Ground-level
Market
M&E
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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22. 3.1 Micro Site Analysis
Precedent Study 2
Taichung City Cultural Center
The Taichung City Cultural Center focuses on the two Yin and Yang forces in its design as they
were to design a library and a fine arts museum building which were to co-exist with one another.
The spatial arrangement of library and art museum are planned to confront and interact at the
same time, giving the positive effect to each other.
The cultural center uses the concept of rationality and sensibility in their design where they
would represent the library and the fine arts museum respectively. These were made to be
done to compliment each other instead of being in conflict with one another.
The spaces are designed with large open spaces for exhibitions, skylights for natural lighting
as well as double-volume spaces for a more spacious setting. Greenery is also implemented
around the building to give it a more softer look and feeling rather than an aggressive blocky
building. The building is also designed in the form of a terrace with different floors being able
to look into and interact with each other.
The cultural center also implements an air-tunnel system which is installed in the basement
which would reduce cooling and heating costs. It will neutralise the air temperature and flow it
into the room air. The central valley also creates a natural airflow which will cool down the
entire building. The greenery also helps with reflecting the sunlight into the building.
The building also makes use of bridges for connectivity from one block to another. This would
also provide overhead cover for the spaces below.
Bridges and connections
North Elevation South ElevationTerraced
View Corridors Central Void
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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23. 3.2 Design Intention
Located by Jalan Trus, the site sits in the middle of 4 roads where one of the roads is the main road which cuts through the town. The site is also located in the middle of
various nodes varying from banks, eateries and other commercial buildings. It lays as an abandoned project and has since been turned into a car park lot which has a lot of
potential to be the new node and landmark of the town.
The proposed city lobby would cover the aspects of art and culture while adapting greenery into its design to provide the town with a green breathing space to contrast the
hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle in Johor Bahru. The scattered art around Johor would have a central hub where art can be taught, exhibited and preserved through
the art centre/museum. This would help create public spaces for events as well as help produce a new generation of a more artistically articulated generation which in hopes
will save the dying cultures and art of Johor.
The centre would have entrances at all sides of the building to refrain from blocking the connection and circulation through the site. The building is also designed in a terrace
form which would allow for activities and events to be held even on the upper floors and the on the garden roof as well. The facade is made of mechanical vertical timber
louvers which can open and close at certain points of the building for events or for other purposes. Adaptability is greatly considered to allow the use of space to change
according to the activities and events held at the time. The centre is also designed to accommodate the stalls from the bazaar as they bleed into the central split.
3.3 Site Issues and Proposed Programs
The site lacks an attraction and something to tie in the scattered pieces all around Johor Bahru. The feeling you get in the area would be stale and mundane as there is a lack
of optional and social activities in the area as the day only revolves around business for the day without any parks or place for leisure activities to be carried out. The town is
currently used mainly as a transition town where people only pass by to move between countries as well as using the town to only get necessities.
The lack of diversity in buildings has also been an issue with all the shop lots using the same standard design from when they first built the town up. A fresh take is needed to
bring back the crowds of people to Johor Bahru, a new icon.
The art and culture centre along with the greenery proposed aims to eliminate these thoughts of an empty town with activities and workshops which would impart knowledge
of art and culture to visitors, both local and foreign. It is also a platform for local artists to promote themselves to the visiting communities. Workshops and exhibitions would
be held to teach and show the old and modern art of Johor and Malaysia to visitors.
3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
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24. 3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
3.4 Design Strategy
Traffic and Main Entrance
The highest amount of traffic comes from Jalan
Trus which is a two-lane street turned into a single
lane street due to parking touts and double-parking.
Due to this, the main entrance would be made on
the opposite side with the lowest amount of traffic
in hopes to even out the congestion around the site.
The entrance for the service vehicles would be the
same as the regular visitors and would be located in
the basement.
Central Split
The central split is designed to become the main
circulation through the site as well as an open
space where events and activities could be held.
The events and activities from the event/exhibition
hall could bleed into the spaces for events. The
central split is also utilised as a tunnel which the
sea breeze would be brought into after entering the
site area and being split by the building’s sharp
angle.
Entrances and Bazaar
The centre is designed with 4 entrances to provide
an uninterrupted circulation path and easy access
through the site. The central split is made to
accommodate the stalls during the bazaar at night.
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25. 3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
3.5 Site Response
1. The exhibition hall/event space is designed
with a triple-volume void to allow more light
to enter to give the room a bigger feeling.
2. The main entrance is shaded to protect the
visitors from the sun and rain.
3. The library bridge and balcony provide
seating, natural lighting and ventilation as
well as views around the site.
4. The garden cafe is designed to bc
surrounded by the greenery which bleeds
into the central split.
5. The timber deck bridge bridges the 2
blocks while providing some slight shade
to the areas below.
6. Certain areas in the facade are left bare for
ventilations and permanent views of the
outside.
7. Certain empty walls such as those of the
service cores are left without a facade and
are used for banners and posters.
8. Pedestrian shading is added to shade the
path by Southern entrance while blocking
the view of the cars entering and leaving
the basement parking.
9. The green ring wraps around the perimeter
of the building with parts of it bleeding into
the building itself.
10. Mechanical vertical timber louvers are used
as the facade which will allow the use of
natural light and ventilation. The can also
be closed to adapt to the events being
held.
11. The green roof is a usable space where
people can host activities and events.
1
2
3
4
5
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7
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9
10
11
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26. 3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
3.6 Spatial Programming
1
4
5
6
3
7
8
1. Cafe by the greenery
2. Kitchen
3. Small art supply store
4. Exhibition/event space
2
5. Workshop 1
6. Workshop 2
7. Gallery/museum
8. Statue room
1. The cafe has a view of the greenery which bleeds into the
central split giving the cafe a very natural feeling.
2. The exterior wall of the kitchen can be used for banners
and posters.
3. The small art supply store sells art supplies to the public
as well as supply the materials for the workshops on the
first floor.
4. The exhibition and public space adapts and changes to
suit the event and activity held and the time and can
bleed out into the central split.
5. The workshops on the first floor can be used for separate
classes or opened up to form a large space.
7. The gallery space on the first floor is to display
permanent works of art.
8. The statue room overlooks the exhibition/event area.
The building is designed where the most public accessible
spaces are on the ground floor such as the exhibition and
event spaces as well as the cafe.
The first floor would have the semi-private workshops as well
as the permanent gallery and the statue room.
The building is split into 2 parts which are the active block (left)
and the passive block (right). Spaces like the exhibition and
event space as well as the workshops are also made to be able
to adapt to activities and changes.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Public Spaces
Semi-Private Spaces
Private Spaces 26
27. 3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
3.6 Spatial Programming
Second Floor Plan
Roof Plan
9. Collab/Meeting Rooms
10. Admin offices
11. Library Balcony
12. Library Bridge
13. Main Library
14. Library seating
15. Usable green roof
9. The collab and meeting rooms are on the second floor
away from the public for more privacy.
10. The administrative offices are also placed on a high level
to be set away from the public view.
11. The library balcony allows users to rest and relax on by
the balcony with natural lighting and ventilation.
12. The connecting bridge doubles as a partial library with
seating and books which leads to the balcony.
13. The main library houses the counter and the staff along
with a majority of the books.
14. The seating is extended into the space above the
exhibition space.
15. The open green roof is a usable space with seating and
platforms.
A majority of the walls are lined with mechanical vertical timber
louvers which can open and close at certain areas to form
different patterns and shading to adapt to different events.
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10
13
14
11
12
15.
Public Spaces
Semi-Private Spaces
Private Spaces 27
28. 3.0 Design Intentions and Strategies
3.7 Design Development
A basic block was used to
visualise a large space
which was then broken
apart.
The block was split into 2
to separate the passive
and active activities as
well as to create the
central split to use as the
public space. It will also
act as the connecting
space between the 2
blocks.
The blocks were given a
more organic shape to
simulate natural valleys
and cliff edges and how
the buildings in the area
wall up the site.
The 2 blocks were then
broken down and made
into terrace like blocks
which provided visual
interaction when on the
terrace.
A bridge was added to
connect the 2 blocks
while providing shade to
the area below it.
Mechanical vertical timber
louvers were then added
as the facade for the
versatility and
effectiveness of it to
provide shading and
ventilation.
28
29. 4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies
4.1 Orientation: Wind and Solar Analysis
Wind
The wind from the site mainly stems from the sea breeze which comes from the sea
located South of the site, in-between Malaysia and Singapore. This breeze is strong
during the day especially when being funneled into the site area via the tall
buildings which border the site. This creates a wind tunnel which would bring
natural ventilation into the site area.
Tall buildings
Wind Path
Sun
The sun path starts from the East to West of the site with its sunlight being blocked
at the earliest time due to the tall buildings located on the East side of the site. The
art centre is lined with vertical timber louvers which can help shade the building
from the sun especially on the East and West side where the sun will cross. The
louvers can also adapt to the movement of the sun and close when needed.
4.2 Environmental Strategies
The environment of the site has the advantage of the strong sea breeze as well as
ample amount of sunlight during the day. This is also due to the surrounding
buildings which funnel the breeze into the site area as well as the taller buildings
which block some of the sunlight during the early morning as well as the shorter
buildings which do not obstruct the natural lighting during the evening.
The greenery in the area however is lacking and needs improvement for better
shading of the area as well as to cool down the temperature of the site during the
day and night.
29
30. 4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies
4.3 Sustainability Concepts
4.3.1 Energy Conservation Features
Wind
The wind can be brought in through the central split or through the gaps
between the mechanical vertical timber louvers for natural ventilation which
will help save on costs during the day.
Sun
The sun can be utilised for natural lighting during the day through the main
spaces as well as the open spaces. When the sunlight gets too intense or if
less light is needed, the mechanical louvers can be closed. The sunlight
can be used to light up the main spaces such as the library bridge, the
exhibition hall as well as the workshops.
Greenery
The lack of greenery is a downside of the site which can be improved by
creating a green ring around the site while also planting trees to cool down
the site and to provide shading to the area. The green roof would help move
the building towards the GBI certification as well as help reduce the
temperature of the site while providing a more natural aspect to the
concrete site.
The green ring forms a perimeter
around the building and has pathways
to cross the green ring to get into the
building itself.
The green roof is made to shade and
serve as a performance area or a
place to hold events while doubling as
a natural cooling feature.
Trees are planted around the building
while making sure to not block the
main features of the building as well
as the walls for posters and banners.
4.3.2 Materials
The walls of the building are made of precast concrete as well as Low-E
glass which would reflect heat away from the building as well as protect
furniture and other assets from UV fading. The mechanical louvers are
made of timber to provide the building with a natural look as well as to put
less stress onto the building to lift it. The area and roof are lined with
greenery for sustainability and cooling.
4.3.3 Innovation
The mechanical vertical timber louvers can be controlled to close at certain
parts of the art centre for shading or to close it off from the public. This
creates a dynamic moving facade which can be changed to suit the
situation as well as the activity.
30
31. 4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies
4.4 Structural Concept
The building is designed using precast and RC concrete columns and beams as its
structural support with its foundations going through the basement parking lots and into
the ground for the load transfer. The building is also designed with a 8x8m grid for a
streamline building system for its structural properties while also taking the parking lots
for cars into consideration as they would fit perfectly into the 8x8m grids.
8x8m grid basement plan
Floor to Floor section 31
32. 4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies
CAll out B (Facade Connection)
Call out A (Garden Roof)
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