1. TAYLOR’S
UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF
ARCHITECTURE,
BUILDING & DESIGN
ARCHITECTURE CULTURE
& HISTORY II
PROJECT II: WEB BOOK
GROUP MEMBERS:CHOW HONG DA 0318571
JAMES TAY JIA CHUEN 0322210
HARIISH KUMAR a/l THIAGARAJA 0318852
EVELYN LAI KAH YING 0322732
LECTURER:Pn. NORHAYATI
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
No. Content Pg.
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS 5
3. ARCHITECTURE LAYOUT OF BUILDING 11
4. ARCHITECTURE SITE ANALYSIS 15
5. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STRUCTURE
& MATERIAL ANALYSIS
21
6. ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 28
3. INTRODUCTION
Menara Milenium is one of Kuala Lumpur's
most iconic office buildings as it is the tallest
building in Pusat Bandar Damansara. It
completed in the year 2000, stands 25 floors
above street level and houses over 51,580
square meters or 555,000 square feet of Net
Lettable Area (NLA).The building is the
prestigious work address of over 4,000 office staff working for renowned companies such as Ernst
& Young, Philip Morris, WPP Group and Eastern & Oriental.Located in Damansara Heights, Menara
Milenium is sought as a preferred corporate address and it has extremely high commercial value.
It is surrounded by affluent neighbourhoods like Mont Kiara and Bangsar which have premier
residential, business, restaurants and branded cafes.
Amenities in the area include restaurants and cafes which are available in the immediate
surroundings, residential areas, and shopping centres (Bangsar Shopping Centre). Public transport
to the building includes buses and taxis (bus stop a short walk from the building), and the nearest
LRT station (Bangsar LRT station) is a mere 4 km away. Moreover, an upcoming MRT station (Pusat
Bandar Damansara station) in the area will help improve accessibility to the building in future.
FAST FACTS
Name of building: Menara Millennium
Year Complete:2000
Location: Damansara Height, Pusat Bandar Damansara.
Address: 8 Jalan Damanlela (Pusat Bandar Damansara), 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Nearby cities: Klang and Pekanbaru
Offices inside: Mayflower American Express Travel Service, Eastern&Oriental Berhad,Fortune
Fountain Sdn.Bhd, HSBC Bank Malaysia, J.Walter Thompson Sdn.Bhd, Orient Escape Travel
Sdn.Bhd
Type: Corporate Tower
5. Developer--Selangor Properties Berhad (SPB)
Selangor Properties Berhad (SPB) was officially incorporated on 12 October, 1963. The company's
founder and current chairperson is Puan Sri Datin Chook Yew Chong Wen. It is more than just a
property development company. With developments that are distinctive in quality, value and
stature, it operate by the guiding principle that effort is measured not by the amount of work they
exert but the care and passion we devote to complete a project with utmost professionalism and
precision. The ultimate purpose is to create enduring value, connect and collaborate with all
stakeholders and create thriving communities through property development and investments.
With substantial land bank and commercial properties in Kuala Lumpur, SPB has built up a
portfolio of prestigious developments in prime districts such as Damansara Heights, Bukit Tunku
(Kenny Hills), Gombak, and Selayang.
SPB investment properties includes Menara Milenium, Wisma Damansara, Kompleks Pejabat
Damansara, 16-Shop Batai, SPB Towers and Taman Tunku Apartments, all of which are located
within the prestigious district of Damansara Heights. In any venture that SPB undertake, are
mindful of the values that drive our guiding principle - purpose, connection and trust.
Before embarking on a project, SPB examines its aims and potential benefits, in addition to taking
into account its impact on the people and communities involved.
6. Architect-Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart
Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart is an internationally established design firm providing
innovative professional services for corporate, commercial, hospitality, residential, industrial,
government and educational projects. The majority of our services are commissioned by repeat
clients in the real estate and development industry. The many longstanding relationships we have
developed with our clients reflect our ongoing commitment to quality design and responsive
service.
Founded in1979, the firmis headquartered inAtlanta, Georgia, withadditionaloffices inthe Republicof
Singapore, Shanghai, P.R.C. andDubai, U.A.E. Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart&Associates, Inc., its
subsidiaries andaffiliatedcompanies offerdesignservices*inArchitecture, InteriorDesign, Master
Planning, GraphicDesignandLandscape Architecture. Ourwidely acclaimeddesignsolutions reflectour
ability tocreatively respond tothe unique objectives of eachprojectwhileincorporatinghighstandards for
quality, technical competence andcostcontrol.
7. SITE CONTEXT
ANALYSIS
Written by - Hariish Kumar
Contents:
Building Accessibility
Relationship of Building to
Surroundings
Response to Climate
9. LDP (17.6KM) KERINCHI LINK (12.3KM)
Conclusion
Menara Millenium is situated in strategic location which is almost the heart of Selangor as it easily
accesible from all parts of KL.The many roads of access also means there are more than one way
to go to this building which is a key feature because of the constant jam in that area.It is also
connected to most of the highways which ensures a shorter and faster way.
10. COMPARISON
Wisma UOA
Address: Jalan Dungun, 50490 Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Architectural style : International style
Purpose/Function :Commercial/office
Wisma Damansara
Address: Jalan Semantan, 50490 Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Architectural style : Brutalist architecture
Purpose/Function: Parking Lot
11. Kompleks Pejabat Damansara
Address : 45, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Architectural style: Brutalist architecture
Purpose/Function: Office Complex
HP Towers
Address: 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
Architectural style: International style
Purpose/Function: Office Complex
12. Conclusion
The buildings surrounding Menara Millenium mostly consits of international style and brutalist
style.Menara Millenium stands out as it designed more towards Neoclassical style and it contrasts
the other building greatly,mainly to the buildings that uses brutalist architecture.The brutalist
building look matte and dull compared to the polish looks of the buildings with neoclassical and
international style.
RESPONSE TO CLIMATE
The facade is facing the sun path for maximum intake of daylight to reduce the use of
electricity.The windows are slighty tinted to reduce the heat intake.The granite covered facade
also reduces heat absorption by reflecting it.
13. ARCHITECTURE
LAYOUT
Written by – Chow Hong Da
Contents
Plan to section/elevation
analysis
Circulation of use-space
Organization analysis
15. ANALYSIS
From the drawings, we can see that the building is emulating the design of a Byzantine church,
with its circular/centralised plan, dome roof and columns made of granite. Each floor has its lifts
and services at the center of the building, with corridors flanking the long sides. The columns that
support the building are found inside the building, progressively get thicker the lower the floor
goes. These facts allow the outer façade to be more expressive in the neoclassical design, which
shows also some postmodern influences.
CIRCULATION
The building has two sets of six lifts, each set connecting to different zones to prevent congestion
during rush hours. The first set connects the low zone, which is 1st floor to the 12th floor, while the
second set takes passengers from the 1st floor straight to the 13th to 25th floor. Other than the 2
sets of lifts, another set of lift is linked from the 1st floor to the basement.
A bridge, on the 3rd and 4th floor, connects the main office building to the small building beside it,
leading towards the open space above the small building. This allows office workers to move
between these buildings without needing to exit the building.
The dome, situated at the 26th floor, is usually inaccessible. Inside are water tanks, ventilation
ducts and pipes, which only staff are allowed access.
16. ORGANIZATION ANALYSIS
SYMMETRY
The symmetrical balance of the building is evident from the
elevation. This balance in proportion is one of the Vitruvian virtues
that neoclassical architecture strives to achieve. Not only is the
elevation symmetrical, the plan, excluding the small building to its
side, is symmetrical horizontally and vertically. The entrance of the
building breaks the mold of symmetry, being slightly to the right, but
the entrance itself is very symmetrically balanced.
CENTRALISED
The building, when viewed from the plan, is a centralized structure, with circulation at the center,
and the use space surrounding it. This design is an efficient way to allow the office space to be
exposed to natural lighting throughout.
HIERARCHY
The building’s floor area decreases as the building ascends above, to minimize load on the support
columns inside the building. The dome, which is the focal point of the building’s aesthetic, is also
emphasized by the decreasing floor area.
CONTRAST
When surrounded by modernist and postmodernist buildings, the neoclassical Menara Millennium
provides a contrast in the cityscape, looking distinct with its granite walls, when compared to the
concrete brutalist buildings around it. Its neoclassical design of a domed roof is easily recognizable
from a distance when flanked by other buildings. The smooth domed roof also contrasts the
geometric form of the building’s body, further emphasizing the beauty of the dome.
18. Architectural Style Analysis
The architectural style of the Menara Millenium is of postmodern architecture with neo classical
architectural elements.
History of postmodern architecture
The postmodernist movement began in America around the 1960’s and then it spread to Europe
and the rest of the world. Postmodernity in architecture is said to be heralded by the return of wit,
ornamentation, and references to previous architectural traditions.
It was originated due to failure of the modern architecture. Postmodern trends became evident in
the last quarter of the 20th century as some architects started to turn away from modern
functionalism, which they viewed as boring, or even unwelcoming and unpleasant. Modern
architecture did not meet the human need for comfort as it did not account for the desire of
beauty. Thus, architects sought to reintroduce colour, ornaments and decoration into their
designs. The response to the formalism of the modern style involved sampling old styles but
breaking traditions, and was part of a movement that continues to influence contemporary
architecture. Perhaps most obviously, architects rediscovered the expressive and symbolic value of
architectural elements that had evolved through centuries but been abandoned by the modern
style.
The age of postmodern architecture was a brief one, dating roughly from 1970 to 2000 or 1980 to
2000. In one of the most ironic and tragic coincidences of the modern era, the total destruction of
the World trade Centre was said to have closed the postmodern era.
History of Neoclassical architecture
In architecture, Neoclassicism signalled a return to order and rationality after the melodramatic,
flamboyant Baroque, and the decorative frivolity of the Rococo. As a style composed of many
elements, based to a varying extent on the antique forms of Greek architecture and Roman
architecture. The earliest forms of neoclassical architecture grew up alongside the Baroque, and
functioned as a sort of corrective to the latter's flamboyance. This is particularly evident in
England, where examples of early neoclassicism include buildings like St Paul's Cathedral.
19. Features of Postmodern buildings with neoclassical architectural elements:
1) Postmodern buildings are arranged as a stack of varied design elements for a single
vocabulary from ground level to top called tapering or wedding design.
Comparison:
Sony Building Vs Menara Millenium
2) Modern architecture was monolithic and consistently monochromatic whole, according to
which its buildings range from the perfect white cubes to the glass and steel skyscrapers
and grey concrete bunkers. However, Postmodernism ushered in an explosion of colours in
contrast to modernistic buildings. This gives buildings a more expressive and symbolic
meaning.
Walt Disney Studios Vs Menara Millenium
20. 3) Double coding is a principle in postmodernism in architecture by American architectural
theorist Charles Jencks, claims that architecture should be able to work on several levels
simultaneously. This idea allows postmodernism architects to use classical elements for
example Roman, Greek or Baroque styles in designing buildings. The objective of double
coding in postmodern architecture was to satisfy both peers and the public through a
combination of the past and present styles in a synthetic fashion. Examples of classical
elements used in Menara Millenium are :
a) Ornaments b) Roman arch columns c) Steeples d) Cloister dome shape roofing
a) Postmodernism also ushered the revival of use of ornaments which adds to the aesthetics
and beauty of postmodern buildings as postmodern architects showed a sense of desire for
beauty in their designs.
Walt Disney Studios Vs Menara Millenium
b) Menara Millenium incorporated classical elements such as the roman arch columns into
the postmodernism building design as a sign of double coding.
c) Other features of menara millenium adopted from the past styles are steeples from
cathedrals. As shown below, the steeples of menara millennium are quite similar to the
ones used in cathedrals. The only difference is that the Christian cross is not used on the
menara millenium as it is not a Christian building.
21. d) Another feature adopted from past styles is the cloister dome shape roofs. The earliest
known examples date to the first century BC, such as the Tabularium of Rome from 78
BC. The most famous example is the Renaissance octagonal dome of Filippo Brunelleschi
over the Florence Cathedral.
22. Other features of postmodern buildings
Postmodern buildings sometimes utilize trompe l’oeil, creating the illusion of space or depths
where none actually exist, as it has been done by painters since the romans. The Portland Building
has pillars represented on the side of the building which appears to be real but actually is fake.
This is known as illusionistic building techniques.
Conclusion
My experience in visiting the Menara Millennium was really worthwhile. It was both educational
and fun at the same time. Through my visit there, I have managed to successfully gather sufficient
information needed for my report on architectural style analysis. I have learnt that Menara
Millennium is of postmodern architecture with neoclassical architectural elements. Furthermore, I
have also managed to gather information about evidences that Menara Millennium is of pure
modern style with no local influence on site as well as through research online.
24. Building Materials
Stainless steel
This material is used for the primary framework of the building and also for the exterior
ornamentations of the building. The property of stainless that does not corrode or rust easily
makes it perfect for framework and ornamentation as it can withstand the humid environment of
Malaysia.
Concrete
Concrete is poured on the main framework and is the primary material used in this building. The
concrete is left bare in areas not used by many and some in parts are painted where it seen by the
public. The ability of concrete to withstand humidity and heat makes it able to be left bare.
The bare finishes of the The painted finishes of
Concrete the concrete
The framework of the roof
The steel
ornamentations
The steel framework
of the building
25. The facade is covered with granite and glass
Granite
Granite is the material that is primarily covering the facade of this building. This decision was done
to give the building a grandeur look but also to keep the building cooler. The facade of this
building has held up good over time because of the property of granite to withstand heat and
humidity.
Glass
Laminated glass is used for the windows because they don’t easily break. The glasses are also
glazed to prevent excessive heat from entering. The windows are also one of the key features in
the design of the facade.
Marble
Marble which is generally cooling is used for the flooring and the general interior fitting of the
building. The marble brings the grandeur of the facade forward to the interior.
26. Construction and Structure
Cloister Dome Roofing
Domes are most typically found in Classical architecture. The Romans and Byzantines built their
domes in stone, and due to the tremendous weight of these magnificent buildings, they needed to
be built on soil that could support them. Then, as today, reinforced steel bars are used to support
the dome roofing.
Construction Process
1) First step is the construction of a steel reinforced bar cloister dome begins by building a
square foundation of reinforced concrete called the ringbeam. The ringbeam is designed to
support the weight of the completed dome,
The ringbeam is a steel reinforced continuous square concrete footing which anchors the
dome even through strong winds
Example of a dome roof ringbeam
2) Second step is the process of applying polyurethane foam to the inside of the form. The
foam initially provides the required rigidity to support the reinforcing steel of the dome.
After construction is completed, the insulating foam works with the thermal mass of the
steel dome to provide exceptional energy efficiency.
27. 3) Next is the setting of the steel reinforcing bars. To expedite the construction process, the
reinforcing steel and all the equipment required to place the reinforcing steel is staged
inside the perimeter of the ringbeam. Then, special fasteners are imbedded in the foam
and the reinforcing bars are attached. The quantity and diameter of reinforcing bars are
engineered to maximize the performance of the dome based on the requirements of the
application.
Section of the Menara Millenium Cloister Dome
4) Final step is to lay the steel sheet dome roofing on the reinforced steel bars.
Reinforced Steel
Bars
28. Barrel Vaults
Barrel vaults are commonly seen in many ancient and modern structures, including churches,
government buildings, museums, aqueducts, stadiums, sewage systems, tunnels, and more. A
barrel vault resembles a barrel that has been laid on its side and cut in half along its length; the
top is rounded and the bottom is flat. Anciently, barrel vaults were constructed of stone. With the
advent of materials such as steel in the modern era, variations of the barrel vault can now be
constructed using a variety of materials. As constructed in Menara Millenium, the barrel vault is
made out of steel strengthened with reinforced steel bars.
Steel Sheet
Roofing
Reinforced Steel
Bars
29. Exterior wall
The exterior wall normally plays a key role in thermal insulation of the building. The insulation of a
building can greatly reduce the amount of energy used by a building.
Clay insulation
The local clay, often local subsoil, is mixed into a slurry with water and then combined with straw
or wood chip or other similar material. The clay’s ratio determine its property to either insulate
heat or gain heat, for this case it to insulate heat.
Granite cladding
The granite cladding serves as a visual purpose and also a systematic purpose. The granite cladding
significantly reduces heat gain by reflecting it as the granite has a glossy surface.
30. SIMILAR BUILDINGS
St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Similarities
Inspired by architecture of classical antiquity
Has a dome roof inspired by byzantine/baroque architecture of the past
Has a similar centralised floor plan
Differences
Menara Millennium Differences St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Office Building Function Church
Aesthetic purpose Dome Function To honour the holy spirit
Glass, Steel and Granite Materials Marble, Glass and Iron
31. ELEMENTS/
COMPONENTS
ANALYSIS
Written By – Evelyn Lai
Contents
Façade
Segmented Arch
Glass Wall
Rounded Arch
Staircase
Columns
Windows
Cloister Dome
Ceilings
32. Architectural Element & Component Analysis
Facade
Rows and columns of windows can be seen from the facade as it allows large amount of natural
light to penetrate throughout the office area. It shows a strong repetitive in unique to save on
energy bills by reducing the need for artificial light. However, when certain amount of sunlight
goes through the windows, it caused a high temperature in the office area because of the heat
trapped. To reduce the heat energy, granite cladding facade is used to increase heat insulation and
release the heat load from the direct sunlight.
Segmental Arch
Segmental arch is a segment of a circle and has all the same basic features as the flat arch except
the curved extrados and intrados radiate from the same focal point. It was first built by the
Romans and being introduced massively in the late Middle Age. It create openings for windows
and bring light into the structure, making the place more pleasant to be in.Such arches is used in a
grouping to distribute the weight of a large structure.
Light penetration diagram
Load diagram
33. Glass wall
As the function of Menara Millennium is for commercial used, repetitive laminated glass are used
at the walls of entrance and lobby to show low privacy. User can see through the transparent
walls.
Round Arch
It can span a large area by resolving forces into compressive stresses, in turn eliminating tensile
stresses. This is sometimes referred to as arch action. As the forces in the arch are carried to the
ground, the arch will push outward at the base. As the rise, or height of the arch decreases, the
outward thrust increases. The round arch in Menara Millennium is located in the front facade, to
act as a supportive systemin the whole building.
Round arch from
front facade
Glass wall at the main entrance
34. Staircase
There are two staircases in the building as they are not the main part of circulation. As the building
consists of thirty five stories including the dome structure, the main circulation is the lift to
provide a more convenient access for the user. The type staircase is winder staircase which
requires less space than many other types of staircase. Also, it has a more visual interest and seem
to create a more seamless transition, visually, as they meander around corners. Colors of wooden
steps and stainless steel handrail make the staircase combine well with the brownish granite walls
in the interior.
Staircase 1 Staircase 2
Winder staircase optimum
angle diagram
35. Column
The column found in the building is very thick in radius as they act as the load bearing systemto
support the weight of the entire ceiling and the upper floors. Units of windows from ceiling to
floor also attached and support by the huge columns between them. The surface of the column is
similar to the Greek columns which consist of flutes that is long vertical grooves go down the
column. The grooves are not only for aesthetic reasons, but resist surface cracking and act as
reinforcement. While the material used for surface is marble, to increase heat insulation and look
more aesthetic.
Column that support glass walls Column supporting ceiling and upper level
Vertical grooves made of marble
36. Windows
There are plenty of windows built in columns and rows manner to create spectacular views from
far. They made of reflective glass which coated with metal compound on surface by chemical
deposition. The function is to reflect extra light and solar heat. This type of glass is massively used
in construction of high rise commercial building.
Cloister dome
There are four cloister dome shaped roof in the building. The most obvious dome will be at the top
of the building, which there is a smaller dome on the top of the largest dome. Its dome that
maintain a square shaped in the horizontal cross section. Cloister vault with four concave surfaces
meeting at a point above the center of the vault and can be thinking as formed by two barrel vault
that cross at right angles to each other. The thrust are concentrated at four corners, so the
supporting walls need not to be massive.
Windows from exterior
Glass construction
diagram
37. Ceiling
Different height of ceiling was built in an open area to create different spatial experience. High
ceiling was being used in the lobby to create a spacious area for the receptionist. And also, more
sunlight penetrates into the lobby because of higher and larger area of windows due to the higher
ceiling.
Tray ceiling
It’s a kind of architectural feature that adds spaciousness and a touch of luxury to an area. Rope
light is used behind crown molding to create subtle lighting effect for tray ceiling.
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