globalisation on architecture in Malaysia: November 2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Topic 3 (amended)

3.0 Malaysia Architecture Globalization

Globalization is somehow the most important force that has been shaping the soci- economic landscape of many countries during the past decade. Malaysia is one of the fastest globalizing economies of the world. From the reference of history of Malaysia, as it is located at a strategic sea- lane position in South East Asia which brought in a lot of trades and foreign influences. Hindu and Buddhist cultures were imported from India lead the early history. Besides that, Islamic culture has had a thoughtful influence on the Malay people in Malaysia. Followed by then, it was the influences which brought by the Dutch and British who came for trading and based in several parts of Malaysia.

The architectural style’s development in Malaysia started from pre- colonial years through colonial time and later to independence. As a result of a multi racial country, the architectural development is also influenced by these various cultures due to migration and trading of the Chinese and Indian during colonial era. Many other foreign cultural heritages and birthrights that existed in colonial time had affected the country’s development and apparently on the heritage buildings which are still remained until today.

Since the country’s economy grew ahead of expectation at the 1970s, buildings like condominiums, resort hotels, commercial office spaces and shopping centres were built and eventually formed a many facets of skyline. As the shopping centres and office buildings were erected, corporate and private clients start to desire for a more ‘global’ look for their projects. This causes the architecture become more approached to form, function and imagery when the architects grew more aggressive. For example, appearance made from glass towers and curtain walling to portray ‘fashion’.

Along with the increase in urban immigration and middle class cause a demand in residential housing all over the country. Though large housing estates, distinguished by endless rows of link houses were criticized as insensible design but they are still the median of residential. Besides that, condominium living has became an image of affluent with the favorite option of higher class community. It results in more high- rise designs by marketing than by architectural values.

Vernacular restoration, Islamic symbolism and tropical design have all entered the vocabulary of Malaysian architectural identity. The strongest evident to show the implication of vernacular architecture to modern building design is the resort hotels. They achieve to strive a design which its environment reflects the surrounding cultural heritage but has yet still can be seen as a commercial or residential architecture. There goes a quick growth during the 1980s and there are several monumental building projects being built in the 1990s. These mega projects are such as the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and the new garden city of Putra Jaya. They have undeniably remained as the architectural landmarks until the 21^st century.

3.1 Effects that Globalization has brought to the City

Figure 1- Early Kuala Lumpur

Figure 2- Malaysia skyline in modern days

The first image shown is the architecture of Kuala Lumpur during the olden days until the year 1939, the architecture started to tend to follow Western fashion by then. Whereas the next image shown the Malaysia skyline in modern days. It depicts a vast different in terms of the outlook and image of the urban landscape that projects to everyone as well as it shows how the city grows throughout the years into what we can see today. Each distinctive building has formed a landmark to the certain place which has brought in population and the prosper of tourism. Anyhow, most of the building in the country has its own distinct which applied some cultural elements into the design. This shows that Malaysia is a developing country but in the meanwhile it still remains its own identity without blindly erecting buildings which are having more or less the same design throughout the globe.

Globalization’s effects on skyscrapers and their accompanying a style of architecture, perhaps use it as an icon for the country, forms a symbol of unity and power. An example would be the imposing and impressive form of our prized skyscrapers such as the KLCC Towers, The Telekom Tower and The KL Tower. Evidence of their influence is seen when global events such as BASE jumping, Tour de France, or movies are made within their vicinity. Furthermore they are known icons of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia that can be seen in brochures, advertisements and other media-related promotions worldwide. Refer to www.kltowerjump.com/main.html, http://gotravelplace.com/2009/earth-hour-malaysia-joint-with-klcc-twin-tower-black-out-with-others-wonders/, http://runwitme.blogspot.com/2008/02/kl-towerthon.html, http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2009/09/Kuala-Lumpur-2009-Petronas-Towers-Spanish.aspx

Besides that, it has increased sharing of cultural “products”. Skyscrapers can be a showcase of local culture, art and economic ambition. Locally, the skyscrapers built here have ingrained local aesthetic design and culture into their form. When viewed by foreigners they act as silent ‘ambassadors’ representing the place they are built upon.

On the other hand, skyscrapers can be iconic places where business may be transacted upon, a proper premise for business is as important as the dressage of business people when in a serious meeting. Skyscrapers can convey the seriousness and prestige of a business meeting or deal those international diplomats or business people require when they meet from various parts of the world and so it increases multinational business and industrial activity. For example, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Figure 3- Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

3.2 Development of Technology

As time goes by, the country and technology get more developed. Architects are able to design and build taller buildings by using advanced technology like computer softwares to illustrate the mock up of the skyscrapers or some other buildings. The Petronas Twin Towers is the world’s tallest twin towers and iconic twin building of Malaysia, which consists of 88- storey- high with two 44- storey side towers linked 170 metres above street level by a sky bridge. It is the new headquarters at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre since 1998.

Even though the design of Petronas Twin Towers reflects a dynamic image, but is also take the local tropical climate and Islamic architectural traditions into consideration so that it is all within Malaysian cultural context. The shape of the towers’ floor plate is based upon two interlocking squares forming an eight- pointed star; eight semicircles are inserted into the re- entrant corners or angles. This building form shows how important is geometry in Islamic architectural tradition.

Figure 4- Floor Layout Plan of Petronas Twin Towers

As you can see how important does the technology helps in designing the building especially high rise buildings with many levels or complicated design. Technology has saved a lot of time and energy for human being in order to produce effective work.

3.3 Environmental Sustainability

Globalization of architecture in Malaysia has increasingly brought threats to natural resources and environmental sustainability. In order to protect the environment, stringent limitations are places on pollution and waste. More trees are being chopped off for the development of land, therefore the air quality turns bad due to the mass constructions ongoing. Certain usage of reflective building materials such as glass could reflect sunlight and causes surrounding temperature to rise, on top of that, there are lesser trees to absorb heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the vehicles. Haze, is then formed. It has been an ongoing problem in Malaysia as well as other Southeast Asian countries. Thus no matter how spectacular globalization in architecture has brought to Malaysia, it still causes pollution to the environment which is quite a serious drawback consequence.

3.3 Drawbacks of Globalization

Figure 5 & 6- Menara Telekom Malaysia

Menara Telekom (Menara TM), also known as Bamboo Tower, is the headquarters of Telekom Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. This building has a height of 310m with 55 floors, which has influenced by a sketch of “bamboo shoot”. The unique part of the tower is its 22 open skygardens swapping every three floors. The unique curvy structure has formed an exclusive signal for Malaysia by signifying a young bamboo with strong foundations at its root and little leaves sprouting. Come to think of it, bamboo is actually a Chinese symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. So the building does not designed to depict Malaysia’s culture but just design for the sake of applying one another’s idea and apply it on their own design by “borrowing” from different countries.This building design is not specifically for Malaysia but it can also be placed in somewhere out the world with Chinese culture.

On top of that, it also increases gaps between haves and have- nots among the residents. For instance, the Sunway Pyramid shopping mall in Subang, Petaling Jaya that has shown a big contrast within one same area. This situation can’t be helped, as most areas developed from low to higher class, because the wealth and standard of living of the residents will increase over time.

(pictures of sunway area will be taken later)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

chapter 3

3.0 Malaysia Architecture Globalization

3.1 Local High Rise Building

Petronas Twin Towers

Figure 1- Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Twin Towers is the world’s tallest twin towers which consist of 88- storey- high with two 44- storey side towers linked 170 metres above street level by a sky bridge. It is the new headquarters at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre since 1998.

It then became the international icon for Malaysia. Even though the design of Petronas Twin Towers reflects a dynamic image, but is also take the local tropical climate and Islamic architectural traditions into consideration so that it is all within Malaysian cultural context. The shape of the towers’ floor plate is based upon two interlocking squares forming an eight- pointed star; eight semicircles are inserted into the re- entrant corners or angles. This building form shows how important is geometry in Islamic architectural tradition.

Figure 2- Floor Layout Plan of Petronas Twin Towers

Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower)

Figure 3- Menara Kuala Lumpur

It is a tall tower located on Bukit Nanas in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is completed in the year 1996 and currently the eighteenth tallest freestanding tower in the world. The concrete structure will be one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the globe.

The intricate glazed façade for the Tower Head forms a striking feature of the structure. The tower consisted of an observation gallery, a revolving restaurant at the uppermost area, providing diners a panoramic view of the city and three levels of telecommunications, broadcasting and television transmission equipment.

The KL Tower has also becomes the Islamic falak observatory to look for the crescent moon to mark the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha. The muqarnas at the tower was built in the arrangement of glass on the domes of the lobby entrance to show the seven layers of the sky with the penetration of sunrays from the middle. The domes were designed and arranged in the form of the Muqarnas by Iranian craftsmen from Isfahan. After all, the designs represent the human journey for faultlessness in life.

Menara Telekom (Telekom Tower)

Figure 4 & 5- Menara Telekom Malaysia

(to be continue...)

p/s: i know the underlined texts are very distracting but I have no idea on what's wrong with blogger and how to remove it so just bear with it.thx

chapter 2 (after amendment)

2.0 Understanding More about Globalization

Our world is heading towards globalization, it depicts the process of regional economies, societies, and cultures which have become incorporated through a global network of communication, transportation, and trade. Globalization is often known as being driven by a combination of economic, technological, sociocultural, political, and biological factors.

Globalization has affected the world in a few different aspects for instance the industrial, financial, economic, health policy, political, informational, language, competition, ecological, cultural, social, technical, legal in another word ethical, and religious. From the reference of history of Malaysia, as it is located at a strategic sea- lane position in South East Asia which brought in a lot of trades and foreign influences. Hindu and Buddhist cultures were imported from India lead the early history. Besides that, Islamic culture has had a thoughtful influence on the Malay people in Malaysia. Followed by then, it was the influences which brought by the Dutch and British who came for trading and based in several parts of Malaysia.

2.1 Defining of Global Architecture

In the 1930s, the “International Style” was planned to be the “Architecture of Globalization”. For example, Corb built in India. Corb (Chandigarh) as in the name of the building. Unfortunately, the architect designed the building without really considered about the people’s needs even though he had big plans for it, and so it turned the building as a failure one.

Figure 1- Corb building in India

The media and press are the one who keep acclaiming the glob- trotting Gehrys who build the similar building all over the world. Besides that, it is also our culture of celebrity, with the proliferation of media which continue this “romantic” notion of the architect as super- artist to continue designing these signature buildings all over the world? Kenneth Frampton is one of the few architectural theorists who have promoted “regionalism”. Some architects cannot seem to make up their minds about whether architecture should designed to be a “modern” temperament with an imposed technology in every regional culture; or somehow they have made up their minds, instead of strongly advocating, is better to show what they have done as evidence. As technology implies to be “scientific” it may be regarded as independent rather than requiring justification by local cultures.

The Federal House in Kuala Lumpur is the best early example of the International Style architecture in Malaysia, it was once the home of Radio Malaysia. The building was used as a slab block consisted with offices with an adjacent block to house other public spaces. It is also one of the earliest buildings which used plastic as a building material. There are punched, round openings featured on the circulation block. The overall planning of the building has put into consideration of its shading and the use of materials.

Figure 2- The Federal House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2.2 What is “Vertical Density”?

In the era of globalization, development cities becoming prosperous as well as attracting newcomers of all classes. As the increase in population and richer residents of these successful cities require more personal space to sustainably accommodate these people.

Vertical density has two noticeably different expressions in many cities, which are one on the ground level and the other in the skyline. The world’s densest major cities are Hong Kong, Cairo and Mumbai which represent the urban development in the vertical and horizontal dimensions. The “cities of widespread poverty”- Cairo and Mumbai have an extreme concentration which spread in low- rise buildings in a congested environment and so, this is the density of poverty.

Figure 3- City of Cairo

Figure 4- City of Mumbai

Take Hong Kong and New York as a reference, the government in both cities claims that the buildings are forced to build upwards because of the scarcity of land.

Figure 5- Skyline in Hong Kong

Figure 6- Skyline in Manhattan, New York

The term “density” for many people today has a negative implication of crowding, poverty and scarcity of public space. On the other hand, Hong Kong and Manhattan suggested that their 70,000 people per square mile high density can show how affluent they are. But bear in mind how can a growing city cope with its restricted boundaries and still accommodate the needs of people who require more private space and amenities? This same goes to Malaysian’s needs even though this country is not as affluent as the other two mentioned above.

Figure 7- Skyline in Malaysia

The image above has shown the skyline in Malaysia. It shows how the city grows throughout the years into what we can see today. Each distinctive building has formed a landmark to the certain place which has brought in population and the prosper of tourism. Anyhow, most of the building in the country has its own distinct which applied some cultural elements into the design. This shows that Malaysia is a developing country but in the meanwhile it still remains its own identity without blindly erecting buildings which are having more or less the same design throughout the globe.

Monday, November 8, 2010

2.0 Understanding more about globalization

2.1 What is “Vertical Density”?

Figure 1- City of Cairo

Figure 2- City of Mumbai

Take Hong Kong and New York as a reference, the government in both cities claims that the buildings are forced to build upwards because of the scarcity of land.

Figure 3- Skyline in Hong Kong

Figure 4- Skyline in Manhattan, New York

2.2 Defining of Global Architecture

In the 1930s, the “International Style” was planned to be the “Architecture of Globalization”. For example, Corb built in India. Corb as in the name of the building. Unfortunately, the architect designed the building without really considered about the people’s needs even though he had big plans for it, and so it leads the building as a failure one.

Figure 4- Corb building in India

Introduction

1.0 Introduction

Malaysia is now one of the fastest developing nations in the world following 50 years of independent economic expansion. It was once a colony of the British Empire and was a under many years of colonial rule, thus it inherently reflects a diversified image of Architecture that is now uniquely Malaysia with different kinds of architecture currently existing; forming high rises to colonial buildings of varied form and functions. However, it is to be noted that architecture is still in its infancy in Malaysia due to the fact that this art or science did not really take off until recent economic growth through stimulus and foreign investment, imitating the Asian economic tigers of that time.

The economic and architectural milestones of this country are boasted with buildings that are above middle-class, classy, modern and abundantly varied. Buildings with worn out attap roofs were then replaced by modern structures made of bricks and stone. Later on, buildings were built with a combination of Moorish and Edwardian architectural styles. Till now, Kuala Lumpur still remains its historical landmarks by preserving their historical value and significance by maintaining its original structure. It is not surprising to see these buildings dwarfed by the modern skyscrapers which are spreading all around the city today.

Since after the Asian Economic Boom in early 1990s, skyscrapers and large buildings started to emerged from the ground and flyovers were built in order to accommodate the arrival of many citizens who were seeking an experience of city life. The city’s first skyscraper, the Dayabumi building is then surpassed by another renowned high-rise building, which is the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) and has long become the identity of the city. In year 1997, the KLCC was once the world’s tallest building with its built 88 storeys but now that prestigious title has been overtaken by other newer buildings. There are some other prominent skyscrapers include the Menara Telekom, Menara K.L, Empire Tower, Tabung Haji Building and Menara Maybank.

However, Malaysian architecture is not only about skyscrapers. The architectural styles in our building has modified according to the climate context which are warm and humid. Besides that, it has inherited the styles from the other cultures such as Indians and Chinese due to migrations, as well as the local Malay and British culture. Today, no matter in people, places or commodities, it is common to see the crossing of national boundaries. It was said that the increase and demand in land values as well as the floor space has put on a quick change on the image of architecture. But first and foremost is the people’s opinion of style, progress and modernity which is in many ways the reason for this quick change.

A skyscraper is a tall building which could not be defined by an exact height. It has often been used to be an iconic representative in most developing and developed cities which has the allure to draw the public attention more than it’s neighbouring buildings. The word “skyscraper” was initially a nautical term. In the late 19^th century, the term was first applied to high-rise buildings which are being built in Chicago and New York City.

In ancient times, the tallest building was the Great Pyramid of Giza in ancient Egypt, which was 146 metres (479 ft) tall. Its height was surpassed by the Lincoln Cathedral, which in turn was not exceeded in height until the Washington Monument in 1884. Yet, none of these buildings are being defined as a skyscraper. The term “skyscraper” was first used during the 1880s, not long after the first 10 to 21 story buildings were built in the United States.

In modern days, skyscrapers are constructed with materials such as steel, glass, reinforced concrete and granite, and usually utilized high-tech mechanical equipment such as water pumps, concrete pumps and elevators. From the 1930s onwards, skyscrapers started to be built in Latin America and Asia and dominated the American skylines at the turn of the century.

Friday, November 5, 2010

4.0 Critical Regionalism

The term ‘Critical Regionalism’ is actually an approach to architecture that take the building’s environmental context into consideration rather than having a soulless free- standing building which lacks of identity in Modern Architecture.

Kenneth Frampton, the one who used Critical Regionalism recalls Paul Ricoeur’s idea of how to strive the be the median point between the progressive architectural movement. According to Kenneth Frampton’s proposal, critical regionalism should implement modern architecture, but in the meanwhile should emphasis on its topography, climate, light; on tectonic form rather than on scenography and should be on the sense of touch which is the material textures instead of visual sense.
The few strategies used in critical regionalism are: Critical Regionalism strives to be the median point between the progressive modern architectural movement and early historical ideas such as utopianism and post- industrialism. Secondly, a building is claimed not to be an individual free- standing object on the site but should take the physical boundary into consideration. Thirdly, Critical Regionalism views a structure as a complete tectonic concept rather than a series of sections. Fourthly, Critical Regionalism expresses itself by using very local items such as the frame of the building, local light intensity, local weather, land shape and terrain. Critical Regionalism does not believe in closing off all spaces and using air con, instead doors or windows are designed to be practical and suitable according to the local climate, light and other conditions. It then followed by taking into consideration the effects of the local environment that can be experienced through light levels, temperature, air movement, smell, sounds and material textures; Critical Regionalism embraces both local and foreign concepts within itself to cultivate a contemporary culture. It creates a world culture that can be locally represented. Lastly, Critical Regionalism can be easily expressed in examples where universal civilization is not fully influential or imposed. For instance, the Bagsvaerd Church, near Copenhagen by JØrn Utzon.

Figure 1- Exterior view of the Bagsvaerd Church

Figure 2 & 3- The interior of Bagsvaerd Church, Denmark

The Bagsvaerd Church, completed in 1976 outside of Copenhagen. From the outside, Bagsvaerd Church looks more likely to be a factory building or some sort of public facility. But the building is surprisingly opens into visionary and welcoming spaces when people steps inside. It shows combinations of local culture and universal civilization, wherein pre- cast concrete infill elements of standardized dimensions are combined in a particularly mostly a coherent way, with insitu reinforced concrete shell vaults which extent the major public volumes.

4.1 Strategies of Balancing out the Negatives

Malaysia is heading towards globalization, but in the meanwhile it still remains some other historical buildings in order to preserve the culture of this beautiful country. Take the railway station in Ipoh, Perak as an example, it is considered as a historical building in Malaysia due to the structure built in 1917, historical importance and architectural significance. It was built with the combination of the British colonial and Moghul architectura style of India influences mainly on its facades and roofs, therefore the railway station is also known locally as the "Taj Mahal" of Malaysia.

Figure 4- The railway station in Ipoh, Perak

On the other hand, Malaysian government is actually planning for a 100- storey skyscraper which will be named as either “Warisan Merdeka” or “Heritage of Independence” to dwarf the KLCC towers. Though there are quite a number of laymen objecting on this idea, but this is one obvious plan from Malaysian government to head this country towards globalization.

Many high rise buildings are erected from the plain ground in this country, but do they really stand for an identity of itself or even the country, or somehow or rather just being built for the sake of constructing a building with an attractive outlook to draw people’s attention? There is one good building example which is the Petronas Twin Towers that is set in the heart of the commercial district of the city. It is designed based on a traditional form in the Islamic culture, a 12 vertex star. The existence of this building was once a defended project which attracted criticism, but now turned out to be a lovely national icon. It has met a few features of critical regionalism which are the most obvious one, being in the median point between architectural movement- implemented cultural elements as well as the modern design. Followed by that, it has an extensive use of glass facade that was designed to bear a resemblance to Islamic art motifs and reinforce concrete is the main material of the twin buildings. However, it is not only a free- standing building in the middle of nowhere but in the heart of the commercial district of the city that becomes the urban city’s landmark. At the same time, throughout the complex an integrated energy- system is being used, which is using heat from drain air to power the cooling of outside air as it enters the building. The system reduces 50 per cent of the amount of energy required to air condition the building. The twin towers have introduced new architectural standards to Malaysia in terms of design, construction and technology by combining modern technology with a sense of cultural identity. This is a successful project as it represents a new direction in skyscraper design, attributing advanced technology while symbolizing local and national objectives.

Figure 5- Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Points in critical regionalism are essential in designing and deciding where to build a building. They lead the design of the building to be more unique by applying its own country’s cultural identity so that users do have the feeling of belonging. Besides that, the location of the building is constructed on a chosen site by respecting the natural resources. Designs are not easily “borrowed” by the other architects if one own cultural identity or material implication is being used, therefore the skyscrapers would not look more or less the same no matter in which country. Globalization still exists but somehow it does not lose the icon of the country by having the similar design on architecture throughout the whole wide world.