ADP Final Report

ADP, 2017

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROJECT: KUALA LUMPUR ART COMPLEX AND COMMUNITY CENTRE DETAILED DESIGN REPORT BY: MELISSA ANNE MEI HONG LI (0320729) TUTOR: MR. PRINCE

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CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

02

1.1 Project Title and Overview 1.2 Project Aims and Objectives

2.0 Site Investigation and Contextual Studies

03

2.1 Kuala Lumpur’s Historical Background and Urban Form 2.2 Macro Analysis: Urban Studies

3.0 Project Background

06

3.1 Micro Site Analysis 3.2 Precedent Studies 3.3 Form Study: Massing Strategy According to Site Response 3.4 Key Intentions of the Design Proposal 3.5 Spatial Programming: Feature Programmes

4.0 Environmental and Technological Strategies

15

4.1 Solar Analysis and Corresponding Design Strategies 4.2 Wind Analysis and Corresponding Design Strategies 4.3 Acoustical Consideration for Performance Spaces 4.5 Structural Concept: Buildability and Services

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1.1 PROJECT TITLE: KUALA LUMPUR ART COMPLEX AND COMMUNITY CENTRE Located at Jalan Hang Ksturi, within the Heritage District of the city of Kuala Lumpur, the allocated site offers a variety of pedestrian oriented urban experiences; especially considering its proximity to numerous historic, cultural buildings and locations such as Dayabumi, Central Market, Kasturi Walk, Petaling Street and the soon to be completed River of Life project.

However, at present, the site has begun to lose its grip on the strong cultural identity it possesses as commercialization has taken over with emphasis being made on the tourist industry and not on the livelihood of the local community. The local arts and craft trade is limited to professional practitioners and the old folks of the city.

Hence, anchored by the Arts and communal participation, the proposed project aims to structure the identity of the site through the fostering of its local history and cultural heritage which is also in conjunction with the theme of Sustaining Humanities. This in turn allows for the prioritization of the local citizens as the project’s main stakeholder whilst aiding the River of Life Project in strengthening the quality of the city’s public realm.

1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES: I.

II.

III. IV. V.

To provide the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate advisory services, training, education and recognition for local arts and crafts as well as traditional performance arts.

To facilitate and promote local arts and cultural activities to all ethnic groups and levels of society with emphasis being made on the local youth of KL and on a larger scale, Malaysia.

This is to ensure the fostering of Malaysia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

To provide reference materials on local arts, culture and heritage to the general public.

To facilitate and encourage events that promote Malaysian arts and culture locally and internationally.

To connect the street scape with the design and to enhance the public realms introducing greenery and outdoor public spaces that reflect elements from Malaysian street market patterns which encourage the notion of strollability, thus becoming and anchor point for both the local community and foreign visitors.

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2.1 KUALA LUMPUR’S HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND URBAN FORM

Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1857, where colonies were set up to open tin mines by a member of the Selangor royal family. It attracted merchants leading to an early established community. This allowed the shop houses to take form and streets to be built for various transports. A river transport landing was allocated to ensure shipping of supplies for tin miners and allowed access to open trade.In 1960, the Klang river flow was redirected into a more linear form to suit the growing master plan. The high demand for transportation resulted in more symmetrical roads. In the span of 50 years, KL’s once small settlement increased rapidly with the addition of the new railway system after Malaysia’s independence. As transportation improved, proximity to the river was no longer needed and the urban pattern expanded to the South. Due to the congestion of the city center in the south, government policies were implemented to reactivate the waterfront and encourage pedestrian access. Also, the buildings have expanded into the roads to create narrower paths with layered towering structures.

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2.2 MACRO ANALYSIS: URBAN STUDIES 2.2.1. HUMAN ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO BUILDING TYPOLOGY

The linear built form retains the original footprint of the Chinese rowhouses of the 1800s. The scale and layout provides an intimate pedestrian environment. The linearity building features create an attraction for commercial public activities and private encounters. The enclosed areas consist of public, service, and civic buildings such as schools, stations and government administration. Within the enclosed building typology, open spaces in between allow public gatherings for communal activities. Point building typology consists of developed and redeveloped high rise offices and shopping malls. Public and private activities are seen confined within the building blo

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2.2. LEGIBILITY ANALYSIS

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3.0 MICRO SITE ANALYSIS: SITE ISSUES AND CORRESPNDING RESPONSES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE DESIGN PROPOSAL 3.1.1. PROPOSED SITE IN CONTEXT WITH THE RIVER OF LIFE PROJECT

At present the river creates superficial division of the urban fabric. Waterfront buildings currently face away from the river - less frequented pedestrian movement. The proposed site is located within Precinct 7 out of a total of 11 allocated Precincts that are part of the ongoing River of Life Project. They are located all along the Klang - Gombak river amounting to a total distance of 10.7 Km and are currently undergoing river beautification works to integrate activities along the river corridor and to coordinate public amenities provided in these areas. Hence the proposed Cultural Art Complex and Community Centre aims to complement the River of Life Project by aiding in activating the river edge and transforming it from a barrier to a connector.

3.1.2. RESPONSE TO THE HERITAGE TRAIL

Precinct 7 is the historical, geographical and social heart of downtown KL and is surrounded by famous civic and historical buildings and iconic destinations. It is also referred to as the Heritage Quarter which is along the city’s Heritage trail and focuses on conservation efforts while activating public spaces. The proposed project is to be designed to act as the focal point of the Heritage trail.

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3.1.3. CONTACT POINTS

RESPONSE: CREATION OF AN ANCHOR POINT

A variety of Landmarks and Nodes act as points of contact within a radius of 500m which is a comfortable walking distance for pedestrians. However, the lack of a strong community anchor to help connect them causes pedestrians to gradually move away from the site. Hence, the proposed project is to be a cultural anchor and landmark that compliments the major points of attraction within the 500m radius with proposed programmes aiming to create a balance between target and spontaneous points of contact.

3.1.4. INAVAILABILITY OF QUALITY URBAN GREEN SPACE

RESPONSE: INTRODUCING A PUBLIC PLAZA

Lack of green spaces for informal public interaction in close proximity to the site. Those that already exist, merely act as transition spaces for pedestrians. This indicates that there is a lack of public activity to grab the attention of passers-by and invite them to remain in these public spaces. Proposing a public plaza and informal outdoor spaces/seating areas in conjunction with the main programme of the project can potentially solve this issue thereby drawing in more people to the site and which enhances the quality of the city’s public realm.

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3.1.5. PEDESTRIAN CONCENTRATION

RESPONSE: REACTIVATING DORMANT ZONES THROUGH PROGRAMMATIC SCHEME OF THE DESIGN

As the day progresses, pedestrian activity moves away from the site.

Identifying a set of target users and activities can draw crowds back to site thereby reactivating it during dormant time zones.

A thorough analysis is conducted and a set of target user groups and corresponding activities are identified, all of which are site specific. Based on the information collected, the intention is to create core programmes that engage the local youth, while also calling upon the local workers, professional artists and elderly communities to pass on their valuable knowledge and experience to ensure longevity of Malaysian history and cultural heritage. This ensures that the livelihood of the local community is prioritized.

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3.2 PRECEDENT STUDIES 3.2.1. URBAN HUB

INSPIRATION FOR PUBLIC PLAZA:

Design by: Studio Komma Location: Melkwegstraat, The Hague, Netherlands Area: 3,000 sq.m Status: Expected completion, 2018 “Seeks to create an iconic building that is an accelerator for the transformation of an industrial area into a new energetic urban district.”

Programmes: The ground floor of the building will accommodate the flagship store of a social entrepreneur. The first floor will feature a public square and “urban playground” with offices and start-up spaces on the upper floors with a roof terrace on top.

INSPIRATION FOR STAGGERED FORM: Regular form means that the public square is enclosed.

3.2.2. OFFICES OF SOZAWE: (WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND WORK AGENCY) Design by: NL Architects Location: Groningan, Netherlands Status: Design proposal, 2009 Form development: The stepped volume typology for the office building creates numerous cross relations between floors. In total, there are 9 office floors. Each floor has access to an outdoor space that will feature trees and a view over the city.

3.2.3. HUANGDU ART CENTRE

Staggered form to better incorporate the park and gain max. views.

In response, MAD proposes to create a building composed of many small Hutong-scale pieces that culminate in a large overall volume. This will be achieved by stacking different courtyard layers on top of one another, creating an ethereal, semi-solid piece of urban fabric, a vague geometric shape, which maintains the spatial relationships and hollow core of the courtyards.

Design by: MAD Architects Location: Beijing, China Status: Design Proposal Located near heart of old Beijing, close to historic monuments, the site presents a dual condition: small scale Hutongs remain at the Western edge, yet the Eastern edge is bounded by a modern axis of major roads, shopping malls and hotels.

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3.2.4. COMMUNITY ART COMPLEX

3.2.5. PINGSHAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Design by: Arcbody Architects Location: Seoul, Korea Area: 7,347 sq.m Status: Competition Winner

Design by: OPEN Architecture Location: Shenzen, China Area: 23,542 sq.m Status: Construction stage

“A multiplex community hub that connects human, cultural organizations, schools and academic associations with the art archive as the medium that aims to be a space for creative and artistic social activities.”- Arcbody Architects.

“A centre that serves the public and achieves operational sustainability.” It reinforces the connection between the centre and its surrounding environment, evident in the inclusion of the outdoor plaza, public outdoor terrace and ample perimeter glazing.

Programme Structure: The focal point of the complex is the art archive and is complemented by related programmes including a library and a museum. These aim to facilitate cultural, artistic research and development, community education and public discourse, through exhibitions based on notions of preservation and collection. It also intends to connect a number of surrounding green spaces and will serve as a regular stopping point for locals and visitors alike.

Programmatic Diagramming

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3.3 FORM STUDIES: MASSING STRATEGY ACCORDING TO SITE RESPONSE

Buildable mass according to regulatory setbacks

Extruding volumes to allow for maximum views

Existing entrance maintained and a drop off point is provided

Building mass is lifted off the ground in response to Central Market, Kasturi Walk and RoL

Separation of complex into 3 main blocks

Intermediate levels for public attraction

Tapering of levels

Open air bridges connect the blocks together

Initial Diagrammatic Section The objective is to create more interactive opportunities for the public/users through the levelling of volumes and addition of intermediate levels

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3.4 KEY INTENTIONS OF THE DESIGN PROPOSAL 3.4.1. RESPECTING CENTRAL MARKET AND KASTURI WALK Since the site is in front of the entrance to Central Market and adjacent to Kasturi Walk, there is a chance of the design overshadowing them. Hence steps are taken to complement them during the design phase. Central Market is famous for its local art and craft sales. The proposed project provides the necessary spaces like studios/galleries for this culture to be cultivated and passed on to the local youth. The Complex is divided into 3 main blocks, each with its own specific function. These blocks are elevated above a ground floor public plaza with a main pedestrian street passing through and connecting to Central Market. The double volume open Public plaza is divided into intermediate levels that hold public activities and connects pedestrians to the River of Life.

3.4.2. RESPONSE TO THE RIVER OF LIFE PROJECT The location of the project along the river front and the connection to the arts and crafts within Central Market and its surroundings further strengthen the cultural identity of the river as the heritage heart of KL. The complex’s public plaza is designed to maintain connectivity from the pedestrian streets to the river, increasing the quality of urban, public experience.

3.4.3. OPEN PLAN CONCEPT This permeable environment is maintained within the complex to ensure a heightened sense of connection between spaces and to celebrate communal interaction. This is achieved by the open plan concept and transformative studio spaces and galleries within the complex. Eg: The Batik studio has dedicated spaces for each process. Yet, connectivity is maintained by large sliding doors that open converting them into one dynamic space.

3.4.4. NATURALLY VENTILATED BRIDGES: VISUAL CONNECTIVITY TO SURROUNDINGS Open air circulatory spaces connect the 3 blocks of the complex and are lined with planter boxes and seats to encourage informal gathering spaces that slow down the pace of the public so that they can enjoy different views of the city.

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3.5 SPATIAL PROGRAMMING: FEATURE PROGRAMMES 3.5.1. BASEMENT LEVEL: The proposed site is currently the parking lot for Central Market. Inability to replace the parking spots can cause major congestion at the site during major events etc. Therefore, a new parking space is designed at basement level to ensure that the space taken up by the building is given back. There are 50 parking spots available at the new basement.

3.5.2. PUBLIC PLAZA: Contains a variety of activities for the public like local food kiosks, arts and crafts sales and art supplies for the workshops, sunken space for street performances, along with upper ground level decks for vintage book sales craft displays and exhibitions. The addition of levels gives the plaza a dynamic outlook and encourages spontaneous public interaction; similar to the market patterns of KL.

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3.5.3. WORKSHOP STUDIOS Part of the Arts and crafts Block, these studios house daily workshops where the public/youth learn traditional techniques from professional artists/craftsmen. The first floor houses a designated Batik studio where spaces are allocated for the different processes in Batik painting. Painting, paper cutting, origami, embroidery take place in the common/flexi studios that are located on the second floor of the arts and crafts block.

3.5.4. INDOOR PERFORMANCE THEATRE Currently, professional cultural performance groups perform on the outdoor stage located at the site. These events range from weekly to seasonal performances and attract the public.

However, there is insufficient seating space for a large audience. The project will replace this outdoor stage with an indoor performance theatre located on the first floor of the Performance Block and allow comfortable seating for an audience of 150.

3.5.5. LIBRARY AND CULTURAL GALLERY This is the core programme of the Educational Block and provides collections of books/records on Malaysian history and culture on the first floor. There are also local cultural artefacts on display at the second floor.

3.5.6. ARTIST RESIDENCY Located on the 3rd floor of the Arts and craft Block, the artist residency consists of 2 dormitories, a common area and outdoor balcony for visiting groups of artists; especially professional groups who perform at the theatre during seasonal events.

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4.1 SOLAR ANALYSIS AND CORRESPONDING DESIGN STRATEGIES The longer facades are orientated along the Eastern and Western ends of the site. This is mainly due to the fact that the River of Life Project is located to the West and one of the design intentions is to provide visual connectivity to the river. Hence, openings are created along the Western façade. However, through the projected sunpath analysis, it is evident that the highrise buildings along the Western bank of the river provide shade to the site during the afternoons.

Furthermore, the introduction of trees and greenery onto the Western end of the ground floor plaza allows for a buffer that filters in sufficient sunlight, whilst also aiding in reducing the heat gain on site.

10.00 AM

12.00 NOON

Buffer zone created by including landscaping/trees to reduce glare/heat gain.

To further combat any excess glare from the Eastern and Western sun, rotatable sun tracking louvres are introduced in the design.

01.00 PM

03.00 PM

Eastern Elevation

Western Elevation Features of the Sun tracking louvre system Allows up tp 85% of optimal air flow.

Moves according to the sun’s posittion.

Energy efficient and light weight due to the sustainable aluminnium material used. (Timber finish Aluminium) In case of fire/gas breakout, they can be used as an automatic and immdeiate air exhaust system.

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4.2 WIND ANALYSIS AND CORRESPONDING DESIGN STRATEGIES According to the wind rose diagram, wind prevails from all directions throughout the year, but is predominent from South East towards the Nothern end of the site. As a result the complex is divided to provide a clear pathway to Central Market which is located along the same South-North axis and draws in the prevailing wind into the building.

In addition to this, since the building is elevated off the ground, the spaces at the public plaza experience cross ventillation. The upper floors are designed so that all connecting circulatory spaces are naturally ventilated. Provision of ample amount of greernery on the ground floor and these circulatory spaces also contributes in the cooling of the air that passes through the building providing a comfortable outdoor environment for visitors.

SECTION AA’ -Shows how cross ventilation at the plaza as well as stack ventilation occurring at the central atrium.

Upon completion of the River of Life Project, the existing overhead LRT line is said to proceed underground thereby opening up the views to the river from the complex’s Western Façade. This also means that as air flow passes along the water surface of the river, the temperatures are reduced thereby allowing cool breeze to ventilate through the building. This is the main reason the access point to the building from the River of Life is located at the Western end.

The project also aims to reduce high energy consumption by minimizing dependency on A/C systems. Since the ground floor plaza and circulatory bridges are naturally ventilated, the energy consumption is reduced. The open plan concept not only encourages visual connectivity but also allows for natural ventilation to pass through all spaces encouraging passive cooling of the building. However, due to Malaysia’s hot climate the enclosed spaces; especially the indoor theatre, library and cultural gallery make use of split air conditioning systems throughout the day. Apart from this, the passive cooling techniques mentioned above are encouraged in all other spaces to reduce the temperature whilst also keeping energy consumption costs to a minimum.

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4.3 ACOUSTICAL CONSIDERATION FOR PEFORMANCE SPACES The public plaza of the complex houses a sunken ametheatre space for local street performers. Due to the building’s close proximity to the LRT line on the West, this ampetheatre is located on the Eastern end of the building and is sunken in 1200mm in order to avoide excessive noise caused by the rest of the activities in the plaza and the noise from the passing LRT. The main indoor theatre however, is located on the first floor at the western end closer to the LRT line. In this case, the performers changing rooms are designed on the Western end adjacent to the theatre. This indoor space then becomes a buffer zone between the performance theatre and LRT line.

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DETAIL A

ROOF LEVEL FFL. 14028MM

25MM KALZIP PROFILE SHEET KALZIP PURLIN PITCHED ROOF

150MM THERMAL INSULATION

GI RAINWATER GUTTER

20MM VAPOUR CONTROL AIR LOCK LAYER 70MM TRAPEZOIDAL SHEET STEEL PURLIN

ROOF LEVEL FFL. 14028MM VERTICAL SUN TRACKING TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRE SYSTEM

3588

GI RAINWATER GUTTER

200MMX300MM STEEL I-BEAM SECOND FLOOR LEVEL FFL. 10440MM

DETAIL A KALZIP PURLIN ROOF SYSTEM

DETAIL B

SCALE 1:10

VERTICAL SUN TRACKING TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRE SYSTEM 3960

50MM IDLE END HOUSING SINGLE LAYER LAMINATED GLASS WALL SYSTEM

300MM WIDTH CARRIER LINKAGE SYSTEM

SECOND FLOOR LEVEL FFL. 10440MM

600MM WELDED STEEL CATWALK 50 MM THK CEMENT RENDERED FINISH FIRST FLOOR LEVEL FFL. 6480MM

150 MM THK RC SLAB

50MM IDLE END HOUSING SINGLE LAYER LAMINATED GLASS WALL SYSTEM

3960

200MMX3500MM TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRE 20MM ROTATING PINION ANCHOR BOLTS

300MMX300MM STEEL H-COLUMN

600MM WELDED STEEL CATWALK TO PRIMARY BEAM STEEL BRACKET CONNECTION

4320

GLASS RAILING WITH 50MM THK STEEL FRAME

WOODEN DECKING

FIRST FLOOR LEVEL FFL. 6480MM

DETAIL B SUN TRACKING TIMBRE FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRE SYSTEM

STEEL JOIST

INTERMEDIATE DECK FFL. 2160MM

GLASS RAILING WITH 50MM THK STEEL FRAME 2160 50 MM THK CEMENT RENDERED FINISH 150 MM THK RC SLAB

GROUND FLOOR LEVEL FFL. 00MM

4520 BASEMENT RETAINING WALL

200MM THK RC SLAB

BASEMENT LEVEL FFL. -4320 MM

PILE FOUNDATION 800X 800 MM PILE CAP

WALL SYSTEM SCALE 1:30

SCALE 1:10

50 MM THK CEMENT RENDERED FINISH 150 MM THK RC SLAB

B

C

XSIZE YSIZE

XSIZE YSIZE

dp 50mm

dp 50mm

1300 XSIZE YSIZE

XSIZE YSIZE

1700 2600

1000 XSIZE YSIZE

XSIZE YSIZE

dp 50mm

1800

A

A'

1000 1000

1700

1530 dp 50mm

900

B'

C'

PLAN SCALE 1:50 3277

3277

1800

150MM THK RC SLAB

1800MM X 900MM CEMENT FINISHED TILES

900

900

900MMX600MM TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM FRAMED TOP HUNG WINDOW

3400 1200

1200

900MMX600MM TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRES

2000

670

820

750

680

150MM THK RC SLAB WITH 20MM CEMENT RENDERED FINISH

450

200

700

SECTION AA' SCALE 1:50 2600

4000

1800MM X 900MM CEMENT FINISHED TILES

1800MM X 900MM CEMENT FINISHED TILES

DETAIL A 600

600

600 3400

1100

3400

1200

1200 1000

600

600

50 670 150MM THK RC SLAB WITH 20MM CEMENT RENDERED FINISH

2046

SECTION AA' SCALE 1:50

150MM THK RC SLAB WITH 20MM CEMENT RENDERED FINISH

750 450

SECTION AA' SCALE 1:50

2600 150MM THK RC SLAB

900MMX600MM TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM FRAMED TOP HUNG WINDOW

900MMX600MM TIMBER FINISH ALUMINIUM LOUVRES 600 1160

600 3400

600MMX1000MM MIRROR 1200 1000 600

GRAB BAR

FLIP UP GRAB BAR

750

700 450

150MM THK RC SLAB WITH 20MM CEMENT RENDERED FINISH

DETAIL A : OKU TOILET FITTINGS

SCALE 1:20