ARCHITECTURE

CULTURE & HISTORY 2

Project 2: Report (Group & Individual)

Dewan Tunku CanselorAngela Wee Kah Man 0322970

Brandon Liaw Jun Quan 0322467Brian Koh Jun Yan 0322002

Carlson Ko 0319564Cha Yun Xian 0322048

CONTENT1.Introduction

2.Site context analysis

3.Architectural layout of building

4.Architecture style analysis

5.Building construction, structure & materials analysis

6.Architectural elements / components analysis

7.Conclusion

1. INTRODUCTION1.1 History

Dewan Tunku Canselor - 9 April 1989

Dewan Tunku Canselor is an important

landmark in University of Malaya.It is also

consider one of the most iconic building in

Malaysia.This Building was designed with a strong influence of Brutalist Architecture

and the Modernist Movement.

The Building was constructed mainly with

bare concrete structure using Concrete

Waffle Slab.The architect of the building is

Datuk Kington Loo of BEP ( Boothy Edwards &

Partners ) Akitek Sdn.Bhd.Dewan Tunku

Canselor took nearly 18 months to complete.

On 25 June 1966,the building was officiated and named

by the first prime minister of Malaysia,which is also the

chancellor of the university at that time,Tunku Abdul

Rahman .Dewan Tunku Canselor serves as a

multipurpose hall for students and public.The

convocation ceremonies of Universiti Malaya for

graduation have been held annually since August 1966

and to hosting of numerous functions of the university

including theatre performances, special studio class, convocation, conferences,

concerts, and semester examinations. With two and a half storeys, Dewan Tunku

Canselor is able to accommodate approximately 6,000 people.

1.2 Facts

Fire Tragedy in 2001

On Friday, June 29th, 2001, almost ninety percent of Dewan Tunku Canselor was

destroyed by a pre-dawned fire and caused a loss of 12million Ringgit for its

substantial damage. Since then, Dewan Tunku Canselor had restricted entrance to

the public until it was rehabilitated. The initial reconstruction of the building started

in August 2001and lasted for nearly five months. The building was reconstructed

according to its original concept using a more sustainable method with a cost of

approximately 13.8million Ringgit Malaysia. It was officially commenced for the

second time by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad

Badawi after the completion of reconstruction and rehabilitation on 20th August,

2002.

1.3 ArchitectDato’ Kington Loo was the architect of this building. He was an architect in Malaysia

who belongs to the group who brought modernism to Southeast Asia in the wake of

World War II. BEP architects ( originally Boothy Edwards & Partners ) is the architec-

ture firm he worked for and this building has taken one and a half years to complete.

It is among the first few in the country that was planned and designed according to

the principles introduced by of Architects of Modern nation Switzerland-France, Le

Corbusier. He was among the leaders of modern architects who are very concerned

about the suitability of the design according to use, in addition to the use of building

materials that are suitable and do not impose any decoration on a building. Dewan

Tunku Canselor has characteristics that are almost similar to the design of Bank Ne-

gara Malaysia which uses the brute-beton of modernity un-

painted cement.

He was the role model of professionals in the country and was constantly heard in

the print media.He was described as a very kind and soft spoken person and known

to speak up and not reserving his comments.

Dato’ Kington Loo BEP Akitek Sdn Bhd and logo of the company

2.SITE CONTEXT

Angela Wee Kah Man 0322970

Location Plan OF Dewan Canselor

Site Plan Of Dewan Tunke Canselor

University Malaya is situated on a 750 arcs campus in between east of Petaling

Jaya and southwest of Kuala Lumpur.The plan of University Malaya is interrupted by

the forest and Pantai river at the centre.Organic grid was utilized due to the

topography of the site and for future extensions or unit addition as the population of

the university will grows in the future.Besides that,the organic grid causes the

circulation of University Malaya to be clustered.In order to maintain the greenery

within the area of the university,the connectivity is surrounding the forest.Due to the

provided of public transportation for the students to reach their destiny, the traffic

flow and the density of vehicles within University Malaya are quite low.

Since the university was built in 60s,the building structures around it

were mostly designed based on the architecture spirit from the 50s and 60s too.For

example,post office,bookstore,bank and etc.Besides that,it is also surrounded by

natural elements such as tropical foresty,river and lake.

3. ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT OF BUILDING

Brandon Liaw Jun Quan 0322467

Circulation to use space

First Floor Plan of the Canseleri building

First Floor Plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor

For the Canseleri building, there is a building void held in the middle of the building.

The building void on the ground floor functions as a breakout space for users. There

are four main parts in the building of Dewan Tunku Canselor, foyer, seating hall,

stage and backstage. There are public spaces such as the foyer and seating hall and

also semi public spaces which is the backstages are usually for the performers and

workers. The principle way to navigate through the building is by walking through the

foyer where the public users will experience the light and shadows created by the

braisse-solleil surrounding the space. Natural light penetrates into the foyer through

the ceiling. The elevated seating halls can be navigated through the spiral staircases

which lead the users from the ground floor until the balcony. Furthermore, the users

are able to walk into the seating hall accordingly. The east of the hall has more entry

points as where the backstages is situated for the performers and workers to have

preparation. More partitions can be found on the east side therefore the circulation is

more complicated.

Organization analysis

Balance symmetry

First Floor Plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor

The whole building is divided into two parts, the Dewan Tunku Canselor and the Canseleri building. The diagram above is the overall plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor and the Canseleri building.

From the diagram, balance

symmetry can be found for both of these buildings. Also the

main mission of University Malaya to achieve the virtuous and

balanced development in nurturing talents as an educational

institution.

Geometrical

Geometrical shapes such as rectangular and circular shapes are applied on this build-

ing. The main focus of the building are usually rectangular in shapes. At the same

time, having two circular shapes on the same side but opposite.

Addition & Subtraction

The geometrical rectangular form in the

middle part of the Canseleri building is

subtracted and known as the building void for greenery public space. The addition

circular elements shown on the diagram shows contrast between rigid straight lines

and curvilinear properties.

Massing

The mass of the building is produced by covering of the cylinder and rectangular. The

braisse-solleil which is a complex elements on the

facade of the building cre- ates a heavier visual

weight.

Natural light

The natural light penetrates into the foyer easily due to the majority windows of the

building. Increasing the sunlight exposure to the foyer. The upper part of the walls

shows the illusion of higher ceiling due to the exposed natural light to the building.

Thus, giving a feeling of larger building when the users is inside the building.

4. ARCHITECTURE STYLE ANALYSIS

Carlson Ko 0319564

Characteristic of Brutalism: Brutalist architecture is a movement in architecture that flourished from the 1950s to the mid-1970s, descending from the modernist architectural movement of the early 20th century. The term originates from the French word for "raw" in the term used by Le Corbusier to describe his choice of material béton brut (raw concrete). British architectural critic Reyner Banham adapted the term into "brutalism" (originally "New Brutalism") to identify the emerging style.

Brutalism became popular with governmental and institutional clients, with numerous examples in Britain, France, Germany, Japan, the United States, Italy, Canada, Brazil, the Philippines, Israel and Australia. Examples are typically massive in character (even when not large), fortress-like, with a predominance of exposed concrete construction, or in the case of the "brick brutalists," ruggedly combine detailed brickwork and concrete. There is often an emphasis on graphically expressing in the external elevations and in the whole-site architectural plan the main functions and people-flows of the buildings. Brutalism became popular for educational buildings (especially university buildings), but was relatively rare for corporate projects. Brutalism became favoured for many government projects, high-rise housing, and shopping centres.

In its ruggedness and lack of concern to look comfortable or easy, Brutalism can be seen as a reaction by a younger generation to the lightness, optimism, and frivolity of some 1930s and 1940s architecture. In one critical appraisal by Banham, Brutalism was posited not as a style but as the expression of an atmosphere among architects of moral seriousness. "Brutalism" as an architectural critical term was not always

consistently used by critics; architects themselves usually avoided using it altogether. More recently, "brutalism" has become used in popular discourse to refer to buildings of the late twentieth century

that are large or unpopular – as a synonym for "brutal."

The exposure of the common theme is used in Brutalist design. The exterior of the structure ranges from services to their human use. Example, the Boston City Hall which is indicated by the special rooms behind those walls. Other examples of Brutalist architecture in Malaysia are Dewan Sri Pinang and

Bank Negara Malaysia Building, both located in Penang.Brutalism as an architecture philosophy, rather than the style, was often associated with a socialist utopian ideology. It tended on supporting by its designers especially Alison and also Peter Smithson, near the height of style. There are a lot of critics about Brutalism style architecture which is that the abstract nature of Brutalism that make the style unfriendly and uncommunicative instead looking protective. It is also criticized as disregarding the social, historic and also architecture environment of its surroundings, making the introduction of such structures in developed areas stark, out of place and also alien.

Datuk Kington Loo was influenced by Le Corbusier prominent modernism architect who was concerned about sustainability of design and also the use of appropriate building materials for buildings. Dewan Tunku Canselor was inspired and build according to the Brutalist style in the 1950s and 60s. It

was descendant from the modern architectural movement in the 20th century. ‘Brutalist’ is also called ‘raw concrete’ from French - béton brut. Brutalist architecture is usually design with repeated element and using it to represent

Façade of the building that is repetitive

Façade of the building that is repetitive

functional zones just like Dewan Tunku Cancelor where the cone shape is placed, is actually used for stairs and also using it as a design. Brutalist architecture possess a dynamic and also a massive geometrical style which make this building look strong, monolithic and also blocky in their appearance. Concrete is the most important material for Brutalist buildings due to its raw look and a strong majestic building. The surface of the concrete has different cast for it, there are wood, steel, bricks and glass. The other theme for the Brutalist design is the exposure of the building itself to the environment and also the building functions. Brutalism is also to stretch the limits of how the concrete could be shaped and used in different ways. Building that used this style will have a problem which is lack of natural light penetration and this style also was found favored cause of low cost material and also a can be built in a short period of time.

The Canselor courtyard in Tunku Canselor’s compound

5. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE &

MATERIALS ANALYSISCha Yun Xian 0322048

1.Concrete

The design of Dewan Tunku Canselor

was strongly influenced of the brutalist

architecture and modernist movement

during its construction period in 1960s.

It was constructed with mainly reinforced

concrete at both exterior and interior and

was lauded by public for its innovative use of

materials.

The building was designed with massive

monumental and a predominance of concrete structure. On the façade of the

building, the openings are made up of concrete brise soleil and multiple

mushroom columns dominated by a circular ramp to idealise the beauty of

reinforced concrete structure.

The load-bearing walls allows further enhancement of the vertical emphasis of the

building as the ceiling is made of egg-crate reinforced concrete that allows longer

span, fewer beams and more dramatic interface on the exterior as well as interior

ceiling.

For

the

interior part of Dewan Tunku Canselor, part of the ceilings and walls are constructed

with concrete using waffle slabs method as it is light in weight, durable, economical,

and at the same time, displays the rawness of brutalism. These waffle slabs consist of

equally spaced ribs supported by columns.

2.

Glass

Float glass, laminated glass and stained glass are used in the installation of different

types of windows in Dewan Tunku Canselor to provide ventilation and light

penetration. Float glass is used for various sizes of windows on the walls of the hall

as it is resistant to acid, alkaline and corrosion and can provide excellent optical

performance with its smooth and flat surface.

Laminated glass is used for

skylights for better safety as it

is a type of safety glass that can

held shattered pieces together

when it’s broken, hence minimize the risk

of injuries when accidents happen.

Using laminated glass for skylights can also

help to reduce the transmission of UV

radiation from outside.

For decorative purposes, floral pattern stained glass is used on foyer to suggest

Islamic influences and enhance visual interest to the spaces.

3. Tiles

Different types of tiles are used in different spaces in Dewan Tunku Canselor to

create different spatial experience and feelings. Mosaic tiles are used on spiral

staircase and certain pathways to cover up vast areas of the building because of

its decorative aesthetics and low installation cost. On the other hand, porcelain

tiles are used on restrooms floors as it is tougher and more durable. Porcelain

tiles are resistant to stain and scratch,

less prone to moisture absorbing, and

easy to clean which makes it the perfect

tiles for restrooms.

4.

Steel

Mild steel is used as an important structural component for Dewan Tunku

Canselor. It is used to construct trusses for framing and roofing as it is light in

weight, tough, ductile and malleable. It is galvanized before installation to

prevent rusting and increase durability.

5. Timber

Besides mild steel trusses, timber trusses can also be found on certain roof

structure, as well as parquet floorings of Dewan Tunku Canselor. These trusses

are made of hardwood timber as it is very long lasting and strong. Using

hardwood timber as the materials of floorings also creates a clean and elegance

look to the interior space.

Comparison Between Dewan Tunku Canselor and Punjab and Haryana

High Court at Chandigarh Capitol Complex

The avant brutalism design of Dewan Tunku Canselor enthused by Dato’ Kington Loo

was actually inspired by a famous Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier and his later

works. The building is similar to Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh

Capitol Complex in India, built by Le Corbusier in 1955, in the aspect of structure and

materials. Both building are designed according to the factor of native climate. The

main façade of both buildings are covered with concrete brise soleil to serve as

openings and give the main façade its overall unity.

Behind the brise soleil, glass is affixed to the windows of the courtrooms in both

Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the foyer area in Dewan Tunku Canselor. The

façade is sheltered by a series of fixed square concrete louvers to provide protection

from sun and rain, and at the same time enhance ventilation. In addition for shading,

large cantilevered roof can also be seen in both buildings. The dissimilarities of

Dewan Tunku Canselor and Punjab and Haryana High Court is Dewan Tunku Canselor

has a curved staircase facade that cannot be seen on Punjab and Haryana High

Court. Besides that, the concrete surfaces in Punjab and Haryana High Court are

completely exposed in its interior with a large series of tapestries covering the

interior wall behind the judges’ benches to reduce echoes in the courtroom, while

for Dewan Tunku Canselor, the concrete walls in the foyer were left unadorned,

exposing its skeleton.

6.ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

/COMPONENTS ANALYSIS

Brian Koh Jun Yan 0322002

Structure

Figure 1. Main structure of Dewan Tunku Canselor

Dewan Tunku Canselor among the earliest brutalist building in Malaysia. It is a two

and a half story building. Brutalism architecture features the originality of raw

concrete where rather than being camouflaged with paints, the building form and

originality is mainly constructed and covered by raw concrete. With the impact of

brutalism, dominance of concrete development and huge structure was constructed

to the building.

Exterior Façade

Figure 2.

Examples of beton berut

The exterior façade of Dewan Tunku Canselor is largely influenced by the brise soleil

and beton brut made popular by Le Corbusier. The intention of brise soleil

implemented on dewan tunku canselor function as a natural shading which in the

same time control the amount of light and heat around the building. This enable the

reduction of using air conditioning and provide natural breeze across the building. In

terms of design principle, it provide repetition across the wall that gives an artistic

value to the building.

ROOF

Figure 4. A view of the roof from far

The roof of dewan tunku canselor as viewed from far was seen to have a massive

concrete slab lying above the structre. The rooftop is design exceptionally flat and

heavy. This represent the style of brutalist architecture which perfectly implement

with it. In order to neutralize the heaviness of this huge rooftop and keeping up with

the size, the waffle-slab ceiling was being used to overcome this situation. Dato’

Kington Loo ensure that the various ceilings located outside of the building must

keep up this example.

Window

Figure 3. Window decorated with art glass

Figure 4. 45 angled window with float glass

The window of Dewan Tunku Canselor feautres large float glass and both window

except from the east and west are angles 45 degrees. The float glass can be found

mainly at the north and south of the façade where the glass provide better

illumination of sunlight.In facts, brise soliel design was integrated with the glass

itself. The windows are design to allow the natural daylight to penetrate into the

interior and provide better shade.

On the ground floor, the hallway windows are mainly covered by art glass and

consist of malay wooden style decoration. It helps create a different atmosphere to

overcome the dull and dusty appearance of the façade. The window position was

covered straight to the higher part of the building.

Water Element

Figure 5. Outdoor pond with plants and fish

A series of landscape design is also being incorporated at the north east side of

dewan tunku canselor. The water element consist of fish pond and water features

attached to it. The water act as a natural element where its purpose is to lower the

temperature of its surrounding. In addition to that, the water carry out a sense of

refreshing, calmness and rejuvenating feeling to the whole atmosphere. The plant

and fish integrate well to make the surrounding more vital and lively. This water

element act as a decorative element to overcome the dullness of the brutalist style

of the façade.

Staircases

Figure 6. Concrete Staircase

at the exterior

Figure 7. Interior winding staircase

The staircase at the exterior was located at the right side of the building and was

constructed with concrete. The finishing of the staircase were kept raw with the

implementation of beton brut. It linkes the ground floor to the first floor. The

staircase is facing the primary road which it is ideal to the surrounding setting and

practical use for the building itself.

On the interior, the hall consist of two similar winding staircase which illuminate

from a special crystal fixture which hang down to the bottom part of the staircase.

This winding staircase give a special curve elements to its form. It is made from

chengal wood as it gives an aesthetic value to it.

Main Door

Figure 8. Main entrance with automatic sliding door

There are many and different variety of doors located at dewan tunku canselor. The

most noticeable is the main entrance, where it consist of the only automatic sliding

doors cover with all glass compare to other part of the building. The doors control

with an automatic sensor when user approach it will automatically open. Apart from

the main entrance, the door at the other part of the façade consist of large stained

glass attached with it.

7.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, dewan tunku canselor has successfully depict the brutalist architecture

style. With its massive character, finishing of raw concrete and implementation of

brise soliel. it is one of the most significant works that Le Corbusier had carry out.

Dewan Tunku Canselor is being situated as part of Malaysia most famous university,

University of Malaya. With the implementation of brutalist architecture style it

becomes a very popular educational building and in the same time serve as a core

image for the students who are currently study or graduated from there.

Tribute to Dato’ Kington Loo where he spend most of his time contribute to the

design and construction development for this building. It is for sure that there are

significant architectural style and ideas that are adopt from the western architecture

and perfectly implemented to Dewan Tunku Canselor.