SITE ANALYSIS

KEK LOK TONG, IPOH

INTRODUCTION TO SITE
Kek Lok Tong + Zen Gardens
-The shape of the cave resembles a carp, renovations to develop the cave have been done mindful of this theme.

-The front entrance of the cave is likened to the head of the dragon carp, its mouth open to the heavens. The stairs
leading downwards to the rear cave entrance symbolizes the throat of the carp, the cavernous back entrance the
belly of the fish.

-There are even gill-like limestone formations on both sides of the "head" and a curio-resembles the gallbladder. And
finally, the pronged flight of stairs that descent unto the car park and pond was specifically made to resemble the tail
of a carp.
Location
Historical Timeline

1920 1970
Place for worship dedicated again to religious
purposes and opened to visitors

1960 1982
Become iron mining site Handed to a non-profit organization
operated by Mr. Chooi Ah Kee
Site Plan
 D’ E F’

A A’

B B’

C C’

D E’
Section A - A’
Section B - B’
Section C - C’
Section D - D’
Section E - E’
Section F - F’
CLIMATE
CLIMATE
The sun path for the
site is from east to
west, with the cave
entrance being north.

Wind flow is primarily

from south east with a Site section
minor breeze from
north
● Most people would come for a picnic at 8-11am (non peak heat)
therefore, the areas on the eastside of the garden would be most
ideal ideal for a picnic.
Gazebo #1

● For most part of the day, the pathway within the lower half of the
garden is unshaded. This will discourage people from walking. Sitting
area
● The river area is a place with constant shade(vegetation) but
there is minimal wind flow in the area.
river
● South East area is a non-ideal place for a playground as its the Gazebo #2
hottest area (no trees/shade) with minimal wind.
Playground
● Gazebo at North east side is the coolest area due to big trees and Permanently shaded area
cross ventilation from North and South East.

Morning shaded area Afternoon shaded area Evening shaded area

● The best period for a picnic would be in the month of
July and October
○ JULY: low humidity and low rainfall
○ OCTOBER: low temperature, low humidity &
minimal rainfall

● The worst month for a picnic will be in April due to the

high rainfall, humidity and temperature

● Although the temperature in Ipoh is slightly lower than

in KL, we feel like it's hotter in Ipoh due to it high
humidity.

● The rainfall in Ipoh is significantly higher than in KL,

therefore if a picnic pavilion is built it would be
sheltered.
EXISTING STRUCTURES
REFLEXOLOGY PATH

- Located at the centre of

human circulation
→ easily discovered and
accessible

- located in between both

lakes
→ to give a sense of tranquility

Located at the centre of zen

garden
Easily seen cause not blocked by
trees
Visually divided the zen garden
into two
One of the longest reflexology
path in Ipoh

Hot in afternoon to early evening

Only allows 1 person to go and
come back at the same time
→(unable for 2 people to walk
side by side in same direction)
BENCHES

Green colour to blend with nature in order to create

a sense of harmony and peacefulness

- located between two lakes

→ which is centre of main circulation
→ suitable for those who come and exercise to rest
→ meeting point for social interaction

-act as a complementary feature for the reflexology

pathway
→ a place to rest after going through the
reflexology path

Design of benches prevents people from sleeping

on it
Located strategically in the middle of human
circulation
Green colour blends well with surrounding

Area located is not shaded by trees

→ very hot in afternoon
→ not many people will use it (usually just putting
things)
−view from east side benches are disrupted by
power transmitter tower
Toilet
· Located far from human circulation
1) To prevent unpleasant smell
2) To preserve an unobstructed view for
the viewer of the lake

· Located in the middle of human

circulation
1) To easily accessible

· Same design as gazebos ( Visual

harmony)
· Located in middle of main circulation for
easy accessibility
· Located far from where most activities
are done thus prevent the smell from
spoiling visitors’ mood.
· Toilet is well maintained and cleaned

· Area full of ants thus not a good place to

build a pavilion
· Hidden by trees, only can be seen when
walking north on pathway.
Gazebo
· Hexagonal – Take influences from the Chinese pavilion which is normally
square, hexagon and octagon.

· Material:
Balustrade :
-Concrete (precast)(green glazing)
-To replace jade
o Same characteristic
o Symbolize hierarchy and wealth

Green glazed roof :

-Represent spring and prosperity
-Long lasting, attractive
-To blend with the nature

All roofs are designed the same for visual harmony

Both are well- shaded
Views from both gazebos are good

Both located nearby each other at one side

- Other side of zen garden doesn’t have gazebo
- Difficult for visitors from other side to find shelter when it rains
(Possible place to locate pavilion to provide more place to rest)
PLINTH FOR STATUE

MATERIALS :

→ Bricks
→ cement
left over materials and reused
→ ceramics
Materials from other structure

FUNCTION

-For local artwork display

-Artwork from previous artwork competition
Placement
-Along the pathway for people to view when they
walk pass
Outdoor Gym
‣Place for exercise Square Gazebo
‣Function:
‣Condition: To worship the God of Mountain
Poorly maintained As ancient Chinese believe all superior gods and spirits are
Rusty located at high places
People visit to will ask for blessing for crops and wealth as
‣Seldomly used they believe God of Mountain controls the weather.

‣Location:
located far from main circulation at a quiet place as a
respect to the God of Mountain
Facing west according to Feng Shui is the direction of
fortune to place the temple

‣Colour:
Yellow: In ancient Chinese culture, only Emperors were
allowed to use

‣Light:
At centain time of the year, many people will come to pray
At night, light is used to show the path direction to the
gazebo

Power Transmitter Tower

‣Big and inharmonious
‣Blocks the view of the users
LANDSCAPE
Concept of landscape
Japanese / Zen Garden

Japanese dry garden, with stones, ornaments, and objects that were reminiscent of distant landscapes and towers,
already existed.

Aesthetic purpose

Meant to be seen while seated from a single viewpoint outside the garden Intended to imitate the intimate essence
of nature

Provides shelter - shade from large trees for user’s comfort

 Species of Plants and Vegetations

TREES

1790mm
TACOMA TREE

1790mm

CORDYLINE

1790mm

SITE PLAN
 Species of Plants and Vegetations

TREES

1790mm

SEALING WAX PALM

1790mm
FAUX ACACIA

SITE PLAN BAMBOO 1790mm

 Species of Plants and Vegetations

TREES

1790mm

PALM TREE

1790mm

SYZGIUM MYRTITOLIUM
SITE PLAN
 SHRUBS

COLOUR GUARD FURCRAEA

YUCCA SELLOA
H -1990 W-2010 H- 960 W-750

ALOE VERA
H- 670 W-690
ZEBRA
PLANT
H-1085

BABY BAMBOO H
H-1100 W-1235 (HEIGHT
 SHRUBS
(SURROUNDING THE LAKE )

ALLAMANDA EXORA
H-1090 W-2460 H-1080 W-1530
-

CORDYLINE
H-2000 W-730

BOUGAINVILLEA
H-1900 W-805
Species of Plants and Vegetations

WATER PLANTS

Lotus plant

ESTIMATED DEPTH OF LAKE:

● Lotus planted at least 15
cm of good clay-rich topsoil
● best planted in 30 cm of
water, and never in more
than 50 cm.
DRAINAGE
 Bench- h-350 Tables- h-430
W-320 W-750

● More well maintained shrubs

● Height of shrubs is more well
grown
● No empty space between
shrubs

pond

● Less shrubs Gazeb

planted on this o
side Water plant : Lotus plant
More shrubs were
● Shrubs are ● 15cm with good clay rich topsoil
planted in this area
smaller and less ● Best planted between 30cm to 50cm of
creating a more
maintained water.
welcoming feeling
 • Insufficient green space due to the presences of mosquito
• Benches and tables are placed near toilet
FALLEN TREES
• X trees that is no longer there
• Less trees detected in this area
• More of small plants and less trees MAN-MADE LAKE
• Lotus plant covers the whole lake
• More exposed to sunlight
• Lotus plants are not well maintained
• Water in the lake causes the breed of mosquito

Patches of grass can be seen due to shades from

trees

• Decorative elements
• Various plants planted together
• Creates an interesting view for the visitors

• The most shaded area among all the

around the site
• Filled with various plants and trees
• Monkeys can be located along the cliffs
• More tourist can be seen in this area
Soil condition SUITABILITY OF SOIL FOR
CONSTRUCTION.
LIGHT, LOAM SAND SOIL CLAY - RICH TOPSOIL MUD SOIL
LIGHT, LOAM SAND SOIL
- Suitable for
construction
considering a few
existing gazebos was
constructed there.
- Still penetrable upon
water compaction.

CLAY - RICH TOPSOIL

- Topsoil is usually removed prior

construction as it is not a suitable
soil for construction

MUD SOIL

- Not suitable for construction

Wildlife

GOOSE DOG MALAYSIAN MAGPIE BUTTERFLY

Monkeys, Dog,
Birds, Goose, Dog Insects,
Goose, Fishes,
Mosquitoes
Tadpoles, Butterflies

MACAQUE MONKEYS
CIRCULATION
 N
CIRCULATION
MACRO

● 5km south of Ipoh City

● Requires navigating through
residential area to reach the temple
● One way in and out
● No public transportation access
near the temple.
CIRCULATION WORSHIP AREA
MACRO
 SCULPTURES

MAJOR
CIRCULATION

SLOW PACE

NORMAL PACE

● Visitor slows down when they

reach the path with sculptures
at both sides.
● Path can only fit 2 people, so
when others stop to admire the
sculptures/view the movement
flow is slowed down.

CIRCULATION
MICRO
 N
MORNING
People prefer to gather and stay in
the shaded area which is on the East
side.

EVENING
People prefer to gather and stay in the
West side because it is more shaded.
 How landscape affects the circulation?
-Plain terrain Mud soil

-Undesignated path
Light foam sand soil
-Muddy and sloppy after rain
-have snakes or other wildlife
- even though it is one of the
permanent shaded area but
-Undesignated path
people don't really want to
-Become sloppy and muddy after
come here rain
-people won't use this path after
rain

-Terrain is uneven, people

hard to walk
-grass is taller so there is
more insects, and it become
-firm soil
very wet after rain
-user friendly so people will
-prevent people from are more willing to walk
around
walking to this area
ACTIVITIES
 Active Area
Active Area

1. Chinese exercises are carried

out near the cliff and away from
crowd
a. “Positive energy” Passive Area
2. Passive Area
a. Less facilities
b. Less shade
3. Active Area Bagua
a. Gazebos, benches,
reflexology
b. Better shade, air
ventilation
4. Gazebo
a. Active area
i. Passive
activities
b. Passive area
i. workouts
 Heat map

Morning shaded area

Afternoon shaded area

Evening shaded area

VIEWS AND VISTAS
Views to site
1
· Clear view towards and through points of
interests i.e lotus lake and mountains
· Good visual composition provided by cliff
backdrop
· Great visual emphasis towards site

2
· Good foreground,middleground and
background views
· Great visual composition
· Balanced emphasis towards site and
backdrop
3
· Visual emphasis towards walkway and
reflexology pathway
· Backdrop of view towards lake
· Power pylon and quarried mountain
visible
Views to site
4
· Obstructed view towards and
through site by trees

5
· Obstruction of views towards and
through lake by trees
· Quarried mountain and power pylon
visible

6
· Obstruction of views towards lake by
trees
· Quarried mountain and cement
factory visible
Views from site
A
B

· Direct view towards human pathways · Clarity of view towards and through site

· Dappled sunlight effect loo produced by

trees due to shading on pathway
generate visual intrigue

D C

· Clarity of view towards point of interest and

· View to cement factory obscured by trees through site

· Damage to quarried mountain disrupts visual harmony · Interesting visual composition via balanced
relative in relation to surrounding mountains distribution of elements present i.e large
cliff backdrop and abundant trees
A B

· Good visual composition of trees with · Clarity of view through site as well as
a cliff backdrop point of interest

· Experience of different scales and · Full view of scale of mountains due to

visual comfort distance generates visual drama

C D

· Trees and shrubs aid in framing view · Lack of focus on significant points of
across the site interest

· Glimpses of quarried mountain

A B

· Nice landscape composition

· Clarity of view towards and
· Obscured views through site
through site

E C
D

· Good sweeping view of the · Beautiful cliff views

landscape · Visible horizon line generated by cliff
· Direct view towards power
pylon and quarried · Unobstructed view towards the
mountain playground
A B

● Good view of human activities

● Sculpture and trees obscure ● Cliff backdrop preserved
views through site

● Up close view of pavilion

E D

● Beautiful cliff backdrop

● Good view towards the lake ● Lack of spatial definition

● Adequately interesting visual
composition
● Views towards cement factory
screened by trees
● Direct view towards pathway and electrical pylon
● Direct placement of gazebo in front of the lake shifts visual
emphasis, therefore establishing the gazebo as main subject
Panoramic views
POTENTIAL SITES
 2
1 3

4
Site 1
Permanently shaded area
Accessibility - close to toilet
Less populated area - less activity congestion

Lack of sunlight permeability - area is very dark

Shade and bamboo attract wildlife (snakes)
Located far from cave entrance
Pavilion would be hidden - people won’t know there is a
pavilion
Site 2
Unobstructed views from site
Easily seen from the outside
Located close to populated activity area

Lack of shade
Uninteresting landscape - flat land
Site 3
Unique views different angles
Accessibility - closer to cave entrance
Cliff provide visual interest

Thorny/sharp plants unpleasant to the eye

Area not as well shaded
Site 4
Permanently shaded area, cooler
Less visual permeability, more privacy
Located far from populated area - more privacy

Unpleasant views towards the south

Shade attract wildlife (snakes)
Not well ventilated, wind blocked by trees
Accessibility - far from actual pathway
S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS
Strengths
● Location of gazebo well shaded with good
windflow
● Main pathway is well paved and flat
● Large variety of vegetation in good condition
● Plenty of trees which provide shade, especially
at main activity areas
● Good views towards north side
● Harmony of existing structures - follow the
same architectural style
● Unique setting - enclosed by cliffs on 3 sides
● Well maintained landscape and structure
Weaknesses
● Most of activity occur around east side, lack of
activities and circulation on west side
● Some areas lack shade, discourage activities in
certain areas
● Unpleasant views towards the south
● Lack of shelter/gazebo on west side of site
● Not disabled friendly
● No points on interest in southwest side of site
● Lack of shade for pathway (especially south of
the site)
Opportunities
● More emphasis on the cliffs as an
attraction for the zen garden
● More trees can be planted to provide
shade and frame views.
● Shelter for shade and protection from
rain
● More spaces can be activated and utilized
to improve experiences
● Improve experiences and journey to the
playground/bottom half of site
Threats
● Pond not as well maintained
● Snakes and monkeys could disrupt activities
● Muddy areas from balding patches of grass
● Traffic congestion in populated areas of the site
● Empty pots of still water encourage mosquito
growth
● Noise from the quarry/mining site
CASE STUDY
Bamboo Playhouse
Bamboo Playhouse
The bamboo playhouse is a pavilion located in the Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Designed by Eleena Jamil, the structure consists of 31 elevated platforms,
featuring tree-like columns made of bamboo
Location and context
The bamboo playhouse is located on cycad island, an island filled with thorny
cycas plants. Around the island are the Perdana Canopy and Edible Garden
Site
The main attractions of cycad island are the bamboo
playhouse and cycas plants. The island is also surrounded
by bamboo plantings

The island is accessible by bridges connecting it with the

rest of the park

The plantings of the island does not provide shade to the

pavilion, so the bamboo playhouse’s roofs shade visitors
from the harsh afternoon sunlight. The lack of trees allow
the wind from northwest to reach the bamboo playhouse
Material - Bamboo
METAPHOR

● Symbolizing virtue of humility, moral

integrity, which fits with the Chinese
traditional aesthetic taste and morality
● Embodies an everlasting pursue of
harmonious symbiotic relationship
between the nature and human being
Material - Bamboo
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

● Tensile strength is about 2 times that wood

● Compressive strength is 20% higher than wood
● Low thermal conductivity - good heat insulator
● Its mechanical properties are highly dependant on
the moisture content
● Varies in thickness and strength which allows
different adjustment in construction accordantly
Material - Bamboo
MATERIALITY

● The design of bamboo as the main vertical

structural supports blends well with the
trees in elevation.
● Natural material - forms a physical
extension from the outdoor nature to the
indoor through the open space design
● However, the rigid form of bamboo creates
a geometrical plan view which acts as an
element of contrast with the vegetation
around.
Design inspiration
The structure of the Bamboo Playhouse is inspired by vernacular structures
called a wakaf. The Bamboo playhouse is like a series of wakaf’s grouped
together.
Structure indicating playfulness

The different levels of platforms creates a sense of playfulness. It creates

various opportunities of use which allow users to interact with each other
within the space. Also, the short recurring bamboos are placed along the
boundary of each plans, hence create spatial voids for human activities.
Model and Section showing the
changing height of the platforms
Harmony with surroundings
The Bamboo Playhouse blends in harmoniously with the
greenery of the park, with the tree-like form and natural
(bamboo) materials. The presence of bamboo around the
island helps the bamboo playhouse to fit in with the island.
 THE END
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