Ch project-ii-finalized

CULTURE & HISTORY 2 (ARC60303)
PROJECT 2:
BUILDING ANALYSIS REPORT
GROUP MEMBERS:
CHIA KEH CHIAN 0322062
CHIN SHEE WEI 0322499
CHLOE TEH SHU-ERN 0324101
CHONG HAO FOONG 0322343
CHONG YI HUI 0324404
CHUNG HOW CYONG 0324152
TUTOR:
MOHD HAFIZ BIN MOHD AMIRRO
O U T D O O R G E A R
TELEKOM
TOWER

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Table of contents
No Topic Page
1. i. Introduction
Ii. Fast facts of the building
iii. History
iv. Architect
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2. i. Site context analysis - Chong How Cyong
o Building accessibility.
o Relationship of building to surroundings.
o Respond to climate.
ii. Architectural layout of building- Chia Keh Chian
o Plan to section or elevation analysis
o Circulation to use-space
o Organization analysis
iii. Architecture style analysis- Chloe Teh Shu-Ern
o Style
o Modern technology
o Comparison of Telekom Tower and The Bow
iv. Building element construction, structure & materials analysis - Chin Shee Wei
o Facade
o Sky garden and bowing trusses
o Ground floor- entrance and lift lobby
o Canopy entrance
o Spider clamp glass
v. Architectural elements/components analysis - Chong Hao Foong, Chong Yi Hui
o Form, wall and facade
o Windows and louvers
o Roofing
o Lifts
o Offices
o Ventilation system
o Sky garden
o Additional facilities
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3. Conclusion 46
4. References 47

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Introduction
Kuala Lumpur (commonly referred to as KL) is the capital of Malaysia and a city centre.
It is also a point of interest to tourists and also locals. As a capital, it is the most modern
and developed city in the country with contemporary high-rises, hotels, shopping malls,
local and international cuisine.
The city’s skyline shows a blend of different influences to the country especially in the
form of architecture. Buildings in Kuala Lumpur have influences of British Colonial, Neo-
Gothic, Asian, Islamic and Modern Architecture.
In the 20th century, the buildings are mostly of the Modern Architecture style but some
are inspired from the traditional architecture. As for our topic, Menara Telekom
(Telekom Tower), a skyscraper with Modernistic style will be discussed.
This report consists of detailed study of the Telekom Tower designed by Hijjas Kasturi. We
chose this building as a case study as we find it very interesting with its dynamic form
and implements of environmental friendly aspects.

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Fast Facts
1. Telekom Tower is a skyscraper located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2. It is 310 meters (1017 ft) tall.
3. It has 77 floors.
4. It was designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates.
5. It was constructed between 1998-2001 by Deawoo Construction.
6. It was officially opened on 11 February 2003.
7. The office floors are separated into north and south wings served by express
double-deck elevators.
8. The function of the building is an office.
Location Hijjas Kasturi, the architect

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History
The Telekom Tower is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia along the Federal Highway
and Jalan Pantai Baharu. It is said to be the 3rd tallest building in Malaysia and 66th
place on the global ranking, the largest telecommunication company in Malaysia and
the second largest in South-East Asia.
The tower was built between 1997 and 2002, also represents a transition for HKAS (Hijjas
Kasturi Associates) - a transition which took place against a broader background of
change. Malaysia had served an economic downturn in the late 1980s with a
determination to further modernise and open up the city and economy. The building
industry responded by reviewing its intensive base and looking for technological
advancement.
This was encouraged by the Malaysian government’s initiatives for energy efficiency
and sustainability, which was in turn a response to the emergence of the ‘intelligent
building’ in Europe in the 1980s, involving computerised control of a building’s
mechanical and management systems to enable constant response to change internal
and external conditions.
The Telekom Tower therefore was the transition point for HKAS. It is initiated for the new
phase of development in Malaysia. It can be viewed as a new approach and
exploration of new ideas or practice in the work of buildings. It signalled an interest in a
new diversity of materials which in itself implies new formal expression as the potential of
those materials is explored.

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Architect
Hijjas bin Kasturi, the father of Malaysian
architecture of the second half of the twentieth
century established Hijjas Kasturi Associates (HKAS) in
1977.
Over a period of almost 30 years, there have been
many constants in the practice of HKAS. But perhaps
the most significant one has been its ability to
consistently reinvent itself. This is perhaps even more
difficult for a practice which primarily designs
commercial and institutional buildings for which
functionality; conservatism and the bottom line are the
usual priorities.
HKAS, however is distinctive for the freshness and inventiveness it brings to each successive
building. In turn, these buildings give the Kuala Lumpur skyline, in particular, a distinctness
which it would frankly otherwise lack, were it not for some iconic buildings such as the tower
of the Malaysia Parliament Building Complex, the National Mosque, the Dayabumi Complex
and Cesar Pelli’s idiosyncratic and somewhat overbearing Petronas Twin Towers.
Each of the HKAS buildings has its own character. Each tells a story and each seems
to deal with the materials in an imaginative way, testing structural limits, playing with
functional potential and exploring aesthetic possibilities. And they all unfailingly and
individually address their urban context.

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Site context analysis
1.1 Building accessibility
Figure 1.1a: The location plan shows the route from the Telekom Tower to the Petronas Twin Tower via Jalan Tun Razak.
Telekom Tower is located 14.7 kilometres away from the Petronas Twin Tower via Jalan
Tun Razak. It has an ideal and strategic location with a site of 3.07 hectares. Its South
frontage of 338 metres faces onto the Federal Highway which is linked to the
immediate access to the Kerinchi overpass. The North boundary of Telekom Tower is the
Pantai River, a setback that has impressive landscaping potential.
The mass rapid transit systems which are to follow the spine of the Federal Highway has
also been taken into consideration during the building planning. There is a LRT station at
its east side, commonly known as the Kerinchi LRT station which links to Telekom Tower
with a pedestrian bridge which is within the neighbouring development on the eastern
side. The LRT station helps to reduce traffic congestion by providing immediate access
to and from KL Sentral. The access to the building is an anti-clockwise vehicular route.
Entry and exits are at the North East and North West from Pantai Baru Road. Parking lots
in the New Headquarters can accommodate up to 1,700 cars while open space
parking areas are able to accommodate at least 300 cars.

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Figure 1.1b: The site plan shows the facilities of the Telekom Tower.
Figure 1.1c: The site plan shows the accessibility of Telekom Tower from and to its surrounding buildings.
The accessibility of the Telekom Tower is well-planned and eases the users to
experience convenience walkability to and from. Users may enter the TM Tower via the
main entrance and the back door, especially for those utilised the open space parking.

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From TM Tower itself, users may walk to mosque and multipurpose mall without the
direct exposure of sunlight or downpour.
1.2. Relationship
Telekom Tower is surrounded by high rise residential apartments and commercial blocks.
It stands out as an impressive iconic landmark amongst the high rise buildings. Pantai
Police Station is located right behind the Telekom Tower which helps to gain maximum
security to the building. Telekom Tower also stands out in term of the height and style.
Visually, it happens to be the tallest building within the area and in contrast with all
other buildings; architecturally, it is unique with its curving form comparing to the basic
blockish buildings around it and also well-known of its environmentally sustainable
construction.
Figure 1.2a: The contradiction of the basic blockish buildings around the Telekom Tower
Figure 1.2b: The comparison of Telekom Tower to its surrounding buildings in term of height.

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1.3. Responding to climate
Telekom Tower is surrounded by two relatively narrow Eastern and Western frontage.
The linear shape of its site plan is an ideal condition for tropical climate responsive
building to be built. This helps to minimize the building from direct exposure of sunlight
on its facade, reducing heat gain and minimizing air-conditioning loads. Every third
floors is built with a sky garden, a green pocket with extensive landscaping. The sky
garden acts a living filter to the overall building. Over 20% of the site is landscaped with
trees, shrubs and plants.
Figure 1.3a: The site plan indicates the sun orientation and the extensive usage of landscape around the Telekom Tower.
Figure 1.3b: Sky garden is well landscaped with trees and Figure 1.3c: Landscape shading the surrounding.
Shrubs.

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Architectural layout of building
2.1 Plan to section and elevation
The design of Telekom Tower is derived from bamboo shoot, highly inspired by the
Pago-pago series of paintings by Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin. (McGillick, 2007, p. 87)
Bamboo has a symbolic meaning in the Malaysian culture; it represents strength, rapid
growth and fertility. The influence from the bamboo symbol can be seen from the plan,
elevation section of the building.
Figure 2.1a Pago-pago

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i. Plan
Figure 2.1b: Floor plans of Telekom Tower
At the early stage, the plan of Telekom Tower was developed from an elliptical shape
with a central core and gardens on either side. (McGillick, 2007, p. 87) The final floor
plans are designed in a way that the main component of the building, the offices and
the landscape element, sky gardens are connected through a central core. The
central core is made up of a series of lifts that connect all the floors vertically. The size of
floor plates decreases as the level of floor increases, providing a variety of planning
options, varying from the functions and level of privacy required, while maintaining a
high degree of pleasant and flexible space. The large open air terraced gardens act as
a filter of heat, intense light and noise to provide a pleasant working space for the
workers.

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ii. Elevation
Figure 2.1c Elevations of Telekom Tower
The unique sculptural form of Telekom Tower is made up of two curving forms which
were built upon a plan developed from elliptical shape. It creates interesting changes
in vistas, as the elevation of the tower varies according to the direction from which it is
viewed, merging from one profile to another. It varies depending on the view point:
slimmer or broader, curved or flat, taller or lower. From the north and south, the full
breadth of the building is apparent; while from the east and west, it appears slimmer.
iii. Section
Figure 2.1d East-west section Figure 2.1e North-south section

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Figure 2.1f Sky gardens in section
The building is able to accommodate a working population of approximately 8,000. It
has parking for 1,600 cars and 300 motorcycles in 4 underground parking levels.
(McGillick, 2007, p. 90) North wing and south wing are designed for the offices, while sky
gardens are interspersed through every three floors of the building to offer an open,
leisure resting space for the workers.
2.2 Circulation to use space
Circulation path throughout the building is shown by the following diagrams:

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Figure 2.2a Circulation path
At the entrance of the building, users are welcomed by an automatic sliding door that
leads them into the well-lit lobby. Users are able access to offices at higher floors or
carparks at lower floors by using the double decker lifts situated at the centre of the
building. Offices are situated on the southern and northern sides of the building with the
double decker lifts, while the sky gardens located on the western and eastern sides. This
circulation pattern is specially designed for the busy office environment that requires
quietness and privacy. The public circulation and private circulation is divided clearly to
prevent disturbance from the outsiders.
To ensure time and space saving smooth circulation within the building, the type of lifts
installed in Telekom Tower is double-storey lifts. To travel to an even-numbered floor, the
user takes the lift from the ground level; to reach an odd-numbered floor, an escalator
leads to a lower lobby, to enter the lower cars that only stop on those floors. One lift
shaft can therefore move twice as many people at a time. Telekom Tower has 18
double-decker lifts divided between three zones. (McGillick, 2007, p. 95)

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Figure 2.2b Double decker lifts Figure 2.2c Zoning of lifts
Figure 2.2d Location of lifts

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2.3. Organization analysis
i. Unit to whole
Figure 2.3a Axonometric drawing of Telekom Tower
The dynamic structure of Telekom Tower composed of two curve blocks that torsion
around a central core. A 21-storey steel antenna tower extends the curvilinear form to
the top on one side, while the shorter elevation terminates in a helipad. Sky gardens fill
the triangular voids between the core and the office wings on every third floor,
alternating on either side of the tower. (McGillick, 2007, p. 88) These units combine and
work together to provide a high-efficiency, pleasant and ideal working space. The
metallic blue aluminium-clad facade system covering the office blocks allows the
skyscraper to have a light blue finish that blends into the background. In addition, the
light blue surface delivers a single, decisive image of the corporate values of Telekom
Malaysia.

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Figure 2.3b Logo of Telekom Malaysia on the office building
ii. Orientation-
Figure 2.3c Orientation of building seen from plan Figure 2.3d Sun penetration towards sky garden
Telekom Tower Malaysia is well-known as a green building. The orientation of the
building is carefully planned by the architect to minimize the electricity usage. The
offices, which are the north and south wings, receive the most natural sunlight from
sunrise to sunset. To reduce heat gain into the tower, louvers are constructed on both
sides of the building. By doing so, energy is efficiently saved as the usage of air
conditioning system and electricity are greatly reduced. Besides, glass panels are used
abundantly as windows throughout the building. These clear glasses allow sunlight to
penetrate into the building, creating a naturally brighter interior to reduce usage of
manmade light.

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iii. Natural lighting
Natural lighting plays an important role in creating an environmentally friendly office
towers for the worker. Carefully planned orientation of building and abundance use of
glass in the construction allows generous natural light penetration into the building.
Every floor receives sufficient daylight to illuminate the interior, reducing energy usage
on artificial lighting efficiently.
Figure 2.3e- Interior of higher levels
Figure 2.3f Interior of ground floor
Figure 2.3g Glass panels on facade

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iv. Hierarchy
Figure 2.3h Elevation of Telekom Tower
Hierarchy can be seen easily from the elevation of the building with its diminishing floor
size as it goes upwards, imitating the form of a bamboo shoot. Architecturally wise, the
bigger surface area at the bottom greatly improved the stability of the building.
Function of each floor follows the form- The lower floors have wider base area and
consist of higher density of people and people activities as these spaces are more
opened. However, the spatial planning is more complex to accommodate more
people. As compared, the upper floors are more private, simple and closed to suit an
individual group that are most probably the higher ups in the company. With the
smaller floor areas, it is unable to accommodate as much users as the lower floors.

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Architecture Style Analysis
3.1 Style
The architect combined modernity and cultural presence in the design of Telekom
Tower. He incorporated the concept of modern architecture. It is seen that way
because modern architecture, in the late 1980s, was described to have a strong
degree of personification. This meant that architects started to take inspiration from real
life objects, in terms of form and design, instead of solely focusing on function and
spatial requirements. And the same method is applied in Telekom Tower with Hijjas
Kasturi’s interpretation of the young bamboo shoot.
The Telekom Tower is strategically designed to accommodate the Malaysian climate
through elements like ventilation, sun penetration and wind direction. It is also designed
to promote energy saving. Some of the energy saving elements in this building include
orientation of the tower, its air conditioning system, the green spaces and the design of
the windows. The sky gardens are placed specifically on the east and west so that both
sunrise and sunsets are viewable. It also provides natural air ventilation in the building
that works hand in hand with the energy saving air conditioning system- Hiross Flexible
Space system. The air flows from outside into the air conditioner systems, which provide
air condition throughout the building, and expel stale air out of the building. Recess
windows with external louvers are placed at the North and South surfaces to reduce
heat gain.
3.2 Modern technology
The design and construction process of Telekom Tower relied heavily on modern
technology. There are repetitive elements on the facade of the building, and it is
evident that they are achieved by the precise calculation of computers, as human
calculation could not be able to produce results as accurate. There was usage of
modern technology in terms of new materials such as concrete, casting and claddings,
and new construction methods. Concrete is used abundantly in the floor plates and the
structure of the building. Also, steel is used to support the sky gardens because of its
strength and structural stability, yet at the same time remaining lightweight. The sky
gardens need to be supported without any weight disadvantages as they are
suspended along the building.

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Figure 3.2 suspended sky gardens
Besides materials and calculation, technology is also used in terms of mechanics and
electronics. There are double decker elevators located in the core of the building to
increase efficiency and capacity, and Telekom Tower was one of the pioneers in the
usage of 6 star double decker lifts.
3.3 Comparison of Telekom Tower and The Bow, Canada
Both Telekom Tower and The Bow take climate as a factor in terms of orientation and
form. Taking the tropical climate of Malaysia into account, Telekom Tower orientates its
windows towards sunrise and sunset, allowing an abundance of light to enter. Its sky
gardens create an opening for wind to enter and ventilate the interiors. On the other
hand, as The Bow is located in Canada which is of a different climate, its orientation is
slightly different. Its concave surface faces the sun on the south, while its convex
surface reduces the load of prevailing wind on the other side.

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Figure 3.3 concave and convex facades
As Telekom Tower is located among other buildings, there is some sense of mundanity in
terms of views. However, the concave surface of The Bow faces the Rocky Mountains.
Therefore, the concave form of the building maximizes the views of the Rocky
Mountains from the office.
Green architecture is practiced significantly in both buildings; however, each building
takes a different approach. Telekom Tower reduces energy consumption by providing
external green pockets through its sky gardens on every few floors of the building.
However, The Bow has a series of atria along the space behind the concave facade
that run the whole height of the tower. It is located in the interior of the building, instead
of the exterior.
Figure 3.5 Atria in The Bow

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Building elements - Construction, structure and materials analysis
Figure 4.1: Front view of Telekom Tower, shows the unique arch design of the building.
According to the architect, Hijjas Kasturi, Telekom Tower was a transition point for
HKAS, It signalled an interest in a new diversity of materials which in itself implies new
formal impression as the potential of those materials is explored. There are some
obstacles that had to be overcome which include the unique carved exterior structure,
the arch design and the material chosen.
Telekom Tower was designed to be in harmony with the natural environment. The
building was made with the mix of materials. Floors and vertical elements were made of
high strength, prestressed concrete, while steel was used as the skeleton of the antenna
tower, helipad and long-spanning trusses of the sky garden. It signalled an interest in a

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new diversity of materials which in itself implies new formal impression as the potential of
those materials is explored.
4.1 Facade
Figure 4.1a: Facade of Telekom Tower
The construction materials for the facade of Telekom Tower are mixture of steel
and prestressed concrete. Prestressed concrete systems used in Malaysia are mostly
large panels systems, which can either be load bearing or non-load bearing walls.
Prestressed concrete is an approach of curbing concrete weakness in tension. The
principle of prestressed concrete is that the compressive stress induced by the tendons
will counteract the tensile stresses in the concrete caused by the external load. This is
done by combining the properties of two materials which are high strength concrete
for compression and high tensile strength tendons for tension. It can be used in piles,
beams, slabs, girder, with a longer span can be achieved than the ordinary reinforced
concrete.
Telekom Tower featured a louvered-style facade which constructed by copper
panels that reflects on light and creates an interesting form and protect maintenance
catwalks.

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4.2 Sky garden and bowing trusses
Figure 4.2a: Sky Garden and Bowing Trusses of Telekom Tower
The east and west elevation of Telekom Tower that can receive the most sun are
shaded by sky gardens, an open public spaces for all workers.
Figure 4.2b: Sun penetration towards Sky Garden
By bridging between the floors and the core on every third level, every floor is no
more than one level away from an open space, which varies in size from over 600
square meters at the lowest garden to just 140 square meters at the highest. Creation of

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neighbourhoods within the building that would humanize the working environment
within large structures was the solution during the development of the design.
Figure 4.2c: Bowing Trusses of Sky Garden
Bowing trusses that can be seen clearly under the sky garden are the structure
used to support the sky gardens. It is a structural roof truss that having a bow-shaped
top cord and a straight or cambered bottom cord.
Figure 4.2d: Structural drawing and measurements of Bowing Truss

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4.3 Ground floor- entrance and lift lobby
Figure 4.3a: Ground Floor entrance and lobby of Telekom Tower
The materials that were explored on the interior finishing were well developed in
appliance to its modern design. The table below is the examples of the materials for the
essential elements at ground floor.
Essential Elements Materials
Lift Lobbies ● Granite floor
● Granite and stainless steel wall
● Metal and plasterboard ceiling
Male & Female toilets ● Homogenous floor tiles
● Phenolic wall and WC cubicle
● Water resistance suspended ceiling
tiles
Party / Utility / Tea Room ● Homogenous floor tiles
● Homogenous wall tiles and plastered
walls
● Suspended ceiling tiles

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4.3.1 Canopy entrance
Figure 4.3.1a&b: Structure of Canopy Entrance
The canopy marks the entrance among the transparent walls at the ground floor.
The structure of the canopy is a piece of steel plates and glass panels. Small spaces are
voided above it. This allows minimal sunlight to penetrate throughout the entrance as
well as doing its job of keeping users out of rain and danger.

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4.3.2 Spider clamp glass
Figure 4.3.2a&b: Type of Spider Clamp Glass used- Four Way Spider Fixing
With the high amount of tall glass windows used in the lobby of Telekom Tower, in
order to show a frameless glass fitting structure in accordance to the aesthetics of the
building itself, spider clamps glass are used to secure the fittings together.
The spider fittings are designed to be used in glass wall. They are made of high
quality of stainless steel. Spider fittings are basically used to connect panels of glasses
together. Besides that, they can be used in high wind load areas whereas the
commonly used glass fins support are unable to deal with the loadings.
Figure 4.3.2c : Structural drawing and measurements of Spider Clamp Glass

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4.4 Comparison of Telekom Tower and The Bow, Canada
Figure 4.4a&b: Telekom Tower, Malaysia & The Bow Tower, Canada
Menara Telekom and The Bow Tower are quite similar in terms of its vertical
skyscraper structure and also mixture of steel and concrete for its façade and structural
construction. The only difference is the form of Telekom Tower is more angular and from
broader to slimmer at the top whereas The Bow Tower is a consistent and organized
rectangular curve form.
Figure 4.4c&d: Construction process of Telekom Tower and The Bow Tower

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With much of their similarities, The Bow Tower is known as “Environmentally-
friendly office tower” due to its large sky gardens which encourage natural ventilation
and help to significantly reduce energy use, as similar as to the sky gardens build within
each interval office floor of Telekom Tower.
Figure 4.4e: Sky Garden in The Bow Tower
There are three indoor sky gardens which are built on 24th, 42th and 54th floors in
The Bow Tower unlike the sky gardens in Telekom Tower are built at outdoor.

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Architectural elements/ components analysis
5.1 Form, walls and facade
Figure 5.1a: The bamboo sprout shows the inspiration of the building’s shape
The office is separated into the taller North wing and South wing with a helipad on top.
According to the architect, the form of the building is based on an inspiration of a
bamboo shoot. It took picture on a new sprout of bamboo shooting up from the earth,
with its leaves unfurling one by one.
Figure 5.1b : The diagram shows the shape of the building from different angle
From the North and South, a full size of the building can be seen. From the East and
West, the building is seen in a slimmer form. This have made an interesting view on the
building, by changing the viewing perspective one can see that the building is slimmer
or broader, curved or flat, taller or lower.

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Figure 5.1c: The picture shows the elements of lines of the Telekom Tower
The facade of the building has an interesting repetition element of lines. The line has
cross section making squares and rectangular elements all around the building and it
also synchronizes with the windows throughout the whole building. This repetition
element stretches from the ground floor all the way to the top point of the building.
The main material for the facade is copper panels which reflects on coming light and
creates an interesting form. From different time of the day, the overall colour of the
building changes as it reflects the colour based on the weather.
On the first few floors, most of the walls are made up of glass panels while maintaining
some of the repetitive element. Glass are used as to not cover the whole building up as
it allows outsider to have a glance of view of the beautiful interior in the building.
Figure 5.1c & Figure 5.1d: The pictures show the interior
Since the interior is well lit by the natural sunlight, the internal ceiling uses low lightings
while reiterating the style of the facade. Walkways between the two office wings are
also properly lit with the natural lighting while providing strong visual interest along the
way.

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5.2 Windows and louvers
Figure 5.2a: Windows panels from inside view
Almost the whole building is completely covered by glass panels. The facade of the
building is designed by the placement of the windows and louvers, external louvers are
carefully placed. The louvered windows also act as reduction on the heat gain inside
the building most exposed to sunlight areas.
Figure 5.2b: The Louvers
The position of the windows and louvers also provide easy maintenance and easy
cleaning. The glass panels on the louvers are higher than any average height which
allows more light to enter and brighten the room easier. The design of the windows and
louvers also creates more circulated ventilation.

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5.3 Roofing
Figure 5.3a & Figure 5.3b : Entrance roofing and sky garden roofing
The entrance of the building is marked with metal slat roofing along the transparent
glass wall. The metal slat provide some shades and lighting at the same time. It is also
shade for rain as there is glass panel over it.
With the spiral body the building have, the rain or water droplets can easily flow from
the roof down to the curving facade. On the West and East side, the sky garden is
outdoors which is fully exposed to the sunlight and rain. But the sky garden is staged
with another sky garden, making the sky garden as other sky garden’s roofing. It can
use as shades for rain or sunlight but not heavy storm that hit from the exposed side.
5.4 Lift
There are a number of lifts in the whole building which are separated into 3 zones. The
lift system in Telekom Tower was planned according to demand at peak times when
the office workers arrive and when they leave. Thus, a large number of lifts were not
required in the core of the building which will waste a large amount of space in the
core of the building.
Figure 5.4.1 : Red boxes indicate the location of the lifts.

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Figure 5.4.2 : Zoning of lifts.
The solution to the problem of the lift system is Telekom Tower uses double-deck lifts to
take as many people as possible at one go. This allows passengers on two consecutive
floors to be able to use the elevator simultaneously. Telekom Tower has a total of 18
double-decker lifts in the whole building. Stairs and escalators are provided for the
office workers and also visitors to easily access between floors. This lift system is also used
in high skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa.
Figure 5.4.3: Exclusive high-speed lifts. Figure 5.4.4 : Double-decker lift.

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5.5 Office
The office is also one of the significant components of the building as the circulation of
space revolves around the offices located in the building. As the tower rises up to
higher floors, the size of the floor plan decreases as it to promote the stability of the
skyscraper. The offices located at the lower end of the building have a much larger
floor plan and working space allowing the maximum usage of space in the office. While
the offices at the higher part of the building have smaller floor areas and are designed
with the sufficient areas.
Figure 5.5.1 : Dotted red lines indicate the floor plan of the office. Figure 5.5.2: Decreasing size of office floors.

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5.6 Ventilation system
Telekom Tower has a proper ventilation system that creates a healthy environment
within the building. Fresh air from sky gardens are channelled into the localised air
conditioning unit through underfloor air conditioning system. Foul air is then channelled
out of the building through louvers at external facade of the building. Thus, the air cycle
is environmental friendly and healthy for the workers in the building.
Figure 5.6.1 : Ventilation system of Telekom Tower.
Figure 5.6.2: Louvers at external facade to channel out foul air.

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Figure 5.6.3 : Ventilation of fresh air from sky garden into building.
Although the ventilation system in Telekom Tower is environment friendly and efficient,
there are some drawbacks regarding the system. The fresh air from the sky gardens are
channelled into the building with underfloor air conditioning system. As the people in
the building walk around, dust from their shoes and also from the air is blown into the air
that they breathe. This makes the air dusty and dirty.
Figure 5.6.4: Underfloor air conditioning system.

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5.7 Sky garden
The sky garden in the Telekom Tower is a very significant component. Sky gardens are
located at both western and eastern side of the building’s facade. In total, there are 11
sky gardens on each side of the building making is the grand total of 22 sky gardens.
Each sky garden is located at every third floor. The purpose of building a sky garden on
every third floor is so that each floor is no more than one level away from an open
space. The size of the sky garden varies according to the height of the building from
over 600 square meters at the lowest sky garden to just 140 square meters at the highest.
Figure 5.7.1: Elevation of Telekom Tower with sky gardens.
Located on the eastern and western side of the building, the sky gardens serve as a
natural shade on both facades. The orientation also eases the maintenance as plants
receive maximum sun penetration from sunrise to sunset for optimum growth.
Figure 5.7.2 : Plan of Telekom Tower showing the location of sky gardens.

42
Figure 5.7.3: Shows direct sun penetration and wind flow into sky gardens.
The sky garden creates a social neighbourhood to the workers of the office building. It
also serves as a relaxation, meet up and chatting place for the workers of the building.
From a far view of the building’s facade, the sky garden helps to soften the external
facade of the building.
Figure 5.7.4 & figure 5.7.5 : Sky gardens.

43
5.8 Additional facilities
Figure 5.8a : Shows the area of the tower and the facilities
Additional facilities for staff have been positioned at the western end of the site, it is
arranged around a private landscaped courtyard. The facilities include a multipurpose
hall for sports, a childcare centre, which includes four well-equipped classrooms and
indoor and outdoor play areas, a health and fitness centre with squash courts and a
gymnasium. There is also hawker centre providing low-cost food stalls for employees.

44
5.9 Comparison of Telekom Tower, Kuala Lumpur and The Bow, Canada
Architecture
elements
Telekom Tower, Kuala Lumpur The Bow, Canada
Form, walls and
facade
Form is different from every
angle and is based on a
bamboo sprout. Wall is full of
glass and copper panels.
A concave and convex form
can be observed from
opposite angles. Also
covered with glass
throughout the walls.
Windows and louvers Almost whole building cover
with glass window for more
exposure to sunlight
The whole building is
covered by glass panels to
get more sunlight in and save
a lot more energy.
Roofing Metal slat for the main
entrance roof and sky garden
as lower sky garden’s roof.
There is not much external
roofing throughout the tower.
Only a general flat roof on
top of the tower.
Sky garden There are 22 sky gardens
located at the east and west
part of building. Sky gardens
provide a social
neighbourhood to the workers
of the office building. They
allow workers to meet up and
relax.
There are only three sky
gardens in the bow which
are located at levels 24, 42
and 54. Each garden is six
storey-high. These gardens
offer a social space for the
worker of the building to
relax.

45
Ventilation system Uses underfloor air
conditioning system that
channels fresh air from the sky
gardens into building. Foul air
is then channelled out of the
building through louvers at
external facade of the
building.
Displacement ventilation via
a raised floor.
Office Circulation of building revolves
around the office as the main
purpose of the building is as
an office building. However,
the floor area of the office will
decrease as the floors
increase in height.
Circulation of building
revolves around the office as
the main purpose of the
building is as an office
building. But, the office floor
area is consistent throughout
the whole building.
Lift Lifts are separated into 3
zones. The tower uses double-
decker lifts as it is allows
workers to get to other floors
faster and saves electricity in
the building.
Lifts are in the middle of the
building as it allows
circulation of workers to
easily access their office from
the centre of the building.
Additional facilities There are additional facilities
located outside of the tower
for the used of the workers of
the tower.
There are no additional
facilities located inside or
outside of the tower.

46
Conclusion
Throughout this project, we can conclude that Telekom Tower is a significant modern
building in Malaysian architecture historical timeline. It embodies the heritage of the
Asian culture, responding to the tropical climatic behaviour as an environmentally
responsible building and also dictates the commence of the modern era in Malaysia.
One clear thing that we could learn from this academic analytics writing is that we
have look into every specific architectural features of Telekom Tower as a modern
architecture in term of its construction technology, design elements and architecture
languages.
In short, Telekom Tower is a distinct landmark that stands out as a pinnacle amongst the
other high rise buildings. However, by looking into the minor disadvantages, the helipad
which located at the top of the building is malfunctioned as it is built too close to the
nearby buildings. The Telekom Tower may look aesthetic in term of its curving and
dynamic architecture, but the office management is lacking of consideration for the
building maintenances and functional spaces.

47
References:
Book:
McGillick, P. (2006). Concrete metal glass: Hijjas Kasturi Associates: Selected works, 1977-
2007. Kuala Lumpur: Editions Didier Millet.
Website:
1. Architects), B. (n.d.). Menara Telekom. Retrieved September 29, 2016, from
https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Menara_Telekom
2. Menara Telekom. (n.d.). Retrieved September 29, 2016, from http://www.malaysian-
explorer.com/menaraTelekom.html
3. Menara Telekom Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2016, from
http://www.infobuild.it/progetti/menara-telekom-tower/
4. R. (n.d.). Louver and Architectural Solutions. Retrieved September 30, 2016, from
http://www.ruskin.com/catalog/category/11~Louver-and-Architectural-Solutions
5. Telekom Tower. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2016, from
http://telekombbd.tripod.com/telekom_tower.htm
6. Menara TM - The Skyscraper Center. (n.d.). Retrieved September 30, 2016, from
http://skyscrapercenter.com/building/menara-tm/453
7. ArchNet (2009). Telekom Malaysia Berhad New Headquarters.
Retrieved from http://archnet.org/sites/5134/media_contents/38684

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