Asian Architecture Analysis Report

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Asian Architecture [ARC 6043/2234]
PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY
Occupant Satisfaction of Nature Incorporated Space at PJ
Trade Centre
NAME: KIMBERLEY EE SZE ANN
STUDENT ID: 0315319
LECTURER: NORHAYATI BINTI RAMLI
SUBMISSION DATE: 28/6/2016

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Contents
Abstract...................................................................................................................... 3
1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Methodology ..................................................................................................... 6
2.0 Design Response of PJ Trade Centre to the Surrounding Context ...................... 7
2.1 Building Orientation........................................................................................... 8
2.2 Materiality ...................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Facade ..................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Conclusion ............................................................................................ 11
3.0 Nature Incorporated Space at PJ Trade Centre ................................................. 12
3.1 Exterior Green Spaces.................................................................................... 13
3.2 Naturally Ventilated Spaces......................................................................... 13
3.3 Interior Green Spaces.................................................................................. 15
3.4 Naturally Lit Spaces.................................................................................. 16
3.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................ 16
4.0 Occupant Satisfaction of Nature Incorporated at PJ Trade Centre .................... 17
4.1 Questionnaire.................................................................................................. 17
4.2 Short interviews ........................................................................................... 19
4.3 Conclusion................................................................................................ 20
5.0 Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 21
6.0 References......................................................................................................... 23
7.0 Appendix ............................................................................................................ 24

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Abstract
This paper presents a study of the nature incorporated space at PJ Trade Centre and its
influence on the satisfaction felt by the occupants. The sensitivity of the architect to the
natural context and implementation of nature oriented design shines light on new
opportunities of increasing building sustainability in contemporary architecture and it is
important to study the relationship of these factors with occupant satisfaction. In assisting
the validation of this research, literature reviews of vernacular Malay architecture were
conducted to analyse the vernacular techniques used by the architect in PJ Trade Centre.
Furthermore, literature reviews of various sources relating to occupant satisfaction were
also conducted to enhance the process of the research. Lastly, on site data collection
such as distribution of questionnaires, short interviews and on site observation was
conducted at PJ Trade Centre. The use of nature incorporated space is first understood
from the perspective of the architect and the effectiveness of these techniques are later
analysed based on observations as well the response of the building occupants. Thus, it
is seen that PJ Trade Centre diverges from conventional office buildings in its response
to the natural site context as well as material sensitivity to increase sustainability. The
design of the building succeeds in creating a unique experience for occupants as they
are able to enjoy the greenery used to enhance the aesthetic of the building as well as
the naturally ventilated and naturally lit green spaces. Hence, it can be concluded that
that the use of nature incorporated spaces at PJ Trade Centre allows for the design of a
sustainable building that is appreciated by occupants. The sensitivity toward natural
context, material selection and occupant satisfaction should be exemplified in
contemporary architecture.
(286 words)

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1.0 Introduction
Nature is an invaluable tool in the design of contemporary architecture. A designer is often
influenced by the surrounding context and as of such the environment itself in many ways
provides its own design (Carlson, 2002). Thus, when an architect chooses to design by
complementing the environment he will be able to generate a design that conveys
aesthetic appreciation and genuine understanding of surrounding elements.
In the design of PJ Trade Centre, Kevin Mark Low was given a design brief where he was
required to design an office building that would be suitable for the Malaysian climate,
sustainable and self-maintaining. However, the bigger challenge was the demand from
the client to design an office building that was unlike any in the country and would be
bold, different and impactful (Jones, 2012). Thus, this paper will focus on the use of nature
incorporated space to generate creativity in a design and explore the way in which the
architect was able to carry out his design intention through the study of natural elements
and respond to them through the application of traditional building techniques such as
building orientation and also contextual observation in cases such as material selection.
A deeper analysis will also capture the important connection between human and nature
and explore the ways in which nature incorporated space can answer the need for
occupant satisfaction through the correct application of ventilation, natural light and green
spaces.

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The research questions that will be answered in this research are how the application of
nature incorporated space in relation to the contextual climate, is able to solve the need
for a sustainable and self-maintaining building. Also, the importance of nature
incorporated space in contemporary architecture and how it improves a building’s design
as well as how natural elements are adopted in nature incorporated space and how they
affect occupant satisfaction.
The objectives of the research are to show how buildings that consider the surrounding
context and design to complement existing natural features are more effective examples
of sustainable architecture. Furthermore, to show that nature oriented design is a better
alternative for contemporary architecture and to prove that nature incorporated space
improves an architectural design and increases occupant satisfaction.

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1.1 Methodology
The research methods conducted were literature reviews and on site data collection such
as distribution of questionnaires, short interviews and on site observation at PJ Trade
Centre. These methods are seen in the concept mapping diagram (Figure 1.1) below.
Nature
incorporated
space
Occupant
satisfaction
PJ Trade Centre
DESIGN BRIEF
- suitable for
Malaysian context
-sustainable
-self-maintaining
DESIGN RESPONSE BY ARCHITECT
Natural elements
Ventilation
Natural light
Green spaces
Orientation
Materiality SATISFACTION FELT BY OCCUPANTS
Research method:
Literature review + Observation
Research method:
Interview + Questionnaire
Figure 1.1: Research concept mapping

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2.0 Design Response of PJ Trade Centre to the Surrounding Context
When the architect, Kevin Mark Low designed PJ Trade Centre, there were many issues
that had to be addressed. After, conducting analysis of his design responses it was
identified that his design techniques were chosen in relation to the surrounding context
and by designing with consideration to the environment he was able to answer the design
brief that called for a sustainable and self-maintaining office building. Table 1.1 below
analyses the obstacles faced and the design responses by the architect.
Obstacles Design response Implementation Project benefit
Building should face
east to catch soft
morning light.
However, this would
mean that the building
would face a major
highway artery.
Building took form of a
thin mass with north to
south alignment.
Building is oriented to
receive soft morning
light with design
implementations such
as the design of the
building facade used
to protect from noise
and sound pollution of
the highway.
The design is able to
optimise natural
lighting while having
its front elevation
facing toward the
highway.
Exposure of building
facade to Malaysian
climate and pollution
from highway.
Choice of concrete
vent blocks and over
burnt brick used as
main building
materials.
The materials give the
building a raw
character and are able
to weather the
Malaysian climate with
low maintenance cost.
The building is able to
meet the requirements
to be low cost and
self-maintaining.
The building is
required to provide
shelter from strong
winds and sunlight
while also protecting
from the noise and
sound pollution from
the highway.
Use of concrete vent
block facade and
placement of
vegetation behind the
vent walls.
The concrete vent
blocks protect from
strong winds and
sunlight while allowing
sufficient amounts to
enter the building. The
vegetation placed
behind the vent wall
act as a buffer for the
highway pollution.
The building is able to
optimise natural
ventilation and sunlight
which also reduces
costs while the
placement of
vegetation has an
added benefit of
beautifying the
building.
Table 2.1: Analysis of the obstacles faced and the design responses by the architect in the design of PJ Trade Centre.

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2.1 Building Orientation
The first obstacle that had to be addressed in the design of PJ Trade Centre was the
building orientation. It had been identified that the north to south orientation of the
elongated five-acre site, as seen in Figure 2.1, gave rise to a conflicting set of issues
(Low, 2010).
On one hand, it was desirable for the building to face east such that it would catch the
soft morning light. However, on the other hand, this would also cause the building to face
a major highway artery and would lead to sound and automobile pollution. Thus, the
building took the form of a thin mass with north to south alignment as seen in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.1: Site plan of PJ Trade Centre
(Adapted from: Low, 2010)
Figure 2.2: Diagram showing the east-to-west sun-
path in relation to the site, with the arterial
highway up against the east boundary.

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2.2 Materiality
In designing to suit the surrounding context, the architect was also sensitive in his choice
of materials for the building. The building was envisioned as a garden shell building where
it would be predominantly self-maintaining and aesthetically elegant as it weathered in
the Malaysian climate (Low, 2010). Thus, to achieve this result, concrete vent blocks
(Figure 2.3) and over burnt bricks (Figure 2.4) were chosen to give a raw character to the
external faces of the building. These materials are also commonly used in Malaysian
building context as they age with minimal maintenance in the monsoon tropics and were
ideal in fulfilling the project budget.
Figure 2.3: Concrete vent blocks
(Source: Low, 2010)
Figure 2.4: Over burnt bricks
(Source: Low, 2010)

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2.3 Facade
Furthermore, another contextual demand that was met by the architect was also the
design of the building facade. As shown in Figure 2.5 and 2.6, concrete vent blocks were
used on the exterior of building to provide shade against heavy wind while allowing
sufficient amounts of sunlight to enter the building (Figure 2.7). Vegetation was also
placed behind the vent wall to act as a sound barrier (Figure 2.8).
Figure 2.5: Elevation showing the concrete vent blocks used on the
facade of PJ Trade Centre.
(Source: Low, 2010)
Figure 2.6: Concrete
vent block facade of PJ
Trade Centre.
(Source: Low, 2010)
Figure 2.7: Vent blocks provide shade against heavy wind while
allowing sufficient sunlight to enter.
Figure 2.8: Vegetation behind vent wall
acts as a sound barrier

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2.4 Conclusion
After completing the analysis of the design responses of PJ Trade Centre it can be clearly
observed that the building was designed with respect to the surrounding context. The
architect chose to adapt his design to the surrounding context through the building
orientation, material selection and design of the building facade. Thus, by doing so he
was able to meet the design brief for a sustainable and self-maintaining building.

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3.0 Nature Incorporated Space at PJ Trade Centre
PJ Trade Centre is situated in a hillside area and is surrounded by a forest context. Thus,
the architect chose to design PJ Trade Centre, to complement the surrounding site
context and implemented nature incorporated spaces in many parts of the building. Table
1.2 analyses the nature incorporated spaces incorporated by the architect and also the
benefits of these spaces to the project.
Nature incorporated space Implementation Project benefit
Exterior green spaces. Green spaces are
incorporated at the exterior
spaces of the building
through the use of
landscaping.
The incorporation of green
spaces creates a continuity
of the design with the
surrounding context. The
green spaces buffer the
functional spaces and
create a natural
atmosphere.
Naturally ventilated spaces. Vernacular techniques
such as random
arrangement of office
blocks and the planting of
tall trees are implemented.
The naturally ventilated
spaces are cost effective
and create a comfortable
atmosphere.
Interior green spaces Upper floors are
interspersed with green
areas.
The green spaces aid in
natural ventilation, sun
penetration and are also
ideal relaxation spaces for
office workers.
Naturally lit spaces Naturally lighting is
optimised with full height
glass windows at the
entrance and lobbies.
Artificial lighting is
minimised within the
building.
Table 3.1: Analysis of the nature incorporated spaces incorporated by the architect at PJ Trade Centre and also the
benefits of these spaces to the project.

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3.1 Exterior Green Spaces
PJ Trade Centre is also integrated to the surrounding forest context by the implementation
of landscaping and nature incorporated space (Figure 3.1). The 2.5-acre forest plaza on
the ground floor (Figure 3.2) creates a continuity of the design with the surrounding hills
(Figure 3.3). The functional spaces are almost buffered by green spaces, creating a
natural atmosphere.
3.2 Naturally Ventilated Spaces
Furthermore, PJ Trade Centre also exemplifies vernacular techniques in its design to
improve ventilation through the incorporation of nature incorporated space. The random
arrangement of the office blocks allows for wind to pass through the spaces (Figure 3.4).
Also, by only planting tall trees around the building the passage of wind is left
unobstructed (Figure 3.5).
Figure 3.1: Ground floor plan
showing the contextual greenery
and landscaping of PJ Trade Centre.
Figure 3.2: Forest plaza at PJ Trade
Centre.
Figure 3.3: Landscaping of PJ Trade
Centre showing continuity with
surrounding hills.
Figure 3.4: Random
arrangement of Malay
houses. (Adapted from:
Kamal, 2004)
Figure 3.5: Tall coconut
trees planted in kampong
area. (Adapted from:
Kamal, 2004)

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Openings between office blocks (Figure 3.6) also create a wind tunnel effect for stack
ventilation in the building. At the same time, the building is also elevated (Figure 3.7) to
allow for cross ventilation and the creation of unique spaces below the building (Figure
3.8). Figure 3.9 and 3.10 shows the comparison of cross and stack ventilation in a
traditional Malay house with that of PJ Trade Centre.
Figure 3.6: Opening
between office blocks.
(Source: Jones, 2012)
Figure 3.7: Elevation of building on
concrete ‘stilts’. (Source: Low, 2010)
Figure 3.8: Unique
space for access.
(Source: Low, 2010)
Figure 3.9: Cross and stack ventilation in a
traditional Malay house (Adapted from:
Kamal, 2004)
Figure 3.10: Cross and stack ventilation in PJ Trade Centre

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3.3 Interior Green Spaces
Nature incorporated spaces in PJ Trade Centre can also be seen in the building interior,
as in Figure 3.11. Upper floor levels are interspersed with green spaces (Figure 3.12) that
aid in ventilation, sun penetration and also serve as ideal relaxation areas (Figure 3.13
and 3.14)
Figure 3.11: Upper floor
plan showing green
spaces between offices.
Figure 3.12: Section showing green
spaces in the building.
Figure 3.13: Green space
between office blocks
Figure 3.14: Green space between office blocks

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3.4 Naturally Lit Spaces
The design of PJ Trade Centre also maximizes natural sunlight with full height ceiling to
floor glass being used at the entrance (Figure 3.15) and lobbies (Figure 3.16) of the
building thus minimising the use of artificial lighting. Trees are also planted inside and
outside the building to soften the direct heat penetration.
3.5 Conclusion
This section of the report discusses the nature incorporated spaces implemented by the
architect at PJ Trade Centre and after completing the analysis of these spaces they were
found to provide numerous benefits to the project. PJ Trade Centre is an example of
contemporary architecture that was able to execute nature incorporated spaces to
improve the building’s design. The green spaces incorporated in the design enhance the
overall beauty and the also provide a soothing atmosphere for the office workers.
Furthermore, the use of vernacular architecture techniques to incorporate naturally
ventilated and naturally lit spaces improve the sustainability of the design.
Figure 3.15: Space near entrance stairs Figure 3.16: Upper corridors

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4.0 Occupant Satisfaction of Nature Incorporated at PJ Trade Centre
In order to gauge the satisfaction of occupants with the design of PJ Trade Centre and its
incorporation of nature incorporated space, a questionnaire was conducted along with
short interviews with the participants.
4.1 Questionnaire
The results of Question 1 and 2 shown in Graph 4.1 show that most occupants rather
spend their time at naturally ventilated open spaces at PJ Trade Centre than enclosed
air-conditioned spaces. Furthermore, most occupants often frequent the garden plaza at
ground floor level followed by the green spaces between office units. Thus, this proves
that occupants appreciate the nature incorporated spaces at PJ Trade Centre and enjoy
spending time in these spaces.
Graph 4.1: Question 1 and 2

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The results of Question 3-10 are shown in Graph 4.2. Based on the results it can be said
that occupants like the design of PJ Trade Centre although not all occupants agree that
the design is different from conventional office designs. Furthermore, occupants do feel
that the architect succeeded in incorporating nature in the design and feel that the green
spaces provide them a place to relax and recharge. Also, the majority of occupants agree
that the architect made a wise decision to save cost through the use of natural ventilation
and lighting. However, although most occupants do find that the naturally ventilated
spaces are cooling some find that the naturally lighted spaces are not sufficiently lit.
Lastly, occupants agree that the use of greenery in PJ Trade Centre enhances the beauty
of the building.
Q3: Do you like the design of PJ Trade Centre?
Q4: Do you feel that PJ Trade Centre is different from conventional office building designs?
Q5: Do you feel that the architect succeeded in incorporating nature (green spaces) in the
design?
Q6: Do you feel that the green spaces provide you a place to relax and recharge?
Q7: Many office buildings have enclosed air conditioned and artificially lighted entrances and
foyers. Do you feel that the architect made a wise decision by replacing these with open spaces
that utilise natural ventilation and natural lighting to save cost?
Q8: Do you feel that these naturally ventilated spaces are cooling?
Q9: Do you feel that these naturally lighted spaces are well lit?
Q10: Do you feel that the use of greenery enhances the beauty of the building?
Graph 4.2: Question 3-10

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4.2 Short interviews
Questions 11 and 12 of the questionnaire were conducted as short interviews as shown below:
The answers show that occupants although occupants appreciate the translucency of the awning
at PJ Trade Centre, they found fault in the design as it does not fully prevent rain from coming
into the building. This can be observed in Figure 4.1 and 4.2.
Q11: As an occupant, is there anything that you would improve about the building?
Answer: Improve sheltering from rain as awning is not long enough.
Q12: Are there any faults with this building that you would like to address?
Answer: The natural ventilation of the open space and the use of translucent awning create a nice
atmosphere however rain comes in.
Figure 4.1: Awning viewed at first floor level Figure 4.2: Awning viewed at ground floor level

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4.3 Conclusion
After completing the questionnaires and short interviews at PJ Trade Centre, it was found
that the majority of the building’s occupants are satisfied with the building’s design. It is
interesting to note that occupants were aware of the efforts made by the architect to
incorporate nature into the design and enjoy the nature incorporated spaces within the
building. The natural elements adopted in the design set PJ Trade Centre apart from
conventional office building designs and allow occupants to have an enjoyable working
environment. Many occupants also feel that the nature incorporated spaces enhance the
beauty of the design and also create comfortable spaces for them to relax and recharge.
Furthermore, the naturally ventilated and lit spaces allow occupants to feel closer to
nature while increasing sustainability.

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5.0 Conclusion
PJ Trade Centre began simply as an office building project to configure close to a million
square feet of rentable space. However, with the design brief calling for an alternative
proposal to a typical office block development, the architect began to question the
commonly held beliefs regarding office blocks. The response was to design an office
building that was inspired by what nature had given it. Thus, resulting in a more
sustainable, suitable and responsible design.
PJ Trade Centre presents a new paradigm in a resource scarce world. The inspiration
from the surrounding context resulted in a design approach that adopted simplicity and
made use of local building blocks that work with the nature of the land. This enabled the
birth of a design that was able to connect man and nature while also being able to weather
the elements beautifully, requiring little maintenance. While, to the occupants of PJ Trade
Centre, the design is simply an unpretentious, inclusive and humane space that inspires
through its connection with nature.
PJ Trade Centre is also the recipient of numerous awards such as FIABCI World Prix
D’EXCELLENCE award 2013 (Gold) - Office Category, FIABCI Malaysia Property Award
2012 - Office Category, ARCASIA Awards for Architecture 2015, PAM Awards 2011-
Commercial Design (Gold) and Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards MLAA 2010
Award of Excellence.
Hence, it can be concluded that the use of nature incorporated spaces at PJ Trade Centre
allows for the design of a sustainable building that is appreciated by occupants. The

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sensitivity toward natural context, material selection and occupant satisfaction should be
exemplified in contemporary architecture.

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6.0 References
Al horr, Y., Arif, M., Katafygiotou, M., Mazroei, A., Kaushik, A., & Elsarrag, E. (2016).
Impact of indoor environmental quality on occupant well-being and comfort: A
review of the literature. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, 2-
11.
Carlson, A. (2002). Aesthetics and the environment: The appreciation of nature, art and
architecture. Psychology Press.
Hashim, W., & Nasir, A. H. (2011). The Traditional Malay House. Kuala Lumpur: Institut
Terjemahan Negara Malaysia.
Hassan, A. S., & Ramli, M. (2010). Natural Ventilation of Indoor Air Temperature: A
Case Study of the Traditional Malay House in Penang. American J. of
Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3(3), 521-528.
Hong, T., Taylor-Lange, S. C., D'Oca, S., Yan, D., & Corgnati, S. P. (2015). Advances in
research and applications of energy-related occupant behavior in buildings.
Energy and Buildings, 605-702.
Jones, H. (2012). Unconventional Office Design Works Better, Says Architects-And So
Do The People Inside It. The Wall Street Journal, 16.
Kamal, K. S., Wahab, L. A., & Ahmad, A. C. (2004). Climatic design of the traditional
Malay house to meet the requirements of modern living. The 38th International
Conference of Architectural Science Association, 175-179.
Low, K. M. (2010). Small Projects. China: Adaptus.
PJ Trade Centre. (2012). Retrieved June 28, 2016, from seksan.com:
http://www.seksan.com/pjtc.html
PJ Trade Centre. (2013). Retrieved June 28, 2016, from pjtradecentre.com:
http://www.pjtradecentre.com/news.html
PJ Trade Centre. (2016, June 28). Retrieved from tujuangemilang.com:
http://www.tujuangemilang.com/pj-trade-centre
Ramli, N. H. (2012). Re-adaptation of Malay House Thermal Comfort Design Elements
into Modern building Elements– Case Study of Selangor Traditional Malay House
& Low Energy Building in Malaysia. Iranica Journal of Energy & Environment, 3,
19-23.

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Siewa, C. C., Che-Anib, A. I., Tawilb, N. M., Goh-Abdullahb, N. A., & Utaberta, N.
(2011). Efffectiveness of Thermal Comfort Models to Evaluate Occupants’
Satisfaction Levels in Office Building. The 2nd International Building Control
Conference, 373-379.

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