Zoo Negara

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, AND BUILDING

ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 2 [ARC 60203]

PROJECT #2

Submitted: Wednesday, 18 November 2015

TUTOR: MS. NOR HAYATI RAMLI

Danny Tong 0323484

Evelin Devina 0322176

Foong Lih Wey 0322687

Jacinta Kabrina Majalap 0311339

TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY: SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING, AND DESIGN 0 | P a g e

CONTENT PAGE

CONTENT PAGE....................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................2

1.2 Fast Facts of Zoo Negara..............................................................................................3

1.3 History of Zoo Negara..................................................................................................4

1.4 The Architect of Zoo Negara........................................................................................5

BUILDING ANALYSIS

2.1 Site Context Analysis....................................................................................................6

2.2 Architectural Style Analysis..........................................................................................9

2.3 Building Construction, and Material............................................................................12

2.4 Architectural Components/Elements...........................................................................18

CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................24

REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................26


INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Zoo Negara is the first national zoo in Malaysia. Built on 110 acres of land in Ulu

Klang, near Taman Melawati, North-East Kuala Lumpur. It was officially opened on 14

November 1963, a project initiated by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul

Rahman. Managed by a non-governmental organization known as the Malaysian

Zoological Society, Zoo Negara is a veteran in the zoo industry standing proudly for 52

years. It received certification in 2007, and a member of the South East Asian Zoos

Association (SEAZA).

Once set in virgin jungle, the place now stands like an oasis amidst a concrete jungle.

It emphasizes on four main areas: Conservation, Education, Research, and Recreation.

Zoo Negara is a popular family destination and a valuable resource for all visitors from

within Malaysia and overseas.


1.2 FAST FACTS OF ZOO NEGARA

1.2.1 Zoo Negara is a non-governmental organization established to create the first local

zoo for Malaysian.

1.2.2 The National Zoological Park was built in 1961 and officiated by Y.T.M. Tunku

Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj on 14 November 1963.

1.2.3 Millionth Visitor

Zoo Negara got their millionth visitors on 14 November 1966 just three years after

its grand opening. Miss Juliana Chan, a 19 year old student was the millionth

person to walk through the turnstiles of the zoo. She was presented with a

commemorative plaque, a free pass for one year and some cartons of cigarettes

presented by Messrs. Rothmans of Pall Mall (M) Ltd.

1.2.3 Tourism Gold Award

Zoo Negara’s development throughout the years and its highly rated attendance

was honored as the premier recreational amenity in Malaysia and voted best

tourist attraction which earned it the ‘Tourism Gold Award’ for 1988. Well-known

for its breeding successes and conservation programs, Zoo Negara is held in high

esteem by zoos worldwide.


1.2.4 First Giant Panda Conservation Centre in Malaysia

May 21, 2014, the arrival of the giant pandas to Malaysia represents peace and a

symbol diplomatic relationship between China and Malaysia for 40 years.

1.2.5 Oldest Aquarium in Malaysia

Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium was the biggest aquarium ever built in Malaysia,

displaying more than 130 species of aquatic animals of marine and freshwater

1.3 HISTORY OF ZOO NEGARA

Tan Sri Victor Massy Hutson was known as the Father of Zoo Negara because he

played an important role in setting-up Zoo Negara in 1963. He was the one

responsible for the miniature zoo set-up at the annual exhibition of the Malayan

Agri-Horticultural Association (MAHA) that got Malayan interested in Zoo.

The idea of proper zoo gradually gained momentum, and the federal government

chose a spot in Ulu Klang, Selangor next to the border of Kuala Lumpur.

In 1963, the first Prime Minister of Malaya (now Malaysia) Y.T.M Tunku Abdul

Rahman opened the zoo to the public. In the late 1970s as Kuala Lumpur underwent

an economic boom. The area was opened for large scale development as a planned

residential area in the 1980s. The development has caused the zoo's surrounding

areas and also increases the land value where the zoo is located.

In early 2000s, there were plans to move the zoo to other locations in Selangor.

However, the plans were largely unpopular among the public as it is seen as an effort

by some developers to capitalize on the value of the zoo's large land. With the

support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Selangor

State Government, Zoo Negara will not be relocated.


1.4 THE ARCHITECT OF ZOO NEGARA

Mr. Kington Loo (1930-2013), the Architect who

managed to bring Zoo Negara into reality in 1943 up until

today, was born in the year October 1930. He was a well-

known Architect in Malaysia who brought Modernism

along with other group of Architect to Southeast Asia

during the period of the World War II.

During his early life, he lived in various part of

Southeast Asia before he settled in Malaya. He was educated in Batu Road Kuala

Lumpur. Before the age of 13, Malaya was disrupted by The Japanese invasion. He

moved from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and from there to India to avoid Japanese

occupation.

He learned many skill traits including studding civil engineering course at Technology

College. He later went to Australia to study Architecture. After graduation, he returned

to Malaysia and joined the firm of Booty, Edwards & Partners (BEP) – BEP Akitek Sdn

Bhd.

During his years, he designed various iconic building that is still living up its

reputation till today. Some of the buildings that he designs are Rex Cinema,

Commonwealth Society Building, Subang International Airport, University Malaya's

Experimental Theater, Private residences Etc.

He was among the first generation of architects following the country’s

independence. His enthusiasm in joining and forming committees led to the formation

of many of the institutions of today.


BUILDING ANALYSIS

2.1 SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS

2.1.1 Building accessibility

Zoo Negara have 2 entrance. Entrance A can be seen from the main road whereas

Entrance B can only be seen when drove further in.

Entrance A/ Car Park A

Entrance A is the main entrance to the zoo so all main office is located there such

as: Administration Office; and Educational, Zoology and Public Affair Office


Entrance B/ Car Park B

The distances of Entrance A and B and the circulation of Zoo Negara can be seen

in the map below.

Zoo Negara MAP

2.1.2 Relationship of Building to Surrounding

Zoo Negara is called ‘Zoo in the Jungle’ when it was first open due to its

forested surrounding. It was built as such to accommodate the needs of the

animal and also to enhance the visitor’s experience towards the wildlife especially

those who came from the big city.


The surrounding has changed along the years due the expansion of Zoo

Negara. The recent buildings built are the Giant Panda Conservation and

Exhibition Centre.

2.1.3 Respond to Climate

Zoo Negara was built to withstand the constant changing of our climate in

Malaysia especially on rainy season. Because of the zoo being in a forested area,

it reduces the urban heat island effect due to it being near the city.

Feeling of personal connection among zoo visitors may encourage concern about

climate change. Results show that feeling connected to animals at the zoo is

significantly associated with cognitive and emotional responses to climate change,

as well as with other social groupings and social responses. Overall, the zoo seems

to present a supportive social context for considering the topic.


2.2 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

Zoo Negara has several buildings in the area

which mainly are built in traditional Malaysian

house, Mid Century Modern, and Post-Modern

architectural style.

2.2.1 Modern

Modern is an architectural style that

generally describes the mid-20th century design

development estimated from 1933 – 1965.

Most of the modern buildings utilized the

groundbreaking post and beam design that

eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls

seemingly made of glass. Function and form

were equally noteworthy with emphasized

purposed for average American family. “Form follows function”.

The large glass windows at the

management office is one of the evidences

that post-modernism was derived from

modern style that Zoo Negara building

owns. Sliding glass doors and other

expansive panes of glass allow light to

enter rooms from multiple angles.


2.2.2 Post-Modern

The first evidences of post-modern architecture

being an international style are cited from 1950s

although the movement was not made until 1970s.

It evolved from what is previously called Modern Functionalism, featured a wide

range of ideals and practices that are not normally perceived and accepted on

traditional philosophies.

Inspired from classic mechanism

found in umbrella, Frei Paul Otto –

an architect and structural engineer

– juggled it into a piece of

lightweight architectural structure in

1950s based on the minimum

surface principle. The tension loaded membrane of the funnel-shaped umbrella is

now stretched under the compression-loaded bars. This construction made it

technically and structurally possible to build very large convertible umbrellas,

which then inspired many subsequent projects built all over the world, including

Zoo Negara.

This structure is one of the prominent features in post-modern architecture

as it’s trying to go more than basic forms, and extending it into a more expressive

movement.


It can be seen that the architect of Zoo

Negara was trying to avoid a simple flat, square

ceiling by pinching the edges to arches. Post-

modern architects tried to meld past aspects of

various buildings together even if in an

inharmonious manner to create a new means of

designing building.

Zoo Negara has unique post-modern

features with a pinch of elements found during

the Roman period. The basic exterior form of

the Management Centre showcases Rotunda

element which defines the building with a

circular ground plan, covered by a dome. It also

referred to a round room within the building,

taken as an example is the Pantheon. Oculus at

the middle part of the roof creates warmer and aesthetic feel to the interior

allowing the sun rays to illuminate the room rather than artificial light.

Three entrance buildings have a similar

design language which the most notable one is

the structural barrel vault façade at the shop

lots and the entrance façade was carved

around the structural barrel vault form to

create a unique experience compared to

basics.

Both of the Rotunda and barrel vault are

the evidence of post-modernism as this era showcased the comeback of columns

and other elements of pre-modern designs, adapting some pieces of classical

Greek and Roman. The practical and formalized shapes and spaces of the

modernist style are replaced by diverse aesthetics.


2.3 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE, AND MATERIAL

During our visit there were many development were taking place in order to improve

the quality of the animal living in Zoo Negara and also the environment there. The only

modernist building can be found there were the administration office and also the Giant

panda Conservation Centre which was built in year 2013.

Building Construction

2.3.1 Columns

The columns on the façade were the wide

flange columns. These columns where used to

transfer the load of the barrel roof from the top to

the bottom foundation without stressing the

support thing material. The column is built on a


concrete foundation and a base plate to spread the load of the building in a large

surface area at the bottom ground to reduce the bearing pressure that is on the

concrete foundation.

2.3.2 Beams

In the interior of the administrative building there are 12

beams which is located at the center interior of the façade.

The Beams act as a support system to hold the pavilion roof at

the top. This help to transfer the load of the roof to the

columns that support the façade.

2.3.3 Walls

The Walls that were constructed for most of the buildings were load bearing

wall.


The bearing walls that are used in some of the façade like the administrative

office building and the main entrance were to support the large curtain wall and

the load of the flat roof. The types of walls that can be found at the Zoo Negara

are Masonry wall, Dry wall and Brick wall.

2.3.4 Roof

The roof of the administrative office was constructed in barrel roof with multi

transparent glass.

The education department roof was constructed in gable roof while the roof

at the entrance where constructed in different type of roof. There is also tensile

umbrella roof outside the entrance. Flat roof with vault at the entrance and also

pavilion roof for the administration office.


Building Material

2.3.1 Steel

Steel can be found in most of the construction of

the façade. It plays a big role in construction and the

support of the building. It also helps to hold the building

in place and also helps to create different kinds of aesthetics design.

Galvanized Steel:

- Corrosion resistance

- Low cost and maintenance

- Long life and complete protection form

surrounding

- Power coating for aesthetic use

Stainless Steel:

- Hard and tough


- Resistance to heat and oxidation

- Sufficient amount of chromium that prevents corrosion

- High durability

2.3.2 Glass

Glass is widely used in modernist architecture

building. Glass provides a sense of openness that

differentiates between the interior and the exterior

of the building. It allows light enter into the building

while preventing harsh weather conditions or UV

rays entering in the building.

2.3.3 Concrete

Concrete is a type of artificial stone that is widely used construction of a building.

The structure at the entrance of the Zoo Negara and also the Administrative office

are mainly made out of concrete.

2.3.4 Plastic

Polycarbonate

- A type of thermoplastic


- Dense, hard and tough properties

- Strongest transparent material

-Tensile strength and ductility similar to metal

- Uses in vandal resistant and glazing

Polyvinyl Chloride

- Rigid in form or made flexible by

adding plasticizers

- Good weathering properties

- Suitable material for canopy

2.3.5 Stone

Stone marble floor:

- Tough, hard wearing properties as well as its attractive appearance.

- Comes in a variety of colors.

- Primarily used for roofing and floor tiles.

- Extremely durable.

- slip-resistant, non-porous and are resilient to fire and water

- heat-resistant

Cobblestone

- As a flooring

system


- Oldest paving material

- Gives of different texture

- High toughness

- Maintenance-free

2.4.6 Tiles

Ceramic Tiles

- Made from clay or a mixture of clay or other ceramic material

- Do not conduct heat or electricity

- Can withstand high temperature

- Different types of color and design

- Create an aesthetic appeal

2.5 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS/COMPONENTS

2.5.1 The Administration Office

Located next to the entrance, has a shape similar to a

rotunda. It is like a modern rotunda where instead of

using a dome which confine and shut the place up, it

uses glass roof, with the surrounding made by glass


wall.

Comparison between Rotunda and The Office

- Round building with a dome

- Thick brick and stone

- Round building with a glass cone roof

- Glass wall

2.5.2 Glass Cone Roof

Glass Cone Roof is a conical shape roof made by glass. It gives an aesthetic

view and also allowing sunlight to enter the building. It also creates air ventilation

to the building and thus a better performance of work.

2.5.2 Skylight

Skylight is an opening in a roof which is gazed with a transparent or

translucent material used to admit natural light into the space below. Skylight


increases the visual appeal to interiors, allowing daylight to shine through the

building also brightens and also reduces the energy consumption.

2.5.3 Curvilinear-Like Canopy

Curvilinear-Like Canopy serves as a shading for sun and rain. It is surrounding

the main space inside which is made of glass.

This helps to shade the building inside and at the same time it gives an

aesthetic design for the building. It is similar to Masjid Negara which is established

around the same time.

Comparison Between Masjid Negara And Zoo Negara

- Pointed edges

- Eyebrow dormer

- Not connected to pillar

- Curvilinear- like Canopy

- Provide shading for the interior

2.5.4 Glass Curtain wall

Glass Curtain Wall shows the

openness and the blur spatial

division from inside to outside


2.5.5 Full Height Turnsile (Revolving Door)

Full height turnsile is

applications where an access

control system is not used.

Typically, these turnstiles would

be used in an exit only application

at stadiums, zoos and theme parks

to allow mass traffic to exit.

2.5.6 Steel and Glass Façade

In architecture, the façade of a building is often the most

important aspect from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone

for the rest of the building. When you first see the façade of

the building, you will notice its clean modern profile that

makes it so distinctive. The building uses large expanses of

glass in effect brings the building’s site into the building.

Large expanses of floor to ceiling glass providing dramatic views and

introducing natural light deep into the interior. The load is transferred to the

skeleton frame of the building.

2.5.7 Open Umbrella Roof

The open umbrella roof, a

tensile structure, is supported by

some form of compression rings or

bending elements or beams. The


fabric structure has a strong tensile strength, which will creep only a few percent

over 20 years.

The fabric roof element, usually made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the

flexible nature of the roof, gives a simple, elegant stylistic theme that lends itself

to fabric roofing.

2.5.8 Vault

The vault is used to create a contemporary appeal in these

modern beautiful framework for the ceiling of the zoo. The

repetition of the vaults create a dynamic and flowing sensation

to the visitors who enter the space.

2.5.9 Flat roof

Flat roof provide the option for recreational or decorative finishes not

available with a pitched roof. The flat roof will not drain during raining days, it will

not as impressive a flow. The roof is versatile and durable, it allows the full height

of the rooms below to be utilized well.

2.5.10 Ceramic Quarry Tiles

The ceramic quarry tiles which

made from shale and fine clays

have a large coverage at the

exterior of the building. It is

considered as the thickest and

strongest tiles. It is long lasting and


excellent for floors that receive a lot of abrasions, where large crowded gathered

at the entrance of the zoo. It is highly durable and relatively inexpensive material.

2.5.11 Ceramic Glazed

The ceramic glazed tiles, in a

large format arrangement, cover

the floor of the entrance of the

zoo. The advantages of using

ceramic glazed tiles is resistant to

water and stains, this type of tiles

consist of wide variety colors which permanence that leads direct exposure of

ceramic tiles to sunlight neither alters their color, nor causes them to fade.

Ceramic glazed tiles are treated to prevent slipping.

2.5.12 Gable

The gable along the

entrance, are made of iron. The

vertical arrangement of the iron

bar gives the interpretations of

the cage in the zoo. The

architectural treatment of gable results from the effort to find an aesthetically

pleasing solution for the natural air ventilation and circulation of the entrance of

the zoo.

2.5.13 Stainless steel stairs

The stainless steel stairs of

the building besides allow

users to access to the highest

building, it also act as

decorative element and is an

impressive part of a building.


The stainless steel staircase used outside the building is 100% recyclable and a

maintenance free material.


CONCLUSION

The most prominent buildings in Zoo Negara are at the main entrance area which

was designed in post-modern and mid-century architectural style. However, as a whole, Zoo

Negara was not only built in one era of architecture style, the buildings inside the area are

the evidence of the journey gone through by the zoo. Aside of the modern and post-modern

elements mentioned in the previous clarification, several buildings inside the zoo. Taken as

examples are: The Education Centre building is derived from Malaysian traditional

architecture, Rumah Melayu, featuring vertical balcony bars, Minangkabau roofs, Rumah

Panggung, usage of local timber for wall, etc.; The Panda Conservation Centre Building built

in 2013 is a contemporary building with flowing roof, full-height and frameless glass

window, simple and fine texture of the wall with several stripes of color.

To be concluded, Zoo Negara is a rich source of architectural heritage dated from

Malaysia post-independence until present. It shows the journey of architecture including

Malaysia’s own style, how it answers the architects’ different expressions from time to time.

Notwithstanding, the environment made for the animals being kept inside the zoo is not

genuinely proper and healthy as most of the cages are dirty, small, and not taken care well.

It will be greater if the government is to put more attention to the animals’ interests.


REFERENCES

– (2014). National Zoo of Malaysia. Accessed on 13 November 2015, from

www.zoonegaramalaysia.my/journeythroughtime.pdf

19th Century Architecture. Accessed on 14 November 2015, from www.visual-arts-

cork.com/history-of-art/nineteenth-century-architecture.htm

Columbia University Press (2012). MOern Architecture. Accessed on 13 November 2015,

from www.encyclopedia.com/topic/modern_architecture.aspx

Koay, Allan (2003). Kington Among Man. Accessed on 15 November 2015, from

www.viweb.freehosting.net/kington-loo.htm

Kramer, Douglas (2005). What is Modern?. Accessed on 13 November 2015, from

www.socalmodern.com/modernis.php

L., Stanecy (2012). Barrel Vault Architecture: Where and How were Barrel Vaults Used?.

Accessed on 13 November 2015, from

www.brighthub.com/education/homework-tips/articles/67018.aspx

Mavvis (2008). Progress? How Building Techniques Have Changed Over the Ages. Accessed

on 14 November 2015, from www.ca-mapping.co.uk


Zoo Negara

Education

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