ARCHITECTURE
CULTURE & HISTORY 2
Project 2: Report (Group & Individual)
Dewan Tunku CanselorAngela Wee Kah Man 0322970
Brandon Liaw Jun Quan 0322467Brian Koh Jun Yan 0322002
Carlson Ko 0319564Cha Yun Xian 0322048
CONTENT1.Introduction 1-5
2.Site context analysis 6-8
3.Architectural layout of building 9-14
4.Architecture style analysis 15-18
5.Building construction, structure & materials analysis 19-27
6.Architectural elements / components analysis 27-34
7.Conclusion 35-36
8.References 37-38
1
1. INTRODUCTION1.1 History
2
Dewan Tunku Canselor - 9 April 1989
Dewan Tunku Canselor is an important
landmark in University of Malaya.It is also
consider one of the most iconic building in
3
Malaysia.This Building was designed with a strong influence of Brutalist Architecture
and the Modernist Movement.
The Building was constructed mainly with
bare concrete structure using Concrete
Waffle Slab.The architect of the building is
Datuk Kington Loo of BEP ( Boothy Edwards &
Partners ) Akitek Sdn.Bhd.Dewan Tunku
Canselor took nearly 18 months to complete.
On 25 June 1966,the building was officiated and named
by the first prime minister of Malaysia,which is also the
chancellor of the university at that time,Tunku Abdul
Rahman .Dewan Tunku Canselor serves as a
multipurpose hall for students and public.The
convocation ceremonies of Universiti Malaya for
graduation have been held annually since August 1966
and to hosting of numerous functions of the university
including theatre performances, special studio class, convocation, conferences,
concerts, and semester examinations. With two and a half storeys, Dewan Tunku
Canselor is able to accommodate approximately 6,000 people.
4
1.2 Facts
Fire Tragedy in 2001
On Friday, June 29th, 2001, almost ninety percent of Dewan Tunku Canselor was
destroyed by a pre-dawned fire and caused a loss of 12million Ringgit for its
substantial damage. Since then, Dewan Tunku Canselor had restricted entrance to
the public until it was rehabilitated. The initial reconstruction of the building started
in August 2001and lasted for nearly five months. The building was reconstructed
according to its original concept using a more sustainable method with a cost of
approximately 13.8million Ringgit Malaysia. It was officially commenced for the
second time by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad
Badawi after the completion of reconstruction and rehabilitation on 20th August,
2002.
5
1.3 ArchitectDato’ Kington Loo was the architect of this building. He was an architect in Malaysia
who belongs to the group who brought modernism to Southeast Asia in the wake of
World War II. BEP architects ( originally Boothy Edwards & Partners ) is the
architecture firm he worked for and this building has taken one and a half years to
complete. It is among the first few in the country that was planned and designed
according to the principles introduced by of Architects of Modern nation
Switzerland-France, Le Corbusier. He was among the leaders of modern architects
who are very concerned about the suitability of the design according to use, in
addition to the use of building materials that are suitable and do not impose any
decoration on a building. Dewan Tunku Canselor has characteristics that are almost
similar to the design of Bank Negara Malaysia which uses the brute-beton of
modernity unpainted cement.
He was the role model of professionals in the country and was constantly heard in
the print media.He was described as a very kind and soft spoken person and known
to speak up and not reserving his comments.
Dato’ Kington Loo BEP Akitek Sdn Bhd and logo of the company
6
7
2.SITE CONTEXT
Angela Wee Kah Man 0322970
Entrance
Boundary
Location Plan OF Dewan Canselor
Site Plan Of Dewan Tunke Canselor
8
University Malaya is situated on a 750 arcs campus in between east of Petaling
Jaya and southwest of Kuala Lumpur.The plan of University Malaya is surrounded by
the forest and Pantai river at the centre.Organic grid was utilized due to the
topography of the site and for future extensions or unit addition as the population of
the university will expands in the future.Besides that,the organic grid causes the
circulation of University Malaya to be clustered.In order to maintain the greenery
within the area of the university,the connectivity is surrounding the forest.Due to the
provided of public transportation for the students to reach their destiny, the traffic
flow and the density of vehicles within University Malaya are quite low.
Since the university was built in 60s,the building structures around it
were mostly designed based on the architecture spirit from the 50s and 60s too.For
example,post office,bookstore,bank and etc.Besides that,it is also surrounded by
natural elements such as tropical foresty,river and lake.
9
3. ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT OF BUILDING
Brandon Liaw Jun Quan 0322467
10
Circulation to use space
First Floor Plan of the Canseleri building
First Floor Plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor
11
For the Canseleri building, there is a building void held in the middle of the building.
The building void on the ground floor functions as a breakout space for users. There
are four main parts in the building of Dewan Tunku Canselor, foyer, seating hall,
stage and backstage. There are public spaces such as the foyer and seating hall and
also semi public spaces which is the backstages are usually for the performers and
workers. The principle way to navigate through the building is by walking through the
foyer where the public users will experience the light and shadows created by the
braisse-solleil surrounding the space. Natural light penetrates into the foyer through
the ceiling. The elevated seating halls can be navigated through the spiral staircases
which lead the users from the ground floor until the balcony. Furthermore, the users
are able to walk into the seating hall accordingly. The east of the hall has more entry
points as where the backstages is situated for the performers and workers to have
preparation. More partitions can be found on the east side therefore the circulation is
more complicated.
Organization analysis
Balance symmetry
First Floor Plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor
The whole building is divided into two parts, the Dewan Tunku Canselor and the Canseleri building. The diagram above is the overall plan of Dewan Tunku Canselor and the Canseleri building.
12
From the diagram, balance
symmetry can be found for both of these buildings. Also the
main mission of University Malaya to achieve the virtuous and
balanced development in nurturing talents as an educational
institution.
Geometrical
Geometrical shapes such as rectangular and circular shapes are applied on this
building. The main focus of the building are usually rectangular in shapes. At the
same time, having two circular shapes on the same side but opposite.
Addition & Subtraction
13
The geometrical rectangular form in the
middle part of the Canseleri building is
subtracted and known as the building void for greenery public space. The addition
circular elements shown on the diagram shows contrast between rigid straight lines
and curvilinear properties.
Massing
The mass of the building is produced by covering of the cylinder and rectangular. The
braisse-solleil which is a complex elements on the
facade of the building creates a heavier visual
weight.
Natural light
14
The natural light penetrates into the foyer easily due to the majority windows of the
building. Increasing the sunlight exposure to the foyer. The upper part of the walls
shows the illusion of higher ceiling due to the exposed natural light to the building.
Thus, giving a feeling of larger building when the users is inside the building.
15
4. ARCHITECTURE STYLE ANALYSIS
Carlson Ko 0319564
Characteristic of Brutalism: Brutalist engineering is a development in design that
prospered from the 1950s to the mid-1970s, sliding from the innovator
compositional development of the mid twentieth century. The term begins from the
French word for "crude" in the term utilized by Le Corbusier to depict his decision of
material béton brut (crude cement). English building commentator Reyner Banham
adjusted the term into "brutalism" (initially "New Brutalism") to distinguish the
developing style.
Brutalism got to be well known with administrative and institutional
customers, and various cases from Britain, France, Germany, Japan, the United
States, Italy, Canada, Brazil, the Philippines, Israel and Australia. Cases are ordinarily
enormous in character (notwithstanding when not expansive), fortification like, with
a prevalence of uncovered solid development, or on account of the "block
brutalists," roughly consolidate point by point brickwork and cement. There is
frequently an accentuation on graphically communicating in the outside heights and
in the entire site design arrange the principle capacities and human streams of the
structures. Brutalism got to be well known for instructive structures (particularly
college structures), yet was moderately uncommon for corporate ventures.
Brutalism got to be favored for some administration ventures, elevated structure
lodging, and malls.
In its toughness and absence of worry to look agreeable or simple, Brutalism
can be viewed as a response by a more youthful era to the delicacy, confidence, and
unimportance of exactly 1940s design. In one basic examination by Banham,
Brutalism was set not as a style but rather as the declaration of an air among
16
draftsmen of good reality. "Brutalism" as a compositional basic term was not
generally reliably utilized by faultfinders; designers themselves for the most part
abstained from utilizing it through and through. All the more as of late, "brutalism"
has gotten to be utilized as a part of prominent talk to allude to structures of the late
twentieth century that are expansive or disliked – as an equivalent word for "fierce."
The exposure of the common theme is
used in Brutalist design. The exterior of
the structure ranges from services to
their human use. Example, the Boston
City Hall which is indicated by the special
rooms behind those walls. Different
cases of Brutalist engineering in Malaysia
are Dewan Sri Pinang and Bank Negara
Malaysia Building, both situated in
Penang.
Brutalism as a design reasoning, as opposed to the style, was frequently
connected with a communist idealistic belief system. It tended on supporting by its
originators particularly Alison furthermore Peter Smithson, close to the tallness of
style. There are a lot of critics about Brutalism style architecture which is that the
abstract nature of Brutalism that make the style unfriendly and uncommunicative
instead looking protective. It is likewise censured as ignoring the social, memorable
furthermore design environment of its environment, making the presentation of
such structures in created zones stark, strange furthermore outsider.
Datuk Kington Loo was influenced by Le Corbusier prominent modernism
architect who was worried about maintainability of outline furthermore the
utilization of fitting building materials for structures.
Dewan Tunku Canselor was
inspired and build according
to the Brutalist style in the
1950s and 60s. It was
descendant from the
Façade of the building that is repetitive
17
modern architectural movement in the 20th
century. ‘Brutalist’ is also called ‘raw concrete’
from French - béton brut. Brutalist architecture
is usually design with repeated element and
using it to represent functional zones just like
Dewan Tunku Cancelor where the cone shape is placed, is actually used for stairs and
also using it as a design. Brutalist architecture possess a dynamic and also a massive
geometrical style which make this building look strong, monolithic and also blocky in
their appearance. Concrete is the most important material for Brutalist buildings due
to its raw look and a strong majestic building. The surface of the concrete has
different cast for it, there are wood, steel, bricks and glass.
The other theme for the Brutalist design is the exposure of the building itself to the
environment and also the building functions. Brutalism is also to stretch the limits of
how the concrete could be shaped and used in different ways. Building that used this
style will have a problem which is lack of natural light penetration and this style also
was found favored cause of low cost material and also a can be built in a short
period of time.
The Canselor courtyard in Tunku Canselor’s compound
18
5. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE &
MATERIALS ANALYSISCha Yun Xian 0322048
1.Concrete
The design of Dewan Tunku Canselor
was strongly influenced of the brutalist
architecture and modernist movement
19
during its construction period in 1960s. It was
constructed with mainly reinforced concrete
at both exterior and interior and was lauded
by public for its innovative use of materials.
The building was designed with massive
monumental and a predominance of concrete structure. On the façade of the
building, the openings are made up of concrete brise soleil and multiple
mushroom columns dominated by a circular ramp to idealise the beauty of
reinforced concrete structure.
The load-bearing walls allows further enhancement of the vertical emphasis of the
building as the ceiling is made of egg-crate reinforced concrete that allows longer
span, fewer beams and more dramatic interface on the exterior as well as interior
ceiling.
For
the
20
interior part of Dewan Tunku Canselor, part of the ceilings and walls are constructed
with concrete using waffle slabs method as it is light in weight, durable, economical,
and at the same time, displays the rawness of brutalism. These waffle slabs consist of
equally spaced ribs supported by columns.
2.
Glass
Float glass, laminated glass and stained glass are used in the installation of different
types of windows in Dewan Tunku Canselor to provide ventilation and light
penetration. Float glass is used for various sizes of windows on the walls of the hall
as it is resistant to acid, alkaline and corrosion and can provide excellent optical
performance with its smooth and flat surface.
Laminated glass is used for
skylights for better safety as it
is a type of safety glass that can
held shattered pieces together
21
when it’s broken, hence minimize the risk
of injuries when accidents happen.
Using laminated glass for skylights can also
help to reduce the transmission of UV
radiation from outside.
For decorative purposes, floral pattern stained glass is used on foyer to suggest
Islamic influences and enhance visual interest to the spaces.
3. Tiles
Different types of tiles are used in different spaces in Dewan Tunku Canselor to
create different spatial experience and feelings. Mosaic tiles are used on spiral
staircase and certain pathways to cover up vast areas of the building because of
its decorative aesthetics and low installation cost. On the other hand, porcelain
tiles are used on restrooms floors as it is tougher and more durable. Porcelain
tiles are resistant to stain and scratch,
less prone to moisture absorbing, and
easy to clean which makes it the perfect
tiles for restrooms.
4.
Steel
22
Mild steel is used as an important structural component for Dewan Tunku
Canselor. It is used to construct trusses for framing and roofing as it is light in
weight, tough, ductile and malleable. It is galvanized before installation to
prevent rusting and increase durability.
5. Timber
Besides mild steel trusses, timber trusses can also be found on certain roof
structure, as well as parquet floorings of Dewan Tunku Canselor. These trusses
are made of hardwood timber as it is very long lasting and strong. Using
hardwood timber as the materials of floorings also creates a clean and elegance
look to the interior space.
Comparison Between Dewan Tunku Canselor and Punjab and Haryana
High Court at Chandigarh Capitol Complex
23
The avant brutalism design of Dewan Tunku Canselor enthused by Dato’ Kington Loo
was actually inspired by a famous Swiss-French architect, Le Corbusier and his later
works. The building is similar to Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh
Capitol Complex in India, built by Le Corbusier in 1955, in the aspect of structure and
materials. Both building are designed according to the factor of native climate. The
main façade of both buildings are covered with concrete brise soleil to serve as
openings and give the main façade its overall unity.
24
Behind the brise soleil, glass is affixed to the windows of the courtrooms in both
Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the foyer area in Dewan Tunku Canselor. The
façade is sheltered by a series of fixed square concrete louvers to provide protection
from sun and rain, and at the same time enhance ventilation. In addition for shading,
large cantilevered roof can also be seen in both buildings. The dissimilarities of
Dewan Tunku Canselor and Punjab and Haryana High Court is Dewan Tunku Canselor
has a curved staircase facade that cannot be seen on Punjab and Haryana High
Court. Besides that, the concrete surfaces in Punjab and Haryana High Court are
25
completely exposed in its interior with a large series of tapestries covering the
interior wall behind the judges’ benches to reduce echoes in the courtroom, while
for Dewan Tunku Canselor, the concrete walls in the foyer were left unadorned,
exposing its skeleton.
26
6.ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
/COMPONENTS ANALYSIS
Brian Koh Jun Yan 0322002
Structure
27
Figure 1. Main structure of Dewan Tunku Canselor
Dewan Tunku Canselor among the earliest brutalism building in Malaysia. It is a two
and a half story building. Brutalism architecture features the originality of raw
concrete where rather than being camouflaged with paints, the building form and
originality is mainly constructed and covered by raw concrete. With the impact of
brutalism, the continuous usage of concrete development and huge structure was
constructed to the building.
Exterior Facade
28
Figure 2.
Examples of beton berut
The exterior façade of Dewan Tunku Canselor is largely influenced by the brise soleil
and beton brut made popular by Le Corbusier. The intention of brise soleil
implemented on dewan tunku canselor function as a natural shading which in the
same time control the amount of light and heat around the building. This enables the
reduction of using air cooling and provide natural breeze across the building. In
terms of design principle, it provides repetition across the wall that gives an artistic
value to the building.
Roof
29
Figure 4. A view of the roof from far
The roof of dewan tunku canselor as viewed from far was seen to have a massive
concrete slab lying above the structure. The rooftop is design exceptionally flat and
heavy. This represents the style of brutalism architecture which perfectly implement
with it. In order to neutralize the heaviness of this huge rooftop and keeping up with
the size, the waffle-slab ceiling was being used to overcome this situation. Dato’
Kington Loo ensures that the various ceilings located outside of the building must
keep up this example.
Window
Figure 3. Window decorated with art glass
30
Figure 4. 45 angled window with float glass
The window of Dewan Tunku Canselor features large float glass and both window
except from the east and west are angles 45 degrees. The float glass can be found
mainly at the north and south of the façade where the glass provides better
illumination of sunlight. In facts, brise soliel design was integrated with the glass
itself. The windows are design to allow the natural daylight to penetrate into the
interior and provide better shade.
On the ground floor, the hallway windows are mainly covered by art glass and
consist of Malay wooden style decoration. It helps create a different atmosphere to
overcome the dull and dusty appearance of the façade. The window position was
covered straight to the higher part of the building.
Water Element
Figure 5. Outdoor pond with plants and fish
A series of landscape design is also being incorporated at the north east side of
dewan tunku canselor. The water element consists of fish pond and water features
attached to it. The water act as vital source where its purpose is to lower the
temperature of its surrounding. In addition to that, the water carry out a sense of
refreshing and rejuvenating feeling to the whole atmosphere. The plant and fish
integrate well to make the surrounding more vital and energetic. Besides, this water
31
element acts as a decorative source to overcome the dullness of the brutalist style of
the façade.
Staircases
Figure 6. Concrete Staircase
at the exterior
Figure 7. Interior winding staircase
The staircase at the exterior was located at the right side of the building and was
constructed with concrete. The finishing of the staircase was kept raw with the
implementation of beton brut. It links the ground floor to the first floor. The staircase
is facing the primary road which it is ideal to the surrounding setting and practical
use for the building itself.
On the interior, the hall consist of two similar winding staircase which illuminate
from a special crystal fixture which hang down to the bottom part of the staircase.
This winding staircase give a special curve elements to its form. It is made from
chengal wood as it gives an aesthetic value to it.
32
Main Door
Figure 8. Main entrance with automatic sliding door
There are many and different variety of doors located at dewan tunku canselor. The
most noticeable is the main entrance, where the door is equipped with an automatic
sliding mechanism. The main door is fully covered with glass compare to other part
of the building. The doors control with an automatic sensor when user approach it
will automatically open. Apart from the main entrance, the door at the other part of
the façade consist of large stained glass attached with it.
33
7. CONCLUSIONIn the conclusion, Dewan Tunku Canselor has successfully depict the brutalist
architecture style. With its massive character, finishing of raw concrete and
34
implementation of brise soliel. it is one of the most significant works that Le
Corbusier had carry out.
Dewan Tunku Canselor is being situated as part of Malaysia most famous university,
University of Malaya. With the implementation of brutalist architecture style it
becomes a very popular educational building and in the same time serve as a core
image for the students who are currently study or graduated from there.
Tribute to Dato’ Kington Loo where he spend most of his time contribute to the
design and construction development for this building. It is for sure that there are
significant architectural style and ideas that are adopt from the western architecture
and perfectly implemented to Dewan Tunku Canselor.
35
8.REFERENCES1. H. (n.d.). Facilities. Retrieved November 27, 2016, from
http://cultural.um.edu.my/facilities-and-services/facilities
36
2. Enterprise, A. B., Chen, F. V., Hamilton, Z. M. A., Rodiah, Z., & Zuraini (2003).
REHABILITATION OF THE TUNKU CANSELOR HALL, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA,
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA. . Retrieved from
3. Kington Loo the building architect. ( 2016 June 10 ). Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kington_Loo
4. Allan Koay. ( 2003 March 26 ) Kington among men. Retrieved from
http://www.viweb.freehosting.net/kington-loo.htm
5. Dewan Tunku Canselor. ( 2007 September 21 ). Retrieved from
https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewan_Tunku_Canselor
6. Esther Lim. ( 2014 Nov 11 ). Retrieved from
https://issuu.com/joeye21/docs/c_h_webbook
7. Joe onn Lim. ( 2015 Nov 15 ). Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/dewan-
tunku-canselor-universiti-malaya
8. Culture & history II - Dewan Tunku Canselor (no date) Available at: (Accessed:
23 November 2016).
9. Dewan Tunku Canselor (1966) in Wikipedia. Available at: (Accessed: 23
November 2016).
10. H. (n.d.). Facilities. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from
11. Dewan Tunku Caenselor [Map]. (n.d.). In fd1:0x2c04042b5ab99481!8m2!
3d3.1213616!4d101.6564941.