Name

 of  Subject     :  Architecture  Culture  and  History  2  

Subject’s  Code         :  ARC  60203  

Title                                           :  Menara  Dayabumi    

Submission  Date     :  18th  November  2015  

Tutor’s  Name               :  Miss  Balkish    

Group  Members’  Name   :   1.  Nurina  Aida  Bt  Ghizan 0320035

2.  Pablo  Idris  Bin  Badrul  Ilahan 0321895

3.  Rozanna  Farah  Ibram 0317967

4.  Sia  Hong  Jie 0323506

5.  Tan  Jo  Lynn 0318518

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 1
 MENARA  DAYABUMI  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 2
 Content  Page    

IntroducYon   4

The  Architect 6

Site  Context  Analysis  

(Pablo  Idris  Bin  Badrul  Ilahan  0321895)     7

Architectural  Layout   10
(Nurina  Aida  Bt  Ghizan  0320035)      

Architectural  Style  Analysis  

(Tan  Jo  Lynn  0318518)         17

Building  ConstrucYon,  Structure  &  

Materials  Analysis   24
(Sia  Hong  Jie  0323506)  
Architectural  Elements  &  Components  
Analysis   27
(Rozanna  Farah  Ibram  0317967)  

Conclusion 36

References 37

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 3
 Introduc8on  

Address    
Dayabumi  Complex,  Kuala  Lumpur  City  Centre,  50050  Kuala  Lumpur,  Federal  Territory  of  Kuala  
Lumpur,  Malaysia  

LocaYon  
Meaner  Dayabumi  is  set  along  Jalan  Sultan  Hishamuddin,  south  of  Merdeka  Square.    

The  Building  

Menara  Dayabumi  is  an  modern  architecture  with  neo  Islamic  architectural  features  mirrors  the  
fusion  of  the  old  and  new  and  establishing  a  sense  of  conYnuity  with  its  immediate  surroundings,  
which  are  the  NaYonal  Mosque,  Bangunan  Sultan  Abdul  Samad,  and  both  the  railway  staYon  and  
railway  administraYon  buildings.  

The  monument’s  focal  point  is  the  36-­‐storey  office  tower.    Gleaming  in  white  glass  mosaic,  this  
skyscraper  is  a  visually  arresYng  edifice,  with  its  imposing  stature  represenYng  a  high  standard  of  
aestheYc  and  architectural  design.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 4
 Designed  by:  BEP+MAA  
Contractor:  Takenaka  CorporaYon  &  Kumagai  Gumi  Co.  Ltd  
Client:  UDA  
CompleYon  Year:  1984  
Value:  RM  320    million  
Area:  150,000    sq.m  
ConstrucYon  stared:  14  February  1982  
Opening:  5  May  1984  
Type:  Commercial  offices  
LocaYon:  Jalan  Sultan  Hishamuddin,  Kuala  Lumpur,  Malaysia  
Height:  157m  (515g)  
Floor  count:  35  
One  of  the  earliest  skyscrapers  in  Malaysia  
Neo  Islamic  architecture  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 5
The  Architect  

Arkitek  MAA  Sdn  Bhd  (MAA)  

In   1965,   the   pracYce   of   Arkitek   MAA   Sdn   Bhd   (MAA)   was   established   under   the   style   of  
Malaysian  Associate  Architects.  Their  architectural  works  included  large  scale  housing,  commercial,  
industrial   and   insYtuYonal   projects   were   iniYally   centred   around   Kuala   Lumpur.The   core   of   Armtek  
MAA’s  philosophy  is  the  focus  on  design  excellence.  

  With  the  firm's  long,  established  history  and  award  winning  track  record,  Arkitek  MAA  has  
the   depth   of   professional   talent   to   respond   to   projects   of   any   size   and   complexity.   The   firm's  
versaYlity   arises   from   its   mulY-­‐disciplinary   organisaYon.   Since   solving   today's   complex   design  
problems  demands  the  integraYon  of  many  service  capabiliYes,  including  highly  specialised  science  
and   technologies;   Arkitek   MAA's   structure   integrates   the   required   disciplines   and   staff   consultants  
under  one  roof.  

Figure  0.0:  Picture  of  Menara  Dayabumi  taken  from  MAA’s  official  website.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 6
Site  Context  Analysis   (PABLO  IDRIS  BIN  BADRUL  ILAHAN  0321895)  

LocaYon    

  Menara   Dayabumi   is   a   35   storey   building   close   to   Jalan   Sultan   Hishamuddin,   where   the  
south   of   Melaka   Square   is.   This   building   was   built   id   1970,   it   was   the   first   modern   building   in   KL   to  
incorporate  the  very  basic  principles  of  the  islamic  design  into  its  architectural  structure.  It  was  one  
of  the  first  skyscrapers  in  the  city  of  KL.  From  the  building  30th  Floor  visitors  will  see  a  panoramic  
view  of  the  city.  

Figure  1.0:  LocaYon  of  Menara  Dayabumi  screenshot  from  Google  Maps.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 7
TransportaYon

  The  building  is  accessible  within  walking  distance  north  of  Pasar  Seni  LRT  StaYon.  
The  locaYon  of  the  structure  is  in  Jalan  Sultan  Hishamuddin.  

Site  Response    

  The  building  was  purposely  designed  to  blend  in  with  the  pervading  Moorish  and  ByzanYne  
atmosphere  of  the  structures  that  surround  it  namely  the  sultan  Abdul  Samad  Building  and  Railway  
StaYon   Building.   With   Islam   being   the   official   religion   of   Malaysia   since   independence,   there   are  
many  Islamic  architecture  featured  buildings  that  resides  in  Kuala  Lumpur.  Kuala  Lumpur’s  central  
business  district  today  has  shiged  around  the  KLCC  where  many  new  and  tall  buildings  with  Late  
Modernism   and   Postmodern   architecture   fill   the   skyline.   The   shopping   arcade   and   complex  
houses,  city  point  offices  and  the  General  Post  Office.    

  It  houses  several  commercial  faciliYes  and  is  one  of  the  earliest  skyscrape  in  the  city.  Also  
located   near   the   NaYonal   Mosque   and   the   Federal   House.   Close   to   many   tourists   spots,   the  
approximaYon   to   places   like   hotels   and   commercial   block   have   an   asseveraYon   to   the   relaYveness  
to   the   Central   Market   of   the   City.   One   of   he   most   visible   structures   from   the   field   above  
highlighted  is  the  Dayabumi.  

  The   cheapest   way   to   get   to   the   Complex   is   by   public   transport,   by   taking   the   KL   City   bus  
which   takes   a   look   around   the   city.   There   are   four   routes   of   which   one   asses   in   front   of   the  
complex.    

  Many  of  the  early  buildings  which  are  built  during  the  first  decade  of  independence  were  
designed  white  respond  to  the  hot  humid  tropical  climate  of  Malaysia.  But  with  the  introducYon  of  
air   condiYoning   systems,   the   situaYon(   designing   in   response   to   the   climate)   has   changed.  
Meanwhile  the  accessibility  to  energy  resources  such  as  fuel  and  electrical  power  had  changed  the  
form   and   style   of   architecture   to   the   construcYon   of   the   buildings.   Architects   and   contractors  
preferred   not   to   implement   the   the   tradiYonal   climaYc   design   principles   and   favour   the   new  
materials   evacuees   it   is   a   symbol   of   progress   and   wealth.   How   ever   the   amempt   to   make   invenYve  
design  which  appropriately  response  to  our  climate  and  culture  is  very  few.  The  issue  in  the    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 8
Menara  Dayabumi,  due  to  the  tropical  climate’s  string  effect  on  basic  raw  construcYon  materials  
deterioraYon,  intensive  experiments  on  new  materials  and  properYes  were  also  made  by  the  US  
Naval  Research  and  thermal  comfort  became  the  main  issue.    

  Several   writers   did   also   discuss   on   the   change   in   architectural   traits   which   gives   negaYve  
impact   on   the   working   environment.   This   change   is   causing   energy   to   be   a   wastage,   have   an  
incrementaYon   on   the   cost   of   the   building   maintenance   and   operaYon,   psychological   stress,  
security  and  fire  safety.  

Figure  1.1:  View  of  Menara  Dayabumi  from  below.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 9
Architectural  Layout   (NURINA  AIDA  BT  GHIZAN  0320035)  

Plan  and  ElevaYon  Analysis  

Figure  2.0:  First  floor  floor  plan.  

Figure  2.1:  Sketched  elevaYon.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 10
CirculaYon  

  CirculaYon   refers   to   the   way   people   move   through   and   interact   with   a   building.   It   also  
refers   to   how   the   spaces   of   a   building   links   to   each   other.   There   are   a   few   components   and  
structures   of   a   building’s   circulaYon   such   as   entrance,   elevators,   escalators,   and   staircases  
which   are   ogen   referred   to   as   circulaYon   elements,   as   they   are   posiYoned   and   designed   to  
opYmise   the   flow   of   people   through   a   building.   These   things   affect   our   percepYon   of   the   forms  
and  spaces  of  the  building.    

The  first  component  would  be:    

ENTRANCE  

Entrance   is   a   component   that   connects   the   outside   and   the   inside   of   the   building.   It  
provides   the   act   of   entering   which   differenYates   one   space   from   another   and   idenYfies   from  
where   you   are   to   where   you   are   going.   Usually,   a   wall   is   used   to   create   enclosed   spaces   but   an  
entrance  is  made  by  having  openings  in  the  plane  of  the  walls.  Although,  the  form  of  openings  can  
just  be  a  simple  hole  in  the  wall  or  even  a  disYnct  gateway.    

  There   are   three   types   of   entrances   which   are   flush   entrance,   projected   entrance   and  
recessed  entrance.  As  for  Dayabumi,  it  has  4  entrances  and  all  of  them  are  recessed  entrances.  A  
recessed  entrance  is  an  entrance  that  provides  shelter  and  receives  a  porYon  of  exterior  space  into  
the  realm  of  the  building.  

Figure  2.2:  Entrances  of  the  tower.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 11
 Figure  2.3:  Recessed  Entrance  at  Dayabumi.  

  The  locaYon  of  the  entrance  relates  to  the  form  of  the  space  being  entered  will  determine  
the  configuraYon  of  space  and  the  pamern  of  the  acYviYes  within  the  space  inside  the  building.  

CONFIGURATION  OF  SPACE  

  ConfiguraYon   of   space   is   the   sequence   of   the   spaces   that   links   to   one   another   and  
influenced   each   other.   It   can   have   a   paralleling   pamern   or   it   could   be   contrast   with   the   form   of   the  
spaYal  organisaYon.  

  There   are   six   types   of   configuraYon   of   spaces   and   they   are   linear,   radial,   spiral,   grid,  
network  and  composite.  Menara  Dayabumi  has  a  grid  configuraYon  which  consists  of  two  sets  of  
parallel   paths   that   intersect   at   regular   intervals   and   create   square   and   also   rectangular   fields   of  
space.   The   parallel   path   starts   from   the   four   entrances,   to   the   lobby,   going   through   the   food   court  
and  straight  to  the  exit.  

Figure  2.4  (a)

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 12
 Figure 2.4 (b)

Figure 2.4(a) and (b): Grid configuration.

PATH  –  SPACE  RELATIONSHIPS  

  Path   may   be   related   to   spaces   they   link   in   3   ways   which   are   pass   by   spaces,   pass  
through   spaces   and   terminate   in   a   space.   In   Dayabumi,   the   type   of   path   –   space  
relaYonship  is  pass  through  spaces.  Pass  through  spaces  means  the  path  may  pass  through  
a  space  axially,  obliquely  or  along  its  edge.  It  cuts  through  the  space  and  the  path  creates  
pamern  of  rest  and  movement  within  it.  

Hallway Lobby Foodcourt

Figure  2.5

Figure  2.6

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 13
FORM  OF  THE  CIRCULATION  SPACE  

  The  form  of  a  circulaYon  of  space  varies  according  to  how  its  boundaries  are  defined,  how  
its  form  relates  to  the  form  of  the  space  it  links,  its  qualiYes  of  scale,  proporYon,  light  and  view  are  
arYculated   and   how   the   entrances   open   onto   it.   A   circulaYon   of   space   could   be   enclosed,   open   on  
one  side  or  open  on  both  sides.    

  For   Menara   Dayabumi,   the   circulaYon   space   is   open   on   both   sides   and   it   is   wide.   It   forms   a  
colonnaded  passageway  that  becomes  a  physical  extension  by  merging  with  the  spaces  it  passes  
through.  

Figure  2.7

Figure  2.8:  Open  on  both  side.

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 14
The  structures  of  the  Dayabumi  building’s  circulaYon  are:  

ESCALATORS,  ELEVATORS  AND  STAIRCASE  

  Escalators,   elevators   and   staircase   provide   verYcal   circulaYon   between   the   levels   of   a  
building.  It  determines  the  direcYon  of  our  path  as  we  ascend  descend  its  steps.    
Since   this   Dayabumi   building   has   37   floors,   it   mainly   uses   escalators   and   elevators   but   there   are  
sYll  staircase  to  be  used  during  emergency  and  so  on.  
 

Figure  2.9

OrganisaYon  Analysis  


Figure  2.10  (a) Figure  2.10  (b)

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 15
Symmetry  and  Balance  

  Symmetry   finds   its   ways   into   Dayabumi’s   architecture   at   every   scale,   from   the   overall  
external   views   of   the   building,   through   the   layout   of   the   individual   floor   plans,   and   down   to   the  
design   of   individual   building   elements   such   as   the   Yle   mosaics.   Its   architectural   style   is   modern  
Islamic  architecture  and  Islamic  buildings  make  elaborate  use  of  symmetry  both  in  their  structure  
and  in  their  ornamentaYon.  

Geometry  

  The   whole   Dayabumi   building   is   actually   made   up   of   geometrical   shapes.   As   we   can   see  
from  the  top  view  of  the  roof,  the  overall  exterior  is  actually  consist  of  a  combinaYon  of  squares  
and  triangles  including  the  interior  as  well.  However,  only  for  the  first  floor  of  Dayabumi,  the  plan  
shows  that  it  is  made  out  of  combinaYons  of  squares,  triangles  and  also  rectangulars.  

SpaYal  RelaYonship  

  SpaYal  relaYonship  is  a  connecYon  between  rooms  to  the  buildings,  buildings  to  the  site.  
The  pamern  of  how  each  space  corresponds  to  the  others  may  be  a  visual  pleasing  or  a  reflecYon  
of   its   funcYon.   There   are   four   types   of   spaYal   relaYonship   which   are   space   within   a   space,  
interlocking  spaces,  adjacent  spaces  and  spaces  linked  by  a  common  space.  The  spaYal  relaYonship  
for  Dayabumi  building  is  ‘Space  within  a  Space’  which  is  defined  as  a  large  space  that  contains  a  
smaller  space  within  its  volume.  Visual  and  spaYal  conYnuity  between  the  two  spaces  can  be  easily  
accommodated.    



Figure  2.11:  Space  within  a  space.

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 16
Architectural  Style  Analysis    
(TAN  JO  LYNN  0318518)

IntroducYon  

  All   buildings   are   sure   to   consists   of   one   or   more   architectural   style.   The   style   of   a  
construcYon   and   their   details   provide   important   clues   to   their   age   and   much   more.   It   expresses  
the   frame   of   mind   of   the   community   who   designed   and   commissioned   the   building   and   the  
decoraYve  programs.    

  An   architectural   style   is   defined   by   the   elements   that   make   a   building   or   a   structure  

illustrious   and   historically   idenYfiable.   A   style   may   include   such   features   as   form,   building  
materials,  local  character  and  manner  of  construcYon.    

Islamic  architecture  style    

  The   most   evident   architectural   style   of   the   building   is   the   Islamic   architecture.   Islamic  
architecture   is   in   part   comprised   of   those   buildings   and   built   environments   intended   for   use   in  
Islamic   commemoraYon,   instrucYon,   worship   and   etc.   Mosques,   madrasas   or   schools,  
mausoleums,  and  shrines  are  examples  of  this  architecture  group.  Islamic  architecture  may  also  be  
recognised   as   the   establishment   of   builders   and   patrons   who   avow   Islam   or   ones   that   live   in   a  
region   ruled   by   Muslims.   In   a   Muslims   ruling   district,   these   buildings   can   generally   be   described   as  
secular,  which  include  marketplaces,  office  buildings,  houses  etc.  One  of  the  essenYal  concepts  of  
Islamic   architecture   is   that   of   privacy,   and   for   this   reason   it   is   referred   to   as   "architecture   of   the  
veil."  

  Although   Islamic   architecture   is   infinitely   varied   in   plan,   elevaYon,   building   material,   and  
decoraYve  elements,  there  are  several  recurring  forms  found  in  all  types  of  construcYon,  be  they  
secular,  public,  private,  or  spiritual.  These  central  components  are  the  domes,  the  arches,  and  the  
vaults.    

  However,  the  Islamic  architecture  that  is  seen  on  the  outer  appearance  of  the  building  is  to  
be   clarifies   as   Modern   Islamic   architecture   style.   Islamic   architecture   has   tended   to   sYck   to  
historical  tradiYon  with  limle  changing  in  house  or  mosque  design  over  the  centuries.  However,  the  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 17
Middle   East   oil   boom   and   the   emergence   of   ciYes   such   as   Dubai   as   major   trading   places   for   the  
whole  world  has  introduced  a  new  approach  to  Islamic  architecture.    

  For  example,  the  Burj  Khalifa  tower  in  Dubai  may  look  like  a  typical  21st  Century  glass  and  
steel  construcYon  shooYng  up  into  the  sky  like  a  glass  shard,  but  its  design  is  based  on  a  desert  
flower   called   the   Hymenocallis   (refer   to   Figure   3.0).   This   reflects   the   tradiYonal   Islamic   principle   of  
converYng  vegetal  shapes  into  geometric  designs.  

Figure  3.0:  Burj  Khalifa  tower’s  Y-­‐shaped  plan.  According  

to   the   design   architect,   Adrian   Smith,   the   triple   lobed  
footprint   of   the   building   was   inspired   by   the   flower  
Hymenocallis.    

Figure   3.1:   Arches   and   vault   found   on   the   lower   exterior  

of  Menara  Dayabumi.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 18
 Figure   3.2:   The   picture   above   shows   the   use   of  
conversion   of   vegetal   shapes   into   geometrical   designs  
that   is   common   to   be   seen   in   Modern   Islamic  
architecture.    

Figure  3.3:  Islamic  8  point  star  concept  can  be  seen  as  a  
decoraYve  component  on  the  exterior  on  the  building.    

Moorish  architectural  style    

  Besides   that,   another   the   architectural   styles   that   could   be   seen   on   the   exterior   of   the  
building  is  the  Moorish  architecture.  It  is  a  variaYon  of  Islamic  architecture.  It  is  developed  by  the  
Moors   in   the   later   Middle   Ages   especially   in   North   Africa   and   Spain   and   a   style   of   architecture  
common   in   Spain   from   the   13th   to   16th   centuries.   The   Moorish   architecture   consists   of   several  
moYfs  and  repeYYon  of  pamerns.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 19
   The  Moorish  architecture  is  greatly  influenced  by  the  Islamic  architecture  that  developed  in  
the   Middle   East.   Although   mosques   are   the   most   familiar   precedent   of   Moorish   architecture,  
featured   moYfs   spread   to   the   design   of   homes   and   commercial   places.   One   of   the   most   disYnct  
examples   of   Moorish   architecture   is   the   Grand   Mosque   of   Cordoba,   Spain,   is   today   the   region's  
Catholic  cathedral  (refer  to  Figure  3.4(a)  and  (b)).  

  There  are  few  central  characterisYc  elements  of  Moorish  architecture,  which  are  muqarnas,  
horseshoe   arches,   voussoirs,   domes,   crenellated   arches,   lancet   arches,   ogee   arches,   courtyards,  
and  decoraYve  Yle  work.  

Figure  3.4  (a) Figure  3.4  (b)

Figure  3.4(a)  and  (b):  Grand  Mosque  of  Cordoba,  Spain

Figure  3.5  (a) Figure  3.5  (b)

Figure  3.5(a)  and  (b):  Clarifies  just  a  few  and  exhibits  an  overview  of  the  Moorish  architecture  
moYfs:  different  styles  of  arches,  calligraphy,  vegetaYve  design,  and  decoraYve  Yles.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 20
 Figure   3.6:   Lancet   arches   found   on   the   lower   exterior  
part  of  Menara  Dayabumi.    

Figure   3.7:   RepeYYve   of   geometrical   vegetaYve   design  

on  the  exterior  of  Menara  Dayabumi.    

InternaYonal  style  of  Modern  Architecture    

  Other   than   Modern   Islamic   architecture   and   Moorish   architecture,   the   style   that   appears  
on  the  building  is  the  InternaYonal  architecture.  The  phrase  ‘InternaYonal  Style’  depicts  a  form  of  
design   that   developed   mainly   in   France,   Germany   and   Holland   during   the   1920s,   before   spreading  
to   America   in   the   1930s,   where   during   the   middle   decades   of   the   20th   century,   it   became   the  
dominant   impulse   in   American   architecture.   Although   it   never   became   trendy   for   residenYal  
buildings   in   the   United   States,   it   was   especially   appropriate   for   skyscraper   architecture.   This   is   due  
to  its  features  like  sleek  modern  look,  absence  of  decoraYve  elements  and  use  of  steel  and  glass.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 21
The  style  became  interchangeable  with  corporate  modernism  during  the  period  1955  to  1970.  It  
also   became   the   essenYal   architecture   style   of   20th   century   for   insYtuYonal   and   commercial  
buildings,  and  even  superseded  the  tradiYonal  styles  for  schools  and  churches.  

  The   InternaYonal   Style   developed   immensely   as   a   result   of   rising   dissaYsfacYon   with  

building   designs   that   integrated   mixture   of   decoraYve   elements   from   different   architectural  
periods,   specifically   where   the   product   design   have   no   connecYon   to   the   funcYon   of   the  
construcYon.   It   was   also   caused   by   the   need   to   build   huge   number   of   commercial   and   civic  
buildings  that  served  a  promptly  industrialising  society.  Besides  that,  other  causes  that  have  lead  
to  the  existence  of  InternaYonal  style  is  the  evoluYon  of  new  construcYon  techniques  involving  the  
use  of  steel,  reinforced  concrete,  and  glass;  strong  desire  to  create  a  modern  style  of  architecture  
for  ‘modern  man’.    

  The  essenYal  characterisYcs  of  InternaYonal  Style  buildings  comprise  recYlinear  forms  and  
plane   surfaces   that   are   completely   devoid   of   applied   ornamentaYon.   It   also   supports   open   and  
even  fluid  interior  spaces.  This  style  could  be  said  to  be  the  early  form  of  minimalism,  which  had  a  
peculiar   modern   look,   reinforced   by   its   use   of   modern   materials,   including   glass   for   the   facade,  
steel   for   exterior   support,   and   concrete   for   interior   supports   and   floors.   At   the   same   Yme,   the   use  
of  marble  is  very  favourable  in  this  style.  This  is  due  to  its  simple  yet  very  interesYng  appearance.  
Just  like  one  of  Mies  Van  Der  Rohe’s  work;  he  designed  the  Barcelona  Pavilion  and  used  planes  of  
marbles  to  make  it  more  interesYng  instead  of  adding  ornamentaYons.    
 

Figure  3.8  (a) Figure  3.8  (b)

Figure  3.8(a)  and  (b):  Usage  of  marble  in  Barcelona  Pavilion’s  interior  as  a  feature  wall  and  
parYYon  instead  of  an  ordinary  concrete  wall.  

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 Figure  3.9:  Decorated  glass  panel  

Figure  3.10  (a) Figure  3.10  (b)

Figure  3.10(a)  and  (b):  The  accentuaYon  of  recYlinear  forms  is  shown  with  the  arrangement  of  
Yles  and  clean  simple  linear  lines.    

Figure  3.11  (a) Figure  3.11  (b)

Figure  3.11(a)  and  (b):  Usage  of  types  marbles  on  Menara  Dayabumi.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 23
 Building  Construc8on,  Structure  and  Materials  Analysis  
(SIA  HONG  JIE  0323506)  

   
  Dayabumi   tower   was   the   tallest,   and   most   expensive   skyscraper   ever   built   in   1984’s  
Malaysia.   It   was   completed   in   1984   by   two   Japanese   companies,   Takenaka   CorporaYon,   and  
Kumagai   Gumi   Co.   Ltd.   .   Designed   by   Arkitek   MAA   and   BEP   Arkitek,   the   35-­‐storey   building.   It   is  
amazing  that  the  building  only  took  two  and  a  half  year,  1982  to  1984  to  finish  the  construcYon,  
which   is   a   really   short   Yme.   It   required   high-­‐rise   engineering,   which   at   that   Yme   Malaysia   not  
familiar  with.  Building  the  Dayabumi  Tower  was  a  project  of  an  unprecedented  scale  considering  
the  absence  of  digital  and  technological  resources.    

  Both  of  the  contractors  they  choosed  were  very  reliable  as  they  managed  to  complete  the  
building’s  foundaYon  within  four  and  a  half  months  instead  of  six  months  as  scheduled,  meaning  
to  say  that  the  further  stages  of  construcYon  will  speed  up  as  well.  

  Dayabumi  tower  is  the  one  of  the  building  that  introduced  massive  usage  of  steel  structure  
in  the  80s  of  Malaysia.  However,  designers,  architects,  engineers,  constructor  at  that  Yme  are  not  
really  familiar  with  the  new  material  steel.  

  Steel  did  not  appear  frequently  in  Malaysia  unYl  the  mid  80s,  mostly  because  there  was  no  
shortage   of   cheap   labor,   and   the   scale   of   projects   were   generally   small.   Furthermore,   steel   was  
considered   as   an   expensive   material.   Moreover,     construcYon   speed,   which   steel   can   vastly  
improve,    was  not  considered  as  major  problem.  

  Most   of   the   steel   were   imported   from   Japan,   and   also   Europe   and   US   during   the  
construcYon  of  Dayabumi  tower.    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 24
 Figure  4.0:  Steel  structure  of  Menara  Dayabumi  

Industrialised   Building   System   (IBS)   allowed   every   structural   part   (except   cladding),  
including   supporYng   steel   frames,   the   five-­‐storey   high   arches   at   the   front   of   the   tower,   to   be  
precast   and   assemble   on   site,   which   really   does   save   a   large   amount   of   Yme.   Every   floor   of   the  
building  is  steel  plasorm,  laced  with  concrete,  which  requiring  four-­‐day  cycle  before  the  next  floor.  
Thirty  months  to  erect  the  thirty-­‐five  storey  building  seemed  like  a  impossible  challenge,  but  steel  
made  it  possible.  

  The   original   architectural   design   of   the   tower   is   actually   similar   to   other   high-­‐rise   structure  
in   other   countries,   but   Tun   Dr   Mahathir   wanted   a   uniquely   Malaysian,   and   different   from   the  
skyscrapers  found  all  around  the  world,  rather  than  just  being  a  plain  square  based  box.  Other  than  
the   Islamic   moYf,   the   design   should   also   harmonise   with   the   exisYng   Moorish   surroundings,   the  
old  Sultan  Abdul  Samad  Building  and  the  Railway  staYon.  The  chosen  materials  helped  bringing  out  
the  characterisYc  of  Dayabumi  Tower.        

  White  mosaic  Yles  were  the  main  finishing  cover  for  the  facade  of  Menara  Dayabumi.  The  
choose     material   has   gentle,   pure,   and   elegant   white,   which   represents   the   purity   of   muslims.  
Although   steel   is   the   main   structure   of   the   building,   instead   of   looking   like   a   steel   giant,   it   is  
dressed   with   elegant   glass   mosaic,   sogening   the   sharp   edges.   The   theme   runs   throughout   the  
building  with  the  interior  projecYng  the  same  graceful  ambience  as  exterior.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 25
 Figure  4.1:  White  mosaic  Yles  used  on  Dayabumi  tower’s  
facade.  

  Ornaments   were   used   on   the   tower,   such   as   the   white   powder   coated   aluminium   grilles   on  
the   exterior.   Instead   of   being   a   funcYonless   ornament,   it   actually   act   as   sun   screens.   The   sun  
screen  was  designed  to  replicate  the  pierced  marble  characterisYc  of  Moorish  architecture  of  the  
Alhambra.  Dust  and  Dirt  would  be  impossible  to  clean  with  the  complicated  eight  pointed  stars  of  
islamic  moYf  pamerns  on  the  grilles,  so  these  grilles  were  subjected  to  aerodynamic  wind  tunnel  
tests  and  affixed  on  the  tower  at  an  angle  before  the  installaYon,  to  ensure  that  dust  would  not  be  
collected,  only  minimal  cleaning  is  required.    

Figure   4.2:   White   powder   coated   aluminium   grilles   on  

the  exterior.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 26
 Architectural  Elements  and  Components  Analysis  
(ROZANNA  FARAH  IBRAM  0317967)  

The  Dayabumi  Complex  design  is  mainly  inspired  by  the  Islamic  architecture,  integrated  into  
the  modern  architecture.  The  significant  elements  of  the  Islamic  architecture  inspiraYons  are  the  
Islamic   geometric   pamern   of   the   claddings   and   the   arches.   These   elements   are   applied   to   the  
exterior   of   the   building   creaYng   its   disYnguishable   façade   that   separates   itself   from   any   other  
building   in   the   context   as   well   as   the   era   it   was   in.   Even   so,   these   elements   are   applied   in   the  
modern   architecture   is   also   the   reason   the   building   fits   into   the   context   because   the   older  
buildings  surrounding  it  are  more  prominently  inspired  by  Islamic  architecture  such  as:  the  TexYle  
Museum;   the   NaYonal   Mosque   of   Malaysia;   Kuala   Lumpur   City   Gallery;   Sultan   Abdul   Samad  
building  and  the  Jamek  Mosque  that  the  Dayabumi  complex  did  not  stood  out  like  a  sore  thumb.  

Figure  5.0:  NaYonal  Mosque  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 27
 Figure  5.1:  Sultan  Abdul  Samad  building  

Figure  5.2:  Jamek  Mosque  

Islamic  Geometric  Pamern  (IGP)  Cladding  

  The   most   significant   element   on   the   Dayabumi   Complex   is   the   geometric   pamerned  
claddings  that  covers  the  facade  of  the  building.  Architectural  cladding  is  a  layer  of  material  applied  
on  the  exterior  of  a  building  for  the  purposes  of  protecYon  and  aestheYc  (What  is  Cladding,  2014).  
The   pamern   on   the   cladding   is   one   of   the   basic   Islamic   geometric   pamern   that   includes   the  
interlacing  polygons  and  the  eight  point  star.  The  Islamic  Geometric  pamern  has  been  dated  back  
since   the   eighth   century   on   Islamic   arts   and   architecture.   They   are   found   on   wood   carvings,  
glassware,   leather,   stone,   metals,   Ylework,   secular   and   religious   buildings,   carpet   weaving,   texYles  
as  well  as  borders  on  illustrated  manuscripts  (Islamic  Geometric  Pamerns,  2012).    

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 28
 Figure  5.3:  AestheYc  cladding  on  building   Figure  5.4:  DecoraYve  Cladding

Figure   5.5:   Kharaghan   twin   towers   (1067   AD)   exterior  

carvings.

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 29
 Figure  5.6:  Carvings  found  in  Ibn-­‐Tulun  Mosque,  
very  similar  to  the  claddings  on  the  complex.  

Figure  5.7:  8-­‐point  star  and  interlaced  polygons.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 30
    

Figure  5.8:  Cladding  covers  the  height  of  building.  

  The  basis  of  the  Islamic  geometric  pamern  is  draw  a  grid  and  draw  the  pamern  design  on  
top   of   the   grid   and   finally   once   the   design   is   completed   the   grids   are   removed.   The   remarkable  
mathemaYc   elegance   of   these   pamerns   is   no   mamer   how   intricate   the   design   is   the   basis   is   sYll  
according  to  the  iniYal  gridlines.  

Figure   5.9:   Basic   of   obtaining   polygons   and   stars   used   in  

Islamic  pamerns.

  The  pamern  on  the  Dayabumi  complex  is  specifically  simplified  to  accommodate  and  be  relevant  to  
the  modern  style  of  the  building,  intricate  flower  design  were  avoided.  The  simple  overlapping  polygon  and  
eight   point   star   design   is   repeated   throughout   the   whole   structure   to   create   the   sense   of   uniformity   and  
relevance.     Many   architecture   in   Malaysia   are   integraYng   the   Islamic   Geometric   pamern   into   the   building  
design  due  to  the  fact  that  Malaysia’s  official  religion  is  Islam.  Other  famous  structures  that  implements  the  
Islamic  geometric  pamern  is  the  Petronas  Twin  Towers.  The  form  viewed  from  plan  view  shows  a  shape  of  
polygons  overlapping.  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 31
 Figure  5.10:  Overlapping  polygons  
.

Figure 5.11: 8 points star

.

Figure 5.12: The shape of the twin towers was

developed from overlapping polygons and circles based
on gridlines.

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 32
  

Figure 5.13: National Planetarium has incorporated

Islamic Geometric patterns as well as the overall
structure, domes and minarets.

  The   façade   of   the   Dayabumi   Complex   is   majorly   covered   by   the   Islamic   Geometric   pamerns  
as  to  assimilate  the  Islamic  architecture  into  the  modern  skyscraper  design  of  Kuala  Lumpur,  the  
center  of  development  in  Malaysia  and  where  many  skyscrapers  were  being  built  at  the  Yme.  

Arches  

  On  the  exterior  of  the  ground  floor  stretching  up  to  the  first  floor,  the  architecture  design  
showcases  a  series  of  arcades  that  extends  at  every  sides  of  the  building.  The  arcades  consists  of  
arches  that  are  supported  by  columns.  Arches  are  relevant  to  early  architecture  where  the  Romans  
and  ByzanYne  developed  from  Greeks’  and  EgypYans’  use  of  lintels  to  semi-­‐circular  arches  instead.  
In  a  basic  arc,  the  thrust  is  exerted  verYcally  by  the  weight  of  loads  imposed  above  the  arch,  and  
exerted   horizontally   by   the   cumulaYve   wedge   acYon   of   the   voussoir   (Saud,   2015).   This   acYon   of  
corresponding   thrust   gives   the   arches   it   elasYcity.   The   arches   have   been   used   in   Muslim  
architectures  for  centuries  and  has  been  using  arches  more  than  other  civilisaYon.  They  imitated  
the   graceful   curve   of   the   palm   trees   branches   in   their   construcYons.   Arches   were   iniYally  
constructed  for  strictly  pracYcal  and  structural  means.  However  as  Yme  passes  it  has  been  realised  
the  arches  are  able  to  provided  aestheYcs  values  to  buildings  and  furniture.  There  many  types  of  
arches  designed  throughout  the  history  of  Muslim  architecture  such  as:  The  horseshoe  arch,  the  
transverse  arch  and  the  pointed  arch.  The  arch  that  is  used  for  Menara  Dayabumi  complex  is  the  

M  E  N  A  R  A    D  A  Y  A  B  U  M  I 33
pointed  arch.  History  resources  shows  evidences  of  Sicily  playing  the  role  of  middle  transmission  
for  many  Muslim  moYfs,  the  pointed  arch  included.    

  Pointed   arches   were   first   used   in   Gothic   architecture   as   their   means   to   overcome   the  
problems  with  Romanesque  barrel  vaulYng.  Arches  and  columns  erected  for  Muslim  architectures  
are  tradiYonally  ornamented  and  pamerned,  however  Menara  Dayabumi  colonnades  are  simplified  
and  modernised  lined  and  covered  with  white  mosaics.  It  is  to  establish  the  modernisYc  design  to  
match  the  concept.  

Figure  5.14:  Al-­‐Aqsa  Mosque,  PalesYne.

Figure  5.15:  The  great  mosque  of  Kiarawan,  Tunisia.

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 Figure 5.16: The grand mosque of Sheikh Zayed, Abu
Dhabi.

Figure 5.17: Arches and column of Dayabumi Complex.

Figure 5.18: Cross vault.

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 Conclusion  

Through  this  project,  we  have  learnt  that  buildings  and  structures  subsist  of  one  or  more  
architectural  style.  It  is  essenYal  for  a  monument  as  the  details  defines  its  age,  theme,  character  
and   etc.   As   for   Menara   Dayabumi,   it   is   to   be   classified   as   one   of   the   modern   architecture   in   the  
Kuala  Lumpur  centre.  Architectural  styles  that  could  be  seen  on  the  building  are  Modern  Islamic  
architecture,  Moorish  architecture  and  InternaYonal  architectural  style.        

  Besides   that,   we   have   understood   that   the   overall   design   of   Menara   Dayabumi   admits   to  
modernism   and   of   its   simplicity,   however   the   design   also   complies   its   inspiraYon   on   Islamic  
architecture.   The   ornamented   and   pamerned   elements   of   the   tradiYonal   Islamic   architecture   is  
reduced  to  simple  lines  and  polygons  on  the  cladding  as  well  as  the  arches  of  Menara  Dayabumi.    

  Moreover,  although  internaYonal  style’s  pracYcal  manner  saves  materials  and  Ymes,  but    
instead   of   being   a   giant   steel   box,   Menara   Dayabumi   gives   reason   why   people   can   sYll   find  
inspiraYon  from  precedents.  At  the  same  Yme,  it  also  proves  the  importance  of  using  the  newest  
construcYon  technology  during  the  era.        

  Moving   on,   as   a   team   of   5,   we   managed   to   pull   through   even   though   it   took   a   lot   of  
teamwork.   Individually,   we   have   improved   ourself   in   wriYng   skills   and   also   learned   a   lot   in  
modernism  styles  building  through  the  process.  We  were  quite  happy  with  the  staff  that  guide  us  
through   the   building   although   the   permission   for   the   guide   was   hard   to   get.   They   were   really  
friendly,  helpful  and  informaYve.  With  only  few  informaYon  on  the  internet  and  library,  we  felt  a  
sense  of  achievements  compleYng  the  report  on  the  Menara  Dayabumi.  

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