KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER

CULTURE AND HISTORY II ARC60203
TUTOR: MS. SHIRIN

MUHAMMAD A'AMEER

0322891

MUHAMMAD FAIDH

0323712

MUHAMMAD MIRZA QAYYUM

0324031

MUHAMMAD NAZMI

0322251

MUHAMMAD SHEIK IRFAAN YADUN

0319353

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

INTRODUCTION
1.1) General Information

Building Name: Menara Kuala Lumpur

Building Height: 421 metres (Without spire: 335 metres)

Building Type: Telecommunication, Tourism

Location: Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Architect: Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd.

Construction Started: 4 October 1991

Completed: 13 September 1994

Opening: 23 July 1996

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1.2) Kuala Lumpur Tower Background

Kuala Lumpur Tower, or by local name Menara Kuala Lumpur, is one of the most visible and
outstanding landmark in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia. It is currently the seventh tallest
telecommunication tower in the world, behind its predecessor, CN Tower which is completed
back in 1976 in Toronto. CN Tower is one of the main inspiration Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL
Tower), as it proved to the world that such tall yet freestanding structure could be
constructed. The other function of the tower is for tourism purposes and held various
activities such as panoramic city view, jungle walk and even the extreme sport base jump.

Figure 1.1 Several Activities designated for tourism purposes. (First picture courtesy of Skydive Dubai)

The construction for this building 4 October 1991 and completed nearly 3 years later in 13
September 1994. The reason it is being built is for having a much better telecommunication
service in the city such as radio, telephone, and television signals. This is accomplished with
the towers colossal height, in which at completion date, is the tallest freestanding structure
in South-East Asia. The structure accommodates a stairwell and an elevator to reach the
upper area, which houses a revolving restaurant, providing diners with a panoramic view of
the city, which means visitors of the building will have a 360 view of Kuala Lumpur due to the
strategic location of the tower.
The construction of the Kuala Lumpur Tower has a three-phase process. The first process
involves the excavation of soil from the construction site and the widening of Jalan Bukit
Nanas. The second phase began on 1st July 1992 with the construction of the foundation and
the basement of the tower. The foundation does not require piling and was completed in 1st
April 1993. The third phase was the construction of the superstructure. It started with the
tower shaft which was followed by the tower head.

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The architecture firm in charge in the design of the

building is Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd., a large
commercial architecture firm located in Kuala
Lumpur. The firm is led by Ar. Dato Nik Mohamed
Mahmood. The firm specializes in high-rise
buildings as they have done during the past. During
the 70s, the firm operates in the Brutalist idiom,
but towards the end of the century the firm shifted
to Postmodernism and they were responsible for
Figure 1.2 Ar. Dato' Nik Mohamed Mahmood.

some significant buildings in the country. Some of

them include Istana Darul Ehsan, Bank Negara and the Putra Mosque.
The inauguration ceremony for official opening
of the KL Tower is performed by the fourth
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir
Mohamad, a ceremony in which the antenna
was installed. The tower was officially opened
to the public on 23rd July 1996, after the final
touches were completed. This tower truly
represents Tun Mahathirs vision of Wawasan
2020, an ideal image of the future of developed

Figure 1.3 Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun. Dr.

Mahathir Mohamed

and modern Malaysia. It is an achievement that we can be proud of considering the state the
city was in. Architecture in Malaysia has come a long way and it will only continue to evolve
in the future.

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SITE CONTEXT
MUHAMMAD SHEIK IRFAAN YADUN 0319353

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

2.1) Site Context

Landmark:

RED = Bukit Nanas

PURPLE = KLCC and KL Park

GREEN = Masjid Jamek

YELLOW = Sogo Mall

Accessibility:

The Arrow shows the path that leads up to KL Tower. There is only one available
road which is accessible from Jalan Puncak near Jalan Raja Chulan.

A = Dang Wangi LRT Station

B = Bukit Nanas Monorail Station

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2.2) Building Accessibility

Figure 3.1 Road leading up to the tower.

Figure 3.2 Any vehicles need to paid to enter the tower site.
Parking is provided.

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is located at the top of Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur. There are only
one entrance and to go to the tower which is from Jalan Puncak east of the tower. The easiest
way to go to the tower is by any kind of vehicle transportation such as individual car,
motorcycle, bus and taxi. Since it is located on top a hill 30 meter higher than the ground, any
vehicles must travel on an upward slope to reach the site. So, to allow easier access to site,
the slope is reduced by having a serpentine like road. Ample of parking spaces are provided
at the location and a special space for big buses to drop off passengers. In total, 180 parking
lots plus 140 nearby open parking lots.

Figure 2.3 There were lots of buses with most of them were
tourists buses.

Figure 2.4 Bukit Nanas Monorail Station.

There are Various public transportation options to choose from like taxi and a shuttle bus
service that takes any passengers from the foot of the Bukit Nanas Hill to the top. This provide
efficiency and improve accessibility for people who dont have any transportation means.
The closest LRT stations to access the location of the KL Tower are the Bukit Nanas monorail

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

station and the Dang Wangi LRT station, which is within 300 meters from the entrance. The
building provides parking bays for cars, a total of 180 lots.
The building accommodates stairs and elevators which are clearly signposted and easy to get
on and off. The lifts can easily accommodate 15 people at a time but requires a KL Tower staff
to access. The KL Tower has also made accommodation for wheelchair access to its
observation deck and to its revolving restaurant. The estimated time to access the top using
the elevator is approximately 1 minute 20 second.

2.3) RELATIONSHIP OF THE BUILDING TO THE SURROUNDING

Figure 2.5 Observation Deck which allows for whole Kuala

Lumpur panoramic view.

Figure 2.6 Views of part of Kuala Lumpur from the

observation deck.

Being the highest panoramic viewpoint structure in the surrounding city, the building
provides the most outstanding and breath-taking atmosphere of 360-degree panoramic
experience all over the endless horizon of the suburb of Kuala Lumpur. The gigantic and
colossal outlook of the building gives contrasting impact to the surrounding building which
enhance a deep sense of hierarchy that complements and blends with the other architecture
nearby. The KL Tower reveals an observation view over the Petronas tower, which is located
only 1.7 km far, as well as the downtown Kuala Lumpur itself and connect with the dynamism
of the city. The KL Tower divulged a modernistic and spatial approach to the city and building
around without competing with the equilibrium of its landscape. It responds attentively to the
21st century era. However, nearby the tower is a water treatment plant which is located north
of the tower. This might give an unpleasant view for the visitors and is stark contrast of the
landmark image that KL Tower wants to achieve.

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A = KL Tower Mini Zoo.

B = Upside-down House.
C = 1 Malaysia Cultural Village.
D = F1 Store.
E = Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve Walk.
F = Water Treatment Plant.

Figure 2.7 KL Tower Mini Zoo, Upside-Down House and 1 Malaysia Cultural Village.

In terms of a more microscopic scale, KL Tower is surrounded by many other attractions and
shops selling food and souvenirs aimed at tourists. Example of such attractions are traditional
and typical Malay houses showcase called 1 Malaysia Cultural Village made of local materials
such as bamboo and straw roofs. There are also other more entertaining attractions such as
Upside Down House, Mini Zoo, Blue Coral Aquarium and even a forest trails which allow
visitors to experience one of the few forest reserve in the middle of a concrete jungle.

KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

2.4) RESPOND TO CLIMATE

The KL tower imparts an organic which is design to overcome and support the tropical climate
of its region, by virtue of its bold form and rough structure it is committed to a deep sense of
interdependence connectivity to overcome the tropical heat of the environment. The design
and engineering used in the building technically suits with its unique environment. The
buildings structure and form, orientation, and skin respond to the tropical climate without
any difficulties.

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ARCHITECTURAL LAYOUT
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3.1) Plan to Elevation Analysis

Figure 3.1 KL Tower Roof Plan which includes the

antenna.

The plan of the KL Tower is generally circular in

form, especially when viewed from the tower
head, where its circular form is more obvious. On
the other hand, when viewed from its elevation,
it is noticeably different from the plan as it does
not retain its circular form. Viewing the
elevation, KL Tower appears to be a rather thin

Figure 3.2 KL Tower

building due to its tower shaft. typical to many

telecommunication towers. The tower head and the foundation base also has the shape of a
trapezoid and rectangle respectively, a contrast to the plans more circular shape.

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3.2) SYMMETRY AND BALANCE

Figure 3.3 2 Symmetrical Axis on the

Reception floor.

Figure 3.4 Elevation symmetry

As can be observed from the floor plan, there is an element of balanced symmetry as the
entire organization of space of the building is arrange in symmetry. The same principle is also
applied to its facade, where the tower shaft and its tower head is built to have a balanced
symmetry. Another element that is observed on the floor plan is its geometry. The geometry
of the building mainly consists of circular forms with a rectangular extension at its side.

3.3) HIERARCHY
The KL Tower has an architectural element on
hierarchy present at its tower head as can be
seen above. Each tower head level is overlapped
by another or increasing width. From the plan,
circles can be seen overlapping for each level
going up. As it is a communication building, it is
important to arrange the tower heads structure
Figure 3.5 Tower Head (TH) Floors.

in a way so that it is efficient in communication

while at the same time attractive for tourists.

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3.4) GEOMETRY

Figure 3.6 & 3.7 Dotted line shows the simple

shapes in which the building form follows.

As observed on the elevation, the geometry that is applied are rectangles and a trapezoid.
The rectangle serves as the main component of the building, forming the foundation base as
well as the tower shaft while the tower head utilizes the shape of trapezoid. On the other
hand, the geometry that is applied on the floor plan on the tower shaft are mainly circles.
Going up the tower head, the towers floor plan here is composed of a circle and trapezoids
surrounding it. The floor plan is intended this way so that the building can achieve its ability
of having a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur, where visitors are able to move around its tower
head and they are able to see the city from many angles.

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3.5) CIRCULATION TO USE SPACE

Figure 3.8 Red arrow indicate entrance point

from the reception floor.

Figure 3.9 Blue arrow indicates user circulation

in the tower head floor.

The Kuala Lumpur Towers entrance is through a walkway where visitors simply have to walk
a straight path to enter the building. Once inside, the circulation for Kuala Lumpur Tower is
mainly by rotating around the building due to the buildings circular form as can be seen
above. This applies to all floors of the tower. Visitors are able to get to the tower head by
using one of four elevators that are available. The tower below the tower head also has a
stairwell, which can be used to get to the upper area, which contains the revolving restaurant,
where diners are able to get a panoramic view of the city.

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STYLE
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Kuala Lumpur Tower follows a modernistic approach to architecture whilst using Islamicinfluenced design and architectural elements and thus KL Tower can be considered to have
Islamic and modern architectural style.

4.1) INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE STYLE

Islamic architecture resembles the construction of buildings related to the religious acts of
Islam that starts off from the 7th century onwards. This architectural style is mostly expressed
through religious buildings such as the mosque, as well as the madrasah. The mosque is the
Muslims place of worship and where Muslims perform their prayers., much like churches for
Christians and temples for Buddhists. The madrasah, also known as madrassa, is an
educational institution where peers are taught several Islamic teachings, such as grammar
and literature of the Arabic language and so on. In addition to those studies, the tuition fee
or these institutes were non-existent, meaning they were free. Islamic architecture was also
expressed through the residential buildings as well as gardens.
Islamic architecture mostly focuses on the decoration of interior spaces, rather than the
exterior aesthetics of the building. Buildings of Islamic architecture also usually lacks a sense
of general direction. Other elements regarding Islamic architecture include the use of
minarets (lean, sky-piercing towers with an addition of balconies from where a person would
use to call Muslims for prayers), mihrabs (an inner decorative element directing towards the
general direction of the Mecca), domes, arches, mosaics, as well as the use of geometric
shapes and the repetition of decorative elements. Islamic architecture also implemented the
use of calligraphy in their ornamental decorations.
Minarets and mihrabs were usually accompanied with the designs of a mosque as minarets
were a medium for one to call other Muslims for prayers and mihrabs are directs the Muslims
towards the direction of their prayers, the Mecca. Islamic architecture was a revival of the
uses of domes, a technological advancement previously lost after the Classical era.
Builders from the Byzantine era were one of the first to implement the use of pendentives, a
structural element that was required in order to fit the dome onto a square section of the
building. During the Byzantine influence, the Muslims adopted the use of the domes into their
religious buildings.

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The decorative elements were also one of the prominent features of Islamic architecture.
These decorative elements were mostly composed of geometric elements with repetitive
features. Patterns formed from these elements represent the interests shown by the Muslims
of symmetrical balance and continuous flows of patterns. The balance of positive and
negative areas were not the only contributors as skilful uses of tonal values in colours were
also one of the elements that made Islamic decorative elements aesthetically pleasing.
Arabesque, also known an Islimi, is a decorative element that used floral patterns, ultimately
demonstrating the order and unity of nature. As previously mentioned, calligraphy was used
as a decorative element in buildings due to the fact that the letters are mathematically
proportionate, another example of the obsession of geometry in Islamic architecture.
Calligraphy were mostly used to frame certain structures in buildings.
Islamic architecture is also reliant on the use of light as a decorative element. The mixture of
the rays of light and darkness creates a contrast on certain architectural structures of the
building.

4.2) INTRODUCTION TO MODERNISM

Modern architecture is an architectural style that was introduced during the 19 th century in
opposition to their precedence, the Victorian style. Modern architecture, instead, was an
architectural style that abolished the use of ornaments and focused on the simplicity, while
at the same time incorporating the use of modern technology in the design.
Modern architecture was a preference in which inessential details were rejected. This
architectural style was highly dependent on the materials and functionality for the form of
the buildings. This was done in order to obtain beauty that would be naturally expressed
through the structure itself.
Reinforced concrete, steel, brick, glass and timber, basically materials with an application to
modern technology, were the materials that were widely used during this era. In addition,
these materials were usually left bare, meaning they were used in construction without the
application of other materials, such as paint.

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4.3) ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

Communications
relay

Ornamental
decoration

Observation
deck
Balcony

Slim neck
Slim neck

KL TOWER

MINARET

As shown above, the KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur) closely resembles the form of the
minaret, a slim, tall tower topped with a balcony for the calling of Muslim prayers. As for the
case with the KL Tower, the balcony is replaced with an observation deck. When viewed solely
from the exteriors, both structures lack complicated ornaments and, instead, maintain a plain,
solid aesthetic with minimal ornamental decorations.

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The exterior of the KL Tower minimises its use of ornaments aside from some decorative
elements located alongside the neck of the tower, as well as under the observatory deck.
These decorative elements, however, are composed of geometric forms with repetitive
patters, resembling the art style of Islamic architecture.

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The entrance into the building is ornate with

Islamic decorations, similar to that of a

mosques entrance, consisting of a repetition of

geometrical shapes. The use of columns is also
an indication of the reference of Classical
architecture to Islamic architecture.
In contrast to the exterior of the building, the
interior is heavily decorated. The decorations,
both ceiling and flooring, are, once again, a

repetition

of

several

geometric

shapes,

emphasising the obsession of the order of

geometric shapes in Islamic architecture.

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The observation deck expresses

more of modern architecture in
comparison to the ground floor.
In the observational deck, steel
and glass are materials that are
widely used.

The windows represent Islamic architecture

as

it

incorporates

the

repetition

of

geometric shapes.

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4.4) COMPARISON WITH CN TOWER

Communications

Observation Deck

Base/Entrance

Both the KL Tower and CN Tower have similar massing, in terms of structural placement. Not
only that, both buildings have similar functions and spaces as well, such as restaurants,
observation decks, as well as acting as functioning as communication towers. Moreover, both
towers seem to share similar materials during construction.
The difference between the two would be the architectural styles of the two towers. For
example, The observation deck of the KL Tower has some, though minimal, ornaments
located below that suggests its architectural style is a fusion of Islamic architecture as well as
modern architecture. The CN Tower, however, lacks any sort of ornamentations.
Lastly, it can be observed that the KL Tower implements some Islamic architectural
characteristics into its designs, such as arches on the base, as well as the use of repetition in
geometric shapes for ornaments, whereas the CN Tower lacks such ornaments with a simple,
plain design, an indication of its relation to modern architecture.

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STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
MUHAMMAD FAIDH 0323712

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5.1) STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

GREEN = Tower shaft Reinforced concrete system

RED = Tower head Structural Steel frames

PURPLE = Antenna Installed by helicopter

Kuala Lumpur Towers modern architecture style uses a tall

vertical element that is based of circular geometry that
represent the modernity and vision of Malaysia. To build such
tall structure requires a composite construction technology
that combines both concrete structural system and steel
structural system. As a result the building feels very heavy yet
light at the same time which differs from other regular
curtain-wall faade that other skyscrapers have.
KL Towers structure is considered a vertical cantilever
structure. This refers to how the tower head is bigger and
more spacious as compared to the middle part of the tower.
A cantilever structure is a structure in which consists of
structural elements anchored at only one end which is the
center part of the tower. This structural elements consisting
of a gigantic concrete superstructure carry the tower head
load with shear stress and strength. This allows the tower
head to overhang beyond the perimeter of the tower shaft
without the use of external bracing. This is done possible
through the use of a strong and heavy concrete structural
system for the tower shaft and structural steel frames for the
cantilever tower head as it is much more light-weight and
Figure 5.1 The superstructure
part can be divided into 3 parts
composed of different
structures.

durable in comparison.

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TOWER SHAFT
The first phase of construction started in 1991
which begins with excavations of soil and
widening of Jalan Puncak. The foundation was
constructed which requires 50,000 cubic
meters of concrete that took 31 hours of
continuous pouring onto the designated
framework. The deep foundation does not use
any

piling

unlike

other

conventional

skyscrapers.
Figure 5.2 Close up view of KL Tower. Tower Shaft can be
seen clearly.

The tower shaft itself weighted 45,000 metric

tons and is about 270 meters height. The

structure is composed of reinforced concrete with hollowed inner part for elevators and
stairs. The shaft has a tapered geometry in which the bottom part is larger than the top part.
The maximum diameter measures about 24.5 meters whereas the minimum diameter is 14
meters. This allows for such verticality of a structure
to be greatly stable and secured. Moreover, the
cylindrical shape allows it to withstand very strong
winds of up to 129km/h.
On the other hand, a similar building built in
Toronto, CN Towers structure consists of several
substructures. The main part of the tower consists
of a hollowed out concrete hexagonal pillar which
contains

stairwells,

plumbing

and

power

connections. All six elevators are situated within the

three inverted angles created by the Towers
hexagonal shape.

Figure 5.3 CN Tower, A similar building built in

Toronto before KL Tower. Also use reinforce
concrete but in different arrangement

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TOWER HEAD
The structure of the tower head differs significantly from
the tower shaft. The middle section is still composed of a
reinforced concrete structure but the outer section is
purely supported by the use of strong structural steel
tubes that formed the frames for the structure. This also
Figure 5.4 Cantilevered tower head
structure anchored from the tower
shaft.

allows placement of glass all around which provides the

iconic panoramic views and natural light.

5.2) MATERIAL ANALYSIS

CONCRETE
One of the main materials used in
the construction of the KL Tower is
none

other

than

concrete.

Concrete is widely used in its

foundation as well as the support
of the building, primarily the
columns.

These

cylindrical

columns, that can be seen clearly

Figure 5.5 Reinforced concrete are used for the curvilinear elements in the
interior reception area.

in the reception and basement

area, are made from concrete are
coated in layers of protective
coatings and white paint. This
coating helps preserve and protect
the column from the rain and
surrounding atmosphere as the
area where these columns are
primarily used are exposed to the

Figure 5.6 Exposed concrete in the parking bays.

outdoor

world.

However,

the

concrete in the parking area are

more exposed and bare giving a more rustic look while saving costs.

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STEEL

Figure 5.7 Steel Columns and steel frames for the fixed windows.

Like most other buildings in the modern era, Kl

Tower also incorporates steel as one of its main
building materials. Like the previously mentioned
concrete, steel is used mainly as the support and
framework of the building. The steel structures are
then covered by exterior cladding which provides
better durability and comfort as most of the steel
Figure 5.8 Steel Columns covered by cladding for
user comfort and aesthetic purposes.

columns are situated indoors. The steel columns

themselves are also reinforced with a steel
framework to help them withstand the load
bearing better. Moreover, stainless steel are also used
as a decorative elements as well as other details such as
the railings.

Figure 5.9 Railings.

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KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

DOUBLE-GLAZED GLASS WITH GAS INFILL

Glass is also an integral material used in the construction
of KL Tower. Whilst it does not see much use in the
commercial areas, as it is mostly found at the very top of
the tower, placed in frames to allow the visitors a good
view of the surrounding metropolis, it is widely used in
its broadcasting area, which covers most the tower
head. This double-glazed glass is made to be highly
strong to prevent accidents from happening. Not only
that, the main purpose of having a double-glazed glass
with gas infill is so that the heat from the huge amount
of sunlight flowing through is reduced, to try and

Figure 5.10 Double Glazed Glass.

provide a cool environment in the tower.

Figure 5.11 Diagrammatic explanation of a typical double-glazed

glass and its heat shield properties.

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GRANITE
Granite in KL Tower is mainly used as part of the flooring decorum. After the concrete layer is
laid down, it is covered in smooth granite tiles. The granite tiles are polished and waxed to
give off a nice reflective surface if one looks hard enough. Apart from that, some of the granite
tiles are also arranged in such a way that, they form a pattern on the floor with Islamic
geometric influence.

Figure 5.12 & 5.13 Granite flooring patterns on the reception area.

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ARCHITECTURAL COMPONENTS
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Kuala Lumpur Tower stands at 421 meters tall, meaning at the time of completion is regarded
as the tallest structure in Malaysia. The tower is built in such great heights using concrete to
represent it being a monument and a symbol of modernity of the country. And as such, the
building contains several significant architectural elements and components.

6.1) THE PILLAR

The main supporting structure comprise of a hollow
concrete structure that supports the tower head structure
which is the top part of the building. This cylindrical pillar
is fluted throughout, which resembled like a classical
column. This resemblance suggests that the architects
intention to tell the world that Malaysia is a country that
embrace modernity and are progressive. Yet, the capital of
the all-white minimalistic pillar seems to transitioned to a
more Islamic-influenced floral geometric pattern. This
represents that while Malaysia is a modern country, it still
Figure 6.1 KL Tower shaft close up detail.
The bevelled vertical lines can be seen.

put values in religion and tradition and does not solely

follow secular principle. In terms of spatial function, this
tower shaft is hollow to allow rooms for four elevator shafts
and staircases totalled to 2058 flight of steps that are used
primarily for emergency and security purposes.

Figure 6.3 Similar in terms of visual as

compared to Doric column. The western
civilization are often viewed as the
symbol of modernity and prosperity

Figure 6.2 Interlacing arc arrangements forms a simple floral pattern.

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6.2) RECEPTION AREA

As

with

any

other

structures

designated for the public, KL Tower

consists of a reception area that can be
entered through either stairs or
escalators located south of the tower.
The reception area itself appears very
spacious in terms of scale but at the
same time very simplistic due to lack of
Figure 6.4 Escalator entrance.

ceiling and wall decoration. There is

however some notable exception. For
instance, the main entrance into the
lift areas are richly decorated with
Islamic arch that symbolize a grand
gateway. This mosaic-tiles covered
ornamentation greatly contrasts with
the bland interiors of the rest of the

Figure 6.5 Very spacious but simplistic without any ornamentation

on most of the interior part.

space. This gives a sense of visual

dominance which gives visitors something interesting and unusual spatial experience.
On top of that, the reception area
uses an open-wall concept in
which the interior spaces are
exposed to outdoor to a significant
degree. The roof of the reception
area

also

contains

clerestory

windows all around to allow lots of

natural light which illuminates the
whole

reception

equally.

Figure 6.6 Balcony railings. This balcony also has panoramic views but its
more towards the surrounding nature of Bukit Nanas.

Moreover, any visitors can walk on the outer balcony that revolve around the reception area.

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As one walk past by the Islamic-influenced gateway in the reception area to the elevator area,
the spatial quality and aesthetics differs greatly. The elevator areas wall are cladded with
more expensive marble and granite. The ceiling is covered with the most majestic dome-like
decorative element. This dome resembles the inner surface of a sparkling diamond and this
effect is achieving through the use of geometric glass that is arranged using the Muqarnas
form which is a traditional Islamic design originated from Isfahan, modern day Iran. This
brusque patterns symbolises the 7 layers of heaven according to Islamic belief.

Figure 6.7 Mystifying and beautifully dazzling that awes any visitors of KL Tower. There are 2 of these
domes in the elevator area which is located at the centre of the tower.

6.3) TOWER HEAD

The tower heads contain 6 floors
with

functioning

architectural

spaces. To allow for spaces, the

structure must be physically bigger
than the supporting tower shaft
and this requires it to be equally
cantilevered in 360 degrees to
Figure 6.8 Tower Head, each floors on top is bigger than the one below.

preserve structural integrity and

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KUALA LUMPUR TOWER CULTURE AND HISTORY II

balance. Each floor maintains a symmetrical circular form, though the floor above is slightly
larger than one below, allowing each floor to function differently (due to different size). Each
floor is also covered by fixed glass windows all around which provides ample natural lighting
into the spaces adequately regardless of the position of the sun. As the building is located at
the heart of a bustling metropolitan city, these windows will also provide interesting views of
Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding in every direction. Because of this features, one of the
floors is specially reserved as a public observation platform.
The fixed windows are arranged in alternating
pattern between windows that is slanted
downwards and windows that are straight.
The reasoning behind this fenestration design
is to allow spaces for diagonal structural steel
beams that support the tower head structure.
Additionally, introducing slanted windows
onto the design allows user to have a wider
Figure 6.9 The alternating pattern of trapezoidal fixed
windows of slanted and upright.

view of the ground as compared to upright

windows and this is heavily crucial in having a touristic observation deck.

6.4) ANTENNA MAST

A large antenna mast is fitted as the crown of the tower to
be utilised for telecommunication and broadcasting
transmissions. The antenna mast is purely there due to its
functionality component. Furthermore, this is also one of
the reason why the building is built at such height, as
transmitting frequency and broadcasting in general at
higher heights is more effective and efficient as it is free
from many ground distractions and obstacles. Aircraft
warning lights is equipped on-top of the antenna mast. This
periodically blinking lights allows the building to be identify
by any aircraft even during bad weather conditions,
Figure 6.10 Antenna Mask is the topmost
part of the KL Tower.

preventing possible collisions.

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