Culture and History 2 Report on type of architecture, element and material used in Zoo Negara

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, AND BUILDING
ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 2 [ARC 60203]
PROJECT #2
Submitted: Wednesday, 18 November 2015
TUTOR: MS. NOR HAYATI RAMLI
Danny Tong 0323484
Evelin Devina 0322176
Foong Lih Wey 0322687
Jacinta Kabrina Majalap 0311339

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CONTENT PAGE
CONTENT PAGE......................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................2
1.2 Fast Facts of Zoo Negara ...............................................................................................3
1.3 History of Zoo Negara ...................................................................................................4
1.4 The Architect of Zoo Negara .........................................................................................5
BUILDING ANALYSIS
2.1 Site Context Analysis.....................................................................................................6
2.2 Architectural Style Analysis...........................................................................................9
2.3 Building Construction, and Material .............................................................................12
2.4 Architectural Components/Elements ............................................................................18
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................24
REFERENCES ..........................................................................................................................26

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INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Zoo Negara is the first national zoo in Malaysia. Built on 110 acres of land in Ulu
Klang, near Taman Melawati, North-East Kuala Lumpur. It was officially opened on 14
November 1963, a project initiated by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul
Rahman. Managed by a non-governmental organization known as the Malaysian
Zoological Society, Zoo Negara is a veteran in the zoo industry standing proudly for 52
years. It received certification in 2007, and a member of the South East Asian Zoos
Association (SEAZA).
Once set in virgin jungle, the place now stands like an oasis amidst a concrete jungle.
It emphasizes on four main areas: Conservation, Education, Research, and Recreation.
Zoo Negara is a popular family destination and a valuable resource for all visitors from
within Malaysia and overseas.

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1.2 FAST FACTS OF ZOO NEGARA
1.2.1 Zoo Negara is a non-governmental organization established to create the first local
zoo for Malaysian.
1.2.2 The National Zoological Park was built in 1961 and officiated by Y.T.M. Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on 14 November 1963.
1.2.3 Millionth Visitor
Zoo Negara got their millionth visitors on 14 November 1966 just three years after
its grand opening. Miss Juliana Chan, a 19 year old student was the millionth
person to walk through the turnstiles of the zoo. She was presented with a
commemorative plaque, a free pass for one year and some cartons of cigarettes
presented by Messrs. Rothmans of Pall Mall (M) Ltd.
1.2.3 Tourism Gold Award
Zoo Negara’s development throughout the years and its highly rated attendance
was honored as the premier recreational amenity in Malaysia and voted best
tourist attraction which earned it the ‘Tourism Gold Award’ for 1988. Well-known
for its breeding successes and conservation programs, Zoo Negara is held in high
esteem by zoos worldwide.

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1.2.4 First Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Malaysia
May 21, 2014, the arrival of the giant pandas to Malaysia represents peace and a
symbol diplomatic relationship between China and Malaysia for 40 years.
1.2.5 Oldest Aquarium in Malaysia
Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium was the biggest aquarium ever built in Malaysia,
displaying more than 130 species of aquatic animals of marine and freshwater
1.3 HISTORY OF ZOO NEGARA
Tan Sri Victor Massy Hutson was known as the Father of Zoo Negara because he
played an important role in setting-up Zoo Negara in 1963. He was the one
responsible for the miniature zoo set-up at the annual exhibition of the Malayan
Agri-Horticultural Association (MAHA) that got Malayan interested in Zoo.
The idea of proper zoo gradually gained momentum, and the federal government
chose a spot in Ulu Klang, Selangor next to the border of Kuala Lumpur.
In 1963, the first Prime Minister of Malaya (now Malaysia) Y.T.M Tunku Abdul
Rahman opened the zoo to the public. In the late 1970s as Kuala Lumpur underwent
an economic boom. The area was opened for large scale development as a planned
residential area in the 1980s. The development has caused the zoo's surrounding
areas and also increases the land value where the zoo is located.
In early 2000s, there were plans to move the zoo to other locations in Selangor.
However, the plans were largely unpopular among the public as it is seen as an effort
by some developers to capitalize on the value of the zoo's large land. With the
support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Selangor
State Government, Zoo Negara will not be relocated.

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1.4 THE ARCHITECT OF ZOO NEGARA
Mr. Kington Loo (1930-2013), the Architect who managed
to bring Zoo Negara into reality in 1943 up until today, was
born in the year October 1930. He was a well-known Architect
in Malaysia who brought Modernism along with other group
of Architect to Southeast Asia during the period of the World
War II.
During his early life, he lived in various part of Southeast
Asia before he settled in Malaya. He was educated in Batu Road Kuala Lumpur. Before
the age of 13, Malaya was disrupted by The Japanese invasion. He moved from Kuala
Lumpur to Singapore and from there to India to avoid Japanese occupation.
He learned many skill traits including studding civil engineering course at Technology
College. He later went to Australia to study Architecture. After graduation, he returned
to Malaysia and joined the firm of Booty, Edwards & Partners (BEP) – BEP Akitek Sdn
Bhd.
During his years, he designed various iconic building that is still living up its
reputation till today. Some of the buildings that he designs are Rex Cinema,
Commonwealth Society Building, Subang International Airport, University Malaya's
Experimental Theater, Private residences Etc.
He was among the first generation of architects following the country’s
independence. His enthusiasm in joining and forming committees led to the formation
of many of the institutions of today.

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BUILDING ANALYSIS
2.1 SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS
2.1.1 Building accessibility
Zoo Negara have 2 entrance. Entrance A can be seen from the main road whereas
Entrance B can only be seen when drove further in.
Entrance A/ Car Park A
Entrance A is the main entrance to the zoo so all main office is located there such
as: Administration Office; and Educational, Zoology and Public Affair Office

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Entrance B/ Car Park B
The distances of Entrance A and B and the circulation of Zoo Negara can be seen
in the map below.
Zoo Negara MAP
2.1.2 Relationship of Building to Surrounding
Zoo Negara is called ‘Zoo in the Jungle’ when it was first open due to its
forested surrounding. It was built as such to accommodate the needs of the
animal and also to enhance the visitor’s experience towards the wildlife especially
those who came from the big city.

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The surrounding has changed along the years due the expansion of Zoo
Negara. The recent buildings built are the Giant Panda Conservation and
Exhibition Centre.
2.1.3 Respond to Climate
Zoo Negara was built to withstand the constant changing of our climate in
Malaysia especially on rainy season. Because of the zoo being in a forested area,
it reduces the urban heat island effect due to it being near the city.
Feeling of personal connection among zoo visitors may encourage concern about
climate change. Results show that feeling connected to animals at the zoo is
significantly associated with cognitive and emotional responses to climate change,
as well as with other social groupings and social responses. Overall, the zoo seems
to present a supportive social context for considering the topic.

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2.2 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Zoo Negara has several buildings in the area which
mainly are built in traditional Malaysian house, Mid
Century Modern, and Post-Modern architectural style.
2.2.1 Modern
Modern is an architectural style that
generally describes the mid-20th century design
development estimated from 1933 – 1965.
Most of the modern buildings utilized the
groundbreaking post and beam design that
eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls
seemingly made of glass. Function and form
were equally noteworthy with emphasized
purposed for average American family. “Form
follows function”.
The large glass windows at the management
office is one of the evidences that post-modernism
was derived from modern style that Zoo Negara
building owns. Sliding glass doors and other
expansive panes of glass allow light to enter rooms
from multiple angles.

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2.2.2 Post-Modern
The first evidences of post-modern architecture
being an international style are cited from 1950s
although the movement was not made until 1970s.
It evolved from what is previously called Modern Functionalism, featured a wide
range of ideals and practices that are not normally perceived and accepted on
traditional philosophies.
Inspired from classic mechanism found in
umbrella, Frei Paul Otto – an architect and
structural engineer – juggled it into a piece of
lightweight architectural structure in 1950s
based on the minimum surface principle. The
tension loaded membrane of the funnel-
shaped umbrella is now stretched under the
compression-loaded bars. This construction made it technically and structurally
possible to build very large convertible umbrellas, which then inspired many
subsequent projects built all over the world, including Zoo Negara.
This structure is one of the prominent features in post-modern architecture
as it’s trying to go more than basic forms, and extending it into a more expressive
movement.

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It can be seen that the architect of Zoo
Negara was trying to avoid a simple flat, square
ceiling by pinching the edges to arches. Post-
modern architects tried to meld past aspects of
various buildings together even if in an
inharmonious manner to create a new means of
designing building.
Zoo Negara has unique post-modern features with a
pinch of elements found during the Roman period. The
basic exterior form of the Management Centre showcases
Rotunda element which defines the building with a
circular ground plan, covered by a dome. It also referred
to a round room within the building, taken as an example
is the Pantheon. Oculus at the middle part of the roof
creates warmer and aesthetic feel to the interior allowing the sun rays to
illuminate the room rather than artificial light.
Three entrance buildings have a similar
design language which the most notable one is
the structural barrel vault façade at the shop
lots and the entrance façade was carved
around the structural barrel vault form to
create a unique experience compared to
basics.
Both of the Rotunda and barrel vault are
the evidence of post-modernism as this era showcased the comeback of columns
and other elements of pre-modern designs, adapting some pieces of classical
Greek and Roman. The practical and formalized shapes and spaces of the
modernist style are replaced by diverse aesthetics.

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2.3 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE, AND MATERIAL
During our visit there were many development were taking place in order to improve
the quality of the animal living in Zoo Negara and also the environment there. The only
modernist building can be found there were the administration office and also the Giant
panda Conservation Centre which was built in year 2013.
Building Construction
2.3.1 Columns
The columns on the façade were the wide
flange columns. These columns where used to
transfer the load of the barrel roof from the top to
the bottom foundation without stressing the
support thing material. The column is built on a
concrete foundation and a base plate to spread the
load of the building in a large surface area at the

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bottom ground to reduce the bearing pressure that is on the concrete foundation.
2.3.2 Beams
In the interior of the administrative building there are 12
beams which is located at the center interior of the façade.
The Beams act as a support system to hold the pavilion roof at
the top. This help to transfer the load of the roof to the
columns that support the façade.
2.3.3 Walls
The Walls that were constructed for most of the buildings were load bearing
wall.

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The bearing walls that are used in some of the façade like the administrative
office building and the main entrance were to support the large curtain wall and
the load of the flat roof. The types of walls that can be found at the Zoo Negara
are Masonry wall, Dry wall and Brick wall.
2.3.4 Roof
The roof of the administrative office was constructed in barrel roof with multi
transparent glass.
The education department roof was constructed in gable roof while the roof
at the entrance where constructed in different type of roof. There is also tensile
umbrella roof outside the entrance. Flat roof with vault at the entrance and also
pavilion roof for the administration office.

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Building Material
2.3.1 Steel
Steel can be found in most of the construction of
the façade. It plays a big role in construction and the
support of the building. It also helps to hold the building
in place and also helps to create different kinds of aesthetics design.
Galvanized Steel:
- Corrosion resistance
- Low cost and maintenance
- Long life and complete protection form surrounding
- Power coating for aesthetic use
Stainless Steel:
- Hard and tough
- Resistance to heat and oxidation
- Sufficient amount of chromium that prevents corrosion
- High durability

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2.3.2 Glass
Glass is widely used in modernist architecture building.
Glass provides a sense of openness that differentiates between
the interior and the exterior of the building. It allows light enter
into the building while preventing harsh weather conditions or
UV rays entering in the building.
2.3.3 Concrete
Concrete is a type of artificial stone that is widely used construction of a building.
The structure at the entrance of the Zoo Negara and also the Administrative office
are mainly made out of concrete.
2.3.4 Plastic
Polycarbonate
- A type of thermoplastic
- Dense, hard and tough properties
- Strongest transparent material
-Tensile strength and ductility similar to metal
- Uses in vandal resistant and glazing

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Polyvinyl Chloride
- Rigid in form or made flexible by adding
plasticizers
- Good weathering properties
- Suitable material for canopy
2.3.5 Stone
Stone marble floor:
- Tough, hard wearing properties as well as its attractive appearance.
- Comes in a variety of colors.
- Primarily used for roofing and floor tiles.
- Extremely durable.
- slip-resistant, non-porous and are resilient to fire and water
- heat-resistant
Cobblestone
- As a flooring system
- Oldest paving material
- Gives of different texture
- High toughness
- Maintenance-free

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2.4.6 Tiles
Ceramic Tiles
- Made from clay or a mixture of clay or other ceramic material
- Do not conduct heat or electricity
- Can withstand high temperature
- Different types of color and design
- Create an aesthetic appeal
2.5 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS/COMPONENTS
2.5.1 The Administration Office
Located next to the entrance, has a shape similar to a
rotunda. It is like a modern rotunda where instead of
using a dome which confine and shut the place up, it
uses glass roof, with the surrounding made by glass
wall.
Comparison between Rotunda and The Office
- Round building with a dome
- Thick brick and stone

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- Round building with a glass cone roof
- Glass wall
2.5.2 Glass Cone Roof
Glass Cone Roof is a conical shape roof made by glass. It gives an aesthetic
view and also allowing sunlight to enter the building. It also creates air ventilation
to the building and thus a better performance of work.
2.5.2 Skylight
Skylight is an opening in a roof which is gazed with
a transparent or translucent material used to admit
natural light into the space below. Skylight increases
the visual appeal to interiors, allowing daylight to shine
through the building also brightens and also reduces
the energy consumption.
2.5.3 Curvilinear-Like Canopy
Curvilinear-Like Canopy serves as a shading for sun and rain. It is surrounding
the main space inside which is made of glass.

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This helps to shade the building inside and at the same time it gives an
aesthetic design for the building. It is similar to Masjid Negara which is established
around the same time.
Comparison Between Masjid Negara And Zoo Negara
- Pointed edges
- Eyebrow dormer
- Not connected to pillar
- Curvilinear- like Canopy
- Provide shading for the interior
2.5.4 Glass Curtain wall
Glass Curtain Wall shows the openness and
the blur spatial division from inside to outside
2.5.5 Full Height Turnsile (Revolving Door)
Full height turnsile is applications where
an access control system is not used.
Typically, these turnstiles would be used in
an exit only application at stadiums, zoos
and theme parks to allow mass traffic to
exit.

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2.5.6 Steel and Glass Façade
In architecture, the façade of a building is often the most
important aspect from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone
for the rest of the building. When you first see the façade of
the building, you will notice its clean modern profile that
makes it so distinctive. The building uses large expanses of
glass in effect brings the building’s site into the building.
Large expanses of floor to ceiling glass providing dramatic views and
introducing natural light deep into the interior. The load is transferred to the
skeleton frame of the building.
2.5.7 Open Umbrella Roof
The open umbrella roof, a tensile
structure, is supported by some form of
compression rings or bending elements or
beams. The fabric structure has a strong
tensile strength, which will creep only a few
percent over 20 years.
The fabric roof element, usually made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the
flexible nature of the roof, gives a simple, elegant stylistic theme that lends itself
to fabric roofing.
2.5.8 Vault
The vault is used to create a contemporary appeal in these
modern beautiful framework for the ceiling of the zoo. The
repetition of the vaults create a dynamic and flowing sensation
to the visitors who enter the space.

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2.5.9 Flat roof
Flat roof provide the option for recreational or decorative finishes not
available with a pitched roof. The flat roof will not drain during raining days, it will
not as impressive a flow. The roof is versatile and durable, it allows the full height
of the rooms below to be utilized well.
2.5.10 Ceramic Quarry Tiles
The ceramic quarry tiles which made
from shale and fine clays have a large
coverage at the exterior of the building. It is
considered as the thickest and strongest
tiles. It is long lasting and excellent for floors
that receive a lot of abrasions, where large
crowded gathered at the entrance of the zoo. It is highly durable and relatively
inexpensive material.
2.5.11 Ceramic Glazed
The ceramic glazed tiles, in a large
format arrangement, cover the floor of the
entrance of the zoo. The advantages of using
ceramic glazed tiles is resistant to water and
stains, this type of tiles consist of wide
variety colors which permanence that leads
direct exposure of ceramic tiles to sunlight neither alters their color, nor causes
them to fade. Ceramic glazed tiles are treated to prevent slipping.

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2.5.12 Gable
The gable along the entrance, are
made of iron. The vertical arrangement of
the iron bar gives the interpretations of the
cage in the zoo. The architectural
treatment of gable results from the effort
to find an aesthetically pleasing solution for the natural air ventilation and
circulation of the entrance of the zoo.
2.5.13 Stainless steel stairs
The stainless steel stairs of the
building besides allow users to access to
the highest building, it also act as
decorative element and is an impressive
part of a building. The stainless steel
staircase used outside the building is
100% recyclable and a maintenance free
material.

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CONCLUSION
The most prominent buildings in Zoo Negara are at the main entrance area which
was designed in post-modern and mid-century architectural style. However, as a whole, Zoo
Negara was not only built in one era of architecture style, the buildings inside the area are
the evidence of the journey gone through by the zoo. Aside of the modern and post-modern
elements mentioned in the previous clarification, several buildings inside the zoo. Taken as
examples are: The Education Centre building is derived from Malaysian traditional
architecture, Rumah Melayu, featuring vertical balcony bars, Minangkabau roofs, Rumah
Panggung, usage of local timber for wall, etc.; The Panda Conservation Centre Building built
in 2013 is a contemporary building with flowing roof, full-height and frameless glass
window, simple and fine texture of the wall with several stripes of color.
To be concluded, Zoo Negara is a rich source of architectural heritage dated from
Malaysia post-independence until present. It shows the journey of architecture including
Malaysia’s own style, how it answers the architects’ different expressions from time to time.
Notwithstanding, the environment made for the animals being kept inside the zoo is not
genuinely proper and healthy as most of the cages are dirty, small, and not taken care well.
It will be greater if the government is to put more attention to the animals’ interests.

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REFERENCES
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from www.encyclopedia.com/topic/modern_architecture.aspx
Koay, Allan (2003). Kington Among Man. Accessed on 15 November 2015, from
www.viweb.freehosting.net/kington-loo.htm
Kramer, Douglas (2005). What is Modern?. Accessed on 13 November 2015, from
www.socalmodern.com/modernis.php
L., Stanecy (2012). Barrel Vault Architecture: Where and How were Barrel Vaults Used?.
Accessed on 13 November 2015, from www.brighthub.com/education/homework-
tips/articles/67018.aspx
Mavvis (2008). Progress? How Building Techniques Have Changed Over the Ages. Accessed
on 14 November 2015, from www.ca-mapping.co.uk