Bachelor of Science (Hon.) (Architecture)

Theories of Architecture & Urbanism

[ARC 3233]

Project 2:

Analyzing & Theorizing Architecture

Name and Student ID:

Elaine Bong Poh Hui || 0310432

Tutor:

Mr. Lam Shen Fei

Contradictory Levels: The Double-Functioning Element

Introduction

In our modern era, our capital the Kuala Lumpur city centre has advanced from its

previous humble roots to a massively developed cityscape where all the financial

and economic sectors are located and business transactions are made endlessly on

a daily basis. This large scale multipurpose development area covering over “Jalan

Ampang”, “Jalan P. Ramlee”, until “Jalan Pinang”  stretches an impressive 100 acres

and houses numerous of Malaysia’s most prominent example of architecture.

Amongst those examples exist the G-Tower, a modern monument to Malaysian

architecture, is a mixed development structure compromising of retail spaces, hotel

service apartments, offices and diverse set of other functions. Being strategically

located at the crossroads of “Jalan Tun Razak” and “Jalan Ampang,” this 30 storey

building covers a total land area of 2000m² encompasses a 180 5-star hotel rooms,

112 CEO duplex office and a club designed by “BEP Akitek” under Goldis Tower and

construction was completed in June 2009. The G-Tower was designed will a mostly

glass based façade which relates to the client’s interest towards buildings as Modern

Art Deco designs similar to jewellery (Goldis Berhad, n.d.).

Robert Venturi’s “Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture” shows Venturi’s

ideology - double function - of observing things as individual parts by parts rather

than its complete whole, which he does by linking everything together causing the

end product to be comprehensible. The above mention theory of double functions

also encompasses the concept of double meaning which can most easily be

portrayed by an example of a column that can act both as an art decoration while

simultaneously serving as a structural element.

From that theory, the adaptation of this double functioning element will be identified

within and around the grounds of the G-Tower be it to improve the overall aesthetical

value. The double meaning that will be present exist in having a dominant - an

initially obvious - meaning within a certain layout or design whilst serving a

secondary function that may be less noticeable unless intentionally observed; both

ultimately serves to provide benefits to its intended occupants.

Dual Expression

Upon entering the grounds of the G-Tower, the most noticeable feature-aside from

its grandeur entrance (Figure 1) - would be the vegetation covers along its

supportive column reaching a height almost equivalent to reaching the ceiling. These

column acts as an expression of a more nature inspired design and atmosphere

compared to its dull supportive counterpart. The purpose of implementing the

crawlers that are growing upon the cover around the column (Figure 2) aside from

creating an aesthetic and cooling effect towards oncoming viewers, it also seeks to

create a visual sense of continuation from the plantation that are growing on the

surface directly below the column. These plants also sit upon a sort of pedestal

surrounded by a water body, this base elevates the column above ground level

giving it a very monumental appearance worthy of the entrance of such a building.

This column serves more than just an artistic expression that it appears, but rather

acts a shading element and a separation device between the interior space and the

exterior region of the entrance; shading the interior from the early morning sunlight

and its glare (Figure 3). This illustration of creating a continuous link comes from an

example of Robert Rauchenberg’s “Pilgrim” which he seeks to show how the still life

of a chair was able to make connection with art. The surface pattern from the artwork

continues from its stretcher canvas onto the actual physical chair placed in front of

the canvas, making an ambiguous pattern between a painting and a piece of

furniture, and on another level, the work of art in a room (Venturi, 1966). To link

spaces together, the same medium being the vegetation cover in this case, is used

to create a visual continuity from the façade towards the interior.

Deceiving Appearance

Being known for its eco-friendly nature, the G-Tower have numerous facilities that

serve to conserve, recycle and reuse as is their concept. One such innovative

feature is the fish ponds of the G-Tower; a system that helped them achieve their

certification for being a green building. This system while elaborate follows a certain

order. The rain harvesting system collects rain water which then goes through a

specifically engineered water re-circulation system and then cleaned water is the

used both landscape irrigation as well as for housing the organically raised fish

(Figure 4). Aside from being an efficient method of reducing water consumption, also

provides the fish growing within the pond to be nurtured in a pollution and stress free

environment. The organically grown fish are later retrieved and is checked for

edibility before being brought to the kitchen to be cooking and served for customer’s

consumption (Figure 6). This entire process is an example of Robert Venturi’s

perspective on a deceiving appearance whereby users will be able to enjoy the

entertaining design of having a fish pond without knowing that is merely a

camouflage, a façade. This feature is similar to Mies’ and Johnson’s Seagram

Building that excludes functions other than offices, and by using a similar wall pattern

camouflages the fact that at the top there is a difference kind of space for

mechanical equipment (Venturi, 1966).

Dual Function

After moving to the upper section of the building, the bridge bar (Figure 7), a private

space located on the 28th floor and is available for members only, becomes the most

interesting feature reminiscent of the bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers. It portrays

the concept of dual function whereby it acts not only as a bridge/corridor that

connects the two block of hotel service apartment but simultaneously function as a

room serving an alternative function of being a bar for occupants of the hotel.

Recognition of the reality that in the total fabric of a town each type of building

contains signifiers that denote its identity and function, guiding and reassuring the

citizens as they go about their daily lives (Hearn, 2003). The guests that first visited

the place would not have recognised the bridge as a structural element but just a

room or a corridor that connects two spaces. Venturi (1966) mentions that a room

can have many functions at the same time or different times. Kahn prefers the

gallery because it is both directional yet non-directional, a corridor and a room at

once. Based upon that, the function of the room is based on what it is used for

besides its initial design as a structural element. The bridge bar not only provides a

linear circulation along the middle for guest who merely wish to pass through to the

other side, along with seating areas provided closer to the edges of the bar as the

sides provide a better view of the cityscape no matter the time of day (Figure 10).

Since the position of the bridge bar is atop the highest portion of the building,

occupants within the hotel may come to de-stress and enjoy the fantastic panoramic

views while enjoying a delicious meal of their choice.

As a whole, the theme of the G-Tower being “work, stay, play” under a single hub is

an ideal example of the integration of Venturi’s dual function of architecture in our

time, embodying retail, hotel and office under a single room. Similar to another

instance Venturi (1966) provides involving the P.S.F.S that radiates a positive

expression through its wide range variety and complexity of its programs. The

integration of shops on the first floor and a big bank on the second with offices above

even a special purpose rooms at the peak. While other buildings within the district

may serve a similar business based community to G-Tower, they however don’t

provide any other facilities such as club lounges, function rooms, and an outlet that

serves food and beverages to their business personnel. This integration of a work

and entertainment environment under a single roof suitably exemplifies Venturi’s

views a dual function and dual expression concept, not just a space that serves two

separate functions but rather a space that allows for mutual relationship between

functions for the comfort and enjoyment of the guest.

Conclusion

The ability to focus on individual details, where other would not notice, like Robert

Venturi who with the tendency to create interesting and memorable spaces from his

designs. A common person within our society while being so exposed to information

from the internet are still unable to grasp the actual intention that a certain architects

design may want to portray seeing as they are not involved or concern in anyway

continue with their own personal observations. Whether they know it or not,

architecture has played a major role through the decades and centuries and revolves

around people and architects continues to improve the benefits they can be provided

to our community and future generations to come. Personal observations suggest

that even the most minor of details that are designed may bring life to an otherwise

bleak surrounding and may be beneficial to their users; similar to how the fish in the

pond that may appear to be specifically there for aesthetic reasons can in fact be

retrieved for the enjoyment of the palate. The bridge bar may considered a social

succession as it allows for guests who merely wish to pass through to be exposed to

a new experience, dining on a bridge above with a beautiful view of the city line

below. The extension of the green element from the base onto the column stretching

towards the ceiling of the lobby creates a unique perspective as a symbolism of

minimal numbers of trees within the city, the columns themselves serve two

simultaneous function yet express different intentions. Design is in fact made more

intriguing when we take the time to notice and observe this finer details around us,

as it is based on opinion and interpretation to which every single person has their

own. The building itself acts a haven that seeks to introduce the element of greenery

to the dull cityscape, as was the clients interest with jewellery, the G-Tower stands

today as an actual diamond in the rough. A small sprout growing out from amongst

the concrete jungle.

References

GayaTravel,. (2012). Bridge Bar G-Tower Hotel. Retrieved from

http://www.gayatravel.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Bridge-Bar-01-

1764x700.jpg

Goldis Berhad,. gtower: a sustainable tower. Retrieved 20 June 2015, from

http://www.goldis.com/media/doc/Architecture%20Malaysia%20G%20Tower%20a

%20Sustainable%20Tower.pdf

GTower Hotel,. (2015). GTower Hotel. Retrieved from

http://gtowerhotel.com/home.html

Hearn, F. (2003). Implications of Robert Venturi's theory of architecture. Facta

Universitatis - Series: Architecture And Civil Engineering, 2(5), 357-363.

doi:10.2298/fuace0305357h

MSC Malaysia,. (2012). G-Tower Map. Retrieved from

http://www.mscmalaysia.my/sites/default/files/cybercities/GTower_Map.jpg

Venturi, R. (1966). Complexity and contradiction in architecture (pp. 34-35). New

York: Museum of Modern Art.