TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE,

BUILDING & DESIGNARCHITECTURE CULTURE

& HISTORY II

PROJECT II: WEB BOOK

GROUP MEMBERS: CHOW HONG DA 0318571

JAMES TAY JIA CHUEN 0322210

HARIISH KUMAR a/l THIAGARAJA 0318852

EVELYN LAI KAH YING 0322732

LECTURER: Pn. NORHAYATI

No. Content Pg.

1. INTRODUCTION 12. SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS 53. ARCHITECTURE LAYOUT OF BUILDING 11

4. ARCHITECTURE SITE ANALYSIS 155. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STRUCTURE

& MATERIAL ANALYSIS21

6. ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 28

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTIONMenara Milenium is one of Kuala Lumpur's

most iconic office buildings as it is the tallest

building in Pusat Bandar Damansara. It

completed in the year 2000, stands 25 floors

above street level and houses over 51,580

square meters or 555,000 square feet of Net

Lettable Area (NLA).The building is the

prestigious work address of over 4,000 office staff working for renowned companies such as Ernst

& Young, Philip Morris, WPP Group and Eastern & Oriental.Located in Damansara Heights, Menara

Milenium is sought as a preferred corporate address and it has extremely high commercial value.

It is surrounded by affluent neighbourhoods like Mont Kiara and Bangsar which have premier

residential, business, restaurants and branded cafes.

Amenities in the area include restaurants and cafes which are available in the immediate

surroundings, residential areas, and shopping centres (Bangsar Shopping Centre). Public transport

to the building includes buses and taxis (bus stop a short walk from the building), and the nearest

LRT station (Bangsar LRT station) is a mere 4 km away. Moreover, an upcoming MRT station (Pusat

Bandar Damansara station) in the area will help improve accessibility to the building in future.

FAST FACTSName of building: Menara Millennium

Year Complete:2000

Location: Damansara Height, Pusat Bandar Damansara.

Address: 8 Jalan Damanlela (Pusat Bandar Damansara), 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

Nearby cities: Klang and Pekanbaru

Offices inside: Mayflower American Express Travel Service, Eastern&Oriental Berhad,Fortune

Fountain Sdn.Bhd, HSBC Bank Malaysia, J.Walter Thompson Sdn.Bhd, Orient Escape Travel

Sdn.Bhd

Type: Corporate Tower

Working hour: Mon-Fri (9am-5pm) ; Sat(9am-1pm)

Developer--Selangor Properties Berhad (SPB)

Selangor Properties Berhad (SPB) was officially incorporated on 12 October, 1963. The company's

founder and current chairperson is Puan Sri Datin Chook Yew Chong Wen. It is more than just a

property development company. With developments that are distinctive in quality, value and

stature, it operate by the guiding principle that effort is measured not by the amount of work they

exert but the care and passion we devote to complete a project with utmost professionalism and

precision. The ultimate purpose is to create enduring value, connect and collaborate with all

stakeholders and create thriving communities through property development and investments.

With substantial land bank and commercial properties in Kuala Lumpur, SPB has built up a

portfolio of prestigious developments in prime districts such as Damansara Heights, Bukit Tunku

(Kenny Hills), Gombak, and Selayang.

SPB investment properties includes Menara Milenium, Wisma Damansara, Kompleks Pejabat

Damansara, 16-Shop Batai, SPB Towers and Taman Tunku Apartments, all of which are located

within the prestigious district of Damansara Heights. In any venture that SPB undertake, are

mindful of the values that drive our guiding principle - purpose, connection and trust.

Before embarking on a project, SPB examines its aims and potential benefits, in addition to taking

into account its impact on the people and communities involved.

Architect-Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart is an internationally established design firm providing

innovative professional services for corporate, commercial, hospitality, residential, industrial,

government and educational projects. The majority of our services are commissioned by repeat

clients in the real estate and development industry. The many longstanding relationships we have

developed with our clients reflect our ongoing commitment to quality design and responsive

service.

Founded in 1979, the firm is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in the Republic of

Singapore, Shanghai, P.R.C. and Dubai, U.A.E. Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc., its

subsidiaries and affiliated companies offer design services* in Architecture, Interior Design, Master

Planning, Graphic Design and Landscape Architecture. Our widely acclaimed design solutions reflect our

ability to creatively respond to the unique objectives of each project while incorporating high standards for

quality, technical competence and cost control.

SITE CONTEXT ANALYSISWritten by - Hariish Kumar

Contents:Building AccessibilityRelationship of Building to SurroundingsResponse to Climate

BUILDING ACCESSIBILITYEasily accessible from:

Jalan Duta (4.0KM) Sprint Highway (10.2KM)

Jalan Kuching (14.6KM) Federal Highway (32.8KM)

LDP (17.6KM) KERINCHI LINK (12.3KM)

Conclusion

Menara Millenium is situated in strategic location which is almost the heart of Selangor as it easily

accesible from all parts of KL.The many roads of access also means there are more than one way

to go to this building which is a key feature because of the constant jam in that area.It is also

connected to most of the highways which ensures a shorter and faster way.

COMPARISON

Wisma UOA

Address: Jalan Dungun, 50490 Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur

Architectural style : International style

Purpose/Function :Commercial/office

Wisma Damansara

Address: Jalan Semantan, 50490 Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur

Architectural style : Brutalist architecture

Purpose/Function: Parking Lot

Kompleks Pejabat Damansara

Address : 45, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia

Architectural style: Brutalist architecture

Purpose/Function: Office Complex

HP Towers

Address: 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia

Architectural style: International style

Purpose/Function: Office Complex

ConclusionThe buildings surrounding Menara Millenium mostly consits of international style and brutalist

style.Menara Millenium stands out as it designed more towards Neoclassical style and it contrasts

the other building greatly,mainly to the buildings that uses brutalist architecture.The brutalist

building look matte and dull compared to the polish looks of the buildings with neoclassical and

international style.

RESPONSE TO CLIMATE

The facade is facing the sun path for maximum intake of daylight to reduce the use of

electricity.The windows are slighty tinted to reduce the heat intake.The granite covered facade

also reduces heat absorption by reflecting it.

ARCHITECTURE LAYOUTWritten by – Chow Hong Da

ContentsPlan to section/elevation analysisCirculation of use-spaceOrganization analysis

DRAWINGS

Front Elevation Rear Elevation

Side Elevation

Section

ANALYSIS From the drawings, we can see that the building is emulating the design of a Byzantine church,

with its circular/centralised plan, dome roof and columns made of granite. Each floor has its lifts

and services at the center of the building, with corridors flanking the long sides. The columns that

support the building are found inside the building, progressively get thicker the lower the floor

goes. These facts allow the outer façade to be more expressive in the neoclassical design, which

shows also some postmodern influences.

CIRCULATIONThe building has two sets of six lifts, each set connecting to different zones to prevent congestion

during rush hours. The first set connects the low zone, which is 1st floor to the 12th floor, while the

second set takes passengers from the 1st floor straight to the 13th to 25th floor. Other than the 2

sets of lifts, another set of lift is linked from the 1st floor to the basement.

A bridge, on the 3rd and 4th floor, connects the main office building to the small building beside it,

leading towards the open space above the small building. This allows office workers to move

between these buildings without needing to exit the building.

The dome, situated at the 26th floor, is usually inaccessible. Inside are water tanks, ventilation

ducts and pipes, which only staff are allowed access.

ORGANIZATION ANALYSIS

SYMMETRY

The symmetrical balance of the building is evident from the

elevation. This balance in proportion is one of the Vitruvian virtues

that neoclassical architecture strives to achieve. Not only is the

elevation symmetrical, the plan, excluding the small building to its

side, is symmetrical horizontally and vertically. The entrance of the

building breaks the mold of symmetry, being slightly to the right, but

the entrance itself is very symmetrically balanced.

CENTRALISEDThe building, when viewed from the plan, is a centralized structure, with circulation at the center,

and the use space surrounding it. This design is an efficient way to allow the office space to be

exposed to natural lighting throughout.

HIERARCHYThe building’s floor area decreases as the building ascends above, to minimize load on the support

columns inside the building. The dome, which is the focal point of the building’s aesthetic, is also

emphasized by the decreasing floor area.

CONTRASTWhen surrounded by modernist and postmodernist buildings, the neoclassical Menara Millennium

provides a contrast in the cityscape, looking distinct with its granite walls, when compared to the

concrete brutalist buildings around it. Its neoclassical design of a domed roof is easily recognizable

from a distance when flanked by other buildings. The smooth domed roof also contrasts the

geometric form of the building’s body, further emphasizing the beauty of the dome.

ARCHITECTURE STYLE ANALYSISWritten by – James Tay

ContentHistoryComparison

Architectural Style AnalysisThe architectural style of the Menara Millenium is of postmodern architecture with neo classical

architectural elements.

History of postmodern architectureThe postmodernist movement began in America around the 1960’s and then it spread to Europe

and the rest of the world. Postmodernity in architecture is said to be heralded by the return of wit,

ornamentation, and references to previous architectural traditions.

It was originated due to failure of the modern architecture. Postmodern trends became evident in

the last quarter of the 20th century as some architects started to turn away from modern

functionalism, which they viewed as boring, or even unwelcoming and unpleasant. Modern

architecture did not meet the human need for comfort as it did not account for the desire of

beauty. Thus, architects sought to reintroduce colour, ornaments and decoration into their

designs. The response to the formalism of the modern style involved sampling old styles but

breaking traditions, and was part of a movement that continues to influence contemporary

architecture. Perhaps most obviously, architects rediscovered the expressive and symbolic value of

architectural elements that had evolved through centuries but been abandoned by the modern

style.

The age of postmodern architecture was a brief one, dating roughly from 1970 to 2000 or 1980 to

2000. In one of the most ironic and tragic coincidences of the modern era, the total destruction of

the World trade Centre was said to have closed the postmodern era.

History of Neoclassical architectureIn architecture, Neoclassicism signalled a return to order and rationality after the melodramatic,

flamboyant Baroque, and the decorative frivolity of the Rococo. As a style composed of many

elements, based to a varying extent on the antique forms of Greek architecture and Roman

architecture. The earliest forms of neoclassical architecture grew up alongside the Baroque, and

functioned as a sort of corrective to the latter's flamboyance. This is particularly evident in

England, where examples of early neoclassicism include buildings like St Paul's Cathedral.

Features of Postmodern buildings with neoclassical architectural elements:

1) Postmodern buildings are arranged as a stack of varied design elements for a single

vocabulary from ground level to top called tapering or wedding design.

Comparison:

Sony Building Vs Menara Millenium

2) Modern architecture was monolithic and consistently monochromatic whole, according to

which its buildings range from the perfect white cubes to the glass and steel skyscrapers

and grey concrete bunkers. However, Postmodernism ushered in an explosion of colours in

contrast to modernistic buildings. This gives buildings a more expressive and symbolic

meaning.

Walt Disney Studios Vs Menara Millenium

3) Double coding is a principle in postmodernism in architecture by American architectural

theorist Charles Jencks, claims that architecture should be able to work on several levels

simultaneously. This idea allows postmodernism architects to use classical elements for

example Roman, Greek or Baroque styles in designing buildings. The objective of double

coding in postmodern architecture was to satisfy both peers and the public through a

combination of the past and present styles in a synthetic fashion. Examples of classical

elements used in Menara Millenium are :

a) Ornaments b) Roman arch columns c) Steeples d) Cloister dome shape roofing

a) Postmodernism also ushered the revival of use of ornaments which adds to the aesthetics

and beauty of postmodern buildings as postmodern architects showed a sense of desire for

beauty in their designs.

Walt Disney Studios Vs Menara Millenium

b) Menara Millenium incorporated classical elements such as the roman arch columns into

the postmodernism building design as a sign of double coding.

c) Other features of menara millenium adopted from the past styles are steeples from

cathedrals. As shown below, the steeples of menara millennium are quite similar to the

ones used in cathedrals. The only difference is that the Christian cross is not used on the

menara millenium as it is not a Christian building.

d) Another feature adopted from past styles is the cloister dome shape roofs. The earliest

known examples date to the first century BC, such as the Tabularium of Rome from 78

BC. The most famous example is the Renaissance octagonal dome of Filippo Brunelleschi

over the Florence Cathedral.

Other features of postmodern buildings

Postmodern buildings sometimes utilize trompe l’oeil, creating the illusion of space or depths

where none actually exist, as it has been done by painters since the romans. The Portland Building

has pillars represented on the side of the building which appears to be real but actually is fake.

This is known as illusionistic building techniques.

ConclusionMy experience in visiting the Menara Millennium was really worthwhile. It was both educational

and fun at the same time. Through my visit there, I have managed to successfully gather sufficient

information needed for my report on architectural style analysis. I have learnt that Menara

Millennium is of postmodern architecture with neoclassical architectural elements. Furthermore, I

have also managed to gather information about evidences that Menara Millennium is of pure

modern style with no local influence on site as well as through research online.

CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE, & MATERIAL ANALYSISWritten by – Hariish Kumar, James Tay and Chow Hong Da.

ContentMaterialsConstruction MethodsSimilarities/Differences with other buildings in the West

Building MaterialsStainless steelThis material is used for the primary framework of the building and also for the exterior

ornamentations of the building. The property of stainless that does not corrode or rust easily

makes it perfect for framework and ornamentation as it can withstand the humid environment of

Malaysia.

ConcreteConcrete is poured on the main framework and is the primary material used in this building. The

concrete is left bare in areas not used by many and some in parts are painted where it seen by the

public. The ability of concrete to withstand humidity and heat makes it able to be left bare.

The bare finishes of the The painted finishes of

Concrete the concrete

The framework of the roof

The steel

ornamentations The steel framework

of the building

The facade is covered with granite and glass

Granite

Granite is the material that is primarily covering the facade of this building. This decision was done

to give the building a grandeur look but also to keep the building cooler. The facade of this

building has held up good over time because of the property of granite to withstand heat and

humidity.

GlassLaminated glass is used for the windows because they don’t easily break. The glasses are also

glazed to prevent excessive heat from entering. The windows are also one of the key features in

the design of the facade.

MarbleMarble which is generally cooling is used for the flooring and the general interior fitting of the

building. The marble brings the grandeur of the facade forward to the interior.

Construction and Structure

Cloister Dome RoofingDomes are most typically found in Classical architecture. The Romans and Byzantines built their

domes in stone, and due to the tremendous weight of these magnificent buildings, they needed to

be built on soil that could support them. Then, as today, reinforced steel bars are used to support

the dome roofing.

Construction Process1) First step is the construction of a steel reinforced bar cloister dome begins by building a

square foundation of reinforced concrete called the ringbeam. The ringbeam is designed to

support the weight of the completed dome,

The ringbeam is a steel reinforced continuous square concrete footing which anchors the

dome even through strong winds

Example of a dome roof ringbeam

2) Second step is the process of applying polyurethane foam to the inside of the form. The

foam initially provides the required rigidity to support the reinforcing steel of the dome.

After construction is completed, the insulating foam works with the thermal mass of the

steel dome to provide exceptional energy efficiency.

3) Next is the setting of the steel reinforcing bars. To expedite the construction process, the

reinforcing steel and all the equipment required to place the reinforcing steel is staged

inside the perimeter of the ringbeam. Then, special fasteners are imbedded in the foam

and the reinforcing bars are attached. The quantity and diameter of reinforcing bars are

engineered to maximize the performance of the dome based on the requirements of the

application.

Section of the Menara Millenium Cloister Dome

4) Final step is to lay the steel sheet dome roofing on the reinforced steel bars.

Reinforced Steel Bars

Barrel Vaults Barrel vaults are commonly seen in many ancient and modern structures, including churches,

government buildings, museums, aqueducts, stadiums, sewage systems, tunnels, and more. A

barrel vault resembles a barrel that has been laid on its side and cut in half along its length; the

top is rounded and the bottom is flat. Anciently, barrel vaults were constructed of stone. With the

advent of materials such as steel in the modern era, variations of the barrel vault can now be

constructed using a variety of materials. As constructed in Menara Millenium, the barrel vault is

made out of steel strengthened with reinforced steel bars.

Steel Sheet Roofing

Reinforced Steel Bars

Exterior wallThe exterior wall normally plays a key role in thermal insulation of the building. The insulation of a

building can greatly reduce the amount of energy used by a building.

Clay insulationThe local clay, often local subsoil, is mixed into a slurry with water and then combined with straw

or wood chip or other similar material. The clay’s ratio determine its property to either insulate

heat or gain heat, for this case it to insulate heat.

Granite claddingThe granite cladding serves as a visual purpose and also a systematic purpose. The granite cladding

significantly reduces heat gain by reflecting it as the granite has a glossy surface.

SIMILAR BUILDINGS

St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Similarities Inspired by architecture of classical antiquity

Has a dome roof inspired by byzantine/baroque architecture of the past

Has a similar centralised floor plan

DifferencesMenara Millennium Differences St. Isaac’s Cathedral

Office Building Function Church

Aesthetic purpose Dome Function To honour the holy spirit

Glass, Steel and Granite Materials Marble, Glass and Iron

ELEMENTS/ COMPONENTS ANALYSISWritten By – Evelyn Lai

ContentsFaçadeSegmented ArchGlass WallRounded ArchStaircaseColumnsWindowsCloister DomeCeilings

Architectural Element & Component Analysis

FacadeRows and columns of windows can be seen from the facade as it allows large amount of natural

light to penetrate throughout the office area. It shows a strong repetitive in unique to save on

energy bills by reducing the need for artificial light. However, when certain amount of sunlight

goes through the windows, it caused a high temperature in the office area because of the heat

trapped. To reduce the heat energy, granite cladding facade is used to increase heat insulation and

release the heat load from the direct sunlight.

Segmental ArchSegmental arch is a segment of a circle and has all the same basic features as the flat arch except

the curved extrados and intrados radiate from the same focal point. It was first built by the

Romans and being introduced massively in the late Middle Age. It create openings for windows

and bring light into the structure, making the place more pleasant to be in.Such arches is used in a

grouping to distribute the weight of a large structure.

Light penetration diagram

Load diagram

Glass wallAs the function of Menara Millennium is for commercial used, repetitive laminated glass are used

at the walls of entrance and lobby to show low privacy. User can see through the transparent

walls.

Round ArchIt can span a large area by resolving forces into compressive stresses, in turn eliminating tensile

stresses. This is sometimes referred to as arch action. As the forces in the arch are carried to the

ground, the arch will push outward at the base. As the rise, or height of the arch decreases, the

outward thrust increases. The round arch in Menara Millennium is located in the front facade, to

act as a supportive system in the whole building.

Round arch from

front facade

StaircaseThere are two staircases in the building as they are not the main part of circulation. As the building

consists of thirty five stories including the dome structure, the main circulation is the lift to provide

a more convenient access for the user. The type staircase is winder staircase which requires less

space than many other types of staircase. Also, it has a more visual interest and seem to create a

more seamless transition, visually, as they meander around corners. Colors of wooden steps and

stainless steel handrail make the staircase combine well with the brownish granite walls in the

interior.

Staircase 1

Winder staircase optimum

angle diagram

ColumnThe column found in the building is very thick in radius as they act as the load bearing system to

support the weight of the entire ceiling and the upper floors. Units of windows from ceiling to

floor also attached and support by the huge columns between them. The surface of the column is

similar to the Greek columns which consist of flutes that is long vertical grooves go down the

column. The grooves are not only for aesthetic reasons, but resist surface cracking and act as

reinforcement. While the material used for surface is marble, to increase heat insulation and look

more aesthetic.

Column that support glass walls Column supporting ceiling and upper level

Vertical grooves made of marble

WindowsThere are plenty of windows built in columns and rows manner to create spectacular views from

far. They made of reflective glass which coated with metal compound on surface by chemical

deposition. The function is to reflect extra light and solar heat. This type of glass is massively used

in construction of high rise commercial building.

Cloister domeThere are four cloister dome shaped roof in the building. The most obvious dome will be at the top

of the building, which there is a smaller dome on the top of the largest dome. Its dome that

maintain a square shaped in the horizontal cross section. Cloister vault with four concave surfaces

meeting at a point above the center of the vault and can be thinking as formed by two barrel vault

that cross at right angles to each other. The thrust are concentrated at four corners, so the

supporting walls need not to be massive.

Windows from exterior

Glass construction diagram

CeilingDifferent height of ceiling was built in an open area to create different spatial experience. High

ceiling was being used in the lobby to create a spacious area for the receptionist. And also, more

sunlight penetrates into the lobby because of higher and larger area of windows due to the higher

ceiling.

Tray ceilingIt’s a kind of architectural feature that adds spaciousness and a touch of luxury to an area. Rope

light is used behind crown molding to create subtle lighting effect for tray ceiling.

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