Post Independence Malaysian Architecture

1. TABLEOFCONTENTS
STADIUM MERDEKA
BANGUNAN GETAH ASLI
STADIUM NEGARA
PARLIAMENT MALAYSIA
DEWAN TUNKU CANSELOR
TNB HEADQUARTERS
1-5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
26-30
REFERENCES 31
A DIAGRAMMATIC ANALYSIS OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA
POST-INDEPENDENCE
MALAYSIAN
ARCHITECTURE
by the students of Taylor’s UNiversity
August Intake 2017
1962
Officially
opened
STADIUMNEGARAJalanStadium,50150KualaLumpur.
ARCHITECT
Stanley Jewkes
YEAR
1962
FUNCTION
Sport event and concerts.
DESCRIPTION
Located upon Petaling Hill, the “Acropolis” of Kuala Lumpur,
sits
three stadiums that mark Malaysia’s growth in architec-
ture post-independence. Among them is the earthen
bowl with the unsupported “bicycle spoke” roof used
to host Malaysia’s most monumental badminton
match – The Thomas Cup. Stadium Negara once
open air, had a flat dome added onto it to provide
shade from the weather. Currently, the stadium
is capable of housing different type of events,
including concerts and sports events. Besides,
the stadium which has 10,000 permanent
seats is now fully air conditioned.
TIMELINE
1949
Malaya won the
first Thomas Cup
1952
Host the
Thomas Cup
1960
Stadium
Negara built
September 7 1963
named one of the 8
symbolic buildings
of Malaysia
1980
flat dome
added
Massing
• Flat dome on top of a cylindrical block is simple in form
with clear lines (modernist)
• General form of building creates circular floor plan for
circulation, hierarchy and ventilation purposes
• Large scale and use of concrete is visually heavy, showing
prominence building as the first indoor stadium
Symmetry
• The stadium has symmetrical balance to complement the
radial circulation, guiding the focus of the user to the stage
of the stadium where the axis of symmetry converges
Hierarchy
• The seating arrangements within the stadiums displays
a sequential order of importance. The highest being that
of the row at the very bottom, closes to the central field;
where various events and tournaments takes place.
• The order of seating arrangements causes the field to be
the centre of attention.
Circulation
• The stadium features an open use space that reflects a
centralized configuration.
• Static component:
The central open field where all events takes place
• Dynamic component:
From the entrance leading into the stadium itself.
• The stadium has 14 access points and 3 main entrances
which are the Main Entrance, Gate 3 and Gate 4. There are
3 tunneled walkways which provide access to the center
field.
Emphasis on Horizontal and Vertical Planes
• The use of horizontal planes is common throughout the
stadium. Clealy found at the top most level of the stadium,
walkways and the entrance floor.
• Uniform sense of verticality around the exterior perimeter
walls. These elements are subtle in other parts of the
stadium such as the columns supporting the cantilevered
roof and the lighting pylons.
Form & Function
• Elliptical layout. Though the roof is made up of a series
of curve reinforced concrete pieces, they generally form a
simple rectangular canopy above the stadium.
• The cantilevered concrete shell roof adopts a simple
and modest design which provides shading from the sun
and rain.
• The simplicity and clarity in design principles reflects the
character of the nation then.
Balance by Positive & Negative
• The stadium is the solid and the spaces that are created
within the stadium are the voids.
• This interpretation of the concept is reliant on the spaces
that accommodate general activities and the spaces that
do not.
Repetition & Rhythm
• The seats within the stadium are built in an elliptical
form which are then consistently repeated in a hierarchical
fashion.
• The roof of the stadium is a repetition of 15 semi-circular
concrete arches supported by 16 support columns.
• The unconventional approach to the roof design reflects
the architectural leap in which the traditional Malayan
architectural style is rejected while preserving the spirit of
the nation at the time.
Open Floor Plan, Ventilation & Lighting
• The stadium features an uncovered arena except for
the cantilevered concrete roof on the West end of the
stadium.
• Due to its open-air structure, the stadium receives a lot
of natural lighting and guarantees consistent ventilation
which generally flows from the North-East end of the
stadium.
Honesty in Materiality
• Conforming to its simplistic design principles, the stadium
features minimal usage of materials.
• The seats within the stadium are made of technological
advanced materials such as reinforced concrete and in
other parts, timber planks. Whereas the cantilevered roof is
also made of reinforced concrete which could provide cover
for 3000 spectators.
Symmetry and Balance
• In terms of balance, Stadium Merdeka features a clear
state of conceptual equilibrium across its horizontal and
vertical axis; which divides the structure from the West to
East end, and North to South end respectively.
• Based on its front and side façade the stadium shares
similar elements on both sides of the balance line.
Structure
• Old building contains structural walls, concrete beams
and columns and does not need as much structural
support as new building as it’s shorter
• New building’s supported by marble columns as well as
reinforced concrete walls to create an open floor plan
Spatial Hierachy
• Old building more open to public as it consists of basic
facilities such as cafeteria and bank.
• Higher floor of old building is a private space.
• New building is mostly private space except for entrance
lobby.
Natural light
• Building design with curtain wall windows to allow nat-
ural light to enter from all sides
• Enhance thermal comfort in area and provides better
visual sense for both building
• Cafeteria receives most light in old building, Visually
inviting.
Symmetry
• Both buildings are in the form of a cuboid and have a
rectangular plan
• New building has a central vertical axis of symmetry
• Sturdy and balanced form shows influence and power of
the early rubber company
Repetition
• Long vertical strips of glass windows are repeated
throughout front wall of building, allowing in natural light
and giving it a sense of organisation and coherence.
Massing
• Adopts form follow function ideal
• Forms two rectangular blocks, showing a simple design
to allow more functional space.
• Unity is achieved through simple shapes.
Circulation
• Both buildings have separate entrances, the old one with
a large opening and the new one with a glass door.
• Circulation of old building follows rectangular path of
form and leads to connecting bridge towards new building
• New building has linear circulation leading from lobby
to higher floors separated through vertical circulation.
Air ventilation
• Center of old building has water feature that cools the
air around it
• Old building is built with an open air concept to encour-
age cross ventilation, combatting Malaysia’s climate.
• New building has linear air flow that enters through
entrance and windows placed on every floor.
Additive and subtraction
• Connecting bridge is added between the old and new
building
• Cuboid block is added on top of new building, acting as
an access to the rooftop.
• Ground floor is subtracted to allow higher floors to create
an overhang for the main entrance.
Materials
• Black tinted aluminium curtain wall used for windows to
allow light transmission to interior and reduce heat
• Concrete used for walls and flooring to provide smooth
surface and strong structure
• Marbles used as columns of new building to give grand
look and provide support for structure
Ventilation
• Cross-ventilation through openings is used to combat hot
and humid climate of Malaysia
• Cylindrical form allows wind to curve around building and
flow into openings from bicycle spokes, front entrance and
triangular egg crate recessed windows.
• Concrete tiered seats are placed on a concrete ring that
creates an air chamber for internal ventilation.
Natural light
• Space is entirely naturally lit in daytime, reducing the
need for artificial lighting
• Lighting enters indirectly through the bicycle spokes,
acting as a clerestory.
• Main Entrance is naturally lit by glass louvre windows and
triangular egg crate recessed windows.
Repetition
• Use of circles to form dome, tiered seats, earthen bowl
creates visual connection.
• Bicycle spokes, egg crate windows and roof structure
disrupt repetition of circles using rectangular and
triangular shapes.
• Repetition of basic geometry provides sun shade and
ventilation as well as visual interest.
Circulation
• Use of radial circulation following the shape of stadium to
direct large crowds to seats
• Main entrance leads general public into interior of stadi-
um,tethen branches into 3 arena entrances for public to
access tiered seats
• Backstage entrance located at back of building, private
use for entrance of performers, sportsmen etc.
Structure
• The use of a geodesic structure for the dome channels
the weight of the roof in a radial arrangement.
• Load-bearing elements placed in reinforced concrete
walls.
• The stadium has an open floor plan that is reminiscent of
modernist architecture.
Materiality
• The use of steel and glass at the entrance relieves the
visual heaviness of the walls at the main entrance.
• Visual expression of structure of roof allows the light roof to
look well supported
• Seats are made of different materials in each section to
denote the different spaces.
Hierarchy
• Seats are arranged in hierarchical way, with focus on stage
in middle of circle
• Private spaces are located straight from the main entrance.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
13
14
15
16
GROUPC
GROUPB
GROUPA
steel
concrete
polycarbonate
movement through space
stage
VIP/ front seat
concrete seats
light ray
egg crate window
bicycle spoke
air flow
aluminium
concrete
marble
air flow
movement through space
light ray
private
semi-private
public
movement through space

2. GROUP A
Shannon Yeong Xen Jie 0328316
Sheik Irfaan Mustun 0332012
Sheryl Tan Jo Shing 0326466
Su Bang Zhen 0323160
Sunny Chung Cheng Hong 0326961
GROUP B
Tan Chee Kin 0327799
Tan Shu Yen 0324383
Tan Tee Jane 0323640
Tan Tze Yeong 0326856
Tan Yew Chin 0327623
Tan Yow Hue 0327550
GROUP C
Tan Zhi Ying 0327853
Tan Zi Wen 0327759
Tang Soon Foo 0330958
Tasnia Aziz Aninda 0331468
Tay Yeun Jing 0328239
Terence Thia Hou Yet 0327661
All images and diagrams are produced by students from Taylor’s University
REFERENCE- Anak Wilayah. 2016. History of Stadium Merdeka. [ONLINE] Available at: https://anakwilayah.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/history-of-stadi-
um-merdeka/. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- GNU. 2007. Parliament of Malaysia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/p/Parliament_of_Malaysia.htm.
[Accessed 3 October 2017].
- KLCC-office.com. 2017. Bangunan Getah Asli. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.klcc-office.com/index.php?go=properties&id=74&loca-
tion=1. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Plan N Design. 2016. Characteristics Of Modern Architecture, People Love. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.planndesign.com/arti-
cles/2796-characteristics-modern-architecture-people-love. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
Propwall.my. 2017. Bangunan Getah Asli, KLCC. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.propwall.my/klcc/bangunan_getah_asli. [Accessed 3
October 2017].
- Skyscrapercity.com. 2017. MENARA GETAH ASLI REDEVELOPMENT | Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Ampang). [ONLINE] Available at: http://ww-
w.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1522724. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Star Media Group Berhad. 2017. The role of modernist architecture in Malaysia after Merdeka. [ONLINE] Available at: http://ww-
w.star2.com/culture/arts/2017/07/22/modernist-architecture-after-merdeka/#lYmV8p7TcLeCFTFC.99. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Tenaga Nasional Berhad. 2017. History of Tenaga Nasional Berhad. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.tnb.com.my/about-tnb/history.
[Accessed 3 October 2017].
- The Chen Voon Fee Trust. 2016. BANGUNAN GETAH ASLI. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.chenvoonfeerc.org/article-of-the-month.
[Accessed 3 October 2017].
- The Star Online. 2017. TNB to set up new corporate HQ designed by Woods Bagot Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/busi-
ness/business-news/2016/01/28/tnb-to-set-up-new-corporate-hq-designed-by-woods-bagot/#jm2mvMSyAU5tvpLT.99. [ONLINE] Available
at: http://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2016/01/28/tnb-to-set-up-new-corporate-hq-designed-by-woods-bagot/. [Accessed
3 October 2017].
- University Malaya educational site. 2017. Tenaga Nasional Berhad. [ONLINE] Available at: http://studentsre-
po.um.edu.my/2626/6/BAB_3.pdf. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Visit KL. 2014. Merdeka Stadium. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/index.php?r=column/c-
three&id=75&place_id=921. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Wikipedia Bahasa Melayu. 2007. Dewan Tunku Canselor. [ONLINE] Available
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2017. Parliament of Malaysia. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_Ma-
laysia. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2017. Stadium Merdeka. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_Merdeka.
[Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Wikipedia. 2017. Stadium Negara. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_Negara. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
- Yeang, K., 1992. The Architecture of Malaysia. 1st ed. Kuala Lumpur: Pepin Press.
- Yeang, K., 2007. Building Merdeka: Independence Architecture in Kuala Lumpur 1957-1966. 1st ed. Kuala Lumpur: Galeri Petronas
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).
31
DEWANTUNKUCANSELOR50603KualaLumpur,Selangor,MalaysiaARCHITECT
Datuk Kington Loo of BEP Architect
YEAR
1965
FUNCTION
Mostly for events and
assemblies.
DESCRIPTION
Prominent in form and brutal in materials,
Dewan Tunku Canselor has become an icon
in Universiti Malaya. With its significance in
the young educational institute, it was
named after Malaysia’s first prime minister,
Tunku Abdul Rahman. The two and a half
storey building consists of a great hall and
a foyer that til today still functions as the
venue for convocation ceremonies and
various other programmes. Alike all
historical tragedies, the building went
down in flames in 2001, burning
down the roof, but leaving the
durable concrete walls and
foundation unscathed.
STYLE
Brutalism inspired heavily by Swiss-French architect, Le
Cobusier. The textures of the wooden forms in which the
concrete is poured into is maintained and blatantly
revealed on the sureface of the unadorned reinforced
concrete, resulting in an exterior that is daunting, uncompli-
cated yet stealthily intricated. The strip traces all along the
building are mark left by the wooden constrution moulds
and were left on purpose to fulfil the honesty in materials
proposed in the concept of Brutalism architecture.
1965
Hall finished
construction
June 25, 1966
Officiated by
Tunku Abdul
Rahman
1969-1971
Stage installed for
British Council ballet
performance
June 29, 2001
Hall burnt
down
1969-1971
Stage installed for
British Council
Massing
• The building is made of a main cuboid with half-cylinders
that deviate the mass from the cuboid.
• A brutalist trait evident in our building is the top heavy roof
signifying the dominant presence of the building.
Symmetry and axis
• The axis of symmetry is located centrally along north and
south axis.
• This central axis enhances the building’s linear circulation
reaching the main hall located in the middle of the building.
Repetition
• Bries soleil on façade on front wall and waffle slab on foyer
ceiling expresses the repetition of the rectangular form, creating
a visual continuity.
• The repeated cylindrical stairwells also breaks the
monotonous repetition of the rectangles to create a visual
interest.
Circulation
• Linear circulation is primarily used in the building from foyer
to backstage, with side entrances along the hall.
• Public circulation in located entirely in foyer and hall, private
circulation extends from them in the stairwell and backstage.
Natural Light
• Bries soleil on the façade are angular, acting as both sun
shade and visual aesthetics.
• Shadows cast on facade create transient spaces in the foyer,
enhancing the dramatic effect of brutalist architecture.
Materiality
• Concrete is used heavily throughout the building, common in
brutalism.
• Concrete has textures left behind by wooden cast, creating an
unpretentious honesty in materials.
• However, the main hall has timber finishing, giving it an
unexpected spatial experience: strong and heavy exterior con-
trasted with a warm interior.
Ventilation
• The building utilises angled bries soleil to encourage cross
ventilation in the building.
• The double volume foyer and hall encourages the stack effect,
cooling down the building
Organisation of space
• Arrangement of the different spaces dictates how the users
move themselves in and out of the space, enhanced by the use
of linear circulation.
A.foyer
B. Main hall
C. Projection room
D. Bilik anjung
E. VIP room
F. Backstage
G. Reflection pool
Hierarchy
• Spatial hierarchy can be clearly seen through the size of
space, with the focus at the main hall followed by the foyer,
and the VIP rooms.
Structure
• Open floor plan of building is therefore free, without use of
columns.
• Load- bearing portions are mostly in reinforced concrete walls.
Circulation
• Circulation is very direct
• Main entrance and the rear entrance aligned on an axis
• Focuses more on spatial utilization rather than design
Massing
• Building image as totality is a rectangular block
• Design in this form to allow more utilization of space
• Simplicity in form
• Adopts Form follow its function ideal
Natural Light
• Honeycomb façade with sunken in windows is placed
on north of building, acting as a shading device that
allows in indirect sunlight.
• Building placed perpendicular to solar axis, blocking out
most of the sunlight throughout the day, saving energy
use.
• Angled lines are subtracted on all 4 sides of each unit to
allow in sunlight to light up interior.
Air ventilation
• Building is high in space, allowing stack effect to occur,
cooling the interior of building
• Open floor plan allows air to ventilate freely from en-
trance to exit in the lobby.
• Windows that are adjustable encourage cross
ventilation in office spaces of building.
Symmetry
• Central vertical axis divides building into symmetrical
parts, showing a clear equilibrium in form
• Visual heaviness of concrete block is distributed evenly,
showing stability.
• Simple design focusing more on providing space
utilization rather than design
Repetitions
• Rectangles are repeated throughout elements in the
entire building, creating visual continuity.
• Repetitive honeycomb design facade acts as both
shade from sunlight and also a visually aesthetic ele-
ment.
Geometry
• Use of rectangular shapes placed in a grid, creates a
balanced look throughout building.
• Simple design that focuses more on functions over
design
Rhythm
• Front facade is angular shaped, creating a rhythm that
will subtly draw the attention of the eyes and create visual
interest.
Spatial hierarchy
• Spatial hierarchy branches from public spaces into
private spaces.
• Ground floor is a public area, Upper floors are private
areas
• Private space placed on higher floors to separate from
general public access, limiting circulation.
Massing
• The Parliament House is composed of a triangular prism
and two cuboids.
• Stability and sturdy form.
• Lobby at Hall of Senate has an open floor plan and large in
size, accommodating large numbers of visitors.
Traditional Influence in Modern Architecture
• The triangular prism in main block resembles the Malay
traditional gabled roof of Rumah Melayu.
• The facade screen is an adaption of modernist
architecture to the tropical climate.
Natural Lightning
• The building is covered with frosted glass panels which
allows in natural light
• Light transmitted is controlled by the Y shaped terrazzo
cladding panel which acts as shading.
Symmetry
• The arrangement of the buildings is asymmetrical, with
the axis of symmetry cutting across the tower building, with
the main building placed slightly off center.
• Individually, both buildings are entirely symmetrical.
• Evokes the feeling of modernism and dynamism.
Subtractive and Additive
• Central part of the House of Representative has been
removed to create an open space
• A prism shaped structure is added in subtracted space as
shade for the open space.
Emphasis
• The triangular prism shape of the main building has a
different form compared to the other quadrilateral
buildings.
• This also shows puts emphasis on the main building.
Technological Advanced Materials
• Glass windows are single glazed and metallic coated to
enhance heat reflection.
• Concrete is used for the wall to provide sturdy and robust
structure of the building.
• Mild steel is used because of its inherent property allowing
electrical current to flow without upsetting structural
intergrity.
Site Context
• The building is located on a hill, secluded from general
public
• The Malaysian Parliament house is accessible by 2
roads, Jalan Lerdang at northwest and Jalan Parliament
at southeast.
• Strategic location in Kuala Lumpur city centre.
Repetition
• 11 stacks of triangular linked like concrete structure
arranged in linear organization, represents the 11 states in
the Federation Malaya.
• Repetition of grid system in the honeycomb façade of Hall
of Senate, similar to that of a pineapple.
16
17
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20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
28
29
GROUPC
GROUPA
GROUPB
movement through space
grid
light ray
private
semi - private
wood
concrete
movement through space
sun path
Important
Intimate
Open
Bries soleil
cylinder
glass
concrete
prism roof
facade
sun ray
additive
subtractive