Ampang Park Shopping Mall

Figure 1.1 Bird eye view of Ampang Park Shopping Centre(Source: Robert J. Steiner, 2006)

INTRODUCTION 3-4ARCHITECTURE STYLE 5-7MATERIALS AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8-12ELEMENTS AND COMPONENTS 13-16CONCLUSION 17REFERENCE 18

CONTENTS

1. Malaysias first and oldest shopping centres in Malaysia in 1973.

2. Designed by ABC Akitek's (currently known as DP Architect) Chan Sui Him and William S W Lim

3. Became a landmark to indicate the first move from main street shopping to a self-con-tained air-conditioned shopping mall.

4 The first complex with cinema, hosting car shows and fashion shows in that period.

5. Once a symbol of beginnings, of progress and prosperity of the growth of Malaysias ar-chitecture, economic and technology.

INTRODUCTION1.1 FAST FACTS

Figure 1.2 Right side view of Ampang Park Shopping Centre(Source: Wang Segget, 2011)

Figure 1.3 Location map of Ampang Park Shopping Centre

(Source: Google Map, 2014)

3

Figure 1.4 Floor plans of Ampang Park Shopping Centre(Source: Ampang Park website, 2010)

Ampang Park Shopping Centre (APSC) is recognised as one of Malaysias first and oldest shopping centres located near Suria KLCC, in Jalan Ampang, Kua-la Lumpur. Designed by ABC Akitek's (currently known as DP Architect) Chan Sui Him and William S W Lim, it was developed by Low Keng Huat Brothers Realty Sdn Bhd with an area of 425,000 sq ft, using RM 10 million. APSC was the idea of the Low brothers following their successful project, the People's Park in 1968 which was the first shopping complex in Singapore.

Officially opened in March 1973, APSC became a landmark to indicate the first move from main street shopping to a self-contained air-conditioned shop-ping mall. It was the first complex with cinema, hosting car shows and fashion shows in that periods.It was once a symbol of beginnings, of progress and prosperity of the growth of Malaysias

architecture, economic and technology. Today, Ampang Park Shopping Centre is known for their extensive range in Ma-lay fashion. Besides fashion, it also offers many other services and dining choices. APSC is conveniently located at the intersection of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak, and are well serviced by the public transportation such as buses, taxis and Light Rail Transit (LRT) and within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysias iconic building.

1.2 HISTORY

4

2.1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ANALYSISAmpang park Shopping Centre is the first modernized shopping mall with air-condition-ing that was much influenced by Le Corbusiers five points of new architecture. From the ex-terior of the building to its floor plans , the Le Corbusier style was clearly portrayed through its spatial organization, form and shape. In ad-dition, the architect wisely adopted the devel-opment of Le Corbusiers idea of street in the air which offers expedient places for people in the building to interact with each other .

Figure 2.1 .1 Idea of street in the air(Source: Google Image, 2014 )

Figure 2.1.2 Idea of street in the air in APSC(Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

5

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

The middle walkway of the building was actu-ally inspired by the combination of two con-cepts, the atrium from the western style and street market from the local style. The atrium was one of the special features derived from the ancient Roman dwellings, which was de-signed to give the building a feeling of space and light. The concept not only allowed natural sunlight penetration but also provides a better air ventilation inside the building, making the shopping centre more environment friendly.The shop lots were arranged in a way that look like a local street, which eventually gives visitors a more comfortable shopping experience as people from that era were used to do all the shopping along the street.

Figure 2.2.1 Centralised shops in APSC

(Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

The composition of vertical and horizontal el-ements gives the building a streamline , mod-ernize feeling. The boxy blank walls protrud-ing out at selected portions and concourses are set in complementing the boxy wall pan-els and left open to allow natural ventilation for passers by along Jalan Ampang to view the busy-ness of the shopping complex.

2.3 EXTERIOR

Figure 2.2.3 Concourse of APSC

(Source: Wang Segget, 2011)

6

Figure 2.2.2 First floor of APSC

(Source: Wang Segget, 2011)

2.2 inTERIOR

Ampang Park Shopping Centre has featured elements from the Art Deco period. One of the features of Art Deco was found from its external wall, which is the Shanghai plaster. Shanghai plaster is an interesting, cheaper al-ternative to stone that has a special kind of rendering effect that gives the building a raw and natural feel. The vertical fins or chamfered windows on the external wall serve not only for climatic solutions but also play an import-ant role in decorating the building. There is also quite a number of decorative expression with different geometrical shapes that can be seen around the building, such as the col-umns, wall ornamentation and openings.

2.4 ART DECO Pilotis. The load of the structure is sup-ported by the grid reinforced concrete col-umns to replace the supporting wall. The lifted structure looks more welcoming , as no supporting walls enclose the build-ing. This principle works perfectly fine on the shopping mall as its a commercial cen-ter that should be gathering the people.

2.5 LE CORBUSIER

Figure 2.3 Left facade of APSC(Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

Figure 2.4 .2 Columns used in APSC(Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

Figure 2.3 Comparison of APSC and Villa Savoye(Source: Wang Segget, 2011; Jeffrey Howe, n,d)

7

3.1 Characteristics of Building Construction

The Ampang Park Shopping Centre has a heavy massing in the form of an inverted ziggurat, elevated on a rows of load bearing columns rising from the ground floor, a signature of the Art Deco period in the 1930s. The construction of this building very much follows methods applied in the West such as the extensive use of bricks to form the walls of the building, which is also seen in the Chrysler Building in New York City. The Chrysler Building, the tallest Art Deco Building to be constructed at that period, was constructed with 3,826,000 bricks that were manually laid, to form the non-loadbearing walls of the skyscraper.

The construction of this building also features the 5 architectural concept of Le Corbusier, despite the laters rejection of the Art Deco movement. His concept of Pilotis is applied throughout this building as well as a free plan.

Fig 3.1 Ampang Park Shopping Centre in the1970s. Source: Guide to Kuala Lumpur Notable Buildings, 1976.

material analysis &Construction

8

Due to its step leveling facade on both interior and exteriors, materials such as reinforced bricks, reinforced concrete and con-crete columns are used in this building to allow layers of mass construction to be built from the ground. Reinforced concrete, a material which became widely used since being introduced to Malaysia in the 1930s, was used to form the walls of the building, as the rebars inside the concrete wall have high compressive strength. Shanghai plaster was used on the exterior to mimic the matt sutfaces of exotic ma-sonry as found in the west. Shanghai plaster, a good, cheap, external grade material which could be applied easi-ly, by skilled craftsmen to achieve the matt appearance of stone, is used as the finishing for the columns.

Clay bricks were also used as one of the components to construct the walls for the shopping centre. Laid in Flemish bonds, the brick walls were then cladded with concrete before

being given a paint finishing. The usage of clay bricks is evident in the rooftops walls. However comparing to the progress in the West, West-ern countries have already started to adopt precast concrete as well as insitu concrete which have higher compressive strength.

Fig 3.2.1Exterior walls.Photograph by Ivanka Teh.

Fig 3.2.2Clay Bricks in Flemish Bonds.

Photography by Ivanka Teh

Fig 3.2.3 Flemish Bonds sketchSource: Google Images.

3.2 Walls9

Another feature to mention is the staircase design of the building. The design of the staircases connecting to each level is designed specifically according to the design language of the building leveling. The bridging of the staircase from level to level creates an archi-tectural visual of ziggurat steps in its construction. As the building is split into two, with a high volume walk-way in the middle of the building, the staircase promotes circulation around the building with access to different levels.

The staircase is constructed using reinforced concrete slabs. To form a flight of stairs, about 12 slabs that forms the steps, are cemented onto one long concrete slab running across the 10 slabs. The slabs are then supported by a metal structure that forms the skeletal frame of the staircase. This construction meth-od is possible due to the advent of

mass production of construction materials such as metal and con-crete during the 1930s, when inno-vation is heavily driven by mechani-cal industries.

By the 1970s, elevator shafts have already made their way into the construction industry in the west and are implemented widely. A lift was only added for Ampang Park Shopping Centre much later on.

Fig 3.3.1Staircase for CirculationPhotograph by Ivanka Teh.

Fig 3.3.2 Construction details of staircasePhotograph by Ivanka Teh.

3.3 Staircase10

Fig 3.3.3 Floorplan CirculationDiagram by Loo Mei Chuen.

At the ceiling of the top level is constructed with waffle slab ceiling, with the use of prefabricated hollow sheet-met-al domes to create a grid pattern of voids in a solid floor slab, saving material without reducing the slabs strength, at the same time relieving the structural stress load onto the building.

The roof of APSC is made of struc-tural joist sheated by aluminium foil in the interior. The aluminum foil is

light and it is able to block 95 per-cent of the heat radiated. This re-duces the load bearing of the roof on the columns and is able to main-tain the cool temperature in the building.

3.4 Ceiling and Roof

Fig 3.4.2 Aluminium Foil roofing Photograph by Ivanka Teh.

11

zSteel and glass are another prom-inent materials used in the art deco architecture. Constructed with thin framing, the glass panels on the faade are secured on the open-ings created on the walls and aligned in linear with fins in between of them. The fins of the window are used to limit light penetration from direct sunlight and restrict visibility as well.

Elongated ribbon window at the back of the faade is as well con-structed with glazing window glasses to reflect heat from entering the building.

Moving to the interior of the build-ings, glass panels with aluminum steels are extensively used to show-case and the display the products of the shops.

3.5 Windows

Fig 3.5.2 Glass Panels used for showcase in shoplots.t Photograph by Ivanka Teh.

Fig 3.5.2 Elongated ribbon windows at rear elevation Photograph by Ivanka Teh.

12

component analysis

The Ampang Park Shopping Centre manifests an essence of Streamline Moderne architec-ture. From the exterior, there is a strong emphasis on the vertical and horizontal elements. It is shown through the horizontality of the faade and the verticality of the columns be-neath. The color palette used in the building were of subdue shades; base colors were typically light

earth tones or off-whites, such as beige and light yellow, while the trim colors were dark colors

such as dark orange and green to contrast from the light base. In addition, walls had smooth surface

finish made of stucco to enhance its sleek linear appearance.

Due to influence from the Art Deco style, fun-

damental geometrical shapes such as circles,

squares and rectangles were used as minor or-

namentation for the building to achieve a mono-

lithic appearance with applied decorative motifs.

4.1 streamline moderne 4.2 decorative expression

Figure 4.1.1 External faade

(Source: PAM, Dec 1987)

Figure 4.1.2 Sketch illustrating the horizontality

and verticality of the facadeFigure 4.2.1 , 4.2.2 Geometrical shaped elements inside building

(Source: Teh Gie Eng & Loo Mei Chuen, 2014)

13

Wide eaves which keep out the sun and rain were adapted as horizon-

tal banding devices that merge into the heavy horizontal articulation in

the building. The banding devices were also used to form vents above

glazed window openings, hence the fine line between decorative form

and practical function..

The building comprised of a few types of windows, one of it being

the punctured openings, either square or small circles, to preserve its

streamline appearance. Ribbon windows wraps around the corner of

the building to provide further linear exaggeration and predate the

glass wall found in future modern architecture. Vertical fins or cham-

fered windows were used for climatic solutions, in relation to the use

of energy conservation devices.

4.4 Horizontal banding4.3 windows and openings

Figure 4.3.1 , 4.3.2 Round openings and chamfered windows

around the building (Source: Teh Gie Eng, 2014)

Figure 4.3.3 Ribbon windows in the front facade of the building

(Source: Loo Mei Chuen, 2014)

Figure 4.4.1 Horizontal banding cornering the building


14

4.6 LOGOThe use of logo on the building is a significance of art deco.

Figure 4.6.4 Logo of APSC (Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

Figure 4.5.3 Railings of staircase


Figure 4.5.1 Decorative element within building

(Source: Teh Gie Eng, 2014)

Figure 4.5.2 Sketch illustrating elements coming in threes

The influence was clearly seen in the building, as everything seems to

come in threes; the staircase railing being the most obvious.

4.5 threes4.4 Horizontal banding

15

4.8 FLAT ROOF

The staircases in the building were of tower-like

construction and were used to accentuate the

corners of the building.

The building had a flat surfaced roof as to not disturb the horizontality of

overall building besides giving a distinct modern look while the exterior

walls were extended beyond the roof line to form a parapet that wraps

around the building.

4.7 TOWER-LIKE STAIRCASE

Figure 4.7.1 Sketch illustrating placement of main staircases

Figure 4.7.2 Tower-like staircase

at corners of the building

(Source: Yeow Yi Chuan, 2014)

Figure 4.7.1 APSC (Source: PAM, 1987)

Figure 4.8.1 , 4.8.2 Flat roofline of the building

(Source: PAM, Dec 1987; Loo mei Chuen, 2014)

16

CONCLUSIONIt is conclusive that the spatial ar-rangement, form and shape of Am-pang Park Shopping Centre was able to portray Corbusiers points of architecture and it was clear that Art Deco elements and features were incorporated into the building. The use of grid reinforced concrete columns which acts as support struc-tures allowed a free facade, giving way to the emphasis on the horizon-talily and verticality of the building.

Since the building was free from load bearing walls, the plan could be de-signed in a way that expresses the idea of street in the air, offering a similar shopping along the street ex-perience just as how people used to do during that era. With the use of subdued colors, it creates an essence of Streamline Moderne feel within the building. Emerged as one of the most successful shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, the modern looking APSC is constructed with the ad-vanced construction methods with reinforcement technology and mate-rials for a 5 storey high shopping cen-tre, highlighting the liner stretched-ring circulation in the building.

Built with the influence of modern-ism and art deco movement, APSC is no doubt an spectacular design in the 1970s , very much influenced with the local context to accom-modate the busy streets and also the weather condition in Malaysia.

Figure 5.1 Rear facade of APSC(Source: Ivanka Teh, 2014)

17

References- Kuala Lumpur Guide : Kuala Lumpur Images of Ampang Park. (n.d.). Kuala Lumpur Guide : Kuala Lumpur Images of Ampang Park. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.streetdirectory.com.my/malaysia/kl/stock_images/normal_show/_main_view/my_11598686660686/52/

- Ampang Park 70s. (n.d.). : Ampang Park 70s. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://wangseggetjb.blogspot.com/2011/03/ampang-park.html

- Ampang Park Website. (n.d.). . Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.ampangpark.com.my

- MALAYSIA CENTRAL Information Directory. (n.d.). MALAYSIA CENTRAL Information Directory. Retrieved June 22, 2014, from http://www.malaysiacen-tral.com/information-directory/shopping-malls-complexes/shopping-malls-complexes-in-wilayah-persekutuan-kuala-lumpur/ampang-park-shopping-centre-shop-ping-complex-in-kuala-lumpur/#sthash.xYmZdDbA.dpuf

- Wikipedia, S. (2013). Materials . Malaysian architecture: art deco buildings in malaysia, buildings and structures in malaysia,. (). S.l.: University-Press Org.

- Wikipedia, S. (2013). Construction Details. Malaysian architecture: art deco buildings in malaysia, buildings and structures in malaysia,. (). S.l.: University-Press Org.

- Malaysia construction today (). (1985). Structural Elements. Kuala Lumpur: Master Builders Association.

-Bulman, J. N., & Smith, H. R. (1972). Reinforced Concrete. A full-scale pavement-design experiment in Malaysia: construction and first four years performance (). Crowthorne, Berkshire: Transport and Road Research Laboratory

-Wikipedia, S. (2013). Art deco skyscrapers: empire state building, chrysler building, rockefeller center, chicago.... S.l.: University-Press Org.

-100 Years Kuala Lumpur Architecture. (1990). : PAM.

-Post Merdeka. (1987). : Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia.

-Fee, C. V. (1998). The Encyclopedia Of Malaysia . : Archipelago Press.

Ampang Park Shopping Mall

Documents

Transcript of Ampang Park Shopping Mall