Architecture Culture & History 2_Project_02_Web book

ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & HISTORY 2 (ARC 60203)
PROJECT 2
TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD (TNB) HEADQUARTERS
NO 129, JALAN BANGSAR 59200 KUALA LUMPUR
AIDA JUNITA BINTI ZULKIFLEE (0317766)
ANG WEI YI (0317885)
CANISIUS BONG WEI PHENG (0318914)
CHIA CHENG WEI (0322091)
CHONG YU XUAN (0317950)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE NUMBER
01 INTRODUCTION 2
01.1 LOCATION 2
01.2 HISTORY OF THE BUILDING 3
01.3 BUILDING FUNCTION 4
02 SITE CONTEXT 5
02.1 BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY 5
02.2 RELATIONSHIP OF BUILDING TO SURROUNDINGS 7
03 ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT OF BUILDING 10
03.1 SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT 10
03.2 CIRCULATION TO USE SPACE 15
03.3 ORGANIZATION ANALYSIS 17
04 ARCHITECTURE STYLE 19
05 BUILDING STRUCTURE 24
05.1 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURE ANALYSIS 24
05.2 MATERIALS ANALYSIS 28
06 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS & COMPONENTS 34
07 CONCLUSION 42
08 REFERENCES 43

01 | INTRODUCTION
TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD (TNB) HEADQUARTERS
NO 129, JALAN BANGSAR 59200 KUALA LUMPUR
01.1 | LOCATION
Figure 01.1: Location map of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Headquarters

01 | INTRODUCTION
01.2 | HISTORY OF THE BUILDING
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is the largest electric utility company in Malaysia. Its
headquarters, located on Jalan Bangsar stands 11 storeys high and is considered as one of the
most prominent architectural landmarks at the time it was built in Kuala Lumpur, the national
capital of Malaysia.
Built in the mid-1960s, the opening ceremony of the TNB Headquarters was officiated
by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman, in June of 1966. The TNB
Headquarters was designed by Mr. A.A. Geeraerts A.R.I.B.A. and the structural and civil
engineering design by Bolton Hennessey Cogan and Associates. The main contractor was Ahong
Construction Co. (M) Ltd.
Throughout its 49 years of life span, TNB Headquarters has undergone several changes
and refurbishments, which were necessary to accommodate the increase in number of staff
and the company’s output. This led to having little remains of the original interior of the
building left. For instance, the 11th
floor did not have air-conditioning and was used as a staff
canteen but it has been transformed into director’s offices, VIP reception areas and dining
rooms with air conditioning.
Fortunately, the exterior of the building has remained unchanged. The good design
features and materials enabled the building to stand the test of time, and coupled with the
distinctive cube construction (based on the module of 5 feet 4 inches) of the façade, making the
TNB Headquarters an architectural landmark.

01 | INTRODUCTION
01.3 | BUILDING FUNCTION
The TNB Headquarters is located on a 70 acre site and the following are some of the functions
of the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Headquarters:
1. Main office building and headquarters for the TNB staff
2. A despatch centre
3. Workshops
4. Club facilities
5. Staff housing

02 | SITE CONTEXT
02.1 | BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY
TNB Headquarters is located in Bangsar, just a little off Lebuhraya Persekutuan (Federal
Highway). It is built in a gated area only with buildings owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad. This
area can be accessed by turning into Jalan Panah from Jalan Bukit Pantai. The TNB
Headquarters is situated just on the left of Jalan Panah.
Figure 02.1: Map of Bangsar
The TNB Headquarters is surrounded by buildings and facilities owned by TNB,
multipurpose hall, storehouses, Kilat Club house, property services department building,
Bangunan Wilayah etc. Surrounding buildings outside of TNB area include Pantai Medical
Center and the TM Tower.

02 | SITE CONTEXT
The TNB Headquarters is a cuboid
shaped building with unique finishes
resembling honeycombs. The building
is facing south enabling the
“honeycomb” acts as shading to the
building. This place is where most
important functions are coordinated.
Figure 02.2: Map of TNB Headquarters
The TNB headquarters building is located in the middle of the area, making it the core
circulation in the area. As all important buildings are connected to the headquarters building
directly through the main road, the place is easily accessibly within the area. There is a pond
and a field just beside the TNB Headquarters. Other small buildings include living quarters of
TNB workers, parking lots and buildings of various different functions. The buildings
N

02 | SITE CONTEXT
surrounding the TNB headquarters building are mostly low-rise, together with the pond and
field which makes the headquarters building stand out.
The buildings further away consist of a combination of both high and low-rise. Majority of the
buildings are high-rise contrasting to the buildings in the TNB headquarters area.
02.2 | RELATIONSHIP OF BUILDING TO SURROUNDINGS
TNB MULTIPURPOSE HALL
A stadium with four badminton courts – it is used
during events. Consist of a cuboid form similar to
the headquarters building with an additional
cylindrical form which holds the stairs inside.
TNB STOREHOUSES
Used for storage purposes of TNB Headquarters. A
large dull cuboid structure, different from the
headquarters building which has an interesting
façade.

02 | SITE CONTEXT
TNB KILAT CLUBHOUSE
The club house is completed with gym, restaurant,
library and a field. Low-rised building with similar
features to the multipurpose hall.
TNB PROPERTY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Property Services Department building and
working quarters of maintenance department etc.
The building is newer than the headquarters
building, and as a result, it possesses a more
modern architectural style while still maintaining
the cuboid form.
TNB BANGUNAN WILAYAH
It is a cuboid form with slanted roof. The only
building in the area with a mono-pitched roof,
which is similar to the solar panels found on the
parking lots.

02 | SITE CONTEXT
PANTAI MEDICAL CENTRE
A private hospital located at the west of the TNB
headquarters. Has a similar height and form
consisting of a combination of two cuboids. Also
have exterior shadings which are very similar to
the “honeycomb” of the headquarters building.
TM TOWER
A sky scraper shaped like a sprouting bamboo shoot
belonging to Telekom Malaysia. The building that
stands out the most because of its height and
unique form.

03 | ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT
03.1 | SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT
Figure 03.1: Entrance hall
The headquarters building was built in 11 floors, including the mezzanine floor in between the
ground floor and the first floor. Figure 03.2 till 03.12 show the bubble diagrams of some specific
floor, as actual plans are not allowed to be publicly shared due to private and confidential
policy.
Figure 03.2: Ground floor
Ground floor consists of main lobby and receptions counter, placed at the center. There
is also an exhibition area and waiting hall beside the main entrance.

Figure 03.3: Chairman’s room entrance (left); Deputy President room (right)
Figure 03.4: Mezzanine
The mezzanine floor consists of a room for the deputy president. The room for the
chairman can also be found on the mezzanine floor.
Figure 03.5: 1st
floor
1st
floor is the office of president or CEO and for executive officers.
2nd
floor is the secretaries department. It contains a lot space to store documents and
files. The place of the meeting room also stored a lot of files.

Figure 03.6: 3rd
floor
3rd
floor is the floor for the head of cooperation officer. It consists of several rooms for
head of treasurer, vice president of services cooperation and vice president of operation.
Figure 03.7: 4th
floor
4th
floor is for the management of human resources. Communication cooperation,
workers cooperation and monitor are also all on this floor.
5th
floor is the department of communication and affairs cooperation. 6th
floor is the
department of general officers. 7th
floor is the office of benefit and administrative
management.
Figure 03.8: 8th
floor
8th
floor is the office of human resources management and office of human resources
and building environment.

Figure 03.9: 9th
floor
9th
floor is the office of human resources management and office of connection and
enterprise.
10th
floor is the benefit and administrative office floor. The main meeting room is placed
right at the entrance.
Figure 03.10: Reception counter of penthouse (left); Dining hall (right)
Figure 03.11: Presentation hall

Figure 03.12: 11th
floor
11th
floor is also known as the VIP floor, the Penthouse Tenaga Nasional Berhad. This
floor consists of a waiting room, dining room for VIP and a presentation room. The presentation
room is for press conferences or presentation purposes. There is a room called Kapar room
which is the VIP meeting room and only CEO and VIP are allowed to enter the room because it
consists of a lot of private and confidential documents. A breathtaking view of the area of
Tenaga Nasional Berhad can be seen from the dining room.

03.2 | CIRCULATION TO USE SPACE
Figure 03.13: Main entrance
People can enter from the main entrance and go out from the rear entrance with a
straight path pattern.
Figure 03.14: Spiral staircase
The spiral staircase is the most noticeable element in this building and is placed behind
of the space. The spiral staircase leads people from the ground floor all the way to the 11th
floor
(top floor).

Figure 03.15: Staircase to mezzanine floor
There is a beautifully built curved staircase at the ground floor and it placed at the
center of the lobby. Users just need 21 steps to access the mezzanine floor.
Most the offices are designed in a linear circulation. It is a straight path from one end to
the other end. The working spaces are organized at the side of the pathway.
Figure 03.16: Emergency staircase
People can also access each floor from the emergency staircase which is at the left and
right upper corner of the building. The roof can be accessed by using the right upper corner
emergency staircase.

03.3 | ORGANIZATION ANALYSIS
GEOMETRY
The building is in rectangular shape. It designed in a balanced manner.
SYMMETRY
The building is in a rectangular shape and it shows a bilateral symmetry.

REPETITION
The façade of the building is designed in a repetitive form.
RHYTHM
The façade of the building shows a wavy pattern with a sense of movement.

04 | ARCHITECTURE STYLE
Architecture in Malaysia has rapidly developed, stemming from the cultural, economic
and political stimuli, from pre-independence era (around the 1920s) until post-independence
era, which is after the year 1957 till the current day. The architectural style of buildings in the
capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, has a unique range from colonial to Asian, Chinese and
Hindu influences, traditional and Islamic, as well as modern and post-modern. Most of these
architectural styles have been adapted to accommodate the local climate – hot and humid all
year round, and use of local resources.
Figure 04.1: Unique range of architectural style of buildings in Kuala Lumpur
MODERN ARCHITECTURE STYLE
The Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Headquarters is composed of modern architectural
style (Figure 04.2). Built in the year 1966, the TNB Headquarters
Figure 04.2: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Headquarters on Jalan Bangsar,
composed of modern style of architecture.
Modern architecture was a movement that came about around the late 19th
century to
early 20th
century, and was an effort to reconcile the principles underlying architectural design

with rapid technological advancement and modernization of society. Modern architecture
developed as a result of social and political revolutions. The main theme that revolves in
modern architecture is the notion of form following function. Modern architecture is also based
on the rational use of modern materials, principles of functional planning and lack of
ornamentation.
Features and characteristics of modern architecture is evident in the TNB Headquarters
through its adoption of ‘form follows function’ ideal, minimal ornamentation, use of modern
materials and systems, sincerity to materials used in construction and utilizing natural light.
ADOPTION OF ‘FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION’ IDEAL
Modern architecture focuses on function over form,
which is apparent in the TNB Headquarters structure as the
building uses a simple cube form. The 11 storey building was
designed in a cube construction based on a module of 5 feet 4
inches.
As opposed to using interior walls as supporting walls, the use
of posts and beams serve the function of dividing rooms and
aesthetic purposes. Posts and structural beams are used
extensively to support the weight and load of the building.
MINIMAL ORNAMENTATION
The external façade of the TNB Headquarters has almost
zero ornamentation. However, the façade has a distinctive cube
construction and design, familiarly known as the “Honeycomb”
and a building’s signage positioned at the top of the building.

USE OF MODERN MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS
The use of modern or industrially produced materials and
systems in modern architectural style is also evident in the
TNB Headquarters. For example, concrete blocks were used
as a finished material in the façade of the building, as seen in
Figure 04.3.
Figure 04.3: Concrete honeycombed
sculptured facade
SINCERITY TO MATERIAL USED IN CONSTRUCTION
In modern style of architecture, there is an emphasis on honesty of materials. In the
TNB Headquarters, components such as the wooden staircase and doors are stained instead of
painted in order to express its natural character.
Figure 04.4: Wooden components in TNB Headquarters
UTILIZING NATURAL LIGHT
In modern architecture, windows are used extensively to
allow natural lighting. TNB Headquarters used floor-to-ceiling
windows at the entrance of the building to enable better natural
light penetration into the interior space, as seen in Figure 04.5.
Figure 04.5: Main entrance

On top of that, use of sun shading to enhance human comfort is evident in the
structure. The projection of the honeycombed structure on the exterior façade was designed to
prevent direct sunlight rays.
Figure 04.6: Exterior view of the honeycombed structure (left);
Interior view of the honeycombed structure (right)
INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
International architectural style was developed in Europe and the United States around
the 1920s to 1930s and was a dominant trend in Western architecture. Some of the common
features and characteristics of this style of architecture are rectilinear forms, plane surfaces
which have been completely stripped of ornamentation and open interior spaces. In the
International architectural style, visual lines, be it horizontal or vertical, can be seen clearly.
As applied in International Style modernism, the TNB Headquarters has a visual
emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines in both exterior façade and interior spaces.
Figure 04.7: Both horizontal and vertical lines can be seen on the exterior façade (left); Strong
horizontal lines on the ceiling and walls can be observed (right)

Nevertheless, the building is technically not considered to be of pure modern
architecture as it has local influences. As opposed to one of the ideas of the International
architectural style where by the design solutions were indifferent to location, site and climate,
the design and construction of the TNB Headquarters were influenced by the weather and
climate in Malaysia – hot and humid almost all year round.
The traditional International style buildings are generally not suitable for the Malaysian
climate. Hence, International style architecture buildings in Malaysia include modifications in
their design, usually in the form of concrete, instead of the typical glass and steel structure. An
example of a building in Malaysia besides the TNB Headquarters that adopts this similar idea is
the Parliament Building on Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur.
Figure 04.8: Parliament Building, built in 1963

05 | BUILDING STRUCTURE
TNB Headquarters used different kind of materials for the exterior and interior of the
building. The materials used to construct the building include reinforced concrete, marble,
mosaic, timber, steel, iron, tempered glass etc. The construction method of the building is
concrete piling by using hydraulic hammer to provide strong foundation to the building for
nearly 50 years.
05.1 | BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURE ANALYSIS
Figure 05.1: Section of main entrance and foundation of TNB Headquarters
Figure 05.2: Section of ground floor and foundation of TNB Headquarters

Mono pitch steel roof trussCorrugated plastic roofing
TNB Headquarters used mono-pitched steel roof truss to support the corrugated plastic roofing
outside the walkway of the building. The mono pitch truss of this building is slightly curved to
accommodate the roof shape. Besides that, the steel roof truss is used because it has high tensile
strength to support the roof. Steel roof truss is also fire resistant, weather resistant and highly durable.
Figure 05.3: Thick drywall with lead lining (left); Wood studs as framing members (centre);
Wood bottom plate (right)
Some part of the TNB Headquarters used gypsum wall as part of the structure in the
building. Gypsum wall is also known as drywall, wallboard or plasterboard and it is a panel
made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper. It is used to make interior
walls of the building. Gypsum board is one of several building materials covered by the
umbrella term “gypsum panel products.” All gypsum panel products contain gypsum cores.
However, they can be faced with a variety of different materials, including paper and fiberglass

mats. Gypsum board building systems are easy to install and it requires only a few tools such as
screws, nails and staple for construction.
Figure 05.4: Structural glass balustrading systems
TNB Headquarters also used structural glass balustrading systems.
These systems are a contemporary alternative to timber or aluminum
framed systems. It is generally a free standing system with fewer vertical
or horizontal supports. It requires the bottom of the tempered glass
panel to be fully and rigidly fixed usually into the grouted channel.
Concrete top fixing methods is when the concrete deck construction
provides the most stable substrate and is particularly well suited to the
frameless glass styles. Concrete substrate provides strong anchor points
and choice of fixing positions.
Figure 05.3: Front elevation (left); Side elevation (right)

 The structure of the TNB Headquarters building is a rectangular shape building and has
been designed into a cube construction based on module of 5 feet 4 inches.
 The cube of the building structure gives a honeycombed sculpture façade for both front and
rear elevation of the main building giving the building a good repetitive pattern.
 The structure of the honeycomb is made of concrete to build window into it.
 The glazed surface of honeycomb structure to prevent direct rays of sunlight into the
building.
STRUCTURAL COMPARISON BETWEEN TNB HEADQUARTERS AND CENTRE POINT LONDON
Figure 05.4: TNB Headquarters, Jalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Figure 05.5: Centre Point, London, United Kingdom
After making some comparison between TNB headquarters and also a building from
western country which is Centre Point London building, there are similarities between these
two buildings which is the structure of the buildings. Both buildings are rectangular in shape
and designed into cube construction based giving a honeycombed structure. TNB Headquarters
have a total of 11-storey whereas Centre Point London comprising a 33-storey office tower.

05.2 | MATERIALS ANALYSIS
GRANITE
Figure 05.6: Dataran TNB with granite flooring
The connecting pathway to TNB Headquarters building is granite flooring. Granite, a
quartz-based stone, because of that it is hard and is often considered the queen of the stones
for flooring purposes. It is nearly impossible to break granite. With proper care, granite flooring
will last a lifetime. Granite flooring is hypoallergenic, allergen, and bacteria resistant.
TEMPERED GLASS
Figure 05.7: Tempered glass at main entrance (left); Tinted tempered glass at resting area (right)
Tempered glass has many intangible advantages. It is best in resistant to thermal
temperature changes. Moreover, it also allows penetration of sunlight to brighten the interior
of building. Tinted tempered glass is used to minimize sunlight and heat. Tempered glass is
much stronger than regular glass. So, it can also be used as railing since it reduces the risk of

injury, it also reduces the risk of lawsuits. Tempered glass is also used in the building especially
the entrance is to allow clearer vision of who is entering the building and enjoy outside view.
Figure 05.8: Tempered glass railing at pathway (left); Tempered glass window at honeycomb
shaped concrete which can be opened (right)
CONCRETE
The structure of the TNB Headquarters is built of concrete.
Concrete is a strong hard building material composed of aggregate
bonded together with fluid cement which hardens over time. Concrete
is also workable before hardening for long timescales. Besides the
honeycomb design structure being made out of concrete, the building
uses concrete underneath the staircase because it is a tough material to
support the structure. Therefore, columns of the building are also made
of concrete as columns are the main support of certain structure in the
building.
Figure 05.9: Honeycomb structure of the building built of concrete (left); Curving concrete
underneath staircase (right)

MOSAIC TILES
Figure 05.10: Black mosaic tiles of the spiral staircase
TNB Headquarters used mosaic tiles as the building materials for the interior and
exterior. Mosaic tile is very durable and can easily match to raise sophistication and style of any
area with the design of the building. Mosaic tile can be found at the outside structure of the
building such as the honeycomb design pattern wall or the pillar because it can be easily
cleaned and maintained as every 2 years, the building is cleaned. For the interior, some of the
staircase used mosaic tile because it can ensure safety of user because it can prevent slippery.
Besides that, the material keeps the staircase looking good for effective maintenance.
Figure 05.11: Mosaic tiles at the outside façade of the building (left); Mosaic tiles covering
concrete walls of the building (right)

TIMBER
Figure 05.12: Wall on Level 10 of TNB
Headquarters using timber (Nyatoh wood)
Timber is used all over the building as it is one of the few
natural non-toxic building material which doesn’t leak chemical
vapor and is safe to handle and touch. Timber is also a natural
insulator and can reduce energy needs especially it is used in walls
and floor. As timber ages, it doesn’t break down into
environmentally damaging materials. Not only that, timber makes
the building a glossy look, which brings an antique feeling in the
interior of the TNB Headquarters building.
Some of the levels in the building used timber
flooring. Timber flooring is used especially in the
eating area of building because it can be clean
easily as it does not stain. Timber flooring is also
soft under foot unlike concrete or tiles which
tend to tire our feet and legs.
Figure 05.13: Timber flooring (spotted gum)
Spiral staircase at the ground floor differs from
other floor as the handle is made out of timber
which gives a simple and elegant design.

MARBLE
Figure 05.14: Marble stairs at the outdoor entrance (left);
Marble spiral staircase on ground floor (right)
Marble is also used as building materials in TNB Headquarters
building. Marble is mainly used on stairs and also floor in the
building. Marble provides spectacular look and feel and can be used
for nice interior decoration. It offers a classic look that cannot be
mimicked by any other material. Marble is also durable and disperse
heat well, use radiant heat mats prior to install marble flooring to
keep the material warm to touch. Not only that, marble requires low
maintenance and is also moisture resistant. Pills or liquid on marble
tiles can be taken off easily. Most importantly, marble is low bacteria
buildup.
Figure 05.15: Marble floor (left); Synthetic marble for receptionist counter (right)

STEEL
Figure 05.16: Steel structure for TNB sign (left); Steel ladder (right)
Steel is used for the sign of TNB and the ladder at the rooftop building. Steel has the
highest strength to weight ratio of any building material and durable as steel is much stronger
than iron. Besides, steel won't shrink, twist or warp, reducing the likelihood of problems such as
cracking cornices, jamming doors, sticking windows or wavy rooflines therefore it is used to
uphold the sign of TNB to ensure safety.
Figure 05.17: Stainless steel structure as staircase railing
Stainless steel is used as railings for the spiral staircase at the 10th
floor of the building.
Stainless steel is a durable, low maintenance material and is often the least expensive choice
material. All stainless steels have a high resistance to corrosion and resist scaling and maintain
high strength at very high temperatures. The easy cleaning ability of stainless steel makes it first
choice for strict hygiene condition materials.

06 | ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS & COMPONENTS
FLOORING
In the 19th
century, complex geometric techniques were taught to architects. For
flooring of the entrance, the architectural design was highly influenced by the geometric
shapes. The hexagon shapes were a hugely popular pattern for tiling. They were used as design
that link to each other randomly with different colours such as orange and brown which can
make a large space in front of the main entrance appear smaller and more inviting.
The design of the flooring could be anything from a simple dark line, to a more complex
geometric pattern. For example, the square tiles in a grid pattern used for flooring could give a
simple and clean look which enhances the feel and atmosphere of the space.

In order to create a contemporary design in 1960s, the floors of TNB Headquarters’
entrance hall were covered in marble. Marble flooring also could add a luxury feel to the
entrance hall since it is traditionally a more formal space.
In postmodernism, architects were free in using any
architectural elements in their designs. TNB Headquarters
building was designed with the features of postmodernism
style by incorporating different flooring materials such as
stone, marble and wood into various spaces to achieve
contemporary design.
Besides that, building materials of postmodern building
should be durable and able to withstand long-term exposure
to sun and rain. For example, building material that requires
low maintenance such as natural stone was encouraged to use
for the balcony flooring.

STAIRCASE
The double spiral staircases at the entrance hall of TNB Headquarters, shows the two
access points at the bottom of the stairs. They were built at both sides of the reception counter
that is connected to the main office on the first floor.
The double spiral staircases allow one-way traffic without obstruction and often in
support of legal requirements to have two separate fire escapes. Both stairs were covered with
marble tiles and the handrails were made of timber. All of these elements were evident in Art
Deco designs.

There is a spiral staircase in the
middle of first floor connecting
each level of the entire building.
The spiral staircase has a
wooden handrail on the outer
side and inner side just the
central pole which is very space
efficient in the use of floor area. The stair was made up of a combination of different materials
such as timber and mosaic tiles.
Besides having spiral staircases, there was a metal staircase built for emergency
purposes. This staircase which provides a method of escape in the event of a fire or other
emergency is a very important aspect of fire safety.

WINDOWS
The arrangement in series and the geometric repetition principles were used in façade
design of TNB Headquarters. The primary facade of the building was designed in modular form
and richly built in decorative geometric patterns.
Windows are permitted to interrupt the massive concrete
forms of the building and mostly recessed out of sight which was
meant to also evoke the body. The recessed window openings in the
façade were criticized by occupants as small, leaving the interior dark
and uninviting.
However, perhaps they were small but that was the intention.
They were developed to reduce sun exposure and provide thermal
comfort to the users in the interior spaces.
The postmodern architecture in 1960s was designed to
be concerned with environmental issues. Along the exterior
wall of the building, operable windows were integrated
horizontally to provide natural ventilation and maximize energy
efficiency.

The window is believed to be the single most important element of the building to the
workers by keeping them in touch with the time of day. Sunlight penetration in a workspace
has made a significant effect on job satisfaction and general well-being. Preference for windows
design in a workspace is mostly in rectangular shape with timber frame.
DOORS
The automatic door system was designed to provide
additional accessibility convenience, hygiene and style for TNB
Headquarters’ main entrance. It also features innovative control
elements and technology ensuring a basis for safe and reliable
access.
With a comprehensive range of possible configurations and
functions allowing access to be optimized and match pedestrian
traffic flows, automatic doors offer an elegant, sophisticated and
welcoming entrance to the building too.
The doors for interior were built with
various kinds of materials to give different
feelings to different spaces.
Wood, steel, glass and fiberglass were selected both for its
appearance and ability to create a modern look to the
building. The biggest difference between materials is
aesthetic.

LAMP
Although daylight is used as the main source of light during daytime in TNB
Headquarters, lamps are also used to bring light to the indoor rooms. With good designs, these
energy-efficient bulbs last significantly longer than traditional bulbs so the maintenance
department would not need to replace them as often.
CEILING
The spiral staircase with a pole in
the middle could correspond to the
oval accents on the ceiling. The oval-
shaped lamp was intended to emphasize
the domed ceiling style and to make more
attractive when combined with it.
One of the busiest options, coffered
ceilings features repeating sunken square
panels. Generally, the primary lighting fixture
is hung from the centermost panel while other
panels may feature recessed lighting. This
ceiling was constructed to creating character
in the entrance hall with very little supporting
decor.

WALL
TNB Headquarters building employs large floor-to-ceiling glass
windows as walls for the main entrance hall. These architectural
elements allow daylight to lighten up the space. They are
aesthetically pleasing when combined with marble flooring and
furniture and at the same time they make the space seem larger
and welcoming.
Interior wall in TNB Headquarters building was built with the insulating material used for the
wall system. Adding insulation to interior walls could reduce unwanted noise from outside and
also limit sound transmission from room to room.
Mosaic tiles were used as the material for exterior wall
design of TNB Headquarters building. They are excellent
for effective maintenance because of their ability to stay
the same all over the years and reduce staining.

07 | CONCLUSION
Although it took us three visits to finally gain permission to enter the building, I find that
the TNB Headquarters is a unique building that stands out during its time. It is well maintained
and renovated to fit the requirements of buildings nowadays. This project is interesting as it
makes us to look into historical architectures and to learn from their mistakes and beauty.
The TNB Headquarters is designed in a balanced manner with very well spatial
arrangements. We can see that the circulation is mostly in linear pathway and every space is
emphasized and clear. Thus, there is less confusion in term of spatial arrangement. The function
of each floor is well planned and all the spaces have its usage. This reduced waste of space.
Being one of the most prominent landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, especially around the
time it was built, the TNB Headquarters is also a great illustration of the industrial and
commercial development that took place in Malaysia. Through this report assignment, I have
acquired a better understanding on the unique range of architectural style of buildings in
Malaysia and how external factors such as culture, economics and politics affect the
development of architecture.
The TNB Headquarters was constructed for over 50 years. The materials used in the
building are all well preserved and had always been maintained under good condition. The
tempered glass in the building will be cleaned every six months whereas the outside façade of
building will be cleaned every 2 years. Throughout this project, I really learned a lot and
understood more about this building especially the construction and materials of the TNB
Headquarters. We would also like to thanks Mr. Isamudin, from the Corporate Affairs &
Services Division who guided us throughout the whole building. Many thanks for his assistance
in our project.
Architectural elements are the unique details and component parts that form
the architectural style of a building. Key elements of TNB Headquarters which are
representative of both modern and postmodern architecture are geometric-pattern flooring,
spiral staircases, repetitive pattern on building façade, domed ceiling style, functional
requirements of doors and windows, mosaic tiles for exterior wall and floor-to-ceiling glass
windows as interior wall.

08 | REFERENCES
Cooper, D. (2007, May 5). Visit to Tenaga Nasional Berhad Headquarters. Retrieved from
http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/buletins/jul_aug07.pdf
SITE CONTEXT
ARCHITECURAL LAYOUT
Ching, F. (1979). Architecture, form, space & order. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
ARCHITECTURE STYLE
Kuala Lumpur Architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.malaysian-explorer.com/kualaLumpurArchitecture.html
Outoftheboxholiday. (2015, April 10). Modern vs Postmodern Architecture – Drawing the
Differentiating Line. Retrieved from http://outoftheboxholiday.com/modern-vs-
postmodern-architecture-drawing-the-differentiating-line/
Singh, H. (2014, November 26). Modernism & postmodernism in architecture. Retrieved from
http://www.slideshare.net/harshitasingh75470/modernism-postmodernism-in-architecture
The Architecture of Malaysia (52 images). (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://teamqphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery/The-Architecture-of-
Malaysia/G0000OEVqGU9GSxA/C0000RavT0LrYPBM
Williams, B. (2014, March 12). The Many Architectural Styles of Malaysia. Retrieved from
http://www.travelsintranslation.com/2014/03/many-architectural-styles-malaysia/
BUILDING STRUCTURE
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nationalglass.com.au/catalogues/NGP_Section_13.pdf
Benefits of Ceramic Tiles. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.homeimprovementpages.com.au/article/benefits_of_ceramic_tiles
Features and Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://a1timberflooring.com.au/features-of-
hardwood-flooring.php

08 | REFERENCES
Marble and Its uses in Construction. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/living/Marble-
and-Its-uses-in-Construction
Smith, S. (n.d.). Advantages of Tempered Glass. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.com/about_5039015_advantages-tempered-glass.html
STAINLESS STEEL OVERVIEW: FEATURES & BENEFITS. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.ssina.com/overview/features.html
Using Gypsum Board for Walls and Ceilings Section I. (2011, December 2). Retrieved from
http://www.gypsum.org/technical/using-gypsum-board-for-walls-and-ceilings/using-
gypsum-board-for-walls-and-ceilings-section-i/#titleone
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS & COMPONENTS
Anna, W. (2015, July). The dezeen guide to postmodern architecture and design. Dezeen,
Retrieved from http://www.dezeen.com/2015/07/23/guide-to-postmodern-architecture-
design-glenn-adamson/
Libby, B. A. (2001). Windows in the workplace: a comparison between window preferences and
preferences for other office amenities among white collar workers. Window preferences, 2,
23-27. Retrieved from http://www3.uakron.edu/witt/rmfcs/libby.pdf

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