ADP REPORT by Clara Lee

Final Design Comprehensive Report Cultural and Innovation Center, Muar, Johor, Malaysia Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture School of Architecture, Building and Design ARC60108 Architectural Design Project

Clara Lee Pei Lin 0324495 Tutor: Ar. Emmanuel Canlas

Contents

1.0 Project Background & Project Brief

1.1 Abstract 1.2 Introduction of Project 1.3 Project Objectives 1.4 Design intention & Question 2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.1 Brief Historical Background 2.2 Urban Studies & Macro Site Analysis 2.3 Micro Site Analysis 3.0 Design Strategies 3.1 Precedent Studies 3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process 3.3 Program and Circulation 4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.1 Sustainability Concept 4.2 Materiality 4.3 Micro-climate studies 4.4 Selected Details 5.0 Final Design Work & Renders

6.0 Conclusion

1.0 Project Background & Project Brief

1.1 Abstract

1.2 Project Introduction

With the theme of ‘Sustaining Humanities’, the final Architectural Design Project emphasize on people, place and time. People experience architecture through the senses of a place which is built over time. The notion of threading these three entities together through site specific design, one must learn to understand the historical qualities of the site as well as its immediate environment, its identity and diversity of the community that inhabits the area. Concept relating to sustainability and adaptability are to be induced within the details of architectural considerations whilst applying suitable technologies for the design to be realized.

Muar City was known for agriculture in the past, specifically herbs and spice which make soup their popular local cuisines. The population of the city has been decreasing over time as majority of the younger generation has gone out to the cities for other opportunity other than agriculture. Around two-thirds of the city has moved to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other cities to study, work and live permanently. With the migration of majority of the population, the remaining one third has stayed and continued with the city’s heritage, culture and way of life.

Designing site-specific architecture, understanding of the site context and targeted user group is the key. Site investigations are then carried out as a group, both in macro and micro scale to consider the impacts might bring to the site and user. Targeted user groups are drawn out simultaneously with primary design intentions, along with the planning of programme to reply to this.

This final design report documents the gist of the design process of my proposed building from preliminary analysis to the individually finalized proposal, providing an insight to what the site means to us collectively and my personal interpretations. The process of how I designed my brief to suit the site conditions and target user groups also justified.

- excerpt from module outline

Based on current feel of the place, Muar is need for a place to live, work learn and play to act as the heart and engine of the city. Public places, encourage human interactions and architectural intervention makes the place more meaningful. Currently the city has the Maharani Royal Town to attract tourist and visitors but requires the needed boosts to generate interest and appeal. The city of town is generally quiet after 7:00pm and literally not much happening in the outdoor or public areas.

According to the studies made by local and foreign researches, Muar is lacking of a ‘node’ that will allow local people to have their public activities, moreover, could ‘draw’ or act as a magnet to attract people from different places in Malaysia and countries to visit and stay in the place.

Presently, Muar has been recognized as the Furniture Capital of Malaysia 2018 and the Cleanest Tourist City in Asean Region for 2018-2020 by the government and prestigious awarding body. Two major positive attributes, artisan ship is internationally known, and it is a very enticing place to stay.

Final Year as part of the theme sustaining humanities are challenged to develop an architectural design intervention to the City of Muar and at the same image to know the culture and potentials of an aging town.

1.0 Project Background & Project Brief

1.3 Project Objectives

● ● ●

● ●

1.4 Design Intention & Question

Project answers the lack of prominent public and activity centre, which will keep people to stay instead of driving to Malacca and nearby cities for night life. The new node establishes sustainability to the place as possible income boost to the city of Muar. Establish a place as possible venue, avenue or center to showcase the culture, tradition and creative work of the people of Muar. Specially now as it is now recognized as Malaysia’s Furniture Capital. Possibly create an iconic image (through its architecture) a Cultural and Innovative Centre that as a new landmark and ‘image’ for the city. A place that can promote Muar to the world in terms of its food, culture, herbs and spices, Street Art (Murals), furniture making and as the cleanest city in Asean Region.

- excerpt from module outline

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.1 Brief Historical Background

OVERVIEW

The empty lands along the river and on site were once mangroves, open green spaces, and vacant area for the fishing village are now occupied by various built forms.

LANDS NEXT TO RIVER: MANGROVES AND FISHING JETTIES

LANDS NEXT TO RIVER: OCCUPIED WITH VARIOUS BUILT FORMS

ACCESSIBILITY

The addition of the sultan ismail bridge connecting Tangkak and Muar allowed better accessibility to Muar and circulation to,fro and within Muar. This addition has a downside as the public ferry terminal was forced to shut down and the only services using the ferry are the authorities, the sultan and the tourist river cruise service .

MAIN TRANSPORT ACROSS RIVER: FERRY TERMINAL

MAIN TRANSPORT ACROSS RIVER: BRIDGE

BUILDING FOOTPRINT

There is an increase in the pattern of building footprint over the years due to rapid development leading to a more organized urban layout ,The site used to have a concentrated building footprint along the river due to the ferry terminals being the only mode of transportation from northern and southern Muar hence the buildings were built near their source of income . The footprints then increased after the Sultan Ismail bridge was built as it allowed more people to migrate to Muar in a mass quantity searching for job opportunities and place to start up their life.

CLUSTERED BUILDING FOOTPRINT NEXT TO RIVER, DEPENDING ON FERRY AS TRANSPORT

CONCENTRATED BUILDING FOOTPRINT AFTER SULTAN ISMAIL BRIDGE WAS BUILT.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

District Division within the site

In general terms, the site has a distinction between these four zones in various ways. We can see the stark differences between these district through relevant businesses, activities, demographics, building typologies and style etcâ&#x20AC;ŚAdministrative district consists of huge single free standing buildings in a plot of land. Most of the waterfront is occupied by administrative buildings, acting as the barrier between common folk in the mixed-used commercial. Mixed used commercial district features variety of different businesses and typologies mixed together in blocks of shophouses, each different from the other. Some are large scale businesses such as banking office and cultural based mixed trading which refers to the traditional or classical arts and crafts shops which are more small-scale and family oriented. Moving further inland, is the residential district. Blocks of educational buildings are clustered in a corner as if serving use to the occupants in the residential district and the mixed use commercial district.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis Edge between water and land

Main vehicular road: Jalan Maharani

Main vehicular road 2: Jalan Arab

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

Heritage Tourism City

Muar, now 131 years old, is known for its food, diverse culture and heritage buildings,

Heritage Tourism City

Muar, is well known for their heritage cultures, and proper efforts are made to help make this cultures known, which in turn helps to boost their tourism. However, through site analysis we realized that the efforts do not cater to all demographics on site. Moreover, there is pattern of awareness of Muar by the locals, they are only aware of things that has been announced formally on deia, making no effort to dig out the real treasure of heritage culture that is present on site.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

Demographics at site

As this is the heart of Muar town, it features wide variety of different demographics in terms of racial, economic classes, activities as so on. There is a mutual understanding between the main groups of people, each understanding of the role they play in this clockwork of life that is evident in Muar city. Co-existing, and cohabitating with one another, contributing to the fabric of identity in this vibrant and happening town.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

Vehicular accessibility

To access from the PLUS Highway into Muar, one is required to cross across the Sultan Ismail Bridge, causing it to be a road of have very high traffic use. Jalan Maharani and Jalan Arab are the main roads in the town, causing it to very high traffic too. Jalan Arab is taken by people who wishes to bypass the mixed-used district and move further inland to the residential district. Jalan Maharani is the only road that leads back to the Sultan Ismail bridge, making it constantly heavy with traffic.

The low of the road is as such, if anyone had missed a turning or destination while in Muar Town, one is required to make a big round by going back to Jalan Maharani and turn back into the city as most of the blue inner roads are one way roads.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis Weekday Traffic

Traffic is only moderately congested during the weekdays and cars are still moving, even during the peak hours.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis Weekend Traffic

Traffic fluctuates throughout the days of the weekend. Jalan Maharani is pretty empty in the morning. However, when approaching 11am, cars leaving Muar for a short trip to Malacca emerges, condesting up the road. It clears up and return to normal by lunch time. However, at night one of the inner streets is closed and becomes and pedestrian only bazaar. The streets become alive again as locals and visitors try to find parking in the nearby streets.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.2 Urban Studies and Macro Site Analysis

As a city with humble beginnings next to the mouth of the river, Muar city still has traces of its former self: a fishing village, as local fisherman with small sampans can be found docked next to the market for easy access. Situated at the intersection of the open sea and river mouth, Muar has a international ferry service that sends people as far as Indonesia and Singapore. The marine police is present to make patrols and rounds as to secure the waters from pirates and smugglers, As Muar city is now rising as a new tourism city, they have made use of the water for tourism effort such as the Muar River Cruise.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.3 Micro Site Analysis

According to MPM which is the authoritative body for Muar City, the building will be built within the setback of 6m from the boundary of all sides with the exception of the main road facing Jalan Maharani, having a setback of 8m instead. There is no stated buffer distance for our building to the Muar River, thus sticking to the original allocation of 6m setback. To fit the travelling distance as according to UBBL 1984, there would be a minimum of 2 isolated fire escape staircase leading to the road level directly. In addition, a minimum of 20 parking lots must be provided with 2 disabled parking space.

Site boundary with setback.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

Site boundary with setback with height limitation indication.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

Site boundary with setback with height limitation indication.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

Section of site with setback with indication of water level.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

Vegetation on site.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.3 Micro Site Analysis

Site IDENTITY within the district?

Breakthrough the administrative barrier to the river

The site is positioned next to the river, where administrative buildings flanked the river, offering no space to the locals and shop owners in the mixed use commercial district a space and location to the river, creating a state of disconnection to the element which once was their life source. This led to a lack pedestrian activity near the river, contrasting the nature of site which has many human activities.

2.0 Site Contextual Studies

2.3 Micro Site Analysis

B. PESTLE Analysis To analyse the external environment of the site.

A. SWOT Analysis To analyse the internal environment of the site.

1. Political The site falls under the supervision of Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Majlis Perbandaran Muar as the location itself is a tourist hotspot. Collaboration with the ministries may provide advantage to alleviate certain regulations and policies for a positive project outcome. With Malaysia’s rapid improvement in the international sports level especially during the SEA Games, more focus and support should be provided by the Youth and Sports Ministry since Silat is one of the competitive sports that Malaysia commonly participates in.

Strength ● The government has good initiatives in helping the town to be cleaner and more conducive for living. ● High accessibility as next to main road. ● Close proximity to public transport: bus. ● Dual frontage facing to main road and river. Weaknesses ● Lack of entertainment and attraction facilities. ● Illegal double parking and traffic congestion due to insufficient parking. ● Laking of greenery that provides shading. Opportunities ● Opportunity to introduce water activities as the site is next to river. ● Tapping onto a nearby node during weekend bazaar ● Reinvent itself as an artistic industry to the extent of worldwide. Threats ● Declining population as the younger generation is working ● Losing of traditional craft skills ● Lacking of greenery might leave the site isolated.

2. Economy Jalan Maharani area is located at a strategic location close to commercial, administrative, office and educational institutions as well as iconic landmarks drawing in tourist and the local schooling community; programs proposed must benefit the community to prove to be economically beneficial for the client. 3. Social Proposed programs must be specifically designed to suit the needs of the existing community across various demographics of multiple races to ensure maximum participation from the community. With the numerous schools near to the site, the cultural center will serve as a healthy after-school activity for the youth, ensuring a healthy educational growth for the youth of our country. 4. Technology The proposed technological approach aims to introduce technological advancements that will aid in the learning and promotion of silat training, These technologies would only be available in the cultural center, thus increasing the effectiveness of training in the center. 5. Legal The design, safety, construction methods and other criteria of the buildings are set forth by the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL 1984). Thus the building must set out to obey all requirements as stated not only in design, but also during construction, and even when the building is operational. 6. Environment Usage of IBS system: precast concrete system will reduce the environmental impact of dust, air pollution and noise pollution due to construction on the site, as it is situated close to the shophouses, which has a high occupancy rate, reducing the risk of unhappy neighboring communities. Utilization of louvers incorporated to the spaces allow cross ventilation has resulted in the decrease of reliance in air conditioning. With the absence of air-conditioning systems, costs can be saved and environmental/GBI quality of the building can be preserved.

3.0 Design Strategies

(Singkawang Cultural Center, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia)

3.1 Precedent Studies

Pondok Ayam Geprek Sujaya Group (Veterinary)

Mie Tiaw Asuk

Bakmi Asu Yos sudarso

Singkawang Cultural Centre Kitty Ice House

Vegas Fried Chicken

Designed to revitalize an old inactive cinema for a meeting point in small communities where people come together to preserve tradition and develop cultural activities. Also as one of the tourist destination that ables to portray Singkawang and its people.

3.0 Design Strategies

3.1 Precedent Studies

(Singkawang Cultural Center, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.1 Precedent Studies

(Singkawang Cultural Center, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.1 Precedent Studies

Nestled in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, The Datai Langkawi is a captivating destination resort that blends into its natural surroundings. Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lush tropical rainforest embraces each room, suite and villa, with private verandas and breathtaking views. This serene haven is where you can reconnect with nature and uplift your soul.

The Datai Langkawi had extensively used timber as its main building materials from the structure of the roof to floor due to the great resources of the forest that wood can be easily obtained from the site, Other trees that were felled were used as columns or stilts as the main building structure of building, Most of the roofs were entirely framed un timber, supporting timber boarding and shingles. Rather than using heavy machinery, trees were felled by trained elephants and the wood reused in the construction. Where a clearing had to be made, new trees were planted immediately.

(Datai Resort, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia)

3.0 Design Strategies

(Datai Resort, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia)

The construction materials were chosen to align with Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for the architecture, celebrating Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural heritage but, primarily, to give the resort a sense of belonging to the jungle. Designed with Malay vernacular architecture in mind, the architect has injected a sense of contemporary elements into the resort, giving guest a nature and cultural experience.

The large roof eaves, with the use of verandahs help to provide pedestrians with shelter from the sun, wind, and rain, They also contribute to the merging of private interior spaces with the public space outside.

The verandah at Datai suite is used as an outdoor common space that connects the suites to encourage communication. It is also a panoramic verandah that provides spectacular view of the oceans and hill. Thus, large glass bifold doors are used at the openings of the verandah to utilise natural ventilation and encourage natural light to indirectly light the building.

Section showing the placement of bifold windows allowing ventilation.

Section showing building indirectly.

sunlight

lit

the

3.0 Design Strategies

3.1 Precedent Studies

(National Gallery Singapore)

StudioMilou has merged Singapore's former city hall and courthouse to create a new national art gallery, with a sculptural entrance sheltered by a curving canopy made from golden filigree and glass.

Concave canopy made from gold filigree metal and glass structure hangs over the entrance. The host buildings feature Ionic-style columns, an oxidised copper tower and pale grey stonework. roof

The glass and metalwork continues onto the roof of the gallery and is supported by a series of tree-like structures made from steel. Gold filigree

The perforations in the flat roof create a dappled light effect across the gallery's floor while helping to screen the artworks and visitors from harsh sunlight.

Glass

"I wanted the roof to give rise to accessible analogies for the public, such as the fibres of natural weaves and designs; rattan for example, or perhaps ikat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful things conjured through a stunning design gesture," said StudioMilou founder Jean-FranĂ§ois Milou.

Metal structure

Gardens, water features and a cafe set on the roof of the gallery provide visitors with views into the building and across the city to the sea beyond.

Tree like structure

National Gallery Singapore

3.0 Design Strategies

3.1 Precedent Studies

(Waterfall Building, Indonesia)

In the Mekarsari Fruit and Recreation Park on the Island of Java, Indonesia, is a stepped seven-storey building that is covered in plants. Water cascades down the facade of the appropriately named Waterfall Building, which contains the park's offices, in a series of seven waterfalls that flow into a lake.

Instead the traditional format of an office building of a rectangular rigid block. The waterfall building seems to take its inspiration from the Vernacular Indonesian architecture, giving it a sense of identity and placement within Indonesia. Ddespite the function of the building being the office of the park, the buildings sits well and blends into the landscape.

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

Silat Culture

Envisioning A Center of Discovery of Roots and Innovation of Culture

Silat: A Culture with Deep Roots Silat lintau was originally from Sumatra and was first brought to Malaysia in Muar in 1700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Since then, Silat has been embraced in other states of Malaysia as a form of cultural performance and indigenous martial art. Perhaps, it's time for the importance and knowledge of silat culture to be celebrated, acknowledged and made a pride of the Muarians.

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

(Site Response)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

(Massing Development, Design Features)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

● ● ●

● ●

(Spatial Studies)

- excerpt from module outline

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2 Diagrammatic Design Process

(Innovation)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.3 Program and Circulation

The programmes in this cultural and innovation center are arranged according to the skill sets from beginner level to advanced levels, allowing visitors and locals alike to learn and experience the different skills sets and aspects of Silat.

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2

Programme and Circulation

(Spatial)

3.0 Design Strategies

3.2

Programme and Circulation

(Spatial)

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.1 Sustainability Concept

4.2 Materiality

The Silat Cultural and Innovation Center is incorporate the essence of Vernacular Malay house to represent the Silat culture. Large overhanging roofs are used to help the comparatively massive building fit into the site context as well as provide shading for the building occupants facing the West sun. Spaced timber fins grace the facade of the building, allowing visual permeability into the building. As the building is next to the river, there is an intention of incorporating water into building, allowing the sound of water to echo throughout all the floors and spaces of the building. The end result is a waterfall that seems to emerge from the roof and cascades down the facade of the building. Greenery is also incorporated to help soften the edges of the building.

Proposed materials and construction method reflects the diversity of building style in the local context. Reinforced concrete are used for the majority of the walls and floors and timber cladding method is used in an expressionism manner in tandem with the concrete. The walls are primarily non-structural precast concrete supported by secondary precast R.C beam and column which is then transferred to the main steel structural members all the way to foundation levels through R.C pile. The steel construction is emulated as being rigid in contrast with the natural element and non-regular floor plan, creating an interesting architectural foundation for the circulation and aesthetic of the cultural center. Advantage of concrete walls is that they provide heavy mass against the hot weather outside.

Low-e glazed louver window and double glazed water roof are apparent throughout the building to create a totally transparent interior which allows sufficient natural lighting during the day while preventing overheating. The louver windows allows for control over natural ventilation throughout all the necessary spaces inside the cultural center, allowing it to be closed during rainy weather.

As a complement to the vegetation aspect of the whole scheme, structural Chengal timber is employed throughout in a limited yet aesthetic manner which balance the feeling of rustic and warm in response to the look being too commercial and new

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.1 Microclimate Studies

Shadow Diagram

The micro site is surrounded by many short 2 storey shophouses, with the exception of the 22 storey Muar Traders Hotel. The surrounding buildings do not provide much shading. There are even lesser shading on the western side due to the North-West side is facing the Muar River and is exposed to the evening sun. There is a need for some form of sun-shading device facing this direction, and the placement of less usable functional spaces on this direction.

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.3 Microclimate Studies

Cross Section Showing Natural Ventilation

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

4.0 Environment and Technological Strategies

4.4 Selected Details

5.0 Final Design Work and Renders

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s See Silat!

A center of stimulating interest and appreciation for Silat, a culture long existed, by injecting new perspective, for its time for the importance and knowledge of silat culture to be celebrated, acknowledged and made a pride of the Muarians.

5.0 Final Design Work and Renders