Building Science 1

Project 1

: Case Study: Identifying innovative passive design strategies

MENARA MESINIAGA Architect : Ken Yeang

MALAYSIA

TITLE

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

INTRODUCTION

1-4

NATURAL AND MAN-MADE FACTOR

5-8

CLIMATE ANALYSIS

9 - 11

SUN ANALYSIS

12 - 17

WIND ANALYSIS

18 - 21

THERMAL ANALYSIS

22 - 27

CONCEPT ANALYSIS

28 - 30

REFERENCE LIST

31 - 34

INTRODUCTION : The Building “The building that took benefits from natural renewable sources”

Project:

Case Study: Identifying innovative passive design strategies

Location:

Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

Building:

Menara Mesiniaga

Architect:

Ken Yeang

“we’ll see green buildings long before 2020 — I think the movement is intensifying. Within the next 5-10 years we’ll see a lot more green buildings being built. Not just buildings but green cities, green environment, green master plans, green products, green lifestyles, green transportation. I’m very optimistic.”

Ken Yeang, Quote

Introduction The futuristic bio-climatic tower, Menara Mesiniaga, also known as IBM tower was built in Subang Jaya, Malaysia in 1992. The tower which belongs to MesiniagaBerhad, was designed and built by the architect Kenneth Yeang using his 10 years research into bio-climatic design principle.

According to the case study done by Bill Chan “ The bioclimatic high-rise is a tall building with passive low energy benefits, achieved through design responses to the climate of the place and through optimizing the use of the locality’s ambient energies, to enhance the quality of life and comfort for its occupants”.

Climate Climatically both Singapore and Malaysia are a hot and humid country;The city of Kuala Lumpur is situated 3° North of the equator.According to the report by Safamanesh (1995), rainfall in Malaysia is heavier along the East coast than the 1

West coast. Most urban and agricultural land is on the West coast and, consequently, so is most of the population. Due to its position relative to the equator, the country has no distinct winter or summer and temperatures are consistently somewhere between 20c and 40c with humidity level between 60 and 70 percent.

Green Certification Menara Mesiniaga received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This is possible due to Kenneth Yeang’s ten-year research into bio-climatic principles for the design of medum-totall buildings. These concepts can be applied to many-storied structures in tropical climates (The Aga Khan Development Network, 2007).

Title Image 1 & 2 : Mesiniaga Logo and Aga Kahn Award Logo Top Image 3: View of the building from the main entrance Bottom Image 4: View of the building from its surrounding greenery.

The sloped berm can be seen on the left side of the image.

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Top Image 5: Site Plan of Menara Mesiniaga

SITE LOCATION The building sits beside a highway towering above a mixture of unplanned structure and environment; a lake which can be seen from every level of the building, some residential complexes and townhouses, office buildings, and a mosque. There is also a medical centre which is within view of the building.

Overall, many of the surrounding buildings are low budget adaptations of older houses. The natural landscaping catches the eye’s attention with a substantial amount of growth within the area, in respect to community development. The traffic ranges from moderate to congested at certain hours of the day, due to the existence of the federal highway nearby.

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Plans, Sections , drawings

Image 6 Ground Floor Plan of Menara Mesiniaga

Image 7 East Elevation of Menara Mesiniaga

Image 8 South West Elevation of Menara Mesiniaga

Image 9 Section of Menara Mesiniaga 4

NATURAL AND MAN- MADE FACTOR “How is the thermal environment of Menara Mesiniaga affected by natural and man-made factors?”

Top Image 10: Part of Elevation on Menara Mesiniaga

Built Form Mesiniaga’s verticality allows exposure to the full extent of heat, weather and temperatures. Mesiniaga’s exoskeleton which are the exposed steel and reinforced concrete structure helps to reflect the sun, and the entirely exposed columns and beams are open to cross ventilated cooling. This single core services are built on the hot side which is on the east.

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Top Image 11: Sky Garden in Menara Mesiniaga

Planting and Sky a Garden In order to shelter and insulate the lowest three levels from the morning sun, artificial sloping landscape was created to connect the land to the verticality of the building. Moreover, its circular spiralling body with landscaped sky courts that helps cools, ventilates and provide a space for occupants to relief.

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Top Image 12: Part of Elevation on Menara Mesiniaga that shows cantilevering roof top pool

Solar orientation and shading devices

Curtain wall glazing which are the garden insets provided on the north and south side helps reduce solar gain and provide thermal comfort for the occupants while the recessed and shaded windows are on the east and west side as a response to the tropical sun path. Moreover, cantilevering rooftop pool and a gym with curvilinear roof on the south facade helps provide thermal comfort for users of the facilities especially during the high-angled afternoon sun.

Furthermore, the pool insulates and reflects the overhead sun.

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Top Image 13: The lobby entrance which is the half open to the surrounding land

Ventilation

Large multi-storey transitional spaces provides airflow in between the zones and provide better circulation of hot and cool air in and out of the building.

Moreover, the permeable external walls of the building provides cross ventilation even in air conditioned spaces. Air movement is encouraged underneath the building, specifically at the lobby entrance as it is half open to the surrounding land while the other half is circled by the sloped berm.

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CLIMATE ANALYSIS

“The basic analysis to understand the character of the site, Climate”

Climate Data Climate Location Malaysia

Figure 1: Annual Relative Humidity for Kuala Lumpur

Temperature Location Malaysia

Figure 2: Annual Maximum Temperature for Kuala Lumpur

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Figure 3: Annual Minimum Temperature for Kuala Lumpur

Figure 4: Annual Average Temperature for Kuala Lumpur

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Humidity The Figure 1 shows that Kuala Lumpur has a high relative humidity in the range of 80% - 85%.

Malaysia has a tropical wet climate with no dry or cold season as it is constantly moist due to year-round rainfall.

With relations to building design, it is better to include passive ventilation by having windows open on opposite sides of the building to maintain a good cross air flow and eliminate interior humidity build up.

Image 14 On-site Perspective sketch of Menara Mesiniaga

Temperature

Based on the Temperature’s graph (Figure 2, 3 and 4) the annual average temperature is around 26.6 degrees Celsius. On average, the warmest month is in April while the coolest is September. April would be also be the wettest month and June would be the driest month.

For high rise building in high temperature locations, proper HVAC or adequate passive ventilation is necessary to maintain a cool temperature inside the building.

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SUN ANALYSIS

“Building that took benefit from renewable sources, the Sun”

Sunpath Case Studies Project Location Menara Mesiniaga, Malaysia

Image 15 January 1st 1200

Image 16 May 15th 1315

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Image 17 August 29th 1415

Image 18 November 1st 0915

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The Advantages

Top Image 19 Lobby of Menara Mesiniaga that been shaded by the floor on top of it

In the design of Menara Mesiniaga, the architect purposely take advantage of all the sun light to penetrate inside the building. He intended to build the building in such a way to benefit natural sunlight and environment. (Safamanesh. K). When we went for a site visit to Menara Mesiniaga, we could feel the architect’s intention through every inner facade and spaces.

Next, the enclosed rooms does not need much light and are located near the central core, which allows workstations to be located on the outside edge where natural lighting and high quality views are available.

Annual and Daily Sun Pathway Image 15, 16, 17, and 18 is a proof of the annual and daily sun path of Menara 14

Mesiniaga.

It is proving that the architect’s intention is to benefit the natural sunlight from every direction into the Menara Mesiniaga. In addition, from the Image 18, 19 and 20 , it is proven that more shading elements been insert on East and West Elevation rather than North and South Elevation.

Moreover, the lobby of the building is inserted further inside to be shaded by the second floor’s balcony of the menara. Lastly, the natural sunlight also enter through the sun roof of the basement parking to reduce the light’s man made source.

Design Profile Building Profile

Solar Design Profile

Building Name

Menara Mesiniaga

Architect

Ken Yeang

Location

Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Building Type

IT Offices

Site Areas

6503 square meters

Latitude

latitude (3.0827 degrees) 3° 4’ 57” North of the Equator

Heating Degree Days mean ambient temperatures of around 26-27°C year around Cooling Degree Days N/A Conservation Strategies

ecological principles into high-rise architecture

Passive Solar Strategies

exterior shading, direct gain passive solar, open able windows, Thermal mass placed in the service core

Active Solar Strategies

Sun Roof System

Other renewable energy strategies

None

High Performance Strategies

High Performance glazing and envelope, Innovative performance in green building strategies

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Sunshade Details LOUVRE

A louvre that shade the offices and an uppermost floors that houses recreational areas, a swimming pool, and sun roof.

Top Image 20 Model of Menara Mesiniaga to show Louvres and Sun Roof

SUN ROOF The sunroof is the skeletal provision for panel space for the possible future placing of solar-cells to provide back-up energy source. BAS (Building Automation System) is an active Intelligent Building feature used in the building for energy-saving.

Image 21 On the north and south facades, curtain wall glazing is used to control solar gain highlighted green colour

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Image 22 On the east and west facades, external aluminium fins and louvers provide sun shading highlighted green colour

Image 23 Model massing that shows the Glazing and Shading of Menara Mesiniaga higlighted green colour

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WIND ANALYSIS “The Ventilation”

Ventilations Due to various wind directions, the winds are nearly transferred equally.(Figure 5) Menara Mesiniaga main ventilation is by air conditioning and natural ventilation.The air conditioning systems for the counter area, offices, meeting rooms, cafeteria and few other areas are divided into two types. One of the air conditioning systems is the Energy Saving System which is used around the counter area and offices, as shown by the yellow ellipse, and the staying period in these areas are longer.

(Image 21 & in Picture 33) Another one is called the Split Air Conditioner which is usually used in houses as it cools one or two rooms. For this building, Split AC are used in the meeting rooms and cafeteria for only a certain period of time. Moving on to natural ventilationÂŹÂŹ, winds, the escape stairs are unenclosed and pushed to the edge of the building to allow wind to take part. The elevator lobby and washroom spaces have shaded window openings that gives in view and natural ventilation (Architectural review.V. 192 1993 Jan-June).The sliding doors on the terraces could be open up for natural ventilation to flow throughout the office areas. (Picture 32) Besides that, part of highest floor which is an opened space swimming pool area allows for natural ventilation. Moreover, tiny gap to allow the wind to ventilate into the gymnasium under the overhang-curved roofing is provided. Lastly,the basement parking area is also ventilated as the entrance and exit are opened.

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(Picture 31) Since the energy consumption is reduced, the electricity costing of Menara Mesiniaga is maintained in certain amount which is cheaper compared to other building. Morevoer, the air of the site surroundings is also fresher due to the greener site context and also the flow of the wind.

Wind & weather statistics Morib/Kuala Lumpur Airport

Figure 5 Table and WInd Rose of Wind and Weather statistic of Morib/Kuala Lumpur Airport

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Image 24 The air flows(green arrows) and air conditioning air flows (yellow ellipse) throughout the building.

Bottom Image 25 The basement parking area of Menara Mesiniaga

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Top Image 26 Air Conditioning in the office spaces in Menara Mesiniaga

Bottom Image 27 Terraces found at each levels.

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THERMAL ANALYSIS “Comforbality in the site”

Thermal Comfort

Left Image 28 Primary Shading Louvres Right Image 29 Secondary Shading Louvres

A large part of the building, from stairways and lift lobbies to the toilet areas, was regarded as a penetrable membrane to enable natural aeration.

The building is fitted out with an Energy Saving System which controls energy features including air-cooling system, elevators and other mechanical systems and it is used to monitor and reduce energy consumption in equipment. So, the main office areas are air-conditioned but the use of this system and the natural ventilation throughout the building, help to reduce its use to negligible levels, saving energy.

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The evident building features of the IBM tower not only visually express the high-tech style of the company and its conceptual organic character, but also define it as a bioclimatic highrise. Firstly, the building’s overall form, structural methodology, module cores, glazed surfaces, is oriented for maximum environmental efficiency shading against direct heat but allowing for natural daylight. Second, where the main components of the building and its orientation cannot shade the building, inventively calculated shading devices are fitted on the building face for passive cooling. Lastly, the extension of the land that starts at

the sloped berm spirals up the height of the building with planted terraces that finishes at the inhabited rooftop. These terraces not only provide for vertical gardens and transitional spaces, but also shades and ventilates the building.

The core uses extensive passive heating and cooling strategies and has no mechanical supportv because it’s programmed functions of circulation and washrooms involve low useperiod. Instead of an internal service core, the concrete core of the building faces

The simple extension of the the outside and is located on the east tower’s base produces several positive side of the tower. This orientation environmental effects. The sloped berm allows the core to shade the building circles around half the circumference from direct sun rays and its material of the building, the other half opens the construction allows it to become a mezzanine floors to the surrounding land. heat sink that will reradiate absorbed This allows for a functional heat into the insides at night. The connection with the site, avoiding how escape stairs are unenclosed and the typical confined lobbies separate the elevator lobby and washroom spaces building from its landscape. As well, it have shaded window openings that inspires air movement beneath the give in view and natural ventilation building, producing a lobby entrance that (Architectural review. V. 192 1993). is shaded as well as ventilated without The majority of the building’s doumechanical effort(Balfour A. & Yeang K. ble-glazed, operable curtain walls lie 1994). The program that is in the entresol flush to the facade only on the north requires slight daylight; therefore, by and south side. Most of the west half building the hollow berm up to these of the building, external solar shades levels it increases the surface area for are installed. The southwest and planting and provides a chance for the northwest are protected by alumibuilding to involve the nearby vegetation. num fins offset approximately 40cm away from the building face (Powell

The visible steel and reinforced R. 1999). These devices are utilized concrete structure can be regarded as an where high-angled rays may hit the exoskeleton that is suspending the curtain walls. But for more far reaching differently shaped office floors with each direct light, deeper, single panel alufloor’s main girders connecting to the minum louvers offset from the building concrete core for shear resistance. Where twice as far as the fins is fixed.(Powell the general rule of thumb for buildings in R. 1999) colder regions is ‘skin outside, structure Where extensive west-side shading inside’, the tropical climate may have is concerned, the alternately shaped an exposed structure without contrary floor plates partners with terraces to temperature effects. In fact, the structure create indentations in the building that wraps around the curtain wall shields form that help it shade itself. The landthe sun off the building face and act as a scaped terraces that appear on every heat sink. (Balfour A. & Yeang K. 1994)Of office level also allows for full height course, in a tropical climate where winter sliding glass doors that let in fresh 23

air and greened intermediate spaces for a break from computer screens. The stepped terraces can be traced spiraling back down to the berm and the surrounding landscape, generating a hall where employees may feel part of a progressive organization that has strong environmental awareness. Inside, enclosed rooms are placed as a central core rather than being situated at the edge. This ensures good natural lighting and views out for the peripherally located workspaces. Because the building is circular in plan, there are no dark corners.(Balfour A. & Yeang K. 1994)

Thermal comfort in this building is more than effectively achieved by these specific features, where mechanical cooling system is put to optimum use,

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not overuse. Furthermore, studies have shown greater occupancy happiness and employee output where the building can offer a connection with external spaces whether it is natural daylight or sky gardens that let workers relax and feel as if they belong to a whole (Space Design. 9401-9403 1994).

The major visible architectural elements topping off the office levels include a cantilevering rooftop pool and a gym with a curvilinear roof; these facilities are open to employees. The pool ‘greens’ the rooftop by insulating and reflecting the overhead sun.

The overhang of the curvilinear roof is enough to shade most of the entire south facade from the high angled afternoon sun. Crowning the building is a tubular steel trellis that shades the top floor amenities and is designed to accommodate solar panels in the future that will further increase the building’s ecological efficiency.

Image 30 Cross section showing main green features

Bottom Image 31 Sun Shaders and Garden Insets

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Top Image 32 cross section showing natural ventilation thru building

Bottom Image 33 heat map thru section-red is warmest, green is coolest

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Image 34 basic air flow. Allowing for natural ventilation to interact with the internal cooling system cuts down on cooling costs.

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CONCEPT ANALYSIS “The Conclusion of Our Analysis”

Passive Solar Design

Menara Mesiniaga maximizes the passive solar design into their building. It plays with the sunlight that penetrates through the building and controlling it by using appropriate shading devices to reduce overheating and providing comfort ( Image 32 ).

The circular exterior shape of the building and orientation affects the amount of sunlight passing through as it accepts sunlight from all angles ( Image 33 ). Glazing and shading of glass windows are incorporated into the design to minimize the solar gain and heat load in the morning.

Glazed curtain walling is applied throughout the building to enhance natural lighting and also reduce temperature of the building and avoid overheating. Shading devices are also strategically placed at locations with high sunlight intensity ( Image 34 ). This is to give thermal comfort for users inside the building and reduce glaring as well.

Natural lighting is also found in the basement of the building which illuminates the parking lot,

toilets and air-conditioning generator. Window openings are placed on the ground directly above these spaces in order to provide sufficient lighting ( Image 35 ). This helps reduce cost of electricity.

Thermal Comfort

Open spaces and well planned ventilated areas can be found throughout the MenaraMesiniaga building. Spaces like garden terraces, rooftops, service core and stairs located in the building helps enhances thermal comfort for the users of the area by providing natural sunlight and ventilation ( Image 36 ).

The core uses extensive passive heating and cooling strategies and has no mechanical support because it’s programmed functions of circulation and washrooms involve low use period. Instead of an internal service core, the concrete core of the building faces the outside and is located on the east side of the tower. This orientation allows the core to shade the building from direct sun rays and its material construction allows it to become a heat sink that will reradiate absorbed heat into the insides at night.

The escape stairs are unenclosed and the elevator lobby and washroom spaces have shaded window openings that give in view and natural ventilation.

Thermal comfort in this building is more than effectively achieved by these specific features, where mechanical cooling system is put to optimum use, not overuse. Furthermore, studies have shown greater occupancy happiness and employee output where the building can offer a connection with external spaces whether it is natural daylight or sky gardens that let workers relax and feel as if they belong to a whole ( Image 37 ).

The major visible architectural elements topping off the office levels include a cantilevering rooftop pool and a curvilinear roof. The pool on the rooftop helps by insulating and reflecting the overhead sun ( Image 38 ). The overhang of the curvilinear roof is enough to shade most of the entire south facade from the high angled afternoon sun.

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Drawing of our Concept Analysis

Top Image 35 Sketch on different types of shading design used to reduce overheating.

Middle Image 36 Sketch of sunlight direction due to circular exterior.

Bottom Image 37 Sketch of glazed curtain walling and shading devices

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Top Image 38 Sketch of window placement on ground level

Middle Image 39 Sketch of natural sunlight and ventilation through spaces.

Middle Image 40 Sketch of natural daylight for garden terraces

Bottom Image 41 Sketch of reflection and absorption of sunlight.

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REFERENCE LIST Architectural review. V. 192 1993 Jan-June Space Design. 9401-9403 1994 Jan-Mar Balfour A. &Yeang K.Bioclimatic Skyscrapers – Ken Yeang, 1994 retrieved from http://www.worldcat.org/title/bioclimatic-skyscrapers/oclc/154770772 Bill Chan, M. F. ARCH 366: Environmental Design Case Study.

Ching, D.K. (2014) Green Building Illustrated, pg 32. Canada: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Google Maps. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.google.com.my/maps/@3.0302815,101.5852174 ,13z?hl=en Law J.H.Y. The Bioclimatic Approach to High-rise Building Design: An Evaluation of Ken Yeang’s Bioclimatic Principles and Responses in Practice to Energy Saving and Human Well-being, December 2001.

Powell R.Rethinking the Skyscraper: The Complete Architecture of Ken Yeang, 1999retrieved from http://www.worldcat.org/title/rethinking-the-skyscraper-the-complete-architecture-of-ken-yeang/oclc/43097372 Principles of Passive Solar Design. (2008, January 1). Green Building. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.greenbuilding.com/knowledge-base/principles-passive-solar-design Passive Design. (1994, January 1). . Retrieved April, 2014, from http://wiki.naturalfrequency.com/ wiki/Passive_Design What is thermal comfort?.(n.d.).HSE. Retrieved May , 2014, from http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/explained.htm Safamanesh, K. (1995). Technical Reviw Summary.

The Aga Khan Development Network. (2007). Menara Mesiniaga. Retrieved from Aga Khan Award for Architecture: http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=1356 Wind Finder (n.d.). Wind & weather statistics Morib/Kuala Lumpur Airport (near Putrajaya Lake) - Windfinder. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/morib_kuala_lumpur?fspot=putrajaya_lake Webkey (2008). Solaripedia | Green Architecture And Green Building. Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.solaripedia.com/images/large/3414.jpg Yeang K. & Hamzah T. R. Menara Mesiniaga Features Bioclimatic, 2010 retrieved from http://www.solaripedia.com/13/302/3419/menara_mesiniaga_sun_roof.html

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IMAGE REFERENCE Image 1 : retrieved by http://mssb.mesiniaga.com.my/asset/scms/image/public/mesiniaga.jpg Image 2 : retrieved by http://www.akdn.org/assets/7/1573.JPG Image 3 : retrived by https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8085414843_4f4e66e12c.jpg Image 4 : retrieved by http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/62479721.jpg Image 5 : retrieved by Google Map Image 6 : retrieved by http://www.solaripedia.com/images/large/3411.jpg Image 7 : retrieved by http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/134430345.png Image 8 : retrieved by http://www.solaripedia.com/images/large/3413.jpg Image 9 : retreived by http://www.archilibra.com/thesis/case_studies/menara_mesiniaga/east-west-section.jpg Image 10 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Image 11 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Image 12 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Image 13 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Image 14 : Sketch by Zhafri Azman Image 15 : Ecotech Analysis by Zhafri Azman Image 16 : Ecotech Analysis by Zhafri Azman Image 17 : Ecotech Analysis by Zhafri Azman Image 18 : Ecotech Analysis by Zhafri Azman Image 19 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Image 20 : Massing Model edited by Adila ZAAS Image 21 : Massing Model edited by Adila ZAAS Image 22 : Massing Model edited by Adila ZAAS Image 23 : Massing Model edited by Adila ZAAS Image 24 : Retrieved by http://myweb.wit.edu/oakess/Catalog/MM_ventilation.html Image 25 : Photograph taken by Kee Ting Ting Image 26 : Photograph taken by Kee Ting Ting 32

Image 27 : Photograph taken by Kee Ting Ting Image 28 : Photograph and Edited by Trevor Nico Image 29 : Photograph and Edited by Trevor Nico Image 30 : Edited by Trevor Nico Image 31 : Edited by Trevor Nico Image 32 : Edited by Trevor Nico Image 33 : Edited by Trevor Nico Image 34 : Edited and sketched by Trevor Nico Image 35 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 36 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 37 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 38 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 39 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 40 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana Image 41 : drawn and sketch by Sharifah Diyana

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FIGURE REFERENCE Figure 1 : Ecotech graph by Zhafri Azman Figure 2 : Ecotech graph by Zhafri Azman Figure 3 : Ecotech graph by Zhafri Azman Figure 4 : Ecotech graph by Zhafri Azman Figure 5 : Retrieved by http://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/morib_kuala_lumpur?fspot=putrajaya_lake

COVER PAGE REFERENCE Cover page 1 : Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Cover page 2 : Introduction : The Building Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Cover page 3 : Natural and Man Made Factor Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS Cover page 4 : Climate Analysis Retrieved by http://pws.yeesiang.com/upload/wysiwyg/image/blank_ malaysia_map/blank_malaysia_map.png

Cover page 5 : Sun Analysis Retrieved by http://www.solaripedia.com/images/large/3419.jpg

Cover page 6 : Wind Analysis Photograph taken by Kee Ting Ting Cover page 7 : Thermal Analysis Photograph taken by Trevor Nico Cover page 8 : Concept Analysis Photograph taken by Nur Adila ZAAS

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