Rejuvenating Our Cities

MALAYSIA

FEBRUARY 2018 | ISSUE 11 | RM25 PP19040/06/2016 (034532) FEBRUARY ISSUE

REJUVENATING OUR CITIES PROGRESS WITHOUT LOSING OUR IDENTITY THE LYKKE FACTOR: THE CASE FOR COMMUNAL LIVING RETURN TO THE RIVER, DRIVING OVER TREETOPS, FROM SAWDUST TO DINER AND MORE DO MORE

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COVER CREDIT: www.facebook.com/constructionplusasia/ Neoclassical architecture at Medan Pasar, Kuala Lumpur, against modern building façades @ConstructionPlusAsia

@CPlusAsia FOREWORD

“Building new neighbourhoods from the Internet up, taking the great principles of urban planning and accelerating them into the digital age.”

This ambitious mission statement is by Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet subsidiary, which is disrupting property and construction players in its attempt to “reimagine cities to improve quality of life”.

This is the first trend facing the Malaysian construction industry today—disruption by outsiders. The construction industry has traditionally been an innovation laggard, leading to ripe pickings along the construction value chain for outsiders who excel at “moving fast and breaking things”.

The second trend facing the Malaysian construction industry is the push for sustainable construction, in its broadest sense. One key aspect of sustainability is urban rejuvenation— increasing efficiency in the use of space through adaptive reuse of existing building stock. Cities cannot continue to grow through sprawl. The built environment has to meet the needs of all segments of society, not just that of higher income groups.

The sustainability theme is aligned with the ninth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF9) that was held in Kuala Lumpur in early February 2018. The New Urban Agenda is an accelerator to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In line with this, Think City, in collaboration with DBKL, developed a micro-housing prototype—a smaller, affordable housing alternative—in downtown Kuala Lumpur (more on page 10).

Micro-housing brings us back to the first trend mentioned—industry disruption. Sidewalk, which is promoting its own take on micro-housing, the Loft, foresees that 80 per cent of building types (e.g., retail, F&B, offices, education, light factories, storage) can eventually fit into one flexible use category. Cities can then evolve to match changing user needs, allowing neighbourhoods to be dynamic.

Hence, there are three possible scenarios for Malaysian construction players. First, you can continuously learn and adapt to stay relevant, potentially even becoming global sustainability and innovation leaders. Second, you can be dragged kicking and screaming into a world filled with disruptive competitors of all shapes and sizes. Finally, you can stubbornly choose to remain on the sidelines and watch as others take bigger pieces of the pie. Let us work together to achieve that first scenario and stand firm in making decisions that benefit our many communities in building resilient and sustainable cities in Malaysia.

Hamdan Abdul Majeed Executive director of Think City Sdn Bhd

3 COMING SOON: An All-New Edition of Architecture@18!

Architecture@18 features projects situated across the Asia-Pacific region—China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Scheduled to start construction in 2018, they will help define the modern city of Asia in the near future.

These profiles come with project descriptions and information, as well as images. They are selected every year from over 100,000 future projects reported by BCI Asia and BCI Australia researchers. In compiling information on these projects, BCI researchers interview half a million architects, developers, engineers and contractors.

In addition to projects, a dedicated section called technologies@18 also highlights building technologies that enable architecture to evolve rapidly, providing a reference guide of innovative and intelligent solutions for architects, engineers and developers. Each review is presented in an easy-to-read format describing the products and/or services of a leading manufacturer in each field.

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Dear readers,

Cities around the world have been under the spotlight lately. After all, by 2030, it is estimated that 5 billion of the world’s 8.5 billion population will be living in urban centres, and that seven out of the 10 largest metropolises will be in East and South Asia. How, then, can we build better cities that people will be happy to call home?

This was the key issue discussed at the ninth World Urban Forum, hosted in Kuala Lumpur in February 2018. This international platform is dedicated to exploring new solutions to the challenges facing today’s cities, with a focus on the implementation of The New Urban Agenda, an urbanisation action blueprint towards making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Recently, I had an opportunity to join a guided walking tour through downtown Kuala Lumpur. Beginning at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad—which housed the British colonial administration offices back in the 19th century—we made our way through Petaling Street and rows of pre-war shophouses, interspersed with Chinese and Hindu temples and pop-up clothing stalls catering to the migrant worker community.

One of the highlights was walking by the banks of the River of Life, a mega-urban project (featured on page 36) designed to re-establish and re-introduce the historic and economic significance of Kuala Lumpur’s rivers.

It occurred to me that we are more inclined to tour distant cities but neglect the one in our own backyards, so, it was refreshing to get acquainted with my own city. Although it may be a little messy, and sometimes quite dirty, but there’s a familiarity and comfort in the chaos, the mishmash of old and new, the melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. We went home that day with a new perspective and a deeper appreciation of the good, the bad and the ugly that make this concrete jungle our jungle.

In rediscovering cities, such as Kuala Lumpur, we will also find that which is truly worth restoring and preserving—its history, heritage and identity—even as we embrace change and development in a globalising world.

In this issue of Construction+, academician Dr Shireen Jahn Kassim talks about architecture as a form of resistance and culture as a key driver of urban growth (page 14), while historian Serge Jardin explains how interior design is vital in creating a city’s evolving identity (page 32). Joanne Mun of Think City discusses the idea of repurposing unused old buildings into communal living spaces to draw people back to live in the city (page 10). After all, cities should be a home for all—not just for the rich or the foreign workers. We also take a look at the transformation of a former saw mill into a dining destination in Penang, and the completion of the long-drawn Rawang Bypass project, which used pioneering construction methods to protect as much of the environment as possible.

We introduce a new section, Upcoming Projects, which highlights some of the oncoming developments at various stages.

So, read on and enjoy. Better still, download our new Construction Plus app to read on the go (for free!). And wherever you are, take some time to go discover the city in your backyard. And maybe think of how to make it a better place for all.

Joanna Sze Senior Editor

5 5 Products & Technologies 30 Volvo Trucks In The Spotlight 32 Serge Jardin

Commentaries 10 Keeping the Lights on After Hours Foreword 14 The Challenge of 3 Hamdan Abdul Majeed Designing Culturally Think City Sdn Bhd

Editor’s Letter 5

News & Events 22 KLCRA is now Asian International Arbitration Centre (Malaysia) 23 Central I-City welcomes anchor tenants 24 DP Architects’ 50 years of design journey 25 Santa Fe Interior Design book launch 28 International Construction Transformation Conference 8th Annual Shopping Malls Summit Student Features 84 Savour: Cuisine Hub 88 Toy Library

Upcoming Projects 76 Project Watchlist

Projects 36 River of Life (Phase 1) 42 Rawang Bypass 46 Central Park @ Frontier Industrial Park 52 Twinkle Villa 58 Hillside Lodge

In Design 78 3rdNvenue 80 Paisley Serviced Residences

Interiors 60 The Saw Emporium 66 House 17 70 Straits View Residences Copy of BCI Equinox Malaysia Advert (rev 1).pdf 1 29/01/2018 16:02:04

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For more information visit rics.org/onlineacademy or contact us at [email protected] COMMENTARY

A city’s economy corresponds directly to how many hours the city stays awake KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON AFTER HOURS Repurposed old buildings can help meet the challenge of bringing people back to live in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

BY JOANNE MUN

For several decades, downtown Kuala Lumpur of whom are migrant workers. This affects the and its historic core has been hollowing out, with balance of activities, communities and commerce citizens commuting to work, but leaving the city within this core. to return to their homes in the suburbs. Through working closely with the Kuala Lumpur According to a baseline study conducted by Think City Hall (DBKL), we have discovered a number City, a community-based urban regeneration of issues affecting the vibrancy of downtown organisation, close to 55,000 people work within Kuala Lumpur. We have been conducting Kuala Lumpur’s historic core. However, only studies and a number of placemaking about 11,000 live there—a large percentage programmes to improve the accessibility and

10 liveability of this core downtown area, focusing We need to find a solution to potentially on the 1-kilometre radius surrounding Masjid Jamek. However, the issue remains that this create a different kind of life for those who area becomes deserted after business hours, commute to the city every day. and there is an imbalance in the types of communities that populate downtown Kuala Lumpur after dark. from ‘affordable housing’, a concept that people From our research, we realised that people in other normally associate with low-cost government parts of the world were working on similar solutions At the same time, it has come to our attention subsidised flats. with spaces below 350 square feet. For our that there are a number of commercial buildings prototype, we looked at 250 to 350 square feet in the area that are unoccupied. So, taking We looked at solutions from other cities around and furnishing solutions, such as multifunctional these factors into consideration, and with further the world, from micro-housing solutions in New modular units, that can be manipulated for different research, DBKL and Think City, together with our York City to affordable housing in Singapore, and uses and stowed away when not in use. project advisor Ng Seksan, have come up with a also came across the concept of lykke, which concept that could potentially address the issue means happiness or good fortune in Danish. Research also tells us that there are dangers to of bringing people back to live in downtown Lykke refers to a sense of neighbourliness in a mental health when it comes to living in small Kuala Lumpur. community environment, where everyone looks spaces, so we will ensure that there are enough after each other—a concept that has been spaces for people to interact in, with shared THE PURSUIT OF LYKKE adopted in many Scandinavian and European areas such as a TV room or library, dining areas For many years, Malaysians have opted for more countries. and maybe a rooftop garden. affordable homes and the relative comfort of the suburbs surrounding the city centre, with a small This led our discussions for the project towards The team also created a set of guidelines for the percentage of society—comprising high-income the concept of communal living, and it is this project to ensure that it meets appropriate living earners and expats—populating the high-end concept that drove the housing prototype that standards. While DBKL has a minimum requirement residential properties in the commercial centre of we showcased in conjunction with the recent for the floor area of residential units, this may be the city. World Urban Forum 9 in February 2018. an opportunity to consider a new policy to address housing affordability in Kuala Lumpur. We need to find a solution to potentially create COMMUNAL LIVING MEETS MICRO-HOUSING a different kind of life for those who commute With the possibility of repurposing unoccupied Considering the main objective of bringing to the city every day. It makes sense for them commercial buildings in the city centre—some residents back, the communal living concept to live closer to their workplace, reduce their built in the late ’80s or early ’90s—Think City would target young Malaysian executives who commuting time and perhaps even walk, take developed the concept further to include the have yet to buy homes or start their own families, public transport or cycle to work. element of communal living within small spaces and would benefit from the shorter commute to maximise the spaces originally built for offices. time, yet still be able to enjoy a small living space. However, there is a distinct lack of housing solutions for middle-class white-collar workers in the city. With the rise of a male-only migrant population and homeless citizens, there are perceived safety issues deterring Malaysians from socialising or even living in the downtown area. In light of this, Think City together with DBKL’s local Agenda 21 are looking into mitigating issues of safety.

We have a Safe City programme, which we conduct with some partners, to regulate safe conditions in downtown KL. Based on one of the surveys we carried out, we found that public perceptions of safety in the city are quite far removed from reality; the city is safer than we all imagine it to be.

At the same time, it is important to position the Studio Bikin’s pavilion forms the framework of future adaptive reuse projects housing solution in an appealing way—differently

11 COMMENTARY

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An urban micro shared village by Tetawowe Atelier and AMC Architects

Young executives are already fans of co-working If there is great interest from building owners, we spaces, so we feel that the idea of communal living may consider expanding our grants programme will likely appeal to them as well, especially if the to cover this or provide technical expertise. As the spirit of lykke—or the kampung spirit—of working project is still in the experimental stage, feedback together and helping each other were to be activated. from public will shape our next steps.

We also feel strongly that the concept should not THE PROTOTYPE CHALLENGE involve the development of a new building, so if Think City invited eight designers and architects this project were to become a reality, we would with compatible portfolios to submit concept be looking at the adaptive reuse of mid- to high- designs for affordable micro-housing. After a four- rise commercial buildings. week design period, six of the firms submitted their designs. An expert panel, comprising Think Another key condition is that the communal living City, DBKL and other related experts, came units would only be available for rent. We spoke together to comprehensively assess the designs to a property developer recently and discovered and settle on two winning concepts. that despite being the target audience, young executives and first-time home owners are The first design is an urban micro shared village unable to afford small apartments and studio by Tetawowe Atelier and AMC Architects. It units in the city. Instead the units are being comprises a cluster of two micro house units bought by investors for rental income, and as a (with a footprint size equivalent to two standard result, many of the units are left uninhabited. This car parks) with flexible semi-public outdoor goes against our objective to populate the city, so space for a shared communal experience. to avoid this, we will look at rental arrangements only, operated by a trusted facility manager. The second design is by Studio Bikin and comprises a pavilion with easy insertion of fixed In the event that the concept is accepted by DBKL, elements—prefabricated bathrooms, service Think City will continue to consult and monitor the stacks and vertical circulation, which form the project with the owners and operators of the building. framework of future adaptive reuse projects.

12 Young executives are already fans of co-working spaces, so we feel that the idea of communal living will likely appeal to them as well.

The selected architects had a matter of weeks can come back to get their needs for recreation, to build the prototypes, which were displayed at exercise, food or entertainment met. Medan Pasar in conjunction with the World Urban Forum 9. The prototypes were part of a social DBKL has already begun some activities in front experiment to gauge the public’s reaction to the of Dataran Merdeka, where the roads are closed concept of communal living in a 250-square foot on weekends. However, shops aren’t open during space in the inner city. that time, so we are looking to organise a series of activities, working with local businesses to ensure they BENEFITS AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS stay open a little bit longer. We’ve organised night With more residents living in the city, the amount runs, for example, so that people can get to know JOANNE MUN of vehicle traffic can be reduced, and more roads, the city better and create opportunities for vendors. TEAM LEADER, THINK CITY perhaps even parking lots, could be returned to URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING UNIT the public. To create greater retail diversity, Think City has also offered matching grants to support and A registered architect with the NSW Architects The city council, along with their partners, enable entrepreneurs wishing to set up businesses Registration Board in Australia, Joanne Mun have been working to enhance walkability and downtown. As part of the ongoing Think City has extensive involvement in both brownfield making the city cycle-friendly. More areas can Grants Programme, which offers several categories and greenfield precinct master planning and be landscaped and converted into parks or of grants, many start-ups have flourished, including experience, from regional structure planning recreational spaces, and the city will see more life. galleries OUR ArtProjects and the Malaysian to detailed design and preparation of plans Design Archive, as well as vinyl record peddler and guidelines. In terms of life after dark, a city’s economy and music archive Tandang Store—all of which corresponds directly to how many hours the are housed in the repurposed Zhongshan building Mun worked on Sydney’s Growth Centre city stays awake. It is for this reason that the city (also the product of a Think City grant). Precincts, the Urban Design DCP for Oran of Amsterdam has a night mayor. If a city stays Park Town Centre and the Bowden Urban open for 12 hours, there would be 12 hours of Both the public and private sectors need to Village Design Guidelines and Stage One life and contribution to the economy, but if the work on these things concurrently, not one at a Controls for the urban renewal site in Adelaide. city stays open for 24 hours, all that could well time. All these elements have to come together She was involved in the master plan and be doubled. This is why we are researching how to ensure the communal living project is aligned feasibility studies for the former Kenmore we can convert downtown KL, so that people with this mission. Psychiatric Hospital in Goulburn, as well as the new residential, employment and campus development at North Werrington for the University of Western Sydney.

At Think City, Mun leads a small team of urban designers and architects, cultural historians, and young executives in the development of action plans. She has worked extensively in Butterworth Old Town, George Town, and downtown Kuala Lumpur to influence land use, conservation, development, traffic, infrastructure, and institutional management policies.

One of the micro-housing prototypes displayed at Medan Pasar

13 COMMENTARY

Common spaces such as the anjung and serambi are some of the defining elements of the Malay house THE CHALLENGE OF DESIGNING CULTURALLY At the crossroads of globalisation and urbanisation, how can we continue to evoke identity through allusions in modern design and construction?

BY SHIREEN JAHN KASSIM

In his seminal book “Leaves of the Same Tree: from China, India and the Middle East met and Trade and Ethnicity in the Straits of Melaka”, exchanged goods, services and cultural ideas. Professor Leonard Andaya paints a picture Each ethnicity, race and group had their role and that reaches out in time, beyond the confines place, yet they were able to sustain their own of the present geographical boundaries of identity amid a system of mutual benefits. nations. The memory of lands bordering the Straits of Melaka—known as lands within the Then, art and architecture co-existed, collided and Sea of ‘Malayu’—were rich and ‘rhizomic’ criss-crossed with one another in varied syncretic in expression, filled with multicultural criss- forms of expression. Syncretism refers to two crossing of forces. different cultures, beliefs and sets of principles and forms fusing and grafting onto each other, For centuries, this Southeast Asian region was breeding new visions, patterns and forms, including a dynamically-charged field in which traders its own identity.

14 At the epicentre of the region, Malaysia and its A city, with its forms and language, should settlements, populations and urban centres have historically been a cultural quagmire of influences, forge its own pathway and find its own with its own forms of tensions and hybridity. In the identity by enculturating from its own early 1900s, for example, local timber masonry designs appear to offshoot from each other into ancient past. different forms, yet they support and sustain one another as they grow from the same ‘root’. should forge its own pathway and find its own RESILIENCE OF TRADITION identity by enculturating from its own ancient past. To propose the idea of rootedness in Asia, the IDENTITY CROSSROADS A return to sense and sustainability, through critical growth of a style must begin with its roots in order As Asia as a region urbanises, we arrive at a interpretation and infusion of cultural forms and not to end up merely cosmetically transmuting or crossroads in which global forces threaten vocabulary—the Malay vernacular, which arise from regurgitating the West. It must go deep, unearthing our rich and distinctive identities. The speed of our local context—is crucial to create alternatives to timeless and enduring principles and recalling modernisation and urbanisation seems to outpace faceless cubes and shoebox-like buildings. more generic archetypes from the deep layers of the region’s socio-cultural frameworks of thoughts history and a wide range of cultural forms. and ideas and the evolution of social ideas and The mute flushed façade that veers towards the local movements. sleek silent box can be embraced, yet there must Form and architectural language in Southeast be an enculturation through evoking references Asian tropical antiquities, although linked to its In terms of architectural landscape, such trends to a region that is rich in traditions, details and humble ‘vernacular’ origins and timber-based are ever more evident. Our cities are increasingly expressions of culture. The local is synonymous traditions, are far from simple or simplistic. shaped by global trends and forces, instead of with the Green—both movements are rooted They recall a richness in language and local values. We no longer see architecture and the in the same soil, in which sustainability means a resonate principles that resemble the classic applied arts as a form of resistance. We become return to the ethics and values of the past, and Renaissance architecture marvels of Europe, prone to homogeneity as a result of globalisation. should be more than speckles of greenery or yet with their own proportions and character in We surrender to external forces that overwhelm elements that appear as afterthoughts. the variations of post, beam and lintel structures any internal resistance, including identity-making. and decorative ornamentations. Culture is a key driver of urban growth, enabling If cities in this region are not seen to enculturate— cities to compete yet forge increasingly global Though traditionally linked to artisanal traditions to learn the traditional content of a culture and connections. Culture allows the region to of timber and bamboo, these type-forms can be assimilate its practices and values—how then do we distinguish cities and generate distinctive place- transposed into modern assembly of building move forward? A city, with its forms and language, identities amid a globalising world. systems. Timber traditions of the Malay world, for

Water, steps, columns and trees are some of the kampung elements that can be used to create interstitial spaces in the city Image by Mustafa Kamal Bashar

15 COMMENTARY

A contemporary youth cultural centre with imageries of past traditions of Kelantan Image by Maisarah Shaari

Culture is a key driver of urban growth, enabling cities to compete yet forge increasingly global connections.

example, are not only simple forms arising from • the presence of columnar spaces, rather than cross beams supported by posts and secured by column-free spaces; wedges, but they contain ‘a grammar’ that can • a level of ‘complex’ motifs and decorative elevate a modern structural and constructional devices; framework. • an emphasis on ‘infusing climate’, rather than sealing from it; and Yet, rather than copying blindly, or nostalgically • façade expression through motifs and flora and evoking the past, without reference to the fauna-based patterns. city, we can focus on some of the perennial principles of the local vernacular that can be The Asian path is one that is strewn with the recalled and transposed in modern form, such above. Such a return to tradition can take on a as the following: faithful transformation, in which the infusion of such • an emphasis on a protective roof and roofline; motifs, insertions and inflections are carried through • the use of interstitial spaces, shaded extensions modern adaptation and transmutation. We discuss and projections; some of these principles in greater detail here.

16 Evoking an identity is also about instilling soul in architecture and the applied arts via subtle yet detailed ornamentation.

Infusing Climate In spatial and urban terms, the ideas of Mustafa Identity can be rhetorically, yet ecologically, Kamal Bashar, a Master of Science candidate expressed. Designing culturally means going at the International Islamic University Malaysia beyond specifying a certain glass type towards a (IIUM), combine water, steps, columns and more profiled approach—embracing climate not trees—essential elements of the Malay only thermally, but expressively, in terms of the kampung—to create interstitial spaces in the city. configured form and envelope, fine-tuned towards layering and shade. The result goes beyond the ‘introverted’ air- conditioned sealed façade to an ‘extroverted’ play Strong pitched roof forms are a feature of this of tectonics that subscribes to the environmental region, yet these must be seen in their layering, agenda, creating an alternative to the Modernist rather than merely surmounting concrete blocks glass-and-steel-curtain-wall that characterises with roof forms. The roof should extend shade many modern tropical cities. well beyond the wall-line, as shading the mass of concrete structures helps reduce heat absorption Applying Arts and night-time heat release. Evoking an identity is also about instilling soul in architecture and the applied arts via subtle The Malay house is also known to be well- yet detailed ornamentation. Artisanship is a ventilated, with heightened doors and windows, hallmark of traditional Asia, especially in the as well as adequate space for air to flow through Malay world. the roof and beneath the house. Among the most recognisable and defining elements of the Malay Malay carvings, as seen in wooden panels house are common spaces such as the anjung and walls, typically depict universal and (porch) and serambi (veranda). When electricity transcendent patterns of nature—leaves, was non-existent, the anjung and serambi flowers, shoots and creepers. The spirituality evolved as a result of indigenous knowledge and of the culture is embodied and celebrated in local ingenuity. its delicate and sinuous patterns, found in inscriptions, carvings, on texts, pottery, utensils These passive climatic features were naturally and structures. articulated for optimum comfort without consuming energy. These transitional zones also Abstracted patterns through ornamental allow a person entering it to adapt his/her thermal elements can be adapted to modern high-tech comfort expectations, from the hot outdoors to the settings, expressed not only as roof shapes, but cool indoors, and vice versa. also in façade systems, interior decorative panels, ventilation panels, sun-shading devices, brackets Many have attempted to express ‘climate’ in and balustrades. city forms, such as incising or ‘punching’ an otherwise monolithic form with sky courts A rich vocabulary of louvres and lattices, of and deep balconies to recall the timeless gables and balustrades, is part of our identity character of the veranda. More explorations and separates us from the rest of the world. are needed to infuse tradition, its nuances and Yet, it also emphasises the co-existence of traits into bioclimatic forms, including elevated modernity, tradition and history. The hovering structures that can ‘free’ the ground floor, pitch of roof planes, the formal elements and increase permeability and air change in the the projecting details appear to criss-cross increasingly dense urban city, while at the same each other into a play of poetics and contrasts. time, encouraging and facilitating the habits of This recall a sense of rootedness and evokes a walking under such shaded enclaves. sense of placemaking.

17 COMMENTARY

C2S Nusajaya: A reinterpretation of traditional Malay forms into a modern complex

MODERN REINTERPRETATIONS from other civilisations. With the arrival of Islam, One example of the modern reinterpretations of motifs such as Kala, Makara, Garuda, Gunungan, cultural identity is found in the final year interior Naga and Stupa were altered in accordance with design project of Maisarah Shaari, then an IIUM the Islamic philosophy and faith. For example, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design (Interior the Kala and Makara were transformed into floral Design) student. She took up the challenge of elements. The motivation and concept of the realising traditional character in an urban context design for the youth cultural centre were to identify with modern materials and treatments. the cultural elements of the region and to innovate them with a contemporary approach, while still The brief was for a contemporary youth cultural preserving the original identity. centre with facilities and activity spaces, and the outcome is enculturated without copying culture, At the other end of the spectrum, yet representing traditionalised without retreating into tradition. The the same ‘tradition-modern’ dilemma, is the C2S, interior scheme recalls the timeless principles of a low-rise office complex commissioned by the balance but inserts delicate patterns and imageries Johor state government. Rather than drawing of past traditions, specifically with memories of the its design inspirations from the Middle East and arts and culture of Kelantan and the local people. Arab-Islamic eclecticism, the C2S forged a reinterpretation of traditional Malay forms into a Before the arrival of Islam, the east coast of modern complex. HL Reka Sdn Bhd was asked peninsula Malaysia had already been a port call for to create a complex steeped in the traditions of traders from India and the Far East, with influences Johor and its ancestral influences from Riau,

18 DR SHIREEN JAHN KASSIM ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR APPLIED ARTS AND DESIGN INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA (IIUM)

Dr Puteri Shireen is both an academician The pagar musang decorative grills are common in traditional Terengganu and Kelantan homes and a practicing specialist. She completed her doctorate in architecture at the University of Brighton. At IIUM’s Faculty of Architecture Jambi, Javanese and Bugis. Led by Huzir Hj The traditional floral motif (bunga banji) is and Environmental Design, she teaches and Lip, the team studied variants of spaces in Malay transferred onto panels of etched glass in the supervises PhD and Masters students on palaces, with their steep, pitched roof planes and atrium balustrades and repeated across all building technology, sustainable building and low-lying eaves, to learn from the layering of panels, while the pagar musang, a decorative grill energy-conscious design. spaces and profiles. commonly used on windows in traditional houses of Terengganu and Kelantan, is used in the complex. An authority on computational simulations The roof elements actually represent a layered and Green building standards, she has led form in which the cantilever reaches almost THE RESISTANCE OF DESIGN companies and agencies to achieve their down to the earth, providing sufficient shade. Criticality in regionalism, as defined by historian sustainability and low carbon emission The common pelantar (platform)—which acts Professor Kenneth Frampton, is described as ‘a targets. She is currently the lead supervisor as a divider between the front and back areas of design position of ‘resistance”. Resisting means in coordinating the steering committees on the a Malay house and often serves as a secondary defying the more expedient and seductive position Malaysian government’s Construction Industry entrance—was adopted and modified into a of giving in to the normative form, a position of Development Board (CIDB) and Public Works space that can be used for present-day functions, consumption and expediency. Often, this takes on Department (JKR) to develop and launch an such as cafés or gyms. The allusion to the the position of subtly, or starkly, opposing the ‘cult integrated carbon-based sustainable building serambi, often connected to the core area with a of the orthogonal and the straight line’. rating assessment system for Malaysia. slight drop in elevation in the style of an elephant nursing its calf (gajah menyusu), is intended to As we traverse into the 21st-century world of She sits on the editorial and peer review express the Malay values preserved in a modern connectivity, we increasingly become unaware that board of Elsevier’s International Journal of space, where each vantage point provides views our consciousness and preconceptions are being the Sustainable Built Environment and is on at different elevations. bombarded from every direction, particularly by the the Scientific Committee for the International latest fads. This information bombardment does not CONVR Conferences. She is currently the head Identity can be expressed through a tectonic just inhibit our ability to think deeply and broadly, of Architecture and Environmental Subcluster theme, in which connectors and cross beams but also narrows our bandwidth too, resulting in of the Transciplinary Research Group on are dramatised with Malay beams and columns tunnel vision. Therefore, the Internet-savvy Pinterest- Sustainable Cities. that connect like ‘joints without nails’. Spatially, inspired architect or designer breed of today’s world an atrium is convened as a common space. In sometimes end up with an outer shell form, space Together with Norwina Mohd Nawawi and Noor C2S Nusajaya, a multilevel gathering and viewing or envelope defaulted to the simplest design. Hanita Abdul Majid, she recently co-authored a gallery was used to express a spatial and formal book titled “The Resilience of Tradition: Malay hierarchy of patterns, while subtly interweaving Malay allusions in architecture present one form Allusions in Contemporary Architecture”. elemental references to Malay traditional forms of resistance. The Asian traditions hold many more and motifs. such resistive pathways.

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Present at the ceremony were Attorney General of Malaysia and chairman of KLCRA IS NOW ASIAN KLRCA Advisory Board Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and former Secretary- INTERNATIONAL General of AALCO Professor Dato’ Dr Rahmat Mohamad. Established in 1978, the KLRCA was the first arbitration centre in Asia to be ARBITRATION CENTRE instituted under AALCO, an international organisation comprising 47 member (MALAYSIA) states from across the region. The Centre was set up to provide institutional Date: 7 February 2018 support as an independent and neutral venue for arbitration proceedings in Asia. Currently, the KLRCA stands alongside only four other regional centres, located in Company: Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre Egypt, Nigeria, Iran and Kenya. for Arbitration (KLCRA) Since its inception, KLRCA has evolved into a global hub for Alternative Dispute In conjunction with its 40th anniversary, the KLRCA is officially renamed the Resolution (ADR), and is further expanding into holistic dispute management Asian International Arbitration Centre (Malaysia) as part of a larger rebranding and dispute avoidance. It introduced the award-winning i-Arbitration Rules 2017 for the centre, which aims to further strengthen its regional footprint and (Islamic Arbitration Rules), a first-of-its-kind legal framework for solving contractual presence globally. disputes involving Shariah principles, and made history as the world’s first arbitral centre to launch its own suite of building contracts, aimed at addressing the The Arbitration (Amendment) Act 2018 was passed and gazetted on prevalent issues plaguing the construction industry in Malaysia. 10 January 2018 to signify the change of name. The supplementary agreement was signed between the Asian-African Legal Consultative “We have experienced immense growth since we first started, and I am excited to Organisation (AALCO) Secretary-General, His Excellency Professor see what the future holds,” says Sundra. “Innovation is a key pillar of the centre – we Kennedy Gastorn, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department are constantly improving, evolving, and upgrading ourselves to reflect the changing in charge of Legal Affairs Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, with KLCRA needs of the industry. As such, our rebranding is a timely exercise that not only director Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo. commemorates our heritage, but mirrors the vision that we have moving forward.”

From left: Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi, Dato’ Sri Azalina, Dr Kennedy Gastorn and Dato’ Rahmat Mohamad

22 CPN, Thailand’s largest retail developer and investor, and i-City Properties CENTRAL I-CITY WELCOMES Sdn Bhd, an affiliate of Malaysian property developer i-Bhd.

ANCHOR TENANTS Expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2018, the 940,000-square-foot Date: 6 February 2018 mall will include 350 retail shops, with three levels of basement carpark and Company: Central Pattana Public Co Ltd six levels of retail.

Central Pattana (CPN) announced the anchor tenants for its maiden international regional shopping centre, the upcoming Central i-City in Shah Alam, Selangor, during a recent retailer appreciation luncheon.

About 150 guests, including key personnel and representatives from CPN, i-Bhd and Central i-City’s retail tenants, attended the event, which was held in line with CPN’s efforts to champion the shopping centre’s landlord-retailer synergy.

The anchor tenants are household names in Malaysia and the region, such as Sogo Department Store, Village Grocer and TGV Cinemas.

“This RM850 million project is expected to transform the retail experience for Malaysians, one which marries Thai hospitality with Malaysian friendliness,” says CPN Thailand’s COO Pakorn Partanapat. From left: Anthony Dylan, CPN Malaysia COO; Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, The RM850 million Central i-City Shopping Centre is a joint venture between i-Bhd executive chairman; Pakorn Partanapat CONTAMINATION DOMINATION

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ConstructionAd_v2.indd 1 11/27/17 9:36 AM NEWS & EVENTS

DP ARCHITECTS’ 50 YEARS OF DESIGN JOURNEY Date: 22 January–28 February 2018 Company: DP Architects Sdn Bhd

DP Architects Sdn Bhd presented a six-week exhibition, A Common Line | One Global Studio, to showcase 50 years of the firm’s architectural explorations. It was first launched at The URA Centre in Singapore and, subsequently, brought to its first overseas venue at PAM Centre, Kuala Lumpur. DP Architects director Steven Liew (left) with Datuk Mohd Najib Mohd, executive director of Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and DP Architects Pte Ltd CEO Angelene Chan The multi-disciplinary firm now has offices in 17 cities, including Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, and projects in 77 countries across the globe. It started its operations in Malaysia in 1975 and was incorporated in 1994 as the firm’s first global office. Completed projects in Malaysia include Ampang Park, Berjaya Times Square, Berjaya Central Park and Singapore Embassy in Kuala Lumpur; Coronation Square and Melaka Gateway Masterplan in Johor Bahru; and Gurney Paragon and Design Village in Penang.

The exhibition features a curated portfolio of DP’s works within the academic context of the development of the built environment, both locally and overseas, prompting visitors to query the function of architecture and urbanism, and inspiring the next generation of designers and architects in Malaysia. Distinguished guests at the exhibition launch Tele Dynamic.pdf 1 22/1/2018 3:11:04 PM

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

VIDEO COMMUNICATION

C ICT CONNECTIVITY

CMY SMART CALL K UNIFIED COMMUNICATION SANTA FE INTERIOR DESIGN BOOK LAUNCH Date: 27 January 2018 Company: Santa Fe Interior Architecture Sdn Bhd

Santa Fe Interior Architecture recently published its own interior design book, featuring more than 20 local and international award-winning projects for the past 10 years. Sales of the book, titled “Interior Design, A Breathing Passion”, will be donated to charity.

In conjunction with the book launch, the company took this opportunity to host an appreciation dinner and cocktail party for some 200 guests at its studio in Kuala Lumpur. They comprise Santa Fe’s selected clients over the past 10 years, including business owners, company CEOs, property development entrepreneurs, and leading figures in various industries.

The evening’s theme Hygge—a Danish word referring to the ‘ritual of enjoying life’s simple pleasures’—was carried through the natural and green decorations and white casual dress code. Santa Fe Interior Architecture founder Fendarie Su NEWS & EVENTS

Upcoming Event This year’s ICW brings together construction industry players to showcase, learn, build partnerships and share innovative ideas in line with the theme ECOBUILD SOUTHEAST ASIA Achieving Peak Productivity, which is also one of the pillars of the Malaysia 2018 Construction Industry Transformation Plan (CITP) for 2020. Date: 27–29 March 2018 The events are expected to attract more than 15,000 attendees from around Companies: Construction Industry the world, to engage and interact with key industry players. Ecobuild SEA will Development Board; UBM Malaysia be accompanied by more than 50 free-to-attend seminars, covering topics such as environmental sustainability, productivity and internationalisation. Hosted by Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia and organised by UBM Malaysia, Ecobuild Southeast Asia will be held at the Kuala Young university designers are encouraged to join the Malaysia Structural Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Steel Association’s Open Ideas Competition Youth 2018 “REIMAGINE: MRT STATIONS” (ReMS), with steel as the main structural and finishing material. All It is held in conjunction with the 18th International Construction Week (ICW), design strategies are tailored with the goal of modernisation while promoting and co-located with Greenbuild Asia, Ecolight Asean, Construction Showcase, sustainability, constructability and functionality. Malaysia IBS International Exhibition (MIIE) and Construction Career Fair, making it a true platform for the construction industry in ASEAN. For more information, check out www.ecobuildsea.com.

EcoBuild Southeast Asia serves as a platform for all things construction

26 27 - 29 MARCH 2018 | 3 DAYS EXHIBITION

2018 26 - 30 MARCH 2018 5 DAYS CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCES

KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE & CIDB IBS CENTRE

ACHIEVING PEAK PRODUCTIVITY

HOSTED BY ORGANISED BY CO-LOCATED EVENTS

www.icw.my | www.ecobuildsea.com NEWS & EVENTS

Upcoming Event Upcoming Event INTERNATIONAL 8TH ANNUAL SHOPPING CONSTRUCTION MALLS SUMMIT Date: 25–26 April 2018 TRANSFORMATION Company: Trueventus Sdn Bhd CONFERENCE Online retailing is disrupting the mall industry. How then are some malls still Date: 26–27 March 2018 able to thrive? This summit addresses the need for malls to move to the next Company: Ministry of Works Malaysia; level by focusing on multi-pronged strategies and providing seamless 24-hour Construction Industry Development Board shopping experiences.

In conjunction with the 18th International Construction Week (ICW), this year’s The conference will feature international keynotes, specialised panel conference will bring international experts to discuss the impact of technology discussions, and an in-depth study on best practice sharing, with four and innovation on the construction industry’s productivity. specialised streams: Mall Development, Tenant Management, Mall Disruption and Retail Disruption. Sessions will cover topics such as achieving peak productivity in construction; the impact of the fourth industrial revolution; success stories of innovation and Plenary speakers include Anson Bailey of KPMG LLP, Hong Kong; Gunyarak international achievements; and the revolution of the Internet of things on the Piyakhun of the Siam Piwat Group, Thailand; Ivaylo Penchev of Walltopia construction industry. Adventure, Bulgaria; Adam Scott of HASSELL, UK; Nick Schapira of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, UK; and Rob Stendrup of Lendlease, Malaysia. Topics The co-located event, Konvensyen Usahanita Binaan 2018, themed Women cover e-commerce adeptness, consumer intelligence, active entertainment, Leaders Spearheading Transformation and Innovation in Construction, will F&B frameworks, client-oriented services and urban regeneration. feature speakers such as Dato’ Hashimah Hashim of KLCC Projeks; AECOM; Danielle Dy Buncio of ViaTechnik, US; and Datuk Rosaline Ganendra of More than 300 delegates and industry leaders are expected to attend this Minconsult Sdn Bhd. Register at www.icw.my/ictc2018. training and networking event. P29_Ads-ISWA.pdf 1 23/02/2018 4:20 PM

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As part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Trucks Malaysia, which began Since 2013, Volvo Trucks has been a recipient of awards from the operations in 1969, provides complete transport solutions for New Straits Times’ annual Truck of The Year event. In 2015, customers who are looking to boost profitability and reduce operational the FM series won the NST Petronas Urania Prime Mover of the Year in costs, while maintaining safety as a key priority. Customer sales and the three-axle category. after-market support for services and parts are provided via a network of 13 dealerships in strategic locations across Malaysia.

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30 BEECK SILICATE PAINTS

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SERGE JARDIN Trained as a geographer and historian, Serge Jardin calls himself a memory smuggler and, for the past 30 years, a Malaysia lover.

Born in 1954 in a small village of the French countryside, he obtained his master’s degree from the University of Paris in 1977. After two years as a teacher, he began travelling extensively around the world for the next five years and encountered the tourism industry.

32 Arriving in Malaysia in 1986, Jardin worked as a tour leader and tourist guide. In 1988, he incorporated his own travel agency specialising in the French and ‘incentive’ market. He married a Melakan and moved to his wife’s town in 2004. They run a bed-and-breakfast in an old townhouse, The Snail House, which they restored.

Jardin has authored several books, including “Rêver Malacca”, an invitation to discover Melaka through the eyes of travellers; “Malaisie, un certain regard”, a collaboration with Sylvie Gradeler on Malaysia, as seen through arts, crafts and literature; and “Malacca Style”, with photographer Tham Ze Hoe.

What were your first impressions of Malaysia and Melaka? Arriving in January 1986, on the West Coast, it was the colours, the bright blue sky, the deep green of the plantation and the red lateritic earth. On the East Coast, it was the call of the bilal, the rain and the flood. I understood immediately why the houses were on stilts (sadly discarded today), a feature that contributed so much to the elegance of the Malay house.

The diversity of the population—from the Malay kampung to the Iban longhouse, from the plantations to the fishing villages—and the quality of the people are most probably my first and most lasting impression of Malaysia until today.

I knew when I first saw Melaka that I would return. It was love at first sight with the sleepy hollow—forgotten guns and bounded feet, Maritime Silk Road and Spice Road, a roofless church, the eclectic style of the Straits Chinese house, the distinctively Melaka-styled mosque, the staircase of the Malay house, the Baba, Chitty, Jawi, Serani ...

As a historian and tour guide, you have been emphasising the need for local identity in interior design, notably in Melaka. Why A distinctive Malay house staircase do you think it is so important? Interior architectural design contributes to forging the identity of a place. Since the beginning of history, buildings and their interiors are associated We shouldn’t blindly follow with climatic conditions, materials available and political ideology, just to name a few. What will Athena be without Acropolis, Versailles without the styles—whether international, palaces, Manhattan without skyscrapers? What about Melaka? Looking for tropical or vernacular—as Melaka’s interior design identity is a challenge! these lead to the destruction Let’s unfold the eventful history of Melaka, a port-entrepôt. It was founded by a Malay prince of Hindu religion, but it is not a Malay nor a Hindu town. and reduction of identity. Later, Islam came and the Chinese visited, but it is not an Islamic or a Chinese town. Conquered successively by three Europeans powers (namely have indistinguishable interior design. Lobbies of hotels are under post- Portuguese, Dutch and British), but it is not a European town. For a short modern attack and totally devoid of character. It is also not uncommon to while, it was under Japanese masters before the birth of a new nation. find irrelevant interior decorations, such as figurines of the Moai from Easter Island or a naked Tibetan deity. What can we make of so many historical layers? So many communities contributed to give birth to such a rich cultural tapestry. The result is a medley There are strong influences of both Americanisation and Islamisation— of architecture and interior design that begets a question: What is Melaka? strange bedfellows anywhere else, but not in Malaysia. For example, right in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage site stands a large ornate electric What is the current design scenario like in Melaka? guitar—courtesy of Hard Rock Café. There’s the Straits Mosque, with The tourism industry should be at the forefront to develop a cultural identity, its Middle Eastern dome, on Pulau Melaka, while the Arabic mashrabiya but sadly many mushrooming hotels in and around the old town often windows are everywhere to be seen.

33 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Kampung Kling Mosque: a distinctively Melaka mosque Image by Serge Jardin

Interior design is not static but dynamic and in constant progression, creating identity along the way. It is necessary to understand the past to be able to reinterpret it with contemporary elements.

In contrast, the Kampung Kling Mosque is as an illustration of the kuih lapis influences. From the 20th century, the development of ‘international style’ (or mille feuille) that is Melaka. Decorated with Chinese calligraphy and lotus has considerably reduced regional variety. flowers, it is roofed with French Marseille tiles, covered by an Indian pyramid roof (Mahameru), decorated with Victorian tiles made in Japan, supported However, I would also say no to vernacular interior design per se. Climate, by European neo-classical columns and capitals (Ionic and Corinthian order), culture or craft cannot be reduced to indigenous designs that just overlap surrounded with English cast iron railing and columns, and decorated with each other. It is common to see former structural elements (such as Malay wood carving. It is neither a Middle-East, neither a Mogul, a Persian bamboo, iron or wood) now used merely as decorative elements—anchor or a Turkish mosque, but a distinctively Melaka mosque. wall, corbels, strap hinges—or wrongly replaced, for lack of knowledge or money. Would you consider globalisation a threat to local identity in interior design? Even tropical interior design—the so-called ‘South East Asian style’, which Globalisation is a great threat to so many diverse and rich cultures. Early flourishes from Bali to Phuket—may not have a place in our local context. decorations were mostly functional with strong political and religious Bali is Hindu, Phuket is Buddhist, and Terengganu is Muslim. Frangipani doesn’t have the same meaning everywhere. There are no volcanoes in

34 Melaka, so no lava stone to be carved, but we do have lateritic stone. In reinterpret it with contemporary elements. Hence, the cohabitation of new Melaka, naked Tibetan deities are as alien as the Hello Kitty on the streets or materials (such as aluminium, concrete and glass) and traditional forms is the Rialto Bridge lookalike across the Melaka River. a non-issue. We should not try to replicate what was done, but we must understand the soul of it to be able to create new interior design. By rooting We shouldn’t blindly follow styles—whether international, tropical or style in the local context, a new local identity will emerge. vernacular—as these lead to the destruction and reduction of identity. Interior design must be seen for what it is: a production process, a reflection Interior designers should work with craftsmen—you have the creativity, of the society and a cultural product. and they have the skills—to rethink and revitalise traditional and, too often, disappearing crafts. We should use textile (batik, ikat and songket) in How then should we move forward in the context of Melaka? interior design, adapt Chinese traditional lanterns for modern housing, revive To solve the apparent contradiction or paradox of the times we are in, it is decorative tiles, redesign rattan furniture, reuse woodcarving, etc ... that’s necessary to aboard interior design critically. the way forward.

For example, the relation with nature (e.g., climate and light) is more important What are some recent efforts and developments in Melaka that than formal traditional design. In Melaka, it is an absolute necessity to tame the display and promote local identity? violence of rain and sun! Adaptation to topography and climate is an obvious As Melaka is slowly but surely discovering its heritage, we shall see more choice, but ethnical, historical and political criteria should not be neglected. and more fortunate initiatives in the future, such as the reinterpretion of the shop house at Bites, with iron, glass and laterite; the transformation of an It should be a priority to limit the effects of globalisation by using local old metallic warehouse into a hotel at Quayside; the rehabilitation of an old particularities. In old Melaka, the difference between the ubiquitous shop colonial bungalow at Macau Gallery on Bukit Peringgit; and the replacement houses and Rumah Baba Melaka should be preserved, particularly the of an old metallic sliding door in the Melaka context at SALUD Tapas Bar ceramic fresco, painting and stucco, floor and decorative tiles, columns and & Restaurant. capital, and wood carving and panels. Along the former Heeren Street, where the wealthy Chinese merchants used The difficulty to define an interior design identity for Melaka may be due to to live, some of the unique Straits Chinese houses are going through a too many influences and too many layers, as we have seen. And too many process of restoration and reuse. You can now find art galleries (Tham Siew is as good as none. Maybe it is this absence of identity that can now be the Inn Artist Gallery at number 49 and Kim’s Fine Art House at number 140); best catalyst to create and to invent. school (Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre at numbers 54 and 56); antique shop (Malaqa House Museum at number 70); café (The Baboon House at number Interior design is not static but dynamic and in constant progression, creating 89); hotel (Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel at number 91); and private identity along the way. It is necessary to understand the past to be able to residences.

The iconic Peranakan architecture should be preserved

35 PROJECTS

River confluence before (left) and after RIVER OF LIFE (PHASE 1)

36 River of Life (ROL) is one of the Malaysian The RM4.4-billion project encompasses a government’s Economic Transformation Projects, 10.7-kilometer spread of riverfront through Kuala which combines high-impact initiatives to elevate Lumpur’s historic core, including the confluence the country to developed nation status. of the Gombak and Klang Rivers, with a total area of 781 hectares and 63 hectares of water bodies. The ROL is set to bring the community ‘back’ The project is divided into three main stages of to the river through connecting, transforming work—river cleaning, river beautification and river and invigorating the river context into a vibrant economics—to be carried out over four phases waterfront, embracing the city’s rich historical, and 11 precincts. cultural and heritage values, and re-connecting it to the surrounding urban fabric. MASTER PLANNING Following a planning competition, AECOM was The project is expected to spur economic appointed to deliver the river master planning and investments into the immediate surrounding areas, beautification component of the project. It has acting as a catalyst for long-term development also provided a strategic framework for urban and in the region. Upon full completion in 2020, the landscape design guidelines to ensure a common ROL is expected to deliver affordable housing baseline for designs and cohesive developments for more than 35,000 new residents, one million in the Klang Valley region. square meters of commercial space, more than 27,000 new employment opportunities, raise During the early stages of the ROL project, public transportation usage within the master plan the team studied successful water-facing area from 15 to 60 per cent, and reduce traffic public areas around the world, such as demand by 15 per cent. Cheonggyecheon in South Korea, Kunshan

37 PROJECTS

Civic Plaza in China, Clarke Quay in Singapore, and identity of the city through strategic moves and Chicago Waterfront, USA, and learned to integrate, connect and rediscover the public how they became successful in attracting the realm. Spaces once restricted are now open communities there to embrace the locations, for public enjoyment and experience, and this not just as tourist destinations, but as part of is one of many steps taken to reclaim the rivers their urban fabric. These lessons were then back into Kuala Lumpur.” localised and incorporated into the master plan, having taken into account the local culture, PHASE ONE history, aspirations and environment. Precinct 7 is part of phase one of the project— handed over on 20 December 2017—which “Beyond the essential cleaning for both the involved historic sites, such as Dataran Merdeka, Gombak and Klang rivers, placemaking and Masjid Jamek and Central market, located at the connectivity are crucial elements that AECOM has confluence of the two rivers. planned and designed to bind the development together,” Feisal Noor, vice president of AECOM, “The first phase of the project was able to achieve Malaysia, tells Construction+. five ‘big moves’ that transformed the intersection of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, which is the “This can be seen in the now completed historical heart of the city,” says Feisal. Precinct 7 area, where through rigorous efforts in design and planning for the historical The first was the removal of an old dilapidated epicentre of Kuala Lumpur, namely Masjid building that obstructed Masjid Jamek’s Jamek and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, the entrance and the creation of an open space river confluence area is now given a complete called the Batik Plaza. A grand staircase located new life that the brings back the iconic value at the river confluence, which was hidden for

38 decades, has been reconstructed to its former opened up Lebuh Pasar Besar, creating a historical glory. vantage viewing point facing the mosque and the river confluence. Secondly, a pedestrian bridge was constructed to connect Merdeka Square to Masjid Finally, better path connections and a proper Jamek—a move that increases the walkability viewing platform reveals Masjid Jamek as an of the area, encouraging higher visitor traffic icon in the heart of the city and encourages and providing faster connection to the Masjid locals and tourists alike to learn more about its Jamek LRT station. A flood wall and extended history and significance in the growth of early boardwalk were added, while a heritage Kuala Lumpur. balustrade was preserved. CHALLENGES The third was the engagement of historical The project was not without its share of buildings in the area, such as the Bangunan challenges. For example, there was great Sultan Abdul Samad, by opening them up to difficulty in retrieving the data required for the public. The parameter fence was removed planning, such as information pertaining to old for greater accessibility and to reveal the beauty buildings, land titles and utilities and services of the heritage building, while car parks have running underneath the city—these were largely been replaced with dedicated bicycle paths and uncoordinated or unavailable and required many pedestrian sidewalks. surveys and coordinated efforts with authorities to piece together. The project has also connected Merdeka Square with tourist destinations—such as As the project takes place in a living and working Petaling Street and Central Market—and environment, there were several logistical and site

River of Life masterplan covers a 10.7-kilometer spread of riverfront

39 PROJECT DATA PROJECTS Project Name River of Life (Phase 1) Location Precinct 7, Kuala Lumpur Completion Date December 2017 Expected Final Completion 2020 Total Site Area 7.8 million square metres River Length 10.7 kilometres Client Kuala Lumpur City Hall Architecture Firm Linear Vista Sdn Bhd Landscape Architecture Firm The new connecting bridge between Masjid Jamek and Merdeka Square AECOM Civil & Structural Engineer AECOM Mechanical & Electrical Engineer AECOM Quantity Surveyor KPK Quantity Surveyors Lighting Consultant Light Cibles Pte Ltd Main Contractor Ekoriver Construction Sdn Bhd Images AECOM Team

Perspective rendering of AECOM’s design proposal constraints to manage. The project implementation Gombak and Klang rivers, as well as their delicate team also had to deal with continuous unearthing of eco system,” Feisal notes. buried unchartered things, including infrastructure pipes and cables, as well as historical artefacts and The immediate impact can already be seen in archaeological items. Precinct 7, where pride and ownership have returned to the immediate urban context, raising Given the impact of the ROL, there were also many both social standing and unlocking economic value stakeholder and public engagement sessions to to a once overlooked downtown area. Tourism has inform and involve the public during the design risen, and with further work, pedestrian connectivity and planning process, which often required will spur growth and development in the vicinity. intensive solution finding. The various urban components, through hard SIGNIFICANCE scape, street furniture, signage and lighting works, “ROL is important for Kuala Lumpur on many have been unified, while still being distinctive to levels, as it highlights the birth context of the city stress on the importance of immediate context and raises awareness of the importance of the through cultural and arts installations.

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The 2.7-kilometre elevated section of the Rawang Bypass offers a scenic treetop drive RAWANG BYPASS

42 The inaugural use of the self-launching moveable scaffolding system allows span-by-span construction above ground

The RM628 million Rawang Bypass has taken The structure’s curvy alignment is aimed at much longer than expected to completed, but will protecting and preserving the environmentally reduce a two-hour journey to 30 minutes. sensitive area below. The 108,000-hectare state park is rich in flora and fauna, including the 400 The project began in July 2005 and was finally remaining Giam Kanching trees (Hopea subalata) completed in November 2017. It involved the in the world, which are highly protected. upgrading of the existing Federal Route 001 (FR001) and the construction of a new alignment The original design alignment and conventional cut- on the eastern side to bypass Rawang town. and-fill method of construction would have resulted in extensive felling of trees, cutting and filling of slopes, The road upgrading started from Selayang and disruption of free flow of wildlife. Vegetation Interchange till the entrance of Sungai Kanching denudation would also cause an increase in surface Waterfall, leading to the new alignment, which run-off and future flash floods downstream. curves through the hilly and densely forested Taman Warisan (Selangor State Park) before After extensive study and discussions, it was passing an existing quarry and then merging back decided that a viaduct solution would be used, to the FR001 near Sungai Choh. instead, to minimise disturbance to the environment and ecosystem. The viaduct solution offers very This 9-kilometre four-lane dual carriageway is minimal and localised cutting of slopes at two expected to smoothen traffic flow at Rawang town high points along the entire alignment—which is and reduce travelling time from Serendah to Kuala necessary for economic reasons and to reduce the Lumpur by 75 per cent. proposed viaduct gradient for a certain standard of riding quality. Free flow of wildlife would be possible BRIDGE OVER TREETOPS below the entire stretch of the viaduct. At 58.2 metres above ground, the 2.7-kilometre elevated section of the bypass is distinguished as INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION the tallest pillar structure in Malaysia. On a clear The chosen structural system and construction day, drivers enjoy panoramic views of Rawang methodology were carefully planned to reduce town, while in the mornings or after rain, the route loss of forest—from an original 64 hectares to is enveloped in mist. 23.6 hectares.

43 PROJECTS

The elevated section of the bypass is the tallest pillar structure in Malaysia

The viaduct concept is based on the typical 40-metre- by-span in situ construction, without the need for span double T-shape deck superstructure—one supporting cranes to handle the support brackets. deck for each carriageway. It is supported on double- By employing the MSS system, all the construction column piers and founded on hand-dug caissons. activities for the deck can be carried out from the top, with negligible activities at the ground level. The choice of double-column piers with immediate tie beams for tall piers allows for the minimal use of Other new methodologies included the use of pile caps, which reduces the need for slope cutting. geogrids and pre-cast interlocking slabs for The hand-dug caissons for the foundations— protection from the river. The construction of silt manual digging of the shafts by workers—avoid traps and silt fences in specific locations help the need for heavy bore piling machineries, which control heavy runoffs into the river. reduces the working area. The Rawang Bypass can truly be considered an The deck is the first in Malaysia to be constructed engineering feat that was carried out fully with local with the moveable scaffolding system (MSS). The expertise, while protecting the local biodiversity as self-launching underslung method allows span- its main priority.

44 PROJECT DATA Project Name Rawang Bypass Location Eastern side of Rawang, Selangor Completion Date 21 November 2017 Site Area Land acquisition 96 hectares; Forest area 24 hectares Client Ministry of Works Malaysia; Public Works Department Malaysia Principal Designer Arup Jururuding Sdn Bhd Civil & Structural Engineer Arup Jururuding Sdn Bhd Workers digging the foundation by hand to minimise construction impact Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Arup Jururuding Sdn Bhd Main Contractor Panzana Enterprise Sdn Bhd

Double-column piers reduce the need for pile caps and slope cutting

The new bypass at construction stage

45 w INDUSTRIAL PARK @ FRONTIER CENTRAL PARK 46 Aerial viewofFrontier’s two-acre centralpark PROJECTS w T have been created, such as an amphitheatre, plaza, To caterfordiverseactivities, manydifferent spaces cement render. materials, such as stones and bare and painted has dissimilargeometricalshapesand avarietyof is designedwithlotsofcurves. Itsfrontentrance buildings,lines ofthesurroundingfactory thepark In contrastwiththepractical, straight modern employees ofbusinessesthatarelocatedthere. environment andaplaceofrelaxationfor park. It helps create a holistic welfare-oriented employees and visitors as they enter the industrial As aninvitinggreenlung, theparkwelcomes of the Frontier Industrial Park in Ulu Tiram, Johor. he two-acrecentralparkisaniconicfeature far-reaching viewsacrossthe amphitheatre. at least200people. Ithasahighvantagepointwith designed forsocialeventsandcan accommodate The plaza, withaleafshapeinitscentre, is the soilstructureandpreventerosion. seating area. Itsscatterrootsystemhelpsstrengthen of the cascadingcomplementing the curvature planted toprovideshade, withitsleafspreadfurther to hold at least 800 people. Bucida trees are The amphitheatrefeatureswideseatingarrangements an inclinethatissuitableforoutdooramphitheatre. The centralparkhasanaturallyslopingterrain, with jogging trackandbasketballcourt, foremployees. fitness and sports facilities, such as an outdoor gym, multi-purpose courtandpavilions. There arealso An 800-seateramphitheatre takesadvantageofthesite’s naturalincline Main entrancetotheindustrialpark 47 PROJECTS

Dissimilar geometrics at the park’s entrance

As the central park is fairly big, security was a Plants surrounding the pavilion and gym include priority in its design. Hence, the park is located at a the Calathea lutea and Pennisetum setaceum prominent part of the development, with unhindered (or crimson fountaingrass). Both these species views, active CCTV surveillance and regular patrolling. provide a ‘natural wall’ for added privacy without compromising security. Asphalt is used for the jogging track as it is more resilient to heat expansion compared to concrete. Samanea saman (or rain tree) is planted in many The jogging track is also made wider to allow vehicles areas as they are native to the region and provide to access the amphitheatre or plaza for loading and natural cover in the day. unloading purposes during scheduled events. INDUSTRIAL PARK GREENS The 136-acre award-winning industrial park caters Trees within the plaza were specially chosen for high-value manufacturers, with its forefront to deliver a mix between formal and informal facilities and semi-detached and detached impressions. Garcinia subelliptica (or happiness factories. The central park is part of phase two tree), with its erect form, epitomises the robustness of the development. Frontier also offers fibre- and integrity of the industrial park, while the free- optic broadband, gated-guarded facilities, on-site flowing frangipani trees provides intrigue and workers’ dormitory and a more than 100-feet-wide softness to the area. main access.

48 PROJECT DATA Project Name Central Park @ Frontier Industrial Park Location Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, Johor Completion Date October 2016 Park Area 2 acres Owner/Developer WB Land Sdn Bhd Architecture Firm WKL Design Sdn Bhd Design-and-Build Landscape Contractor Highland Landscapes & Nursery Sdn Bhd Civil & Structural Engineer Outdoor gym WKL Project Consultancy Services Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Kong & Associates Consultants Sdn Bhd

A multi-purpose court for various sports

Wide main access roads

49 b&i no 2.pdf 1 3/10/17 6:36 PM

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A rich blend of local and natural materials TWINKLE VILLA

52 How do you build a personal retirement home The architect played with solid and void layering that is close to nature yet not too intrusive? to create a value of space. By opening up the house’s rectangular form, the layering of spaces The award-winning project is located in the middle can be seen from one end to another. This of a natural tropical rainforest, at the highest level spatial layering effect extends to the exterior, of Tanarimba, Janda Baik. The owners wanted where the building appears interlocked with the to retain as much of the original surroundings as woodlands—each appearing as the backdrop of possible. the other, depending on the angle—resulting in an unintentional blended picture. The architect chose to design within the constraints of the terrain and site and avoid cutting too much of the SUSTAINABLY BLENDED earth or the 115 large trees on the land. The building All building programmes are placed under double footprint—an elongated rectangular shape—was shades—man-made concrete roof and natural placed on the most flattened land within the site tree covering—which results in lower solar boundary, with only two large trees removed. transmission to the internal spaces.

53 PROJECTS

Blending with the context

54 Making an entrance statement

The façade is a sophisticated palette of finishes higher volume of air in the circulation space prevents that emphasises materiality and modularity. direct heat release into the functional space. Meticulously assembled, it comprises a mixture of fair-faced concrete, glass, clay brick wall and The low floor-to-ceiling height at the ground floor bamboo railings that blends naturally with the level (3 metres, or 2.25 meters to soffit of beam) context of the site. reduces use and loss of energy. Aesthetically, it also brings occupants closer to nature with The fair-faced concrete and bare clay bricks were borrowed framed view towards the woodlands. used without plastering and paint to minimise damage to the environment and maintenance, The ground floor also houses the owner’s personal while the bamboo and rattan enhance the richness space—a room, a library and a bathroom—while of the building appearance. the first floor has four guest rooms. All bedrooms are designed with a view of the surroundings, with The entry way is a grand entrance statement without balconies that serve as shading devices for privacy a physical door for maximum cross ventilation. A and to reduce sunlight penetration. The bathrooms double volume living platform that opens up to are located in the middle of the house but with the exterior is the focal space of the house. The high enough ceilings to get natural ventilation and open plan concept from the entrance to the living daylight. platform brings the cool and breezy hilltop air into the home. Mountain water is channelled into a fish With respect to the natural inhabitants of the pond for a more natural habitat. site, even the termites have their own space. No chemical product has been used during The circulation space is attached to the fair-faced construction, and termite control is done naturally. concrete wall and isolated from the main functional Habitats for termites have been created and space. The concrete wall also acts as a thermal mass preserved at a few spots within the site to keep to absorb, store, and later release heat, and the them away from the building footprint.

55 PROJECT DATA PROJECTS Project Name Twinkle Villa Location Janda Baik, Bentong, Pahang Completion Date January 2017 Site Area 94,350 square feet Gross Floor Area 10,929 square feet Building Height 2 storeys Number of Rooms 5 Client/Owner Twinkle Villa Sdn Bhd One with nature Architecture Firm CY Chan Architect (CYCA) Principal Architect Ar Chan Chin Yeow Principal Designer Ar Lim Kee Yen Civil & Structural Engineer TWT Design Sdn Bhd Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Greatians Consulting Sdn Bhd Quantity Surveyor CNH Jurukur Sdn Bhd Main Contractor Zhen Ye Projects Sdn Bhd Images Pixelaw Photography

Visible spatial layering from end to end

Rattan railings for room balconies

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The metal-clad brick wall helps avoid direct sun exposure

HILLSIDE LODGE

58 PROJECT DATA Project Name Hillside Lodge Location Buntong 3, Ipoh, Perak Completion Date July 2017 Site Area 338 square metres Gross Floor Area 192 square metres Building Height 2 storeys Number of Rooms 4 Operable sliding doors ensure cross-ventilation in the living room Client/Developer Origin Design Property (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Architecture Firm Arkitek DCA Principal Architect Ar Raini Jaafar, AMP Design Architect AVT Architects (Hong Kong) Civil & Structural Engineer H.Y. Fong Consult Main Contractor Hong Kew Builder Sdn Bhd Images AVT Architects (Hong Kong)

The staircase, located along the western wall, acts as a heat and sound buffer

Located in Ipoh, Perak, Hillside Lodge is spaces. The landscaped gardens on both sides designed to enhance not only the day-to-day life of the outdoor areas provide greenery and of its occupants but also the built environment. also double up as privacy screens to define the living room. While this double-storey house is built on a rectangular bungalow land, AVT Architects (Hong KEEPING COOL Kong) broke away from the traditional space Heat build-up in Malaysia is a big issue. In this planning by integrating the outdoor non-building project, the architect considered passive cooling zones as an annexe to the indoor space. to the external wall to minimise heat build-up in the house, particularly on the first floor where the For example, the main entrance door is placed at the bedrooms were located. side of the house, instead of the front. Occupants and visitors have to walk through a landscaped Metal panels that clad the external brick wall help outdoor foyer before entering the house, resulting avoid direct sun exposure. The metal claddings in an enriched arrival experience. The staircase are air ventilated through the top and bottom is located along the western wall, sandwiched slots, thus keeping the indoors relatively cool, between the car porch and the living room, and acts both day and night. as a heat and sound buffer for the house. In addition, insulated roof panels also play a The living room is flanked by operable sliding part in lowering the indoor room temperatures. doors on both sides; when fully opened, they The use of metal elements for sustainability also allow cross-ventilation as well as seamless result in a bold and contemporary appearance integration between the indoor and outdoor for the house.

59 INTERIORS THE SAW EMPORIUM Penang’s first sawmill, The Saw Emporium, has To accomplish that, the designers aimed for Integrating multiple restaurants with separate been transformed into a multi-concept dining sensitive reuse of the existing structures with kitchen requirements meant having to build destination. minimal amounts of construction, using materials individual kitchens for each concept. This brought sourced from the site. Wood is a constant theme, about the design where the kitchens were placed Located within Georgetown’s heritage enclave, with best-in-its-day architecture and finishing at the four corners of the warehouse. this manufacturing facility has stood for 67 evident throughout the space. years. Its fourth-generation owners wanted to The facility also doubles as a lifestyle showroom, honour the history of the building, with its art Apart from a repurposed 5-metre-long timber dining with furnishing by Kian Furniture—in the courtyard, deco façade, while repurposing it into a new table in the courtyard, salvaged sawmilling parts and covered terrace, lounges, bar and dining areas— central focal point for the surrounding residential wood from the former sawmill have been incorporated injecting a chill and cosy vibe to complement the neighbourhood, where the community can into the design. Tiles, furniture and design elements— industrial chic setting. A gradual injection of green gather around for good food, environment and from the days when the site housed building provides a sense of rebirth of the space from a harsh conversations. supplies—were also salvaged and reused. industrial aesthetic to a softer lounge setting.

A bare courtyard evolved into a cosy setting

60 A walk through the past

61 INTERIORS

A repurposed timber dining table

Display wall of vintage sawblades

62 PROJECT DATA Project Name The Saw Emporium Location 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, Penang Completion Date 10 November 2017 (first stage) Site Area 3,500 square metres Gross Floor Area 3,500 square metres Building Height 3 storeys Owner The Steamship Merchants Sdn Bhd Principal Designer The Steamship Merchants Sdn Bhd Dining in an industrial chic setting Main Contractor Kung Advance Builders Sdn Bhd Images The Steamship Merchants Sdn Bhd; Kian Contract

Bar counter

Furnishing showcase and hang-out area

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h INTERIORS HOUSE 17

This two-and-a-half-storey terrace house in converted to planter boxes to frame more light and better ventilation in the space. Subang Jaya is a breath of fresh air in its the views of the room and to help cool Factors such as sun movement and wind neighbourhood. The interior designer worked the house. The façade planter is also an direction were taken into consideration. at making the house ‘breathe’ better and example of using a vertical garden to add integrating it with its surroundings by bringing some form of greenery to spaces without The entrance was moved farther in to allow the outdoors in. land. people to enter directly into the heart of the house. This, then, gave the living room Landscaping is an integral aspect of the Once most of the walls were removed, large more privacy, as well as a more ceremonial design. Most of the balconies have been windows and doors were introduced to allow approach to the entry of the house.

Front façade in the evening

66 The turquoise steel wall partitions at the stairway add variety to the colour palette

67 INTERIORS

Garden view from the living room

To accommodate a young family with young the colouring of the space. Highlights such as children, fittings and furnishings were the turquoise-coloured steel work break the designed in such a way to not be a hazard. monotony of the colour scheme of the house. For example, a steel wall partition was added to the original staircase as a safety barrier, As budget was a concern, the designer while the balustrade has anti-climb panelling. focused on a few major ticket items, such as the façade planter and finishes. Recycled The bathrooms are designed in a doors from torn down buildings were also monochrome palette, with accents in timber. used. Most of the materials used were The mix of textures and finishes are united in sourced locally.

68 PROJECT DATA Project Name House 17 Location SS17, Subang Jaya Completion Date August 2017 Site Area 170 square metres Gross Floor Area 200 square metres Building Height 2.5 storeys Number of Rooms 5 Clients/Owners Mr and Mrs Lee Interior Design Firm POW Ideas Principal Designer Kyle E Landscape Architect POW Ideas

Balustrade detail with anti-climb panelling Main Contractor LYS Living Sdn Bhd Images David Yeow Photography

A mix of textures and finishes in the bathroom All apartments come with fully equipped kitchens

69 INTERIORS RESIDENCE AT STRAITS VIEW This residence is designed as a resort-styled and a travertine marble feature wall for a touch the walk-in wardrobe and master bathroom. weekend house in the city. As the owners are of modern glamour. Curtains are replaced by a mixed-race family with different cultures aluminium louvres that block the direct sunlight to The daughter’s room has a full-height brown and lifestyles, the designer combined their the hall and reduce maintenance works. mirror backdrop behind the headboard to create ideas and preferences to come up with an a visually extended effect for the room. The appropriate design solution. A short walk leads to an open bar counter for designer created an additional wardrobe back- entertaining guests. Glass doors on the opposite to-back with an extra study area to enhance A foyer serves as a gateway to the grand living hall. end of the dining hall opens into an outdoor the functional value and aesthetic appeal of the Exclusive pieces from the home owners’ collection seating patio with all-weather furniture. Timber room. The sons’ room boasts simple and clean are displayed on dark brown cabinets. The open decking against a natural stone feature wall adds lines, with a refreshing olive-green wall. living and dining halls combine different kinds of warmth to the space. An additional gazebo in the furniture and lights to create a warm and lively backyard provides additional space for parties. Eco-friendly materials are used in the ambience stamped with the owners’ personalities. renovations, from the Green Label-certified The master bedroom is furnished luxuriously, with a laminated flooring for low toxicity and emissions Taking advantage of the double-volume ceiling distinctive headboard and lighting effects. Opposite to the use of inverter technology for electrical height at the dining area, the design team detailed the bed is an island-type TV feature wall with a appliances, energy-saving LED light fittings and the space with a grand low-hanging pendant light console and a study area. A pocket-door leads into paint with low volatile organic substances.

A warm and lively living area

70 Modern glam in the double-volume dining area

71 PROJECT DATA INTERIORS Project Name Residence at Straits View Location Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru Completion Date January 2017 Site Area 350 square metres Gross Floor Area 280 square metres Building Height 2 storeys Number of Rooms 4 Interior Design Firm Exagono Design & Concept The wet kitchen with a character-rich kitchen counter top in berry white granite Principal Designer Stella Liew Sook Chea Lighting Consultant Stella Liew Sook Chea Interior Fit-Out Contractor Exagono Design & Concept Images Kong Kim Tat

A cosy patio with timber decking and natural stone feature wall

The luxurious master suite

72 IDA_2018_C+_Ad_ThankYou_3011.pdf 1 11/30/17 5:23 PM

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