For your reference

2. “ T h e h o u r g l a s s f o r m i s
s o m e t h i n g n e w b u t a s a
s c u l p t u r a l s y m b o l i t
r e p r e s e n t s t h e s p i r i t u a l
e n l i g h t e n m e n t p r o m i s e d
b y p i l g r i m a g e . ”
- h i j j a s k a s t u r i- h i j j a s k a s t u r i

3. contents

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13. architectural layout analysis
Loo (2016) stated that Menara Tabung Haji is
considered as one of the masterpieces of
architecture combining Malay-Islam culture and
modernity. It symbolises an attempt to represent
Islamic architectural identity. Menara Tabung
Haji is generally a circular 38-storey tower built
in tapered and flared form, curved in elevation
and has a circular floor plate design.
Meanwhile, its architectural layout
incorporates Islamic identity with domes,
shallow arches and the use of geometric
patterns which are considered as symbols of
Islam. However, the main thing that strongly
represents Islamic characteristics is not about
the elevation or domes, it is the five circular
structural columns that are arranged surround
the building, indicating the five pillars of faith
in term of Islamic context.
Figure 3.1: Curved concave shape of
Menara Tabung Haji leads to circular floor
plate design
Figure 3.2: Site plan of Menara Tabung
Haji in relation with its surrounding
landscape
Jordan tok wen xuan 0327629
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45. roof/ceiling
Hijjas Kasturi has made a clear motive
to embed an Islamic architecture
style within the tower and the
detailing of these structures are one
of the many expressions of Islamic
elements incorporated.
This geometrical detailing is inspired
by an Islamic form of architectural
ornamentation called ‘muqarnas’
which creates somewhat of a cellular
structure. Although muqarnas is
usually applied on the undersides of
vaults and domes, in this building it is
done on a flat surface with a more
simplistic and modern adaptation.
A more specific style of muqarnas
can be seen in the ceiling of the
interior lobby known as ‘mocárabe’,
also called ‘stalactite vaults’. It
involves a complex geometrical
subtraction leaving hanging vertical
structures resembling stalactites
which are cleverly used as lighting
fixtures. As mentioned also by
McGillick, P. (2006), the stalactite
pattern gives out a sense of
enclosure.
Figure 6.6: Roof of exterior lobby
Figure 6.7: Muqarnas
Figure 6.8: Ceiling of interior lobby
Figure 6.9: Mocárabe
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48. windows
Figure 6.19: Glass curtain wall at entrance
Sunlight
Diffused light &
reduced heat
Reflected heat
A laminated glass curtain wall is used
at the entrance of Menara Tabung
Haji. This is to allow sufficient sunlight
to enter the interior of the entrance
lobby in order for the spaces to be
naturally lighted.
It is also used to increase
transparency for easier navigation for
visitors from rural areas who might
have never visited a high rise building
before, as explained by McGillick, P.
(2006).
In contrast, the windows of the upper
floors which are office levels are all
tinted and glazed. This is to reduce the
direct reflection of sunlight and glaze as
well as heat gain.
This must be done as the tower has a
large number of windows at every side
due to its circular plan thus, the building
will be exposed to sunlight from every
orientation. It is also to provide privacy
to the office floors.
Figure 6.20: Glass curtain wall from interior
Figure 6.21: Tinted windows
Figure 6.22: Lighting of tinted windows
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49. ornamentation
Geometrical ornamentation are well
featured in Islamic architecture.
Some of these patterns comprised of
infinitely repetitive patterns to
symbolize the concept of infinity of
the Islamic God (Canby, 2005).
Geometrical interlaced patterns and
floral motives decorate the interior
and exterior of this building. They are
usually featured on the walls or
cornices of the building.
The floors of the interior lobby and
the exterior entrance are also
decorated with floral motives or
geometrical tiling.
Figure 6.23: Floral pattern in interior lobby
Figure 6.24: Geometry in interior lobby
Figure 6.25: Geometry on lift lobby walls
Figure 6.26: Exterior tiles
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50. Even at the exterior, the staircase
railings are embellished with
unique Islamic geometrical
patterns featuring pointed
arches. Pointed arches are a
prevalent Islamic architecture
component even in historical
periods and are well featured in
mosques.
Islamic calligraphy is also strongly
emphasized and used as an
artistic expression in this tower.
The façade features a large Jawi
inscription of Allah SWT to
emphasize on the purpose of the
building (“Bangunan TH”, n.d.).
This shows how Kasturi has
carefully design even the smallest
elements and details to fit into
the overall conceptual idea of the
building. The ornamentation
further reinforces the Islamic
architectural style without going
over the top to adapt to the
modern context.
Figure 6.27: Staircase railing
Figure 6.28: Inscription of Allah SWT
Figure 6.29: Calligraphy on facade
Figure 6.30: Inscription featured at entrance
Pointed Arch
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