Culture

MENARA TABUNG HAJI
Architectural Culture and History 2
ARC60203
Melissa Lim Li Lin(0322680) Lovie Tey Yiqing(0318155)
Ng Ee Shiung (0314228) Nur Zaliqal bt Zaher (0317121) Nge Jia Chen (0317738) 
MENARA TABUNG HAJI - ARC60203 1

Content
1. Introduction —————————————————————————————- Pg 3 
2. Site Context Analysis ( Melissa Lim 0322680)——————————————— Pg 4 
3. Architectural Layout of Building (Lovie Tey 0318155 )———————————— Pg 18 
4. Architecture Site Analysis (Ng Ee Shiung 0314228 )———————————— Pg 23
5. Building, Construction, Structure and Materials Analysis (Nur Zaliqal 0317121)- Pg 25 
6. Architectural Elements / Component Analysis (Nge Jia Chen 0317738)———— Pg 27
7. Conclusion —————————————————————————————— Pg 40 
8. Reference —————————————————————————————— Pg 41

Introduction
LUTH Building (Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji) is located at Jalan Tun Razak in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the headquarters for the Malaysian Muslim Pilgrim’s
Management Fund. The building functions as an office building for the Muslim Pilgrim’s
Management Fund(LUTH). Furthermore, it is a prominent landmark in Kuala Lumpur and
a symbol of the development of Islam. Construction began in 1982 with Tun Dr. Mahathir
Mohamad laying the foundation stone of the building. This project with a budget of RM95
Million completed in 1984.
The form of the building resembles a traditional Malay drum and has Islamic influences
which suits the function of the building. The Islamic architectural elements includes the
Five Pillars of Islam shown in the façade by five non-structural pillars. This 152m tall
building consists of 38 floors mainly for the offices and car park area. In front of the
building, there is also a cone-shaped mosque designed together with the building. The
architect of the building is the famous Hijjas Kasturi which has built many buildings and
skyscrapers in Malaysia such as Menara Maybank and Menara Alor Star. The concept
used are simplicity, discipline and unity which are the three ideas emphasised in Islam.

Site Context Analysis
( Melissa Lim 0322680)
Site plan:
Landscape at LUTH building

Landscape at LUTH building
Canna Musafolio and Alternanthera(purple and green)
Canna Musafolio and Alternanthera(purple and green)

Palm Trees
Coconut Trees

Landscape
The landscape of the building area is mainly at the entrance of the building
where there are trees planted along the walkway to the main door. Shrubs and bushes
can also be seen. The trees along the walkway are palm trees. There are also coconut
trees. The lower plants consists of Canna Musafolio and Alternanthera.
Building accessibility
The main door is as shown in the picture above. There is a motorcycle
parking space in front of the building. After parking one’s motorcycle, one can walk the
centre stairs towards the main door. For drivers, they can park their car in the interior
parking space located at few lower floors of the building. The interior parking space can be
accessed from the back of the building through a ramp. One can also get to the Tabung
Haji building by public transport such as taxi, bus, LRT and train. The bus service usually
used is the RapidKL bus which stops at the bus stop in front of the building. When taking
the train, one needs to stop at the Kl Sentral stop and continue with LRT, bus or taxi. One
should take the LRT towards Gombak that stops at Ampang Park which is a 6minutes
walk to the Tabung Haji building. From KLCC, there is a free service to Citibank at Jalan
Ampang which is an 8 minute walk to the Tabung Haji building.

!  
Bus Stop in front of LUTH Building
Walkway along LUTH Building

Surrounding facilities
Other than offices and parking lot inside the building, there are other facilities inside
the building such as media rooms, shops, halls and cafeterias. Within a walking distance
about 100 to 200m, there are many restaurants available such as Gazebo, Koong Jung
Restaurant, 10 Binjai and PnB Darby Café. In the neighbouring building G Tower, there
are a variety of cuisines from NZ Curry House, Rakuzen (Japanese), Tanzini and the
beautiful Bridge Bar. Inside the LUTH building, there is an ATM machine for Bank Islam
whereas in the neighbouring building, Menara PNB, there are ATM machines for CIMB
Bank and Maybank.

Bridge Bar, G Tower
It is convenient for Muslim workers or visitors of LUTH building as there is a
mosque right outside of the building for daily prayers. The mosque is most used for Friday
prayers where it can be occupied by up to 600 people. In cases where Masjid Tabung Haji
is full, users can head to the next nearest mosque, Masjid As-Syakirin which is a 11
minute walk or 6 minute drive away. Drivers can also refill their oil tank at the petrol
stations nearby which are Caltex, Petron and Esso.

Masjid Tabung Haji
Entertainment and recreation nearby include the KL City Park, TGV
Cinemas, Petrosains and shopping malls such as Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC.
Jalan Tun Razak is also home to many embassy buildings of countries such as Mexico,
Czech Republic, Hungary, United States, Japan and many more up to a total of 24
embassies in Jalan Tun Razak and nearby it. There are also hotels nearby such as The
Zone, Intercontinental KL and G Tower Hotel.

Comparison in Jalan Tun Razak
The Tabung Haji building was completed in 1984. It is considered modern at
it’s time of construction as the form of the building is circular and curved. However, other
modern buildings have been built at Jalan Tun Razak such as G Tower which has many
advanced technologies such as hydronic chilled beams, thermal storage tank and many
more as part of its sustainable design. Therefore, the LUTH building is currently lacking in
that area. Unlike other buildings, it has a more religious approach. The building features
the word “Allah” on top and at the entrance. Similar to a lot of buildings at Jalan Tun
Razak is its function. Most buildings in Jalan Tun Razak such as Menara PNB and Menara
Tan and Tan also functions as an office building. The building is one of the many
skyscrapers along the main road of Jalan Tun Razak.
Climate
The sun path is from east to west which is from the front of the building to
the back. Therefore, spaces at the front of the building will receive the morning sun. The
back and sides of the building will not receive too much sunlight as there are other
skyscrapers nearby such as G Tower, PNB Perdana Hotel & Suites and the PNB building.
Therefore the front of the building will receive the most sunlight. Throughout the year, the
building will receive about 6 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. However, for most of the time of
the year, the building will receive about 8 hours of sunlight daily.

In Malaysia, there are 2 seasons which is the wet and dry season. During
the wet season which is from November to March, it usually rains often especially in
November. The rainy days can reach up to 20 days a month with total rainfall of about 12
inches. However, rain or heavy downpours can happen even in the dry season on some
mornings. The dry seasons are usually from May to September with little rain. The driest
month is June with about 10 rainy days a month of around 4 inches of rainfall.

The dry and wet seasons correspond to the two monsoon seasons. The dry
season is also when the Northeast monsoon happens and the wet season is when the
Southwest monsoon happens. The wind direction and intensity differs every month during
the monsoon seasons. The wind source, wind direction, wind intensity and rainfall affects
the average temperature every month. With no significant differences, the highest
temperature throughout the year ranges from 32 to 34⁰C and the lowest temperature
ranges from 23 to 25⁰C.

Architectural Layout of Building
( Lovie Tey 0318155 )
Tabung Haji building clearly portrays as one of the signifiant Islamic Building which
compiles the principles of Islamic Architecture in Malaysia.The Tabung Haji Building has
an area of 55.7k square meters. For this building, the mosque is separated from the
building itself, which is quite special as most of the mosque or prayer’s room will be
located inside of the building. At the early use of the building, the mosque can only be
access by the staffs that are working in the building itself for daily prayers. However, this
mosque had been made accessible for the nearby muslim pedestrians on every Friday as
no mosque is situated at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

From the floor plan and elevation of the building, it is clearly portrayed that
symmetrical balance in both the horizontal plane and vertical plane. When the vertical axis
is placed in the pictures, formal balance is clearly shown and there is a strong emphasis
on the centre axis. Hence, it is clearly shown that the building is balanced as a complete
structure.
The building consists of five columns which symbolise the five pillars of Islam
which is ‘Shahada’. ‘ Salat’, ‘ Zakat’, ‘ Fasting’, and ‘Hajj’’. On the other hand, it also act
as a support structure for the building itself. One of the fun fact for the building is, you can
only see a pillar from one point. This is believe and implies that the iman and the faith of
the believer is not something to be showed around and proud of, but to be proud of it by
the believer themselves in their heart.

From the floor plans , it is clearly shown that the architect, Hijjas Kasturi used consistency
when designing the building. This building is constructed in a hourglass shape, and
circular geometry shape is used to construct the floor plan of the building. The geometrical
floor plans of the building showed a simplistic yet elegant expression of the tradition in
Islamic art. The concept of circular concave curve acts as a symbol of the revolution and
modern approach in architecture

Tabung Haji Building’s carpark is made up of circular circulation whereas every
floor acted as a ramp. The carpark uses one-way-in and one-way-out to ensure that there
is no congestion in traffic when the user is inside the building. At the same time, the
architect applies the uses of ‘veil/hijab’ for the carpark whereas the building user can see
but cannot be seen. This is used to give a more privacy situation towards the building and
it helps to keep a sense of secretive to the outsider.

The Tabung Haji building consists of 27 office floors, which is known as the lower
zone office, middle zone office as well as the upper floor office. The building consists of 7
levelof carpark, 2 levels of service room, 2 multi-purpose room which acts as counters,
lobby, cafeteria, and convention hall.
151.83m

Architectural Site Analysis
(Ng Ee Shiung 0314228)
“The Hour Glass" form is something new but as a sculptural symbol, it represents
the spiritual enlightenment promised by the pilgrimage" - Hijjaz Kasturi
Contrary to local popular
belief, the Tabung Haji Building
was not inspired by traditional
Malay drums but actually takes
the form from an hour glass. It
symbolizes the progressive
movement of Islam in Malaysia as
a cultural centre and growing
economy.
Modern but subtle lines are
the primary elements in the main
design of the building as it follows
the tradition of Islamic art which
exhibits simplistic expression. The
curve that concave as it goes
upwards signifies the progression
and modernization of its approach
in architecture. The use of
predominantly white colors for the
building shows the purity of Islam while the windows are tinted black to reduce heat of the
interior due the hot climate of Malaysia. Shapes and symbols pertaining to Islamic faith is
implemented all over both the exterior and interior of the building. Concrete and glass is
the main construction materials used for the building due to its cost and effectiveness.
One of the more shining example of design feature of the building is the word
“ALLAH” carved in Jawi on the top of the building. By placing the carving on the centre

and top of the building symbolises unity by the conduct of worship which is demanded by
Allah swt.
While most of the buildings in Kuala Lumpur shows a more modern and emerging
style of architecture that takes a departure from a more traditional style of design, such as
the Pavillion KL, The Gardens, or Starhill Gallery, Haji Tabung Building took a different
approach by combining the traditional elements of old with modern and simplistic designs
of new. This gives a new identity to the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur that many other
buildings are starting to follow such as the Maybank Tower, National Library, and Petronas
Twin Towers.
National identity has always been one of the main points for Malaysian after the
Malaysian Independence. As such, Malaysian artistic movement after independence
heavily involve traditional Malaysian design elements. Tabung Haji building was built
according to that philosophy.

Building, Construction , Structure and Material Analysis
(Nur Zaliqal 0317121)
According to the architect, Hijjaz Kasturi said that the Tabung Haji building has a
shape of an hourglass, which was something new and sculptural. It was also used to
represent the spiritual enlightenment promised by the pilgrimage.
The main materials that were used in this building were glass, steel and concrete.
The Tabung Haji building was amongst the first buildings in Malaysia to be constructed
using the Precast Concrete System. The used of concrete has shown as one of the
characteristics of modern buildings. The use of this system was predicated by the unique
design of a double curvature, which resulted in every floor to be different. During that era
as well, this building was considered as highly advanced as it included a VAC system of
air conditioning in each hollow column serving one fifth of each floor area, curtain wall and
etc.
Precast concrete
systems used in
Malaysia are mostly
large panels systems,
which can either be
load bearing or non-
load bearing wall. This
method had effectively
saved cost and
improved the quality

through the reduced of labor intensity and construction standardization. Besides, it
minimizes the wastage of materials that lead to cleaner and neater environment and also
a better quality control. The use of precast concrete system was one of the reasons why
the construction of this building was below the budget. Glass was also use widely in the
building. For this building, the glass is used mainly for windows. The glasses on the
windows were tinted to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted into the building as
the amount of sunlight entering them is very high. Tinting the glass retain the transparency
from the inside, although the brightness from the outside is reduced. It is also to increase
visual privacy.
One of the unique features of this building is the structure supporting the whole building,
which is the arch. The arches are meant to span large areas by resolving forces into
compressive stresses and eliminating tensile stresses to support the ceiling and the
stability of the building.

Architectural Elements / Component Analysis
(Nge Jia Chen 0317738)
ITHIRAM: RESPECT, PROPRIETY OR ADAB
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
LTH building (Lembaga Tabung Haji) of 1984, is the home to the Malaysian Muslim
Pilgrim’s Fund. It is a building that displays explicit Malay referencing. LTH building
adopted an hour glass form that arguably reflects a traditional Malay drum due to the
flaring of both the top and base. The most significant element of this building perhaps is its
display of five non-structural ‘pillars’ on its façade, known to represent the Five Pillars of
Islam (Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Fasting and Haji). The five pillars that seemed to be
concealed in the building itself from any angle emits a strong concept of Pillars of Islam
and its adherents to the faith is not something to show off and be proud of, but to be
proofed by implementation.
The non-structural ‘pillars’ means literally as it has no structural means at all. In the
hollows includes peripheral air-conditioning system serving one-fifth of each floor area.
But the seamless transition that lines from the base all the way to the top made it seemed

like a structural support. The smart blending of materials of concrete (structural support on
ground) and alloy (prefabricated wall cladding) done by Hijjas Kasturi really raised a notch
in the concept of modesty in Islam teachings and being an icon of modernism at its period
of time.
IKHLAS: SINCERITY
In representing Malay influenced architecture, geometric subtraction is a nature and holds
a prominent culture in Islamic Architecture. These elements can be seen all over the
building from the base to the top, on ceilings, floors, walls, columns and so on. For
example, the subtraction of the massive concrete load-bearing wall, forming an arch which
does not only provide structural benefits such as better load distributing but at the same
time it is very open and welcoming. Once again portraying the sincerity in providing
service to the people.
Alloy cladding
starts from level
10 to the top
Mechanical Room
Section Office Floor Plan

Ceilings
The subtraction finishes on the ceilings are elegantly done, thus, creating an ambience of
welcoming to the users and ultimately, exhibiting sincerity in the services provided to the
people.
Ground Floor Outdoor Ground Floor Lobby (2 Floors)

Outdoor Implementations
Floor Tiles
Hand Railings

Indoor Implementations
Wall Ornamentations
Floor Tiles

PURSUIT OF ‘ILM: KNOWLEDGE
The idea of using Calligraphy is part of Islamic Art. They are used to portray and
reveal information or ‘ilm using the language that is used in Quran. Being as it is, a
Malaysian Muslim Pilgrim’s Fund, the presence of ‘ilm is important to always be around
the user, reminding the Muslims to fulfill the pilgrimage to Mecca.

IQTISAD: BALANCE
The LTH building has shown great tradition of Islamic simplistic and artistic expression
and the concept of circular concave curve that represents a revolutionary approach to
architecture and modern at the time of construction. These claims can be seen through
the building geometries from the floor plans. The nature of this building is radial, thus
creating a symmetrically balanced building.
Ground Floor Plan Car Park Plan
Office Floor Plan Section
Offices of 27 floors
Car park up to
10th floor

Car Park
Offices

HAYA’: MODESTY
Adoption of Veil/Hijab are used on this building as well, it allows the building users to see
but not to be seen. This concept can be seen applied in the parking areas of this building
and complementally it gives a more appealing outlook on the building façade, in the
meantime, providing air ventilation and natural light in the car park area making it less 
stuffy and well illuminated.
Glazed windows
for the office floors
Louvers for the
parking areas
Air flowing in
through these
openings
ventilating the
stuffy car park

Glass Curtain Walls
They are non-structural elements, therefore not bearing any structural load. Due to that,
these tempered and laminated glass curtain walls which does not compromise any
structural integrity, were used on the lobby or along the inner cylindrical structure. The
implementation of this curtain wall greatly limit the direct reflection of light causing the
space within to be well illuminated but lesser heat gained. Aside from that, these curtain
walls reflects on modesty as the building user can see through them but less visible from
the outside, providing a degree of privacy for the user within.

DIKR: REMEMBRANCE
Among the unique properties of this building that makes it stand out from other
existing Islamic buildings is the carving of Jawi scripted Allah SWT on the roof which
makes it a majestic building, a building with a purpose. The very nature of this principle is
implemented to remember Allah SWT’s existence in the first place as this is a building for
the Muslims of Malaysia to save for their pilgrimage to Mecca and the pilgrimage to Mecca
is ultimately for It. Therefore, inscriptions are done and placed on several locations.
Another inscription on the ground floor main entrance for remembrance.

TRANSVERSE ELEMENT
Ground Floor Plan
 
Lower Ground Floor Plan
Including the
staircases for
the fire exit
uses element
of slight curve
to present the
building as a
whole.
Stairs to lower
ground floor.

Automatic Sliding Glass Doors
On all 4 main
entrances to the
lobby, double sliding
glass doors are
employed and they
function as public
entrances. They
operate
automatically with
the help of ‘sensor’.
These automatic
doors can be
controlled directly by
the security guards
from the lobby. On top of the doors, ‘Perkhidmatan Cemerlang Amalan Kita’, stating their
slogan, ‘Excellent Services as Our Practice’. Once again, emphasizing their sincerity in
serving the people in need.
Tinted Double Glazed Window
The glazed windows
are framed with
aluminium and they
start from floor 11 to
floor 38, which is the
office floors, from
lower zone to upper
zone. From outside
they look dark, due
to the black tint,
providing privacy for
the users within.

Conclusion
Hijjaz Kasturi, the architect in-charge for design the Tabung Haji building, took up the
challenge back in 1980s as a chance to revolutionize the Kuala Lumpur skyline into the modern
era. At that time, buildings were either old colonial Western influenced buildings or modernist
buildings with no traditional relations at all.
Mr. Kasturi set forth to create a modern building that does not rid itself of its local heritage.
Thus, the Tabung Haji building was built. An architectural masterpiece that became (at the time) a
very significant symbol of Malaysian Islamic identity. It defined itself with sleek modern shapes
while also interpreting Islamic features with the combination of ‘Jawi’ inscriptions and five pillars of
faith of Islam concept at the structural elements.
In such a hot and humid climate country like Malaysia, the building has perfectly
incorporated design considerations to adapt to the surroundings by using elements found from
traditional Malaysian houses such as long overhangs, large and many windows, screens and tints,
to reduce discomfort and give ease to users.
The Tabung Haji building is an example many other buildings sought to follow in Malaysia
because it shows Malaysian identity when it is designed and orientated to suit the climate in
Malaysia.
Hijjas Kasturi (2002) stated that, “I fear that we may lose that sense of who we are and
where we are going as we are washed along the global tide.”
He argued that Malaysian architecture does not show Malaysian identity as it seems that
newer buildings incorporate a more foreign approach, with fresh architects bringing in Western
style of designing as well as the conflict in defining Malaysian identity these days. With Tabung
Haji building setting a new standard, Mr. Kasturi hopes that this will pave the way for Malaysian
architecture to finally find its identity.

References
• BINTI ABDUL AZIZ, S. (2012, December 22). TABUNG HAJI TOWER, KUALA
LUMPUR. Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http://al-blog-al-kaslan.blogspot.my/
2012/12/tabung-haji-tower-kuala-lumpur.html
• Binti Wan Mohd Rashdi, W. (2012, October 21). Malaysian Architectural Identity.
Retrieved November 15, 2015, from https://designerspuo.wordpress.com/architectural-
writings/teaching-and-learning-dillema-in-puo/
• Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from  
http://www.hijjaskasturi.com/
• King, R. (2008). Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya: Negotiating urban space in Malaysia.
Honolulu: Asian Studies Association of Australia in association with University of Hawaii
Press.
• Portal Tabung Haji. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from  
http://www.tabunghaji.gov.my/bangunan-th
• Kuala Lumpur Monthly Climate Average, Malaysia. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17,
2015, from  
http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Kuala-Lumpur-weather-averages/Kuala-Lumpur/
MY.aspx
• Kuala Lumpur: Annual Weather Averages. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from
http://www.holiday-weather.com/kuala_lumpur/averages/
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• GTower. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from http://gtower.com.my
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http://ijesat.org/Volumes/2012_Vol_02_Iss_06/IJESAT_2012_02_06_20.pdf
• Kaslan Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from  
http://al-blog-al-kaslan.blogspot.my/2012/12/tabung-haji-tower-kuala-lumpur.html
• Lembaga Tabung Haji Headquarters. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from  
http://www.lendlease.com/asia/malaysia/projects/lembaga-tabung-haji-headquarters
• Menara Tabung Haji - Wikimapia. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015, from 
http://wikimapia.org/14902/Menara-Tabung-Haji

• Windows for High-performance Commercial Buildings. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17,
2015, from http://www.commercialwindows.org/tints.php
• Arches and Domes - Boundless Open Textbook. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2015,
from https://www.boundless.com/physics/textbooks/boundless-physics-textbook/static-
equilibrium-elasticity-and-torque-8/applications-of-statics-77/arches-and-
domes-314-11286/
• Tabung Haji | Interior, computer lab | Archnet. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2015,
from http://archnet.org/sites/530/media_contents/13070
• Bangunan Tabung Haji, Kuala Lumpur | 106005 | EMPORIS. (n.d.). Retrieved
November 15, 2015, from http://www.emporis.com/buildings/106005/bangunan-tabung-
haji-kuala- lumpur-malaysia

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