EXPERIENCING ARCHITECTURE -AR853

JOURNAL

Post-Trip Project 3 AR853 Experiencing Architecture

Experiencing Architecture in Kuala Lumpur.

The Capital City Of Malaysia Sabaahat Shaheed Mohamed iqbal 1001956821

// Table of Content

01

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

02

Planetarium Negara Building

03

KTM Berhad

Heritage Building

Public Building

Administrative Building

Sultan Abdul Samad

KTM Berhad Planetarium Negara

Wayfinding This map encompasses the navigation of the places I visited and how I reached there by car and a few minutes walk.

POSTCARD

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1897

Classical , Heritage, Grandeur

Sultan Abdul Samad Building Heritage Building

Address Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur One of Kuala Lumpur’s most well-known sights is the majestic, copper-domed Sultan Abdul Samad Building on Merdeka Square. Prior to the construction of the Petronas Towers, it was the most well-known representation of Malaysia and continues to be one of the country’s most photographed structures.

Historical Background

This postcard from 1910 shows how the Government Offices dominated the city skyline. The Selangor Club is in the foreground

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Its original name was simply Government Offices, Kuala Lumpur. It was renamed in 1974 after Sultan Abdul Samad who was the Sultan of Selangor at the time of construction.

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It was built between 1894 and 1897 on the site of a row of former shophouses facing the padang (now Merdeka Square).

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The foundation stone was laid on 6 October 1894 above a time capsule containing some Straits coins, a piece of Selangor tin, and the day’s newspaper, the Selangor Journal.

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It was officially opened on 3 April 1897 by Federated Malay States Resident-General Frank Swettenham.

Cricket was played on the padang situated between the Selangor Club and the Government Offices

History Timeline

Design Concept •

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Its design was a team effort. In overall charge was State Engineer C.E Spooner who envisaged the concept after visiting similar style buildings in India. Selangor Public Works Department Architect A.C.A Norman was the chief architect with overall design by R.A.J Bidwell Selangor Chief Draughtsman & Acting Architect. Bidwell moved to Singapore in 1895 and was replaced by A.B Hubback who became Malaya's most eminent architect. The contractor was Towkay Ang Seng.

The team must have had excellent project management skills as the final cost of construction (excluding the cost of land) was almost exactly on budget at $153,000 Straits Dollars.

Four million bricks were used in its construction.

Architectural Style •

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The building's architectural style is described as Mughal Eclectic and features copper domes and a 40m high clock tower. While the architectural style is not particularly Malaysian and would look more at home in India, it has come to symbolise Malaysia and has played an important role in the country's history.

Over its lifetime it has served as government offices and as a High Court and Supreme Court.

The clock tower was damaged in a Japanese air raid in 1941 and its clock stopped

Unique features Layout The two-storey building, built in the shape of the letter F for its floor plan, occupies a ground area of 4,208.5 square metres (45,300 sq ft) while its front façade stretches 450 feet (137.2m) along Jalan Raja (formerly Gombak Road).

Clock Tower The most prominent feature of the whole building is certainly the immense clock tower standing at the centre of the building at a height of 135ft (41m) above street level. The clock tower houses a oneton bell clock striking the hours and half hours, while having a four-sided opal glass dial 8 ½ ft in diameter.

The clock was imported from South Croydon, Surrey in England and manufactured by Gillett & Johnston (Croydon) Ltd. The clock tower was built with the purpose of replicating the famous Big Ben of London. Its clock chimed for the first time in 1897 to coincide with Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee parade.

Porch it has an imposing porch of 18 feet (5.48m) in height placed at the centre of the front façade with massive Gothic arches and thick columns. Along its verandahs we can see different forms of arches namely keyhole, ogee, pointed and horseshoe arches to provide airy ventilation in adapting to the hot and humid tropical climate of Kuala Lumpur.

Copper Domes Another striking feature of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building are the three towers that protrude from the building. One of the two circular towers. A copper dome peeping out from behind the roof. The copper domes that cap them are based on the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The element design that have been apply to copper domes is radial symmetry. Two lower towers flanked the clock tower, each containing a staircase.

Interior Elements An elegant colonnaded walkway opens onto an inner courtyard Ongoing repair works.

Preserving the building in tip-top condition is a constant battle against the elements

The grand entrance foyer.

Design Principles Unity Simple geometrical forms that are distinctly articulated and grouped showed the building as a whole in a harmonic manner.

Hierarchy The use of hierarchy strategically emphasizes the clock tower as the centerpiece, being the tallest compared to other dome towers.

Symmetry The use of symmetry mirrors the front-facing facade of Sultan Abdul Samad Building and contributes to a unified and harmonised design

Rhythm Rhythm can be seen clearly in the repeating arches and curves all around the building

Cultural and Religious Influence Following fires that occurred in the city, which forced the British administration to regulate the use of combustible construction materials, brick-making emerged as a significant business in Kuala Lumpur. The main non-flammable materials that were readily accessible were bricks and tiles, hence the limits had a significant positive impact on Kuala Lumpur's brick-making business. Improved brick-making equipment is required for major infrastructural projects. The State Engineer Charles Edwin Spooner, who had experience working in Ceylon, is said to have had a significant effect on the design of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which has a Moorish architectural style. Spooner was the one who requested that the early elevations of the building be changed from Classic Renaissance to Mahometan adaptations by Norman and Bidwell.

“The buildings are our heritage, and it’s important for the younger generation to know about the past.”

Climatic Influence

Norman successfully designed his buildings with adaptations to climatic conditions, local building materials and building details. The use of high ceilings, verandahs, wide overhangs and canopies, big windows and louvered panels are some examples of common architectural features which appeared in his buildings. In addition, he used building materials including bricks, roof clay tiles, timber and metal products which were available locally.

But even as the government spends billions of ringgit to improve the river that skirts Dataran Merdeka, the building that is so integral to the city’s history is crumbling. So are other landmarks around the square; victims of an unforgiving climate and years of under-investment. Plants are pushing their way through walls and roof tiles, bricks are flaking and some of the distinctive domes have collapsed. Conservationists fear the Sultan Abdul Samad Building’s clock-tower may fall down if remedial works are not soon carried soon.

Site Context The Sultan Abdul Samad Building houses several administrative divisions. The Malaysian Ministry of Information, Communications, and Culture presently resides in the building, which Jabatan Warisan Negara subsequently joined in 2011.

It follows a linear Organization. The rectangular spaces are erected into different types of shapes and are ordered in a shaped form. The forms then merge partially with pach other forming, interlocking spaces and adjacent spaces.

These spaces are merged to form larger spaces for certain activities.

Private Space Public Space Circulation

Construction Materials

Dome

Arches

Clock Tower Chattri Chajja >2267kg of copper

- Soft. malleable. ductile metal with high thermal and eléctrical conductivity and good resistance

- At the center of the building - Shows the symbal of ourcountry as a democratic. lelamic, and stable economic country.

-Houses a one-fon bell clock striking the hours and half hours

Made of bricks and white painted plasteredblocks.

- 'The ground floor arcades have a much widen span than those upstairs showing that Norman gave the building a feeling of proportion.

There are different forms of arches to provide airy ventilation in adapting to the hot and humid tropical climate of Kuala Lumpu

Originally made of timber and bricks and tinted black and are now replaced with copper cladded domes which are based on the IndoSatacénic ardhitectural style.

- The central dome is placed on tap of the clock tower flanknd by two small domes with descending spiral staircase.

4 million bricks

• Cost-effective and easy to work with, and without the need for expensive rendering -Strong, hard, durable, resistive to abrasion and fire -Produces less environmental pollution during

2500 barrels of cement

- A cement is a binder a substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materals to bind then toRéther (e.g.) to bind sand and gravel (aggrègate) together.

>45600k g of steel and iron (railings and fountation) - High tensile strength -Binds well to concrete, has a similar thermal expansion efficient, and is strong and relatively cost-electives

>1000000kg of lime

- Lime is one of the basic building material used mainly as lime mortar in construction - Have a higher acid resistance- due to its alkaline nature - Used to make intricatepatterns as well as Beometrical profiles

30000 cubic feet of timber (doorways and entrances) -Lightweight and versatile, -easy to handle and install -Resistant to high temperature

Conclusion The building has been modified several times over the years in response to the demands for more space, reorganisation and the impact of services like air-conditioning. In particular, the open balconies which surrounded the office spaces had been blocked up and taken over as offices in many places. Unfortunately, two double storey structures at either end of the building were taken down during the Second World War - because it was thought that any bombing would dislodge them and causes injury to pedestrians - and have not been restored.

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POSTCARD

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1917

Authority, Executive, Directive

KTM Berhad

Administrative Building The primary rail company in Peninsular Malaysia is Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB; Jawi: ) or Malayan Railways Limited. The railway network was initially constructed during the British colonial era to carry tin. Prior to 1962, Keretapi Tanah Melayu was known as the Federated Malay States Railways (FMSR) and the Malayan Railway Administration (MRA). The organisation was corporatized in 1992, however the Malaysian government continues to be the only owner.

Address Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50621 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Historical Background Railway service in Selangor commenced on 15 September 1886 with the opening of its first line from Bukit Kuda in Klang to Kuala Lumpur, a distance of 19.5 miles (31.4km).

When the original line from Bukit Kuda to Kuala Lumpur was extended to Batu and Rawang to the north on 7 November 1892, a new station (normally referred to as the 1892 Kuala Lumpur Railway Station) was built on a new site 26 chains south of the first station. It was the present site of the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. The first Kuala Lumpur Station was demolished and on its site a new permanent building was erected to serve as the Railway Office. It was to accommodate the administrative office of the then Selangor Government Railways because it was also the site of goods yard.

In 1901 Federated Malay States (FMS) Railways was founded by merging all the state railway services in Malaya. Upon the formation the company acquired various railways that were developed separately in various parts of Malaya, and oversaw the largest expansion and integration of the colonies’ rail network encompassing throughout Malaya and Singapore with lines spanning from Singapore to the south to Padang Besar (near the border with Siam) to the north.

Architectural Style A fine example of Moorish architecture reflecting the Ottoman and Moghul glory of the 13th and 14th Centuries blended with Gothic and ancient Greek designs of the 14th Century. The ground floor is adorned with 97 large frontal Gothic arches and 4 smaller arches. The high and wide verandahs skirting the building create a cooling effect and are suitable for the constant high climatic temperatures in Malaysia. The first floor has 94 large arched windows of Gothic design and 4 circular arches of smaller size.

The second floor has 171 Gothic arches and 4 large and 12 smaller circular arches. Five domes sit majestically on top of the building, each surrounded at four corners entwined columns. They are of orthodox Greek design typical in the 14th century. This historical building suffered serious damage twice in its lifetime, firstly during the Second World War when its North wing was bombed and secondly when the same wing on the second floor was gutted by fire in 14 November 1968.”

Unique features Bulbous dome The two-storey building, built in the shape of the letter F for its floor plan, occupies a ground area of 4,208.5 square metres (45,300 sq ft) while its front façade stretches 450 feet (137.2m) along Jalan Raja (formerly Gombak Road).

Each of the domes sits on a tower that encases a staircase from ground floor to the top floor.

Cupola It is small, most often dome-like, tall structure on top of a building that crowns the domes.

Arches On every floor of the 3-storey building there are multiple arches along the arcade that skirts the entire building. Aesthetically the repetitive arches create harmonious pattern and appear pleasing to the eyes. Practically arches provide shade against rain and direct sunlight besides giving airy atmosphere to the long arcade.

There are different shapes of arches that adorn this building. On the ground floor is a row of pointed horseshoe arches along the arcade and every two arches are flanked by pilasters topped with garlic-shaped finials - the architectural style most likely borrowed from the Neo-Renaissance style. On the first floor, there is a row of semi-circular arches and either side of arch is supported by three columns.

Chhatri They are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indo-Islamic architecture. the porte-cochère is decorated with minaret on both sides topped with small chhatris

The octagonal cantilever spiral staircase Upon entering the building from the main entrance, you would be welcomed by the impressive octagonal cantilever spiral staircase underneath the central dome.

The staircase leads all the way up to the top floor and the central dome from ground floor. The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser dated 27 September 1917 reported that this cantilever staircase was the only example, at that time, could be found on the east of Suez! The staircase is complete with wrought iron banister and timber handrail. Quite impressive architectural and engineering feats at that time.

Chajja The projecting or overhanging eaves or cover of a roof, usually supported on large carved brackets. The next feature that fits the definition of Indo-Saracenic architecture is the projecting eaves supported by carved bracket along the perimeter of the building roof which, again in Mughal Architecture, is called chhajja in Urdu.

Jharokha An overhanging balcony with crisscrossed concrete fence.

Another feature that can be identified originating from 16th century Mughal architecture is jharokha or jharoka (in Urdu). It is an enclosed overhanging balcony that juts forward from the wall plane. It both adds to the architectural beauty of the building itself or for a specific purpose.

In the olden days, one of the most important functions it served was to allow women to see the events outside without being seen themselves. Alternatively, these windows could also be used to position archers and spies.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Jharokha serve was to allow women to see the events outside without being seen themselves due to their cultural and religious beliefs of not being seen. In Kuala Lumpur, within the period of a decade the British Colonial Government built a series of prominent public/government buildings starting from the Government Offices (the Sultan Abdul Samad Building) - completed in 1897 and ending with this building, the former FMS Railway Administration Office, completed in 1917. They formed a magnificent landmark of Kuala Lumpur and became the symbol of power, wealth and influence the British Empire had over this part of the world.

Climatic Influence The arches provide shade against rain and direct sunlight besides giving airy atmosphere to the long arcade.

The open spaces allow cross - ventilation in the building giving the occupants a cool breeze due to the high wind rate in Malaysia.

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POSTCARD

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1993

Innovative, Distinctive, Interactive

Planetarium Negara Public Building

The National Planetarium, sometimes referred to as the Planetarium Negara locally, is a charming landmark made consisting of a blue-domed building that lies atop a hill near Jalan Perdana. It was inaugurated on February 7th, 1994, and is home to an Observatory Park, Resource Center, Viewing Gallery, Space Theatre, and Space Science Exhibit. Located within the Perdana Botanical Garden complex, Planetarium Negara occupies a total area of 11,000m2 on top of a hill overlooking Kuala Lumpur, not far from the KL Bird Park and KL Butterfly Park.

Address Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Historical Background The National Planetarium started as the Planetarium Division in the Prime Minister's Department in 1989. The construction of the National Planetarium complex began in 1990 and was completed in 1993. A soft launch to the public began in May 1993 and it was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad, on 7 February 1994. In July 1995, the Division was transferred to the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, which is also the owner of this planetarium until now.

Historical Timeline 1989 Started off as the Planetarium division in the prime ministers office

1993 Officially opened to the public by former prime minister.

1990 Started the construction of the actual building

1995 Division transferred to ministry of science, technology and environment.

1993 The completion of the structure. Soft launch in May

TODAY Managed by the Malaysian national Space Agency (ANGKASA)

Design Concept 1

2

3

Islamic Architecture

Futuristic Concept

Modern Technology

Built on Malaysian Soul

Astronomy

Unique features

Architectural Style The architect who designed the building was S.E. Jewkes. Planetarium Negara’s unique architecture incorporates Islamic designs with its distinctive blue dome similar to that of a mosque. It encompasses both secular and religious styles from the early history of Islam to the present day.

Unique features Dome The blue-domed structure is the most important part of the building as it came from Byzantine era of rchitecture. The dome is at the centre with a hemisphere shape and pointed. This passage allows the light and sound waves to pass through.

Stairs The stairs that leaad up to the planetirum must be due to the height of the planetarium itself to reduce the blockage of line of sight to the skies.

Floor Layout The structure is Martyrnuns, centres on a central element thus built on a central plan, that is, of a circular or sometimes octagonal or cruciform. The layout is assemytrical.

The entrance is from West to East.

Function The function of spaces beneath the dome for the planetarium is a theatre and it acts as a screen for projections.

Mosaics These are found at the entrance of the Planetarium which is used as a decorative element in the building. They are islamic influenced with geometrical patterns not portraits of living things as muslims believe living figures should not be portrayed.

Cultural and Religious Influence The Planetarium got its design characteristics from a precedent study Era of architecture which is Byzantine. Byzantine came in the era 527 -662 AD. It had three main features ; dome, mosaic and axial plans. Therefore the structure of Planetarium was built with modern construction using reinforced concrete, steel and bricks.

However both have the same elements of hierachy and the dome.

Climatic Influence The arches provide shade against rain and direct sunlight besides giving airy atmosphere to the long arcade.

The open spaces allow cross - ventilation in the building giving the occupants a cool breeze due to the high wind rate in Malaysia.

Pictures taken when I visited the Buildings https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gRWr-YKL8yJz-42beuZVyir1J8YoRdFt?usp=sharing This drive link contains pictures of the buildings I visited. Enjoy

References Sultan Abdul Samad Building - a peek inside. Malaysia Traveller. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.malaysia-traveller.com/Sultan-Abdul-Samad-Building.html Abdullah, Z. (2021, December 29). The former F.M.S. Railway Administration Office - the last Indo-Saracenic Structure of Kuala Lumpur. The former F.M.S. Railway Administration Office - The last Indo-Saracenic structure of Kuala Lumpur. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from http://myheritagebuildings.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-former-fms-railway-administration.html Railway Administration Building in Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia trains. Malaysia Trains | Train Services in Malaysia. (2020, June 6). Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://malaysiatrains.com/railway-administration-building-in-kuala-lumpur/ Carmen Chan Follow. (n.d.). Precedent studies presentation. Share and Discover Knowledge on SlideShare. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.slideshare.net/carmenchan5264/precedent-studies-presentation National Planetarium at Kuala Lumpur, planetarium negara. Singapore Travel Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/malaysia/kuala_lumpur/tourist_attractions_kuala_lumpur/216/where_advanced_technology_and_traditional_islamic_architecture_meets!.php VisitSelangor.com. (2020, September 29). Planetarium negara (national planetarium).

Visit Selangor. Retrieved July 31, 2022, from https://www.visitselangor.com/planetarium-negara-national-planetarium/#:~:text=Planetarium%20Negara’s%20unique%20 architecture%20incorporates,to%20that%20of%20a%20mosque.

The End...

Thankyou