ARCHITECTURE CULTURE & HISTORY 2 (60203)

CONCORDE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

PROJECT 2 : WEB BOOK Prepared by:-

LIEW JIN 0318449 LEE PUI SAN 0319088

KOOI YONG KAI 323152 KHOO MING SEN 0319659

Lecturer : Ms. Shahrianne

CONTENT

01 Intro

02 History

03 The Architect

04 Site Context Analysis

05 Architectural Layout

06 Architectural Style

07 Building Construction

08 Architectural Elements

09 Conclusion

10 Reference

01 INTRODUCTION

The Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur  is an international 4-star business hotel located in the

golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, amidst the bustling business district and major tourist attrac-

tions. With 581 well-appointed guest rooms that are elegantly furnished with an array of mod-

ern amenities to satisfy the needs of discerning guests, this Kuala Lumpur hotel is indeed a

natural choice for your next  accommodation in Kuala Lumpur. For  dining in Kuala Lumpur,

guests have a wide choice of palatable selections in our various outlets to choose from; be it

Continental to Cantonese Cuisines or experience a selection of Western and fusion-style a la

carte dishes, canapés and a wide range of fine wines in a cosy and rustic atmosphere at the

cocktail bar. Or simply let the good time roll at Hard Rock Café.

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur has 8 meeting rooms and ballroom that are able to accommo-

date up to 800 persons, supported by full range of audio visual equipment and fully equipped

business centre. For physical and mental well-being, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers a

01.1 Location

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur is located in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, amidst the

bustling commercial, shopping and entertainment hub.

The golden triangle is a large area that encompasses primarily along three main roads; Jalan

Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan with many reputable and international hotels in

Kuala Lumpur located in this area.

Situated along Jalan Sultan Ismail, this Kuala Lumpur hotel is a 10-minute drive to the Putra

World Trade Centre. Within walking distance is the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), Suria

KLCC Shopping Centre, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala

Lumpur Tower and Bukit Bintang.

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur is an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The other hotel within the group, Concorde Inn Kuala Lumpur International Airport located with-

in the airport vicinity, making it a convenient stop over for the busy traveller.

ii) Concorde Ballroom

Located on the lobby level, Concorde Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 delegates

in a classroom configuration. Concorde V seats 70 persons. For any dinner events such

as weddings and annual dinners, the ballroom can accommodate up to 770 persons.

Linking the Concorde Ballroom and the adjacent Concorde V is a foyer which functions

as a pre-function or cocktail venue. The Concorde V is large enough to host a good-

sized seminar of 180 persons.

01.2 Function

i) Hotel rooms

iii) Meetings and Events

As one of the most strategically located hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Hotel Kuala

Lumpur is the preferred Kuala Lumpur hotel for business travellers and corporate meet-

ings in Kuala Lumpur. Dedicated to the convenience and comfort of meetings and

event organizers, the true traditions of a fine business hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Concorde

Hotel Kuala Lumpur is fully equipped to make a success of your important meetings

and events in Kuala Lumpur.

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur provides comprehensive meeting facilities of 8 meeting

rooms and a ballroom that are able to accommodate up to 800 persons supported by

02 HISTORY

Known as Merlin Hotel back in the days, it was one of the few international class hotels back in

the 70s that has managed to balance a modern facade with a touch of history. It opened in

1959 and for decades was among the most prestigious and happening hotel.

The Concorde Hotel, after running for several decades underwent a RM40 million refurbishment

and renovation in 2006, which lasted for 4 years. Its purpose was to increase room sizes by

decreasing the number of rooms in order to capture more up-market guests. The hotel is an

icon in central Kuala Lumpur where generations have dined in its “Dragon Court” Chinese

restaurant, now known as XIN Cuisine, and in it exists a preserved magnificent pair of dragon

pillars

03 THE ARCHITECT

Dato’ Lee Yoon Thim

Dato' Y. T. Lee, also Lee Yoon Thim (1905–1977) was a Malaysian

Chinese architect active in Kuala Lumpur  in the 1950s and 1960s.

He helped ‘Build Merdeka’ after Malaysian Independence. He

moved in elite circles, and held several positions in the national

government and in the Chinese community. He was a close friend

to Prime Minister Tuanku Abdul Rahman and other political figures.

Dato’ Lee’s designs were all influenced by different types of archi-

tectural styles, including art deco, islamic architecture and also post

modern architecture and were used in his buildings, improving the modernity of the country,

He designed several of Kuala Lumpur's landmark buildings, such as:  Chin Woo

Stadium,UMNO building, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Federal Hotel, Kampung Baru Mosque,

Ar-Rahman Mosque and the Masjid Al-Ubudiyah.

Lee worked with one of Kuala Lumpur's municipal architects, Eric Taylor, on the Merlin Hotel,

1957-1959. The hotel was later changed to the Concorde Hotel. Most of the original interiors

Chin Woo Stadium

UMNO Building

Federal Hotel

04 SITE CONTEXT ANALYSIS

The golden triangle is a large area that encompasses primarily along three main roads; Jalan

Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan with many reputable and international hotels

in Kuala Lumpur located in this area.

Situated along Jalan Sultan Ismail, this Kuala Lumpur hotel is a 10-minute drive to the Putra

World Trade Centre. Within walking distance is the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), Suria

KLCC Shopping Centre, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala

Lumpur Tower and Bukit Bintang.

This area is ideally nestled right in the heart of gold-

en triangle, towering towards the sky, amidst the

bustling commercial, shopping and entertainment

hub. The golden triangle is a large area that encom-

passes primarily along three main roads; Jalan Imbi,

Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan with many

reputable and international hotels in Kuala Lumpur

located in this area.

Situated along Jalan Sultan Ismail, this Kuala Lumpur hotel is a 10-minute drive to the Putra

World Trade Centre. Within walking distance is the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), Suria

KLCC Shopping Centre, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Kuala

Lumpur Tower and Bukit Bintang.

Jalan Sultan Ismail • To access the

Concorde Hotel entrance

Concorde Hotel can be accessed from different roads and access points. First of all, in

order to access Concorde Hotel it is neccessary to take either the main roads of Jalan

Sultan Ismail or Jalan Ampang from the Northwest. From Jalan Ampang to the façade,

it takes around 10 minutes drive to arrive the destination and estimated 5.3 kilometers.

In addition, from Jalan Sultan Ismail the total kilometers are merely 2.8 KM with the es-

timated time 12 minutes drive. However, to access the front entrance of the building, it

is a need to use Jalan Sultan Ismail. From the Northeast, Jalan Cangat Perak is also

one of the façade’s accessibility point as well.

Jalan Ampang

04.1 Building Accessibility

Jalan Sultan Ismail • To access the

Concorde Hotel entrance

Entrance From Jalan Sultan Ismail. Besides that, the build-ing can be accessed via the carpark. The car park allows more than 500 cars.

Accessing the building via Linkage Bridge. The linkage bridge is connecting to the façade. Linkage Bridge is lo-cated in between the building and the car park. It is more convenient the visitors or out-siders to park there cars in the parking zone and access the hotel via Linkage Bridge.

Front entrance of Concorde Hotel located right opposite of Jalan Sultan Ismail.

04.2 Relationship of Building to the Surroundings

Similarities i) Strategic Location

Due to its strategy location; Concorde Hotel is mostly surrounded by office towers, en-

tertainments, restaurants and shopping mall as well as service buildings. This particular

area often attracts the tourists because it is located in the heart of golden triangle in

Kuala Lumpur. By walking, one can reach Avenue K shopping mall, Beach Club and

also others famous tourism spots for merely 10-30 minutes. Normally, this beneficial

location is suitable for nightlife entertainment mostly targeted on younger generation as

well as the tourists.

- Menara Prudential

Situated right next to Concorde Hotel. It is a modern architectural

style of office building. It is located at the same location of Jalan

Sultan Ismail. Therefore, it consists the same benefits as Con-

corde Hotel. It provides convenient to the workers and people as

well. This is because there are bus stops located infornt of this

building and nearby KL railway station.

Differences

i) Architecture style

Malaysia Tourist Centre (MaTIC)

This building is an architectural and historical landmark. It is 400 meters away from Concorde

Hotel. It has totally different architectural style compared to Concorde Hotel. It was built in the

early 1935s. Influenced by Europe colonial.

04.3 Respond to Climate

TemperatureHot and humid all year around, Malaysia enjoys an equatorial climate of temperatures

ranging from 22 to 32 degrees celcius in the lowlands. However, it is cooler in highland

areas. The annual rainfall here averages 200 – 250 cm. Dressing in clothing of breath-

able and light material is advised. Comfortable and warm garments need be worn only

at hill resorts. The height of Concorde building will control the wind and sunlight pene-

tration. Concorde Hotel is the shortest building among the surroundings.

Wind

Different wind strategies in building design for cold, hot and climate.

Concorde Hotel is designed with open windows in order to allow the air and wind to

flow in.

05 ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT OF BUILDING

i) Ground Floor Plan

ii) First Floor Plan

iii) Elevation

iv) Circulation of Space

The circulation of space in Concorde Hotel radiates from the central point, which is the main

elevator lobby and the spiral staircase near the Crossroad Lounge. The main elevators acts

as the central point because that’s where people maximize the use of space there to enter

and exit to and from their rooms.

vi) Hiearchy of Form

The principle of hierarchy was used to design the hotel. This building was designed

based on a hotel’s organization of space, where the basic rooms starts from below

and going all the way up are the more luxurious rooms. This hotel has more basic

rooms than the more expensive and luxurious rooms. Therefore, the hierarchy of

space was represented and used to design the front facade.

vii) Geometry

In terms of geometry, cuboids were the main

forms that shaped the hotel. These geometrical

cuboids were combined and designed with dif-

ferent levels.

viii) Symmetry and Asymmetry

Based on the front facade, it definitely is symmetrically designed. It looks very much

balanced on both side from left to right and bottom to top.

Portland Building, Oregon

06 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ANALYSIS Post modern architecture originated from modernist architecture (late 19th - early 20th century).

The main concepts of post-modernism are pluralism, double coding, high ceiling, irony and

paradox, and contextualism. The form of the building is also somewhat playful which makes it

an extravagant characteristic. These forms are not reduced to an absolute minimum, but also

built and shaped for their own sake. The functional and formalized shapes and spaces of post

modernism is replaced by the conceptions of colliding styles and having new ways of viewing

familiar styles and space abound. Form was no longer to be defined solely by its functional re-

quirements or minimal appearance.

Other characteristics of post modern architecture is unlike the modernist architecture previous

to this movement, it borrows some features from the past, such as bringing colour back into

architecture which taken away for modernist era. Post modern architecture do not necessarily

follow the “color wheel law” but there is a certain harmony that exudes from it.

Centro Fontivegge

Front View | EastView

07 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL ANALYSIS The Concorde Hotel, belonging in the post-modern architecture group uses mostly

concrete and glass on its exterior façade. Other examples of post-modern architecture

would include Sheraton Hotel and also Federal Hotel. However unlike the typical post-

modern architectures, the Concorde Hotel also uses steel on some parts of its facade

as well as its interior.

i) Reinforced Concrete Superstructure

The facade of the Concorde Hotel’s residential building uses a reinforced concrete su-

perstructure. As seen in the image shown below, steel columns coated with brown

paint are aligned vertically following a grid on the hotel’s facade. Since it is following the

grid, all the spacing between each column is equal in length.

Built in 1959, The Con-

corde Hotel manages

to balance its modern façade with a touch of history. The building adopted the post-modernism

architectural style .This building has adapted a wide diverse of aesthetics in emphasizing a

unique form and is actually designed based on the form of the land which is adjacent to Jalan

Sultan Ismail and Jalan P.Ramlee. Based on the exterior the ground plan, the form of the build-

ing actually follows the form of the land and

accommodates it. The ground plan consists

of different forms with different functions

which brings to different views of façade. The

building units all fit together in a very organic

way, which enhances the effect of the form-

s.The use of verticality and horizontality on

the facade with repetitive glass windows are

also what made the building significant. The

use of dominating material of post modern architectural style, concrete, glass and steel are

widely used for the building’s exterior. The use of colors on the exterior have also played a sig-

nificant role in the post modern characteristic of this building. The harmonization of using earthy

color makes the building look somewhat raw and organic but modern in terms of its form.

As seen in the diagram above, columns of the largest sizes are allocated more towards the centre.

Reasons why is because there is an open area there which is the lounge area, hence a thicker col-

umn is required to sustain a larger span area with more weight acting on it.

Columns in the Concorde Hotel are casted in place using massive fibre formworks. Fibre form-

works made of resin-impregnated paper has a smooth or spiral pattern finish and are disposable.

Rebar is set, and concrete is poured into the formwork to set. Due to the incredible size of these

columns, there should a considerable amount of rebar inside the columns.

The tiles used in the front entrance are polished black and brown granite stones, being

durable and susceptible to weathering, it also adds grandeur to the main entrance.

ii) The Facade

Whereas the front entrance of the hotel follows the similar grid however without the usage of

steel columns on its facade. The shading in front of the main entrance supported by steel poles

coated in white paint is layered with a layer of stain steel panels, giving a reflective surface and

also a more modern look to the façade. The steel poles connected to the shading are attached

with the columns on the façade of the building to provide support.

iii) The Interior

As for the interior space, the hotel lobby is decorated with stunning white and black marble tiles

along with wood panels for the interior walls. Combining natural lighting by the glass windows with

a well-lit space, the user experiences a bright warm space as he or she enters the hotel. The highly

reflective marble surface gives an elegant, especially attractive and luxurious look.

iv) Handrails

The handrails used in the hotel are of stainless steel or hardwood as seen in the images

shown below.

v) Pool Area

Finally, the pool area consists of ceramic tiles along with rough pebble flooring at the

edges of the swimming pool along with dark grey ceramic tiles. Beside the swimming

pool exists a lounge area mainly out of wood. Connecting this space is a classic brick

walkway with glass shading supported by steel columns and concrete columns on

iii) Tempered glass

This glass is a type of safety glass processed by con-

trolled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its

strength when compared with normal glass. Tempered

glass will only crumble to small granular chunks instead

of splintering into jagged shards as plate glass. This is

one of the key features as it ensures the safety of the

users.

ii) Stainless steel

This steel is a steel alloy and its advantages are that it’s

hard and tough, it also has a high resistance towards

heat, oxidation and corrosion that prevents it from stain

and rust.

(i)Marble Tiles

The Concorde Hotel primarily uses marble tiles as the

flooring for the interior space, It is also a combination

of a European and Chinese design.

iv) Hard woods

Hardwoods are denser and more durable than soft

woods. Besides that, hardwoods are also more ex-

pensive that softwoods as hardwood trees have a

slower growth rate. Additional waterproof coating is

coated onto the wood to prevent rotting.

v) Dark Grey Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are durable, versatile, low maintenance,

easy installation, and also low cost.

vi) Pebble Stones

Pebble stone flooring prevents slipping especial-

ly walkways near swimming pools. It does not

require hacking during renovations too. Natural

coloured pebbles could also make the sur-

rounding more raw and aesthertic.

vii) White Bricks

White bricks are a strong, durable, low mainte-

nance, and also being fire resistant.

Besides the exterior, the interior has a mix of architecture reflecting both european colonial and chi-

nese influences. The ‘Double Coding’ post modern architecture characteristic is widely used for the

interior, which combines both modern and traditional design. Double coding means establishing

links of the present with the past, of new techniques with old patterns, of the elite with the popular.

It has always been the task of architecture to fit new buildings into old structures and thus relating

the present with the past.

08 Architectural Elements / Components Analysis

Concorde hotel is one of the significant oldest hotels in Kuala Lumpur, rich with archi-

tectural elements.

i) Entrance

The main entrance which leads to the hotel lobby is the middle point of the symmetri-

cally balanced front facade of the building. Black and gray granite is used for the entire

facade of the entrance, including the stairs and columns. The position of the entrance

and the columns looks as if it is radiating outwards from the central point of the entire

building.

Main Entrance

ii) Architectural Canopy

The front facade of the building includes an aluminum shading with a glass opening at

the center of the canopy. The glass opening is to provide natural light penetration for

the entrance of the lobby and to achieve sustainability.

This canopy is to shade the drop off and pick up point of the hotel’s entrance. It pro-

vides both protection from the weather and is also part of decoration for the front fa-

cade. The use of aluminum for the canopy makes the entrance look more modern and

grand.

iii) Skylight Glass Roof

- section of east elevation (front facade only) -

Located above the Crossroad Lounge of the Concorde Hotel is the skylight glass roof.

Supported by steel beams, this glass roof is placed in the center of the lounge to prove

natural light penetration. And also due to the form of the entire hotel, this skylight glass

roof would allow sunlight to enter the building so the interior would look much more

spacious and not very enclosed.

iv) Horizontal Aluminum Louvers

These aluminum louvers are one of the significant architectural element of the exterior

facade and this hotel is especially well-known for its horizontal design.

It is architecturally designed to prevent direct sunlight into the room. As this facade is

facing the west, the rooms would probably face the hottest sun, which is the sunset

sun, into the room. Therefore, the use of this design does not only act as an exterior

decoration but also has its own function towards the buildings.

- section of room -

v) Staircase

One of the significant element of this building are the stairs, and the central spiral stair-

case is the main one. This semicircle staircase is located at the crossroad lounge in the

hotel and acts as the central point of the building which connects the ground floor to

the first floor. Marble is used for the steps of the staircase, following by the glass

balustrade and metal tube hand railing. It has the influence and mixture of both modern

and chinese style due to the the use of marble and a little bit of wood. Both marble and

wood gives an aesthetic look where else glass and metal gives a more modern and

grand look.

Another significant staircase is the outdoor staircase which leads to the pool area. This stair-case is mostly influenced by the european colonial style with light ornamentation and design.

vi) Fence Arches

White bricks and arches are repetitvely used for the fence, which looks as if its influ-

enced by islamic architecture. Instead of using solid fences, this fence has holes where

wind could ventilate throughout the area and would not get blocked, and also to pre-

vent views from getting blocked. It also gives visual perception where it would feel as if

the space is wider.

The special thing about the fence is the design of the bricks. These bricks have stayed

before the building was reconstructed into Concorde Hotel. It actually symbolizes the

initials of the previous hotel ‘Merlin Hotel’, which is ‘M & H’.

09 Conclusion

Post modernism is the part of architectural era where greater buildings were made but

people have been reconstructing them into a more contemporary style especially

around Kuala Lumpur. The Concorde Hotel was also reconstructed but few significant

elements were remained. All of these buildings should be conserved and well main-

tained because for architects and students, to learn and achieve great things, you have

to see and experience great things.

10 Reference

http://www.slideshare.net/selima75/history-of-kuala-lumpur-hotels

http://www.cockrams-surveyors.co.uk/blog/buildings/defining-postmodern-architecture-and-its-char-acteristics/

http://www.jmhdezhdez.com/2012/06/postmodern-architecture-posmodern.html

http://kualalumpur.concordehotelsresorts.com/content/content_461_1.jpg

http://kualalumpur.concordehotelsresorts.com/location_architectural.php

H Paper Online, n.d. http://www.slideshare.net/selima75/history-of-kuala-lumpur-hotels