METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION AND MEASURED DRAWINGS (ARC60305)

ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB (OLD WING)

1, JALAN RAJA, CITY CENTRE, 52100 KUALA LUMPUR, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA.

9TH JANUARY – 9TH MARCH 2017

Name of Building

Royal Selangor Club

Address

1, Jalan Raja, City Centre, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor,

Malaysia.

This report is submitted for the subject ARC 1215 / ARC60305

Methods of Documentation and Measured Drawings to School

of Architecture Building Design of Taylor’s University to obtain 5

credits for Practicum 1.

It is a group effort by:

Leader

TAN MIN CHUEN 0322938

Group Members

CHA YUN XIAN 0322048

CHONG KIT YEE 0319748

MOHAMAD FAZRIE AIMAN BIN RAZAZEMI 0325594

TAN CHIN YIN 0320080

AARON CHONG YU HO 0320270

CHAN KOON QI 0322000

DANICA GAN JIA-EN 0323708

SHREYA MARIA WILSON 0322173

AHMAD ASHRAF BIN MOHAMAD 0317744

ANG AVERLLEN 0321444

JACKY TING SIM MING 0325286

LEE SUK FANG 0323293

MICHELLE SIAW WI WEE 0325883

DEENIE HYATT JUMAT 0319719

ADAM HARIZ SHAARANI 0325655

CLARE TSISIKA AYISI 0325787

THOMAS TING SHII KAI 0323962

ZOE LOW LI MIEN 0319444

Bachelor of Science (Honors) (Architecture)

January 2015

Taylor’s University

Supervised by

Dr. Sucharita Srirangam

The team would like to formally recognise and express our

gratitude to the individuals and Royal Selangor Club that have

helped us in accomplishing this project. We express our utmost

appreciation to all parties that have helped us kindly.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Nor Hayati Binti

Ramli, the coordinator of this module for organising this site visit

and preparing the project briefs.

Not to forget, Ms Norma Jean and Shazreenee for making the

necessary arrangements with our transport and liaise our visitation

hours with the Royal Selangor Club.

Next, we would like to thank Dr. Sucharita Srirangam for her

guidance throughout this project and constantly encouraging us to

challenge ourselves.

We are also greatly thankful towards Mr. Sashi, the manager of

the Royal Selangor Club whom willingly took some time away from

his busy schedule to give us an insight of the club, have an

interview to provide us a clearer understanding of the club and

provide us with various data about the building.

We would also like to provide our sincere thanks to Professor

Robert, lecturer from Taylor’s University who have been a member

of the club since the 1980s for giving us an insight of the changes

of the club ever since he first joined till today.

Last but not least, we are really grateful to the management of the

Royal Selangor Club for granting us to measure, photograph and

study about the club in detail. Without their permission, the

research and documentation process would not be possible.

Figure 1.01 A picture of some of our group members, the lecturers, and

Mr. Sashi.

This report is an outcome of an eight-week exercise

undertaken by 19 students from the School of Architecture,

Building and Design, Taylor’s University, Malaysia. As part of a

mandatory short semester course we, the students, measured

the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur with the objective of

learning methods of measuring and recording as well as to

research and report on the history and culture of the heritage

building. Our team comprises students who had just completed

their Semester 2 and Semester 3 of the Bachelor in Science

(Hons.) Architecture programme, and was supervised by Dr.

Sucharita Srirangam.

This report includes reduced copies of drawings (originally scaled

to A1 sized) and written text from our research questions which

themselves were derived from literature review, site visits,

interviews and discussions among the members responding to the

privilege given by the course module. The privilege was given to

us to investigate both the history and the culture of the building.

One of the first findings that impressed us was that the buildings of

the surroundings of the Royal Selangor Club was designed by

many different architectural styles which includes Victorian

architecture, Moorish architecture, Neo-Renaissance architecture,

Palladian architecture and many more due to its long history of

being under the power of the British for many years. Based on

these evidences, we as a team realised that the design of the

Royal Selangor Club does not have a distinct architectural style to

its design.

Figure 2.01 A picture of Kuala Lumpur High Court which is influenced

by Palladian Architecture.

This report, thus, takes inspiration from this generating point,

entitling itself Fusion, and picks up on the metaphor to flesh itself

out.

Part A of the introduction states our intention of this module and

the methodology which were in the main prescribed. The

methodology led us to a guiding research question which is,

“How does the soul of the building complement the

contemporary context?”

With the clear research question, the report was naturally

organized into seven different chapters.

Chapter 1, Historical Background, records the founding and

growth of the Royal Selangor Club till present time. It starts with

the history of the city where the club is located. Then discusses

the value of this club to not only its adherents and devotees

but also the neighbouring community and our multicultural nation.

It also discusses where it started and developed and all the

challenges that it has faced throughout its 133 years trying to stay

alive.

Chapter 2, Architectural Design, explains about the durability of

form function based on time and culture and how they play a role

towards the design of the club internally and externally.

Chapter 3, Poetics - Spatial Articulation and its Relationship,

moves into an analysis of how the architectural spaces within

the Royal Selangor Club are configured according to our

contemporary values of perception. It uses the user

experiences and its 5 senses to describe a poetic experience that

the user encounters when walking through the spaces.

Chapter 4 Tectonics - Construction Materials and Details, is a

straightforward description of the materials used in the building

itself. It also discusses about the building’s components which are

included within the architectural context which entails the

necessary aspects of the building.

The conclusion comprises a SWOT analysis of the whole project,

matters related to the physical condition of the building, the future

of the club, a summary conclusion to the project and the learning

outcome of this assignment.

Following the preceding textual narratives are the references that

we have used throughout this whole report, be it for the

information or the pictures.

DESCRIPTION PAGE Declaration Acknowledgement Introduction on Research Table of Contents List of Figures, Plates and Illustrations Introduction 1

1.1 Aims and Objectives 2

1.2 Methods of Measurements 3

1.2.1 Measuring Tape 3

1.2.2 GLM 80 + R60 Laser Measure with 24 inch Digital Level Attachment 3 - 4

1.2.3 30 Meter Nylon Measuring Tape 4

1.2.4 DSLR Camera with Tripod Stand and Drone 5

1.3 Equipment Used 6

1.3.1 Ladder 6

1.3.2 GLM 80 + R60 Laser Measure with 24 inch Digital Level Attachment 6

1.3.3 Paper 6

1.4 Literature Review 7

1.5 Significance of the Study 8

DESCRIPTION PAGE

1.6 Research Methods 9

1.6.1 Primary data 9

1.6.2 Secondary data 9 - 10

1.7 Scope and Area Delineation 11

1.8 Limitations 12

1.9 Ownership 13 - 14

Chapter 1: Historical Background 15 2.1 History of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 16 - 18

2.2 Local Culture and Heritage 19 2.2.1 People 19 - 21 2.2.2 Architecture 22 - 23 2.2.3 Games and Pastimes 24 2.2.4 Handicraft 25 2.2.5 Traditional Attire 26 - 27 2.2.6 Music 28 2.2.7 Dance 29 - 30 2.3 Purpose and History of the Building 31 2.3.1 The Early Years 31 - 33 2.3.2 Club Founding Members 34 - 35 2.3.3 Deconstruction 36 2.3.4 Period of Uncertainty 37 2.3.5 Rebuilding 38 Chapter 2: Architectural Design 39 3.1 Architecture Style 40

DESCRIPTION PAGE

3.1.1 As Tudor – Revival 40 - 41 3.1.2 As Mock Tudor 42

3.2 Colonial and Architectural Influences 43 3.3 Design Intention 44 - 46 3.4 Club Spatial Planning 47 - 48 3.5 Massing 49 3.6 Entrance and Approach 50 3.7 Classification of Spaces 51 3.7.1 Dining 51 3.7.2 Hash Bar 52 3.7.3 Billiard Room 53 3.7.4 Squash Court 54

3.7.5 Ballroom 55 3.7.6 Gym 56

3.8 Form & Activity (Interactive, More Interactive, Private) 57 3.8.1 Time and Human Density 57 - 58 3.8.2 Public/ Private – Enclosure 59 - 60 3.9 Circulation 61 2.9.1 Main Circulation 61 2.9.2 Internal Movement 62

3.10 Design Principles 63 3.10.1 Datum 63 3.10.2 Harmony, Repetition and Unity 64 3.10.3 Balance and Symmetry 65 3.10.4 Asymmetrical: Form Roof Hierarchy 66 3.11 Fenestration 67

3.12 Culture 68 3.12.1 Lifestyle 68 - 71

3.13 Activities and Sports Interests 72 - 73

DESCRIPTION PAGE

3.13.1 Cricket 74 3.13.2 Billiard 75 3.13.3 Squash 76 Chapter 3: Poetics – Spatial Planning and Relationships 77 3.1 Isolated 78 - 79 3.2 Dining Area and Food Stalls 80 - 81 3.3 Lighting Strategy – Stained Glass 82 3.4 Linearity 83 - 84 3.5 Exclusive 85 - 86 3.6 Hierarchy 87 3.7 Ballroom 87 - 90 3.8 Verticality 91

3.9 Billiard Room 91 - 92 Chapter 4: Tectonics – Construction Materials and Details 93 4.1 The Main Building 94 4.2 Building Materials 95

4.2.1 Glass: Windows, Doors and Walls 95 - 96 4.2.2 Timber: Columns, Beam, Railings, Doors, Ceiling, Flooring, Door Frames, Walls 97 - 98 4.2.3 Concrete: Concrete Stumps, Flooring, Staircase 99 4.2.4 Ceramics: Flooring 100 4.2.5 Metal: Railings, Louvers and Window Frames 101 4.2.6 Clay: Roofing 102 4.2.7 Plastering: Cornices and Walls 103 4.3 Architectural Features 104 4.3.1 Columns and Beams 104 – 105

4.3.2 Walls 106 4.3.3 Doors 107 - 113

4.3.4 Windows 114 - 115 4.3.5 Ceiling 116 - 117

DESCRIPTION PAGE

4.3.6 Roof 118 - 120 4.4 Construction Details 121

4.4.1 Staircase 121 4.4.2 Flooring 122 - 124

4.5 Intricate Details 125 4.5.1 Cornices 125

4.5.2 Decorative Railing 126 Conclusion 127 8.1 SWOT Analysis 128 8.2 Findings Related to the Physical Condition of the Building 129 - 131 8.3 Future of the Building 132 8.4 Summary 133 8.5 Learning Outcome 134 References Appendix 1: Photo Book Appendix 2: Scaled Drawings

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PAGE

Figure 1.01 A picture of some of our group members, the lecturers, and Mr. Sashi.

INTRODUCTION ON RESEARCH

PAGE

Figure 2.01 A picture of Kuala Lumpur High Court which is influenced by Palladian Architecture.

INTRODUCTION

PAGE

Figure 3.01 Photo of one us discussing our plans with Dr. Suchi. 2

Figure 3.02 Min Chuen and Natalie discussing about the facade. 2

Figure 3.03 Photo of one of our group mate using the measuring tape. 3

Figure 3.04 Various methods on how to use the laser measuring. 4

Figure 3.05 Photo of a 30 meter nylon measuring tape. 4

Figure 3.06 Picture of a DSLR camera and a drone. 5

Figure 3.07 Photo of a step ladder. 6

Figure 3.08 Photo of the GLM 80 laser measuring. 6

Figure 3.09 Photo of one of the drawings done on site. 6

Figure 3.10 Photo of the information that we have gotten from the Kuala Lumpur Library. 7

Figure 3.11 Photo of the interview with Professor Robert. 7

Figure 3.12 Rear elevation of the old wing. 8

Figure 3.13 An interview with the manager of the Royal Selangor Club, Mr. Sashi. 9

Figure 3.14 A book, entitled “An Icon of the Nation for 125 years” that was given to us by the Royal Selangor Club. 10

Figure 3.15 An example of parallax error. 12

Figure 3.16 The remaining 11 members out of 19 members. 12

INTRODUCTION

PAGE

Figure 3.17 Picture of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj (Tengku Idris Shah). 13

Figure 3.18 Photo of us having our discussions in an “abandoned” squash court. 14

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

PAGE

Figure 4.01 A picture of Yap Ah Loy. 16

Figure 4.02 A picture of Kuala Lumpur being flooded. 17

Figure 4.03 A picture of Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which housed the offices of the British colonial administration and Government 18 Offices till 1974.

Figure 4.04 A picture of Orang Asli. 20

Figure 4.05 A picture of people of Kadazan Dusun. 21

Figure 4.06 A picture of the people of Bajau. 21

Figure 4.07 A picture of the people of Murut. 22

Figure 4.08 A picture of the people of Iban. 22

Figure 4.09 A picture of the people of Bidayuh. 23

Figure 4.10 A picture of the people of Melanau. 23

Figure 4.11 A picture of Orang Ulu at a wedding. 24

Figure 4.12 A Malay architecture influenced building. 25

Figure 4.13 Baba Nyonya house. 26

Figure 4.14 An Indian architecture influenced building. 26

Figure 4.15 Inside a longhouse. 27

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

PAGE

Figure 4.16 Picture of how Sepak Manggis is being played. 28

Figure 4.17 Picture of a Labu Sayong. 30

Figure 4.18 Picture of a Belanga. 30

Figure 4.19 Picture of a Terenang. 31

Figure 4.20 Picture of a pattern of a Kerongsang. 32

Figure 4.21 Picture of a Cucuk Sanggul. 32

Figure 4.22 Picture of a Pending. 32

Figure 4.23 Picture of a traditional Chinese attire. 33

Figure 4.24 Picture of traditional Indian attire. 34

Figure 4.25 Picture of a traditional Baba Nyonya ladies wear. 34

Figure 4.26 Picture of a Rebana Ubi. 36

Figure 4.27 Picture of a Gambus. 36

Figure 4.28 Picture of a Sape. 37

Figure 4.29 Picture of people dancing the Malay Mak Yong dance. 38

Figure 4.30 Picture of people dancing the Kuda Kepang dance. 38

Figure 4.31 Picture of people dancing the Zapin dance. 39

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

PAGE

Figure 4.32 Picture of people dancing the Joget dance. 39

Figure 4.33 Picture of people dancing the Lilin dance. 39

Figure 4.34 Picture of a person doing the Bharata dance. 40

Figure 4.35 Picture of a people doing the Bhangra dance. 40

Figure 4.36 Picture of a people doing the Ngajat dance. 41

Figure 4.37 Picture of a people doing the Datun Julud dance. 41

Figure 4.38 Picture of a people doing the Bamboo dance. 42

Figure 4.39 Picture of a people doing the Portuguese of Malacca Farapeira dance. 43

Figure 4.40 Picture of a people doing the Branyo dance. 43

Figure 4.41 Picture of the ‘attap’ roof Selangor Club. 44

Figure 4.42 Picture of a spotted dog. 45

Figure 4.43 Picture of the club house in the 1960’s. 45

Figure 4.44 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club Kiara Sport Annexe. 46

Figure 4.45 Picture of A.R. Venning. 48

Figure 4.46 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club being flooded. 49

Figure 4.47 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club on fire. 49

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

PAGE

Figure 4.48 A news article on the Royal Selangor Club after the fire incident. 50

Figure 4.49 A news article on the reopening of the Royal Selangor Club. 51

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAGE

Figure 5.01 Royal Selangor Club’s cottage-like appearance. 40

Figure 5.02 High pitched triangular roofs. 40

Figure 5.03 Squarish symmetrical columns. 41

Figure 5.04 Timber Structure painted in black. 41

Figure 5.05 Round Arches borrowed from the Renaissance. 41

Figure 5.06 Opened courtyard built to refresh its spaces. 42

Figure 5.07 The Facade, extended and made as a drop-off to protect members from the rain. 42

Figure 5.08 A high pitch roof with an air vent, ventilating the dining room. 42

Figure 5.09 Royal Selangor Club and the Field. 43

Figure 5.10 The former field, Dataran Merdeka, which once belonged to the Royal Selangor Club. 43

Figure 5.11 Roof overhangs that serve as a drop off or pick up point for guests. 44

Figure 5.12 Illustration of the spaces design intention at the club. 45

Figure 5.13 Photo of the Billiard Room. 46

Figure 5.14 Image showing the Massive field at the Royal Selangor Club. 46

Figure 5.15 Illustration of the Public and Private spaces. 47

Figure 5.16 Main floor plan showing the planning of spaces at the Royal Selangor Club. 47

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAGE

Figure 5.17 Corridor from the dining area leading to other private spaces. 48

Figure 5.18 Massing of the building characterized by its front facade. 49

Figure 5.19 Illustration of Massing defined by roof of the club. 49

Figure 5.20 The lobby of the building. 50

Figure 5.21 Illustration of the entrance lobby through the front facade drawing. 50

Figure 5.22 Illustration of the dining from the main floor plan. 51

Figure 5.23 Interior view of the dining and kitchen area. 51

Figure 5.24 Illustration of the hash bar from the floor plan. 52

Figure 5.25 The Hash bar interior. 52

Figure 5.26 Illustration of the Billiard Room from the floor plan. 53

Figure 5.27 Image showing the Billiard Room and a snooker table in the room. 53

Figure 5.28 Seats arranged in the Billiard Room. 53

Figure 5.29 Illustration of the Squash court from the floor plan. 54

Figure 5.30 Photo of the Squash court. 54

Figure 5.31 Illustration of the Ballroom from the floor plan. 55

Figure 5.32 Image showing the interior of the Ballroom. 55

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAGE

Figure 5.33 Illustration of the gym room from the floor plan. 56

Figure 5.34 Image showing the interior of the gym. 56

Figure 5.35 Image showing average human density during first peak hour. 57

Figure 5.36 Picture of the dining area during peak hour. 58

Figure 5.37 Picture of hawkers stall during rush hour. 58

Figure 5.38 Shows the average human density during the evening peak hours. 58

Figure 5.39 Picture of hash bar. 58

Figure 5.40 Squash court during class time. 58

Figure 5.41 Public to private division seen using axis. 59

Figure 5.42 3-D representation of public and private. 59

Figure 5.43 Floor plan showing areas based on interaction level among people. 60

Figure 5.44 3-D view showing the spaces. 60

Figure 5.45 Shows the main circulation path. 61

Figure 5.46 Shows the lobby which connects to internal areas. 61

Figure 5.47 Shows internal movement from main entrance to dining area. 62

Figure 5.48 Shows the internal movement within the hash bar, squash courts. 62

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAGE

Figure 5.49 Elevation showing the datum and movement. 63

Figure 5.50 Shows the floor plan of the dining area highlighting the datum. 63

Figure 5.51 Highlights the repetition of roof and patterns on the elevation. 64

Figure 5.52 Shows the repetition element. 64

Figure 5.53 Front and back elevation highlighting the protruding part creating balance. 65

Figure 5.54 Shows the symmetry line drawn middle of the dining plan. 65

Figure 5.55 Shows the overall roof plan. 66

Figure 5.56 Picture showing hierarchy of roof. 66

Figure 5.57 Shows the view at an angle highlighting its asymmetrical form. 66

Figure 5.58 Shows the window openings present. 67

Figure 5.59 Shows the light penetration during day time into the building. 67

Figure 5.60 Food Court Stall 69

Figure 5.61 Chinese Restaurant 69

Figure 5.62 Long Bar 70

Figure 5.63 Hash Bar 70

Figure 5.64 Picture of beer or wine bottles. 71

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

PAGE

Figure 5.65 Picture of Cocktail Bar. 71

Figure 5.66 Gym at the club. 72

Figure 5.67 Snooker table at the club. 72

Figure 5.68 Squash court at the club. 73

Figure 5.69 Old photo of the cricket players 74

Figure 5.70 Old group photo of the cricket players. 74

Figure 5.71 Snooker Tables in the Billiards Room. 75

Figure 5.72 Snooker Players. 75

Figure 5.73 Squash Player. 76

Figure 5.74 The Squash Court. 76

POETICS - SPATIAL PLANNING AND RELATIONSHIPS PAGE

Figure 6.01 Shows the division of spaces which we would be focusing on. 78

Figure 6.02 Floor plan. 78

Figure 6.03 Fencing that separates the dining area and walkway. 78

Figure 6.04 Separate pieces of fencing forms a visible partition between dining area and washing area. 79

Figure 6.05 The plan shows the location of entrance. 79

Figure 6.06 The appearance of the entrance and the elevated building. 79

Figure 6.07 Food stalls located right above dining area. 80

Figure 6.08 Floor steps create different levelling. 80

Figure 6.09 The plan shows the location of dining area. 80

Figure 6.10 The space of dining is wider than the entrance. 81

Figure 6.11 The plan of dining area is symmetrical and proportional. The dining plan follows a geometric order and axial symmetry. 81

Figure 6.12 The image shows the abundance of natural light. 82

Figure 6.13 The highlight parts show that the columns arranged with visual balance. 82

Figure 6.14 The image of the hawker stall where the stalls are facing each other. 82

Figure 6.15 Vertical lighting and hanging photographs in a row are leading users to walk along the corridor into different spaces. 83

Figure 6.16 Plan showing a sharp turning point along the corridor. 83

Figure 6.17 Toilet and gymnasium room located right after the turning at the corridor. 84

POETICS - SPATIAL PLANNING AND RELATIONSHIPS PAGE

Figure 6.18 Hash bar with narrow circulation leading to squash courts. 85

Figure 6.19 Circulation of hash bar getting narrow as it goes deeper into the end of the dead corner. 85

Figure 6.20 Some area is not accessible as the circulation of hash bar is narrow with some blockage in between. 85

Figure 6.21 Seating areas as one of the gathering space to hang out with each other. 86

Figure 6.22 Dart board games that existed over century to bring back the memory. 86

Figure 6.23 Lounge bar counter that is made from hardwood. 86

Figure 6.24 Steps that leads people to the squash court. 87

Figure 6.25 Ballroom area highlighted on plan. 88

Figure 6.26 Wooden podium. 88

Figure 6.27 Timber flooring and wooden framed window are spotted in Royal Selangor Club ballroom. 88

Figure 6.28 Plan locating use of artificial light in ballroom. 89

Figure 6.29 There are two types of artificial lighting being used in the ballroom. 89

Figure 6.30 Artificial lighting creates a romantic lighting on a dark ballroom. 89

Figure 6.31 Sunlight penetrating on window diffuse into the surroundings. 90

Figure 6.32 Artificial lighting as an enhancement to natural lighting during night time. 90

Figure 6.33 Verticality in terms of height. 91

Figure 6.34 Shows that, users has to walk through the 16.22 meters long corridor before entering the billiard room. 91

POETICS - SPATIAL PLANNING AND RELATIONSHIPS PAGE

Figure 6.35 The location of the billiard room. 91

Figure 6.36 The light and shadow that appears in the billiard room. 92

Figure 6.37 Rest area in the Billiard room. 92

TECTONICS – CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND DETAILS

PAGE

Figure 7.01 The Steel Structure of the Roof connected to the wall. 94

Figure 7.02 The Exterior the Building. 94

Figure 7.03 Timber 15 x 15 cm columns. 104

Figure 7.04 The rainwater gutter. 104

Figure 7.05 Some of these eye beams were supported by the brackets to the wall. 105

Figure 7.06 When the beams join with each other, it appears to be bolted, with a bracket and welded together as well. 105

Figure 7.07 Timber Panels on walls. 106

Figure 7.08 Tudor Hardwood Elements 106

Figure 7.09 The location of each door. 107

Figure 7.10 The location of timber flush doors. 108

Figure 7.11 The flush door connects the hash bar and the outdoor. 108

Figure 7.12 The frame of the flush door. 109

Figure 7.13 The door closer is added to flush door. 109

Figure 7.14 shows the round bar door handle with lock. 110

Figure 7.15 The location of interior timber door with decoration. 111

Figure 7.16 The interior timber door with decorations. 111

TECTONICS – CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND DETAILS

PAGE Figure 7.17 The location of glass doors. 112

Figure 7.18 The glass door that is located in the squash room. 112

Figure 7.19 Door hinges and handles. 113

Figure 7.20 Iron fittings on the glass wall and door. 113

Figure 7.21 The location of casement window was shown through the exterior facade of the building. 114

Figure 7.22 shows the window and decorated window sill. 114

Figure 7.23 shows the stained glass window at the dining area. 115

Figure 7.24 The stained glass window provide skylight to the dining area. 115

Figure 7.25 shows the pattern of stained glass. 115

Figure 7.26 Corridor ceiling with covings. 116

Figure 7.27 The ceiling at the lobby area. 116

Figure 7.28 Billiard room ceiling painted blue. 116

Figure 7.29 Photo showing the squash court ceiling. 117

Figure 7.30 Image showing the cathedral ceiling at the dining. 117

Figure 7.31 The pitch rooves of Royal Selangor Club. 118

Figure 7.32 Gable roofing has secondary gable also known as cross gable. 118

TECTONICS – CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND DETAILS

PAGE Figure 7.33 The Gable Roof. 119

Figure 7.34 The Roof’s Interior. 119

Figure 7.35 The Structural Roof. 119

Figure 7.36 Steel trusses as main support roof structures. 120

Figure 7.37 Steel spiral staircase behind the squash court. 121

Figure 7.38 The Entrance staircase. 121

Figure 7.39 Dining Area’s Majestic Marble floors. 122

Figure 7.40 A close up of the Dining Area floors. 122

Figure 7.41 Timber flooring in the Hash Bar. 123

Figure 7.42 Timber flooring in the Hash Bar. 124

Figure 7.43 Timber flooring in the Squash Court. 124

Figure 7.44 Interior Decorations. 125

Figure 7.45 Dining Room Railings 126

Figure 7.46 Facade Railings 126

CONCLUSION

PAGE

Figure 8.01 Façade showing its good condition and being well maintained. 129

Figure 8.02 Tiles intact, cleaned and checked regularly. 130

Figure 8.03 Columns present at the entrance. 130

Figure 8.04 Vents used in toilet area providing natural wind circulation. 131

Figure 8.05 Showing the roof tiles and gable roofing. 131

The aim of this module is to help us develop an understanding of

the fundamental building preservation and the practice of

recording it by using various documentation methods. This project

is an on-site exercise where students are required to execute

fieldwork and hands-on measuring exercise that will help

document information of the building. It also enables us to use

different types of researching methods to make a report containing

significance, historical and cultural information of the building,

complementing the drawings to preserve an accurate record of

historic properties that can be used in research and conservation

activities. We were required to analyse the relationship between

the architecture of the club, its context and its significance.

The research conducted aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the purpose of the building and does the purpose

still remains?

2. What are the user’s experiences by using their 5 senses?

3. Does the design achieve the purpose of the club?

4. How do the various types of materials reflects the purpose

of each space?

Figure 3.01 Photo of one us discussing our plans with Dr.Suchi.

Figure 3.02 Min Chuen and Natalie discussing about the facade.

We were required to fulfil our fieldwork through data collection, on-

site investigation and measurement. Measurement of the building

was carried out for 5 days which is on the 21st January 2017 and

23rd to 26th January 2017. In order to obtain measurements of the

building, certain equipment were used.

It was the most general tool used on site. Each of us brought our

own measuring tape ranging from 3 meters to 8 meters. A

minimum of 2 students is required to use this device when

measuring long distances.

Figure 3.03 Photo of one of our group mate using the measuring tape.

These laser measuring tools from Bosch was used to measure

distance and heights of greater magnitude that are out of reach. It

can also measure the angle of an object.

Figure 3.04 Various methods on how to use the laser measuring.

The 30 meter nylon measuring tape is used to measure curved

surfaces such as columns, arches, curvy ornamentations and long

distances to ensure the surface is properly measured due to its

flexibility of the tape. A minimum of 2 students are required to use

this device.

Figure 3.05 Photo of a 30 meter nylon measuring tape.

2 different types of cameras were used to capture images of the

site to achieve measurements of places which are out of reach by

using the proportion technique.

Figure 3.06 Picture of a DSLR camera and a drone.

A ladder was used to help us reach spaces that are higher, such

as the ceiling and wall ornamentations. However, some spaces

are out of reach due to the limited height of the ladder.

Figure 3.07 Photo of a step ladder.

The laser measuring tool couldn’t be used outdoors due to the

bright sunlight which would affect the laser pointer. This constrains

us to only being able to use manual measuring tools to measure

the facade and roof.

Figure 3.08 Photo of the GLM 80 laser measuring.

Some of us chose to use normal paper for the drawings of the

building. Due to the absence of guidelines that helps us to draw,

some of the drawings were out of proportion and lines were not

straight causing confusion during the CAD-ing process.

Figure 3.09 Photo of one of the drawings done on site.

Before the trip to the Royal Selangor Club, research was

conducted by visiting our university’s library and through the

internet in order to search for information regarding our building.

However our university’s library did not have the information

needed.

We solely relied on information obtained from the internet till we

visited the Kuala Lumpur Library which was situated just opposite

the Royal Selangor Club and we managed to find some

information regarding building.

The Royal Selangor Club had also given us a book which was

written by the club to commemorate their 125th anniversary which

was written in the year 2009.

Personal communication was conducted with the manager of the

club, Mr. Sashi to obtain more facts about the club. This

information includes its location, materials, initiatives to improve

the quality of the club and its future.

We had a chance to also interview a club member which was also

a lecturer in Taylor’s University, Professor Robert on his

experiences in using the club since the 1980s.

Figure 3.10 Photo of the information that we have gotten from the Kuala

Lumpur Library.

Figure 3.11 Photo of the interview with Professor Robert.

The purpose of this project is to have a better understanding of the

significance of the historical heritage and cultural values, while

relating it back to the architectural style along with the social,

economic, political and other influences to the design and concept

of the Royal Selangor Club in the past as well as the site context.

The measurements, photography, videography, interviews and

observations were the methods of documentation of the heritage

building on site which also supports our understanding of the

Royal Selangor Club. Furthermore, it promotes a sense of

appreciation towards the cultural heritage and architectural style of

the building. This building was built over a century ago and today,

it allows our team to see a glimpse of its past although part of it

was demolished by a fire in the 1970 and rebuilt in a Mock Tudor

style.

By documenting the overall information and history of the building,

it creates a different perspective view for us since the building

holds a lot of historical values in it that influences the architectural

style, technology and the essential elements of the building.

Overall, these methods of documenting provided us a greater

understanding in every aspect as well as learning to appreciate

the importance of conserving architectural heritage.

Accurate methods of measurement for the documentation are one

of the main tasks of our study. However the culture and

archaeological value of the site should not be neglected as they

have to be explored. To ensure that the essence of this

architectural wonder is expressed through the findings of our

project, intensive studies were implemented to further document

the building in relation to its long and rich history.

Figure 3.12 Rear elevation of the old wing

These are the various research methods that we have used to

gather information on the Royal Selangor Club heritage and its

cultural background.

Primary Data:

Interviews

We have done a few interviews with different people who are

directly and indirectly connected to the Royal Selangor Club. We

interviewed Mr. Sashi, the manager of the club, for the

background of the club and what was the club’s intention for the

future of the club. Furthermore, we had also interviewed Mr Robert

from Taylor’s University who have been a club member since the

80’s to get to know more about his personal experience in the club

as it undergo changes.

Figure 3.13 An interview with the manager of the Royal Selangor Club,

Mr Sashi.

Secondary Data:

Book references

We have found a few books from various libraries which gives an

insight of the Royal Selangor Club. The club had also given us a

book which was written for their 125th anniversary.

Figure 3.14 A book, entitled “An Icon of the Nation for 125 years” that

was given to us by the Royal Selangor Club.

Internet Resources

The internet is a fascinating invention that has helped us find

information that we were looking for when there was no

information to be found on books. We have found several internet

resources that are relatable to our research.

Group Video Report Photobook

Leader Tan Min Chuen Danica Tan Min Chuen

Members Involved Chan Koon Qi Aaron Chong Thomas Ting

Shreya Michelle Zoe Low

Group Model Drawings

Leader Tan Chin Yin Ahmad Ashraf

Members Involved Jacky Ting Cha Yun Xian

Fazrie Adam Hariz

Chong Kit Yee Ang Averllen

Deenie Hyatt Jumat Lee Suk Fang

Clare Tsisika Ayisi

Table 1.01 Job scopes of the members Off Site.

Group Video External Elevation

Details

Leader Tan Min Chuen Cha Yun Xian Michelle Siaw

Members Involved

Chan Koon Qi Zoe Low Cha Yun Xian

Group Billiard Room and Hall Lobby and Food Court

Leader Ahmad Ashraf Chong Kit Yee

Members Involved

Ang Averllen

Mohamad Fazrie

Adam Hariz

Shreya Maria Wilson

Lee Suk Fang

Clare Tsisika Ayisi

Group Hash Club and Squash Court Gymnasium

Leader Jacky Ting Sim Ming Thomas Ting

Members Involved

Deenie Hyatt Jumat Tan Chin Yin

Danica Gan Jia-En

Aaron Chong

Table 1.02 Area Delineation of the members On Site.

Multiple limitations were faced throughout this assignment.

Human Error

Parallax error may occur during the measuring process as

the eye level is not perpendicular to the reading of the measuring

tool. Besides that, the measurements were not taken

several times to avoid random error thus it leads to the

documentation of inaccurate measurements.

Figure 3.15 An example of parallax error.

Lack of Manpower

Due to the festive season, some of the members had to be absent

for the last few days as they have booked their tickets to return to

their hometown for the Chinese New Year celebration.

Furthermore, the changing of weather had also caused some of

the members to fall sick and unable to give their 100% in the

measuring process.

Figure 3.16 The remaining 11 members out of 19 members.

The club was founded as the Selangor Club in 1884 as a meeting

point for educated and high-ranking members of British colonial

society. Most of its early members were British, the founding

members include H.C. Syers, the Superintendent of Selangor

State; A.R. Venning, Treasurer of Selangor and head of the

Sanitation Board (who also created the Lake Gardens); A. C.

Norman who designed some early buildings of Kuala Lumpur; and

H.F. Bellamy who headed the Selangor Public Works Department.

Nevertheless, membership to the club is primarily determined by

high educational standard or social standing, rather than race or

citizenship; for example an original founding member was

Thamboosamy Pillay and its first Secretary was a German, Count

Bernstorff. Over the years, the club's membership increased and

had also begun to include high-ranking Malaysian civil servants:

judges, lawyers and important people in society.

The ownership of this place is currently taken by the Sultan of the

Selangor state which is currently in the hands of Sultan

Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj (Tengku Idris Shah). Due to its

Royal Connection with the club, the club membership has certain

standards to it. First, a member would have to be able to afford a

membership fee yearly,

ranging from RM 5,000 - RM 25,000. Next, they would be required

to undergo an interview with the membership committee, only then

they would be entitled to the membership of the club.

Figure 3.17 Picture of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj (Tengku

Idris Shah).

Due to its certain standards of membership and dress codes, we

faced many difficulties during the site visit. There were many rules

that we had to follow and some obstructed our work progress. For

example, we had to comply with the dress code by ensuring that

we wear proper clothing namely, collared shirt, shoes and long

pants or jeans.

Furthermore, we were have to make sure that only up to a group

of 4 students are allowed to be at the lobby and food court during

peak hours which is from 12 p.m. till 2 p.m.. This caused us some

inconvenience as we normally only reach the club around 10 a.m.

and would have to leave by 5 p.m. and it was such a large space

with a lot of details to be measured.

Figure 3.18 Photo of us having our discussions in an “abandoned” squash court.

Preamble

Question: What is the purpose of the building and does the

purpose still remains?

In this chapter, we focus on the history of Kuala Lumpur, local

culture and heritage of Malaysia, as these factors have played a

large role in shaping the Royal Selangor Club. We also look into

the challenges that the club has faced throughout its 133 years of

history.

Kuala Lumpur began life in 1857. It was then that a member of

Selangor's royal family, Raja Abdullah, chose to open up a

territory in the Klang Valley for tin prospectors. Miners from China

soon arrived and despite pestilence that killed a large number of

them, the Chinese miners thrived, attracting merchants and

businesses. The commercial area of tin trading was located in the

intersection of the Klang and Gombak rivers and it was here that

Kuala Lumpur was established. Its name literally means 'muddy

capital' in Malay, because of its establishment in the confluence of

the Klang and Gombak rivers.

During this time, which was the British colonial period, the tin

miners were often embroiled in gang warfare, disrupting the peace

and stability of the tin trade. The British authorities decided to

appoint a Chinese captain, called 'Kaptian' to administer the area

and ensure its order. After two Kapitans had finished their

appointed period of duties, Yah Ah Loy stepped up to take the

mantle.

Figure 4.01 A picture of Yap Ah Loy.

It was this third Kapitan that truly changed and prospered Kuala

Lumpur. Under his leadership, Kuala Lumpur transformed from a

sluggish town into a prominent commercial hub in Selangor. It was

likewise amid this time that gang warfare was at its peak. It

erupted into a civil war between the two main Chinese gangs, the

Hai San and Ghee Hin, of which the former that Yap Ah Loy was a

part. Eventually, the Hai San won, and Yap Ah Loy then rebuilt the

devastated town and repopulated it with more Chinese miners. He

also brought in Malay farmers to settle near Kuala Lumpur to give

nourishment to the miners. Under his administration, Yah Ah Loy

established Kuala Lumpur's first school and a shelter for the

homeless, besides building up commercial activities.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the city was tormented by

disasters and adversity. Diseases, epidemics, fires and floods

were at the order of the day. Yap Ah Loy replaced traditional ‘attap’

houses with brick and tile as a safety precaution.

Figure 4.02 A picture of Kuala Lumpur being flooded.

After his death, Frank Swettenham the British Resident of

Selangor, took over the helm of duties and kept on prospering

Kuala Lumpur until World War II. During the war, the Japanese

occupied the city but they eventually surrendered in 1945 to the

British after their loss in the War. However, when the Japanese

forces had left and the British returned to the city, the inhabitants

of Kuala Lumpur were fed up with all the oppression. Gradually

however doubtlessly the British lost their influence in both Kuala

Lumpur and the entire nation. Malaysia was then open for new

influences, and this happened unequivocally amid the ascent of

communism. Despite the fact that the British got their authority

back following a couple of years, it was at that point past the point

of no return. The people wanted to manage themselves, they

wanted independence.

In 1957, Malaysia gained independence from the British and it was

announced and declared in Kuala Lumpur, making it a historically-

significant city. Kuala Lumpur remained the capital of the nation,

despite the fact that the city did not have its own administration

and right. It was not up until 1972 that the city became

independent and got its own government.

Finally in 1974, Kuala Lumpur was formally removed from the

jurisdiction of Selangor state and made into a Federal Territory, as

Malaysia's booming economic capital. From that moment on the

city grew rapidly. The new capital attracted individuals of a wide

range of societies and the city soon became a melting pot of Asian

cultures. Special areas were erected in the city, and in every area

a different culture group lived. For instance, during that time, there

were a Chinese district, and Indian district, a district in which

Europeans (especially the English) lived and a district in which the

local 'Malay' lived. Over time, Kuala Lumpur has advanced into

becoming one of Southeast Asia's most prominent, modern and

sophisticated cities, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Figure 4.03 A picture of Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which housed

the offices of the British colonial administration and Government Offices

till 1974.

Malaysia has a rich history dating back to the 13th century.

Certain states were a busy seaport for European and Far East

traders for hundreds of years. This has caused Malaysia to be a

land of intriguing diversity.

Malay

The Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, refers to a person

who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay

language and whose ancestors are Malays.

Chinese

The second largest ethnic group are mostly descendants of

Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. The Chinese are

known for their diligence and keen business sense.

Indian

The smallest of the three main ethnic groups, most of them are the

descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who

came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the

prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to

Malaysia to build a better life.

‘Orang Asli’

The general term utilized for any of the indigenous groups that are

found in Peninsular Malaysia. Some are fishermen, some farmers

and some are semi-nomadic.

Figure 4.04 A picture of Orang Asli.

Kadazan Dusun

The largest ethnic group of Sabah, they consist of two tribes; the

Kadazan and the Dusun. Kadazan’s are mainly inhabitants of flat

valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the

Dusun’s traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of

interior Sabah.

Figure 4.05 A picture of people of Kadazan Dusun.

Bajau

The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, a nomadic seafaring

people that worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or God of the Sea, they

are sometimes referred to as the Sea Gypsies.

Figure 4.06 A picture of the people of Bajau.

Murut

The third largest ethnic group in Sabah, they were the last of

Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting. Now, they are

mostly shifting cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca, supplementing

their diet with blowpipe hunting and fishing.

Figure 4.07 A picture of the people of Murut.

Iban

The largest of Sarawak's ethnic group, sometimes erroneously

referred to as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats. In

the past, they were a fearsome warrior race renowned for

headhunting and piracy. Traditionally, they worship a triumvirate of

gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war.

Figure 4.08 A picture of the people of Iban.

Bidayuh

They are mostly farmers and hunters. In their past headhunting

days their prized skulls were stored in a 'baruk‘, a roundhouse that

rises about 1.5 metres above the ground.

Figure 4.09 A picture of the people of Bidayuh.

Melanau

Believed to be among the first people to settle in Sarawak. They

are found mainly along the rivers and coastal plains of central

Sarawak.

Figure 4.10 A picture of the people of Melanau.

Orang Ulu

27 of the inland tribal groups of Sarawak are collectively called

Orang Ulu or upriver people. The aboriginal Penan people are

also included as Orang Ulu by government census but the Penan

are traditionally nomadic people living in small family groups

constantly moving from place to place within the rainforest.

Malay Architecture

Traditional Malay architecture utilizes sophisticated architectural

processes ideally suited to tropical conditions, for example,

structures built on stilts, which allows cross ventilation of breeze

underneath the dwelling to cool the house whilst mitigating the

effects of occasional flood. High-pitched roofs and large windows

not only allow cross ventilation but are also carved with intricate

organic designs. Traditional houses in Negeri Sembilan were built

of hardwood and entirely free of nails. They are built using beams,

which are held together by wedges.

Figure 4.11 A Malay architecture influenced building.

Chinese Architecture

In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two broad types: traditional

Chinese and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of traditional architecture

include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the

Cheng Hoon Teng that dates back to 1646.

Many old shop houses especially those that can be found in

Melaka and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya heritage,

Figure 4.12 Baba Nyonya house.

Indian Architecture

With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from Southern India,

local Hindu temples exhibit the colourful architecture of that region.

Built in the late nineteenth century, the Sri Mahamariamman

Temple in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most ornate and elaborate

Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for

the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments,

hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain.

The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have their temples of

more staid design in many parts of the country.

Figure 4.13 An Indian architecture influenced building.

Indigenous Peoples of Sabah & Sarawak

Two unique architectural highlights of the indigenous peoples of

Sabah and Sarawak are longhouses and water villages.

Homes to interior riverine tribes, longhouses are traditional

community homes. These elongated and stilted structures, often

built of axe-hewn timber, tied with creeper fibre and roofed with

woven ‘attap’ or thatched leaves, can house between 20 to 100

families.

Rustic water villages built on stilts are also commonly found along

riverbanks and seafronts. Houses are linked by plank walkways

with boats anchored on the sides. Transport around the village is

usually by sampan or canoe.

Figure 4.14 Inside a longhouse.

Malaysians' strong sense of community is reflected in many of

their traditional games and pastimes.

Silat

It is a form of Malay martial art is also an international sport and

traditional dance form. It has mesmerising fluid movements that

are used to dazzle opponents.

Sepak Takraw

There are two main types of sepak takraw: bulatan (circle) and

jaring (net). Sepak raga bulatan is the original form in which

players form a circle and try to keep the ball in the air for as long

as possible. Sepak takraw jaring is the modern version in which

the ball is passed across a court over a high net.

Wau

A wau is a traditional kite that is traditionally flown after the rice

harvest season; these giant kites are often as big as a man -

measuring about 3.5 metres from head to tail.

Gasing

A gasing is a giant spinning top that weighs approximately 5kg or

10lbs. Traditionally played before the rice harvest season; this

game requires strength, coordination and skill.

Wayang Kulit

Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form of a puppet show, which

shows the elusive quality and charming simplicity of a shadow

play. Wayang kulit usually dramatizes ancient Indian epics.

Congkak

Congkak is an oval solid wood block with two rows of five, seven,

or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called "home".

Sepak Manggis

Forming a circle and facing each other, players aim to strike the

bunga manggis floral carrier that dangles from a 10-metre high

pole. The winner will be rewarded with money, gifts or edibles,

which are in the carrier.

Earthenware

Popular items of traditional design include labu sayong, geluk,

belanga, terenang, Chinese dragon kiln ceramics and Sarawak-

ian tribal motif pottery. Commonly used for storing water or

cooking.

Wood Crafts

Antique Malay-styled engraved panels, keris dagger handles,

Chinese containers, unique Orang Asli spirit sculptures, intricate

walking sticks, kitchen utensils and carved scented woods are

among the wood crafts found in Malaysia.

Metal Crafts

Traditional brass casting, bronze and pewter has been used to

produce decorative items, kitchen ware and traditional artefacts.

Hand-woven Crafts

Local plant fibres are coiled, plaited, twined and woven to produce

items such as bags, baskets, mats, hats, tudung saji and sepak

raga balls.

Textiles

Malaysia's traditional textiles include batik, songket, pua kumbu

and tekat. These textiles are made into all sorts of decorative

items, from haute couture, clothes to shoes, colourful curtains and

delicate bed linen.

Kerongsang

A three-piece brooch set traditionally used to pin the lapels of the

baju kebaya together.

Cucuk Sanggul

A traditional hairpin used to secure hair in a bun at the back of

women's heads.

Pending

A large, intricately ornamented belt buckle worn around the

sampin, a skirt-like cloth worn by men, to complement their baju

melayu, the traditional attire for men.

Malay

Before the 20th century, Malay women still wore kemban. As

Islam became more widely embraced, they started wearing baju

kurung. The traditional attire for Malay men is the baju melayu.

Chinese

The traditional cheongsam is also a popular contemporary fashion

choice for ladies. Men would usually wear a chang pao.

Figure 4.15 Picture of traditional Chinese attire.

Indian

The saree is the world-renowned traditional Indian garment.

Popular with northern Indian ladies is the salwar kameez or

Punjabi suit; a long tunic worn over trousers with a matching shawl.

The kurta is the traditional attire for men on formal occasions.

Figure 4.16 Picture of traditional Indian attire.

Baba Nyonya

Chinese immigrants who married Malay partners wore the elegant

kebaya that can be described as traditional haute couture.

Figure 4.17 Picture of a traditional Baba Nyonya ladies wear.

Portuguese-Eurasian

Dominated by the colours black and red, men wear jackets and

trousers with waist sashes whilst ladies wear broad front-layered

skirts.

Sarawak

Using a variety of designs and native motifs, common materials for

the Orang Ulu or upriver tribes are hand-loomed cloths, tree bark

fabrics, feathers and beads. Sarawak is known for the woven pua

kumbu of the Iban tribe, songket of the Sarawak Malay, colourful

beaded accessories, traditional jewellery and head adornments.

Sabah

Each group adorns attire, headgears and personal ornaments with

distinctive forms, motifs and colour schemes characteristic of their

respective tribe and district.

Orang Asli

Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia wore clothing made from

natural materials such as tree barks like the terap, and grass skirts.

Ornaments include skilfully woven headbands with intricate

patterns that are made from leaf fronds.

Orchestra

Malaysia has two traditional orchestras: the gamelan and the

nobat. The gamelan is a traditional orchestra that plays ethereal

lilting melodies using an ensemble of gong percussion and

stringed instruments. The nobat is a royal orchestra that plays

more solemn music for the courts using serunai and nafiri wind

instruments.

Rebana Ubi

Used as a musical instruments of various social performances.

Figure 4.18 Picture of a Rebana Ubi.

Kompang

Similar to the tambourine but without the jingling metal discs, this

hand drum is most commonly played in large ensembles.

Gambus

Played in a variety of styles in Malay folk music; primarily used as

the lead instrument in Ghazal music.

Figure 4.19 Picture of a Gambus.

Sape

The sape is the traditional flute of the Orang Ulu community or

upriver people of Sarawak. Once played solely during healing

ceremonies within longhouses, it gradually became a social

instrument of entertainment. Typically, its thematic music is used

to accompany dances such as the Ngajat and Datun Julud.

Figure 4.20 Picture of a Sape.

Malay Mak Yong

Combination of romantic drama, dance, operatic singing and tales

of the golden age of the Malay.

Kuda Kepang

Dramatizing the tales of victorious Islamic holy wars, dancers sit

astride mock horses moving to the hypnotic beats of percussion.

Zapin

Performed to Islamic devotional chanting to spread knowledge

about the history of the Islamic civilisation.

Joget

A lively dance with an upbeat tempo performed by couples who

combine fast, graceful movements with playful humour.

Tarian Lilin

Also known as Candle Dance, it is performed by women who do

delicate dances while balancing candles in small dishes.

Chinese Lion Dance

Requiring perfect co-ordination, elegance and nerves of steel, the

dance is almost always performed to the beat of the tagu, the

Chinese drum, and the clanging of cymbals.

Dragon Dance

The Dragon Dance is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the

year to come. Usually requiring a team of over 60 people, it is a

dazzling display of perfect co-ordination, skill and grace.

Indian Bharata Natyam

This classical Indian dance is poetry in motion. Based on ancient

Indian epics, this highly intense and dramatic dance form uses

over 100 dance steps and gestures.

Bhangra

Bhangra is a lively folk music and dance form of the Sikh

community. Typically centred on romantic themes with singing and

dancing driven by heavy beats of the dhol, a double-barrelled

drum, the bhangra is engagingly entertaining.

Sabah & Sarawak Ngajat

This dance is usually performed during Gawai Kenyalang or

'Hornbill Festival'. Reputedly the most fearsome of Sarawak's

head hunters, the tribe's victorious warriors were traditionally

celebrated in this elaborate festival.

Datun Julud

Symbolises happiness and gratitude, it was once performed

during communal celebrations that greeted warriors returning from

headhunting raids or during the annual celebrations that marked

the end of each rice harvest season.

Sumazau

Used to honour spirits for bountiful paddy harvests, ward off evil

spirits and cure illnesses. Dancers perform this steady hypnotic

dance with soft and slow movements imitating birds in flight.

Bamboo Dance

Two long bamboo poles are held horizontally above the ground at

ankle-height. They are clapped together to a high-tempo drumbeat.

Requiring great agility, dancers are required to jump over or

between the poles without getting their feet caught.

Orang Asli

Dances are commonly used by witch-doctors as rituals to

communicate with the spirit world. Such dances include

Genggulang of the Mahmeri tribe, Berjerom of the Jah-Hut tribe

and the Sewang of the Semai and Temiar tribes.

The Portuguese of Malacca Farapeira

The Farapeira is a fast, cheerful dance usually accompanied by

guitars and tambourines, performed by couples dressed in

traditional Portuguese costumes.

Branyo

Favoured mainly by the older Portuguese generation, compared to

the Farapeira the Branyo is a more staid dance. Male dancers

dressed in cowboy-like costumes and female dancers dressed in

traditional baju kebayas with batik sarongs sway to the steady

rhythm of drums and violins.

The Royal Selangor Club was one of Asia’s oldest sporting

institution which was founded with the name Selangor Club in

1884 as a meeting point for educated and high-ranking members

of British colonial society. The club was initially based in a small

wooden building with an ‘attap’ roof near the north eastern corner

of the padang and later was then replaced by a two-storey Tudor

style structure designed by A.C.A. Norman, a Government

Architect, in 1890, at the present site of the club, on the west side

of the padang.

Figure 4.21 Picture of the ‘attap’ roof Selangor Club.

The club was nicknamed "The Spotted Dog", one explanation is

that it referred to its mixed community membership and began

with a remark that "frequenters of The Spotted Dog pub must

accept the company as they find it". Another suggestion is that it

refers to two Dalmatians that belong to the wife of H. C. Syers,

one of the club founders and left to watch the entrance of the club

whenever they visited the club. Yet another suggestion is that the

first emblem club was supposedly a spotted leopard that was so

badly drawn that some confused it for a dog. The club is also

simply referred to as "The Dog".

Figure 4.22 Picture of a spotted dog.

Most of its early members were British; the founding members

include H.C. Syers, the Superintendent of Selangor Public Works

Department; A.R. Venning, Treasurer of Selangor and head of the

Sanitation Board; A. C. Norman who designed some early

buildings of Kuala Lumpur; and H.F. Bellamy who headed the

Selangor Public Works Department. Nevertheless, membership to

the club is primarily determined by high educational standard or

social standing, rather than race or citizenship.

The clubhouse was built with funds from the British colonial

administration, and the British Resident of Selangor was ex officio

the President of the club – the first three Presidents were John

Pickersgill Rodger, William Edward Maxwell, and Frank

Swettenham.

In 1910, the building was further enhanced with a Mock Tudor

styling and included two additional wings on each side of the main

building. The masterpiece was the inspiration of architect Arthur

Benson Hubback, who was also credited for the design of the

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.

Figure 4.23 Picture of the club house in the 1960’s.

The Padang was once leased by the government to the Selangor

Club which was used for various sports such as cricket, soccer

and rugby. However, in 1987 the Padang was taken back by the

City Hall and in return the Selangor Club was given a piece of land

in Bukit Kiara 5.5 kilometres away from the original clubhouse

where the club build its second club house, called the Royal

Selangor Club Kiara Sport Annexe.

Figure 4.24 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club Kiara Sport Annexe.

In search of a communal place far from home where perspectives

can be shared, ideas could be exchanged and a place which bore

some resemblance to life back home, the Selangor Club was

established. The following members were not only in charge for

founding this great club but also various other institution which

conveyed significant changes to the social order in the country.

K. Thamboosamy Pillai (Businessman)

Famous tin miner and operator

A Justice of Peace and a member of the prestigious Kuala

Lumpur Sanitary Board now known as Dewan Bandaraya

Kuala Lumpur

One of the founders and one of the Trustees of Victoria

Institution

Founder of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala

Lumpur

H.C. Syers (Superintendent of the Selangor Public Works

Department)

The founder of the first voluntary fire service in Malaysia

Member of the Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board now known

as Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur from its

establishment in the 1890

J. P Rodger (Resident of Selangor)

He was educated at Eton College and Oxford University

He was called to the English Bar in 1877

Sir John was the British resident of Selangor (1884 - 1885)

and (1896 - 1902)

First British Resident of Pahang (1888 - 1896)

Captain Charles Syers (Commissioner of Selangor Police)

Formed Kuala Lumpur’s first police force

Responsible for the establishment of Bukit Aman

A.R. Venning (Selangor Treasurer and Chairman of the

Sanitary Board)

An experienced planter in Ceylon prior to his arrival in

Malaysia

Instrumental in the move to create Lake Gardens

He was also the President of the Perak Club (Taiping)

between 1898 - 1900

Figure 4.25 Picture of A.R. Venning.

Flood

The Royal Selangor Club was not spared from frequent flooding in

Kuala Lumpur. Between the start of the 1910s and the 1930s, the

club was recorded to be hit by floods in 1911, 1917, December

1925 and December 1926. Later in 1971, the club was hit by yet

another flood.

Figure 4.26 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club being flooded.

Fire

On 20 December, 1970, the main section of the club was razed in

a fire which was believed to have started from its kitchen at

around 10.30 p.m. and was contained within an hour by 50 fire

fighters. Property damage from the fire was estimated to cost

more than RM 1.5 million, but there were no casualties. The then

president of the club, Khir Johari, stated that the club was insured

for RM 1 million.

Figure 4.27 Picture of the Royal Selangor Club on fire.

Besides the fire and frequent floods that affected the club, a period

of uncertainty would see the club face the possibility of relocation,

bankruptcy and even closure. Various complex issues would loom

over the club during this difficult period of time.

Figure 4.28 A news article on the Royal Selangor Club after the fire

incident.

After the fire, plans were made by the club to rebuild what was

damaged. Proposals were made on a new wing and submitted to

the Kuala Lumpur City Hall in 1972. However, City Hall was

suggesting the construction of a civic centre over the site of the

club's field and club. The initial response by the club was to search

for a new site in the surrounding area, including Jalan Duta, an

area near the Houses of Parliament, an area near a polo club in

Ampang, and Damansara but with little success.

Discussions were eventually made with City Hall to agree on the

club's rebuilding. As a result, plans for the civic centre in the area

were abandoned, and the City Hall granted the reconstruction of

the club's new building in July 1978. The contractor, led by

architect Fong Yung Leong, completed the refurbishment of the

cellar (the club’s bar and discotheque) and this was opened by

former president Datuk Justice Harun Hashim.

Massive renovation works were undertaken to upgrade the

Selangor Club. Upon completion, the opening of the new wing was

officiated by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong which was built in a

similar Mock Tudor style as the rest of the club building, was

constructed from 5 November, 1978 to December 1980 at a cost

of RM 6 million.

Figure 4.29 A news article on the reopening of the Royal Selangor Club.

Preamble

Question: Does the design achieve the purpose of the club?

In this chapter of architectural design we focus on concept that

aims on a certain purpose which focuses on the components or

elements that coherent and function as a whole, according to a

particular approach in achieving the objective(s) under the given

constraints or limitations. On the other hand how form and the

style of the building come together to define its function for the

building while time plays a crucial role on the activities and use of

space.

Royal Selangor Club inhabits a Mock Tudoresque style that

represents the British. It inherits this to portray their powerful

growth as an empire, as the Tudor is their renowned portrayal of

their culture.

Tudor is a British Architectural Style that was used in the 16th

Century. It has taken inspiration from the Renaissance style under

the influence of the Romans. The British favoured it as a

significant design that greatly portrayed their high class and posh

society.

Figure 5.01 Royal Selangor Club’s cottage-like appearance.

Figure 5.02 High pitched triangular roofs.

Figure 5.03 Squarish symmetrical columns.

Figure 5.04 Timber Structure painted in black.

Figure 5.05 Round Arches borrowed from the Renaissance.

The style had eventually became a Mock. It was reused in later

years as the building was built, which was modified to its

contextual humid climate. Inheriting a cottage appearance,

constructed in an opened manner.

Figure 5.06 Opened courtyard built to refresh its spaces.

Figure 5.07 The Facade extended and made as a drop-off to protect

members from the rain.

Figure 5.08. A high pitch roof with an air vent, ventilating the dining

room.

The British favoured sports as their leisure activity, which

influenced the context of the clubhouse. This is based upon their

urban planning, which they often constructed clubhouses next to

football fields. A form of accommodation convenient for them as

they make use of the Football fields.

Figure 5.09 Royal Selangor Club and the Field.

Figure 5.10 The former field, Dataran Merdeka that once belonged to

the Royal Selangor Club.

The design intention of the Royal Selangor Club revolves around

the core purpose of a social club, which is for general social

interaction as well as a broad range of activities ranging from

sporting activities to social events etc. It had originally been

designed to meet expectations of a ‘gentlemen’s club’ so it carries

traits of both a social club and a gentlemen’s club. For instance, it

is restricted to only the club members who ascend from a high-

ranking group of people.

The roof at the front façade was designed with overhangs. It

serves to provide shade and can serve as a pickup or drop off

point when guests are coming or leaving the building. For instance,

when raining, it would be a convenient option, or when it is too

sunny as well.

Figure 5.11 Roof with overhangs that serves as a drop off or pick up

point for guests.

Upon entrance into the club, the members and visitors are greeted

by an open front façade that displays the lobby area altogether

with the dining area. However, the kitchen area is further hidden at

the backside, as it would not serve as a beautiful scenery for

receiving guests or rather for display to the public.

The open spaces (public spaces), which are the dining and

kitchen area, can be accessed by the general public. This is where

most activity takes place. Hence, they were intentionally put right

next to each other, separate from all the other rooms. Only club

members are privileged to access all the other rooms in the club,

such as the Billiard Room, the Hash Bar, Squash Court etc. The

design intention was to draw a clear line between the public areas

and the private areas.

The building layout follows the design of the old Gentlemen’s

clubs for instance the White’s Club, which is among the most

prominent gentlemen’s club. For instance, a room such as the

Billiard room is held in such high esteem.

The dining area is designed as an open area with columns aligned

at specific points. The columns bring a sense of order/harmony in

spaces.

Figure 5.12 Illustration of the spaces design intention at the club.

Figure 5.13 Photo of the Billiard Room.

The Billiard Room at the Royal Selangor Club is an aesthetic

delight and a haven of serenity. The atmosphere within the room

is typically different from other rooms.

Figure 5.14 Image showing the massive field at the Royal Selangor

Club.

A massive field that functions as a sport annex is stationed behind

the building. Royal Selangor Club contains various sporting

activities such as football, hockey, rugby and cricket. The field is

therefore intended for practicing and also holding of tournaments

against other clubs.

Royal Selangor Club is generally a social club for high-ranking

people. The spatial planning is mainly categorized into either

public or private spaces. This draws a clear line between the

members of the club and other normal guests visiting the club.

Most activities are restricted only to the members of the club

hence the commoners have restricted access to these areas.

Figure 5.15 Illustration of the public and private spaces.

The building layout follows the design of many other social clubs

but with rather extra facilities as per the club’s needs. General

spaces that are found in most social clubs are for instance the

dining and kitchen, bar area, indoor games, and also the gym

room.

Figure 5.16 Main floor plan showing the planning of spaces at the Royal

Selangor Club.

A lobby is placed at the main entrance of the building. Right after it,

there is an open dining area which is adjacent to the kitchen and

food stalls, making food serving more efficient. These two spaces

are rather left public and anyone can observe the activities that

take place.

A corridor leads away from the dining area and makes easier

access to other spaces in the club.

The other spaces, aside from the kitchen and dining are private.

However, members can easily manoeuvre from one room to

another, as the rooms are closely placed to each other to allow

easier movement and access.

Figure 5.17 Corridor from the dining area leading to other private

spaces.

The overall massing of the Royal Selangor club follows the

massing of Mock-Tudor style buildings in terms of the shape, form

and the size. This is characterized mainly by its roof and front

facade. This form of the building makes it suitable for its functions.

Figure 5.18 Massing of the building characterized by its front facade.

The Royal Selangor club is characterized by asymmetrical

massing which is primarily defined by the steep gabled roofs, and

a prominent front facade.

Aside that, the massing of the building is broken due to varying

roof shapes having been used on the building i.e. gable and cross-

cable.

Figure 5.19 Illustration of Massing defined by roof of the club.

Upon entrance at the Royal Selangor Club, is a staircase that

leads to a lobby. This is where members of the club and other

visitors get access to the interior of the building. It is located right

before the dining area at the club, and serves as a checkpoint

before granted access into any other part of the building.

Figure 5.20 The lobby of the building.

Figure 5.21 Illustration of the entrance lobby through the front facade

drawing.

The dining, located right after the entrance of the building,

functions as the eating area. The room is merely designed as an

open area and with columns placed at specific intervals from one

another. Furthermore, it is situated adjacent to the kitchen for

convenience in serving food.

Figure 5.22 Illustration of the dining from the main floor plan.

Figure 5.23 Interior view of the dining and kitchen area.

The hash bar is located right next to the Billiard room. Serving

alcoholic beverages to the club members is the primary purpose.

Aside that, it could also serve as an appealing gathering or

meeting place with friends, where there are seats adjacent to the

bar counter. It is simply designed like any other bar, with a bar

counter and high seats arranged along the counter.

Figure 5.24 Illustration of the hash bar from the floor plan.

Figure 5.25 The hash bar interior.

The room is exquisitely designed with rich colour orientation,

aesthetic lighting and leather furnishing. Entrance to the billiard

room is through a corridor that leads from the dining area. The

entrance is located on the left side of the corridor. The club

members can enjoy having a drink or two with their friends while

playing snooker, or they can just go there to sit and hang out to

pass time.

Figure 5.26 Illustration of the Billiard room from the floor plan.

Figure 5.27 Image showing the billiard room and a snooker table in the

room.

Figure 5.28 Seats arranged in the Billiard room.

The squash court, situated outside the hash bar, serves as a

recreational facility where members can play the racket sport. It

follows a simple design of a squash court i.e. an open area with

four walls, wooden flooring, adequate ventilation and proper

lighting.

Figure 5.29 Illustration of the squash court from the floor plan.

Figure 5.30 Photo of the squash court.

From the dining area, one can access the room from the right side

through a door. The Ballroom functions as a multipurpose hall

which can be used to hold important meetings. It is designed as a

wide, spacious area to accommodate a lot of people during

functions. Warm lighting and nice decor have also been used in

the room, bringing a sense of elegancy.

Figure 5.31 Illustration of the ballroom from the floor plan.

Figure 5.32 Image showing the interior of the Ballroom.

On the right side of the lobby, is a door that leads to the gym. It is

a private gym room with complete facilities, used by the members

for exercising and keeping fit.

Figure 5.33 Illustration of the gym room from the floor plan.

Figure 5.34 Image showing the interior of the gym.

With reference to the floor plan it can be observed that time plays

a crucial role to determine the average human density of certain

areas. For this case we compared two peak hours of the club i.e.

the morning and evening hours. It is evident that the dining area

has a greater human density compared to the others due to its

main attraction of the banana leaf restaurant.

On the other hand, the bars, that were present in the activity areas

have a larger density during evening hours thus can be concluded

that time plays an important role in use of a certain space. It can

be seen during the second peak hour that the inner part of the

building rather has a larger human density compared to the

morning peak hour.

Figure 5.35 Image showing average human density during first peak

hour.

Figure 5.36 Picture of the dining area during peak hour.

Figure 5.37 Picture of hawkers stall during rush hour.

Figure 5.38 Shows the average human density during the evening peak

hours.

Figure 5.39 Picture of hash bar. Figure 5.40 Squash court during

dfdhhjyjkyukyukukytkjtyktkkedfdrggfh class time.

The overall building can be divided into two major categories i.e.

public and private area. However the whole building is only

accessed by private members thus we can still observe this

pattern in terms of the overall activity.

Figure 5.41 Public to private division seen using axis.

In the public area a common activity consists in which all the

members indulge in, be it any age, gender, and race. Even if their

sports or interests are different, they all come together here.

Private as in based on certain usage of rooms and the interest of

the person. Some rooms have restrictions for certain age groups

while others require supervision. The gym, long bar can’t be

accessed by children while ladies need to be accompanied by

their husbands to the long bar. Most members belong to certain

sports teams who usually just come for practice thus are allocated

activity rooms and then return back.

Figure 5.42 3-D representation of public and private.

By examining the circulation path of the members we were able to

locate the buildings rooms based on the activities conducted. This

also includes the level of interaction between the two. It also

helped us in comprehending the hierarchy of spaces within the

building.

Figure 5.43 Floor plan showing areas based on interaction level among

people.

After analysing we can conclude that the dining area is the space

which is accessible by all and is one of the most interactive

spaces whereas the event hall is used only on certain occasions

and requires permission thus making it the least interactive spaces.

Billiards room hash bar and squash court are slightly interactive

due to its restrictions.

Figure 5.44 3-D view showing the spaces.

By observing the circulation pattern we were able to explore more

on the activities and its relation to space. It also helped us create

hierarchy of spaces based on time and activity

Figure 5.45 Shows the main circulation path.

Figure 5.46 Shows the lobby which connects to internal areas.

The circulation of space too depends on the event or activity

taking place and at what time it’s being done. For instance during

mornings major circulation area covered is the dining area along

with kitchen even though the restaurant is open the whole time

maximum movement takes place between 11am to 3pm. The

event hall on the other hand only functions during a gathering

occasion.

Figure 5.47 Shows internal movement from main entrance to dining

area.

Due to dining area being located at the entrance we can see most

movement leading straight to the hawker stall and back to the

dining area for seating purposes. A to and fro movement

especially during lunch hours and then the pattern either moves

towards the inner part of the building where the toilets are located

or either seen exiting the building.

From the lobby either left movement where the long bar is located

or right which leads to a narrow passage heading towards hash

bar/ squash court/ gym/ billiards room depending on the activity

needed to be done.

Figure 5.48 Shows the internal movement within the hash bar, squash

court.

The royal Selangor club has a lot of design principles which can

be noticed. These principles include (need to add). The application

of these primary principles help complement the club’s

exclusiveness factor, aesthetics and function use.

Figure 5.49 Elevation showing the datum and movement.

The entrance serves as a point of reference in terms of circulation

and hierarchy of spaces. Its main role to divert the path to different

parts of the building. From a main focal point to smaller areas of

specific use.

Figure 5.50 Shows the floor plan of the dining area highlighting the

datum.

Repetition of element forms a pattern and provides a sense of

harmony to the building together creating unity. Most cases a

pattern or two are repeated throughout to create rhythm and

movement visually.

This can be seen in the elevation of the building where railings,

roof and pattern are repeated all around giving a style to the plane

white block at the same time similarity gives a sense of one whole.

Figure 5.51 Highlights the repetition of roof and patterns on the

elevation.

Figure 5.52 Shows the repetition elements of façade.

Both the front and the elevation of the dining area can form a

symmetrical face if the axis is drawn can be clearly visible but

when comparing to the whole building elevation in context to the

main façade you can see the dining area protrudes out. This can

be seen from both sides elevation making it balanced.

Figure 5.53 Front and back elevation highlighting the protruding part

creating balance.

The buildings dining area plan is symmetrical and thus can be

proved using the plans. The design principle symmetry and

balance defines a volume of space making it identical from both

sides and giving a sense of completion.

Figure 5.54 Shows the symmetry line drawn middle of the dining plan.

The club inhabits an asymmetrical form, consisted of having

rectangular blocks concealing the spaces and triangular roofs that

contradict them. A combination of contrasting elements used to

give a balanced and secure effect towards the club members.

The roof is consisted of a hierarchical composition. Rectangular

elements repeated orderly based on the Facade as its starting

point.

Figure 5.55 Shows the overall roof plan.

Figure 5.56 Picture showing hierarchy of roof.

Figure 5.57 Shows the view at an angle highlighting its asymmetrical

form.

This part highlights the design placement and proportioning of

doors and windows which strongly influence the style and the

purpose of comfort based on the space and its usage.

The dining area next to the main entrance can be seen completely

open with just a roof on top and as one slowly moves it way inside

the building the load bearing walls block and windows are placed.

The gym area billiards room have maximum of 3-5 windows and

as you move further inside it reduces to 1-3 per area.

Figure 5.58 Shows the window openings present.

Openings in the dining area allow cool air to flow in and keep the

area naturally cool. Ceiling fans help in the process and louvers

acts as openings to filter warm air out thus a more velocity

distribution giving the area pleasant cool and comfort condition.

Figure 5.59 Shows the light penetration during day time into the building.

Malaysia and Britain are two countries of approximately the

same size. Neither country is very big. Both countries are divided

into different regions. Britain is divided into England, Scotland

and Wales, and Malaysia is made up of West Malaysia and East

Malaysia. Another similarity is that both countries have a very

long coastline. Furthermore, agriculture and fishing are

important industries in both countries. In addition, English is

widely spoken in the two countries, although in Malaysia it is a

second language. The road systems are also similar in both

countries. For example, cars drive on the left-hand side of the

road.

Although there are many similarities, there are also a lot of

differences. Both the British and Malaysians like to hang out

with people. However their style of hanging out is different as

the British would prefer to have conversations over alcoholic

drinks while Malaysians would normally hang out with each

other by eating.

This has largely influenced the activities that exist in the club as

nowadays, the club members are not only influenced by the

local lifestyle but some would also prefer the British lifestyle.

The food court serves Banana Leaf Rice which is served

according to the rice of your choice either parboiled rice or Biryani

rice. It also comes with various kinds of vegetables and pickle.

Papadam is also served when eating the Banana Leaf Rice.

Customers can also choose various dishes such as fried squid,

fried chicken, fish curry, chicken curry, mutton rendang, chicken

rendang and many more to add variety to their dish. Once done

with the meal, the diner can express his or her satisfaction with the

meal by folding the leaf towards him or her. Folding the leaf in the

opposite direction means that the meal failed to hit the spot.

The customers that normally visit this restaurants are Indians.

They would often have small business talks or catch up with their

friends at this place.

Figure 5.60 Food Court Stall Figure 5.61 Chinese Restaurant

Another place where the club members would use for

conversations over food is the Chinese Restaurant.

In the restaurant, the tables are all round in shape as the Chinese

believes that after a long day at work or in school, the table is

where the gathering of a family would be. Various local Chinese

dishes are served with rice and normally people would order 2 to

10 dishes depending on the amount of people.

There are few bars for the members of the club to sit and indulge

themselves with variety of drinks and special services provided

from the bartenders. These two main bars are called the Long Bar

and the Hash Bar. In the past, when the Royal Selangor Club has

been established for more than 100 years, it is used as a meeting

place for the high ranked and educated members of the British

colonial society to gather. The club went over a facelift back in

1910 when Arthur Benison Hubback redesigned the club. Over the

years, the membership has increased as many distinguished

Malaysian civil servants started to join the club.

Figure 5.62 Long Bar

Figure 5.63 Hash Bar

Even though the bars have been regarded by the local as the

‘oldest bar in the country’, it is still a favourite place for the

customers to chill and spend their weekends with friends and

relatives. Besides, the bar operation hours is quite lenient which

allows people to come anytime they want. This indirectly makes it

more convenient for their customers to go there. Up until now,

these bars are still well maintained and preserved as it is the main

attraction of the club. After the invasion of the British, the

adaptation of their culture can clearly be seen by where pubs and

clubs are used as a place for people to get to know each other

and socialize among them. These cultures or lifestyle is still

applied and continued until today.

Back in 1900s, the club was also used as a hall for theatrical

performances as there were no available halls back then. Ever

since the beginning, the Royal Selangor Club has been the host

for many sporting events especially cricket. It is from the Long Bar

there sporting events can be viewed from. Other attraction near

the club is none other than Merdeka Square where declaration of

independence took place back in 1957. There are many places

around the club where you can visit to learn more about the

culture in Malaysia.

Figure 5.64 Picture of beer or wine bottles.

Figure 5.65 Picture of Cocktail Bar.

All in all, Royal Selangor Club has served greatly for their customers in

many years up until now. It is also has been associated and accredited

by most of beverages companies worldwide for their services through

the years. This shows that the cultural and social activities of the people

are still implied there. People would still go to the club not only seeking

for pleasure and entertainment but also to maintain the elegancy of the

Royal Selangor Club itself. For them, even though there are plenty of

clubs and pubs in Kuala Lumpur, but still, the Royal Selangor Club has

always been one of the greatest among all, and it will always be.

The club has organized various sporting activities since its early

years, including cricket (where it has been a key player in the

history of cricket in Malaysia). Rugby Union has also been played

at the Club since 1894.

Sporting events at the club can be viewed from the Long Bar, a

portion of the club which has been off limits to women, purportedly

because men "would drink and get very excited when they

watched the games and they didn't want the ladies to see their

exuberant behaviour, hence it was decided to ban women visitors

from the Long Bar". Women are still prohibited from the bar area

today, contrary to a 2007 report by The Star, a local English daily.

Figure 5.66 Gym at the club.

Figure 5.67 Snooker table at the club.

Members of the club is said to have been introduced hash running

in 1938. Legend has it that some members of the Selangor Club

decided that it would be a good idea to run to work after heavy

drinking the night before so they could rid themselves of their

hangovers, which apparently they did. As the club was once also

called Hash House (so named because some of its members

thought its food unpalatable) the members therefore named

themselves Hash House Harriers. During the World Interhash in

1998, an exception was made to allow women into the Long Bar.

The Royal Selangor Club Kiara Sport Annex is a branch of the

Royal Selangor Club built over a piece of land in Bukit Kiara 5.5

kilometres away from the original clubhouse, which was given as

compensation after the original club's field was acquired by the

Kuala Lumpur City Hall in 1987. The facility was officially opened

on 7 June, 1998 by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Jaafar.

The annex is laid out in a similar manner as the original club, with

the main club building facing a large field and designed in a similar

architectural style as the original club building. The annex also

includes a swimming pool at the rear of the building.

Figure 5.68 Squash court at the club.

Cricket is one of the sports that have its own history, carved in the

heart of Royal Selangor Club. Before the ‘Padang’ became

Dataran Merdeka in 1987, the Club is like a home for all visiting

teams.

Hosting its first ever game between the year 1884 and 1886,

Malaya created its own history in cricket in the year 1927 when

they beat the famous visiting Australian team by 39 runs. Since

that time, the RSC cricket club is always associated with

Commonwealth Cricket Association and this gives them the

opportunity to play around the world. On present day, cricket has

been played at the Sport Annexe in Bukit Kiara, which has also

played several thrilling and historical matches over the years.

Figure 5.69 Old photo of the cricket players.

Figure 5.70 Old group photo of the cricket players.

Royal Selangor Club has the first billiard tables in Malaya,

imported from England in the early 1900s. This shows how billiard

made its history in Malaysia, starting from the RSC. Until now, the

number of tables in the billiard room has gone from 5 to only 2

tables, because of several destruction and renovations.

Apart from just being a place to spend leisure time, the billiard

room has also been a training ground for numerous occasions for

the national team in the early 90s. With a cozy atmosphere along

with retaining and old style colonial charm, it is one of the best

looking billiards room in the region.

Even till today, the RSC billiard room has maintained its reputation

as a long standing tradition of pursuing snooker excellence

Figure 5.71 Snooker Tables in the Billiards Room.

Figure 5.72 Snooker Players.

In 1980, the squash section started to promote squash among

club members. Then, there was no court in the Royal Selangor

Club so a fee of RM3 is charged every month so the club

members can train at commercial courts.

Within 2 weeks of formation, the club was already participating in

their first ever tournament, the Kuala Lumpur Area League

Squash Competition at division 3. They managed to end at 8th

place, a decent achievement for a new born club. 2 weeks later,

the club already had affiliated with Squash Rackets Association of

Malaysia (SRAM). This allows them to open up more opportunities

for more activities and events.

In 1982, Royal Selangor Club finally have its own squash court,

and over the years, many competitions were joined and held, one

namely the RSC Annual Tiger Trophy. Until now, the section has

139 members and most of them use the court almost every day.

Figure 5.73 Squash Player.

Figure 5.74 The Squash Court.

Preamble

Question: How the 5 senses create the user experience?

In this chapter of the report we will be looking into the

relationship each spaces have to its adjacent spaces and how its

composition creates a different experience for the user either by

its scale and proportion or its time of use.

The poetics of the building could be easy understood by dividing

the spaces and understanding the transition from one to other and

the experience the user carries along. At first a basic understand

of space is explained after which the experience is followed along.

Figure 6.01 Shows the division of spaces which we would be focusing

on.

The entrance is identified by its staircase leading the user into the

foyer. Foyer is a long horizontal walkway that is able to lead

people into different spaces such as dining area, long bar and

private indoor spaces. There is a fencing that separates between

the dining area and the long bar as well as walkway. Red line

indicated in Figure 6.02 illustrates the fencing that form a

boundary between walkway (foyer) and long bar. Besides there is

another separating piece of fencing as a visible partition to form a

boundary between dining are from wash basin in Figure 6.04.

Figure 6.2 Floor plan Figure 6.03 Fencing that separates the dining

dfejfjgehfrujejdiweidowkediwejufhdg area and walkway.

Figure 6.04 Separate pieces of fencing forms a visible partition between

dining area and washing area.

Figure 6.05 The plan shows the location of entrance.

Figure 6.06 The appearance of the entrance and the elevated building.

The entrance gives an isolated feelings from the outside

appearance. The entrance claims its territory and often sits on a

plinth or other raised platform to separate itself from the ground

(figure 6.06). It lost its connection from the ground which strives to

be “timeless. “It is also the only one entrance that leads to the

building which narrow and protruding entrance (figure 6.05) is

giving users a preparation to go inside the building which full of

mysterious places.

Dining area is a 2000cm long by 1814 cm wide space, welcoming

to the user, exposed to its surroundings. It also giving a direction

towards food stalls that is located end of the dining area by

guiding the user with the help of steps which can be seen in

Figure 6.08.

Figure 6.07 Food stalls located right above dining area.

Figure 6.08 Floor steps create different levelling.

Figure 6.09 The plan shows the location of dining area.

Figure 6.10 The space of dining is wider than the entrance.

Upon entering the dining area, the space becomes wider where

the entire width is 18.33meter compare to the entrance width, 4.8

meter causing a sudden change in scale (figure 6.10)

The plan is symmetrical and proportional as users can observe

that the columns are aligned together orderly. With the elimination

of load bearing walls in the space, the dining area is cosier and

allows people to gather at the space (Figure 6.11).

Figure 6.11 The plan of dining area is symmetrical and proportional

The dining plan follows a geometric order and axial symmetry.

As we venture into the dining area, we see an open dimmed

space. Luxurious as the ceiling’s wood panels with illuminating

blue stained glass. A reminiscent of the past colonial days. While

gazing upon entering, a burst of sounds break through the void.

Boisterous noises of clustering utensils, socializations and cookery

spread everywhere.

Figure 6.12 The image shows the abundance of natural light.

Warm daylight penetrates the stained glass which minimizes the

usage of lighting. Moreover, the ceiling is made out of timber

which brings cosiness to the space because timber is more

familiar and localize to the public. The ceiling that similar with the

pitched roof allows users glimpse and contemplate at the dining

area. The load-bearing walls of the hawker stall are balance and

proportional which creates a sense of orderliness together with the

dining area. (Figure 6.14)

The space of dining area is harmony and peaceful compare to the

other space of the building.

Figure 6.13 The highlight parts show that the columns arranged with

visual balance.

Figure 6.14 The image of the hawker stall where the stalls are facing

each other.

The corridor is a 152 cm wide passage with vertical artificial

lighting system as well as a row of photographs that hanging.

Figure 6.15 Vertical lighting and hanging photographs in a row are

leading users to walk along the corridor into different spaces.

As we enter into the corridor. It is enclosed into a passage, filled

with simplistic majestic walls of timber frames, reddish passive

paint like a maze. We smell a strong sense of old timber, cosy as

a cottage as we walk through. It was all silent apart from the

sounds of our footsteps upon the smooth flooring

Figure 6.16 Plan showing a sharp turning point along the corridor.

Figure 6.17 Toilet and gymnasium room located right after the turning at

the corridor.

The first part of the corridor comes to an end after 2000cm and

meets at the turning point in figure 6.16 which give a clearer

directory of the location of toilet and hidden gymnasium room

besides the toilet which can be seen in figure 6.17. It allows user

to stop at the corner and investigate other spaces that hidden

behind. The corridor will lead the user to the next spaces (Hash

bar).

Hash bar has a narrow circulation throughout the whole spaces. It

can be represented by a geometry space with 986 cm wide to

allocate bar counter, dart and seating area. It gets narrow as it

enters the squash court which is a level down to the ground floor.

Hash bar is presenting through a narrow circulation on its plan to

give direction for people to walk along the path until the end.

Besides, it is leading people to enter another space in different

levelling such as squash court that located a level below and

storage that is located at upper level.

Figure 6.18 Hash bar with narrow circulation leading to squash courts.

Figure 6.19 Circulation of hash bar getting narrow as it goes deeper into

the end of the dead corner.

Figure 6.20 Some area is not accessible as the circulation of hash bar is

narrow with some blockage in between.

Similarly, timber is used as a main material in Hash bar which can

be spotted on flooring, bar counter, build-in cabinets and so one

as shown in figure 6.21-6.23. The material itself brings out the

natural (originality) and pureness of the space. A comfortable

environment, with its wooden passive colours encouraging us to

build socializations, having drinks together at the bar. An

illuminating room with a range of activities from clashing cups to

shooting darts. Hence, it is still practices as its most original place

to hang out with each other.

Figure 6.21 Seating area as one of the gathering space to hang out with

each other.

Figure 6.22 Dart board games that existed over century to

bring back the memory.

Timber representing pure and it plays an important role to

enhance the reflection or flashback of the past and displaying it in

the present. It illustrates the high status royal member with humble.

Figure 6.23 Lounge bar counter that is made from hardwood.

Before entering the squash court area, located at different levelling,

the user has to travel a few steps to reach the based. From this

we can conclude that it plays an important role in hierarchy as the

significant of every space is defined by different levelling.

Figure 6.24 Steps that leads people to the Squash Court.

As one enters into the squash court, screeches of shoes and

steps upon the floor can he heard. High pitches in every move the

player makes along with the rough filthy marks on the walls and

floors can be experiences.

Royal Selangor club ballroom is located at the left handed-side of

private indoor area right after entering the corridor. It is a ballroom

that provided for any event or function to be carried out with

reservations. It is a ballroom that displaying major use of timber in

the space such as timber flooring, wooden framing window and

wooden door with decorative ornaments on it as shown in figure

6.26.

Figure 6.25 Ballroom area highlighted on plan.

Figure 6.26 Wooden podium

Figure 6.27 Timber flooring and wooden framed window are spotted in

Royal Selangor Club ballroom.

According to figure 6.27, the use of wood as the main material

creates a sense of humbleness to the space. It is a solid material

yet giving a relaxing ambience to the ballroom to make it a formal

and standard place for event and function.

Artificial lighting is applied all over ballroom. Ballroom is filled with

yellowish mild lighting diffusing into the environment making it a

romantic place with no doubt. Besides, the lighting is dissolved on

laminated timber flooring and furniture giving it an elegant outlook

with shiny surfaces.

Figure 6.28 Plan locating use of artificial light in ballroom.

Figure 6.29 Artificial lighting in the ballroom.

Figure 6.30 Artificial lighting creates a romantic lighting on a

dark ballroom.

Hash bar is using applying both natural and artificial lighting in the

space. Natural lighting that penetrate through the wooden window

diffuse so natural lighting that penetrate through the wooden

window diffuse softly into the space which makes it an exotic

ambiences in the morning.

Figure 6.31 Sunlight penetrating on window diffuses into the

surroundings.

The mild lighting that penetrating on the window absorbed by the

furniture inside and create a soft shadow on the ground giving it

an energetic and natural feelings to the surroundings.

Meanwhile, artificial lighting system is found on the ceiling

randomly installed. It is function as enhancement for the lighting in

hash bar during night time to replace the natural sunlight in the

morning with artificial lighting system. Artificial lighting system with

low and dim lighting creates a smoky and romantic ambience that

fits in the purpose of hash bar as a gathering space during night

time.

Figure 6.32 Artificial lighting as an enhancement to natural

lighting during night time.

Hash bar has a specialty as it is not built up from solid wall as

partition between squash court and the bar area. It is covered up

with a row of vertical glass wall that allow people to see through

the glass. The verticality of the glass wall creates transparency

and enhances the elegancy contribute to the design. Besides, a

row of vertical glass wall also allowed the space to look wider than

before, it enhances on the sense of visual and make it a wider

space with aesthetics look.

Figure 6.33 Verticality in terms of height.

Figure 6.34 Shows that, users has to walk through the 16.22 meters

long corridor before entering the billiard room.

Figure 6.35 The location of the billiard room.

Figure 6.36 The light and shadow that appears in the billiard room.

Before entering the billiard room, the users must go through a long

corridor which the distance is 16.22meters. The corridor creates a

threshold to people where they slowly adapt the ambience from

public to private space (Figure 6.34 and Figure 6.35).

When they arrived the billiard room entrance, inside the space are

totally lack of lighting which is more dominant in the aesthetic of

light and shadow (Figure 6.36).

Infiltrating into the Billiards room, it was completely pitched in

black. Cold as night within temptatious leisure of its refreshing

cooling air. A silent night.

The users are enable to lead themselves go through the whole

room by the presence of lighting where the lights are only focus on

the snooker table.

This space is faded of its own history. Users can reminisce the

past of the Royal Selangor Club, where the light focus on the

snooker, which the light represents the British culture and

activities, while the shadow represents the high-ranking people

are not seeking for meeting in the past anymore.

Figure 6.37 Rest area in the Billiard room.

Preamble

Question: How do various materials reflects the purpose of each

space?

This chapter consist of the materiality and construction details

found upon the building externally and internally. By construction

details is that it consist of the Architectural features, the details as

mentioned along with intricate details. How the materiality is

implemented upon these construction components to build the

spaces within the club.

The main building appears to be constructed of load-bearing walls

with steel beams and steel structure for the roof. Most of the

internal walls are bricks and plastering.

Figure 7.01 The Steel Structure of the Roof connected to the wall. Figure 7.02 The Exterior the Building.

.

AND

The timber structure uses timber columns sitting on top of the

concrete stumps, with hardwood crowns, receiving the timber

beam above. The joints between the columns and beams

appeared to be nailed together and there is hardwood prop

supporting the eaves of the building. The hardwood rafters sits on

top of the hardwood beam, whereby the roof tiles is laid on top of

paytons nailed onto the hardwood rafters. The column and the

beams are painted in black to reflect back the Tudor Style, giving

a sense of Contrast from the roof and walls.

The ceiling are finished with fibrous plaster ceiling and painted

white. The ceiling for the roof eaves appears to be cement board

with hardwood lining, nailed against the hardwood fascia board,

which in turns supports the brackets for the rainwater gutter.

Figure 7.03 Timber 15 x 15 cm columns.

Figure 7.04 The rainwater gutter

There appears to be some steel eye section used as a framing

structural component at the courtyard.

Figure 7.05 Some of these eye beams were supported by the brackets

to the wall.

Figure 7.06 When the beams join with each other, it appears to be

bolted, with a bracket and welded together as well.

Generally the internal and external partitions consist of brick wall

and plastering. The Tudor element on the external facades

appears to be painted hardwood planks nailed onto the brick wall.

It appears to be brick wall with plastering in general, with the

exception of some areas such as the bar, which consist of timber

panels. These panels give a warmth experience as to feel comfort

and cosy.

Figure 7.07 Timber Panels on walls

Figure 7.08 Tudor Hardwood Elements

The doors in the Royal Selangor Club, provides access to another

space. It also become an important partition for retain the privacy

of each space. There are 3 types of doors as listed below.

Timber flush door

Interior timber door with decoration

Glass door

Figure 7.09 The location of each door.

From Figure 7.08, the most of the doors of the building are located

on the private part of the building. By private as the billiards room,

the hash bar, squash court and the toilet in contrast to the public

dining area, which has a few doors.

Timber flush door

Figure 7.10 The location of timber flush doors.

Majority of the doors in Royal Selangor Club are Flush doors.

They are made out of timber as to follow the timber structure of

the building. They provide a sense of cosiness, as its warmth

brown colour gives a Cottage-like appeal.

Figure 7.11 The flush door connects the hash bar and the outdoor.

This door connects the hash bar and the exterior. This timber door

needs to be shaded in order to reduce the maintenance need. It is

suitable to be built for interiors.

Figure 7.12 The frame of the flush door.

The timber doors are coated with epoxy paint to prevent termite

attack and moisture. The door frame is also applied with the same

method as shown in Figure 7.35.

Figure 7.13 The door closer is added to flush door.

Fire safety as door closers are most commonly installed on fire

doors, which are needed to be closed in the case of fire. To

prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They also functioned as

maintaining room temperatures, since the cold air does not vent

out for longer periods.

Figure 7.14 shows the round bar door handle with lock.

The round bar door handles is made of aluminium, along with door

locks which suits the building design. This is installed as the

building requires privacy in each of its spaces.

The interior door located at the multipurpose hall, connecting the

multipurpose hall to the dining area. It’s decorated with stain glass

to provide an aesthetic and indicate a grand feeling within the

space.

Interior timber door with decoration

Figure 7.15 The location of interior timber door with decoration.

Figure 7.16 The interior timber door with decorations.

The glass doors are specifically located in the Hash Bar and

Squash court. They are transparent enabling the members to view

through the courts. Defining the space as freedom as their clear

glass. These doors don’t require much maintenance but they have

a higher cost than any other type of doors.

Glass doors

Figure 7.17 The location of glass doors.

Figure 7.18 The glass door that is located in the squash room.

For a fixed security, the squash court doors are constructed with 3

hinges instead of 2 hinges (Figure 7.18). They’re made of

Aluminium, which are ideal as they combine the required strength

with a low weight. There are iron fittings that render the wall,

making it heavier bulkier. (Figure 7.19).

Figure 7.19 Door hinges and handles.

Figure 7.20 Iron fittings on the glass wall and door

There are two types of windows in this building which are

casement window and stained glass windows. They can be seen

through the elevation of the exterior building.

Figure 7.21 The location of casement window was shown through the

exterior facade of the building.

Casement windows can be seen at the exterior of the building.

They usually located at the hash bar, gym room, and the billiards

room. The windows are long, symmetrical balance and contain

decorated window sills to represents their culture and architectural

style. The windows are made of Black Tinted Glass to provide

privacy within the spaces. This prevents people from viewing into

the spaces externally. It also matches the black Tudor elements

upon its exterior, providing a mysterious effect upon the building

when viewed.

Figure 7.22 shows the window and decorated window sill.

There are two stained glass windows, which is one located at the

front and the other at the back of the dining area. The stained

glass of this building brings out its European culture as well as

providing skylight for the dining area. They illuminated the interior,

providing a reminiscence of the past like the churches use of it.

Figure 7.23 Shows the stained glass window at the dining area.

Figure 7.24 The stained glass window provide skylight to the dining

area.

Figure 7.25 Shows the pattern of stained glass.

The type of ceiling that has been used on majority of the rooms of

Royal Selangor Club is the plasterboard ceiling. The ceiling gives

out a simplistic design, as it is plastered and painted into white.

However, the ceilings in the other rooms such as the Billiards

room including the corridor also have cornices that are decorated.

These cornices gave out a classical and reminiscent feel.

Figure 7.26 Corridor ceiling with covings.

Figure 7.27 The ceiling at the lobby area

Figure 7.28 Billiard room ceiling painted blue

Figure 7.29 Photo showing the squash court ceiling

The ceiling of the squash court is painted white, enabling the

players to spot the ball easily.

Figure 7.30 Image showing the cathedral ceiling at the dining

The dining area has an opened ceiling that makes the space

spacious. It is topped with wooden ceiling planks that bring

warmth and elegance to the dining area.

Royal Selangor Club is featuring a steep gable roof for the whole

roofing construction. It is a roof sloping downward from a central

ridge to the both gable ends with steep decline of the roof.

A Cross gable is frequently found on gable with clay tiles roofing.

Figure 7.31 The pitch rooves of Royal Selangor Club.

Figure 7.32 Gable roofing has secondary gable also known as cross

gable.

Gable roofing often ends with verge boards with simple decorative

elements. Verges are known as the junction of the roof and verge

board. Steep gable roof is sloping down from ridge tiles till the

gable ends. For roofing on Royal Club Selangor, it features clay

roofing tiles embedded and pointed with fibrous cement strip laid

on top of verge board. These clay roofing tiles provide a rustic feel,

making the building more nostalgic as it contrasts the walls.

Figure 7.33 The Gable Roof.

Figure 7.34 The Roof’s Interior.

Figure 7.35 The Structural Roof.

Royal club Selangor steep gable roofing is supported by steel

truss as main structure based on Figure 7.34 and 7.35. It is

composed of steel trusses that connected with Gusset plate at the

end of each trust. Principal steel rafter is connected to each single

trust to form a structural support for roofing in Figure 8.48. It is

then covered by asbestos cement sheet with cleat in between and

ridge holding both side of roof firmly. The load of the roofing is

transferred down into base plate and foundation of wall of the

buildings to increase its stability. The figure below shows the

construction detail of steel truss structures for steep gable roofing.

Figure 7.36 Steel trusses as main support roof structures.

There are few types of staircase seen at the building. One of

which are the spiral staircase, located behind the squash area.

The spiral staircase appears to be constructed using a steel

structure. Timber planks, painted in black were screwed onto the

metal support, which is welded to the pole.

The Hash bar staircase appears to use RC to construct it along

with stone tiles placed onto the steps and a railing on the side for

safety.

The entrance staircase seems to be constructed using RC along

with a foundation. Marble stone tiles were placed upon the steps.

It’s also stain resistant, allowing it to achieve and provide a

luxurious feel.

Figure 7.37 Steel spiral staircase behind the squash court

Figure 7.38 The Entrance staircase

In the Royal Selangor Club, its details are capable of invoking

certain moods to the users in the building’s spaces. Marble

flooring and timber flooring are mostly used in their interior spaces.

Marble flooring is commonly used in spiritual buildings such as

temples, churches and mosques. It is also popular in buildings that

are luxurious and have rich specifications. Marble is a high cost

material, which gives out a high leisured effect. Marble tilling is a

suitable material for a prestigious and historical place like RSC.

Marble is a very decorative material because of its crystalline

structure, which gives it a luminous and pleasing appearance. It is

also stain resistant as it does not absorb particles easily. As a

result of its low porosity and hardness to absorb moisture, it is a

durable and strong material for flooring uses.

Figure 7.39 Dining Area’s Majestic Marble floors

Figure 7.40 A close up of the Dining Area floors

In some certain rooms of the building, high featured grade timber

flooring is used upon them. Apart from its cheap expenses, the

impact of using this timber is that it brings out the cosiness and

locality of the spaces inside Royal Selangor Club.

In a similar case for most timber floorings, they must be finished or

beautified before it is used. In most cases, including the building’s

interior, the timber floor is initially brushed with shellac for better

colour and appearance after its sanding process. Then, the water

shield membrane is added to ensure the flooring does not get

damaged when water is absorbed. This is because timber is a

water absorbent material. This entire processed are done to

further enhance the appearance of the material, and making sure

that the users are comfortable with using it.

Its colour provides the warmth and comfortable feeling towards the

members, making the spaces cosy.

Figure 7.41 Timber flooring in the Hash Bar.

Figure 7.42 Timber flooring in the Hash Bar. Figure 7.43 Timber flooring in the Squash Court.

The Cornices are located onto the ceilings of the Hash Bar,

Corridor and the Billiards room. They are cement plastered with

organic, leaf-like designs. A representation of the colonial classical

era, providing a formal effect.

Figure 7.44 Interior Decorations

The railings are made of timber, consisting of repetitive,

symmetrical planks aligned together. They consist of a linear

design filled a unity of diamond shaped holes. The railings, follows

the main Tudoresque timber structure of the building. As this is

constructed in this manner, they provide a sense of harmony to

the space. The timber brings out rejuvenating feel of the past as it

is a warmth material.

Figure 7.45 Dining Room Railings

Figure 7.46 Facade Railings

Suitable environment for to spend leisure time

Complete with facilities

Membership ensure club integrity

Rich with culture and history due to the club persevered

for many decades

Anyone can join the club. An organization may not be

of the same interest

High membership fee may cause less interest in the future

Good finances ensure preservation

Open to expansion and renovation

Historical background can make a good national heritage

Located in the middle of the city may decrease comfort

due to noise

Hard to circulate due to traffic jams

Lack of security may harm the safety of the place

There is no doubt that the Royal Selangor Club has proven its

endurance over the years. The Selangor Club has survived two

world wars, economic hardship, floods and a big fire. Other than

the efforts by individuals and groups to preserve this national gem,

it is also still where it is now because of its recognition as a

national heritage. Due to that, and some renovations and

remodelling, even though the building has been around for several

decades, the physical condition of it is still in good shape

Being the face of the building, the façade is always important to

give a good impression on how Royal Selangor Club is a

prestigious building. Due to good care and preservation, the

facade of the building remains iconic.

Figure 8.01 Façade showing its good condition and being well

maintained.

Most of the flooring in Royal Selangor Club is finished by marble,

which ascends the class of the club. Being a high quality material,

it is also cleaned daily, making it consistently clean and beautiful.

Figure 8.02 Tiles intact, cleaned and checked regularly.

Figure 8.03 Columns present at the entrance.

In RSC, many columns are made of timber. Being a strong but

cheap material, it also enables the columns to be more versatile.

Carvings and ornaments are being able to be included, giving the

aura of tradition and heritage to the place.

Figure 8.04 Vents used in toilet area providing natural wind circulation.

All buildings need a proper ventilation system, to ensure the

comfort of the people inside, and RSC is no exception. Combining

mechanical ventilation and natural ventilation through the vent

holes, the ventilation in the building ensures that everyone inside

the building able to experience maximum thermal comfort.

Figure 8.05 Showing the roof tiles and gable roofing.

The roof of the RSC is mostly gable roofs. The finishing is brick

cladding so even though it deteriorates in terms of appearance,

the strength and quality of it still stays the same

From the interview with Mr. Shashi it can be concluded that for

future of the building no major changes would be brought, only

some minor internal changes. For the club members as 20%

belong to an older generation thus a new proposal for a passenger

lift will be proposed on the new side of the building. The

passenger lift will connect members from the basement to the

cocktail lounge and other areas which were inconvenient for those

who found it difficult to climb. As for the building minor changes

would be brought to the interiors of the club. The outlooks of the

cellar will further undergo maintenances to achieve an

aesthetically pleasing look with better ambiance. On the other

hand other parts of the building such as the cocktail lounge, hash

bar, billiards room and so on will remain the same with some

minor touch ups. Furthermore new activities would be introduced

based on the demand.

In terms of maintenance due to heavy rain a lot of leaks were

formed on the ceiling, roof tiles and beds that were needed to be

rectified. For the hash and squash area

Instead of repairing the old timber roof the use of galvanized web

roof trusts were proposed. Since the whole building consists of

single air-conditioning units thus a change of centralized air-con

will be installed.

Rewiring of the whole building as the switchboards and tubes

located at the main office are old and prone to catching fire.

Provide proper maintenance of the basement pump to avoid

floods during rains is also one of their main aims in future.

To conclude the research conducted at the Royal Selangor Club,

which is one the oldest buildings Located in the heart of Kuala

Lumpur amongst many other colonial architecture influenced

buildings, the Royal Selangor Club is colonial building that

adopted various types of architecture styles - namely Tudor, Mock

Tudor, Chinese and Malay elements. The building holds many

tales of the past in its architecture and design.

Looking through the history and details of the Royal Selangor Club,

we can see a large change in the club’s history. Half the club’s

originality has remained while the other half has been loss as the

club grew. The club used to be a space where people would come

to the club and look out of the windows facing the padang to watch

people play cricket, football or rugby.

However, when the padang was taken back by the City Hall in

1987 and was given a land in Bukit Kiara, where all the sports that

used to be played on the field had to be shifted to the club house

in Bukit Kiara which causes the club to lose its identity.

This has caused the typology of the club to be changed, becoming

a place for people to do recreational activities and socialize with

other people. Although this place has lose its originality, members

of the club continue to go the club as it shows the social status of

the members as it marks the prestige of the person.

As we carried out this project, we soon came to realize the

importance of the conservation of historical sites and their va

lue to the future generations. The presence of these historical

sites not only enriches the city in which they stand but are also a

valuable asset of significance to the entire country.

Throughout this module, we have been exposed to historical

architecture of different styles within Malaysia during their pre-

Merdeka.

Over our five-day field work in Kuala Lumpur, this assignment has

given us an insight into conservation work as well as the job of an

architect. During the period of this course, we have learnt several

standard architectural techniques used in producing a set of

measured drawings to provide an accurate representation of

historical structures.

Furthermore, we were also able to get hands-

on experience in learning to record measurements and were

introduced to a variety of measuring equipment as well as

measuring methods that we had not been introduced to before

this. We were able to translate the measured data that we

obtained from our fieldwork, into scaled drawings.

Our task doesn’t only include the documentation of the building

measurements but also of its architectural, culture and historical

values.

As of such, we were also exposed to many research methods

such as conducting interviews, research through online as well as

printed resources to get more information regarding our building.

Through our research, we were able to appreciate the buildings

construction, its diverse historical background and significance to

future generations. Thus, with the completion of this project we

hope to provide as close to an accurate documentation as

possible that highlights the building’s importance and historical

significance.

`

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

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4-street-protest-city-making/

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Vernacular. Routledge.

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2017 from:http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-

england/tudrs/architecture/

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London.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Ching, Francis D.K. 1991. Building Construction Illustrated. New

York. Van Nostrand Reinhold

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Door#Flush_doors

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from https://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com/gable-roof-

framing.html

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2017, from http://www.theconstructioncivil.org/marble-flooring/

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February 15, 2017, from http://asbsquash.com/faq/squash-court-

door/

CULTURE – LIFESTYLE

ADMC HD Common Year Compare & Contrast. Retrieved

February 15, 2017, from

http://www.admc.hct.ac.ae/hd1/english/compare/malaysia.htm

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22, 2017, from

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leaf-rice/#hY34EAqLHtyZUGiX.99

HISTORY OF KUALA LUMPUR

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from http://www.kuala-

lumpur.ws/klhistory.htm?cid=ch%3AOTH%3A001

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(1993). Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Royal Selangor Golf Club.

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http://malaysia-squash.org/index.php/sram-history/

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LOCAL CULTURE AND HERITAGE

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from http://www.malaysia.travel/en/sg/about-malaysia/culture-n-

heritage

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Malaysia

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from http://www.slideshare.net/dscmasscomm/culture-

presentation-on-malaysia

MATERIALS

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24, 2017, from https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111858

Plaster. (2017), Retrieved February 24, 2017, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaster

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Wrought Iron: Characteristics, Uses and Problems. (2016, July 15).

Retrieved February 27, 2017, from

https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/111770

METHODS OF MEASUREMENT

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