LH Ismail (2007). An evaluation of bioclimatic high rise office buildings in a tropical climate: energy consumption and users' satisfaction in selected office buildings in Malaysia. PhD Thesis, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

1. 11
An Evaluation of Bioclimatic Skyscrapers in a Tropical Climate : Energy AuditAn Evaluation of Bioclimatic Skyscrapers in a Tropical Climate : Energy Audit
and User’s Satisfaction in Selected Office Buildings in Malaysiaand User’s Satisfaction in Selected Office Buildings in Malaysia
PhD. StudentPhD. Student
Lokman Hakim IsmailLokman Hakim Ismail
SupervisorsSupervisors
Dr. Magda Sibley & Prof. David J OldhamDr. Magda Sibley & Prof. David J Oldham
School of ArchitectureSchool of Architecture
University of LiverpoolUniversity of Liverpool
United KingdomUnited Kingdom

2. 22
Climatic Design of TheClimatic Design of The
Malay HouseMalay House
The passive environmental response to
tropical climates has been practiced in
Malaysia for many centuries.
Traditional Malay houses provide lesson
in environmental design.
Modernization and urbanization have
created high energy consumption
building.
Passive environmental response is
becoming popular in modern buildings
design as manifested by Ken Yeang
Architecture.
Research BackgroundResearch Background
Various Types of The Traditional Malay House :Various Types of The Traditional Malay House : The passive environmentalThe passive environmental
response to tropical climates can be seen in many part of the componentsresponse to tropical climates can be seen in many part of the components
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

3. 33
The rationale for adapting the bioclimatic
approach to high-rise design is that:
It can address many of the problems which
conventional high-rise design does not.
But to what extend does bioclimatic approaches
contributed in resolving these problems?
Does it really reduce energy consumption and
by how much?
What are the bioclimatic features that
contribute in low energy building design?
How do building users perceive the
bioclimatic design?
How does it affect their behaviours within the
building?
Research QuestionsResearch Questions
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

4. 4
The aim of the research is to investigate how building design in tropical climate can
contribute in reducing energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
The main objective of this study is to compare the performance of high rise bioclimatic
office blocks with that of conventional ones in two Malaysian cities.
Research AimsResearch Aims
Greater urbanization in Malaysia demand a more environmentally
responsive solutions.
Malaysia architecture faces great challenges in a technological world.
Important to conserve Malaysia’s vernacular buildings and draw valuable
lessons from them.
Clients expect more environmental friendly buildings from an architect.
Meet the world wide environmental agenda to reduce CO2 emissions and
global warming.
Significance of the StudySignificance of the Study
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

5. 5
Research HypothesisResearch Hypothesis
Hypothesis 1:Hypothesis 1:
“High rise office buildings in Malaysia incorporating bioclimatic design have
better environmental performance and consume less energy than conventional
ones”
The transformation of bioclimatic approach from traditional into modern
building in Malaysia can be seen in several component of the design.
The bioclimatic approach provides natural ventilation and consequently will
reduce energy consumption for cooling strategies especially from air-
conditioning systems.
The bioclimatic building must finally benefit from the natural light or day
lighting strategies that will significantly reduce energy consumption for
lighting.
Hypothesis 2:Hypothesis 2:
“Bioclimatic buildings create a better working environment for the users and
provide higher level of satisfaction than conventional ones”.
The bioclimatic approach creates a better environment for the building users
and they do perceive the benefits of bioclimatic building.
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

6. 6
Scope of the StudyScope of the Study
Climate
•the external factor
e.g.
automatic
controls
Human Factors
•comfort requirements
•occupancy regimes
•management and maintenance
•activity
•access to controls etc
Building Envelope
•size
•built form
•shape
•materials
•ventilation
•location
•orientation etc
Building Services
•fuels
•type of system
•size of system
•plant controls
•plant efficiency
•operating regime etc.
e.g. user control
e.g. window
controls
Ideal
Design
Factors that influence energy consumption
( Source: CIBSE Briefing 8, p.3.)
Focus on bothFocus on both engineeringengineering andand
architecturalarchitectural strategies instrategies in
reducing energy consumption:reducing energy consumption:
1.1. Building DesignBuilding Design
2.2. Services design & SystemsServices design & Systems
PerformancePerformance
3.3. Occupant BehaviorOccupant Behavior
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

7. 7
Such performance was measured according to a combination
of technical and social criteria:
Direct observationDirect observation
Users’ perceptionUsers’ perception
Environmental measurementEnvironmental measurement
The energy consumptionsThe energy consumptions
BenchmarkBenchmark
MethodologyMethodology
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

8. 8
High-riseHigh-rise Office Buildings
Bioclimatic SkyscraperBioclimatic Skyscraper Conventional SkyscraperConventional Skyscraper
Description of CaseDescription of Case
Building Name - Architects - Photos-Appraisal - Building type - Building Owner – Location
Latitude - Land Area - Total Floor Area - No of Storey – Structure – Façade
Energy Evaluation/Audit
(Metering Strategy)
1. Electricity1. Electricity
2. Gas2. Gas
Post Occupancy Evaluation
(Questionnaires)
1. Comfort1. Comfort
2. User’s Satisfaction2. User’s Satisfaction
Environmental Design
(Bioclimatic Strategies)
1. Bioclimatic1. Bioclimatic
2. Form and Envelope2. Form and Envelope
Study Information & Required DataStudy Information & Required Data
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

9. 9
Case Study BuildingsCase Study Buildings
Conventional BuildingConventional Building Bioclimatic BuildingBioclimatic Building
Sealed envelope with less exposed surface area to
minimise fabric heat load
Incorporate a more permeable skin that admits light
and ventilation
Greater plan depth and normally has a central
service core.
Shallow plan depth (an aspect ratio of 1:3) and a
side placed core.
Not differentiate façade design according to
orientation, i.e. all façades are likely to be similar.
Acknowledges orientation in terms of where its
service core and transitional space are placed, and
how its façade are treated.
UMNOUMNO
MESINIAGAMESINIAGA
IBMIBM
KOMTARKOMTAR
TIMATIMA
LUTHLUTH
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

10. 10
Bioclimatic indicators for high rise buildingsBioclimatic indicators for high rise buildings
Bioclimatic indicators for high rise buildingsBioclimatic indicators for high rise buildings
ResultsResults

11. 11
Results (continue)Results (continue)
Measured parameterMeasured parameter
68.0
70.0
72.0
74.0
76.0
78.0
80.0
82.0
9:00am 11:00am 1:00pm 3:00pm 5:00pm
SoundPressureLeveldB(A)
UMNO
MNIAGA
IBM
KOMTAR
TIMA
LUTH
Comparison of daytime indoor sound pressure level
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
9:00am 11:00am 1:00pm 3:00pm 5:00pm
LightIntensity(lux)
UMNO
MNIAGA
IBM
KOMTAR
TIMA
LUTH
Comparison of indoor daytime light intensity
0.00
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00am 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
AirVelocity(m/s)
UMNO
MNIAGA
IBM
KOMTAR
TIMA
LUTH
Comparison of daytime indoor air velocity
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00am 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
RelativeHumidity(%)
UMNO
MNIAGA
IBM
KOMTAR
TIMA
LUTH
Comparison of daytime indoor relative humidity
21.5
22.0
22.5
23.0
23.5
24.0
24.5
25.0
25.5
8:00am 9:00am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00am 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm
AirTemperature(DegreeCelsius)
UMNO
MNIAGA
IBM
KOMTAR
TIMA
LUTH
Comparison of daytime indoor temperature

12. 12
Energy consumption in all buildings (CIBSE TM31, 2003)Energy consumption in all buildings (CIBSE TM31, 2003)
Overall annual energy performance (electricity) and CO2 emissionOverall annual energy performance (electricity) and CO2 emission
Results (continue)Results (continue)

13. 13
Building rank by architectural features (office space)Building rank by architectural features (office space)
Results (continue)Results (continue)
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research
86420
50
40
30
20
10
0
Frequency
86420
ConventionalBioclimatic
Type
Histogram and normal curve for overall appearance of the building

14. 14
Building rank by architectural features (communal spaces & services)Building rank by architectural features (communal spaces & services)
Results (continue)Results (continue)
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research
86420
40
30
20
10
0
Frequency
86420
ConventionalBioclimatic
Type
Level of satisfaction towards public area spaces in the building

15. 15
1. The major finding of this work is that the occupants in bioclimatic
buildings have a higher level of satisfaction with their working
environment than those in conventional office blocks.
2. There is evidence that bioclimatic buildings are energy efficient as the
most recent bioclimatic building (Menara UMNO), has a lower energy
index than the ASEAN standard and within the latest Malaysian
Standard related to energy efficiency.
3. Historically, high rise buildings have been perceived as inefficient
users of energy, although this is difficult to prove, with the new
bioclimatic design concept and technologies, there is no doubt that
high rise office buildings in the future would be much better in design
that provide better environment to the users and consume less energy.
ConclusionsConclusions
Bioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed ResearchBioclimatic High Rise Office Buildings in Malaysia: Overview of Previous Work and Proposed Research

16. 16
The EndThe End
Thank YouThank You
Lokman Hakim Ismail, Magda Sibley, David J OldhamLokman Hakim Ismail, Magda Sibley, David J Oldham
School of Architecture,School of Architecture,
University of Liverpool, United KingdomUniversity of Liverpool, United Kingdom

17. 17
Building Details (UMNO)Building Details (UMNO)
Building NameBuilding Name: Menara UMNO (1998)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: Majlis Agama Islam Pulau Pinang
Building TypeBuilding Type: High-rise Office (Bioclimatic)
ArchitectsArchitects: T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: South East Asia Development Corporation, JDC Corporation
Sdn Bhd, Tahir Wong Sdn Bhd, Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd, Juru Ukur Bahan
Malaysia, and Prof. Richard Ainsley.
TenancyTenancy: Commercial lease with multiple tenants
LocationLocation: Pulau Pinang (Penang) Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 5°24’57.83”N - 100°19’31.15”E
SiteSite: Urban high-density plot within city centre
Land AreaLand Area: 1,920m2 (Half acre)
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 10495m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 7,413m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 21 Floors (94m or 307ft)
LiftLift: 4 Passenger lift, 1 service and 1 car park lift.
FormForm: Tower and podium (parking from levels 3-5), transitional spaces (balconies)
on every office floor.
StructureStructure: Reinforced Concrete
Floor to Floor HeightFloor to Floor Height: 3.85m (average)
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 18 m (from window to core)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 80% except SE façade.
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Service core faces east. External sunshades
designed to relate with solar load. Aluminium cladding with spray tiles finishes.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: lift lobbies, escape staircases and service spaces naturally
ventilated and lit. Full height aluminium frame window with tempered glazing and
sun shading panel.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Wind wing-wall designed to bring option to all
tower floors.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air conditioning air-cooled system, ceiling grid of
fluorescent light fittings.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Blinds for windows, 2-3 lighting zones per floor, central
thermostat control.
AccoladesAccolades: Highly regarded example of Bioclimatic office building in the hot-
humid tropics, winner of RAIA International Award.
backback

18. 18
Building Details (MESINIAGA)Building Details (MESINIAGA)
Building NameBuilding Name: Menara Mesiniaga (1992)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: Mesiniaga Sdn.Bhd
Building TypeBuilding Type: High-rise Office (Bioclimatic)
ArchitectsArchitects: T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: Siah Brothers Sdn Bhd, Reka Perunding Sdn Bhd, Norman Disney
& Yong Sdn Bhd, Lap Consultancy, Reka Perunding Sdn Bhd, Baharuddin Ali & Low
Sdn.
TenancyTenancy: Owner-occupied, private company
LocationLocation: Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 3°04’57.48”N - 101°35’32.18”E
SiteSite: Suburban green-field site next to motorway
Land AreaLand Area: 6,503m2
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 11,364m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 9,060m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 15 Floors (63m or 207ft)
LiftLift: 4 Passenger lift.
FormForm: Tower and podium with semi-basement parking, transitional spaces (balconies)
on every office floor.
StructureStructure: Concrete
Floor to floor heightFloor to floor height: 3.9m
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 30m (from window to window) 23 m (from window to core)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 80% on all sides except East (20%).
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Service core faces east. External sunshades
designed to relate with solar load.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: lift lobbies, escape staircases and service spaces naturally
ventilated and lit. Solar tints on most windows (user-installed) to reduce glare.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Variable air-volume supply for optimal delivery.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air-conditioning, Ceiling grid of fluorescent light fittings.
Lighting in office space adjustable to 25%, 50% or 100% intensity, depending on time
of day and usage. Provision for future solar-cell installation.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Occupants have no direct control over temperature or light.
Electrical light switches are zoned according to sections of the floor covering groups of
workstations. 2-3 Lighting zones per floor. No blinds are provided for windows.
Central thermostat control.
AccoladesAccolades: Winner of PAM Architectural Excellence Award, the Aga Khan Award
1995, RAIA International Award and AIA citation.
backback

19. 19
Building Details (IBM)Building Details (IBM)
Building NameBuilding Name: IBM Plaza (1987)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: IBM Coorperation
Building TypeBuilding Type: High-rise Office (Bioclimatic)
ArchitectsArchitects: T.R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: TTDI Plaza Sdn Bhd, Ho Hup Construction Company Berhad, Wan
Mohamed & Khoo Sdn Bhd, JuaraConsult Sdn Bhd, Davis Langdon & Seah Malaysia, Juru
Ukur Bahan Malaysia.
TenancyTenancy: Owner-occupied, private company
LocationLocation: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 3°08’22.46”N - 101°37’48.98”E
SiteSite: Urban shop lots within low rise residential areas.
Land AreaLand Area: 6,800m2
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 22,165m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 16,981m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 24 Floors (112m or 367ft)
LiftLift: 8 Passenger lift and 1 service.
FormForm: Rectangular tower block, transitional spaces at upper floors are extended in an
asymmetrical pattern resulting in the wedge- shaped projection of the upper floors. Typical
floor pre-orientated towards the north-south axis in relation, to the sun path
StructureStructure: Concrete
Floor to Floor HeightFloor to Floor Height: 3.75m (average)
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 26.6m (Window to window NS and EW)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 50% NS façade 30% EW façade
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Service cores (lifts, stairs and toilers,) are located on
the hot sides of the tower (east and west sides). Pre-cast and pre-tiled spandrel panels fixed on
the edge of each floor to give sun shading to the glazing. The garden ascends diagonally
across the façade.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: lift lobbies, escape staircases and service spaces naturally
ventilated and lit.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Ground level, the entrance area (including the lift lobby that
leads to the plaza) is open to the outside and is naturally ventilated.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air conditioning, ceiling grid of fluorescent light fittings.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Internal blinds, lighting zones floor, central thermostat control.
AccoladesAccolades: Hybrid - a fusion of Modernism and Regionalism, an abstraction of cultural
patterns and symbols welded to climatic imperatives
backback

20. 20
Building Details (KOMTAR)Building Details (KOMTAR)
Building NameBuilding Name: Menara Komtar (1985)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: Penang Development Coorperation (PDC)
Building YypeBuilding Yype: High-rise Offices & Retail (Conventional)
ArchitectsArchitects: Architects Team 3, Jurubena Bertiga International Sdn., Konsortium
Pembangunan. (Dato’ Lim Chong Keat)
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: Lim Kah Ngam, Ove Arup & Partners, Oh Teck Thye Private
Limited, Mitsubishi
TenancyTenancy: Commercial in podium, government departments and multiple tenants in
tower.
LocationLocation: Pulau Pinang (Penang) Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 5°24’52.86”N - 100°19’48.92”E
SiteSite: In the centre of high density urban area.
Land AreaLand Area: 27acre
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 189,736m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 146,021m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 65 Floors (232m or 760ft)
LiftLift: 16 Passenger lift, (8 – lower zone; 6 middle zone; 2 higher zone).
FormForm: Similar-sided Polygon Tower shape on 4 storey podium (seem almost circular
from in the distance)
StructureStructure: Concrete
Floor to Floor HeightFloor to Floor Height: 3.50m (average)
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 60 m (Window to window) and 16 m (from window to core)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 80% all round façade
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Vertical and horizontal blinds installed
throughout the glass interiors to prevent these direct sunlight penetration, glare
problems and the excess heat gain. Lift lobbies, escape staircases and service spaces
in the centre of the polygon shape.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: The exterior facade is almost all glass curtain wall
cladding except for the reinforced concrete columns and door slabs.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Not applicable.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air conditioning, ceiling grid of fluorescent light fittings.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Blinds for windows, lighting zones per floor. Central thermostat
control by operator.
AccoladesAccolades: KOMTAR building is the landmark of Georgetown, Penang,
backback

21. 21
Building Details (LUTH)Building Details (LUTH)
Building NameBuilding Name: Menara Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji (1984)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji (Pilgrim Management and Fund Board)
Building TypeBuilding Type: High-rise Office (Conventional)
ArchitectsArchitects: Hijjas Kasturi Associates
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd, Davis Langdon & Seah Malaysia, Mitsubishi
Elevator and Escalator.
TenancyTenancy: Owner-occupied, private company
LocationLocation: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 3°09’29.70”N - 101°43’10.45”E
SiteSite: Urban high-density plot within city centre beside main city road.
Land AreaLand Area: 7,834 m2
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 39,034m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 28,762m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 38 Floors (152m or 498ft)
LiftLift: 12 Passenger lift (4 - lower zone, 4 - middle zone, 4 - higher zone)
FormForm: Circular Tower block.
StructureStructure: Concrete
Floor to Floor HeightFloor to Floor Height: 3.85m (average)
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 55.5m (window to window) and 20m (window to core)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 90% around all facade
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Internal vertical and horizontal blinds to prevent these
direct sunlight penetration, glare problems and the excess heat gain. Lift lobbies, escape
staircases and service spaces in the centre of the polygon shape.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: The exterior facade is almost all glass curtain walls cladding
except for the reinforced concrete columns.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Natural ventilation for parking area and main entrance.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air-conditioning, ceiling grid of fluorescent light fittings.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Blinds for windows, lighting zones per floor, central thermostat control by
operator.
AccoladesAccolades: Hailed as the highest Muslim edifice of the peninsular.
backback

22. 22
Building Details (TIMA)Building Details (TIMA)
Building NameBuilding Name: Menara Tun Ismail Mohd Ali (2003)
Building OwnerBuilding Owner: Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB)
Building TypeBuilding Type: High-rise Office (Conventional)
ArchitectsArchitects: GDP Architect Sdn.Bhd
Company InvolvedCompany Involved: Perunding Hashim & Neh Sdn.Bhd, PLB-KH Bina Sdn.Bhd
TenancyTenancy: Government departments & Profesional body and multiple private company
LocationLocation: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Latitude/LongitudeLatitude/Longitude: 3°09’31.84”N - 101°41’41.51”E
SiteSite: Urban high-density plot within city centre in front main city road.
Land AreaLand Area: 5,307m2
Total Build Up AreaTotal Build Up Area: 37,313m2
Gross Office AreaGross Office Area: 28,125m2
No of StoreyNo of Storey: 24 Floors (116m or 378ft)
LiftLift: 9 Passenger lift (5 – lower zone & 4 higher zone) and 1 service.
FormForm: Rectangular tower block.
StructureStructure: Concrete
Floor to Floor HeightFloor to Floor Height: 3.85m (average)
Floor DepthFloor Depth: 42.5m (EW window to window) 42.1m (NS window to window) and 33.6m
(NS from window to core)
Window to Wall RatioWindow to Wall Ratio: 90% NS except 20% EW façade
Passive Features for Thermal ControlPassive Features for Thermal Control: Service core faces South, Staircase North Façade both
end. External horizontal sunshades North Façade designed to relate with solar load.
Strategy for Day LightingStrategy for Day Lighting: lift lobbies, escape staircases and service spaces naturally
ventilated and lit.
Strategy for Natural VentilationStrategy for Natural Ventilation: Cross ventilation at parking areas. Opening at escape
staircases.
Active SystemsActive Systems: Central air-conditioning, ceiling grid of fluorescent light fittings.
Occupant ControlOccupant Control: Blinds for windows, lighting zones per working line, central thermostat
control.
AccoladesAccolades: Name as the late PNB founder.
backback

23. 23
What inspire you to research this topic?What inspire you to research this topic?
•Education background
building engineering
environmental engineering
•Career & research interest
attached in environmental & building construction department
What have you added to knowledge in your field?What have you added to knowledge in your field?
•The data collected
as references to other researchers
strengthen the hypothesis if not yet been accepted as a theory
•The methodology of combining:
observation of architectural features
measurement & questionnaires
•The analysis method of comparing:
two different types of buildings
the presentation of the finding
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

24. 24
Why did you not use a better specified, more rigorous modeling approach?Why did you not use a better specified, more rigorous modeling approach?
•Quite complicated for this research
there are quite a number of buildings (6)
there are many features evaluated
thermal, visual and acoustic
open plan office space & communal area
•The methodology has been presented & published
architecture research group
University of Liverpool poster presentations
Plea 2005 (won best poster presentation)
Do you think your model can capture the qualitative complexity of the researchDo you think your model can capture the qualitative complexity of the research
question?question?
•Partially
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

25. 25
Why did you choose this research methodology and what difficulties did you findWhy did you choose this research methodology and what difficulties did you find
in implementing it?in implementing it?
•Easy to understand and very straight forward
•Difficulties
time & cost for data collection
unwelcome commitment from building managers
limited participation from occupants
boundary between users and researcher
What do your research results mean for contexts beyond your sample case study?What do your research results mean for contexts beyond your sample case study?
•Both occupant are satisfied with the condition and the performance in general
•However the occupants in bioclimatic buildings are highly satisfied than those in
conventional ones
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

26. 26
What do you think are the main findings of your research?What do you think are the main findings of your research?
•The major finding of this work is that the occupants in bioclimatic buildings have a
higher level of satisfaction with their working environment than those in conventional
office blocks.
•There is evidence that bioclimatic buildings are energy efficient as the most recent
bioclimatic building (UMNO), has a lower energy index than the ASEAN standard and
within the latest Malaysian Standard related to energy efficiency. However the earliest
bioclimatic building (MESINIAGA) has the highest energy index among all buildings,
complying to the ASEAN region index but not with the latest Malaysian Standard.
How do these finding contribute to our theoretical understanding of bioclimaticHow do these finding contribute to our theoretical understanding of bioclimatic
approach?approach?
•Historically, high rise buildings have been perceived as inefficient users of energy,
although this is difficult to prove. However, with the new bioclimatic design concept and
technologies, there is no doubt that high rise office buildings in the future would be
much better in design if they provide a better environment to the users and consume less
energy.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

27. 27
Where did you have the greatest problems in fieldwork and what are likelyWhere did you have the greatest problems in fieldwork and what are likely
inaccuracies in your observations?inaccuracies in your observations?
•time & cost for data collection
•unwelcome commitment from building managers
•limited participation from occupants
•boundary between users and researcher
What are the policy implications of your research?What are the policy implications of your research?
•Design policy – required environmental consideration in design stage such as
orientation, wind flow direction and speed, day lighting index etc.
•Energy index for bioclimatic and non bioclimatic buildings
How do your findings contribute to policy debates in energy use?How do your findings contribute to policy debates in energy use?
•Yard stick to the determination of appropriate energy index for both bioclimatic and
conventional high rise buildings.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

28. 28
Why do you assume agencies will behave differently as a result of your research?Why do you assume agencies will behave differently as a result of your research?
•They will benefit from the result in terms of decision making
Developer - to reduce operational cost in their future project
Architect – to implement the bioclimatic strategies in design.
What would you do differently if you could re-do the research?What would you do differently if you could re-do the research?
If you were doing the research again, what would you do differently and why?If you were doing the research again, what would you do differently and why?
•Longer period of data collections
environmental measurement
•Use computer modeling several software packages
•Compare different type of building functions
residential or commercial high rise
low rise buildings
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions