Comparative Analysis Report

PROJECT 2
ARCHITECTURE HISTORY & THEORY
ARC (60804)

T E A M M E M B E R S
TANIA AGGRIPPINA SALIM 0340835
ANSON THIEN YUNG KHONG 0339976
WONG ZU ER 0339999
PANG JING YI 0338498
LAU WEN QI 0341330
CHOK JIA YUE 0340286
LIAU RUO LAN 0340317
LIM EE JUARN 0340702
ANNE CHUA ANN YII 0335301
WONG YOON LING 0340190

01
INTRODUCTION
02
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
03
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
04
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURE
C O N T E N T S
DESIGN ANALYSIS
06
ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
07
CONCLUSION
08
REFERENCE LISTS
05

I N T R O D U C T I O N
T
he Petaling Jaya Civic Centre, also known as PJCC or
Dewan Sivik, is a municipal building of Majlis Bandaraya
Petaling Jaya. It is located at Jalan Yong Shook Lin, 46675
Petaling Jaya. The iconic brutalist building is assumed to be
designed by Dato' Kington Loo and serves as a multifunction
hall for musicals and cultural events. The
construction of the building started in 1973 and ended in
March 1978 spending a total of RM 4 million.
OF CIVIC CENTRE PJ

The facilities include a 1028-seating air-conditioned
auditorium, a 72-seating conference hall and originally, six
badminton courts. In 2004, renovations took place, and the
badminton courts had turned into a 16,692 square feet
banquet hall that can it up to 1000 people. The main lobby
was redesigned with a pointed-star layout. Refurbishment
of the building had given the exterior a sleek, black
appearance.

ARCHITECTURE
B
rutalist architecture, also
known as Brutalism, is an
architectural style that began in the
mid-20th century. It was introduced
by French-Swiss architect Le
Corbusier and it gained popularity
in the late 1950s and 1960s.
Brutalism was commonly
characterised by its rough,
un inished surfaces, unusual
shapes, heavy-looking materials,
massive structure, straight lines,
and small windows. Examples of
Brutalist architecture in Malaysia:
Bank Negara Malaysia, University of
Malaya, Australian High
Commission, Wisma Equity.

STYLE

AXIS AND RELATION TO AXES
T
he diagram conveys a sense of
balance that is created around the
center axis of the loor plan. The
compositions of each side are equally
distributed, with equal weight balanced
around the center axis as seen from the
loor plan.

A X I S A N D R E L A T O N T O A X E S

CIRCULATION & PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIPS

CONFIGURATION OF THE PATH
The con iguration of the path is radial which has linear paths extending from
or terminating at a central common point. The central common point would
be the lobby, which then leads the con iguration to the auditorium, banquet
hall or conference room.

FORM OF THE CIRCULATION SPACE
The circulation space is open on both sides. When entering the building, on
the le t would be the entrance to the auditorium whereas on the right is the
entrance to the banquet hall.

PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIPS
Path-space relationship is used to approach and enter functionally or
symbolically to important spaces. Therefore, the path only leads to either
auditorium, the theatre or the banquet hall.

B U I L D I N G
C O N S T R U C T I O N , S T R U C T U R E
& M A T E R I A L S A N A L Y S I S
c
oncrete was the main material of
the building. It produces a wide
variety of forms and it is an ideal
working material for large scale
buildings. With its limited tension
resistance, reinforcement steel bars
were embedded in the concrete in
order to improve the compressive
strength.

The foundation of the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre was constructed with the method of pre-cast
reinforced concrete pile foundation. Pre-cast reinforced concrete pile is cast and cured in a
casting yard and transport to the site. The pile will be driven into the soil until a certain level or
reaches the rock bed by using a hydraulic hammer.
FOUNDATION

WALLS
Due to the extremely thick and heavy roof, the walls of the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre was
constructed speci ically to support such heavy loads. The result of this was the appearance of a
large thick load bearing wall. As the concept of the building is mainly focused on the
functionality, the raw appearance of the structure was le t as it is.

ROOF
The roof was strongly inspired by Le Corbusier’s Ronchamp loating roof which made it
become the most signi icant part of the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre. The use of concrete for the
roof is suitable in Malaysia’s tropical climate as it helps with the cooling of the building and
insulation from the outside heat. The concrete roof can also withstand harsh rains and winds
during the monsoon season.

AUDITORIUM
T
he auditorium was constructed for
better transmission, projection and
ampli ication of sound. A large amount
of curved elements were used to
amplify sound across the auditorium.
The concrete ceiling was made with
curves and with a step decline from the
entrance to the stage. The auditorium
loor was constructed with a decline
towards the stage to enhance the view
of the audience. So t felt was used as
the looring to reduce the amount of
echoing. The backstage walls were also
constructed with panels to re lect
sound towards the audience.

ORGANIZATION OF FORM
SYMMETRY AND BALANCE
A
symmetrical balance on both sides of the structure are di ferent,
but with similar elements presented on the frontal elevation of the
structure which gives a sense of unity. Both the frontal elevation and the
loor plan of the building are asymmetrically balanced.

"Don't confuse symmetry with balance."
- TOM ROBBINS

GEOMETRY

The diagram shows the massing plan layout of the
building. It is made up of angular along with regular
geometrical patterns in order to utilize most of the space.
ORGANIZATION OF FORM

ORGANIZATION OF FORM
HIERARCHY
H
ierarchy conveys an
organizational structure in which
items are ranked according to the
levels of importance. The volume of
space adopts the feeling of descending
as seen from the west to east of the
building. The most important space
will be the auditorium followed by the
banquet hall and lastly the conference
room.

S
patial relationship is the space linked by common
space. This is a relationship where two spaces are
separated by a distance that can be linked to each other
by a third or intermediate space.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N
O F S P A C E
T
he openness of the hall gives a sense of welcoming
and grand feeling which drives users to enter the space
irst. Aside from that, it gives o f a sense of ‘open to
public’ feeling where people can enter freely.

LOBBY
SPATIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THREE SPACES
The common space is the lobby. The linking
auditorium, banquet hall and conference room act as
the intermediate spaces in a linear form.

RHYTHM & REPETITION
Multiple vertical beams on the exterior are arranged together in a linear form creates a
sense of repetition and rhythm which ties the overall appearance of the building.

ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE
The interior of Petaling Jaya
Civic Centre was mainly
in luenced by local
architecture which is the
Islamic architecture.
For instance, the twelve
pointed star loor plan layout
at the lobby and the foyer of
the banquet hall are one of the
Islamic symbols.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

CONCLUSION
Petaling Jaya Civic Centre is constructed to be used by the public. The
building is a mix between Brutalist style architecture and Malaysian
Islamic culture. The incorporation of Malaysian culture has made PJCC
stand out from the other Western architecture. Through the design
principles, the organisation of space and form, it is able to communicate
with di ferent styles of architecture. This spectacular landmark, has made
a step forward in Malaysian Architecture through the incorporation
between western and local style of architecture. Therefore, the preservation
of PJCC building is of utmost importance for our future generations.

01
INTRODUCTION
02
SITE CONTEXT
03
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
04
CONSTRUCTION & STRUCTURE
C O N T E N T S
05
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
06
DESIGN ANALYSIS
07
CONCLUSION
08
REFERENCE LISTS

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
INTRODUCTION
N
ot only a historical building
123 years old today, it is also a
place of worship for Anglicans
and a famous tourist location.
Lastly, St. Mary's Cathedral has
signi icant
historical,
architectural and social value as
it bears testimony to the
chronicles of early Kuala
Lumpur and the Anglican
churches in Malaysia.
This new St Mary's was the irst
brick church in Malaysia and still
maintains a small Anglican
congregation. Furthermore, it is
an Episcopal see of the Anglican
Bishop of West Malaysia and the
mother church of the diocese.

Construction of the current
church commenced in 1894
1958
The back of the main Church was
extended to accommodate a hall
called the Jubilee Hall.
1894
The back of the main Church was
extended to accommodate a hall called
the Jubilee Hall.
1968
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

T I M E
L I N E
2016 - 2017
Today, St. Mary’s still stands in its strategic location in the most
historical and charming section of the nation’s capital. The
congregation continues to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to
the people of Kuala Lumpur and visitors to our city.
Between 2006-2007 several renovations to the
buildings took place. The Multi-Purpose Hall was built
and in addition to new o ices, a library and an
apartment was added.
TODAY
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

T H E A R C H I T E C T
A.C. NORMAN
A
r t h u r C h a r l e s A l f r e d
N o r m a n ( 1 8 5 8 - 1 9 4 4 ) , o f t e n
r e f e r r e d t o a s A . C .
N o r m a n , h e w a s a B r i t i s h
a r c h i t e c t w h o w a s a c t i v e i n
M a l a y a a t t h e e n d o f t h e
1 9 t h c e n t u r y a n d t h e
b e g i n n i n g o f t h e 2 0 t h
c e n t u r y . S o m e o f t h e m o s t
i m p o r t a n t c o l o n i a l - e r a
b u i l d i n g s o f K u a l a L u m p u r
b u i l t i n t h a t p e r i o d w e r e
c r e d i t e d t o h i m , s u c h a s
S u l t a n A b d u l S a m a d
B u i l d i n g .
1 8 5 8 - 1 9 4 4
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

SITE
ANALYSIS
The church is accessible within walking
distance north west of Masjid Jamek LRT
Station. Exit Masjid Jamek LRT to Jalan Tun
Perak and turn right to Jalan Kuching.
Lastly, continue to gate to enter the church
compound.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

ACCESSIBILITY
Vehicular
Vehicles can access St Mary
Cathedral church via Jalan Raja.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
Public Transport
St Mary Cathedral church is an 8
minutes walk from Masjid Jamek L T
station. Exit Masjid Jamek L T to
Jalan Tun Perak and turn right to
Jalan Raja.

RELATIONSHIP OF BUILDING TO
SURROUNDINGS
T O U R I S T S P O T
S
t. Mary Cathedral was
surrounded by many
famous building such as
Dataran Merdeka, Royal
Selangor, Sultan Abdul
Samad building and
Panggung Bandaraya. The
buildings surrounding has
naturally made St. Mary
Cathedral one of the must
visit spot for the tourists.
ST. MA Y
CATHEDRAL
OYAL SELANGO
DATARAN
MERDEKA
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

ORGANIZATION OF FORM AND SPACE
S
t.Mary Cathedral church KL is formed by two
rectangular and one semicircle.The horizontal
rectangular is the nave of the church,which is the
central part of the church,stretching from the main
entrance or the rear wall. The nave is distinct from
the area reserved for the choir and clergy. For the
vertical rectangular,is the crossing part of a
church, both sides of it is north transept and south
transept. Lastly, the semicircle part of the church is
the Apse which the altar place.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N O F F O R M A N D S P A C E
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
SHAPES OF THE FORM AT ST MA
Y

CIRCULATION
c
M A I N E N T R A N C E
C I R C U L A T I O N R O U T E
irculation is implicit in the movement of the visitors to St. Mary Cathedral which makes a
living example of a simultaneously diagrammatic stasis and motion.
The main entrance of St. Mary Cathedral is located in between the pew, which allows the access into
the main hall of the building. Hence, there is only one main door for the visitor to enter the entrance
hall.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

APPROACH
The irst phase of the circulation system, which
we are prepared to see experience and use the
spaces within a building.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
C I R C U L A T I O N

OBLIQUE APPROACH
The St. Mary cathedral building’s front entrance
is designed in an oblique approach to enhance the
e fect of the perspective on the front facade and
the form of the building as well as the threedimensional
form of the building.
It allows the visitor to have the visual to the
perspective on the facade three-dimensional
building. The path of the entrance prolongs
the sequence of approach.
PATH OF AN OBLIQUE APP
OACH
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
C I R C U L A T I O N

Entrance
Entrance is a space within a space of a de ined ield of
exterior space, involves the act of penetrating a vertical
plane that distinguishes one space from another and
separates, where you are, from where you are going.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
C I R C U L A T I O N

Projected entrance
T
he entrance forms a transitional space,
which announces their function to the approach
and provides shelter overhead.It was used for
visual clarity of the entrance from an extreme
angle. It was used for car drop-out projected
entry is used as a shelter.
This projected entrance was used generally in the
composite climatic zone to provide shelter and
receives a portion of exterior space into the realm of
the buildingA.C Norman designed the entrance of
St. Mary Cathedral according to the climate in
Malaysia which was hot and humid throughout the
year.
P
OJECTED ENTRANCE
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

FUNCTION OF SPACE
H
owever, the entrance is located at the very far end of the
nave, allowing access into the nave and altar. Through the nave, is
a single long hallway walking down towards the transept having
seating areas for the laity, separating the altar, choir, sanctuary,
apsidal and office with the nave.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

PATH-SPACE RELATIONSHIP
T
he path at St. Mary
passed through space
axially, the cutting
through a space, the path
creates a pattern of
movement within it.
ENTRANCE
PATH OF ST. MA
Y
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

F O R M O F T H E C I R C U L A T I O N S P A C E
VERTICAL CIRCULATION
T
he vertical circulation at St. Mary Cathedral consists of public circulation spaces and restricted
access private circulation spaces. The public circulation spaces was for the visitor and congregation and
the restricted access private circulation spaces was for the clergy.
`
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

ARCHITECTURAL
STYLE ANALYSIS
Early English Gothic
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

TERMS RELATED TO GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
TRACE Y
Stonework that surrounds and
separates sections of stained
glass windows or a series of
windows.
BUTTRESS
Stone supports placed one outside
walls of a church to help support
the walls.
VAULT
Structural element made from
an arrangement of arches and
usually found in ceilings.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

KEY FEATURES
LANCET WINDOWS
The most characteristic element in
Early English church architecture is
the lancet window, named for its tall,
narrow shape and sharply pointed top
resembling a lance.
FLYING BUTTRESS
Distributed the weight and thrust of
roofs and walls right down to the
ground. These lying buttresses may be
visible over the aisles, but just as o ten
were concealed in the aisle roof.
POINTED A CHES
Arches could span greater distances,
allowing vaults to be taller and wider.
It could support greater weight,
allowing walls to be thinner and
pierced by wider window openings.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

KEY FEATURES
TOOTH ORNAMENTATION
Mouldings with alternating
illets and rolls, by the
decoration of the hollows with
the dog-tooth ornament.
FOLIAGE
Circles with trefoils or
quatrefoils were molded and
used on arches, doors and
windows.
TALL PIERS
Columns were o ten composed
of clusters of slender, detached
sha ts ,o ten made of Purbeck
marble surrounding a central
pillar, or pier.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL
E
arly English is no doubt to be seen in this church
located in England. An example of lancet windows with
no stained glass in them, also very visible in the tall
tower and tapering spire.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL
Interior view of Lincoln Cathedral, notice the large
stained glass windows and elaborate vaulted ceiling,
Also,the stonework on column tops and along the
walls is more decorative.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

SUMMARY
In general, Early English Style buildings were comparatively
lighter and had distinctive features externally and internally.
Externally, buildings were shaped to appear long and narrow,
were lancet-shaped, had pointed windows, were bold, and had
projecting buttresses and with pitch roofs. Internally, buildings
had pointed arches supporting slender and lo ty pillars. Instead
of heavy masses and horizontal lines along support structures,
architects used light and graceful forms of vertical lines.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
ANALYSIS

Support the facade of the building and its
BUTTRESS
roof is of gable design. The original
structure is shaped like a cruciform.
NAVE
Has an open-timbered roof constructed of
merbau and seriah - two species of local
hardwoods. Apex of the roof rises 132m from
the floor. The chancel is paved with tessellated
tiles and lit by three stained glass windows at
the octagonal end.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
& DOORS
Fitted onto the door glass on both sides of
nave.All stained glass lancet windows were
fitted with an additional glass panel.Adding an
acoustic control glass piece on the outside of
the doors and windows to protect the aesthetic
and historical value of the original beautiful
doors and stained glass lancet windows.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

TEMPORARY SCAFFOLDING
Set up inside the building to provide a strong
working platform for installing a layer of
acoustic treatment on the ceiling and for
changing the rotten timber battens on the
roof.Selected scaffolding was known as
Upright Lightweight Mobile Aluminium Tower
Skybridge.
ROOF STRUCTURES
A-frame timber roof structures for both
its main and Jubilee halls,with Marseille
roof tiles.For energy efficiency and noise
reduction,the roof structures were
insulated with wire netting,rock wool and
aluminium foil.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION ANALYSIS

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
WALLS

The characteristic thickness and density of a clay brick
wall reduces noise transmission and de lects noise from
the outdoors. Moreover, it does not burn and reduce the
possibility of ire.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
WINDOWS

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
The windows around the church walls also act ash
the source of lighting. The stained glass filters the
light and emits warm coloured lights. This lighting
effect creates a solemn and peaceful atmosphere.

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
CEILING

METAL STRIP LINEAR CEILING
The metal strip linear ceiling was painted with a shade of brown which was in harmony with the
original timber frame of the church building. Linear appearance with square edge design which
enhances the perspective of the building internally. Moreover, to lower unwanted noise levels from
the outside.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
ROOF

OXFORD CEILING TRUSS
It provides the structure onto the ceiling,
which prevent the rafters to spread and
cause the roof to sag or collapse.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL
AIR & LIGHT VENTILATION

T
he invention of the Gothic style was to improve the buildings in the
1100s and 1200s who were mostly dark and damp. There was not much
scope for light and air circulation. The modern features such as air vents
can be found above some doors in order to improve the air circulation
inside the church.
The window around the church had an opening cover made up of timber,
like louvres and steel grills. It is specially designed in correspond to the
climate in Malaysia. The light interiors with huge window usually decorated
with stained glass.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

CONCLUSION
St. Mary's Cathedral is a historical building 118 years old in 2014. It is not only a place of
worship for Anglicans but also a famous tourist location. St. Mary's Cathedral has
signi icant historical, architectural and social value as it bears testimony to the
chronicles of early Kuala Lumpur and the Anglican churches in Malaysia.
OF ST MARY CATHEDRAL

ST. MARY CATHEDRAL
COMPARISON
PETALING JAYA CIVIC CENTRE
LOCATION
ST. MARY CATHEDRAL
PETALING JAYA CIVIC CENTRE
FUNCTION
Designed for religious purposes
Designed for the community
ARCHITECTURE
STYLE
Early English Gothic
Brutalist & Local
WALL
Clay brick
Reinforced concrete
PLAN
Curciform
Geometrical
ROOF
Pitched roof
Curved concrete roof
WINDOW
Stained glass window is used to
control sunlight and tell a story
Small openings to control the amount
of sunlight

REFERENCE LIST OF ST MARY
(2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
http://www.visitkl.gov.my/visitklv2/document/files/dtrnmerdeka_heritage_guidedtour.pdf
(2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://study.com/academy/lesson/english-gothic-architecture.html
(2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019,from https://alchetron.com/Arthur-Charles-Alfred-Norman
(2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from http://www.nara.accu.or.jp/img/dissemination/14th.pdf
alamin9270. (2019). Entry and approach. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
https://www.slideshare.net/alamin9270/entry-and-approach
Circulation space. (2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Circulation_space

Cathedral of St Mary Kuala Lumpur. (2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://www.malaysiatraveller.com/cathedral-of-st-mary-kuala-lumpur.html
Express, B. (2019). Early English Gothic architecture in England. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
https://www.britainexpress.com/architecture/early-english.htm
Early English Gothic Period. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.architecturecourses.org/early-englishgothic-period.
GOTHIC A CHITECTURE( 2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
http://www.icontrolpollution.com/articles/gothic-architecture-for-ambience-in-the-gothicliterature-.pdf
History Of The Cathedral Building. (2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
https://stmaryscathedral.org.my/about-us/history/
limziahuei Follow. (2015, May 25). CNC FINAL.pdf. Retrieved from
https://www.slideshare.net/limziahuei/cnc- inalpdf-48582289.
Sasuke. (2019). History holy rosary inal report here. Retrieved 7 November 2019, from
https://www.slideshare.net/SasukeSuiSui/history-holy-rosary- inal-report-here

REFERENCE LIST OF CIVIC CENTRE
(2019). Retrieved 7 November 2019, from https://brutalism.online/brutalism
AuthorSteven Bradley. (2015, June 29). Design Principles: Compositional, Symmetrical And
Asymmetrical Balance. Retrieved from https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2015/06/designprinciples-compositional-balance-symmetry-asymmetry/.
Explore Architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.architecture.com/Explore/ArchitecturalStyles/Brutalism.aspx.
Lumpur, K. (2014, April 8). Dewan Sivik MBPJ - Civic Centre. Retrieved from
https://www.timeout.com/kuala-lumpur/things-to-do/dewan-sivik-mbpj-civic-centre.