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Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]

PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

Effectiveness of Incorporating Spatial Design with Vegetation and

Building Materials to Achieve Optimum User Comfort in PJ Trade

Centre

NAME : LAI CHI MUN

STUDENT ID : 0319463

LECTURER : PN. NORHAYATI BINTI RAMLI

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CONTENT

Abstract __________________________________________________________ 1

1.0 Introduction ____________________________________________________ 2

1.1 Introduction of case study ______________________________________ 2

1.2 Overview of Petaling Jaya Trade Centre (PJTC) ______________________ 2

2.0 Weather Condition in Petaling Jaya _________________________________ 4-6

3.0 Spatial Design __________________________________________________ 7

3.1 Orientation of building and spaces _______________________________ 7

3.2 Natural Ventilation ___________________________________________ 8

3.2.1 Cross Ventilation ________________________________________ 8

3.2.2 Stack Ventilation ________________________________________ 8-9

3.3 Natural Sunlight _____________________________________________ 10

3.4 Analysis of PJTC Layout _______________________________________ 10-11

4.0 Cloud Screen ___________________________________________________ 12-14

5.0 Vegetation ____________________________________________________ 15-16

6.0 Building Material of PJTC _________________________________________ 17

7.0 Conclusion ____________________________________________________ 18

8.0 References ____________________________________________________ 19

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Abstract

Effectiveness of incorporating spatial design with vegetation and building materials to achieve

optimum user comfort in PJ Trade Centre

This paper focuses on the effectiveness of incorporating spatial design with vegetation and building materials to achieve optimum user comfort in PJ Trade Centre. This research helps to investigate spatial design strategy that maximizes use of natural resources to generate building thus provides sustainable solution for generation of high rise building. Spatial design is to manipulate spaces to produce unique interiors, multi-sensory experiences and innovative events in an environmentally conscious and sustainable context. The objectives are to identify way of spatial design in achieving user comfort, to highlight the importance of vegetation in improving user comfort, and to investigate effect of building material used in spatial design on user comfort in PJTC. To assist validity of the research, research methods which are document analysis, on-site observation and literature review are used to understand spatial design strategy used in PJTC. Situated in the midst of city area, Petaling Jaya Trade Centre, by using spatial design strategy, prioritizes cross- ventilation in every workspace, each space has operable glazing to adjust flow of air and sunlight. The project is an effort to bring formal aesthetic by the effect of sun, rain and vegetation growth in the building. Spatial design strategy is used to overcome harsh monsoon climate and hot weather. Main entrance of PJ Trade Centre is orientated facing the East, where maximizes of natural sunlight into the building glass curtain walls. The 9- meter high glass lantern lobbies with ceiling to floor glass walls enhance penetration of natural daylight into the lobby during the morning. Cloud screen is used at east and west as strategy for protection from afternoon heat gain and rain. Vegetation is used as sun shading device and dust filter. Overall, these facts improve user comfort of PJTC. This research provides valuable information regarding alternative office building design strategy for tropical countries in the future.

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Introduction of case study

In architecture, contextualism suggests design strategy that respects and responds to the essence of certain place. Being a tropical country, architecture in Malaysia approaches sustainability by design that responds to tropical local condition in the meantime achieves user comfort. This paper discusses contextualism of Petaling Jaya Trade Centre by focusing on incorporating spatial design with vegetation and building materials to achieve optimum user comfort that related to issues such as thermal comfort, maintenance and climatic design of PJ Trade Centre. This research explores ways of spatial design in providing user comfort. Furthermore, identify the role of vegetation and building materials in spatial design to create pleasant engagement between building and user. Several research methods have been used in this case study which are document analysis, on-site observation and literature review.

1.2 Overview of Petaling Jaya Trade Centre (PJTC)

Petaling Jaya Trade Centre, also known as gardenwall offices, is a corporate office development

that reinterprets green high-rise architecture in Malaysia. It provides comfortable and healthy

workspace by using design strategy that responses to the surrounding of the site. Passive

approaches are applied in design to ensure sustainability of PJTC. PJTC consists of 1.1 million square

feet of office workspace spreading over 4 towers of 20 to 21 storeys each. The towers are linked

at ground and first floor. PJTC prioritizes cross- ventilation in every office, each space has at least

two full-sided operable glazing for adjusting air and light flow. The effect of sun, rain and fungal

growth is a unique attempt of conveying formal aesthetics. Situated in the midst of city area, spatial

design strategy is used in PJTC to overcome harsh monsoon climate and hot weather.

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2.0 Weather Condition in Petaling Jaya

2.1 Introduction

Malaysia is a tropical country. The local climate is equatorial and characterized by the yearly

southwest monsoon which is from April to October and northeast monsoon which is from

October to February. Presence of ocean moderates the temperature in Malaysia. With average

annual rainfall of 250 cm, humidity in Malaysia is normally high. Sea level and rainfall are

affected by climate change. PJTC has involved tropical climate of Malaysia into design

consideration.

2.2 Analysis of Wind Condition

This is mean wind analysis from January to April 2015 showing that the Northeast Monsoon conditions continued in January until February, and gradually weakening in March. The monsoon combined with the strong northeasterlies persisted over the South China Sea (SCS), caused wet weather conditions over the Malaysia region during this period. The weakening of northeasterly winds was reflecting transition period of Southwest Monsoon that started in April. Close to the

b) January 2015 c) February 2015

a) March 2015 d) April 2015 Figure 2.1 Wind Analysis Condition (Source: Analysis of weather pattern, 2015)

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equator, the winds became light and variable, signaling the gradual retreat of the Northeast Monsoon season.

The graph above shows the monthly average wind speed in Petaling Jaya. The average wind speed remains constant along the year. 2.3 Analysis of Rainfall

The graph above shows monthly average rainy days in Petaling Jaya. According to the graph, it rains more than one week every month. Thus, rain is an issue that was taken into consideration in the contextual design in PJTC. 2.4 Analysis of humidity

Graph above shows average monthly relative humidity in Petaling Jaya. Petaling Jaya has above average humidity along the year which is around 80% of humidity.

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2.5 Analysis of Sunhours

Graph above shows average monthly sunhours in Petaling Jaya. Monthly sunhours in PJ are always 150hours or above which are more than half. It reaches 210 hours as the highest record in the year. 2.6 Analysis of Minimum and Maximum temperature

Graph above shows monthly average minimum and maximum temperature in Petaling Jaya. From the graph, we can see both maximum and minimum temperature are similar along the year. Even though the difference of minimum and maximum temperature is around 9 ⁰C, the lowest temperature along the year is 22⁰C which is considered not very low while highest maximum temperature is 33 ⁰C. 2.7 Conclusion

From the analysis above regarding the weather in Petaling Jaya, we know that PJ is a place with

high humidity, high monthly rainfall, high daily temperature, high sunhours and windy. This has

become a guide for direction of sustainable or passive design of PJTC. The architect has utilized the

weather stated above to design an office building which provide user comfort and environmental

friendly to the site.

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3.0 Spatial Design

Spatial design focuses upon the flow between interior and exterior spaces and also private and public spaces. The emphasis of the relationship between people and space, especially looking at the place identity, notion of place and genius loci. The discipline covers different scales, from detailed interior spaces design to large regional strategies. Architect has utilized spatial design as an approach to respond to the tropical climate and surrounding context when designing PJTC. In PJTC, spatial design is used not only to ensure the smooth flow of spaces but also make sure every space in the building receives right amount of sunlight. Spatial design is also used to allow maximum natural ventilation in the building. This strategy not only can lessen maintenance of the building but also lessen the cost of building.

3.1 Orientation of building and spaces

PJ Trade Centre is an architecture that rests on the topography that has different levels of contours and surrounded by mountains and hills. The placement of building masses is designed to create pressure differences between two long sides of the building which are the east and west sides. The huge land is broken down into 4 smaller building blocks with void which is also green transition in

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Figure 3.1 Figure shows the topography of PJTC

Figure 3.2 Orientation of PJTC and its spaces (Source: Small project, 2010)

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between each block to allow more natural ventilation in along the building. In this case, the architect has utilized nature context to enhance the natural ventilation,

3.2 Natural Ventilation 3.2.1 Cross Ventilation With a long and relatively narrow layout, PJTC allows cross ventilation occurs effectively when the wind enters from west side from the building and leaves on the east side which is facing highway. Cross ventilation happens along the long corridors of every level of the office blocks and large voids in between office blocks to control overall heat shift of air movement effectively.

Figure 3.4 Picture shows spatial design that allows cross ventilation happens

3.2.2 Stack Ventilation Stack ventilation works on the convection of air whereby rising of warm air and falling of cool air relies on the increased buoyancy of warm air which rises to escape the building through high level openings, removing excessive heat entered into lobby area. In this case, it is possible to attain thermal comfort when heat flows through air movement.

Large voids are created in between office blocks, driving maximum wind into the offices. Wind flows across the building through the large voids created in the design by cross ventilation. The large voids in between building blocks function as a wind tunnel to reach the optimal air flow rate of the building to achieve thermal comfort.

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Figure 3.3 Diagram shows cross ventilation happens in PJTC (Source: Small project, 2010)

Figure 3.5 Shows stack ventilation of PJTC

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Figure 3.6 Large void in between office blocks (Source: Small project, 2010)

Idea of triple-volume glass lobbies is a cooling strategy which drive away the heat from direct solar radiation from the internal space. The cooling is achieved by air movement across the levels at galvanized grating through effective stack ventilation.

Figure 3.7 Triple volume glass lobbies

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3.3 Natural Sunlight

PJ Trade Centre was designed in a way that the main entrance is orientated facing the East. This is to maximize the acceptance of natural sunlight into the building through the engrafting of glass curtain walls. The design of the main lobby of PJ Trade Centre is a 9- meter high glass lantern lobby erected with full height ceiling to floor glass walls as to enhance the permeability of natural daylight into the lobby during the morning, with trees planting inside and out to soften the direct heat penetration. 3.4 Analysis of PJTC Layout

1. Layout plan for main level. It has

address the progression of entry at

different scales, beginning with the

wide, formal civic stairs to the west, and

to the square tall-column glass lobbies

in front of their respective blocks. Retail

and mixed commercial space typifies

the blocks behind each glass lobby, with

cafeterias located at half-level below

the 2 middle blocks.

1.

Figure 3.8 Large glass windows that allow light penetration

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2.

2. The mezzanine level floor plan shows

how the tower blocks are linked by a

covered walkway running the length of

the development between each glass

lobby and their respective commercial

backdrops.

3.

3. The typical floor plan shows the

building necks of each tower extending

over the parts of the main podium level

on which their respective glass lobbies

sit. Sandwiched between the screen

wall and the building mass along the

east edge is the vertical backyard, a

social space of stacked balconies,

service activity, casual terraces and idle

talk.

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4.0 Cloud Screen

Figure 4.1 shows exterior and interior view of cloud screen

Facade of PJTC is made up by precast bare concrete with vent blocks that are not plastered or

painted. Due to sustainable passive design concept, glass windows and open spaces are greatly

used to encourage penetration of natural light and ventilation. Thus, cloud screen becomes the

main feature to respond to climate change that also corresponds to passive design especially

raining and sun glare.

The facade wall is designed to be covered by creepers and moss which gives a sense of live when the building ages. The façade acts as a masking screen that shields the interior spaces from direct sun glare and filter the heat of sunlight penetrates into building yet allow natural lighting penetrates through hollow blocks. The 150mm thickness of concrete egg crate structure that placed at two sides of building accompanied by large windows allow natural ventilation happens, thus low down the air-conditioner cost needed. This design approach breaks down the norm of typical high rise architecture that uses glass façade which will causes sun glare.

The presence of green elements on the vent block facade act as a natural air filter that trap dust particles from the polluted air, controlling indoor air quality of the building. It also serves as barrier that reduce traffic noise transmission from the highway. The green elements on the facade minimize the sound disturbance created from highway reaching to the office spaces inside the building. Thus maintains excellent interior acoustic performance.

Figure 4.2 shows sketch of section of cloud screen

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Figure 4.3 Diagram shows location of cloud screen on the building

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1 2.

3. 4.

5. The sequence shows the effect of tropical storm

changes the appearance of the cloud screen

depending the intensity and ferocity of the storm.

The upper sections of the screen are more water-

streaking than other areas. They will return their

original state after sufficient drying time. The

screen employs galvanized steel flashing every

3800mm in vertical to control most common stain

by dripping. The screen is only soaked across

different floor levels of the screen by virtue of

storm intensity.

Figure 4.4 shows process of cloud screen getting dry after the rain

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5.0 Vegetation

Vegetation is a one of the main passive approach in PJ Trade Centre. There is a landscape plaza in

front of the office blocks that indicates the boundary of PJTC which can function as a social hub for

user. Forest plaza becomes natural shading device for the walkway that access the building.

Surrounded by hills and mountain, the forest plaza has become the continuation of the surrounding,

creating strong connection with the context. The forest plaza also acts as a shield for the triple

volume glass lobbies of the office blocks by softening the sun glare and lessen heat penetration

into the lobbies.

Aside from forest plaza, green

elements can be seen at the façade of

the building which is also called living

façade. This design concept is

incorporating creepers and hanging

vines onto the vertical surface or

structure. This concept successfully

lowers the interior temperature of the

building by providing extra shading to

limit penetration of heat and sunlight

into office blocks.

A

B

C

D

Figure 5.1 shows location of forest plaza and office blocks.

Figure 5.2 shows trees that surround glass lobby that form forest plaza

Figure 5.3 shows creeping vines growing on the surface of cloud screen

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Besides, greeneries can be seen growing at the sky terrace of the office blocks which create green

transition space. Also serving as a gathering space, the green elements create a pleasant

atmosphere for user by enhancing spatial quality of sky terrace.

5.1 Conclusion

The passive design approach of PJTC heavily relies on vegetation to create eco and user friendly

spatial quality. Vegetation also used to connect the building with the context, making PJTC blends

into the surrounding easily.

Figure 5.4 shows greeneries planted inside PJTC

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6.0 Building Material of PJTC

Different from normal high rise buildings, PJ Trade Centre has used simple construction techniques

incorporated with local building materials that suits and connect easily with surrounding context.

Consideration of building material include: less building maintenance, good heat protection and

aesthetic longevity. Different from typical high rise with glass and steel, construction materials used

in PJTC are mainly concrete and over burnt bricks. It is an environmentally friendly and energy

efficient approach by using concrete as thermal mass storage. Leaving the materials raw and

unfinished, the design expresses strong honesty and simplicity that connects the building to with

the nature.

Two primary external finishes of brick and

concrete welcome sunrise and endure rain

and carbon-laden air, and aesthetic

acceptable over duration of building’s

existence. They also able to weather the

effects of monsoon tropics.

Over-burned clay brick for solid closure

Harden cement for internal flooring

Precast vent block for ventilation and shading

Galvanized grating for ventilation

Large glass windows enhances light penetration

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7.0 Conclusion

PJTC has redefined a high rise workspace in tropical countries into a unique office building with

sustainable and contextual design by utilizing eco-friendly building materials and vegetation into

spatial design as passive design approach. This concept effectively responds to the local tropical

climate and other physical characteristics of the context which greatly crafted the space quality,

fitting the design to achieve optimum user comfort. This approach not only is user friendly but also

environmental friendly. The concept of growing greeneries that spread on unfinished building

materials makes the building livelier as it ages. It forms a balanced city brimming with building

design blending and merging with the surrounding context, thus, ensuring the longevity of the

building and create strong and harmonious connection among user, building and context.

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8.0 References

Low, K. M., Ar. (2010). Small Projects (Illustrated ed.). Oro Editions. Cheong, K. (2010). Sexy Basic. D+A, (055), 28-32. Pretty when Weathered. (n.d.). Blueprint Asia, 40-43. Ng, T. (2013). PJ Trade Centre. Retrieved April 18, 2016, from http://www.pjtradecentre.com/

Ismail, Z. (Ed.). (2015, February 1). PJ Trade Centre. Architecture Malaysia, 18-25

World weather & climate information. (2016). Retrieved June 23, 2016, from https://weather-

and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,petaling-jaya,Malaysia Architectus. (2013). Sustainability - Natural Ventilation. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.architectus.com.au/en/sustainability/articles/natural-ventilation Dunnett, N., & Kingsbury, N. (2008). Planting green roofs and living walls. Timber Press. Köhler, M. (2008). Green facades—a view back and some visions. Urban Ecosystems, 11(4), 423-436. Margolis, L., & Robinson, A. (2007). Living systems: innovative materials and technologies for landscape architecture. Walter de Gruyter. Perini, K., & Rosasco, P. (2013). Cost–benefit analysis for green façades and living wall systems. Building and Environment, 70, 110-121. Loh, S. (2008). Living walls-a way to green the built environment. BEDP environment design guide, 1(TEC 26), 1-7. Francis, R. A., & Lorimer, J. (2011). Urban reconciliation ecology: the potential of living roofs and walls. Journal of Environmental Management,92(6), 1429-1437. Garde, F., Adelard, L., Boyer, H., & Rat, C. (2004). Implementation and experimental survey of passive design specifications used in new low-cost housing under tropical climates. Energy and Buildings, 36(4), 353-366. Zain-Ahmed, A., Sopian, K., Othman, M. Y. H., Sayigh, A. A. M., & Surendran, P. N. (2002). Daylighting as a passive solar design strategy in tropical buildings: a case study of Malaysia. Energy Conversion and Management, 43(13), 1725-1736. Baker, N. V. (1987). Passive and low energy building design for tropical island climates. Commonwealth Secretariat.