ADP Final Report

ARC60108

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN PROJECT REPORT

AQUATIC RECREATION CENTER NAME: CHAN YI QIN

STUDENT ID: 0315964

TUTOR: MR. EMMANUEL

00 CONTENT 01 INTRODUCTION 1.1 ABSTRACT

1.2 PROJECT INTRODUCTION

1.3 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

02 SITE INVESTIGATION + CONTEXTUAL STUDIES 2.1 SITE HISTORY

2.2 MACRO SITE ANALYSIS

2.3 MICRO SITE INTRODUCTION

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.1 MICRO SITE ANALYSIS

3.2 PRECEDENT STUDY

3.3 DESIGN INTENTION

3.4 PROJECT BRIEF

3.5 SITE RESPONSE

3.6 DESIGN STRATEGY

3.7 SPATIAL PROGRAMME

04 ENVIRONMENTAL + TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY 4.1 SUN PATH + ORIENTATION

4.2 WIND

4.3 GREEN SPACES

4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

4.5 MATERIALITY

01 INTRODUCTION 1.1 ABSTRACT The main goal of the project is to push forward a design that is in relation to the theme of Sustaining Humanities. The term ‘Sustaining Humanities’ refers to the act of preserving the planet, as well as improving the human condition. Architecture then plays an important role in providing and designing a space that betters the quality of human life, and helps to improve their day to day activities. In the context of Kuala Lumpur, to sustain humanity is to create a self sustaining community one that depends very little on external factors to survive. The issue of over commercialization of building affects the society in a way that the local community no longer has any sense of attachment to the local buildings. This project aims to restore the sense of place within the community. It is also important to note that the project is closely knitted to the River of Life project, a project that wishes to revamp the river of Kuala Lumpur and add more meaning to its existence. This also goes hand in hand with the theme of Sustaining Humanities.

1.2 PROJECT INTRODUCTION The project, the Aquatic Recreation Center, was conceived as a result of a thorough study of the site, with the aim of being to understand the human patterns, characteristics, issues, and strong points that the site may possess. From these findings, an issue was deducted and to be addressed which would aim to complement the existing site. Ultimately, a center of games and recreation was thought out as the findings suggest that the site as well as the city of Kuala Lumpur itself lack any suitable viable concrete alternatives to pockets or locations of public space that provide necessary nature relief to the urban dwellers. Hence, the design language, programs on offer as well as the landscaping of this project is aimed to be as natural as possible, with maximum possible use of trees, green landscaping, water features as well as accommodation of sunlight and wind. The contextual response was also implemented with the Tasik Titiwangsa running parallel to the site being incorporated into the experience of the building and space within the site for the target users. This approach to design was also conceived as a result of the need to adhere to the theme of ‘Sustaining Humanities’ which was the aim of the project.

1.3 AIM & OBJECTIVES The main objective of the project through the building and its programs is centered on creating spaces that attracts users of all ages and providing them with a reason to stay on site beyond hectic academic and working schedules, providing them with activities that benefit or compliment their existing way of life. Besides, there exists the objectives that are more relevant to project management, such as the need for the project to be completed in time. Completion of the project within the stipulated time would require planning well in accordance of the entire duration of the project with thoughts into any unforeseen errors that may odd more time to the overall project.

In addition, it is essential that the project is managed to its constraints as strictly as possible. Outlooks such as time, budget, quality, and scope must all be laid down and understood by all parties involved to avoid any misunderstandings and errors in communication which arises all the time that affects these 4 points greatly more often than not.

Furthermore, the building, when completed, should also be ready with the flexibility of facing any potential emergencies or accidents that may arise throughout the lifespan of the usage of the building. When called upon, the features of the building should be able to protect or serve the users well in that it does not become a detriment but a vital access point for quick turnarounds. Finally, the project should see the cooperation of all the parties involved in all sectors from the development and construction of this building to ensure the most efficient productivity.

02 SITE INVESTIGATION + CONTEXTUAL STUDIES 2.1 SITE HISTORY Located in the north-eastern fringe of Kuala Lumpur, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is a recreational park with a large lake as its main attraction. The Titiwangsa Lake Gardens is a recreational park for the public. The gardens feature a huge central lake that was a byproduct of tin mining activities under British Rule. Later on, the area was cleaned up and developed into a park.

There are many facilities at the park which includes jogging tracks, aqua biking, canoeing and other outdoor activities. There are two less common facilities also available at the park; the horse riding facility and the radio control car racing track. There are also food and drinks sold around the edge of the lake for visitors to buy while enjoying the scenic view. In the mornings, the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens are full of joggers as it is a good place to run and train for competitive races.

Location Plan N.T.S

View across to the KL city skyline

02 SITE INVESTIGATION + CONTEXTUAL STUDIES 2.2 MACRO SITE ANALYSIS

Relationship between Built and Unbuilt Provides intimacy and sense of enclosure which defines the boundaries.

Urban Grain Contrast between fine and coarse creates focal point.

Formal vs. Informal Site at contiguous area, acts as the engaging point.

Point of Interest National landmark gives impression to site; local landmark creates familiarity.

Path Major path branches out to a network that wraps around, multiple ingress points are met.

Foci Both sites are sandwiched between 2 prominent nodes, thus physically and visually easily reachable.

Institutional

Residential

The Frame Hard edges frames area of potential users.

Soft edges promotes engagement in free flowing space.

District Urban park as the heart of this district.

02 SITE INVESTIGATION + CONTEXTUAL STUDIES 2.3 MICRO SITE INTRODUCTION The site is currently a food court named Restaurant Nelayan, surrounded with two tennis courts that primarily caters meals to visitors and tennis players when visiting Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

The Titiwangsa LRT station that is well connected to the rest of the city train network serves as the primary mode of transport. Around the Titiwangsa Lake Gardens are the National Library, Restaurant Nelayan, National Art Gallery, National Theatre (Istana Budaya) and the Sutra Dance Theatre. The National Theatre or more commonly known as the Istana Budaya by the locals is Malaysia's main venue for all types of theatre such as classical concert, opera, operetta and musical theatre from local as well as international performers. As for the National Art Gallery, it is a magnificent building with unique architecture inspired by traditional Malay architecture.

Site 4 Bird’s Eye View

Site 4 Front Elevation

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.1 MICRO SITE ANALYSIS

bike rental construction

Permeability & Transparencies Defined boundary defines movement, thus directional linear flow.

office

plaza

carpark food stalls

school food stalls

Visual Analysis Line of sight.

User Group Close proximity to destination, directs potential users to use that path; potential users play a role in program.

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.1 MICRO SITE ANALYSIS

Weakness : absence of node

Opportunity : Observation platform

Activity Spine & Nodes Sites intersect with spine which absorbs the vibrancy of the park.

Threat : pedestrian’s safety questioned

Strength : Single entry point

Site 4 Swot Analysis Temporal Quality Fluctuates throughout the day.

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.2 PRECEDENT STUDY Divecube Hotel, Taiwan The Divecube Hotel, Asia’s first hotel with a pool dedicated to scuba diving and freediving, launched in Taichung, Taiwan. Filled with over six million liters of clear, filtered water the 21-meterdeep (69 feet) pool boasts five different depth levels, an artificial shipwreck display and an elaborate cave system.

Divecube is meant to be both a diving playground and training area, allowing landlocked divers the opportunity to go diving in the heart of a major city. The hotel caters to all kinds of guests, from those with no prior training in diving to those who are experienced divers. Such a proposition will be especially interesting for divers from the north of Taiwan, where cold weather and rough seas make diving unfeasible during the winter months.

At 21 meters (69 feet), the pool is the deepest of its kind in Asia. It spans seven floors from the fourth floor, where divers enter, to three floors below ground level. The ‘underwater shipwreck

The 21-meter-deep (69 feet) pool boasts five different depth levels.

adventure’ is an artificial shipwreck display that is designed to look like the inside of a ship. More experienced divers can challenge themselves by exploring the artificial coral reef cave system which starts at ten meters and snakes through a tunnel-like labyrinth. Six large windows placed in various spots throughout the pool enhance visual capabilities within the pool and offer divers the unique experience of peering out from underwater towards the surrounding city of Taichung.

More experienced divers can challenge themselves by exploring the artificial coral reef cave system which starts at ten meters and snakes through a tunnel-like labyrinth.

The crystal clear filtered pool boasts elaborate caves at 10 meters deep, a window look-out to the city underwater and replicas of shipwrecks.

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.3 DESIGN INTENTION An aquatic center with recreation facilities, a place where people could exercise, relax or spend a social day with family and friends.

The vision of Taman Tasik Titiwangsa being an urban living room calls for an intimate urban setting, a setting that is supported by various functions and programs of a ‘home’. As an integral part of the park cultural and living precinct, we consider the development of the Aquatic Center is to find its identity within this intimate yet dynamic urban setting. The proposed Aquatic Center is to serve as an urban backyard for local people and visitors. As in Malaysian culture, meeting and spending time in the backyard is not a popular social and recreational experience for family life, yet. City life here does not involve any form of interaction with nature of any kind, and life in the city is generally seen as stressful, fast paced, and hectic. This is where the proposed building and programs aim to solve this persistent issue. Programs catered to relax the physical side of the human body, whilst the spaces, landscaping work together to provide mental rejuvenation, all while complimenting the existing context without alternating any of the city life features.

In short, the new aquatic center offers the visitors an oasis of water, soft landscaping and vegetation, as well as opportunities for leisure, gathering and active recreation.

Aquatic Recreation Center Exterior Perspective

3.4 PROJECT BRIEF The building must be no larger than 2,000 sq.mts. and not lesser than 1,800 sq.mts built-in a minimum of 3 levels and maximum 5 levels which include the covered circulation spaces.

Basement Parking does not count in floor area and level requirements. Fully open spaces, landscaping & others are not to be included in area calculation.

As a guide to specific use, the final building should take into account the following, with approximate percentages to be used as a guide:

• 3-5% Services/core (lift, fire safety apparatus, pipe, M&E room, waste disposal etc.)

• 5-10 % staff accommodation (staff quarters, visitors lodging, temporary stay & alike)

• 5-10% administrative space (offices, storage, file/supplies room, etc.)

• 20-30% circulation (halls, corridors, stairs, ramps, lobbies, etc.)

• 20-30% public space (restaurants, shops, library, toilets, MPH, etc.)

• 30-40% programme-specific space (e.g. classrooms, kitchens, lecture halls, etc.)

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.5 SITE RESPONSE

Man Made Lake The site, immersed within the wetland landscapes of Titiwangsa Lake Garden. The lake itself, like many of the small lakes in the Klang Valley, was originally from tin mining activities and has since been nicely cleaned up and landscaped to form the centerpiece of this popular park.

Topographic Insertion A new geography constructed from the topographic insertion of key water and recreational programs into the site.

Industrial Scale Urban Trellis A remnant large span roof is elevated over the new landscape, providing an industrial scale urban trellis shading the forecourt and pool landscapes, and containing the large span dry programs of the gymnasium and fitness rooms.

Embedded Recreational Landscape The newly constructed topography of headlands and valleys embeds a contemporary recreational landscape and pools within the flat normal man made landscape.

Landscape Ground Plane With the wet program located in the introduced headlands and the dry program located in the industrial roof scape, a landscaped ground plane is free to extend across the full footprint of the site.

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.6 DESIGN STRATEGY

Within a Landscape The site is located on what was once a rich and diverse landscape of mining site. Its image and experience will be defined by the essential qualities of this landscape typology. An open woodland will envelop the site via mix of iconic local trees with a uniting low understory of textured indigenous plants.

Community Participation The park is animated by a range of leisure and recreational facilities. These overlapping activities bring the community of all ages together in a park environment that speaks of this place and its role in the greater Kuala Lumpur context.

Creating Space The community is brought into this woodland setting via sculpted clearings activated by a sequence of destinations.

Forming Topography A new topography is generated to define spaces and activities within the park. Playful landscapes, pool, architecture, and social spaces are framed within the landform.

Connecting the Spaces A line of travel that wraps around the pool and weaves its way through the park landscape. Promenade, recreation, fitness and social engagement are brought together via a single circulation and activity spine.

Touching Lightly The last act is to gently rest a new built form that references the sites industrial past on this topography.

03 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3.7 SPATIAL PROGRAMMING

The Aquatic Recreation Center is designed to cater to people of all ages and abilities that are present around the site. The proposed building consists of three floors, a lower ground level and a roof level. Proper landscaping and the extensive use of greenery is expected in line with city municipal requirements as well as the relation to the concept.

Instead of appearing as an object at the site, the aquatic center appears as an integrated part of the landscape. The aquatic center rises towards north (Taman Tasik Titiwangsa), creating an urban gesture contrasting the city, while at the same time screening Taman Titiwangsa from the hectic and fast-paced urban life.

Inside aquatic center, level zero (lower ground level) includes fitness facilities, changing rooms, creche, and retail. Mezzanine ground level sits a toddler pool and outdoor leisure pool. Ground level oers cafe while level one includes administration facilities and sta accommodation. The sub-aqua equipment store and compressor room specifically for scuba diving pool is located at level two. The roof levels sit the platform for scuba diving pool and giant water slide entrance.

04 ENVIRONMENTAL & TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY 4.1 SUN PATH + ORIENTATION One of the most crucial factors of the building is its relationship with sun and orientation. Different spaces require different amount of sunlight, this is controlled by positioning the pools according to different orientations according to its needs. Shade dots of different transparencies are also used to control the amount of sun penetrating the building. Through a perforated opening natural lighting and ventilation is allowed in the underground space.

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1700 Shadow casting diagram

Sun path diagram

04 ENVIRONMENTAL & TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY 4.2 WIND The wind speed diagram shows that a larger amount of wind comes from the North-East heading towards the South. The loose floor plan allows wind to pass throughout the building, allowing it to be naturally ventilated. The open area that carves through the middle of the building also creates a wind tunnel effect that cools down the space.

Wind speed diagram

Wind rose diagram

4.3 GREEN SPACES This project aims to create a green area within the site as a tranquil and complementation to the hectic city life with the use of earth based materials as well as trees and landscaping.

Therefore, green spaces are also initiated to maintain the conditions of the surrounding landscape and green elements to ensure optimal performance of the entire site and building as well as maintaining the essence, concept and purpose of the project.

Green spaces are introduced throughout the building in order to reduce heat island effect.

04 ENVIRONMENTAL & TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY 4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Timber roof beams from sustainably managed sources

Natural ventilation at pool concourse level and high level exhaust

Drought tolerant indigenous plant species

Green roofs provide thermal mass

Pool blankets reduce heat loss at night

Diuse natural daylight

Excavated materials re-used in earth berms

Water collection from playing field re-used for park

Low-E performance glazing

Planting provides biofiltration

Concrete with low cement content reduces embodied energy

Exposed thermal mass maintains even temperature

Underfloor air supply uses natural buoyancy of warm air to reduce energy consumption

Treated pool backwash water reused for irrigation

Environmentally Sustainable Design Concept Section

04 ENVIRONMENTAL & TECHNOLOGICAL STRATEGY 4.5 MATERIALITY Low Carbon Concrete Concrete is already a low carbon product compared to many other common construction materials. Low carbo concrete utilizes locally sourced aggregate.

HDPE Shade Cloth High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fabric is extremely strong, durable and resistant to tearing. The fabric incorporates the latest in Ultra Violet (UV) stabilizers that naturally shades building.

Prefabricated Steel Steel construction utilizing a prefabricated structural steel frame can reduce overall building costs by 2-3% when compared to reinforced concrete.

Recycled Timber Timber has the ability to store carbon for its entire service life, using sustainable sourced timber can help tackle climate change and transition to a low carbon economy.