1. 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 ID
1 Keshni Devi Sobarun 0323062
2 Kong Xhiang Lynn 0317730
3 Lee Kai Yung 0318314
4 Leong Yu Shi 0322586
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1. Introduction (prepared by Keshni Devi Sobarun)
Figure 1. 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 easilyaccessiblefromthe 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 (Figure 2.1) 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 (Figure 2.2) which leads the cars to the carpark.
2.2 Function
MBPJ tower is a27-storey governmental building which is occupied by anumber 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.
Figure 2.1 Bridge leading to the
South entrance of the building
Figure 2.2 Two way road leading to
the carpark
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2.3 Relationship of building to surroundings
The heart of Petaling Jaya, with the nickname of Central Business District of Petaling Jaya, is
covered by plentiful shop lots that make up the commercial area as well as major banks in the
nation. It has become abusiness trading center for the citizens and thus, became a strategicplace
to locate MBPJ tower. The tower also helped to further strengthen 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 (Figure 2.3). At the same time, it also adds life and art to the
surrounding area due to its exquisite art deco architectural style.
Figure 2.3 Contrast between MBPJ tower and the surrounding buildings
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2.4 Respond to climate
Figure 2.4 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 (Figure2.4) which is abetter 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
stillmaintaining 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.
Figure 3.2 Photograph of the main
lobby level plan of MBPJ tower
Figure 3.3 Main lobby level plan of
MBPJ tower
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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 22 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.
Figure 3.8 Interior of the main lobby
(North wing)
Figure 3.7 Interior of the main lobby
(South wing)
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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.
Figure 3.9 Reception desk at main
lobby
Figure 3.10 Lifts at the main lobby
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Figure 3.11 Floor planning of MBPJ tower excluding carpark levels
5 out of 22 floors are private for internal officeusage, 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.
Figure 3.12 Circulation of Ground
floor towards the lift
Figure 3.13 Spatial arrangement of
Ground Floor
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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.
Figure 3.14 North/South elevation of
MBPJ tower
Figure 3.15 East/West elevation of
MBPJ tower
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4. Architectural Style (prepared by KeshniDeviSobarun)
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 MBPJ tower
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.
Glass
Metal Framingand
structural beams
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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 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)
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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.
Figure 5.2 Diagram of substructure
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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
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 5.4 Floor finishes of Ground Floor Figure 5.5 Floor finishes of 1st-27th Floor
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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 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
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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.
Figure 5.10 Sectional diagram of the roof
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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.
Figure 5.13 MBPJ tower
Figure 5.11 Coffer ceiling of Ground
Floor
Figure 5.12 Plaster board ceiling at 1st-27th Floor
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Dark tinted laminated glass is usedfor the façade of the MBPJ Tower. It has ahigh 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.
Figure 5.15 Burj Khalifa
Figure 5.16 One World Trade
Center
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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 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 6.1 North/South elevation of
MBPJ tower
Figure 6.2 East view of MBPJ tower
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Figure 6.3 Glass walls used as partition for the office
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
Figure 6.4 South wing of lobby Figure 6.5 South entrance of MBPJ
tower
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building. For the ceiling of the building and the ground floor, square is used to create arepetition.
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.
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.
Figure 6.6 Technical drawing of the
staircase
Figure 6.7 Elevator lobby
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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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