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.