ABSTRACT (PJ TRADE CENTRE) In this case study paper concerning the PJ Trade Centre and it’s implementation as well as application of thermal comfort would be to understand and potentially highlight the benefits of thermal comfort properties of a building that is located in a year round hot environment such as Malaysia whilst also acknowledging the obstacles that may face such an application during or after the construction process (I). Based on what has been found thus far, it can be assumed that the thermal comforting properties of the building, through a mixture of passive and active means play an important and significant role in reducing the heat exposed to user of the building (O). To achieve the final result of the research necessary different means of gaining information were and will be utilised with notable examples being the use of literary references and sources as well as hands-on interviews as well as online research (M). To provide an initial and a more comprehensive understanding on the topic, similar locations were to be used as a case study, most exemplary of the Sunway University Campus (CS) and the National Library of Singapore (CS), both examples which rely heavily on thermal comfort applications and are similar in usage and site context. Both the Sunway University Campus building and National Library of Singapore include the extensive use of passive ventilation, most notably in the main foyer and reception areas where most people and students were to use the area as circulation on a daily basis. Both buildings are located in a dense urban environment as well, mirroring the PJ Trade Centre which would reflect the creativity in which the spaces are used in providing thermal comfort without sacrificing space and aesthetics. Both buildings benefit the use of passive ventilation via a large open space that allows winds to cross ventilate effectively, while PJ Trade Centre relies on using nature and cleverly placed ventilation slots and areas to effectively ventilate the building. The variation in this begins however, with the standout feature of PJ Trade Centre against both case study buildings are the type of materials used and applied throughout the entire building, and the construction methods that follow it. While both the Sunway University Campus and National Library of Singapore offer a very modern look with usage of modern materials and finishes, PJ Trade Centre flaunts its extensively naked look by comparison with its raw appearance and “unfinished� look all with the best intensions of the architect in mind (F). Hence, it can be concluded that though construction methods and materials may vary the application of thermal comfort is still universally done in a cohesive and largely similar method with small variations placed at the expense of the designer to provide the best outcome for the function and aesthetics of the building to work as a whole (C).
Written By, Kan Jia Wei Adrian 0319384
472 Words