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MENARA TELEKOM

ARCHITECTURAL CULTURE AND HISTORY 2

MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN BRICKFIELDS ,KUALA LUMPUR

PRITIKA RAMA MOHAN 0327039

ONG VON WAN 0323364
QUAH KENG YEW ​ ​0322893
PREMDYL SHADAN 0321979
PAU JIN WEI 0323840
Phares Phung Chimeng 0323554
Introduction

At the headquarters of Telekom Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, there is a building that is

within the 50 highest in the world, 304 meters high, 55 floors interspersed by a series of

hanging gardens that are developed with an upward spiral a way reminiscent of "a plant

that is growing, eager to reach the light, with strong roots with which to throw the

anchor, but with the beauty and lightness of an extended sheet."

This is an intelligent building, 6 stars, with 148,800 square meters, located in Kuala

Lumpur, located in an area of almost 3.25 hectares of land can not be confused with

any other tower in the city.

Also known as Bamboo Tower, which evokes the way.

Designed by Hijjas Kasturi and Associates, who are also authors of Menara Maybank,

Haji and Lembaga Tabungan Torre Shahzad.

The construction cost was approximately U.S. $ 160 million and was officially opened

on February 10, 2003.

Telekom Tower

Location Height
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 310m (77 floors)

Architect Contractor
Hijjas Kasturi Associates Deawoo Construction

Engineer Official Opening

Ranhill Bersekutu 11th February 2003

Construction Duration Total Floor Area

3 years (1998-2001) 1.6 million sq ft.

Building Function Rankings

Office #1 Tallest Building in the World (2001)
#75 Tallest Building in the World (2016)

Features
- Bamboo Design
- Disc shaped cantilevered Helipad
- Open skygardens every 3 floors
- Double-decking Elevators
Building used for comparison:

Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower

Location
Nagoya-shi
Construction period​ Oct 2005 - Feb 2008
Height
170 m (558 ft)

Stories
38
​Primary Use ​Education / Office
Owner/Developer
MODE GAKUEN
Design Architect
Nikken Sekkei

The symbolism of this spiral tower is an expression of the entwined, rising enthusiasm of the 3
different schools of fashion, computer science and medicine. Each school is housed in a
rotating wing around the central core, exploiting planning incentives of orientation and open
space.
HISTORY OF THE BUILDING

Kuala Lumpur being the country’s capital had major transformation as new and bold
forms of building started painting the skyline. A perfect example of a prominent
skyscraper that fabricated the nation's modern architecture would be the Menara
Telekom (TM Tower Headquarters).Located in Bangsar Baru , Federal Territory of
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the largest Telecommunication company in the country and
second largest in Southeast Asia, placed 71st on the global ranking and the 3rd tallest
skyscraper in Malaysia is the Telekom Tower also known as The Bamboo Tower
(Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 2016).

This remarkable architecture style was built in 1998 and finished in 2001, which is 310
metres tall with a spiral form that develops and rises along the east and west axis. The
building is intended to expand the growth of new investment especially in ICT so more
MSC Malaysia companies can look toward the building as a viable base of operations.
Designed by the father of Malaysian architecture of the second half of the twentieth
century Architect Hijjas in which the unique curvilinear structure was inspired by the
Malaysian sculptor Latiff Mohudin, the Pucuk-Rebung , which portrays a young bamboo
with stronger foundations and its root and little leaves sprouting, which is a unique sign
from Malaysia.
THE ARCHITECT

Hijjas bin Kasturi, born in 1936 is a Kuala

Lumpur-based architect. In the architecture
business for over fifty years, he has been in
charge of the absolute most noteworthy structures
in South East Asia, in the styles such as
postmodern and deconstructivist. He is viewed as
“the father of Malaysian modern design” of the
second half of the twentieth century.

Amid his time in Malaysia, in 1967 and established

the primary expert degree program in Malaysia,
The School of Art and Architecture at MARA
Institute of Technology. In 1977, he established
his own particular practice, Hijjas Kasturi
Associates Sdn (HKAS). Hijjas wedded an
Australian lady from Melbourne, Elizabeth Fay Wilson, and the couple had three
children who were conceived in Australia, including daughter Serina Hijjas. Serina Hijjas
now serves as executive of Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn.

HKAS has made a giant impact on Kuala Lumpur skyline with major buildings designed
by Hijjas Kasturi Associates that include the Menara Maybank built in 1989, Tabung Haji
built in 1986, Telekom Tower built in 2001, Putrajaya International Convention Centre
built in 2003 and the 4G11 Tower in Putrajaya built in 2008 amongst many others.

HKAS intentionally created plans that accommodated contemporary space and capacity
with an advanced tasteful quality in connection to the structures and pictures of the
past. This approach turned into a reasonable other option to the famous International
Style. Over a time of very nearly 30 years, there have been numerous constants in the
act of HKAS. The most critical one has been its capacity to reliably reexamine itself.
This is significantly plans business and institutional structures for which usefulness and
conservatism. HKAS, however is particular for the freshness and imagination it conveys
to each progressive building. Each of the HKAS structures has its own character. Every
structure has a story and each appears to manage the materials in a new inventive way,
testing breaking points, playing with function yet being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
What's more, they all unfailingly and
exclusively address their urban setting other known as addressing the context of the
site.

PREMDYL SHADAN (0321979)

BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY OF TM TOWER

​Telekom tower, a site worth 3.07 hectares, is a desirable location due to its central
location and close proximity of a few kilometres from Petronas Twin Towers. The
northern boundary of telekom tower faces the well-known Pantai River which starts from
a fork form the Klang River and ends near University Of Malaya. Telekom Tower is
located near the centre-point of this river when the river is largest in width. The southern
frontage ranging of 338 metres can be seen directly from passing the Federal Highway
with an immediate access to the site by the Kerinchi Overpass. The north and south
boundaries have impressive landscaping growth, creating a visual and suitable setback
for all boundaries.

The intense building planning, has taken mass rapid systems of different
transport kinds into consideration. This can obviously be seen. Road transportation,
such as buses, taxis and cars follow with the current of the Federal Highway leading
towards a grand entrance to the tower. Not only road transport has been taken into
consideration, however the placement of a series of train systems do not contradict the
smooth flow of circulation. The Kerinchi LRT Station ensures safety and smooth flow
with a pedestrian bridge linked to the side on the eastern side. The Mode-Gakeun Spiral
Towers located in Nagoya also does this with the building and the Nagoya Train Station,
which has also been designed to ensure smooth flow between train station, Spiral
Tower and its surroundings.

As mentioned before, Telekom Tower has been planned to the smallest of

details to ensure a smooth anti clockwise vehicular to and from the site. Telekom Tower
includes a variety of choices to enter and exit from which include north-east and
north-west points from Pantai Baru Road. The dispersion of traffic is also planned to
create a distribution with the many options of destinations which includes the two levels
of covered drop-off points. The car lot can house a total of 1700 cars not being a
problem for staff and visitors during peak and non-peak hours.
 Diagram Analysis for Telekom Tower, KL

Diagram Analysis for Mode-Gakeun Spiral Tower, Nagoya

RELATIONSHIP OF TM TOWER TO SURROUNDINGS

The relationship of the Telekom Tower to the surrounding is contrasting in many

different aspect. Firstly, the height of the tower seems to look the tallest amongst the
many buildings surrounding the site as it is surrounded by residential apartments and
commercial blocks. Besides that, it is also unique in style compared to the other
buildings due to its organic form and usage of curvilinear lines compared to the usual
repetitive basic retangular, blockish buildings that surround it. Finally, the usage of
greenery on the site as well as scattered throughout the floors create an almost ‘green
lush paradise’ making it an obvious contradiction to the surroundings of grey concrete.

In similarity, the Mode-Gakeun Spiral Towers also possess a organic form made
form three spirals that connect at the top. The facades of the spiral reflect the form
Telekom Tower which includes the use of curvilinear lines and materiality. The Spiral
Tower is surrounded, just like the Telekom Tower, by rectangular residential apartments
and repetitive commercial blocks. However, in contrast, the Spiral Tower is amongst a
crowd skyscrapers located in central Nagoya while the Telekom Tower is the one of the
few skyscrapers located in Bangsar Baru.

Picture on the right shows Telekom Tower and its surroundings.

Picture on the left shows Spiral Tower and its surroundings.
RESPONSE TO THE CLIMATE

The Telekom Tower possess qualities that are able to minimise the direct
exposure to sunlight on its facades, due to its linear shape. The linear shape creates
narrowing toward the eastern and western elevations of the buildings creating less
surface area of contact between building and sunlight. Less contact helps with
minimising air-conditioning, however still maximising the natural daylight entering the
tower’s floors. As mentioned before, the landscaping that surrounds creates a cooler
environment around the tower due to its natural processes. 20% of the site uses trees,
shrubs and plants to create this effect.

In comparison, the Mode-Gakeun Spiral Towers have also implemented green

concepts that could save energy, jut like the Telekom Tower. For example, heat loads
created by the sun are reduced by using double-glazed windows through the facade.
The structure also allows even distribution of energy supply and is enhanced due to the
adoption of airflow windows as well as inner tubes that are placed in the centre core.
Vegetation is a similarity between the two as both towers use trees, shrubs and plants
to create an ideal set-back, a buffer zone between the roads and the site and a natural
cooling system.

However, the Mode-Gakeun Spiral Towers have implemented more green concepts
that help with saving the environment such as cooling systems, lighting equipment and
fan rotation control have been applied for energy saving. Also, a water tank is situated
inside an underground pit to diminish the effect of the sewerage framework overspilling
in massive downpours.
PHARES
ARCHITECTURE LAYOUT

From left to right, the diagrams indicate the ground, 25th, 35th 45th and 55th floor plans
of the Telekom Malaysia Tower. By understanding the work nature of TM Tower which
is “high-tech”, the concept of the design is then combined with technological needs with
practical yet organic working space. The tower’s form was mainly inspired by “Pucuk
Rebung”, which derived from a sketch done by Latiff Mohidin, a Malaysian sculptor and
painter. It symbolises two main components: a bamboo’s new sprout shooting up from
the ground to reach the sky and the natural posture of a spreading out leaf.

The intention of the architect Hijjas Kasturi can be clearly seen as he intended to create
an “Intelligent Building” that has minimal environmental impact. He intended to
harmonise both natural environment and innovative technologies such as flexible and
environmentally-friendly air conditioning system that runs under-floor (Hiross Flexible
Space System). Thus, this ties back to the Hijjas Kasturi’s significance in curved forms
to achieve greater depiction.
The building is revolved around by office spaces throughout all 55 floors and they are
located along the northern and southern sides, linearly linked with the central core. The
office space and the environment are arranged carefully in order to boost the
employee’s performance, creativity, as well as providing a sense of comfort.
Beginning from largest floor areas and column free spaces which is the lower office, the
complex pre-wiring systems enables maximum flexibility in the office layout planning
that is designed to gain maximum amount of natural sunlight and fresh air to provide a
well ventilated environment. The windows and visually unopaque external louvres are
arranged facing north and south direction to minimise heat absorption.

The Sky gardens which is a large open space terraced gardens are placed in every 6
floors increasing upwards that serve as the employee’s leisure area. As the height of
the tower increases, the area of the floor plates decreases thus giving a various floor
planning options yet maintaining a high standard of flexible and comfortable space. As
the design of the floor plan diminishes when it elevates, the lower floors are used for
open public space as they are able to occupy more people. Whereas the upper floors
are utilised as private space for executives due to a smaller amount of people.
Circulation To Use Space
ONG VON WAN
0323364

The circulation of Menara Telekom is made in such a way that eases the user into the
different floors and spaces naturally. To accommodate the hectic environment of the
office, the floors are designed to be spacious and easily accessible. The circulation of
each floor is customised for many users to ease human traffic. The main access to each
floor is through the double-decker lifts available at the centre of the building. The
position of the lift as the centre of the building creates a circulation that branches out
into the other spaces on each floor. On the ground floor, the circulation is more unique
as the user will have to use the double escalators down to the lower ground floor to
access the lifts.

Comparison of Telekom Tower with Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower, Japan

From the diagrams below, the two buildings can be compared and the diminishing floor
area is apparent. Both the buildings have a circular floor area causing the users to have
a spiral circulation around each floor. The bottom floors of both buildings directs the
user to the centre, where the elevators are located. Upon reaching higher floors, the
circulation branches out from the elevator almost in a spiral and circular way, directing
the users around the contents of the floor.

RED​ = Use Space BLUE ​= Free Space GREEN ​= Staircase / Elevator

PURPLE ​= Circulation
Telekom Tower Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower

Ground floor Ground Floor

25th floor 15th Floor

28th Floor
45th floor

55th floor 36th Floor

Organisation of Space
ONG VON WAN
0323364

Repetition to Unique
There are many components that make up the marvelous Telekom Tower. The design
of the tower uses aspects of repetition to unique. From the repetitive louvres on the
facades of the tower to the alternating gardens on every three floors to the unique
helipad as a focal point at the top of the tower. The repetitive louvres are the external
facing components that is repeated throughout the building on each floor. The repetition
of the louvres are important in forming the unity of the facade. Next, the hanging
gardens less repetitive than the louvres as it is only repeated alternatively. The hanging
gardens are located in the opening in between the two vertical structures. It is important
that is it built on alternating floors not only because of cost but also for more space and
uniqueness so more people will appreciate it. Lastly, the helipad is the most unique
component of the building as it is the most attractive and eye catching element. The
helipad is clearly located on the top of the shorter of the two vertical structures and the
helipad is an iconic structure that also gives the building a character.
Hierarchy
The tower is seen as dynamic as it is partly because of the diminishing size as it
reaches the top, providing a sense of movement to the user. The tower is largest at the
base and the smallest at the top. The hierarchy of the tower is from the bottom to the
top based on the floor size. At the bottom, the space is more complex as it is more
public and requires more circulation. In the middle, the floor space is decreasing as it
has become less public and is used for corporate workers. At the top, there is the most
privacy and also the least floor area, possibly for the higher positions of the company.
Hence, the hierarchy of the tower from the bottom to top regards the floor area, privacy
and the corporate hierarchy.

Comparison of Telekom Tower with Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower, Japan

When compared to Telekom Tower, Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower, Japan, shares the application
of hierarchy. They both have forms that indicate a decreasing mass and floor area upon
reaching the top. Both buildings have an increased privacy on the top compared to the bottom
as the bottom functions as space for public use. The Telekom Tower’s diminishing form is
inspired from the bamboo shoot, whereas Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower is inspired by how the
school strives to the top. Notable difference in hierarchy of the two buildings are the structural
form of the buildings. Telekom Tower features two main components that goes vertically
upwards. The Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower features three main components that spirals up to the
top.

Telekom Tower Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower

Architecture style analysis
PRITIKA RAMA MOHAN
0327039

Most of the colonial buildings in Kuala

Lumpur begun to appear towards the
end of the 19th and early 20th century
which makes this city relatively young.
The buildings around this city have
architecture influences from various
cultures such as Tudor, Mughal,
Grecian -Spanish and many more. The
sudden growth of modern buildings in
the duration of Late modernism and
Postmodernism in Malaysia was due to
the financial independence and
economic growth of the country.

High rise, skyscrapers and buildings with all glass

exteriors began to emerge around the city to reflect an
upcoming global city with a new industrialized economy. Soon
many buildings followed in the footsteps of the modernism
movement such as Petronas Twin Tower, The Pavilion and
another perfect example is our building case study The
Telekom Tower also known as Menara Telekom. But the
building style are altered to support the use of local resources
and acclimatized to the local climate which is hot and humid
throughout the year.Further changes are expected to
happened to the city’s skyline with more prominent buildings
in decades to come.
What are the aspects of The Telekom Tower’s style that is considered as “modern
architecture” you may ask?

Before jumping into the details, we first have to understand the properties that are
considered “modern” in the Modernism Movement. Beginning with the changes in
symbolism and form. The modern movement emphasized on the idea of ‘Symbolic
Design” and not on “Functional Design” anymore. The definition of this term is brilliantly
named by Charles Jencks back in 1980’s which describes ‘symbolic architecture’ is an
architecture with a powerful degree of personifications or allusions with cultural ideas ,
historical references and other various pre-Modernist themes . Which means in terms of
form and design the inspiration came from things around you and not only focusing on
the functionality of the space. Therefore the buildings , are designed with a specific
story that’s waiting to unfold.

This style was only possible to introduce during the modern movement because of the
upper hand advantage of technological growth around the world. This style can be
clearly see in The Telekom Tower as an example of modern architecture in Malaysia as
it represents our nation’s heritage with the personal touch of symbolism and form from
the “pucuk rebung” or bamboo shoot, inspired by the Pago-Pago, a series of paintings
by Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin where the modern movement in architecture changes
from functional design to symbolic design. This skyscraper solidified the modern
architectural movement in Malaysia with its dynamic thrusting form to convey the
message of modernity with a cultural touch.
This type of building construction was only possible to build with the advantages of
modernism. The floor level helixes as the height of the building increases portrays the
shaft of the shoot as it grows while the core is the heart of the bamboo shoot which can
be seen in the picture below.

Shaft of
the shoot

Core

This modern building was specially design to fit for Malaysian climate which is explained
based on the analytical study of this building in terms of fenestrations, access, and
sunlight penetration. This skyscraper has repetitive elements which only can be
produced accurately with the help of calculation and high precision computers to
manufacture each parts of the products with the right dimensions without errors.

A perfect example on the Telekom tower would be the manufacturing of the exterior
curtain wall and floor plates which needs to be calculated so that it corresponds to the
dimensions of the floor plates. The usage of a computer software would make the
process easier compared to manual calculations. Therefore, the utilization of modern
technology on the production as well as calculations is an evident that the architectural
style of Telekom Tower is Modern.
Not only that the sudden growth of modern technologies has opened doors to building
construction thus discover of new construction methods. The material that played a
main role in the overall form of the tower is concrete as it allows design forms to be
casted without being structurally unstable.
Similarity of Telekom Tower to ​Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower Architectural style.

Telekom Tower SIMILARITIES Mode-Gakuen Spiral Tower

Helix shape with a core SHAPE Spiral shape with a core

The tower symbolises the Asian SYMBOLIC The eagerness of the

culture with the young bamboo ARCHITECTURE students from the three
shoot which is a strong foundation REGARDING schools fashion, computer
at its base, sprouting and unfurling GROWTH science and medicine,
small leaved at the top as if it were twisting and rising up into
anxious to reach the light. the sky, then soaring out
into the real world.

Modern architecture STYLE Modern architecture

 REPETITION
Hanging garden Triangular gridded dual-layer
glass curtain wall

Exterior curtain wall

Inspired from a sprouting bamboo shoot and designed thoughtfully to reflect the
essence of the Telekom company this skyscraper is definitely a Malaysian heritage that
has almost all the features stated to be a good example of ‘Post independence Modern
Malaysian Architecture’ that contributes to the Modern Malaysian Skyline.
PAU JIN WEI

Building construction, structure & materials analysis

o Explain specific materials and construction method used to construct the building.
Compare the similarities or differences with other modern buildings in the west.

Telekom Tower, a very direct design of the skyscraper and the the bamboo shoot, which hold a
strong foundation as the base, sprouting and unfurling small leaves at the top and also show
the asian emblem. The building form is categorised as modernism with the two curving forms
that torsion around the central shaft and 5 different massing forms to create a bamboo shoot
appearance, whereby the floor plates are intersect one another with the building tapering
towards its crest at the 77th floor.

First of all, A bowstring truss is one of the main construction method which is built at the east
and west elevation side of the building where the most sunlight are shaded with the sky
gardens, which also served as open public spaces. The purpose is to support the sky garden and
also act as the combination of the building by bridging between the floors in each every third
level away from an open space, which varies in size from over 600 square metres at the lowest
garden to just 140 square metres at the highest.
The chords support the roof while the webs brace and stabilize the chords, helping to distribute
the load across the entire truss to the bearing walls on either side. It is quite similar to
conventional common trusses except for the top chord, which is constructed in a parabolic
design. Bowstring trusses resemble the arched shape of an archery bow. The curved top chord
and the horizontal bottom chord intersect each other at both ends.

Bowstring trusses are designed to span large distances, such as the skyscraper; TM Tower in
Kuala Lumpur. The building uses a wide range of materials which is steel, glass and Alucobond
cladding.

Glass
Implication of the building skin, interlayers are almost
indistinguishable from glass in terms of their refractive index, with
the effect that they are not apparent when looking through the
glass. PVB and CIP resin layers absorb almost all of the UV light. In
certain lighting conditions refraction can occur on the casting
resin sheets at the edges of the adhesive tape. For security
purposes, laminated safety glass can provide active security when
used as an enclosing element. The covering layers of glass ensure
good scratch resistance. For the same resistance class, a glass-PC
composite is thinner and lighter than a glass-glass laminate.

As TM Tower has a high amount of glass to the top and in the same time spider glass clamp (
4-ways) can give a feeling of frameless glass, it also able to fit in high wind load area as the
buildings are high and tall in accordance to the aesthetic of the building itself, spider glass
clamps are used to secure the fittings together. Not only that, these connections in a bearing
bolt connection a shear-resistant steel pin in a precise locating hole transfers a concreted force
into the connected plate by means of a mechanical interlock with the hole in bearing.

They were used in glass wall and canopy openings, it’s primarily design is to connect multiple
tiers or panels of glass. The bearing force is then distributed at an angle of approximately 120​°
in the plane of plate. These connection are widely-used in structural steelwork which matches
the structure of TM Tower.

Windows and Louvers, glass Panels are used for the entire building, on the North and South
side of the orientation of the louvered windows are used to reduce heat as it is the most
exposed area to sunlight. Not only that, the facade of the Menara telekom that is banded by
louvered windows enclosed and protects maintenance catwalks.
For the main Entrance, the hollow part of the roof is covered with glass to avoid rain so people
can circulate in the entrance without getting wet and at the same time gives an effect of
lighting and shadow

Steel
The birth of steel skyscraper buildings can be rightfully associated with the invention of
passenger elevators which appeared in a practical form around the 1870s. First of all, the
exterior masonry wall provided not only the rigidity with respect to lateral wind loads, but also
the support and fenestration for the exterior masonry facades. The material is mainly used for
the internal support and for exterior cladding which act as a building frame. Planning principles
pertaining to high-rise buildings were resolved in these initial applications. These included
aspects such as structural fire protection, regular grid spacing of interior columns and planning
with respect to service functions of lighting, heating and plumbing.

Not only that, it is essential to understand this process if one is involved in the design of
high-rise steel buildings. Its overall efficiency, and thus its economic feasibility, flexibility
materiality quality compare to other materials, is controlled largely by bay spans and member
depths. As the bay dimension and the number of floors increases, disproportionately heavier
members were required to control wind away, thus limiting its economic viability. The system
selection process was also a key element of the structural design process, which includes mixed
forms of structures like TM Tower.
 Alucobond cladding, the facade creates an eye catching form for the people
around it as the building uses metal panels to reflect all sunlight that shine on
the panels. Not only that, it also uses a repetitive elements that was form with
lines create square and rectangle shapes which is very interesting and in the
same time it synchronizes with the louvered window throughout the whole
building. Aluminium panel canopies are also built along the entrance to give a
mixture of lighting and shadow. The selection of Alucobond cladding which it
has excellent vibration dampening characteristic, and the design of the facade
requires a material can be bent, curved or shape to any angle. The cladding not only projects a
highly contemporary, hi-tech feel, but is very durable, easily maintained and ideal for resisting
weathering in the tropical climate. The hi-tech exterior materials are contrasted with warmer
and richer internal finishes.

The similarities between Menara Telekom and Mode Gakuen Spiral Tower, these buildings used
the same construction materials which is steel and alucobond cladding due to its ability of
strength due to their heights, flexibility design which will be the curves on the body itself,
resistance due to the respective climate and etc.

Differences Telekom Tower Mode Gakuen Spiral tower

Construction design Steel frame is built more in a Steel frame is built in spiral
straight and helix form that form for 3 external frame that
consist a very solid form and covered the inner truss tube
base. which is more complicated
and the frame for windows is
also in cross section for more
supportation
Construction purposes Lesser body curves to avoid More curvy spiral building
wind load and building frame act as vibration control
system due to its height, column. The form does not
which is 310 meter affect the stability due to it’s
height, which is 170 meter
only.

Construction method Common machine, labours, High technology, labours, etc.

etc.
Quah Keng Yew

However, even though the form of the Telekom Tower is clearly ‘modern’, it is not easy
to forget that the design of this structure has been adapted to accommodate for
Malaysian climate. This is better explained in the analytical study of the building layout
in this report, but should be noted that considerations for ventilations, sunlight
permeability, wind, access and other forms of weather effects have been deliberated to
the design.

Shades
However, the roofs in the sky garden is shaded while drizzling to give a sense of
eco-friendly air conditioning system, but not in heavy rains.
Door ( Main entrance )
As the interior uses low lighting to fit the concept of eco-friendly, it uses large glass
panels as the main entrance to allow natural lighting to shine in the lobby. it also gives a
sense of warm welcome to the people that was visiting and also cleanliness purposes
for easy wipe and clean.

Sky garden
Overhanging gardens were not uncommon during its time, but with the spiking
population of skyscrappers and high-rise buildings, many architects sought to
implement nature back into the massive man-made structures in an otherwise concrete
jungle. The key idea of including the sky gardens was that by including the large
open-air terraced gardens, the development would be able to embody ‘environmentally
sensitive architecture’ and soften the tower’s external facade while serving as living
filters of heat, light and sound for the inhabitants.
Sky Garden
One of the significant components about the Telekom Tower is the open sky garden.
The sky gardens are large open air terrace gardens on the Eastern and Western
façade. The idea of the sky gardens are responding to the environmentally sensitive
architecture of the building, a series of low rise neighborhood are stacked vertically,
scaling the heights of the tower. There is a total of 22 sky garden 11 on each side, and
can be found on every third level. Thus, every floor is no more than one level away from
an open space. The size of the sky gardens ranging from 600 metres square from the
lowest to 140 metres square on the highest.

The sky gardens serves a few purposes. Firstly, the position of the sky garden is to
provide natural shade on the Eastern and Western façade of the building. The West
elevation sky gardens protect the building from afternoon heat gain while the East
elevation sky gardens protect the building from the morning sun. It softens the tower’s
external façade and serve as living filters of heat, light, and noise for the workers within.
The sky garden also creates a neighborhood within the building that would humanize
the working environment. It provides a retreat that is closer and convenient to go
outside of the building. These accessible external spaces are suitable for relaxation,
meet up, discussion, as well as to combat the day to day stress in this highly
technological corporation.
​Ventilation

Telekom Tower has proper ventilation with creates a healthy environment within. The
sky garden provides fresh air from the external environment into the localize air
condition unit. The fresh air is then channel into the office through the underfloor air
conditioning system. Foul air then rises to the chamber in the ceiling and is channeled
and expelled through the louvers at the external façade to the external environment.
This cycle of air is environmentally friendly whilst creating a healthy environment for the
workers within.
Conclusion

In conclusion to sum up the Telekom Tower is an example of modern architecture in

Malaysia as it represents our nation’s heritage with the personal touch of symbolism
and form from bamboo shoot, inspired by the Pago-Pago, a series of paintings by
Malaysian artist Latiff Mohidin where the modern movement in architecture changes
from functional design to symbolic design. Not only that the sudden growth of modern
technologies has opened doors to building construction thus discover of new
construction methods. The material that played a main role in the overall form of the
tower is concrete as it allows design forms to be casted without being structurally
unstable. The unusual yet modern part of the tower is the sky garden that is located at
every 3 storey intervals on both end of the skyscrapers in which Hijjas Kasturi explains
the addition of the garden soften the tower’s façade and act as living filters of heat and
light. Therefore, all these small characteristic is what marks the Telekom Tower as
Modern Malaysian Architecture.
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