MALAYSIA

AUGUST 2017 | ISSUE 8 | RM25 PP19040/06/2016 (034532) AUGUST ISSUE AUGUST

2017 AUGUST ISSUE

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ISSUE 8 CONNECTING MALAYSIA PROJECTS THAT LINK PEOPLE, PROJECTS, CULTURE AND NATURE MRT LINE 1, ILHAM TOWER, SARAWAK MUSEUM KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN ON KL SPORTS CITY: SEA GAMES AND BEYOND 04 bci number 3.pdf 1 8/1/17 10:13 AM

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PUBLISHED BY: Construction+ Supporting Associations BCI Asia Construction Information Sdn Bhd Unit 1106, Block B Phileo Damansara II Jalan 16/11, Section 16 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia Construction Industry Development Institute of Landscape Architects t (603) 7661-1380 Board (CIDB) Malaysia Malaysia (ILAM) f (603) 7661-1381 (www.cidb.gov.my) (www.ilamalaysia.org) e (editorial) [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEAM: managing editor Candice Lim senior editor Joanna Sze assistant editor Lim Yi Zuo contributing editor Aylwin Chooi Weng Kheong Malaysian Association of Malaysian Timber Facility Management (MAFM) Industry Board (MTIB) GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: (www.mafm.org.my) (www.mtib.gov.my) Muhammad Syahmi Mohamad Asmari; Hans Lim

ADVERTISING AND PUBLISHING SALES CONSULTANT: M A L A Y S I A Lee Loong Fei MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY e (advertising) [email protected] Ministry of International Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Trade and Industry (MITI) Association (MIIP) PRINTER: (www.miti.gov.my) (www.miip.com.my) Yamagata (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Lot P.T. 1661, Nilai Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 9, 71809 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan t (606) 799-2814 f (606) 799-8060

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is Malaysia Green Building accurate, the publisher will not accept any liability for omissions or errors. The publisher Confederation (MGBC) Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) (www.mgbc.org.my) (www.dbkl.gov.my) is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by the writers nor do such statements necessarily represent the views of the publisher unless stated otherwise. BCI Asia Construction Information Sdn Bhd disclaims any and all liability, which may be claimed arising out of reliance upon the information presented in this publication. SEADMA All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any SEA Drymix Mortar Association retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, (www.seadma.org) photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the publisher’s prior written permission. The Federation of Malaysia Hardware, Machinery & Publication frequency: Bimonthly (6 issues per year) Building Materials Dealers’ Association (FMHMBA) (www.mhmba.org.my) COVER CREDIT: Publika White Box mural by Donald Abraham (Image courtesy of UEM Sunrise Bhd, Corporate Communications) FOREWORD

The demand for world-class sporting and convention facilities in this region has never been greater. A sporting event these days is just not about what is happening on the field of play, or how well the players are doing on the court.

A truly great sporting event is so much more than that. Sporting fans now look for an enriching and seamless experience, from the time their vehicles enter the facility, or when they step foot off from the public transportation, to the time they exit the venues.

A stadium is no longer just about the seats and the pitch. There is a need for sporting facilities to evolve with the times, in the age of mobile ticketing, high-definition broadcast coverage, sports presentations with entertainment value, and the flourishing industry of sports marketing and sponsorship.

Our neighbouring countries have already set in motion the construction of facilities that are of international standards, and Malaysia cannot be left behind. With the completion of the KL Sports City, which was rebranded from Kompleks Sukan Negara, we will have a hub to attract some of the biggest football clubs, events and entertainers in the world, and to give the fans and spectators an experience that they will never forget.

The stadium and its surrounding areas, after being given a complete facelift, will be a construction and engineering marvel, and it will be nothing like what this country has ever seen. And I am truly delighted that it is featured in this edition of Construction+ Malaysia.

Khairy Jamaluddin Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia

3 Equinox_Aug_AXONE.pdf 1 7/3/2017 10:46:05 AM

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Dear readers,

This is the time of the year when we usually pause to reflect on where we are as a nation. It is also the time I remember a dear friend’s wise words, “If we want to stay together, we must always focus on the things that connect, not the things that divide.”

Well, one thing that connects us is the new Klang Valley Mass Rail Transit (MRT) Line 1 (page 28), which opened in July. Linking Sungai Buloh and Kajang in 84 minutes, this 51-kilometre line was designed for integration with existing and future public transportation services, creating a much-needed seamless network for people to get around. It is also the first underground tunnelling and MRT project by a Malaysian team!

Another thing that powerfully unites us is sports. At the stadium, there is no difference in race or creed—as long as you bleed red, white, blue and yellow, you are all on the same team. And with the newly completed KL Sports City (page 42), there are now several state-of-the-art sporting facilities in which you can yell your hearts out, whether at the Southeast Asian Games or the ASEAN Para Games or any future events.

Indeed, no project is an island. In his commentary, William Harald-Wong (page 8) shares his thoughts on placemaking, culture and nature, and how public spaces should be designed to connect communities in a culturally engaging and inspiring manner.

The ongoing works on the new Sarawak Museum (page 82) connects past to future, using contemporary design interpretations of the state’s cultural heritage and the latest technologies and standards in the preservation of priceless artefacts.

Read about these projects and many more in this issue of Construction+. We have a diverse line-up that mirrors the multifaceted society in Malaysia and showcases the ideas and innovations that have gone into connecting people with each other and their surroundings.

Yes, there are many things that connect us. So happy reading, and let’s fly that flag and have a memorable National Day and Malaysia Day!

Share your thoughts with us via [email protected].

Joanna Sze Senior Editor

5 5 News & Events 18 BCI Equinox 19 BIM Conference 2017 20 Skyworld Appreciation Gala Archidex 2017 21 Zaha Hadid Architects: Reimagining Architecture Exhibition 22 Terreal Malaysia opens new plant in Kluang National Eco-Construction Competition 2017

Foreword 3 Khairy Jamaluddin Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia

Commentaries 8 Thoughts on Placemaking, Culture and Nature 14 What are you Breathing? In Design 82 Sarawak Museum 86 Bennington Residences Interiors 72 Lee Residence 74 HighPark Suites Sales Gallery 76 Wawasan Sutera KLIA2 78 Ice Café

In The Spotlight 24 Michael Ching Chee Hoong CH+I Architecture, BGreen Design 28 Dr Ooi Lean Hock MMC Gamuda KVMRT

Student Features 92 Merdeka Square Recreational and Art Learning Centre

Projects 34 Sungai Buloh–Kajang MRT Line: Underground Works 42 KL Sports City (Phase 1) 48 ILHAM Tower 52 Big Dutchman Regional Head Office and Warehouse 60 M City 62 Sunway Wellesley 66 The Véo, KL East COMMENTARY

Publika, a project done in collaboration with architects LabDNA, taps into the creative vibes of residents and visitors Image courtesy of UEM Sunrise Bhd THOUGHTS ON PLACEMAKING, CULTURE AND NATURE BY WILLIAM HARALD-WONG

More than a fad or formula, placemaking offers developers and architects opportunities to create culturally engaging spaces.

Just when the concept of ‘placemaking’ is gaining neighbourhood, where a four-lane road divided the not to mention solutions such as food trucks, traction in Malaysia, I read an article by Dean Saitta, two communities. pocket parks, etc. professor of anthropology and director of the Urban Studies programme at the University of The four firms, described by the administration as Sounds familiar? Design firms, sometimes Denver, which claimed that placemaking has “some of the greatest urban design thinkers on the encouraged by developers, embrace placemaking become a cliché1. planet”, were invited to present their solutions to because it is in-trend, but clearly focused only on the problem. However, Saitta asserted that he saw creating ‘feel good’ places. Saitta regretted that To illustrate his claim, he tells of four global planning little difference in the four presentations—even the none of the four global firms emphasised the and design firms that had been shortlisted by the same language was used: “mixed use”, “catalytic plurality of the community, as well as their lack university’s administration to improve physical and activity”, “vibrant streetscapes”, “live/work/play” of commitment to multiculturalism, especially in a social connections between the campus and the and the importance of “creating an experience”, neighbourhood that is culturally diverse.

8 CULTURE AND PLACE Placemaking is a community-driven process Placemaking, as practiced by one of its originators, Project for Public Space, is a community-driven for designing public spaces, with active process for designing public spaces, with active participation of residents and regular participation of residents and regular visitors in shaping the physical environment. While there visitors in shaping the physical environment. have been many successes, there are also many where the placemaking turned out to be generic Philip and his team questioned the decision: Why and far. The colonial period ushered in Western and formulaic. would you want Sydney Harbour? Shouldn’t a boat ideas—architecture and town planning were approaching Malaysian shores be welcomed with characterised by a hybrid of styles, and indigenous One cannot deny that many great public spaces an architectural presence that reflects the culture forms were irreparably changed. are created based on one person’s vision of the of the place? space—be it an architect, landscape architect or Come the Federation of Malaya’s independence urban designer, unburdened by public participation But at the same time, herein lies the problem. in 1957, nationalist ideals permeated culture and or influence. The popular Millennium Park in While a ‘Malaysian-looking’ harbour would be the created ‘invented traditions’ that manifested in Chicago, as well as many other instances in China, most logical idea, it would take the right team of modern, pseudo-modern and glorified architecture are good case studies. experts—from architects and interior designers instead. This was done with the intention of to cultural researchers—to resolve this long-time projecting the illusion of power and capability to an Many memorable public spaces are also created riddle of what visually constitutes a ‘Malaysian international audience. when you throw into the mix a cultural researcher identity’. Far too often, the effort would end up as a or historian, giving respect and meaning to the pastiche of our multicultural reality. This was followed by the era of globalisation, existing cultural and communal environment. I was during which environments have become modern greatly reminded of this while working on Nusajaya So how does one define the ‘authentic’ in identity and homogenised. However, as a reaction to the and East Ledang, where a local engineer related to and place? widespread homogeneity, people have become me a story that resonated with his team. more aware of the ethnic, cultural and religious In the distant past, communities were once isolated associations of the communities they belong to. Philip Cox, a renowned Australian architect, was and insular, and an indigenous, vernacular form engaged to design the master plan for Puteri took shape in language, culture, traditions and Thus, in the context of a built environment, the Harbour in Johor because the client wanted building. These forms then changed with the influx ‘authenticity’ of a place is often invented, selected “something like Sydney Harbour”. In response, of new ideas carried by intrepid traders from near from a menu of time and place.

Unique sign designs at Wisma Perkasa help inspire and inform Images courtesy of William Harald-Wong & Associates

9 COMMENTARY

Driftwood sculptures unify the interior and exterior spaces of Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar

Harmony and stability can only be achieved through multicultural understanding—a careful embracing of diversity and differences.

And here is a consideration: when a modern environment needs to be examined and created as —small, human-scale projects headed by passionate development involves the consultation and its physical attributes affect a person’s physiological, individuals or small teams that can collectively make a participation of native elders and their community, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual states. big impact on the urban environment. does it make the result more ‘authentic’? It’s a conundrum, but we can also view this as great This was one of our greatest concerns in our We look for such opportunities in our projects to opportunities to create new invented traditions Muzium Sultan Abu Bakar project. The museum, inform, educate, entertain or inspire our audiences, because culture, throughout history, has located in Pekan, a semi-rural district in Pahang, particularly in the broad areas of culture, our never been stagnant. Instead, it is a vessel for was the first Malaysian project to win Gold multicultural background or nature—most of processing new ideas. Peranakan culture is a in the 12-year run of the prestigious Design which are often not included in a client’s brief. classic example. for Asia Awards in Hong Kong. It won not only for its overall concept and design, but for its For instance, in one of our earliest signage projects, In international cities—and Kuala Lumpur certainly consideration in forging a deeper connection with Wisma Perkasa, one of Kuala Lumpur’s first sees itself as one—cultural issues come to the the residents of Pekan. ‘intelligent’ buildings with a small but lush garden, we fore as we increasingly experience spatial proximity actively looked for a visual metaphor for technology in the city. With a highly mobile workforce and a For instance, the hot and dusty parking lot in front and nature, and this resulted in a unique sign design dense city environment, people from different of the museum was replaced with an open space for the building. We also realised that most Malaysians cultural backgrounds work in increasingly close and and an infinity pool with a children’s fountain, do not recognise our local trees and decided to constant contact. Harmony and stability can only be sandwiched by shady old banyan trees. It provided incorporate them as part of the carpark system, achieved through multicultural understanding—a the townsfolk with a much-needed gathering spot letting us communicate information about local trees careful embracing of diversity and differences. for relaxation and picnics. to the public using various media channels.

The Egyptian hieroglyph for ‘city’ also meant Within Malaysia, Think City has done excellent work In another project—the Atria Shopping Gallery ‘mother’, an experience that is warm, caring and in rejuvenating big public spaces, but I would also like with an interior inspired by the tropical rainforest— embracing. It is through a similar lens that the total to emphasise on the idea of ‘massive small change’2 we revived a carpark level sign system with animal

10 Urban identity design is a collaboration between many creative minds.

Urban identity design is a collaboration between many creative minds. icons (fish = basement, bird = top levels, etc). younger generation, although this fascination is— This system used to be popular in the late-1980s for better or worse—highly influenced by imported (for example, Sungei Wang Plaza, Suntec City hipster culture, repurposed spaces and the idea of Singapore), but is now considered outdated, at cool retro. Regardless, it is an important step towards least in Malaysia. Taking the concept further, we an awareness of our shared and built heritage. also introduced information panels about animals by the elevators, allowing shoppers waiting for In Malaysia, Publika is a testament to this growing the lifts to learn more about our natural world and interest in culture, where a modern retail mall can how one can contribute in small ways to save our co-exist with artistic and cultural endeavours. Its endangered species. retail space was originally designed as corporate office spaces and had to be retrofitted to fulfil the And this brings me to my next point. requirements of a public mall.

NATURE HEALS A CITY The Publika art and cultural experience draws WILLIAM HARALD-WONG As much as a city, neighbourhood or street is a a mixed crowd: the affluent, the curious and the William Harald-Wong is the founder and design cultural creation, it is also a continuity of a place, young creatives who bring vitality and energy to director of William Harald-Wong & Associates, i.e. before buildings, there were trees. In a United the place. New forms of mall-cum-culture hubs an urban identity design consultancy working Kingdom (UK) survey where respondents were are also currently being developed—twentyfive.7 at the intersection of brand, culture, city and given a choice of either planting a tree or installing and the iconic Sungei Wang Plaza are two such community, enhancing the human and cultural a new sculpture in a refurbished neighbourhood examples, although each takes a totally different experience of a place. The company has two square, there was an overwhelming response for the approach to the matter. divisions: Branding and Cultural Research, and tree. Trees constitute the main aesthetic and healing Wayfinding and Signage. resource of a place. Urban identity design is a collaboration between many creative minds. In addition to architects, people Wong is also the founder and chairman I hope there will be a new thinking that blurs the such as artists, designers, craft-makers, poets and of The Design Alliance Asia (tDA Asia), distinction between urban and rural—we will culturists can collectively be a potent urban force. a collaborative network of prominent designers progress from rooftop gardens to new initiatives It’s time we create spaces that engage culturally and across 13 Asian countries/regions. Recent like rooftop farms. We may one day seek escape environments that are beautiful and meaningful. Awards include a Gold at the Design for not only by retreating to the countryside, but also Asia Award, Hong Kong; Distinguished by entering the urban nature city. 1. Saitta, Dean. (2017). Has Placemaking Become Cliché? Chinese Award at the Chinese Who’s Who Retrieved from https://www.planetizen.com/node/92750 Society, China and Hong Kong; Designomics LET CULTURE LEAD US 2. Campbell, Kelvin (2015). Making Massive Small Leadership Award at the World Brand Congress There is a renewed interest and appreciation for Change to build a better urban society. Retrieved from in India; and the Lifetime Achievement Award culture and old buildings, especially among the https://www.smarturbanism.org.uk at the Design Development Centre, Malaysia.

He also serves in various advisory roles, as regional expert for Design for Asia Awards, Hong Kong Design Centre; global advisory board member for the World Brand Congress (India); ambassador for International Indigenous Design Network (Indigo); co-founder and advisor for Graphic Design Association of Malaysia (wREGA); and vice-chairman for Global Pioneer Design Association (China).

Small initiatives, such as Atria Shopping Gallery’s animal panels, help spark conversations among city dwellers on the natural world

11 IUSGBC - Advertise_Edited.pdf 1 17/08/2017 2:58 PM

INTERNATIONAL URBAN SUSTAINABILITY & GREEN BUILDING CONFERENCE 2017 11 & 12 OCTOBER 2017 KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE (KLCC)

Organiser: In conjunction with: Strategic Partners:

MINISTRY OF ENERGY GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND WATER (KeTTHA)

IGEM 2017 is the region’s largest green technology business and innovation platform to promote the growth of the green technology sector. Since its inception in 2010, IGEM has generated an estimated RM10 billion in business leads, with 2016 recording the highest at RM2.2 billion. It has also created heightened awareness of the importance of sustainability and its viable application to thousands of visitors to the event.

In conjunction with the 8th IGEM 2017 this year, MGBC is pleased to organise the IUSGBC IGEM 2017 Conference at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 11-12th October 2017.

This unique event will bring together thought leaders, international C green building councils, regulators, delegates and organisations, as M well as the private and government sectors to share and discuss Y issues relating to green businesses.

CM Track 1 - Finance And Green MY Global Real Estate Trends in Sustainability 2017 and Beyond CY How to get Investments into Green Buildings

CMY Support and Funding for Green Buildings Energy Efficiency Builds Viable Business Case K How Green Building Investments Pay Off Implementing, Monitoring and Maintaining the Workplace to Deliver Health and Wellbeing Consistently Connecting Cities - Green Rail Infrastructure Creating a Higher Value for Green Buildings Sourcing Funding for Green Buildings Property Index vs Global Sustainability Index Vertical Cities - Wawasan Tower Building Green

Track 2 - Health Wellbeing Overview of the 2nd Wave Benefits of Green Buildings The BIG I.D.E.A - Health and Wellbeing Creating Better Places for People Rethingking Cities for the Age of Global Warming Strengthening Blue - Green Insfrastructure in our Cities Next Generation Green : AECOM or Powering the India Green Building Industry Growth Modelling Cities Building a Business Case for Healthy Work Places Global Overview on Healthy Buildings, Delivering Wellbeing, Creativity, Innovation and Productivity Net Zero Energy at Green Cities Marina One - A Biodiversity Garden In The City Creating Tomorrow & Beyond

REGISTER NOW! EARLY BIRD PROMOTION ENDS ON 11th AUGUST 2017 Please visit www.MGBC.org.my

For enquiries please contact us at +603 2282 8232 or email to [email protected] Kextra_21x28cm.pdf 1 10/08/2017 9:13 AM

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i-Deck TM 762 i-Deck TM 762 Crimp Curve i-Deck TM 762 Opp 3 in 1 i-Deck TM 762 PU Foam 20mm

i-Deck TM 762 PU Metal 20mm i-RibTM 750 i-ClipTM 680 i-ClipTM 720

i-EuroTM 762 i-StepTM 762 i-Clad TM i-SpanTM COMMENTARY

WHAT ARE YOU BY C. K. TANG AND BREATHING? ZOALY RAMBELOARISON In the age of air-conditioning, it is important to ensure quality indoor air for optimal health and productivity.

The overall health of your body and mind, in a great As we are spending more time in air-conditioned compounds (VOCs), as well as PM10 or PM2.5— degree, depends on the air you breathe. Nowadays, spaces these days, which recirculate most of the small and very fine particulate matters measuring people tend to forget about the importance of indoor air, there is a need to better understand the 10 and 2.5 micrometres or less, respectively, fresh air and underestimate air pollution and the air that we breathe and the hazards of inadequate in diameter. health effects of bad indoor air quality. The World fresh air in buildings. Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that According to the United States Environmental up to 4.3 million people worldwide die annually WHY WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED Protection Agency, VOCs can cause eye, nose and from exposure to household air pollutants. Indoor air is constantly polluted by volatile organic throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination and

14 nausea; as well as damage to the liver, kidney and Recent studies have shown that air pollution central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals, while some are suspected or enters our blood stream not only from our known to cause cancer in humans. In addition, lungs, but in equal amounts through our exposure to excessive PM2.5 has been linked to a higher risk of premature death, and these skin as well. very fine particles have been found in brain cells that cause Alzheimer’s and dementia. and humidity. The climate in Kuala Lumpur does causes people to feel tired, sleepy and less not offer optimal comfort most of the time—the productive. Fresh air is required to dilute indoor More alarmingly, recent studies have shown that average temperature of the day hovers around air contaminants and to introduce oxygen to air pollution enters our blood stream not only 30 degrees Celsius. Hence, the use of air-conditioning air-conditioned spaces. from our lungs, but in equal amounts through our is getting more common. skin as well. To put the risk of air pollution into Most high-end offices, hotels and hospitals using context, a typical person eats about 1 kilogram The typical air-conditioner used in Malaysian centralised air-conditioning systems have an inbuilt of food a day and drinks about 2 kilograms homes are split-unit air-conditioning systems, fresh air supply system to maintain indoor air of water a day, however, we breathe about which do not provide any fresh air intake. It quality. Homes and buildings that rely only on 15 kilograms of air per day. Adding the equivalent continuously recirculates the air within the split-unit air-conditioning systems depend on building air pollutants entering through our skins, we are space as the fastest means to cool the space leakages to provide fresh air. Unfortunately, building exposed to 30 kilograms of air per day. down. Fresh air is assumed to be provided leakages are difficult to control, and we will not via infiltration through the manual occasional know if we are getting enough fresh air without Based on these facts, if 5 per cent of the air is opening of doors/windows and leakages along the use of suitable monitoring equipment, such polluted, we would be exposed to 1.5 kilograms the cracks/joints of window and door frames. as a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor. of pollution from the air per day. Even if the food In recent years, the construction standards we eat were 100 per cent chemically produced, in Malaysia have become more air-tight as BALANCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION it would only be equivalent to 1 kilogram of houses and buildings are designed for the However, there is a flipside to too much fresh pollution per day. In short, if we are concerned use of air-conditioning, reducing the amount air. If we leave our windows wide open while about eating organic food and drinking filtered of fresh air that can leak into our houses the air-conditioning is on, it will increase energy water, we should be infinitely more concerned and buildings. consumption significantly. Malaysian outdoor air is with the air we surround ourselves with. hot and humid, and the more fresh air is allowed The lack of fresh air causes VOCs, PM2.5 and in, the harder the air-conditioner has to fight to TOO COOL FOR OUR OWN GOOD? other contaminants to accumulate indoors. It pull the humidity and heat out of the air to cool Malaysia is a tropical climate with high temperatures also leads to reduced oxygen levels, which the space down.

Fresh air dilutes indoor air contaminants and introduces oxygen to air-conditioned spaces Buildings are becoming more air-tight as they are designed for air-conditioning

15 COMMENTARY

Indoor air contaminants are produced from construction finishes, chemical-based agents and disintegrating buildings

The lack of fresh air causes VOCs, PM2.5 and other contaminants to accumulate indoors. It also leads to reduced oxygen levels, which causes people to feel tired, sleepy and less productive.

SOURCES OF INDOOR AIR and other products to Japan and Europe, for VOC detectors are not scientific equipment, but our CONTAMINANTS example, comply to these requirements. However, noses. Women tend to be more sensitive to VOC The main sources of indoor air contaminants that for our own Malaysian market, conventional glue smells than men, and pregnant women are known produce VOCs are plastic-based products, furnishing and paint are used instead as the demand is for to be even more sensitive—somehow, mothers are and building construction finishes, such as paint, glue, cheaper goods. preprogramed to protect and safe-guard the baby in varnish, carpet, sealants and compressed wood from their wombs from exposure to air pollution. kitchen cabinets. Glue that is used to bind wood chips Another source of indoor VOCs is the use of chemical- into compressed woods emits high VOCs that can last based agents—such as cleansers, solvents, pesticides, Small particles of PM10 and PM2.5 are caused when for many years after installation. disinfectants, glues, paints, etc—and plastic-based grilling and frying food, or when wood or charcoal products, which include almost all household items. is used for cooking. These very fine particulates are Formaldehyde is a distinctive VOC gas that is emitted small enough to enter our lungs, and sometimes from wood-based products, varnish, compressed While new products (such as new car or new blood stream, and are trapped in us forever, leading particleboards, plywood, fibreboards, wood-based building) usually have a higher rate of VOC to reduced lung functions and capabilities (shorter glue and adhesives. It is usually identified separately off-gassing, disintegrating and rotting items (such as stamina), increased risk of cancer, and are linked due to its particularly harmful effect on health and link very old carpets or clothing) will also have a high to dementia and Alzheimer’s. CO2 is often identified to cancer. rate of VOC off-gassing. This is why clothing kept in as a source of air contamination also and is usually cupboards for a long time or old buildings usually used as an indicator of the quality and quantity of In advanced countries, there are regulations produce a funny smell. oxygen available in an enclosed space. In a building to regulate the amount of VOCs allowed to be environment, the technology to measure CO2 is emitted by building construction finishes. Malaysian By now, we should come to realise that VOCs are simpler, cheaper and more affordable to maintain than manufacturers that export kitchen cabinets, furniture linked to bad or weird indoor smells. In fact, the best an equipment to measure oxygen.

16 C. K. TANG Tang Chee Khoay is a board member for MGBC and chairman for Green Pages Malaysia. He has been conducting building performance simulation

Roof ventilators help ensure adequate airflow within buildings in Malaysia to predict and understand building behaviour and energy use. He also provides training on designing energy-efficient buildings Due to this, scientists and engineers have developed Therefore, Malaysian building codes only require for public works architects and engineers. guidelines to ensure good health and optimum windows to be provided in all habitable spaces. productivity while minimising energy use. The Graduating from Wichita State University in 1993 better-known guidelines are: In terms of high-grade commercial buildings, such in Mechanical Engineering, Tang joined Integrated • ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2: Ventilation and as offices, hotels and retail malls, the engineers in Environmental Solutions Ltd in 1997. Under indoor air quality (American) Malaysia have been following the ASHRAE 62.1 Danish International Development Assistance • EN 13779: Ventilation for non-residential as their design guide. However, it has also been (DANIDA) he contributed to the revision of buildings: Performance requirements for encountered that fresh air intakes are closed in MS 1525, the Malaysian Standard energy- ventilation and room-conditioning systems some buildings. This is likely because of an emphasis efficiency code for non-residential buildings. (European) on saving energy by reducing the fresh air intake • EN 13141: Ventilation for buildings: without a full understanding of the need for fresh Performance testing of components/products air in a building. for residential ventilation (European) Finally, anyone may purchase a range of According to ASHRAE 62.1, the recommendation air-monitoring devices to ensure that air quality for minimum fresh air (measured in litres per is well maintained at all times. By monitoring the second, or l/s) for air-conditioned bedrooms is air temperature, CO2, total VOCs and PM2.5, 2.5 l/s per person + 0.3 l/s per square metre one can choose the right time to open or close of bedroom space. the windows to keep the house cooler, dilute the VOCs and PM2.5, and replenish the oxygen levels. For example, in a 12-square-metre bedroom ZOALY RAMBELOARISON with two occupants, the fresh air ventilation rate Malaysia Green Building Confederation (MGBC) Zoaly Rambeloarison is currently a Master’s required is: (2.5 l/s per person x 2 persons) supports the certification of buildings, such as the engineering student at the Department of + (0.3 l/s per square metre x 12 square metres) Green Building Index (GBI), that ensure that buildings Construction and Energy, Reunion Island and = 54.6 l/s. are built using low-VOC construction materials and Indian Ocean Engineering School (ESIROI) of finishes, with an adequate supply of fresh air, with the University of La Reunion. She is following This fresh air can be provided by installing an low-energy consumption at the same time. an internship at VERITAS. extraction ventilation fan in the bedroom (or bathroom connected to the bedroom) that will The Energy Commission building in Putrajaya, Her specific field of study is in sustainability provide a minimum airflow of 54.6 l/s. the DIGI Technology Operation Centre in Shah in buildings, including energy efficiency, Alam, and Hotel Penaga in Penang, are examples renewable energy systems, and energy MALAYSIAN BUILDING CODES of such buildings that have been designed simulation of buildings (thermal, lighting, In Malaysia, residential homes are not required to to meet international guidelines for minimum acoustic and air flow aspects), with particular provide mechanical fresh air intake because it is fresh air supply. They are installed with CO2 regard to tropical climates. She is engaged based on yesteryear’s assumptions that all houses sensors and the air has been flushed before to develop both critical-thinking as well as in Malaysia are naturally ventilated all the time. the building’s handover. effective communication skills in this domain.

17 NEWS & EVENTS

BCI EQUINOX Date: 4 Aug 2017 Company: BCI Asia Construction Information Sdn Bhd It was a relaxing evening of networking and relationship building over drinks and canapés at the BCI Equinox event held at Zebra Square, Kuala Lumpur.

BCI Equinox is a series of evening boutique exhibitions held across Asia to connect architects, interior designers and design specifiers with product suppliers. The Malaysian event hosted 17 exhibitors and was attended by some 200 visitors.

Ar Michael Ching, of CH+I Architecture Sdn Bhd and BGreen Design Sdn Bhd, gave a talk on Principles behind ‘Sustainability’ in Architecture, while Serge Jardin spoke on Identity, Importance to be Rooted, using Melaka interior architecture styles as a case study. A boutique tradeshow for more intimate engagements between exhibitors and visitors

The Technology Hub sessions featured the latest products by exhibitors Hansgrohe Group and DAIKIN.

The event ended with several lucky draws with attractive prizes, including an Apple iPad mini 2 by exhibitor CoGri Group, and a buffet dinner.

One of the booths at BCI Equinox Connecting designers with suppliers

Participants listening to the architecture talk by Michael Ching

18 BIM CONFERENCE 2017 Date: 27 July 2017 Company: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) RICS organised the BIM Conference 2017 with the theme The Journey Towards Adoption in ASEAN at the InterContinental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an increasingly important component of the design, construction and management of assets in the global built Industry experts discussed key topics, such as the role of RICS in BIM adoption environment, but adoption still lags in Asia. RICS’ BIM Conference 2017 looked into the challenges faced by the region’s early adopters and provided best practice guidelines on BIM-enabled work processes for day-to-day business.

Ministry of Works Secretary General Datuk Sri Zohari Haji Akob gave the keynote address at the opening ceremony. He shared the national agenda’s strategic thrust to transform the construction industry and the ministry’s initiative to roll out the adoption and implementation of BIM in the nation’s built environment industry.

Industry experts discussed key topics, including the role of RICS in standardising BIM practices across the globe, best approaches to collating data from multiple sources in collaborative working environments, and the setting up of in-house BIM teams in organisations. Guests and participants at the BIM Conference 2017

19 NEWS & EVENTS

SKYWORLD APPRECIATION GALA Date: 23 July 2017 Company: SkyWorld Development Group

SkyWorld hosted a grand appreciation gala for more than 2,000 SkyAwani 1 and 2 purchasers to commemorate the company’s success with the award-winning SkyAwani series and to unveil its SkyAwani 3 Residences.

Built under the affordable homes series, the SkyAwani Residences series is a corporate social responsibility project. SkyAwani 3 features three inter-connected 51-storey towers, with 1,905 800-square-feet units, priced at RM300,000 each. Built on 4.55 acres of leasehold land in Setapak, the development comes with full condominium facilities and Malaysia’s first and longest sky gardens.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz officiated the event on behalf of Minister of Federal Territories, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan. “SkyWorld Ng (left) explaining SkyAwani 3’s special features to the city’s mayor is one of the biggest contributors of federal government’s affordable housing programme known as Rumah Mampu Milik Wilayah Persekutuan (RUMAWIP),” “By 2020, an estimated of 70 per cent of Malaysia’s population will live in and he said. “The RUMAWIP is targeted to both the low- and middle-income groups around the city regions,” added Datuk Ng Thien Phing, SkyWorld’s founder who stay and work in the Federal Territories. We target to develop 55,000 and group managing director. “Urbanisation is increasing and the demand for affordable housing units throughout Kuala Lumpur by 2020.” affordable housing will only increase.”

“ARCHIDEX 2017 provided various networking opportunities, trade talks and ARCHIDEX 2017 business meetings, this is expected to boost trade transactions value in this Date: 19-22 July 2017 year,” said Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail, PAM president, in his opening speech. Companies: C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd; First launched in 2000, the event saw more than 36,000 visitors—including Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) industry professionals such as architects, interior designers, property developers, engineers and quantity surveyors—from 60 countries attending this year.

One of the new activities introduced included the inaugural Architalent, an architectural student competition in search of talented entrants from the schools of architecture in Malaysia. The theme for the year was ‘Social Architecture’, and 20 finalists, chosen from 70 submissions, presented their ideas to a panel of industry-led judges at the Plenary Theatre.

Other activities included the Focus Forum@ARCHIDEX, which looked at the Regulating Construction Materials and Products under CIDB Act 520 (Amendment 2011) and the Certificate of Standard Compliance (PPSi); and the Biz@ARCHIDEX, which showcased the latest trends, design and technicalities of the building industry. A four-day event for networking, trade talks and meetings The event was officiated by Sr Ratna Hj Mahyuddin, Deputy Director General The 18th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition (Specialised Sector) of Public Works Department, Ministry of Works— (ARCHIDEX) is a four-day event jointly organised by C.I.S Network and representing the Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid PAM, which played host to more than 550 local and international exhibitors Shirlin. VIP guests were given a tour of the exhibition and witnessed the representing leading brands from 14 countries. launch of Roca’s 100th year anniversary and Armani/Roca series, Baia.

20 ZAHA HADID ARCHITECTS: REIMAGINING ARCHITECTURE EXHIBITION Date: 10 July 2017 Company: UEM Sunrise Bhd

UEM Sunrise presented the ‘Zaha Hadid Architects: Reimagining Architecture’ exhibition, in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), at Publika from 10 to 26 July 2017.

The exhibition showcased a range of the late Zaha Hadid’s works, spanning her 40-year career, during which she redefined architectural design and became the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Exhibits included sketches, photographs and scale models of some of her early works, From left: Ang Chee Cheong, Kate Revyakina, Raymond Cheah, Michele Pascadi, such as the Phaeno Science Centre and the Vitra Fire Station in Germany, all Tengku Zatashah, Patrik Schumacher and Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib the way to major projects such as the Guangzhou Opera House, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge at Abu-Dhabi and the London 2012 Olympic Aquatics Centre.

This exhibition series is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and will continue on to Singapore and Melbourne, Australia.

“ZHA’s values resonate with ours. We are both driven to deliver quality developments and to practice sustainability in all that we do,” said UEM Sunrise managing director and CEO Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib at the opening of the exhibition.

“We hope that the series will go a long way to enrich the communities in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Melbourne with a deeper understanding of Zaha Hadid’s works, and stimulate a wider conversation on good design and architecture.”

The opening was officiated by Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and attended by a 300-strong crowd, including Raymond Cheah, COO, Commercial of UEM Sunrise, Patrik Schumacher, director and principal of ZHA, Tengku Zatashah with B.zero 1, designed by and Ang Chee Cheong, director of Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival 2017. the late Dame Zaha Hadid, in collaboration with Bulgari

Strong crowd at the opening of Zaha Hadid Architects: Reimagining Architecture Exhibition 2017

21 NEWS & EVENTS

TERREAL MALAYSIA OPENS NEW PLANT IN KLUANG Date: 13 June 2017 Company: Terreal Malaysia

Terreal Malaysia’s new factory in Kluang, Johor—dubbed Kluang 3—spans 2,700 square metres and is equipped with the latest machineries to meet the increasing Asian market demand of their Zen tiles series—a distinctive pressed flat mineral tile.

This 2.4 million-euro (RM12.15 million) investment is an initiative to internalise the Zen tile production process from A to Z, which will result in better quality monitoring and adaptability to customer demands. The Kluang 3 factory is expected to produce up to 1.8 million pieces each year.

Terreal Malaysia is part of the Terreal Group, a clay building materials manufacturer with 26 plants worldwide. Opening of Kluang 3 factory

This 2,700-square-metre factory will internalise the whole Zen tile production process

Upcoming Event This competition is organised by CIDB, with its newly established NATIONAL Sustainable Construction Excellence Centre (MAMPAN), along with Centre of Advance Construction Technology and Innovation (CACTI) and ECO-CONSTRUCTION Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), in conjunction with COMPETITION 2017 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Date: 30 September 2017 The first stage of the competition is project development, where all the Company: Construction Industry teams will be briefed on the development and submission of a written Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) report (30 to 60 pages). The second stage will require the 10 shortlisted teams to present their ideas/models in public to panels or juries. The National Eco-Construction Competition 2017 (NECO 2017) aims to foster sustainable construction by innovating sustainable construction The registration deadline is 30 September, while the submission deadline approaches. It is open to all Malaysian students aged 18 to 30. is 27 October. For more information, visit www.neco.my.

22 ADVERTORIAL

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31 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MICHAEL CHING CHEE HOONG With more than 16 years of professional experience with several international firms, Ar Michael Ching’s passion and active interest are in Green design. Ching is a director of CH+I Architecture Sdn Bhd and BGreen Design Sdn Bhd, both established in 2010. He was a council member of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), a member of the Green Building Index accreditation panel and a board member of the Malaysia Green Building Confederation.

24 Twin Palms Sungai Long (Phase 3A) boasts deep recesses, semi-outdoor spaces and atriums for naturally lit and ventilated interiors in a deep building configuration

Why did you choose to become an architect? in all cases, a pragmatic foundation is required as building materials do If you compare architecture to other professions with similar historical lengths, not levitate, and the appreciation of architecture by users is usually on a you will find that it is an odd discipline. It has no definitive syllabus or standard subconscious basis. curriculum. It is in constant self-reinvention and discovery. It neither exists only in the realms of scientific logic nor artistic expressions, but it has notions of What are the main objectives that you try to meet in every design? proportion and grandeur, vernacular, artistry, philosophy, sociology, and even I try to move the sustainability agenda an inch at a time, even if it is just politics—no one profession has that kind of reach and breadth. implementing simple basic passive design strategies or a rain water harvesting system. Slow changes in the built environment, and its acceptance as a norm, However, this understanding only unveils itself once you have started your will be beneficial to society in the long run. architectural journey. Vain as it might sound, I think it’s safe to say that most people in the profession are attracted to the flamboyant side of it at first and What would you say is the major strength of your design studio? only develop an appreciation towards it much later. I am one of those. I believe it will be the ‘age’ of the design studio itself. The core team in the office is of a young age, as such, most of the works that we produce are How would you describe your signature style? still in the experimental cycle and do not necessarily conform to a certain The goal of achieving a signature style or a check list of ‘must haves’ is never style or movement. Instead, we are always looking at the innovative aspects intentionally present in my designs. The fundamental approach is always to to a solution. establish our intervention and possible outcomes first. Is it rational? Is it advantageous? Is there ambiguity? Is there potential or possibility? The rest The other strength is that the firm has a certain agility and nimbleness in it. of it comes either subconsciously or habitually. Sounds mundane; however, The centralising factor in our approach is the design solution. Unlike the tiered

25 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This Gita Bayu bungalow occupies only 40 per cent of the site, allowing a thicker green area for a better microclimate

Slow changes in the built environment, and its acceptance as a norm, will be beneficial to society in the long run. down central command approach and approval, the teams dissect the issues, the concept that ‘small is beautiful’. The overall plinth of the bungalow and we overlay the solutions and findings. I can downsize it to a single man or a only occupies 40 per cent of the site, allowing the remaining space as consensus of groups. I think this gives a level of maturity to the design. landscape. This lush greenery improves the microclimate, thus, lowering the amount of energy required to cool the building. What’s your guiding approach to design and in managing clients’ expectations? The other one would be a scheme of repetitive bungalows at Twin Palms The guiding approach of my design has always been the idea of ‘for Sungai Long (Phase 3A). The intervention here was to break away from the project’—what is the best solution, what is beneficial, what is the the conventional approach in designing repetitive bungalows. I managed to best approach to the client’s intention and requirement? I tend to be convince the client to design a transition space between the car porch and the more of an advisor then a consultant to the client. As a consultant, we main entrance, which creates an atmosphere of ‘returning home’. It is quite might reserve our own opinions and work only with the client’s intention. interesting to see now how each individual owner uses this space. However, by engaging in the overall brief early on, I am able to produce better outcomes. Could you highlight some of your sustainable design efforts in your projects? Could you give an example of a successful project you have led Some other strategies employed in the earlier-mentioned Gita Bayu project from inception to completion? include proper positioning of fenestration and sunshading devices to reduce Two projects come to mind that can best explain my approach. The first solar heat gain through the façade, while maximising cross ventilation and is a single bungalow at Gita Bayu. I managed to convince the client of daylight harvesting; a composition of roof garden and double roof system to

26 There is always a higher tendency for our design, building solutions, guidelines and legislation to use a more proscriptive approach, instead of a performance-based specification. isolate and reduce solar heat gain; the harvesting of rain water for irrigation region. The irony of this is that it usually follows the flavour of the week. As purposes; and the use of local and recycled contents. such, we always find a myriad of ‘solutions’, each aliened to the other that it’s being imposed on. A bungalow project in Bandar Kinrara shares similar passive design strategies, with some additional layers, such as the feature wall, which doubles as a cavity We lack the innovative and critical thinking in exploring and solving our own wall at the east orientation; a pre-heated solar water tank; as well as vertical situations. Even if we did, we would always fall back to the proscriptive side of wetlands that recycle the grey water from bathrooms for irrigation purposes. Solar things due to acceptance of the norm. photovoltaic and solar air-conditioning are used to reduce energy consumption. The heat generated from the compressor of the solar air-conditioning is recovered But that is slowly changing. The younger generations, people who are more to heat up the water in the solar pre-heated water tanks. attuned towards global issues, do not just look at it only at the surface but understand the core agenda itself. What are some of the major challenges faced by the studio and the building industry in Malaysia in general? What are some of the major accolades you have won, and how If I were to critique, it will be the public’s perception, awareness and acceptance, have they motivated you? not just of the climate-responsive and sustainable agenda, but of the benefits I have been recognised by PAM as one of the ‘30 under 40’ emerging of a designed environment as a whole. architects in 2011. The Gita Bayu project was awarded the Silver Award (Green Home Category) at My Dream Home Competition 2011. For the There is always a higher tendency for our design, building solutions, guidelines Twin Palms Sungai Long and Twin Palms Kemensah projects, I have been and legislation to use a more proscriptive approach, instead of a performance- nominated for the PAM Awards 2016. I have a few more projects being based specification. In fact, the acceptance of any new system has to be with featured in newspapers and magazines. It is motivating to know your projects precedence or something that has been adopted and used in the neighbouring have been presented to a much wider audience.

Twin Palms Kemensah (Phase 2) designed with consideration to minimise the direct view between units Images courtesy of CH&I Architecture Sdn Bhd

27 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DR OOI LEAN HOCK Ir Dr Ooi Lean Hock holds a PhD in geotechnical engineering from the University of Sydney, Australia. In the past, he has served in various capacities in the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia Council and Geotechnical Technical Division, and the Malaysian Site Investigators Association. He is currently seconded from Gamuda Bhd to KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd as the lead geotechnical of one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country.

28 Ground investigation works, with more than 400 bore holes, were carried out during the detailed design and early construction stages

The ground is full of surprises. We can plan to minimise surprises, but we can’t eliminate them. You can’t dictate the ground; you have to let the ground speak to you.

The 51-kilometre Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) Tunnelling in karsts can be complicated and unpredictable as they have highly Sungai Buloh–Kajang (SBK) line, which opened on July 17, 2017, has variable bedrock profiles and intricate networks of channels and cavities, often 31 stations in total—seven of which are underground, located along filled with groundwater that needs to be kept in equilibrium. Leakages of slurry a stretch of 9.5 kilometres under the city’s central business district. through these solution channels can cause the tunnel-boring machine (TBM) On average, the tunnels run about 30 metres below ground, with the to lose working pressure, while the escape of pressurised slurry or air to the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) station 40 metres deep (equivalent to about surface can lead to ground collapses and sinkholes. a 13-storey basement carpark). The Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) project, While many commuters will now benefit from the new connectivity and enjoy which opened in 2007, involved tunnelling in karst. How did the designer stations (check out page 34), what may be less apparent are the that experience help in this KVMRT project? challenges involved in venturing so deep in the ground, right in the heart of The SMART tunnel was the first time we did major tunnelling almost entirely the city. in limestone. It was also our first experience using a slurry machine, the then-known best tunnelling machine available. We encountered many Ooi sheds some light on that aspect and shares his experiences with problems, such as sinkholes and slurry blow outs, but we learnt from those Construction+ Malaysia. experiences and applied them in this project.

What was one of the main challenges in building the For example, we developed a new TBM, called the variable density TBM, which underground SBK line? comes with four different modes to handle the complex karsts, successfully Ground risk is the biggest challenge as it has so many variables. The MRT Line 1 mitigating karsts-related challenges, reducing incidents and meeting timely delivery. (the SBK line) runs through two distinctly different types of ground—the Kenny Hill Formation, which comprises metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of Can you give us some idea of the ground works that were done predominantly interbedded phyllite and quartzite or its weathered derivatives, in preparation for the KVMRT Line 1 tunnelling? and the Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation, which has highly developed We carried out initial geological studies since 2006 with preliminary soil complex karst. sampling, with 69 bore holes and geophysical surveys. Additional ground

29 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Stages of construction: The 40-metre-deep TRX station on Dec 2013 (left) and June 2015

Monitoring is the link between design and performance, hence, monitoring starts before any work begins and continues until a suitable period after the project is completed to ensure that the performance of the design is consistent with the prediction from inception to completion. investigation, with more than 400 bore holes, was carried out during the the potential things that could go wrong and have contingency plans in place, detailed design and early construction stages. in terms of specialised emergency response teams, machineries, construction materials and equipment, to handle the repercussions. For limestone sites, we drilled to depths of 10 to 20 metres below the final excavation level of the stations. Our team collected core samples to assess During the construction of the SBK Line, we had some sinkholes—such as rock quality, weathering conditions and fracture states. the infamous one during President Obama’s visit in 2014, when the TBM traversed a highly karstic fault zone—but they were well controlled because However, it would not be practical to put in as many boreholes throughout of our constant surveillance and monitoring and the prompt response by our the entire tunnel alignment, especially in an urban environment such as emergency response team. Kuala Lumpur. Hence, we conducted various geophysical surveys—such as multichannel analysis of surface wave, electrical resistivity imaging, cross-hole Monitoring is the link between design and performance, hence, monitoring tomography and microgravity—to provide the additional information between starts before any work begins and continues until a suitable period after the boreholes that were needed to produce a fairly good two-dimensional project is completed to ensure that the performance of the design is consistent indication of major karst-related solution features. with the prediction from inception to completion. In order to handle the huge volume of data collected from all the instruments installed, we have a data Despite the advances in geotechnical technology and knowledge, management system, which scans all our monitoring data against specific you have often advocated ‘a healthy respect’ for the ground. Can trigger values and acts as our warning system. If there are any breaches, we you elaborate? have a specific action plan to address each of the trigger level, which we call The ground is full of surprises. We can plan to minimise surprises, but we the 3 As—Alert, Action, Alarm. Our structured process ensures the safety and can’t eliminate them. We can’t take things for granted. If we are overconfident, performance of the design and its impact to the surroundings. that’s when Murphy’s Law may surprise you. You can’t dictate the ground; you have to let the ground speak to you. In this respect, the site investigation and Currently, you are working on the 52.2-kilometre KVMRT Line 2 design may require adjustments or refinements as the ground model is being (Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya) with 11 underground stations developed with the information coming in. along a 13.5-kilometre stretch between Jalan Ipoh and Kuchai Lama. How different is it from Line 1? Even if you engineered the ground, it may or may not behave as expected. For With Line 1, we were actually considered lucky—the Kenny Hills Formation example, when treating limestone ground, some of the many solution channels was competent and consistent, and the depths to limestone were relatively may escape treatment. Therefore, we have to plan the design by considering all shallow, hence, the substantial rock cover was beneficial to tunnelling.

30 We had a steep learning curve, and we gained a lot of knowledge in terms of how to be part of a team to carry out deep excavation works, ensure safe tunnelling, and minimise its impact in an urban environment.

For Line 2, we are currently preparing the shaft and station boxes for tunnelling This KVMRT project has been a learning experience for many, with works to start in 2018. The geology is quite complicated, comprising different many local talents involved in a challenging world-class project. materials, with a combination of granite, limestone and quartz, and the In your opinion, where is Malaysia’s position on the geotechnics boundaries are not so well defined. scene, say, compared with Singapore? In terms of academia, implementation and management, Singapore has come a Unlike Line 1, which had a more defined retention system, in some locations long way due to its 30 over years of experience in tunnelling, availability of funding of Line 2, we needed to use a combination of retention systems due to large and talent pool. They are also more structured and prescriptive in their approach. differences in depth to bedrock. One section could be in soil, while the other in rock, hence, we’d be using diaphragm wall (D wall) on one side and secant Malaysians, on the other hand, tend to be more innovative as we have fewer board piles on the other. resources and less funding to do a lot of things. So, we come up with different ways to make full use of what we have and to safely deliver the project in time Each of the 11 underground stations also has its own uniquely challenging and within our budget. It’s all about striking a balance with what we have and issues that need to be looked at closely. There is never a single solution complementing with some foreign expertise. that fits every station. They are all in different ground conditions, with some intersected by inferred faults, quartz veins and dykes. For example, Sentul We have had to go on accelerated learning curves. We bridged the gaps West station is in granite, Titiwangsa Station is in granite and residual soils, by hiring foreign experts to beef up our team. At the same time, as a local Hospital Kuala Lumpur station is in weathered quartz, Ampang Park is in company, our management has a vision of developing young people and to Kenny Hill formation but close to the KL Limestone interface, and some of the improve work safety. Hence, we have opened a tunnel academy to train the stations are in limestone. future generation to be able to support the whole project.

The SBK line runs through two different types of ground—the Kenny Hill Formation and the Kuala Lumpur Limestone Formation

31 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

On average, the tunnels run about 30 metres below ground Images courtesy of MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd

We have learnt to understand, analyse and manage the impact and concerns of When I started at Gamuda, I was involved in the 329-kilometre-long tunnelling. For example, sometimes a building’s supporting piles are obstructing the Double Tracking Project, which involved all kinds of ground treatment works, construction of the MRT line and need to be removed, so we have to underpin the extensive lengths of viaducts and various tunnelling methods. Then I was in the structure before removing the piles, all while the building is fully operational above. Middle East, where there were totally different ground conditions and geology. One of the interesting successes was when we tunnelled under the much-hyped In Doha, we had to build an airport runway on reclamation fill, where the soil Jalan Sultan section, where there were many old and vulnerable buildings in material (calcareous sands) ‘changes’ during compaction. Chinatown, and people didn’t even know when we finished the tunnelling works. But this MRT project is probably one of the most memorable for me. It is a You have worked on many diverse infrastructural projects. Which good opportunity to be a forerunner in metro work in this country. We had a are some of your most memorable ones? steep learning curve, and we gained a lot of knowledge in terms of how to be My whole career has been very rewarding as an engineer. All the projects I have part of a team to carry out deep excavation works, ensure safe tunnelling, and been involved in have been milestones for me as many were all new experiences. minimise its impact in an urban environment.

32

PROJECTS

The Muzium Negara station depicts the transitions between old and new, historical and modern SUNGAI BULOH– KAJANG (SBK) MRT LINE: UNDERGROUND WORKS

34 The new Klang Valley MRT Sungai Buloh– The Aecom–VERITAS team was in charge of the Kajang (SBK) Line opened on 17 July 2017, Muzium Negara, Pasar Seni, Merdeka and Bukit marking a new milestone for Malaysia’s transit Bintang stations, while the Mott MacDonald– architecture, underground engineering and NEUformation team worked on the Tun Razak tunnelling works. Exchange (TRX), Cochrane and Maluri stations.

According to Tricia Low, design manager of DESIGN WITH MALAYSIA MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd (MGKT), this The overarching design concept for the project marked many ‘firsts’, including being the underground stations was inspired by the first underground tunnelling and MRT project by a 16-kilometre Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, Malaysian team. the world’s longest pure quartz dyke. The multi-faceted quartz’s kaleidoscopic reflections The SBK Line covers 30 kilometres and mirror Malaysia’s racial and cultural diversity. This 19 stations, seven of which are underground. The essence is captured and incorporated into the design of these underground stations is a result of transparent, reflective and angular ground-level a partnership between international teams Aecom station entrance structures. and Mott MacDonald, the overall architectural consultants, and Malaysian firms VERITAS The seven stations also boast individual design Architects and NEUformation Architects. themes for their interiors, which have been

35 PROJECTS

The Muzium Negara station

36 The Rukun Negara feature wall at the Merdeka station

carefully chosen to bring out the identity and Situated at the crossroads of Jalan Bukit Bintang historical contexts of the stations’ locations. and Jalan Sultan Ismail, the Bukit Bintang station carries a Dynamic theme, personifying the energy JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY and vitality of the area. A high-volume feature wall, The Muzium Negara station, wedged between composed of trapezoidal geometry in different the historical national museum and the modern vibrant tones of red, represents the movement KL Sentral integrated development, has a and liveliness of the city. Transition theme. At the station’s concourse levels, there are five glass-clad columns depicting the The largest and deepest underground station is development of the city’s public transportation, the TRX station, which serves as an interchange from past to present. between the SBK line and the future Sungai Buloh–Serdang–Putrajaya MRT line (SSP line). The Pasar Seni station’s Confluence theme pays As the future TRX City is positioned as an Islamic tribute to the founding spot of Kuala Lumpur— finance centre, the station was designed along where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet—with the same lines, with Islamic motifs in the columns, its stylised ‘Y’ design applied in the station’s walls and ceilings, set within a contemporary, interior and maps showing the growth of the city corporate ambience. from the 1850s to present day. This station also links seamlessly with the light rail transit (LRT) and The Cochrane station is located within a more intercity buses. residential area, hence the design portrays a softer Urban Living vibe, with vibrant forms and The Merdeka station is an embodiment of the harmonious colours within the entrance and interior spirit of Independence, thanks to its location close design. There is an underground link to Ikea Cheras to the historical Stadium Merdeka, where the and a pedestrian link to the Sunway Velocity independence of the Federation of Malaya was commercial-residential development. proclaimed. Insta-worthy feature walls in the station commemorate the declaration of Independence The Maluri station is located in an old part of and the Rukun Negara (the national principles). town that is undergoing rapid urban renewal.

37 PROJECTS

Identifiable Islamic motifs are set within the contemporary, corporate ambience of the TRX station

The stylised ‘Y’ design and city maps at Pasar Seni station pay A four-storey vibrant red feature wall represents tribute to the muddy confluence called Kuala Lumpur the dynamic non-stop action in Bukit Bintang

To complement the setting, the team designed the different colour codes for each station. This allows station around a New Generation theme, with a passengers to easily differentiate and recognise lighter, more playful character and feel. This station which station they are at. integrates with the Maluri LRT station right above it. The stations also have provisions for existing CONNECTIVITY and future links to other buildings, ensuring the With transit architecture, apart from aesthetics, continued connectivity and relevance of the other key factors include safety, ease of use and public transportation system within the city. For maintenance costs. The design intent, says Low, example, the TRX station has a completed linked is to provide clear, easy access and an intuitive passage to the future TRX City (hidden behind layout to reduce users’ dependence on wayfinding a temporary wall), while the Maluri station has a signages. For example, to differentiate the seven covered passage that will be linked to the future platforms, the design team decided to apply AEON Maluri.

38 Six out of the seven new stations connect CHALLENGES PROJECT DATA with another railway system, with three paid- The materials chosen for the stations have to be Project Name to-paid links, which improves public transport durable, require minimal maintenance and be able Sungai Buloh–Kajang (SBK) MRT Line: connectivity in the city. All stations are also to withstand a high degree of wear-and-tear. These Underground Works built with handicapped-friendly walkways, include granite tile flooring, aluminium and glass wall Completion Date elevators and restrooms, along with bicycle and cladding, which are easy to maintain and replace. 17 July 2017 motorcycle parking. Park-N-Ride facilities are No timber is used in the underground stations due Station Depth available at the Maluri station. to fire-safety guidelines for enclosed spaces. Muzium Negara: 24 metres Pasar Seni: 25 metres To encourage public participation in this One issue that needed fine-tuning was the placement Merdeka: 31.5 metres major infrastructure project, a design contest of signages, as users have different perceptions Bukit Bintang: 33.4 metres for students was held in 2016, calling of what is ‘easy to understand’, according to Yap TRX: 45 metres for submissions of bench designs for the Seh Cheong, architectural manager of MGKT. After Cochrane: 30 metres Maluri: 24 metres underground stations. Some 133 entries, from the stations were completed, the signages had to 19 institutions of higher learning, were received, be moved from their original placements to more Client/Owner out of which, six functional yet stylish benches strategic locations, such as at the entrances/exits Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd were chosen to be installed. and elevators. Architecture Firms Aecom–VERITAS Architects; Mott MacDonald–NEUformation Architects Main Contractor MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd Images MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd

The Maluri station has a lighter, brighter feel to signal the dawn of a new generation

Each platform has a different colour code for easy recognition

39

PROJECTS

The iconic Bukit Jalil National Stadium with distinguishing twisted-louvre ‘stripes’ on its façade

KL SPORTS CITY (PHASE 1)

42 Major facelift for the KL Sports City ahead of the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games

The Harimau Malaya-themed seats create a pixelated illusion of a crowd

The National Sports Complex, first opened The first phase of the KLSC, costing around in 1998, has undergone a transformation and RM499 million, involved the rejuvenation of the metamorphosed into the Kuala Lumpur Sports City Bukit Jalil National Stadium, National Aquatic Centre (KLSC), offering world-class infrastructure, modern and Axiata Arena (formerly named Putra Indoor facilities and enhanced visitor experiences. Stadium), which will host this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and ASEAN Para Games. Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) and architects Populous have adopted a holistic The RM1.1 billion second phase will commence approach in designing a coordinated master plan to in 2018 and will include serviced residences, retail upgrade previously under-utilised spaces and create and commercial facilities, such as a convention a sustainable centre that will draw crowds seven centre, youth hostel, park, library and sports days a week, not just during major sporting events. museum, creating a modern and liveable integrated

43 PROJECTS

Axiata Arena (formerly known as the Putra Indoor Stadium) with its contemporary perforated steel façade

sports city. The overall development will no doubt The new seats inside the stadium also carry a serve as a catalyst to promote sports, recreation, Harimau Malaya colour theme, with pixelated effects health and wellness among Malaysians. that give the illusion of a crowd.

CELEBRATION OF CULTURE MAKEOVER The refurbishment of the existing venues was One of the biggest constraints faced was time. done in line with providing functional excellence Everything had to be completed well in advance of international standing, while expressing and of the SEA Games, which meant the project had celebrating the Malaysian culture. The design team to be designed and built in a short 18 months. focused on delivering facilities that are dynamically The refurbishment works were carried out representative of the sports that are occurring in concurrently, with strong monitoring and there, as well as evocative of the national identity. coordination procedures, which was a remarkable achievement for all involved. For example, the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the largest in South East Asia, boasts an external façade With a seating capacity of 87,000, the national with distinguishing stripes—a reference to the stadium was recently nominated as a finalist for Malayan Tiger— making it a uniquely Malaysian and the New and Old Completed Buildings category instantly recognisable landmark. at the 2017 World Architecture Festival, which will be held in Germany in November. It underwent a The ‘stripes’ are created from a series of twisted comprehensive upgrading of facilities, infrastructure vertical louvres, which offer sunshading and and systems, with new PA, lighting, scoreboard and encourage natural ventilation to the concourse sound systems. Modern hospitality and corporate without completely obscuring the original iconic services include the new corporate suites, with skeleton of the stadium. LED lights have been their 3.5-metre floor-to-ceiling glass heights, which embedded into the louvres, allowing digitally based sets the facility apart from other famous stadiums animations, advertisements and branding to flow around the world. over the three-dimensional façade. As a result, the stadium can appear completely different on each The Axiata Arena boasts a contemporary night, sporting different brand identities for a wide perforated steel façade with a lobby and entrance variety of events. space. Its 11,000 permanent seats have been

44 New turf pitch at the National Hockey Stadium

The National Aquatic Centre pools have new tiling, underwater lighting and mechanical filtration systems

45 PROJECT DATA PROJECTS Project Name KL Sports City (Phase 1) Location Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur Completion Date 22 July 2017 Site Area Approximately 260,000 square metres Gross Floor Area National stadium: 111,939 square metres Axiata Arena: 70,731 square metres Aquatic centre: 27,632 square metres Building Height National stadium: 33.75 metres Axiata Arena: 27.66 square metres Aquatic centre: 27.88 square metres Client/Owner Ministry of Youth and Sports Architecture Firms Populous; RSP Architects Principal Architect Paul Henry Civil & Structural Engineer HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineers Perunding Eagles Consulting Engineers Sdn Bhd; Jurutera Perunding Kuasa Tenaga Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor Precinct enhancements include a newly laid 1.4-kilometre jogging track KPK QS (Semenanjung) Sdn Bhd Lighting Consultant Lighting Specialist Australia replaced, together with a retractable seating Materials used in the renovations were sourced from platform. The number of corporate and VIP both local and international suppliers, taking into Landscape Architect Landarc Associates Sdn Bhd seating has increased to 500, allowing the venue consideration quality, compliance to global sports to attract bigger name artistes, which generates bodies’ requirements, as well as availability, due to Main Contractor MRCB Builders Sdn Bhd more revenue. The toilets and changing room the short timeframe. For example, the technology of facilities have been upgraded, along with a new producing stadium seats was brought in from Australia Interior Fit-Out Contractor air-conditioning system, sports lighting, PA system so the seats could be produced locally. Power-saving ISG ASIA (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and an advanced fire protection system that equipment was used for better energy efficiency. Images complies with global safety standards. Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd PRECINCT ENHANCEMENTS The National Aquatic Centre, comprising an The green spaces around the stadiums have been Olympic-standard swimming pool, warm-up areas increased from 5 to approximately 30 per cent with a and diving pool, also has a new façade, offering generously sized public park and fresh landscaping, a shaded entrance space, with a fabric roof such as the terraces that cascade from the national and glass curtain wall to allow more daylight stadium down to the train station. penetration. The pools have new tiling, underwater lighting, mechanical filtration systems and a The entire site is designed for the Malaysian FINA-compliant diving board. The VIP lobby climate, and the pedestrian-centred layout—with space, changing rooms and media facilities and cycling and jogging tracks, wheelchair-accessible public toilets have been upgraded, and new sports covered boulevards and shaded canopy lighting and PA system installed. walk, wayfinding and signages, and improved circulation for pedestrians and vehicles—is The National Hockey Stadium, home of the aimed at encouraging public transport usage Malaysian national men’s and women’s field hockey and activities within the precinct, especially when teams, sits up to 12,000 people. It now enjoys a there are no major events. There are also new top-notch turf pitch, new sports lighting, upgraded toilets and space for pop-up F&B kiosks and food toilets and an advanced fire protection system. trucks around the stadiums.

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A new distinctive landmark in the KL city skyline

ILHAM TOWER

48 A dramatic union of sleek glass and steel accents

The ILHAM Gallery located on levels 3 and 5

ILHAM Tower brings together a variety of spaces above—these two functions have individual for living and working in the heart of Kuala entrance lobbies at the ground level on either Lumpur, all within the compact footprint of a side of the building. The tower also houses an art 58-storey, 275-metre-high tower—one of the gallery, commercial units and recreational facilities, tallest mixed-use developments in the city. as well as penthouses at the very top, which are oriented for the best views of the city centre skyline. Designed by Foster + Partners, the distinctive tower is a dramatic union of sleek glass, steel accents Extending the public realm, the building is set back and greenery. Grade A office suites occupy 29 from the perimeter of the site and poised on a floors on the lower portion, centred on a dramatic slender base to create a generous, tree-lined plaza three-storey atrium, with hotel serviced apartments that reaches into the atrium. The glazed façades

49 PROJECTS

The tower’s diamond-shaped geometry allows for flexible, column-free spaces

50 PROJECT DATA Project Name ILHAM Tower Location 8, Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur Completion Date March 2017 (CCC) Site Area 8,250 square metres Gross Floor Area 1 million square feet Building Height 275 metres Client/Owner IB Tower Sdn Bhd Design Consultant Foster + Partners, London Collaborating Architect SA Architects Sdn Bhd Director-in-Charge Richard Sau Interior Design Firm ACID Pte Ltd Civil & Structural Engineer TY Lin International Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Jurutera Perunding Valdun Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor Arcadis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Roof viewing deck Landscape Architect Walrus Design Sdn Bhd Level 58 - Roof Viewing Deck st 0 5 10m are pulled back to shade the entrances and create via hanging columns anchored on the 41 floor, Main Contractor an impressive arrival sequence. with each floor supported by the one above it. The Daewoo E&C construction of the structural system was one of Substructure Contractor SHAPES AND STEEL the main challenges due to its height and minimal Geopancar Sdn Bhd The challenge of designing such a significant installation space. Basement Contractor high-rise scheme was to relate to the large, Dian Makmur Sdn Bhd urban scale, as well as attending to the details— SUSTAINABILITY Basement Formwork Systems close-up, the façade is rich and finely tuned to The stainless steel-clad structure, the geometry PERI Formwork Malaysia Sdn Bhd shade the interiors and to provide high-quality of the triangulated glass panels and the shading Building Formwork Systems living spaces. systems are all integrated to create a powerful, Doka Formwork Malaysia Sdn Bhd unified form. Following the profile of the structure, The tower’s geometry is driven by the need for shading is provided by diagonal brise-soleil across Images Nigel Young; Foster + Partners flexible, column-free spaces to accommodate its each façade, oriented in response to the sun’s mixture of functions. Its form is equally shaped by the path to protect the interiors from solar heat gain, climate and urban context—the diamond-shaped and glare is reduced by an opaque frit on the plan increases the living spaces with views of key high-performance glazing. city landmarks, and the façades tilt away from the morning and evening sun to reduce solar gain. The structural solution also minimises the material required for construction and, therefore, the The tower features a large open sky terrace, which building’s embedded energy, contributing to the reaches up 40 metres in height and provides project’s target BCA Green Mark GoldPLUS rating. al fresco dining options and uninterrupted city views. This is made possible by the tower’s innovative, Other notable Green features include carbon dioxide self-bracing diagrid structure. A void was created to (CO2) sensors to monitor indoor and carpark air house the sky terrace by pulling back the façade of quality, energy-saving light fittings and group lighting the 30th to 40th storeys. Steel structures were used controls, and rainwater harvesting and non-chemical for part of these floors, and weight was distributed water treatment.

51 PROJECTS

Breaking the mould of industrial buildings with extensive greenery and landscaping BIG DUTCHMAN REGIONAL HEAD OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE

52 Big Dutchman (BD) is a global livestock A TOUCH OF EUROPE equipment company that operates on the The 20-acre site lies in a high-density heavy international arena. It recently unveiled its industrial zone, surrounded by energy-intensive regional head office and logistics centre for the factories, which imposes visible infrastructural Asia Pacific region in Klang, Malaysia. pressures on this area. This is a far cry from BD’s original operations in rural Europe, The 25-million-euro (about RM123.5 million) where industries co-exist in Green-sensitive state-of-the-art facility is the largest and most environments. modern in the group, with about 26,000 square metres of storage and office space. It is five The new Klang campus draws from its European times larger than the previous centre, also origins by breaking the mould of industrial facilities located close by, and is designed to enhance with a lush green landscaped environment. It’s operations and meet the company’s expected built on a low plinth ratio, adopts a human-scale future growth. The office also has a large approach to large-scale warehouse operations, integrated showroom and training facilities that and maintains a low-carbon footprint in a Green- can be used by customers, staff and agents. friendly sustainable environment. Even the main

53 PROJECTS

The floating brick wall acts as an air funnel

Two football field-sized solar panels installed on the warehouse’s roof to supply Green power A human-scale approach was adopted to the large-scale warehouse operations

gate’s green wall is a symbolic signature drawn Practically, the bricks act as a robust and from its European origins. heat-insulating material requiring minimum maintenance. Expressively, the iconic 3-metre-high BRICK BY BRICK floating brick wall maximises openings to the edge The over-burnt brick used throughout the façade of potential penetration, serving as an air funnel is an expression of durability and timelessness. for cross ventilation to negate heat build-up and It is architecturally rough, yet refined. It is also maximise air flow through the facility. a symbol of a strong business foundation and an interpretation of the company’s commitment The idea is to lift a traditional brick form and to grow its business on the bedrock of its allow it to float in mid-air. It is a twist and a brick-by-brick tradition in a sustainable and contradiction—a twist as technology allows for environmental manner. the walls to be suspended unexpectedly, and a

54 Operable louvres on sun sensors allow the major glazing areas to be shaded

55 PROJECTS

Cross ventilation and natural lighting in the warehouse spaces

contradiction to see a traditional heavy masonry demand by reducing direct heat gain, especially on element float on air. the east and west façades. The operable louvres on the sun sensors allow the major glazing areas LIVING GREEN to be shaded—they follow the sun’s direction Underlying it all, the fundamentals of good throughout the day to keep a constant ambient sustainable architecture are anchored by the temperature at the workspaces, while allowing building’s passive Green design. maximum visibility and light penetration.

The campus reduces dependency on fossil The passive environmental design concept actively fuel energy by generating solar power as part creates and encourages the use of comfortable of its clean energy programme through the external-internal spaces functioning on minimum photovoltaic cell technology. A solar panel the energy needs. This approach means that the size of two football fields has been installed on air-conditioning only needs to be sustained to the warehouse’s roof to supply Green power. 10 per cent of the overall built-up space. Rainwater harvesting and recycling conserves water consumption. On-site surface water Creating pleasant, healthy, and attractive detention capacity acts as part of the area’s well-lit work and recreational spaces encourages flood mitigation programme. Waste is managed increased use of the facility, resulting in less through a structural disposal programme. need to travel out during breaks, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Sustainability is not The architectural design adapted a second skin just a technical concept but a commitment to heat insulation concept for the external envelope enable an environment where greenery is simply of the building to lower the air-conditioning load about living it.

56 PROJECT DATA Project Name Big Dutchman regional head office and warehouse Location Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang Completion Date 30 September 2016 Site Area 76,618 square metres Gross Floor Area 25,507 square metres Building Height Headquarters: 4 storeys; 16 metres Warehouse: 1 storey; 11 metres

Natural lighting flood the main atrium of the offices Client/Owner Big Dutchman Agriculture (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Architecture Firm NWKA Architects Sdn Bhd Principal Architect Ar Ng Wai Keong Interior Design Firm Mmoser Associates Sdn Bhd Principal Designer Ranko Kume Civil & Structural Engineer HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineer HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor Stanley Chin QS Consult Sdn Bhd Lighting Consultant Exin Lighting Sdn Bhd Landscape Architect Pentago Landscape Sdn Bhd Green Building Consultant IEN Consultant Sdn Bhd Main Contractor Nakano Construction Sdn Bhd Pleasant and attractive well-lit work and recreational spaces Interior Fit-Out Contractor Jalex Sdn Bhd Images David Yeow Photography

The cafeteria overlooks the landscape garden and spillover spaces

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The Lagoon Park on the seventh level

M CITY

60 PROJECT DATA Project Name M City Location Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur Completion Date Towers 1 and 2: 2016 Tower 3: January 2017 Site Area 5 acres Gross Floor Area A climate-controlled pool with a view 178,178 square metres Building Height Towers 1 and 2: 36 storeys Tower 3: 35 storeys Client/Owner Oasis Garden Development Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Mah Sing Group Bhd) Architecture Firm A 61 Architect Principal Architect International Design Studio (IDS Pte Ltd) Principal Architect Art & Domain Sdn Bhd Civil & Structural Engineer AEC Consult Sdn Bhd

A bamboo forest in the sky Mechanical & Electrical Engineer EOC Consult Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor KPK Consult Sdn Bhd The hanging gardens of Babylon were one of the The Tropical Sanctuary on level 29 has a sky deck seven wonders of the ancient world. Mah Sing Group and forest garden, while at level 35, the Sky Garden Lighting Consultant now boasts of having its own hanging gardens in its has hammocks, cabanas and several types of pools. Accent Lighting Sdn Bhd M City development, located on a 5-acre site along Landscape Architect Embassy Row at Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The aim of the landscaping concept is to break away WDI Design Sdn Bhd from the rigidity and detachment of cosmopolitan Green Building Consultant The three-tower development comprises 1,585 living by creating ample conveniently accessible BSC Consult Sdn Bhd SOHO and serviced apartment units, boutique retail outdoor spaces and recreational areas distributed Main Contractors shops and Sky Residences. The project was designed throughout the building. Pembinaan Bintang Baru Sdn Bhd; to respect the urban fabric and existing infrastructure Eng Han Bina Sdn Bhd of the city. The podium block is built parallel to the MORE THAN GARDENS Images street, offering the SOHO and retail lots high visibility M City also has provisional Green Building Sunway Marketing with its prominent frontage. Index and BCA Green Mark certifications for its many sustainability efforts, which include using Embracing a Garden City Living theme, M City recyclable construction materials manufactured features an innovative landscaping concept with its in environmentally sustainable ways, rainwater multi-level thematic hanging gardens. Each of the harvesting, water treatment system, high efficiency six gardens, located at different tiers of the tower, is T5 lighting in the common areas, energy-efficient crafted according to a specific theme. air-conditioning, Green roof for insulation and heat absorption, and automated waste collection system For example, the Lagoon Park on level 7 has a for solid waste disposal. lagoon running through, with bridges and a garden walk. The Bamboo Grove offers a bamboo forest The high-performance glass exterior façade insulates on level 11, complete with trickling fountains and the building from traffic noise and allows plenty of stone path. A stream and a cascading waterfall natural light into the units; this reduces the need are found at the Spring Park on level 17, while a for artificial indoor lighting and cuts down on heat garden supplements a host of recreational facilities transfer. The car park ventilation system is controlled at the Altitude Sky Club on levels 23 through 26. by carbon monoxide sensors to ensure air quality.

61 Winner | Malaysia | BCI Asia Top 10 Architects and Developers 2017

PROJECTS

The double-storey residents’ clubhouse SUNWAY WELLESLEY 62 Spread over 82 acres in Bukit Mertajam, parks along the stream, which link the homes and Penang, Sunway Wellesley is a gated and guarded run right through the middle of the scheme from one development comprising 60 units of three-storey end of the development to the other. semi-detached houses, 154 units of three-storey townhouses and a double-storey clubhouse, The park that connects the stream to the nestled in an abundance of greenscapes. clubhouse forms a spine of scenic green space for the community, providing a vehicle-free As the site is located next to a stream, aLM Architects recreation belt where residents can walk safely capitalised on this advantage by designing linear without the obstruction of moving vehicles.

63 PROJECTS

Façade elements are straightforward, minimal and functional

In line with Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability to create the rich texture of a modern settlement (LOHAS) concept, the architects decided on with a sense of kampung-style community. a minimalist approach in building design. All façade elements are straightforward, minimal One of the challenges of designing the townhouses and have a direct expression of functionality. was effective space planning to ensure a good The harmonious building façade composition is balance of accessibility, privacy and space a result of good proportion of mass and void efficiency. The space has been crafted in such combination, enhanced by an expression of a way to promote townhouses as a better option strong contrasting colours. compared with terrace houses in terms of spatial quality and affordability. The careful planning of Unlike a typical mass housing development, the the staircase allows for good accessibility and a homes are creatively placed in an organic setting high level of privacy.

64 PROJECT DATA Project Name Sunway Wellesley Location Seksyen 1, Jalan Muthupalanniappan, Bandar Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai Tengah, Pulau Pinang Completion Date 31 October 2016 Site Area 14.06 acres Gross Floor Area 56,151.33 square metres Client/Owner Sunway Bintang Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Sunway Bhd)

The townhouses were designed for accessibility, privacy and space efficiency Architecture Firm aLM Architects Principal Architect Ar Mei Chee Seong Civil & Structural Engineer Loke & Associates Mechanical & Electrical Engineer I-Consultancy Main Contractor Alunan Asas Sdn Bhd Images Sunway Marketing

Children’s playground

Linear parks connect the neighbourhood together

65 Winner | Malaysia | BCI Asia Top 10 Developers 2017

PROJECTS

Set against the natural backdrop of the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge THE VÉO, KL EAST

66 Glass façade with a horizontal emphasis

The Véo is the newly completed inaugural The floor plate is designed for efficiency, with the residential towers of Sime Darby Property’s KL East accommodation zone located on the building integrated development. Crafted by London-based perimeter, and the service zone close to the architects, the 30-storey glass-clad twin towers, central core, to maximise views from the living, each with 175 residential units and topped with dining and bedrooms. community sky gardens, offer contemporary city living next door to world-class nature. Each unit offers open plan living spaces with balconies that span its full width for residents to INSPIRED BY NATURE enjoy the scenery. The edges of the balconies The Véo towers’ design concept, with the are expressed to create shading and outdoor horizontal emphasis on its glass façade, is spaces, and the buildings’ orientations are inspired by the world’s longest quartz ridge, the designed to minimise direct exposure to the Klang Gates Quartz Ridge, which is the natural evening sun. backdrop of the development.

67 PROJECTS

The Véo: twin residential towers at the KL East integrated development

The eco-inspired sky gardens provide a were used, with development concentrated only gathering space for residents to socialise, at the valleys or foothills, to minimise alteration while smart office facilities cater for a flexible to the existing landscape and prevent slope working lifestyle surrounded by nature. Facilities degradation while keeping close to nature. include an infinity pool, a fully equipped gym and a multi-purpose hall, all with high-speed KL East is the only development in the city with broadband wireless coverage. All buildings in a facility dedicated to rainforest regeneration and KL East are also Green Building Index-rated for the promotion of sustainable living, as more than sustainability. 50 per cent of the development is green open spaces, including a 21.5-hectare KL East Eco Park, PRESERVING NATURE with look-out points and jungle trekking paths. The design of the whole 62-hectare KL East There are plans in the pipeline to enhance the leverages on the uniqueness of its hillside park with other facilities for various outdoor location while ensuring the environment is activities, without sacrificing the park’s original carefully preserved. Existing platform levels setting and landscape.

68 PROJECT DATA Project Name The Véo, KL East Location KL East, Kuala Lumpur Completion Date June 2017 Site Area 1.69 hectares Gross Floor Area 40,276 square metres Building Height 122.9 metres Number of Units 350 Owner/Developer Sime Darby Melawati Development Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Sime Darby Property Bhd)

Open plan living spaces with full-width balconies Architecture Firm 3D Architecture (M) Sdn Bhd (Formerly 3DReid International (M) Sdn Bhd) Principal Designer 3D Architecture (M) Sdn Bhd (in association with 3DReid Ltd UK) Civil & Structural Engineer SKM Perunding Mahir Bersatu Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineer NDY (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor Hashim Dan Lim Sdn Bhd Landscape Architect Punt Garden Sdn Bhd Green Building Consultant Fenestra Malaysia Sdn Bhd Main Contractor Bumimetro Construction Sdn Bhd Images Chin Khan Khan (Khanta Studio)

The edges of the balconies are expressed to create shading and outdoor spaces

Rooms are located on the building perimeter for maximum views

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TSI.indd 1 Bleed :4mm 17/08/2017 2:11 PM INTERIORS LEE RESIDENCE This double-storey semi-detached house in area. The existing ground floor bathroom was Penang was given a make-over to increase practical converted into an open concept dry kitchen, spaces without neglecting timeless aesthetics. with an island countertop for extra space.

The design brief included a spacious open-concept The existing narrow staircase was expanded dry kitchen with a separate wet kitchen, a working and fitted out with Burmese teak hardwood. space, a family area upstairs for the kids to The existing side balcony on the first floor have their own entertainment, two kids’ rooms was replaced by a workspace, and both of the that could accommodate king-sized beds and kids’ bedrooms were fully extended to include attached bathrooms, a master bedroom with a big an attached bathroom each. Time was also walk-in-closet and an ensuite that could fit a round a key factor as the owner wanted to relocate Jacuzzi, a balcony for evening lounges, and also a back from Sabah before his children’s school dry yard. Full use of space with low-maintenance term began. finishes were essential as the owner wanted house cleaning to be kept minimal. Eco-materials were also used in the renovations, from the laminates that carry the Green Label Space was definitely a constraint, and the for low-toxic emissions, to the use of inverter designers had to change the layout of the whole technology in electrical appliances, energy-saving ground floor, including relocating the existing LED lighting, and paint with low volatile organic bathrooms and fully extending the total floor substances.

Living hall

72 PROJECT DATA Project Name Lee Residence Location Taman Selayang Indah, Sungai Puyu, Butterworth, Penang Completion Date 1 Jan 2016 Client/Owner Albert Lee Gross Floor Area 570 square metres Number of Rooms 6 Interior Design Firm JGiConcept Design Images Family area with an extended workspace replacing the side balcony JGiConcept Design

Dry kitchen with an island countertop

The master bedroom with custom cut porcelain wall tiles

73 INTERIORS HIGHPARK SUITES SALES GALLERY The upcoming HighPark Suites development For those who need a tranquil chill-out space The design team combined a social, private in Kelana Jaya, Selangor, combines the concept after a long day, the Type A3 urban studio unit resting area and home-based workplace in of healthy lifestyle and wellness in an urban design provides a contemporary space, using the same space. The beds will be folded into a vertical community. natural elements, such as warm and light toned built-in cabinet, with the remaining sofa seats wooden materials, as well as thick and rich or desks arranged for home entertainment or The project’s sales gallery features three interior textiles to create a soothing environment. work. The bed area can also be divided with a designs for the show units, by Millimetre Design hidden sliding door when one needs additional Sdn Bhd, that will define the core values of The Type B1 dual-key unit emphasises a simple privacy. An extended pull-out dining table from well-balanced lifestyle for residents, while easily feminine elegance mixed with vibrant chic style. the kitchen cabinets provides more functional customisable for different house owners’ profile. This unit has a hint of Moroccan influence, with worktop surface. two separate colour schemes that contrast and Colour application for each show unit are chosen complement each other. Generous landscaping is one of the key based on the required concept or defined style, offerings in this vertical living project, hence, catering to the potential residents of each unit type. The key mission for the interior design is to the designers used ample greenery to create The 452-square-foot Type A1 show unit boasts a maximise the usage of the limited space in a similar environment throughout the sales modern artistry living theme, with deep tones and rich the studio layout. As such, the studio show gallery to showcase this main core value colours, and eclectic art pieces and frames. unit is designed as a multi-potential space. to customers.

The large green façade of the sales gallery represents the generous landscaping offered in the development

74 PROJECT DATA Project Name HighPark Suites Sales Gallery Location Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Completion Date 28 July 2016 Gross Floor Area Approximately 3,825 square feet Client/Owner HighPark Development Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Gamuda Bhd) Interior Design Firm Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd Interior Fit-Out Contractor Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd Sleep, work and entertain in this multipurpose space Images Millimetre Design Sdn Bhd

Simple feminine elegance

The vibrant and chic Type B1 dual key unit

75 INTERIORS WAWASAN SUTERA KLIA2 Wawasan Sutera is a travel agency in use a combination of wood and metal to Malaysia. This is their first outlet in Malaysia, so create an uncomplicated, cosy feel and to the company wanted to have an outlet design introduce a modern vibe to the space. The that helps them stand out among typical travel original ceiling was very high, so a metal agencies in the market. grid ceiling was installed as a highlight of the interior. This project aims to redefine the image of the travel agency by providing a contemporary and One of the constraints faced in this project was comfortable environment for customers. the tight timeline, and the interior designers successfully managed the construction of the While the company’s corporate colour interior space from beginning to end within is dark purple, the designers decided to three weeks.

The metal grid ceiling is a highlight of the interior

76 PROJECT DATA Project Name Wawasan Sutera KLIA2 Location KLIA2 Sepang Completion Date October 2016 Site Area 1,300 square feet Client/Owner Wawasan Sutera Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd Interior Design Firm Hatch Interior Studio Sdn Bhd Design Consultant/Architect Deacon Loi Images Hatch Interior Studio Sdn Bhd Contemporary and comfortable

Wood and metal combination

A travel agency with a difference

77 INTERIORS ICE CAFÉ Hidden on the second floor of a building along Some of the themed props in the café include Lebuh Victoria, Penang, a castle door opens up to an ice bath, which serves as a winter version of a a cool new world, complete with ice sculptures, ball-pit play area for kids, a cave igloo that can fit caves and a variety of icy desserts. up to five diners, as well as an ice bed and various other props that make for good photo opportunities. The idea behind the Ice Café is to provide a place for a chilling respite from the heat on Penang Lighting plays an important part in creating the streets, allowing locals a chance to experience winter atmosphere, and a combination of blue and winter in Malaysia. warm white backlit lights are used. As space is a constraint, the owner decided to have a larger café The original structure of the four-storey shop area for guests instead of a big kitchen. building was maintained, with just the interiors designed according to theme. The design and build The average temperature at the café is about 8 to of the café is by Theme Reno Sdn Bhd, theming 10 degrees Celsius to simulate the effect of walking consultants that specialise in creative sculpting and into an ice box. Maintaining this temperature is a big theming for homes, commercial outlets and theme challenge and required an investment in a cold machine parks, from concept to reality. and insulation on all walls, ceiling and floor.

The frozen underground castle portion of the café

78 PROJECT DATA Project Name Ice Café Location 193 Lebuh Victoria, Penang Completion Date April 2017 Gross Floor Area 150 square metres Client/Owner Creative Theme Café Principal Designer Theme Reno Sdn Bhd Main Contractor Theme Reno Sdn Bhd Images Zon Lee Photography The temperature is kept low with a cold machine and all-round insulation

Blue and warm white backlit lights are used to create the winter ambience

Huddle up for some desserts in the igloo

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K Winner | Malaysia | BCI Asia Top 10 Architects 2017

IN DESIGN

The new Sarawak Museum will sit on the site of the former Dewan Tun Abdul Razak, overlooking Padang Merdeka SARAWAK MUSEUM Sarawak is renowned for the richness of its the new Sarawak Museum is conceptualised natural, cultural and historical heritage. The as an iconic building, boasting not only a Sarawak Museum has long been touted as one strong visual and aesthetic expression but also of the best in this part of the world, with its old responding to its functional need as a practical wing dating back to 1891. and welcoming public place for all.

To enhance the museum’s standing as a global The design brief dictates that the new museum world-class institution, the state government, has to complement the existing Sarawak State through the Department of Museum and the Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, which is Public Works Department, is working on a new located in the same axial line across the Sarawak Sarawak Museum Campus. River. Hence, the external façade is consciously designed for architectural dialogue, resulting in Due for completion in 2020, the project the perimeter arches crowning the colonnades comprises the design, construction and fitting on the museum’s exterior, which resonate out of an exhibitory for a new museum and with the arch-ornamented DUN building. The an adjoining annexe building, with a combined distinctive gold colour of the museum’s roof total floor space of approximately 31,000 and façade cladding is also chosen to match square metres. the DUN’s colour scheme.

HERITAGE AND GRANDEUR The solid part of the façade is designed with Sitting atop a hill overlooking Padang Merdeka, composite panel wall claddings with an abstract

82 The new Sarawak museum with its distinctive gold arched roof

The three-storey annexe building will house the museum’s New and existing buildings within the Sarawak conservation and research spaces, library, archives and offices Museum Campus will be linked via a green connector reinterpretation of weavings in Sarawak, in preserved, documented, researched and well reference to the museum’s role as the keeper exhibited, according to the latest standards by and presenter of the state’s cultural heritage. the International Council of Museums.

Glass panels will form the façade in the centre ACCESSIBLE AND of the elevation, where natural daylight will ENVIRONMENTAL brighten up the public circulation areas, while the The new museum and annexe forms part surrounding colonnades have limited openings to of the Sarawak Museum campus, which restrict light penetration into the gallery spaces. also comprises the old Sarawak Museum, Natural History Museum, and Art Museum. SHOW AND STORE However, there is little physical connectivity The new five-storey Sarawak Museum building between these fragmented building sites within consists of exhibition gallery spaces on Levels 2 to the campus. 5, flanking a central atrium on both wings. Level 1 houses commercial lots, a café, function rooms and Under the campus master plan, a green auditorium spaces, which support and complement connector will be introduced to create a safe and the temporary exhibition gallery. convenient link between the museums, as well as to reconnect them to the existing urban fabric. The It will be connected at the first and basement new Sarawak Museum will have a pedestrian link levels to a three-storey annexe building, bridge for a seamless transition to the grounds which houses the museum’s conservation of the old Sarawak Museum, complete with and research spaces, library and archives, as disabled-friendly ramps and shaded walkways. well as offices. The entire basement level is a Improved pedestrian circulation in the vicinity is dedicated storage area, carefully designed with aimed at revitalising the city and encouraging both climate control for the preservation of artefacts. residents and tourists to indulge in Sarawak’s rich culture and heritage experience. The new facilities will ensure that the Sarawak heritage, in the form of a wide array of The new Sarawak Museum is also designed collections, is safely and securely stored, with disabled-friendly architecture. Apart from

83 PROJECT DATA Project Name IN DESIGN New Sarawak Museum and annexe building Location Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuching, Sarawak Expected Completion January 2020 Site Area Approximately 39,500 square metres Gross Floor Area Approximately 31,000 square metres Building Height Main: 5 storeys; 42.9 metres Annexe: 3 storeys; 19.7 metres Client/Owner Jabatan Muzium Sarawak Architecture Firm Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd Principal Architects Dato' Sri Ar John Lau Kah Sieng; Ar Voon Choon Hin; Florence Yeo Yinling; Lily Lau Interior Design Firm Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd Principal Designer Sharon Ngimat Civil & Structural Engineer EDS Konsultant Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineers PRIMETECH Engineers Sdn Bhd; Perunding UZL Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyors JUBSAR Sdn Bhd; PUBM Quantity Surveyors Sdn Bhd Green Building Consultant Exergy Malaysia Sdn Bhd Exhibitory Design gsmprjct Creation Pte Ltd Main Contractor (turnkey) PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd

NON PUBLIC NON COLLECTION

NON PUBLIC COLLECTION

PUBLIC NON COLLECTION

PUBLIC COLLECTION

M&E SERVICES Internal zoning plan of the new Sarawak Museum and annexe building the essentials, such as ramps and toilets for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) for disabled, the museum has put strong emphasis the floor and interior wall panels, to promote on wayfinding for visually impaired visitors, sustainable forest harvesting and management with the incorporation of tactile ground paving, in the region. tactile maps and interactive exhibits. Following the demolition of the existing Dewan The new Sarawak Museum and annexe building Tun Abdul Razak to make way for the new aim to achieve a Green Building Index-certified museum, conscious effort was made to retain rating. Green building materials include wood the large trees on site and to preserve the products certified by the Programme for the surrounding context as much as possible.

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CoGri.indd 1 17/08/2017 3:55 PM Winner | Malaysia | BCI Asia Top 10 Developers 2017

IN DESIGN

The 5,993-square-foot Triplex Sky Gymnasium, spread over three levels BENNINGTON RESIDENCES

86 Bennington Residences is part of SkyWorld contained within the podium parking levels, with a mid- Development Group’s 28-acre SkyArena master level recreation deck tucked between the two blocks. development in Setapak. WIND AND LIGHT Set on a 2.7-acre plot, Bennington Residences The impressive entrance driveway to the lobby features two 40-storey towers, with a seven-storey level, with its high ceiling, sculptures, ornamental carpark podium and 580 flexible small office/ pond and friendly children play areas, is designed home office units that integrate living spaces with with natural ventilation and spaciousness in mind, workspaces. Eight storeys of low-rise apartments are with the morning sun penetrating the lobby enclave.

87 IN DESIGN

The first-of-its-kind infinity loop swimming pool on the eighth floor Bennington Residences with its impressive entrance driveway

Each tower block is positioned to take advantage At the rooftop, there will be a 1-kilometre jogging of the site’s north-south orientation. The units track traversing the two towers, an open-air are arranged along a 2.4-metre-wide double- theatre space and areas for residents to interact, loaded corridor to ensure circulation efficiency, relax or enjoy the view. There is also the complete with internal voids within the corridor Triplex Sky Gymnasium, with 5,993 square feet of to heighten the cross natural ventilation within space spread over three levels. the apartment levels. GREEN EFFORTS Both blocks feature full-height glazing with shaded The building will be Green Building Index-compliant, external balconies, steel handrails and balustrades, with LED lights, inverter lifts, rainwater harvesting allowing maximal daylight entry and views for each systems and an automated waste management unit. Spaces containing wet amenities are contained system, where garbage is sucked to a central facility to a smaller area with less-imposing volume within to be collected and trucked away—this speeds up the interior of each unit, while provisions for the overall waste collection process, while reducing air-conditioner ledges and integrated pipes are labour requirements, containing odours, improving designed for minimal hacking. The units come security, and preventing fire hazards and vermin. with dedicated air-conditioning compartments for convenient installation and maintenance and to CHALLENGES reduce the noise and heat from the compressors. The original land has very soft ground. Due to this, the developer had to spend RM3 million and FACILITIES six months to improve the soil using prefabricated Facilities and landscaping will be a prominent feature vertical drains to ensure the soil is consolidated at Bennington Residences, with RM4.5 million before piling works can commence. set aside for this purpose. The lobby will have a rainforest theme, featuring an air-well created from As certain parts of Setapak used to be a quiet the spiral ramp leading to the car park. On this suburb, the SkyArena development will bring level, there will also be a child care centre, a sundry more traffic flow and congestion to the existing shop or laundry and function rooms. roads. Hence, the developer will be contributing RM30 million towards the cost of upgrading Level 8 is called the environmental deck (or and improving the road network system, which e-deck). Spanning 30,000 square feet, it will boast includes expanding the two-lane Jalan Ayer the first-of-its-kind infinity loop swimming pool, Jerneh to a four-lane carriageway, and a new built atop the spiral ramp. There will be outdoor 1-kilometre single-lane flyover connecting from exercise equipment, function rooms, a yoga deck, Jalan Genting Kelang, to ease traffic flow and children’s pool and play area. reduce bottlenecks.

88 PROJECT DATA Project Name Bennington Residences Location Setapak, Kuala Lumpur Expected Completion May 2019 Site Area 10,886 square metres Gross Floor Area 68,465.6 square metres Building Height 29 storeys Number of Units 580 Owner/Developer Bennington Development Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of SkyWorld Development Group) Architecture Firm GRA Architects Sdn Bhd Principal Architect Ar Boon Che Wee Interior Design Firm Profound Axis Sdn Bhd Principal Designer T. J. Ng Civil & Structural Engineer One Smart Engineering Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Perunding AC & Rakan Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor JUBM Sdn Bhd Landscape Architect Studio 33 Designs Sdn Bhd Green Building Consultant Greenscapes Sdn Bhd

The Rainforest Lounge, with tropical plants, a reflective pool, water cascades and boardwalk Main Contractor SIAB (M) Sdn Bhd Images SkyWorld Development Sdn Bhd

The lanai, or balcony, is a key feature in all units, suitable for dining or recreation

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STUDENT FEATURE

An open-air atrium opens up the basement MERDEKA SQUARE RECREATIONAL & ART LEARNING CENTRE Located at the city centre, the historically significant activities. Apart from a few retail lots, a cafeteria, Lumpur Library, DBKL City Theatre and the Merdeka Square (or Dataran Merdeka) is an iconic and photo-opportunities around the 95-metre upcoming River of Life programme. spot for locals and tourists, known for hosting the Merdeka Square flagpole, visitors do not actually annual National Day parades and other major events. have reason to stay long at that area. The proposal involves making use of the existing underground space and expanding its Underneath Merdeka Square lies Dataran THE SPARK TO DESIGN implications and usage to bring communities Underground, an open platform that was In this project, student Phoo Weng Yan proposes together via the arts. It will provide a platform purposed to promote art, culture, food and to revive the site into a recreational and art for all forms of arts—visual, craft, sculptural, fashion via exhibitions, corporate functions and learning centre, plugging it into the surrounding performance, music, theatre and cinematography, private receptions. However, it has not turned neighbourhood’s art and cultural context, which among others—to enhance experiences, learning out as planned due to lack of visibility and includes the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Kuala opportunities and art appreciation.

92 Entrance to the underground centre

Batik garden

DESIGN CONCEPT on performing, music, crafts, filming and visual arts. is a wild and brave idea, which will require a lot of The concept of ‘Improvisation, the expression of This proposal not only adapts with the local context architecture and engineering considerations. inner thought into reality’ has been applied to the but further enhances it and brings Malaysian design—showing one’s journey from individual architecture, culture and tourism to a new level, Another key design feature is a gentle ramp (with a isolation to an expression of passion and spirit resulting in a combination of historical beauty and 1:16 slope) that guides visitors from the ground-level through art. contemporary vibrancy. entrance directly to the Basement 2 level. The ramp curves around the open-air atrium, with various This content is proposed in a three-in-one BREAKING BOUNDARIES features located alongside it, such as galleries and mode—Recreational, Cultural Food, and Learning The main constraint for this project is the site souvenir stores, to enhance the human experience. Studios. The Recreational mode creates a lively, itself—as it’s located underground, the challenge sociable and fun landscape, with a variety of lies in how to attract people to enter and feel LESS IS MORE interactive elements that promote culture and comfortable in the basement. White is always the best colour for an art centre. bring people together, such as the batik garden, It encourages imagination and enhances artworks. performing stage and freestyle spot. The Cultural The proposed solution is to open up the It is elegant and noble, brightens up the underground Food mode includes galleries and performances, underground via an open-air atrium. This will allow and makes people feel comfortable and relaxed. At serving as a platform for young artistes, designers cross and stack ventilation to improve the hot the same time, it also requires a smart selection of and entertainers to showcase their talents as the and dry environment in the basement, while the tones, shades, materials, textures and surfaces— main attraction for visitors. The Learning Studios Green roof and shelves help cool the environment, whether reflective or matte—to enhance the space offer affordable classes and hands-on workshops allowing sunlight to enter, minus the direct glare. It and suit its functions.

93 STUDENT FEATURE

Exploded axonometric

94 DESIGN SOLUTIONS STUDIOS

OPEN-AIR LIVE PERFORMANCE GALLERY ATRIUM & RAMP & CULTURAL FOOD LANDSCAPE

Sectional perspective

PROJECT DATA Student Name Phoo Weng Yan School First City University College Programme BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design Supervisor/Instructor Chua Huwi Huwi Project Name Café by day, concert stage by night Merdeka Square Recreational & Art Learning Centre Location Merdeka Square and Dataran Underground Site Area 13,100 square metres Gross Floor Area 5,667 square metres Building Height 4 storeys; 10 metres Client/Owner Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) Images Phoo Weng Yan

Pick up a new skill at the Learning Studio

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