TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 Project Background Abstract Introduction Project Aims Project Objectives
02 Site Investigation Site Introduction
04 Environmental & Technological Studies Environmental Strategies Sustainability Concepts Material & Resources Structural Concept
Historical Background Site Significant Issues Urban Studies Macro Site Analysis
03 Design Strategies Micro Site Analysis Precedent Studies Programme & Project Brief Site Response & Form Studies Spatial Programming
05 Final Design Site Plan Floor Plans Elevations Sections Sectional Perspective Visualisations
Project Background
01
Abstract This module is a thematic studio based on the theme of “sustaining humanities� - architecture for people, place and time. Designing for sustainability has been a fundamental issue for architects in our time within global and regional contexts. In line with the current discourse on sustainability, it upholds the believe that architecture can create better places, that architecture can affect society and humanity, and that it can have a role making a place civilized by making a community more liveable. Understanding the site context and the targeted user group is the key to designing site-specific architecture Therefore, the proposed design project is developed to reflect theme and finalize a programme that addresses the needs of the required user group, as well as provide spaces that invite interaction with the surrounding contextual conditions. In addition to the theme of sustaining humanities, the module focuses on the development of integration with technology, environment and cultural context in architectural design.
Introduction Sustaining humanities is about designing an architecture for people, place and time where it also act as a catalyst in making a place civilised by making a community more livable. The studies of human culture, where subjects such as literature, philosophy and history are taken into consideration as well, ensuring that the culture of a certain location is respected and included in the architecture itself. The site given for Eric Chang Studio is next to the crossroad of Jalan Imbi and we were required to design a building with a specific function and include necessary requirements such as issues related to the programme, user, site and other regulatory requirements, in conjunction with the buildability, sustainability, feasibility and other relevant considerations to express and produce a well thought out design. The building designed must not exceed 2000 sqm and not lesser than 1800 sqm with a plot ratio of 7 with only a 20 ft setback from the railway track as it is a shophouse typology site. A cultural centre of the traditional art of weaving named WW. EAVE is proposed to give a variety to the current homogenous macro site.
Project Aims The project intends to integrate Traditional weaving into a Cultural hub to preserve and promote the importance and significance of this traditional culture to the current generation. It is a place for the community to enjoy, learn and appreciate the techniques, values and hardship of the traditional weavers. It also acts as a platform to raise cultural awareness of the artistic weaving craft products. The weaving centre would serve as a hotspot for the neighbourhood where people could gather and enjoy the tradition of weaving while connecting with people. It also encourages passive contacts and informal activities to take place, creating a socializing and user friendly interactive hangout space where the local community and tourists would cross path.
Project Objectives ●
Preserve the local weaving tradition and emphasize the importance of this traditional culture to the younger generations through the workshop lessons and sharing sessions.
●
To form a focal point for the community and increase the opportunities for organized activities & cultural events to take place.
●
Provide a safe inviting environment for the community’s youth and enrich the lives and social opportunities of senior citizens that also allows the local communities to cross path with the tourists, creating a high density gathering and social bond regardless of race and nationality..
●
To create a national landmark to educate both local and international communities about the art and cultural heritage of traditional weaving to tourists without dismissing the participation of the local communities.
●
Improve quality of life through enhanced social, cultural, and recreational offerings, and provide a space where the community could be actively involved in programs and activities that are currently not available.
●
Maximise usage of passive design such as natural ventilation & natural lighting (vernacular architecture)..
Site Investigation
02
Site Introduction Crossroad of Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur The project site is located next to Wisma SPS at the junction of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Sultan Ismail. It is currently a parking lot surrounded by majority commercial driven buildings such as Berjaya Times Square, Sungai Wang Plaza, Lot 10, Low Yat, Parkroyal and more. The site is granted with an excellent view towards the TRX project and it is facing Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi. It is also situated in a strategic location, sandwiched in between two monorail station which is the Bukit Bintang Station and Imbi Station. The site has a gross floor area of 14805 sqm and a total buildable floor area of 2115 sqm.
Historical Background
Top from L to R: B.B Park Amusement Center, B.B Park Carnival, Dato’ Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay Bottom: Timeline of shopping malls openings
The Birth of a Retail Cluster In the 1950s, Bukit Bintang was well known as a leisure & entertainment hub. B.B Park Amusement Center by the Old Shaw Brothers and B.B Park Carnival were operating during that period, drawing the masses to the area. Three decades later, in an attempt to revamp Bukit Bintang, Dato’ Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay (a well-known developer) proposed a retail cluster in the district. Soon enough, Bukit Bintang had a boom of commercial shopping malls as seen from the timeline above. Today, Bukit Bintang is recognized as the heart of KL’s Golden Triangle, with more major developments on the rise such as the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), guaranteed to bring more people into the commercial hub.
Site Significant Issues Hidden in Plain Sight One of its most significant issue on site is the obstruction of view looking towards site by a monorail track. Standing at approximately 10.5m tall (3 storey height) with big columns supporting the track, the view looking into the site is obstructed. Therefore, careful orientation of building needs to be considered when designing it. Moreover, the site itself slopes down toward Jalan Imbi at a height of 1.3m, making the approach to the site from Jalan Imbi levelled at a different height.. Considerations to resolve this issue is to focus on drawing people into the site through the main entrance of the building, ie the facade or by attracting people from the back of the site where people mainly passes through from Sungei Wang Plaza. Another is to level the site at 0m, in order to maintain the continuation of pathways into the site.
Site Significant Issues Site Analysis (S.W.O.T.)
Strengths -
Strategic location where the site is situated in a commercialized
Opportunities -
area that caters to tourists and various high density activities. -
Pedestrian circulation is enhanced due to the neighbouring
type of users around the site. -
monorail stations. -
Multiple access point surrounding the site.
-
Corner lot with a large frontage.
Weaknesses -
Lack of shading on site.
-
Monorail track located closely to the site.
-
Traffic congestion before and after working hours,
A variety of possible programmatic responses for different There’s a constant human flow around the commercialized area that form nodes, reducing the need for advertising.
-
Public facilities is well maintained. Crossroad and shaded pedestrian walkway lead people to the site.
Threats -
Main access intersect with the heavy traffic flow.
-
Visitors may feel uncomfortable due to smoke pollution on site caused by heavy traffic.
Site Significant Issues Site Analysis (P.E.S.T.L.E.)
// Site Analysis (P.E.S.T.L.E.)
Politics
Technology
Malaysia has advanced technology Within the construction
In
industry. In recent years, the government had introduced BIM
technology in construction management. It could investigate
technology in construction management. It is able to analyse
and identify risk and obstruction before construction and avoid
and detect risk and obstruction before construction and avoid
unnecessary delay in the project.
recent
years,
the
government
had
introduced
BIM
unnecessary delay in the project.
Economic
Legislative
As the site is located in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur where various group of community serve and with the availability of iconic national landmarks, it draws tourist and local
community,
programs
proposed
that
benefit
this
community would prove to be economically beneficial for the client.
Sociology The proposed programmes are specifically designed to suit the needs of the existing community and to enhance the positive social impact for all the users that visit the building.
The design and planning of the buildings are all based on the requirements set by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in reference to the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984. The project has to abide by the regulations where typical setbacks are applied and a 20 ft setback is required from the railway track.
Environment Due to the lack of green public space in Kuala Lumpur, pocket gardens are introduced into the design and large amount of green design, sustainable strategies are utilized to minimize the use of mechanical cooling system.
Urban Studies
Why BB-Imbi needs a cultural centre?
Why a cultural centre needs BB-Imbi?
A reciprocal relationship Through our site analysis, we discover that there is potentially a symbiotic relationship that can exist based on the above questions - why does the site and my building need each other. It is a good idea to introduce a cultural centre in Bukit Bintang-Imbi because of its homogenous programme typology which lacks diversity. By introducing a new programme typology of culture, it will be a refreshing statement to a heavily commercialized district. On the other hand, a reason why a cultural centre is fit to be build in BB-Imbi is the lack of market for culture. Since there is a demand for culture on site, there should be a market available to provide culture. Moreover, being an urban hotspot which has reached critical mass will ensure the continuous influx of visitors into my building.
Macro Site Analysis
Commercial Image & Consumer Culture Bukit Bintang - the macro site, is a heavily commercialized district, with 90% of its building committed to commercial activity, while the remaining 10% is allocated for residential and education. The commercial activity has been displacing communities out of the district since the boom of the retail cluster. With the strong commercial image on site, it has then led to a profit-driven identity. This has resulted in the site losing its soul of permanence. Rather, the activities that are contained within are mostly touch-and-go. Hence, there is need to implement a building where the heart of Malaysian culture can be brought back to the area, even through one sole and distinct programme alone. There needs to be a start for culture in the district for the area to thrive holistically, which ultimately leads to the design strategy of the building.
Design Strategies
03
Micro Site Analysis
Active Pedestrian Circulation
Comprehensive Public Transport Network
Being a transit point of major landmarks within the site territory, the
The accessibility of the site is further encouraged with comprehensive
scape of roads and streets are well-connected and exposes the site to the
network of public transports for users from distant areas through
pedestrians passing by
RapidKL bus lines, metropolis monorail and Hop-on & Hop-off tour buses.
Concentrated Vehicular Traffic
View & Vista
Very concentrated as paths in the site veins through and are connected
The site takes advantage of its visual exposure for visitors from
to every major landmarks. Crossroad connects to major highways acting
surrounding landmarks of its source of crowds such as Berjaya Times
as an access gate for visitors from outside suburb areas as well.
Square and Sungei Wang mall.
Precedent Studies İstanbul Gülsuyu Cemevi and Cultural Center Location: Istanbul, Turkey 12000 m²
Objective: Is to serve modern society’s needs and honor past culture. To design a religious and cultural complex for the Alevi population (a religious minority group practicing Islam) that can serve modern society’s needs and honor past culture.
The building focuses on cultural sustainability, using Alevi culture and values as its inspiration. Humanism, modesty, socializing and a strong connection with nature and surroundings are the core principles of its design. UNITY + BALANCE A series of repeated modules express a differentiating of programmatically distinct areas, while maintaining the unity of the entire complex. CONNECTION + INTERACTION The experience at street level and spaces to socialize are taken into consideration. Public spaces are created within the complex by a roof and terrace landscape with visual and physical connections within itself for people to interact.
Precedent Studies El Tranque Cultural Center Location: El Tranque 10300, Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile 1400.0 m2
Objective: The creation of a space (a void) of convergence and integration as the center of the building.
OPENNESS The central void is a place that would maximize the public character of the building, where integration between the inhabitant and the cultural actor can take place.
It is an "inner" public place where cultural activity can be given free and daily, where, while some perform there, others witness it, and in
turn,
while
they
are
spectators, indirectly participate in cultural activity.
The project opens onto the street and towards the
Each volume receives a different program. while on
neighboring square, fostering the idea of ​a public
the first floor are located the most public and
place.
dissemination programs (Auditorium, Exhibition Hall, Cafe area, etc.)
The suspended volume is suspended in a series of VOID + INTERACTION
pillars, symbolizing inhabitants, users and public of
The second level have the areas of training such as
Thus, the project itself is the justification for creating this void, which is shaped by
the building, understanding that without them, this
musical, plastic arts, scenic, culinary workshops, etc.
the interaction of the two opposing volumes:
building would have no sustenance.
Programme & Project Brief For this project, a traditional weaving centre is proposed to preserve and promote the importance and significance of this traditional culture which is prominent throughout Malaysia in the olden days. Weaving is not merely a particular way of making cloth or objects but is inextricably bound up with structure value history and identity of the community in which it practised. While spreading knowledge, it could also bring people together and create acknowledgement of the diverse cultural identity of Malaysia to the local community, visitors and tourists. The weaving process is extremely tedious and intricate that it requires patience, dedication and passion of a weaver to complete the art. The particular design of each product is deep-rooted and associated culture. The design mark and define its members' behaviours and perceptions that connects people with their traditions and portraits of a great civilisation. They also convey the embedded meanings, traditions, knowledge and values of society and its people. The crossings of the weaving patterns reminiscent a strong bond that conserves the process and signifies a mark of unity in time where the interlocking patterns symbolise the interlacing of people, place, space and architecture. It is used as the blueprint for the circulation in the design, with an idea of creating contact points when people walk through the building where their paths collide and create a unique experience that excites them to explore the building. The movement of the people and the abstraction of weaving patterns links together, where visitors move through spaces informally, interweaving within the blurred boundaries and discover different aspects of optical connection and light gradually.
// The interlocking patterns symbolise the interlacing of people, place, space and architecture //
Programme & Project Brief // Primary Programmes :
// Auxiliary Programmes :
-
Exhibitions space
-
Pocket gardens
-
Art gallery
-
Coffee bar
-
Workshops and Studios
-
Outdoor patio
-
Co-working space
Exhibition spaces act as the first primary contact point where visitors can be familiarised with the current activities going on in the building. Then, followed by the workshops and studios where visitors can learn skills and knowledge of the traditional events. Hands-on activities will be presented to let visitors acknowledge the hardship of the traditional weavers. The program provides courses and lessons for baskets and textile weaving with no age groups and hierarchical social restrictions. The co-working space or sharing studio also encourages visitors to share their thoughts and techniques with each other. Besides that, public areas are designed as an extension of the site that enables visitors to use the provided spaces to socialise and advance the social value of the landscape and the complex.
Key Features
●
The dyeing room and the rattan outdoor studio are located at the top floor near the frontage where passerby in the monorail could catch a glimpse of the studios.
●
Co-working sharing space where visitors could exchange thoughts and techniques among each other.
●
Courtyards of green pocket spaces incorporated in the building where visitors would weave in close proximity with nature with a tranquil mind and be connected with others as well through passive contact even when one is creating their masterpiece.
Site Response & Form Studies
Spatial Programming Ground Floor
Lounge A transitional place that allows visitors to slow down their pace from the hustle and bustle of the city before exploring the building.
Entrance/ Outdoor Exhibition Area
Cafe
Seamless transition from the public realm
Openable frontage that connects to
to interior, blur the boundaries between
the public realm to enable visitors to
exterior and interior. Also enables exhibition
enjoy a cup of coffee as well from
and informal activities to take place.
the exterior. Mini Gallery & Kiosk Area Students showcase their works here and visitors would be able to purchase it here.
Spatial Programming Mezzanine Floor
Feature Staircase
Gallery/ Exhibition Space
Staircase designed in the middle of the
Extension of the mini gallery from
building, utilising the negative space,
Ground Floor where visitors had a
connecting
glimpse of the big picture before
all
floors
and
spaces
together. It can be seen in almost every space in the building.
exploring different spaces.
Spatial Programming First Floor
Outdoor Weaving Studio (Plants) Enables visitor to weave outdoor with nature rather than in a tight and confined space and also act as an attractive facade to attract passerby/ monorail passengers.
Office Administrative office
Private Studio A more intimate space for people to Watchpoint Visitors could look down to the Outdoor Exhibition Area where visual connectivity is still present even though they are on a different level. Would not be excluded from what’s happening in the public realm.
Sharing Studio The main studio for plants type weaving. Encourages people to share their thoughts and knowledge and create engagement among each other.
weave
and
thoughts.
lost
in
their
own
Spatial Programming Second Floor
Office Administrative office
The Dyeing Room Visitors
could
experience
how
prepare and dye the threads needed for Pua Kumbu before weaving. Also act as a attraction to passersby and monorail passengers
Sharing Studio
to
The main studio for textiles type weaving.
Private Studio A more intimate space for people to weave
and
thoughts.
lost
in
their
own
Encourages people to share their thoughts and knowledge and create engagement among each other
Spatial Programming Third Floor
Accommodation Hostel for guests or designers.
Designer Studio Co-Working Space Encourages
the
Studio for invited guest or masters to interaction
people and exchange opinions
of
share their weaving knowledge or organize talks.
Environmental & Technological Studies
04
Environmental Strategies
Louvres / Sun Shading Screens Being a transit point of major landmarks within the site territory, the scape of roads and streets are well-connected and exposes the site to the pedestrians passing by
Sunlight Exposure The site lacks of urban shelter and therefore the building directly receives sun ray from sunrise to sunset throughout the day. Furthermore, the concentrated activities of traffic and construction in surrounding creates an urban heat island and threatens the thermal comfort of users in the site.
Wind Orientation The direction of wind flow in the site is most prominent from North East to South West. In order to achieve thermal comfort viacool the internal temperature of the building while avoiding excessive intake of sunlight, thorough orientation and allocation of openings had to be considered upon design process.
Overhang Roofs / Cantilevered Massing Being a transit point of major landmarks within the site territory, the scape of roads and streets are well-connected and exposes the site to the pedestrians passing by
Environmental Strategies Cross Ventilation Most of the openings are designed to face North east in order to achieve satisfying thermal comfort in its interior while avoiding excessive heat from the sun. The allocation was also considered in relation to the functionality of respective spaces as well.
Stack Ventilation The stack effect within the monolithic structure of the building was achieved with vertical voids or air-wells to enhance the ventilation of air within the building. As the breeze of air flows in from the east, with the help of orientation of inner structure, the air is lead to the central air well, rising up through the change of temperature whereby the hot air gets replaced with newly flown cool air from outside again.
Sustainability Concept Sustainability Achievement Methodology in Design The orientation of structure of a building determines how much site elements of ventilation and sunlight it can take advantage of upon design phase. In order to achieve thermal comfort via receiving enough wind inflow to the building interior without excessive sun glare, the orientation and allocation of operable openings were placed on north east direction of the building. Once the fresh and cool outside air has flown into the building, cross ventilation is carried out with inner structures (walls, partitions, etc) considerately aligned to the direction of wind flow from the outside. The unobstructed inner structure with adequate location will also reduce the wind shadow area as well. Wind flown inside the building will all meet up at the central air well which then rises to escape of the building having it replaced with another newly flown in fresh air. This constant cycle of ventilation will reduce the reliance of air-conditioners which as a result reduce the usage of energy as well.
Materials & Resources White Concrete
Timber
The usage of white concrete helps cool down the interior spaces and the reflectivity of light
Timber used in parts of the building to give
reduces the requirement of excessive lighting that reduces energy cost. White materials
warmth to certain spaces and to help reduce
also act as a blank canvas for the constant replacement of decorative crafts where the
the energy needed for construction.
crafts would not be overpowered.
Steel I-Beam Used for their ability of larger span load bearing and aesthetic beauty. Also took advantage on saving space for ceiling and could help to reduce the need of numbers support structures, reducing the energy needed to produce more structure.
Structural Concept
Structural Concept
Structural Concept
Final Design
05