School of Architecture, Building and Design

Bachelor of Science (Hons) Architecture

(ARC 60203) ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 2

PROJECT 2: REPORT

MBPJ TOWER

Tutor: Ms Shahrianne

No. Student’s Name Student ID1 Keshni Devi Sobarun 03230622 Kong Xhiang Lynn 03177303 Lee Kai Yung 03183144 Leong Yu Shi 0322586

Table of Contents

1. Introduction P.3

2. Site Context Analysis P.4 – P.7

3. Architecture Layout P.8 – P.14

4. Architectural Style P.15 – P.18

5. Building structure, construction, material P.19 – P.26

6. Architecture Element P.27 – P.29

7. Conclusion P.30

8. Reference P.31 – P.32

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1. Introduction (prepared by Keshni Devi Sobarun)

Figure 1. Menara MBPJ Tower as a landmark in Petaling Jaya

Built by Hijjas_Kasturi in 1987, the MBPJ Tower is a major landmark and a symbol of

modernism in Petaling Jaya. The tower played a major role to attract commercial banks such as

Maybank, Bank Islam, Public Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. The building not only

embodies the economy of the country but also provide financial aid to the population. The

tower was inaugurated on 16 March 1987, with 27 stories and a RM50 million price tag. It is

also the headquarters of the local city council of Petaling Jaya and houses many commercial

facilities.

The objective of this project is to revive the neglected spaces in the urban area via the

implementation of architecture. Hence, human interaction, human activities and human flow

were the main focus around the particular area. Nevertheless, the MBPJ (Majlis Perbandaran

Petaling Jaya) council had the vision to “recreate nature in the city to provide a comfortable

and healthy living environment”.

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2. Site context analysis (prepared by Kong Xhiang Lynn)

2.1 Building accessibility.

The MBPJ tower is a governmental building located towards the east of Petaling Jaya (PJ) state,

which is also known as PJ New Town, 12.5km to the south-west of Kuala Lumpur and 6.6 km to

the south-west of Bangsar.

The tower is connected by mostly one way roads and is easily accessible from the two main

roads which is the Federal Highway and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE). These roads can

easily be accessed from the nearby cities including:

Kuala Lumpur which is approximately 12km to the north-east of the site

Bangsar which is approximately 6km to the north-east of the site

Puchong which is approximately 7.7km to the south of the site

Subang which is approximately 12.3km to the west of the site

The location plan (Figure 2) shows the route to the site and the roads that can be accessed.

Figure 2. Location Plan

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MBPJ Tower is also easily accessed via public transportation as the area is located within

walking distance of the Taman Jaya LRT station.

Furthermore, MBPJ tower consists of 2 shaded pathway which are located at the north and the

south of the building, leading to the entrance of the tower; 5 staircase, each at the 4 corners of

the sunken plaza with an additional one beside the road which allow pedestrian to access to the

carpark; and a two way road which leads the cars to the carpark.

2.2 Function

MBPJ tower is a 27-storey governmental building which is occupied by a number of private

offices and several departments such as development planning, engineering, and building

control which are under the city council that provide services to the citizens.

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Figure 2.1 Bridge leading to the entrance of the building

Figure 2.2 Two way road leading to the carpark

2.3 Relationship of building to surroundings

The heart of Petaling Jaya, with the nickname of Central Business District of Petaling Jaya,

covered by plentiful shop lots that make up the commercial area as well as major banks in the

nation has become a business trading center for the citizens. Therefore, the area became a

strategic place to locate MBPJ tower which strengthens the area as a business hub and at the

same time provide convenience to the citizens.

Being the landmark and also the focal point of PJ New Town, MBPJ tower stands out with its

unique form of hexagonal shape which contrasts with the surrounding building that takes the

typical form of a rectangular shape. At the same time, it also adds life and art to the

surrounding area due to its unique art deco architectural style.

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2.4 Respond to climate

Figure 2.3 Façade of the tower covered mainly by dark tinted glass

Petaling Jaya is known to be one of the wettest cities in Malaysia with an average rainy days of

162 per year and roughly more then 3,300mm of average rainfall annually. It is also warm with

an average temperature of 30 degree Celsius throughout the year. Hence, the MBPJ is

constructed mainly by dark tinted glass which is a better heat insulator in comparison to

concrete. At the same time, the large panel windows take advantage of the tropical climate

which allows natural light to light up the interior of the building. To promote air ventilation

while still maintaining the design of the façade, functional windows are arranged linearly with

the same width.

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3. Architecture Layout of Building (prepared by Leong Yu Shi)

MBPJ Tower is designed intentionally to change the state into a safe, living and green township.

The quality of the spaces are created based on criteria developed from a people’s perspectives

which is life, space and building. Master plan is done first before the micro plan comes out later

but these 2 stages are interdependent and interrelated.

Figure 3.1 Plan view of MBPJ tower with site context

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The plan of the tower throughout the building is in hexagonal shape which implies a unique

geometry into this building. It has an insertion concept where it creates a contrast with the site

context as the buildings around it is in rectangular shape.

The plan is symmetric and balance where the hexagon shape plan is being elongated. The

access to the building is located at the horizontal part of the plan. This enables maximum space

usage of the building as the office desks are mostly located at the horizontal blank spaces.

Besides that, maximum view of Petaling Jaya can be obtained from each and every working

desks as the buildings of the surrounding are low.

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Figure 3.2 Photograph of the main lobby level plan of MBPJ tower

Figure 3.3 Main lobby level plan of MBPJ tower

Figure 3.4 One of the bridge leading to the entrance of MBPJ tower

MBPJ tower has 2 main access to the building which is the north and south bridges, they are

fairy identical to each other.

Figure 3.5 Drawing of the columns of MBPJ tower

Steel columns can be found around the building to support the heavy 27 floors skyscraper.

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Figure 3.6 Typical floor plan of MBPJ tower

Beams are connected to the columns in the middle of the plan. The main support columns for

floor slabs are located in the rectangular walls surrounding the lift.

When you enter from the north and south bridge, a directory can be seen right on the wall.

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Figure 3.8 Interior of the main lobby (North wing)

Figure 3.7 Interior of the main lobby (South wing)

The main access is the lift which can access to each and every floors, is located at the middle of

the building. Besides that, the staircase is located on the left of the plan. The architect is trying

to promote central dominant configuration where he locates the circulation in the middle of

the building where 360 degree view of Petaling Jaya can still be obtained.

Before we move to the lift in the middle, a hexagonal reception desk (Figure 3.9) synchronizes

with the shape of the building. There are 2 openings leading to the desk which enables security

check every time visitors enter. There are 6 lifts and 2 stairs which can access to each and every

floors of the building.

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Figure 3.9 Reception desk at main lobby

Figure 3.10 Lifts at the main lobby

Figure 3.11 Floor planning of MBPJ tower

5 out of 22 floors are private for internal office usage, whereas 17 floors are being used to

service the community. The main public area is the carpark at Lower Ground floor and the

lobby is the Ground Floor.

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Figure 3.12 Circulation of Ground floor towards the lift

Figure 3.13 Spatial arrangement of Ground Floor

As the floors are added, the verticality of the building does not lose its properties. The building

is very spacious as the ceiling is very tall and the brightness of the building is much needed

because it’s a government office and at the same time, saves energy. The presence of natural

lighting also portrays transparency as their main principle.

Symmetry and balance is used on the façade of building too, which creates a sense of harmony.

It also emphasizes verticality of the building which appears taller visually.

Instead of a thick and heavy hexagonal structure, the architect has applied subtraction into this

building where the bottom of the building is slanted inwards. Lower Ground floor is used as car

park and sewage area and Ground floor as the main lobby area.

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Figure 3.14 North/South elevation of MBPJ tower

Figure 3.15 East/West elevation of MBPJ tower

4. Architectural Style (prepared by Keshni Devi Sobarun)

Post-modern Architecture began as an international style. The first examples of which are

generally cited as being from the 1950s, but did not become a movement until the 1970s and

continues to influence the present.

Figure 4. Examples of Post Modern buildings around the world

-the return of “wit, ornament and reference”

The functional, formalized shapes and spaces of the modernist style are replaced by various

aesthetics. Architects rediscovered the expressive and symbolic value of architectural elements

and forms that had evolved through centuries of buildings which have been neglected by the

modern style.

Figure 4.1 Villa Savoye Figure 4.2 Marco Polo House

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Movement of Postmodernism

Postmodernism began in America about the 1960-1970s which spread to Europe and

the rest of the world.

An apparent failure of Modern architecture.

Engagement with functionalism and economical building lead to eradication of

ornaments, buildings were wrapped in a plain rational appearance.

Many felt the building failed to meet human need for comfort for body and the eyes.

Modernism did not account for the desire of beauty. The matter worsened as some

monotonous apartments became slums.

In response, architects pursued to reestablish ornament, colour, decoration and human

scale to buildings.

Form was no more to be defined only by its functional needs or minimal appearance.

4.1 Characteristics of Post Modern architecture in Menara MPPJ

Trompe L’oeil (Illusionistic building technique) (All About Philosophy, n.d.)

Creation of illusion of space/ depths where

none actually exist. Towers building height

minimizes potential for monotony and help

to create visual interest.

Figure 4.3 Façade of MBPJ tower

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Articulated Façade

Façades are designed similar to the front

façade. Blank walls are prohibited to avoid

“back of the building”.

Figure 4.4 Exterior of MBPJ tower

Sustainability

Figure 4.5 Close up of the façade of MBPJ tower

Building materials are durable and able to withstand long-term exposure to rain and sun. High

maintenance materials are discouraged. Contrasting trim are applied to enhance and an

appealing façade.

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Glass Metal Framing and

structural beams

Mechanical Equipment

Hidden equipment

Figure 4.6 The sunken area/ parking bay of MBPJ tower

Mechanical equipment may be visible from the public right-of-way when incorporated into the

architecture/as needed to minimize solar exposure.

Postmodern architecture rejects the strict rules of modern architecture and allows the use of

more complex building forms, elements, and details. Many postmodern buildings are designed

with projecting, angled, or rounded walls or roofs that create more complex building forms. In

some cases, postmodern architects will attempt to combine the best features of modern

building design with the best features of other historical architectural styles. Postmodern

buildings may incorporate modern materials and building technologies, but they also may

include features that are inspired by historical and traditional styles, such as porticos, towers,

domes, columns, sloped roofs, and ornamental details. These historical and traditional

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elements or styles are usually not replicated, but rather reinterpreted in a new, modern form.

Materials generally vary and may include stucco, rock, brick, granite tile, and metal. (Design

Guidelines Architecture)

5. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE AND MATERIALS (prepared by Leong Yu Shi)

Figure 5.1 Façade of MBPJ tower

MBPJ Tower is constructed using new construction technologies involving prefabrication

system, steel and glass cladding as well as pre-stressed concrete as the foundation. The post-

modern style adopted by MBPJ Tower differs with the Western country due to the climate and

weather differences.

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Figure 5.2 Diagram of substructure

The foundation of MBPJ Tower uses concrete piling. Deep foundation is used in this building

due to the soil of Petaling Jaya state. Pre-cast concrete pile is driven into the ground using

hydraulic hammer or pile hammer as it is lower in cost and easier to be constructed while

providing a good support to the building.

Figure 5.3 Sectional diagram of flooring

The flooring is used to support the live and dead loads. The steel joist supports the concrete

slab which are connected by shear studs. Reinforced steel is laid over and the concrete slab is

poured in. The reinforced concrete slab has great strength to support the load and transfer to

the walls. Local marble and tiles are used as the finishing for the flooring in the interior of

building.

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Ceramic tiles which are easily maintained are used for floor finishes in MBPJ Tower.

Figure 5.6 Drawing of the column

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Figure 5.4 Floor finishes of Ground Floor Figure 5.5 Floor finishes of 1st-27th Floor

The structure is supported by a steel formwork. It connects from the ground level to the flat

roof top. The view of the entire Petaling Jaya is undisrupted due to the lack of ornamentations.

Figure 5.7 Floor plan of Ground Floor

The MBPJ tower uses load bearing walls as a wall system. Local marble is used for the wall

finishing to have a glossy finishing in the interior which promotes a feeling of spaciousness.

Thick walls are constructed to support vertical loads and withstand the horizontal wind loading.

Figure 5.8 Wall at Ground Floor of MBPJ tower

Reinforced concrete is used as the structure. Steel reinforcing bars are embedded in the

concrete to give a better strength as well as tensile strength to the building. It is commonly

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used as supporting piers or pillars for the structure. Steel is being used at the exterior of the

building as well. It is very high strength, stiffness and toughness as well as high compressive

strength. It is commonly embedded in concrete to enhance the concrete strength

Figure 5.9 Wall finishes of 1st-27th Floor of MBPJ tower

Marble is used as the wall finishes as it is impervious and water resistance, it can be mostly be

found as decorative tiles because it has shiny surface and comes in various designs. With

relatively low cost the client could get a decent finishing for the walls and its maintenance cost

is low as well.

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Figure 5.10 Sectional diagram of the roof

Roofing system used by MBPJ Tower is flat roof. It has the ability to prevent climatic changes. It

allows rainwater to drain away from the roof surface and keep the building dry and

comfortable.

Light weight plaster board is used for the interior ceiling. It has good insulation which is ideal

for office environments.

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Figure 5.11 Coffer ceiling of Ground

Floor

Figure 5.12 Plaster board ceiling at 1st-27th Floor

Figure 5.13 MBPJ tower

Dark tinted laminated glass is used for the façade of the MBPJ Tower. It has a high tensile

strength and thermal resistance. It is strong and suitable for the exterior of building. The

exterior protects the building from environmental factors. Besides that, the glass can be

opened for ventilation.

Figure 5.14 Close up of the façade

Aluminum is used as the window framing and exterior finishing. It has high strength to weight

ratio, light weight, corrosion-resistance and low maintenance.

Water proof cement is being used at outdoor carpark area, it is strong and weather resistance

which is suitable for outdoor usage. It is a very sustainable materials in rainforest country like

Malaysia which encounters hot sun and rain frequently throughout the year.

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COMPARISON WITH OTHER BUILDINGS

BURJ KHALIFA - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Types - Mixed Use

Foundation of Burj is using concrete and steel in addition

of glass, silicone and aluminum which is the façade of the

building whereas MBPJ Tower is using concrete only.

Both buildings have similar materials on the façade which

is aluminum and glass.

ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER - New York, USA

Type : Office

12 different types of steel are being used as supporting column

due to weather in USA which needs to withstand strong wind.

Thickness of the columns is varied because it needs to create

2 towers whereas for MBPJ tower, similar supporting steel

columns could be found around the building.

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Figure 5.15 Burj Khalifa

Figure 5.16 One World Trade

Center

6. Architectural elements / components analysis (prepared by Lee Kai Yung)

Flat roof, one of the design characteristic for art deco architectural style, is used to make

contrast with the land and surrounding landscape. Besides that, flat roof provides a huge space

for facilities such as, compressor of air conditional or small communication tower which should

be hiden from the public eyes. The tower is shaped as a hexagon, for both elevation view and

plan view.

The façade of the building is covered with repetitive white line, where the glass wall are all

vertically placed and support by the aluminium glass frame and the white pillar, creating a

symmetrical and balance facade. The design reflects art deco design, which used large windows

in horizontal bands with metal framework.

The large windows and glass allows natural lighting to enter the building. For air

ventilation, windows are installed in every floor where they are mounted to some of the

aluminium frame which at the same time, look like a single façade glass wall which minimize

the differences. As for the doors, the main door of the building is a double swing glass door

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Figure 6.1 North/South elevation of MBPJ tower

Figure 6.2 East view of MBPJ tower

which is used to match the façade of the building. For other floors of the building, normal

wooden doors or glass doors are used. Glass walls are also widely used for partition throughout

the building, especially for office.

Figure 6.3 Glass walls used as partition for the office

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Figure 6.4 South wing of lobby Figure 6.5 South entrance of MBPJ tower

The floor finishes are mostly ceramic tiles, because of its physical characteristic, it is

used throughout the building. Marbles are used for wall finishes, with its shiny surface, it is

suitable for a significant building like MBPJ Tower. On the ground floor, dark colour marble tiles

are used as to merge with the dark tinted glass, creating a similar look from outside to the

inside of the building. For the ceiling of the building and the ground floor, square is used to

create a repetition. In each square, facilities such as air condition, lighting and sprinkles are

placed and divided equally. Plaster boards are used for the ceiling of each floor for its aesthetic

and practical purposes.

Staircases in MBPJ Tower are mostly used for fire escape purpose whereas elevator is

used to move from floor to floor. Therefore the stair designs and measurements are kept

constant, and is placed near the elevator for better access.

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Figure 6.6 Technical drawing of the staircase

Figure 6.7 Elevator lobby

The significant component of this building is the use of repetition and contrast in its

design. Such as the façade, with white pillar rising from ground to the top of the building.

Besides that, the material used are chose carefully with very specific purpose.

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7. Conclusion (prepared by Lee Kai Yung)

In conclusion, MBPJ Tower is a major landmark and one of the earliest skyscraper in

Petaling Jaya. After the site visit we have come to realize the difficulty to construct a building of

such magnitude where the technological limitation and construction method back in 1987 was

a big obstacle. We also learned that every single design comes with a specific purpose and

thorough planning, where the location, climate, and the context are taken into consideration.

We appreciate everything that we learned from this assignment as it broadens up our mind and

knowledge, leading us towards becoming a better architect in the future.

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