Asian Architecture Report

ASIAN ARCHITECTURE ARC2234 PROJECT 1B

CASE STUDY PAPER “A Study of Extensive Thermal Comfort Application in PJ Trade Centre”

WRITTEN BY KAN JIA WEI ADRIAN 0319384

TUTOR MS ALIA AHAMAD

DECLARATION OF SUBMISSION This is to certify that: 1) The report comprises original work towards the course work on Asian Architecture (ARC2234).

2) Due acknowledgements have been made in the text to all other materials used.

Signed by:

SIGNATURE

KAN JIA WEI ADRIAN 0319384

26 JUNE 2016

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ABSTRACT

This project consists of running a contextual architecture study & case study paper using the information gained in lecture class, as well as in the corresponding study trip to the selected building to product a final case study paper for submission. Running for a total of 13 weeks, this projects aims to integrate architectural design and research through a specific case study, supporting students’ design through extensive research within the framework of Contextual Architecture in Asia.

Furthermore, as this project is driven by the learning in Architectural Design Studio 4, this project would no doubt aid the students in the learning of Contextual Architecture in Asia. As Malaysia is a tropical country with tropical weather conditions, there are many steps that had to be taken by architects and building designers to pass through unique conditions such as torrential rain and the searing heat. Hence, with the chosen PJ Trade Centre being the focus building of the case study, there are many implementations and approaches that was done by the architect to even implement weather into the design.

Therefore, this case study would focus on the thermal comfort and the properties that the designers took to designing the building. Some of the items that would be researched on include the usage and type of materials, placement and usage of vegetation throughout the building as well as the ventilation approaches to the building all to achieve thermal comfort. All work done on this case study paper is referenced from many different sources, including books, journals, websites and many more. As said before, with Malaysia being a country that is very hot and very wet, it is very important to study the approaches made by the architect into the thermal comfort.

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ACNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Koh Jing Hao, the head coordinator for the module of Asian Architecture, for providing leadership and guidance towards the execution and application of the project from start to finish.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ms Alia Ahamad, whom as my tutor provided me with personal guidance and comments on a weekly basis in tutorial classes that lead me towards the right path and direction in the completion of this project.

Lastly, I would also like to provide my thanks to my fellow course mates that, whom if were not around throughout the duration of this project, would not have resulted in the completion of this project as comprehensive as the results today as they provided useful information and assistance when called upon.

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LIST OF FIGURES, PLATES, ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE Figure 1.01 Artist’s Impression of PJ Trade Centre

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Figure 1.02 Final build and completion of PJ Trade Centre

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Figure 1.03 Average temperature in Kuala Lumpur

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Figure 1.04 Average rainfall graph in Kuala Lumpur

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Figure 1.05 Average humidity in Kuala Lumpur

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Figure 3.01 A hollow concrete block

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Figure 3.02 The concrete blocks at PJ Trade Centre

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Figure 3.03 Concrete blocks (RIGHT) extending upwards on the main façade

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Figure 3.04 Prevailing wind acting on PJ Trade Centre

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Figure 3.05 The green area infront of the building

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Figure 3.06 Trees located on the first floor

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Figure 3.07 How shading is affected with trees

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Figure 3.08 The main stairs that lead to the green lung and front of the building

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Figure 3.09 Showing the opening and the wind circulation

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Figure 3.10 The location and flow of the opening from one façade to another leading

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to the green area

Figure 3.11 General diagram showing cross and stack ventilation in a building

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Figure 3.12 The walkway that leads to the openings located on the left of the picture

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Figure 3.13 External shading with trees

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Figure 3.14 The public space under shading (notice shadows)

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Figure 3.15 Slabs located on floors that provide shading

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Figure 3.16 Concrete floor, concrete ceiling

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Figure 3.17 Simple steel stairs and concrete

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SUBJECT

PAGE

Cover Page

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Declaration of Submission

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Abstract

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Acknowledgement

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List of Figures, Plates, illustrations

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Table of Contents

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Introduction to Building

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1.2 Site Analysis and Overview

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2.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

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3.0 CASE STUDY

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3.1 How does the materials used in PJ Trade Centre help

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in increasing ventilation?

3.2 How does the use of vegetation improve thermal comfort

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in and around the building?

3.3 What are the effects of using large openings around the

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building towards ventilation and increasing air flow in and around the building?

3.4 What are the considerations given to shading devices that

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aid the thermal comfort in PJ Trade Centre?

3.5 Is the usage of sustainable materials successful in aiding

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thermal comfort?

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4.0 CONCLUSION

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APPENDIX

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REFERENCES

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction to Building

Figure 1.01 Artist’s Impression of PJ Trade Centre Source: http://www.pjtradecentre.com/gallery.html

PJ TRADE CENTRE is a unique and new office/commercial hybrid building located in Petaling Jaya, North-West in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area. According to the representing website of the building, ( www.pjtradecentre.com ), PJ Trade Centre is a new approach to building design that is aimed at providing comfortable workplaces as well as a healthy environment to work in. The website further mentions that in addition to those qualities mentioned above, natural light and cross-ventilation is implemented significantly to improve building comfort. Moreover, by using eco-friendly and energy efficient design considerations, the website claims to run on significantly lower maintenance costs as compared to the average office building located in and around Kuala Lumpur as well.

All these features, as stated with their own words, “has the potential to enhance productivity, lower absent rates, improve staff morale and result in a higher quality of work being produced.

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PJ Trade Centre was designed by famed local architect Kevin Mark Low, whom personally has an interest and inclination of building and designing buildings with an environmentally friendly and efficient approach. The building completed construction in December 2009 under the development leadership of developer Tujuan Gemilang, whom, incorporated in 2005, represented the construction of PJ Trade Centre as one of their maiden projects in this industry shortly after forming.

PJ Trade Centre boasts a land area of 5.4 acres, with 2.5 acres devoted solely for the placement of a landscape plaza that serves as the green lung to the building and the corresponding area. Other information about the building include the presence of 4 full tower blocks, each about 20 stories in height with a built-up area of 2000-5000 square feet per lot ( www.propwall.my ). Other unique build features of the building include higher than normal ceiling heights of 3.8 metres.

Figure 1.02 Final build and completion of PJ Trade Centre Source: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/59644854

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1.2 Site Analysis and Over View

The building is located in the Greater Kuala Lumpur metropolitan region that boasts year round weather of sun and torrential rain. With the building so defined and closely connected to the environment and its effects, it would be good to take a look at the weather patterns and statistics of the area.

Figure 1.03 Average temperature in Kuala Lumpur Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/kuala-lumpur-weather-averages/kuala-lumpur/my.aspx

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Figure 1.04 Average rainfall graph in Kuala Lumpur Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/kuala-lumpur-weather-averages/kuala-lumpur/my.aspx

Figure 1.05 Average humidity in Kuala Lumpur Source: http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city

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Based on the three weather charts above of yearly temperature, rainfall and humidity levels obtained from reputable and credible weather sources, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia in general receives a lot of sunlight and warm temperatures (average 33 degrees Celsius), A LOT of rainfall (raining on average 67% of a month), and has an extremely high humidity level (60%-90%). With these conditions many architects and designers designing in Malaysia and similar locations around the world opt to incorporate the weather into their building designs and this is no different.

Furthermore, a study conducted by scholars on weather conditions in Malaysia (Jamaludin, 2015) came to the conclusion that indoor temperatures in Malaysia are much higher than indoor design conditions recommended in the Malaysian Standard: MS1525:2007, which only serve as a more urgent need to incorporate passive design strategies as those implemented in the PJ Trade Centre.

Of the many ways the architect has used the weather to effective use towards the building’s concept, a study trip conducted recently found that the usage of vegetation, materials as well as shading and ventilation properties used throughout the building were all part and form a large umbrella of design strategies that all work together to create and achieve the intention of the PJ Trade Centre’s environmentally friendly design.

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2.0 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

With what was introduced and found out about the building, a set of research questions were drafted out to provide a further study certain matters and properties of the building which relate and correspond to thermal comfort, the questions are which listed below:

1) How does the materials used in PJ Trade Centre help in increasing ventilation?

2) How does the use of vegetation improve thermal comfort in and around the building?

3) What are the effects of using large openings around the building towards ventilation and increasing air flow in and around the building?

4) What are the considerations given to shading devices that aid the thermal comfort in PJ Trade Centre?

5) Was the decision of a sustainable design approach successful in aiding thermal comfort?

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3.0 CASE STUDY 3.1 How does the materials used in PJ Trade Centre help in increasing ventilation?

The material used for a building will affect the look, construction and function of the building (Gabrielli, 2014). Using different types of materials require different requirements and not all materials will work with one or another. The designer of the PJ trade centre took to incorporating the raw look and feel of construction materials, namely concrete, bricks and steel, into the design of this building with unique results.

The designer took it upon himself and went one step further, using said materials in aiding passive design strategies such as providing increased volume of ventilation.

One such example of this is the usage of hollow concrete blocks and incorporating it into the faรงade to improve ventilation.

Figure 3.01 A hollow concrete block Source: http://dir.indiamart.com/pune/concrete-hollow-blocks.html

How this works is that the concrete block is rotated and used with the hollow area as the faรงade of the wall, enabling wind to pass through. This is used on outdoor public areas such as the cafeteria, whereby using this negates the purpose and need of an active design strategy for the area such an enclosed air conditioning system.

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Figure 3.02 The concrete blocks at PJ Trade Centre Source: Kan, 2016

Furthermore, the usage of this exact method to provide ventilation extends to the large concrete faรงade that happens to be the face of the building, with the same concrete blocks seen extending high into the sky.

Figure 3.03 Concrete blocks (RIGHT) extending upwards on the main faรงade Source: Kan, 2016

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This method of providing ventilation works in tandem with the cross and stack ventilation systems, which feed and run through these hollow blocks to ensure there is sufficient natural ventilation running across the entire area of the building.More importantly, for cross ventilation to work, there needs to exist a certain form of prevailing wind acting upon the building or site. How this affects and works on PJ Trade Centre is detailed below in the prevailing wind diagram.

Figure 3.04 Prevailing wind acting on PJ Trade Centre

With the presence of prevailing wind, this wind is used effectively with the usage of materials to provide proper ventilation which, results in proper thermal control and a more comfortable experience of using the building.

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3.2 How does the use of vegetation improve thermal comfort in and around the building?

The usage of vegetation and greenery on not only a building, but an area that is outdoors to provide shading and thermal control is severely understated (Miflin, 2016) and underused especially in this region. It is no surprise that deforestation is directly linked to global warming, and with the city council of Kuala Lumpur seemingly removing old and large trees on a daily basis (www.nst.com,my, 2016), this city does not seem to provide the proper respect for flora. However, the architect and designer recognises this issue and used vegetation as a frontier and important aspect of thermal comfort in PJ Trade Centre. As mentioned above, with a 2.5acre green lung area located on the front of the building, this greenery area not only serves its aesthetic purposes but also as a crucial thermal control area.

Figure 3.05 The green area infront of the building Scource: Kan, 2016

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When present during the study trip, it is found that the temperature directly in and below the green area would see a reduction of about 1-2 degrees Celsius from the corresponding area with no trees located just a few metres away. These reductions in temperature would fluctuate even more during the night and on raining and cloudy conditions. Besides the main green area, the usage of vegetation is also noticed in many locations in and around the building, including the upper levels.

Figure 3.06 Trees located on the first floor Source: Kan, 2016

Figure 3.07 How shading is affected with trees

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Based on figure 3.07, the diagram shows how the trees produce shading and affect the area. Based on personal experiences on the study trip, the addition of this green area help in providing extra thermal comfort as the trees provide a shaded area to walk around the area without being uncomfortable from the sun and sweat. The lower temperature also improves the situation when in use and thermal comfort is improved further.

Figure 3.08 The main stairs that lead to the green lung and front of the building Source: Kan,2016

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3.3 What are the effects of using large openings around the building towards ventilation and increasing air flow in and around the building?

Another unique feature that the architect has implemented into the building to improve cross ventilation is the presence of large tunnels, shafts, and openings located on the ground floor of the building that channels air throughout the building. How this opening works is shown and explained in the picture and diagram below.

Figure 3.09 Showing the opening and the wind circulation

From figure 3.08, it is seen that these large openings open up both sides of the faรงade and provide an area/tunnel in which the prevailing winds are able to channel the air.

What is resulted from is an effective and very environmentally friendly as well as sustainable way of cross ventilation. Evidence that this method does work was shown in the study trip when the wind intensity is noticeably higher when stood in front of this tunnel.

More importantly, these openings lead to the main green area where most people and users are to walk around when the building is in use, hence it makes sense that additional ventilation to the area is created as it improves thermal comfort by a substantial amount.

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Figure 3.10 The location and flow of the opening from one faรงade to another leading to the green area

Figure 3.11 General diagram showing cross and stack ventilation in a building (NOT PJ TRADE CENTRE)

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To provide a more elaborate explanation, cross ventilation is driven by the prevailing winds located at the site and the effectiveness of the cross ventilation the dictated by how the architect places openings and windows (www.wisegeek.com, 2013).

Following the explanation of the large openings above, the cross ventilation system is very effective as the narrow channel and appropriate distances between each opening provide the air sufficient space of entering and exiting without losing much velocity.

This leads to good airflow, better reduction in temperature and improvement of thermal comfort.

Figure 3.12 The walkway that leads to the openings located on the left of the picture Source: Kan, 2016

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3.4 What are the considerations given to shading devices that aid the thermal comfort in PJ Trade Centre?

Well-designed shading devices can dramatically reduce building peak heat gain and cooling requirements and improve the natural lighting quality of building interiors (Powler, 2014). As with every aspect of this building, the shading devices used in the building are unconventional and provide a unique approach to shading the building.

Firstly, the most obvious form of shading device used on the building are trees that provide external shading.

Figure 3.13 External shading with trees

Then, there is the usage of concrete blocks and slabs that aid in the shading. Usage of hollowed concrete blocks on the main faรงade as mentioned earlier also provide sufficient shading from direct sunlight, which also allowing some form of light to pass through in certain amounts as well. This means that with the concrete blocks shielding the interior spaces from intense sunlight glass is able to be used from top to bottom of an office floor without compromising on thermal comfort.

Usage of cleverly placed concrete beams also provide good shading. This is most prominently seen in open public spaces that connect the towers. On these public spaces contains seats and areas where users could enjoy their time outside of the office and the shading provided directly above (which incorporates the placement of trees as well) shades the area sufficiently to the point on which that users feel comfortable when being around the area.

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Figure 3.14 The public space under shading (notice shadows) Source: Kan, 2016

The shading is focused solely in areas where users would need additional shading comfort such as on seating areas and such.

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Figure 3.15 Slabs located on floors that provide shading Source: Kan, 2016

The picture above shows how the concrete slabs are carefully placed (blue) to provide proper shading to the levels below (red).

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3.5 Was the decision of a sustainable design approach successful in aiding thermal comfort?

Through all the evidences and diagrams explaining the decision of the architect to use an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to provide thermal comfort in addition to the designing of the PJ Trade Centre, it is without a doubt that the approach was very successful. The sustainable approach lead to less usage of materials, with the implementation of raw materials as designs it lead to the reduction of the usage of materials such as ceramic or paint that is always ever present in buildings located in Malaysia.

Figure 3.16 Concrete floor, concrete ceiling Source: Kan, 2016

The usage of concrete, steel and glass in large amounts would also mean that the overall temperature of the building may be reduced more quickly with less components and materials to cool through. This also helps improve thermal comfort. The usage of trees which provide shading and reduces temperature would also lead to the encouragement of users of the building to walk outside more as the weather no longer plays a role in thermal comfort. When more people prefer to go outdoors rather than 27

stay in the entire time or day, ultimately the total carbon footprint of the building would be reduced as well (Centre For Climate and Energy Solutions, 2006). Trees are also, in essence, easy to replace, easy to maintain, sustainable and is good for the ecosystem in general.

Figure 3.17 Simple steel stairs and concrete Source: Kan, 2016

The implementation of passive ventilation, be it cross or stack in almost all of the building would also lead to less reliance and usage of active ventilation systems such as fans and air-conditioning systems which, when used in the long run, is very expensive, very energy consuming, very damaging to the environment and releases a large carbon footprint (U.S. Department of Energy, n.d.) especially with a building the size of PJ Trade Centre.

Ultimately, the sustainable approach to this building would lead to unique outcomes and solutions to achieving thermal comfort in ways that is rarely seen in a climate such as in Malaysia.

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4.0 CONCLUSION In conclusion, thermal comfort may be achieved in many other ways besides the conventional methods that are popular in Malaysia, namely via active ventilation systems. Architect and designer of PJ Trade Centre Kevin Mark Low understood the need and provide an example of a good example of passive design strategies that work as well as a building that would fit into the Kuala Lumpur landscape.

Through the understanding of the site, location and weather patterns associated with the project, the architect is able to design using sustainable materials and environmental friendly solutions with great effect.

Furthermore, with the usage of flora extensively, the architect is able to make a statement that in this modern world with cities popping up all over the world there still exists a cohesion between building and nature that provides many benefits as well.

Letting users experience nature right in front of their offices is great way to educate and expose to the public that thermal comfort may be achieved not just by blasting your air conditioning unit but also through many natural means as well.

Moreover, using raw materials incorporated into the design also allows a new perspective into design with the public, whose perception towards building design and material usage is perceptively negative towards post-modernism styles as it is deemed too simple and “dirty”, “unfinished” in this part of the world.

However, with the completion of construction of the PJ Trade Centre merely half a decade ago there is plenty of time for the public to wake up and be more accepting to this new breed of hybrid city buildings that will inevitably find its way around more and more in this city.

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APPENDIX

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REFERENCES 1) "PJ Trade Centre - About: The Concept | PJ Trade Centre". Pjtradecentre.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

2) "Photo Gallery I | PJ Trade Centre". Pjtradecentre.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

3) "PJ Trade Centre, Damansara Perdana | Propwall". Propwall.my. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

4) Naim, Muhammad and Muhammad Naim. "Panoramio - Photo Of PJ Trade Centre".

Panoramio.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

5) "Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Weather Averages | Monthly Average High And Low Temperature | Average Precipitation And Rainfall Days | World Weather Online". Worldweatheronline.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

6) "Weather London - Uk - Weatheronline". Weatheronline.co.uk. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

7) Jamaludin, Nazhatulzalkis et al. "Thermal Comfort Of Residential Building In Malaysia At Different Micro-Climates". Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 170 (2015): 613-623. Web. 28 June 2016.

8) "Building Materials | Product | Travis Perkins". Travisperkins.co.uk. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

9) "Concrete Hollow Blocks In Pune, Maharashtra, India - Manufacturer And Suppliers".

Dir.indiamart.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

10) "Publications | PJ Trade Centre". Pjtradecentre.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

11) N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

12) "Architecture | Whole Building Design Guide". Wbdg.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

13) "Vegetation In Architecture - The American Institute Of Architects". Aia.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

14) "We Lose Our Roots When We Cut Down Trees". NST Online. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

15) "What Is Cross Ventilation? (With Pictures)". wiseGEEK. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

16) "Sun Control And Shading Devices | Whole Building Design Guide". Wbdg.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

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17) "Buildings Overview | Center For Climate And Energy Solutions". C2es.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

18) "Air Conditioning | Department Of Energy". Energy.gov. N.p., 2016. Web. 28 June 2016.

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