4G9 Tower: Progress as at 21/3/2011

View of 4G7, 4G8, 4G9, 4G10 and 4G11 from Maritime Centre, Precinct 5, Putrajaya.

4G9 Tower from Maritime Centre. Painting work yet to be carried out on newly installed precast walls where tower crane supports used to be.

View of the towers from Precinct 5.

View from across Dataran Gemilang.

Close up of the roof enclosure.

View from Precinct 19, Putrajaya.

Photographs showing construction progress as at 21/3/2011. Derrick cranes at roof level have been dismantled to enable work on remaining sections of the roof skylight structure to proceed towards completion. Painting works on exterior walls are in progress with final coat yet to be applied. Interior finishes are being installed at ground floor main reception lobby and at lower ground floor multi purpose hall. External works are in progress.

Travels: Mercure Hotel, Kuta Beach, Bali

The Mercure Hotel where I stayed during a recent trip to Bali (11th to 13th March 2011) is located just next door to Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta Beach, within walking distance to numerous shopping and dining places nearby. The swimming pool and dining facilities are located on the 4th floor roof terrace, leaving the ground floor space free for porte cochere, entrance lounge and registration office. The hotel is planned based on a courtyard configuration, a design strategy that works very well in providing light and ventilation to spaces within a constrained site, while creating a truly pleasant ambience important for marketing purposes.

My only criticism is that the rooms and balconies are rather small with barely enough space to move around the bed. Bathrooms and cabinets are quite meagre in size but are well planned to optimize nooks and corners. Nevertheless, the hotel should cater well to travellers on very short trips with most time spent outside, though during evenings, back at the hotel, one will appreciate the coziness of a well planned small room expected of a medium budget accommodation. The room size, I would expect, is based on requirements of room numbers for the business plan to be feasible given the constraints of site and height controls for structures not being allowed to exceed 4 storeys high.

Architecturally, in my opinion, the hotel captures the vital essence and character of Bali, which among others include; the strong ties and connection with nature, a blurred division between indoors and outdoors, the use of vivid colours and earth tones, decorations featuring the artifacts of Bali, and the extensive use of timber structures within a reinforced concrete structural framework, all of which give visitors a very welcome preview of the great things to expect in this paradise island on the hour of their arrival here.

CV: Introduction

Jafri Merican Architect is a Malaysian based architectural practice registered with The Board of Architects, Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia). Since 1996, we have designed and implemented the construction of various medium to large scale projects.

Throughout these pages you will find information regarding the services we offer and some of the projects we have been involved with. Our mission is to provide clients with quality service and progressive architectural solutions to meet their demands in the fast changing world of this new millennium. We are committed to meet the goals of our clients and are always prepared to exceed their expectations.

We strive to provide high quality professional advice and service throughout all stages of the design and construction process. As well as traditional contracting arrangements, we have extensive experience in other methods of procurement, including participation in design and build projects for developers and contractors, the type of contract which have become quite popular in Malaysia in recent years.

CV: About Us

The firm was founded by Jafri Merican in 1996 and has grown steadily to become an established medium scale office with a reputation for sensitive and cost effective designs. In recent years, our firm's reputation has been built on its projects for government offices in Putrajaya; but throughout its formative years till now, our office has had a growing portfolio of residential, institutional and commercial projects, ranging from individual homes, residential housing development projects, sales and site offices, commercial office lots, primary and secondary schools and various other medium to large scale buildings.

Our work is characterized by careful development of the brief to meet the client's needs and budget; meticulously crafted design solutions, which are innovative and responsive to their context; attention to details, especially when preparing construction drawings and architectural scale drawings; and our management style that aims to garner the cooperation of various parties involved to achieve effective delivery of projects to time and budget.

We continually derive inspiration from our ongoing studies in contemporary and traditional culture, our history, the complex changing relationships within our society and the development of contemporary ideas and philosophies. Our work process is transformative in the way it reinterprets traditional and cultural symbols into functional forms designed to fulfill basic building programs; and negotiates traditional aesthetics with contemporary and modern expressions derived from the ever changing, continuously progressive methods and materials by which buildings are built. These often conflicting metaphors, separated by time and culture, when synthesized into a common symbolic denominator, may form contemporary, even timeless, architectural solutions, the desired result which our firm strives to achieve in all of our projects from the initial concept to their final realization.

CV: Services

Jafri Merican Architect is an architectural consultancy firm registered with The Board of Architects, Malaysia (Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, LAM), The Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia, PAM) and The Ministry of Finance, Malaysia.


ARCHITECTURAL BASIC SERVICES

Basic services is a terminology used in the Architect’s Act 1967 to denote the full range of architectural service required of the Architect to enable the client to build their projects and obtain the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation from the relevant approving authorities. These services are provided for clients who intend to proceed to secure authority approvals and obtain competitive tenders from prospective contractors.

Schematic Design Phase

· Upon acceptance of the client's instructions, to begin work by analyzing the project brief.

· Prepare preliminary conceptual sketch proposals to interpret the project brief;

· Develop the preliminary conceptual sketch proposals into sketch designs to a stage sufficient as to enable an application to be made for planning approval or approval in principle to comply with the relevant by-laws;

· Prepare preliminary estimates of the probable construction cost based on current area, volume or other unit costs; and

· Where applicable, to prepare and submit the drawings and other necessary documents to relevant approving authorities for either town planning approval or approval in principle.

Design Development Phase

· Upon the approval of the proposals by either the relevant authority or the client, develop the schematic design drawings to a stage to enable other consultants to commence their detailed design work;

· Prepare working drawings and to submit the same together with all necessary particulars to the relevant approving authorities to obtain statutory building approval;

· Update the preliminary estimates of construction costs and to submit the same to the client for his approval; and

· Update the project planning and implementation schedule and to submit the same to the client for his approval.

Contract Documentation Phase

· Upon the approval by the client of the updated estimates of construction cost and the planning and implementation schedule, to prepare and finalize the detailed drawings and other particulars necessary to the stage of completion adequate for bills of quantities to be prepared by an independent quantity surveyor;

· To prepare all documents, in collaboration with other independent consultants appointed by the client, necessary for obtaining competitive tenders for the work;


· Invite, on behalf of the client, tenders for the work or collaborate with the independent quantity surveyor engaged by the client to do so;

· Evaluate the results of the tenders and submit a report and recommendation to the client;

· Award the contract on behalf of the client; and

· Prepare the contract documents, in collaboration with other independent consultants appointed by the client, for signature by the client and the contractor.

Contract Implementation and Management Phase

· To perform all the functions and duties of the architect under the terms and conditions of the building contract;

· Provide information and issue instructions to the contractor as required under the terms and conditions of the building contract to enable the contractor to proceed with the works;

· To examine the works programme submitted by the contractor to be satisfied that the works can reasonably be completed within the contract period;

· To inspect the works at periodic intervals so as to ensure that the works are being executed in general accordance with the building contract and to certify the completion of the various stages of the works required in support of an application for a certificate of fitness for occupation from the relevant approving authority;

· Where necessary, apply for a certificate of fitness for occupation or its equivalent from the appropriate authority;

· Accept on behalf of the client, the works at various stages of completion; and

· Provide a set of drawings showing the building as constructed and obtain for the client the drawings of the building’s services as installed together with all warranties and maintenance manuals as provided for in the contracts.


ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACTS

These services are provided for design and build contractors who have secured contracts from developers and are seeking to employ an architectural firm with experience in translating design drawings contained within the contract documents into construction detailed drawings for on site implementation.

· Upon acceptance of the client's instructions, to begin work by analyzing the design and build contract documents and drawings.

· Develop the contract drawings into concept and design development drawings to a stage sufficient as to enable the client to submit the same to the developer and obtain approval and consent to proceed with construction drawings.

· Develop the approved concept and design development drawings into construction drawings in collaboration with other independent consultants appointed by the client.

· Advise the client on the resident site staff required for the project and estimating the cost of their employment and the duration of their employment.

· To inspect the works at periodic intervals so as to ensure that the works are being executed in general accordance with the Design and Build contract and to enable the developer’s architect to certify the completion of the various stages of the works required in support of an application for a certificate of fitness for occupation from the relevant approving authority;


CONSERVATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES

Our firm also provides services for clients intending to conserve buildings for historical reasons and clients looking to purchase and renovate buildings to fit their commercial or personal requirements.

Conservation work

· To survey and measure existing buildings, prepare specifications and other documents for repairs, restoration or conservation work, provide architectural basic services for this purpose, administer the contract and to inspect the works during their execution.

Building surveys

· Prepare measured drawings, carry out visual surveys, take levels and prepare plans of sites and existing buildings.

· To carry out visual inspection, and prepare report and give advice regarding the condition of existing buildings;

Building investigations

· Prepare schedules of dilapidations for either the landlord or tenant, take particulars of sites, prepare specifications for repairs and supervise their execution;

· In collaboration with a structural engineer, undertake structural surveys of a building and ascertain the extent of defects which may affect its value;

· To investigate building failures and arranging and inspecting repair work by contractors or specialists;



ADVISORY SERVICES

These services are provided for clients who would like to ascertain the feasibility of their commercial sites and are interested in evaluating viable options and strategies to maximize returns for their projects.

Formulation of design brief and site analysis

· Ascertain the client's objectives, brief and constraints for the project and advise the client on the appropriate strategy and course of action to achieve their objectives;

· To inspect and advise the client on the selection and suitability of proposed sites, conduct or take part in negotiations connected therewith, take levels and prepare measured drawings, plans of the sites, sites and buildings or existing buildings;

· Prepare and refine the brief in consultation with the client and interpret the client's objectives to arrive at an agreed brief for the project;


Feasibility studies and preliminary design work

· Carry out such studies as may be necessary for the project and review with the client alternative design and construction solutions, evaluate their respective advantages and disadvantages and give advice on all relevant aspects of obtaining statutory approvals necessary for the implementation of the project;

· Prepare the outline project plan which may include a preliminary cost estimate, a preliminary project planning and implementation schedule, a preliminary cash flow projection including probable construction costs and fees and resource plan.


Advisory service for project management work

· Advise the client on the need for geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical or electrical engineering, quantity surveying or other specialist consultants' services, invite, obtain and evaluate submissions and make recommendations to the client for their appointments if necessary; and

· Advise the client on the resident site staff required for the project and estimate the cost of their employment and duration of their employment.

CV: Featured Projects

Featured on these pages are projects which, in our opinion, truly represent the firms' values and capabilities. For details, please look up the preceeding posts within this blog.

Putrajaya Lot 4G2

Putrajaya Lot 4G9

Putrajaya School Complex, Precinct 11

Putrajaya Parcel F (Competition scheme)

Putrajaya Parcel F (Final Scheme)

Putrajaya Waterfront Office Competition Proposal

Kelab Sultan Suleiman, Kuala Lumpur

Putrajaya Lot 5G2 (SeniBahri Arkitek)

MITI HQ Competition Proposal,
Kuala Lumpur

UiTM Resort, Block 10 Refurbishment,
Shah Alam

Visitors’ Centre at Mutiara Damansara

Projects for Boustead Holdings Berhad

Commercial Building on Lot 2C2, Putrajaya

Commercial Development Proposal for Felcra Berhad

Commercial Development Proposal on Lot 3C10 and 3C11 Putrajaya

CV: Project List

LIST OF CURRENT AND COMPLETED PROJECTS

· Construction and Completion of a Government Office Building on Lot 4G9 in Precinct 4, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Design and Build Contract for Government Office Buildings on Lot 5G2 (Architect: SeniBahri Arkitek) in Precinct 5 Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Bina Goodyear Berhad.

· Design and Build Contract for Commercial Office Building on Lot 2C2 ( Design Architect: Cox Architects) in Precinct 2 Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Putra Perdana Construction Sdn. Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of Government Office Buildings on lot F8, F9 and F10 in Parcel F, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a 4-Storey Primary School and supporting facilities in Taman Merdeka, Batu Berendam, Melaka Darul Azim, for The Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

· Construction and Completion of Single Storey ‘zero lot’ Bungalow units in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Peraga Properties Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a Government Office Building on Lot 4G2 in Precinct 4, Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of the Reconstruction of Kelab Sultan Suleiman, Kampung Baru, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, for The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia.

· Construction and Completion of TNB Headquarters on Lot 2649, 2650, 2695, Simpang Tiga, Sena, Kangar, Perlis, for Tenaga Nasional Berhad.

· Construction and Completion of 10 units 2-Storey Shop Office, on lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Mukim Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn. Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a School Complex (Phase 2) consisting of, 1 unit of 4 Storey Secondary School Building, 1 unit of 4 Storey Primary School Building and supporting facilities at Precinct 11, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya for Perbadanan Putrajaya.

· Construction and Completion of a School Complex consisting of, 1 unit of 4 Storey Secondary School Building, 1 unit of 4 Storey Primary School Building and supporting facilities on Lot 325, Mukim Kulim, Daerah Kulim, Kedah Darul Aman for The Ministry of Education, Malaysia & Selgia Development Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a Site Office (Villa Gemilang) in Precinct 4, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of Renovation and Refurbishment works for Block 10, UiTM Resort, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Universiti Teknologi MARA.

· Construction and Completion of 16 units 2-Storey Shop Office, 48 units Shop House and 24 units low cost shop (Phase 4B) on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of 1 unit MBPJ Food Court on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of Masjid Ehsaniah Kg. Kelan, Mukim Slim River, Perak Darul Ridzuan, for Pejabat Daerah Batang Padang.

· Construction and Completion of Renovation Works of Saujana, Johor Darul Takzim (The Official Residence of The Menteri Besar of Johor) for The Johor State Government.

· Construction and Completion of a Visitors’ Centre and Site Office on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of 90 units Double Storey Terrace Houses at Teras Jernang, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Sepang Entity Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of 280 units Medium Cost Apartments at Teras Jernang, Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Sepang Entity Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a Housing Development on Lot 8744-8748, 8751 & 8754, Desa Saujana Mukim Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Ikhtiar Tani Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of a Housing Development at Desa Pinggiran Putra Mukim Sepang, SelangorDarul Ehsan, for Oriental Interest Berhad and Hijrah Murni Sdn Bhd.

· Construction and Completion of 100 units Semi – Detached Houses on Lot 431, Bagan Lalang, Mukim Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Semua Jadi Sdn Bhd.

CV: Project List

LIST OF NOTABLE PAST PROJECTS

· Detailed Design, Preparation of Tender Drawings and Submission to Authorities for the Development of a Primary School Building (Phase 4) at Precinct 14 -Site B, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Perbadanan Putrajaya.

· Concept Development Proposal for a 40 acre “Perpat Extreme Park Lagoon” consisting of Phase 1, 2 and 3 on lot 432, Mukim Kapar, Daerah Klang Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Perpat Resort (M) Sdn Bhd.

· Conceptual Planning Proposal for 27 units Office Building, 201 units Shop Office and 1 unit Shopping Complex at Mutiara Damansara, Mukim Sg. Buloh, Daerah Petaling, Selangor Darul Ehsan for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

· Concept Design Proposal for a 16 Storey Waterfront Commercial Office Tower and a 4 Storey Commercial Retail Block in Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Design Proposal for a 23 Storey Office Tower in Jalan Duta, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, for a Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Design and Submission of 222 units Condominium on Lots PT 526 and PT527 Mukim Petaling,Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, for Farlim Group (M) Berhad

· Concept Design and Submission of 275 unit Medium Cost Apartment at PT4160, Kg. Sungai Buah, Mukim Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan,for Perangsang Construction & Development Sdn Bhd.

· Urban Planning Proposal for a 1000 acre Township at Baralink, Johannesburg, South Africa, for Safuan Group Berhad.

· Concept Design and Submission of refurbishment proposal for a 5 Star Hotel at Johannesburg, South Africa, for Safuan Group Berhad

· Concept Design Proposal for a New Multi Purpose Hall at Precinct 16, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, for Perbadanan Putrajaya.

· Concept Design Proposal for food catering facilities at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Dewina Food Services Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Development Proposal for a Mixed Development Commercial Project in Pulau Gadong, Mukim Bertam Melaka Tengah, Melaka Darul Azim for Safuan Group Berhad.

· Concept Design Proposal for a Sports Complex & Related Facilities at Mutiara Damansara, Lot 70, Kem Kual, Mukim Sungai Buloh, Daerah Petaling, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

· Concept Design Proposal for a Visitor’s Centre, and Renovation and Refurbishment Works of existing premises at Kilang Wang Bank Negara Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

· Concept Design Proposal for a 4 Storey Primary School in Sungai Petani Kedah Darul Aman for The Ministry of Education, Malaysia & Selgia Development Sdn Bhd.

· Detailed Design, Submission to Authorities and Preparation of Tender Drawings for a Private Hospital and Hotel in Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim, for Pace Properties Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Development Proposal for 500 acres Marina and Mixed Development Coastal Township with 18 hole Golf Course at Carey Island, Selangor Darul Ehsan for Golden Hope Plantations Berhad and Prima Muda Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Proposal for a Mixed Urban Development on lot 4493, 434,435,120,121,122, Mukim Dengkil, Daerah Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Farlim Group (M) Berhad.

· Detailed Design, Preparation of Tender Drawings and Submission to Authorities for the Development of Holiday Resort on Lot 149 and part of Lot 148, Mukim Pulau Sibu, Daerah Mersing, Johor Darul Takzim, for Aseania Development Sdn Bhd.

· Concept Proposal for a Mixed Development Project on lot 11647, 20786, DBKL Land At Jinjang, Wilayah Persekutuan , Kuala Lumpur, for Farlim Group (M) Berhad.

· Concept Proposal for a Mixed Development Project consisting of 2 Blocks of 20 Storey Office, 1 Block Apartment and 1 Unit 5 Storey shopping Mall at Precint 2.9 & 2.10, Pusat Bandar Section 14, Bandar Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Lebar Daun Corp. Sdn. Bhd with Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn. Bhd and Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad.

CV: Key Personnel

JAFRI MERICAN

Born in 1966, Jafri Merican graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Architecture from ITM (now UiTM), and is registered with the Board of Architects, Malaysia since 1995. He is a corporate member of PAM (The Malaysian Institute Architects) and has an MBA from the University of Hull.

He has worked for notable firms such as TR Hamzah and Yeang Sdn Bhd, Pakatan Akitek Sdn and AK2 Runding Sdn on projects ranging from individual houses, residential housing, commercial development to high-rise office buildings before establishing his own practice in 1996. During his employment in the early ‘90s, Jafri was exposed to new developments in computer aided design and gained considerable skill in this field.

Jafri Merican is an avid student of modern and contemporary architectural design and follows closely the latest developments in world architecture. He is personally involved in the schematic design, detailed design and on-site management of every project at the office, giving consistency and personal attention to each drawing and document produced by the firm.

He believes in working closely with his architects and employees in order to personally develop their design and management skills, the result of which is the reliability of service provided by the firm in managing projects from initial design to completion.


MOHD RIZAL ZAKARIA

Born in 1971, Mohd Rizal Zakaria graduated from the ITM University (UiTM) with a Bachelor in Architecture (Hons) in 2000. He has worked for several established firms including a stint as an apprentice at Pakatan Akitek Sdn where he met Jafri Merican in 1991. The two of them became good friends and kept in touch till eventually Rizal joined Jafri’s practice in 1997, then continued his studies in UITM, and rejoined the firm in 2000.

Mohd Rizal is a talented designer and had contributed many important ideas, the impact of which is especially vital in developing, among others, the design of the Putrajaya 4G9 tower. He has designed many of the firm’s projects often communicating his ideas using various 3 dimensional visualization software at which he is very well versed. He is also highly experienced in the preparation of tender and contract drawings and had managed numerous projects from inception to completion.


SAIFUL BAHRI SULAIMAN

Born in 1965, Saiful Bahri Sulaiman graduated from ITM with an Advanced Diploma in Architecture, and the University of Technology, Malaysia. Upon graduating, he worked for SAA Architects, before setting up his own design firm Konsep Lakaran in 1995. Saiful Bahri joined Jafri Merican, his classmate in ITM, as an Associate of the firm in 2004 serving in the capacity of a Senior Project Architect.

As an entrepreneur himself, Saiful Bahri’s contribution to the firm extends beyond project management. Together with Jafri Merican, Saiful develops business strategies and market positioning for the firm, secures projects and brings revenue to the practice. In addition, Saiful himself is a gifted designer with an eye for details and a feel for building materials. Notable projects which he has managed and designed for the firm, are the reconstruction of Sultan Sulaiman Club and the renovation of ITM Resort Shah Alam.


AHMAD HASNAN WAHIDI

Born in 1960, Ahmad Hasnan Wahidi graduated from the Polytechnic of North London and the University of Technology, Malaysia. Upon graduating, he worked as an architect for the Public Works Department of Malaysia (JKR), GDP Architects, and AK2 Runding Sdn where he met Jafri Merican in 1994. Ahmad Hasnan left AK2 to pursue his own ventures and eventually joined Jafri Merican Architect in 2008, as a Senior Project Architect.

Ahmad Hasnan had been involved, prior to joining the firm, in projects ranging from hospital, medical care facilities, residential housing and office buildings, most of them from inception to completion. His experience, design flair, management skills, and talent for translating drawings to built forms have proven beneficial in implementing, among others, the design and build contract for Parcel 5G2, Putrajaya.

LIST OF STAFF 1996-PRESENT

Abdul Razak Salaman, Abdullah Shahdan, Ahmad Hasnan Wahidi Ibrahim, Akram Omar, Aslini Abas, Asma' Zulkifli, Azi Izwani Nor Hamzah, Azlisham Kassim, Azliza Hj Mat Abu, Azrin Abu Seman, Badariah Badaruddin, Dahlia Alang Sulaiman, Elmi Samanhudi, Fadillah Zain Hasirun, Faizah Zakaria, Farhana Nadia Ibrahim, Fazizul Amar Zainuddin, Hartini Ibrahim, Hasanul Adili Md Zulkapeli, Hazry Hassan, Hilmi Abd Ghani, Ismar MS Usman, Ili Shaqirah, Jafri Merican, Jasman Hashim, Jefni Elisputra Abdul Rahman, Kangaiyamma Arumugam, Ku Shahrom, Mas Johan Sugimin, Mazlan Daud, Mohamad Amin Maksum, Mohamad Yusuf Alias, Mohammad Shahar Mazali, Mohd Aidil Mohd Isa, Mohd Akmali, Mohd Azhar Stat (Allahyarham), Mohd Fadzly Siamir, Mohd Fairuz Salam, Mohd Faizal Wahab, Mohd Fauzey Salleh, Mohd Ghazali Kadir, Mohd Hadzri Mohamad Hilmi, Mohd Idris bin Tamhid, Mohd Jamal Ramli, Mohd Rizal Zakaria, Mohd Roslee Ahmad, Mohd Salmi Ghazali, Mohd Shamsuri Yaakob, Mohd Sofi Saad, Mohd Yasir Habir, Mohd Yusari Abd Rahman, Mohd Zambri Hassim, Mohd. Zabidi Husin, Mohd Shairy Deraman, Muhammad Bukhari Othman, Muhammad Hairit Bakar, Muhammad Mustaqim Mohd Hashim, Muhammad Muzammil Ashanushi, Muhammad Radzi Abd Hamid, Muhd Faizal Abd Wahab, Muhd Hafiz Muhd Jubri, Murnirah Izzah Misran, Murnirah Muhammad, Nabilah Abd Latif, Noor Diana Shamsuddin, Noor Rizahana Yusof, Noorusnida Bahauddin, Nor Eliyana Abd Aziz, Nor Hilmi Muhammad, Norazmi Razali, Nordin Omar, Norhashimah Hassan, Nur Ayunni Adnan, Nur Salihah Shahiran, Nurul Aqmar Hassan, Nuur Asiah Abdul Kadir, Qamarina Abd Aziz, Rahayu Osman, Ridhwan Saidi, Rizal Sofian, Rosli Mohamad, Sadisah Tayub, Saiful Bahri Sulaiman, Sarini Ahmad Dzarawi, Sehbirin Muhsin, Shaiful Nizam Abdullah, Shamsul Ariffin Mohd Sharip, Shamsul Azri Anuar, Sharlia Akma Mohd Ali Khan, Siti Awanis Selamat, Siti Faridah Md Lias, Sohaimi Abd Ghani, Sriayuna Hilmi, Syafiq Aizat Roslan, Syed Putera Syed Abd Samad, Wan Anuar Wan Hamat, Wan Khairulsuzanna Wan Hamat, Wan Nazri Wan Ariffin, Yahya Azimuddin, Zabedah Lias, Zalazilah Zulkifli, Zaliah Sardan, Zamri Hassim.

CV: Contact Us

JAFRI MERICAN ARCHITECT
1-3, Jalan Dagang SB 4/1
Taman Sungai Besi Indah,
43300 Seri Kembangan,
Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia.
Tel : +603-89419481
Fax : +603-89419482
Email : jma@jafrimericanarchitect.my
Website : http://www.jafrimericanarchitect.my

Location:

Our office is located in Seri Kembangan in the immediate vicinity of The Mines shopping centre and The Heritage apartments at a major junction of Lebuhraya Sungai Besi and Lebuhraya SILK.

If you are coming from Sungai Besi through the Mines, bypass the flyover on the left (going to Balakong/ Lebuhraya SILK) and keep to the right lane to head towards UPM. By now, you will spot a pedestrian bridge which is part of the Serdang commuter station. Immediately before the bridge turn left into a 3-storey commercial development to arrive at our office. We are on the third floor of a corner lot facing the main access road.

Alternatively, if you are coming from The North-South Highway, take the UPM exit and turn right after the toll gate. Upon reaching the Serdang commuter station, bypass the flyover on the extreme right to Balakong/ Lebuhraya SILK and take a second flyover towards Seri Kembangan old town. At the top of this flyover, make a u-turn to the right and on the way down, take the right lane to head towards UPM and avoid heading into Balakong/ Lebuhraya SILK. By now you would have arrived at the access road below the pedestrian bridge to enter the development.

CV: Putrajaya Lot 4G2 (Wisma Tani)

Designed as part of a 4-building cluster at the Central Boulevard of Putrajaya Core Island, Lot 4G2 (abbreviation for Precinct 4, Government Building, Parcel 2) is home to The Ministry of Agriculture, Malaysia, and is now referred to as Wisma Tani. A design competition was organized by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd in mid 2000 and participated by 16 Malaysian firms of which eventually 4 firms were declared winners; Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, W&W Architects, Almaz Architect and Jafri Merican Architect. The winning scheme by Veritas proposed a cluster of 4 oval shaped towers, a metaphor of 4 petals of a flower, upon which each participating firm developed their final designs. Lot 4G2 was tendered as a design and build contract and was awarded to Putra Perdana Berhad. The building was completed in 2004.

Projecting the image of a modern and energy efficient contemporary development, the ‘4Gs’ 18 storey towers of glass/aluminum facades and passive solar devices are architecturally distinct from its adjacent predecessors, the ‘2Gs’ (Precinct 2 Government Buildings) and the Palace of Justice, built of solid walls with punctuated windows and heavily colonnaded street fronts.
Aluminum louvers and façade projections are extensively used throughout the building enclosure to achieve an Overall Thermal Transmission Value of lower than 45 W/m2, a requirement of an energy conservation plan adhered to by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd. The building form addresses urban design requirements of Perbadanan Putrajaya, the approving authority, for well defined streetwalls, punctuation zones at roof areas, landscaped ’Halaman’ spaces and verandahways at Boulevard level.

A notable feature in the building is a façade system utilizing a series of tension rods that support a vertical arrangement of 2m by 2m fixed frameless glass. This feature is visually apparent at the vertical central band of the tower and the corners of the low rise blocks. Although unprecedented in Malaysia at the time, this technology had been widely used in high tech architecture in the UK, in buildings such as Nicholas Grimshaw’s Western Morning News Headquarters & Print Works in Plymouth UK, built as early as 1993.

CV: Putrajaya Lot 4G9

4G9 Tower (abbreviation for Precinct 4, Government Building, Parcel 9) designed for The Ministry of Information, Malaysia, is located on a strip of crescent shaped development site facing the Dataran Gemilang, a circular landscaped open space situated at the southernmost tip of the Core Island, Putrajaya. In the urban context, this 39 storey office building is part of a group of 4 towers earmarked to become the tallest structures to be built within the Core Island development.

In November 2003 a competition was organized by Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd in which 10 Malaysian architectural firms were invited to participate. 3 firms obtained the commission for lots 4G9, 4G10 and 4G11; Jafri Merican Architect, Aqidea Architects and Hijjas Kasturi and Associates Sdn, respectively. The commission for Lot 4G8 was awarded to Juhari & Hashim Chartered Architects based on an earlier competition. Lot 4G9 was tendered as a design and build contract and was awarded to WCT Berhad. Completion date is targeted in late 2010.
The visual metaphor for the tower is based on traditional Malay artifacts and crafts, the curved side elevations recalling the shapes of ancient stone artifacts, and the diagonal shaped central façade pattern symbolizing a traditional form of textile craft, the ’songket’.

In order to translate these metaphors into buildable forms of specific measurable dimensions, a concept based on the Fibonacci Series is conceived as a form-giver to be used for shaping the tower. The series is a mathematical progression of numbers where the following number is the sum of two previous numbers; 1,1,2,3,5,8,13…. From this concept, a series of segmented façade surfaces is formed beginning from the roof, 1 storey, 1 storey, 2 storey, 3 and so forth to 13 storey for the lowest façade surface. These surfaces, formed of diagonal elements are then set in at different planes, and detailed by façade engineering consultants based on the unitized curtain wall concept. The sides of the tower, designed of precast RC fins with punctuated windows, serve as a counterpoint to the visually lighter Fibonacci façade.

The 4G9 tower building enclosure utilizes passive solar shading devices to achieve an Overall Thermal Transmission Value of lower than 45 w/m2.

CV: Putrajaya School Complex, Precinct 11

The primary and secondary schools of Precinct 11 Putrajaya School complex were planned as courtyard buildings designed to suit our hot and humid equatorial climate. Complemented by supporting facilities consisting of canteens, a school field, its grandstand, and a multipurpose hall; all buildings within this complex have been designed to be accessible within a reasonable walking distance from one another.

The client, Perbadanan Putrajaya, required the entire complex to be designed based on the concept of Putrajaya as a garden city. Therefore, the buildings which are clustered around the school field, are linked by a network of covered walk paths surrounded with abundantly landscaped open spaces that give the school complex just the correct ambience of buildings in a park, suitable for a garden city architectural scheme.

Conceptually, the design of the building enclosure is based on tropical architecture. Interior spaces are adequately shaded using aluminum sunshades, set in windows and 1.5 metre roof eaves. Visual variety in the façade is achieved by layering the surface planes and using natural facing bricks juxtaposed against plastered columns, recalling images of school buildings in the colonial past, though interpreted in a more modern and contemporary architectural vocabulary without the use of ornaments and other classical features.

CV: Putrajaya Parcel F (Competition scheme)

In April 2007, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd invited 10 Malaysian architectural firms to participate in a design competition for Parcel F, Putrajaya. The proposed development comprised 10 government office buildings and its supporting facilities.

Located adjacent to Parcel E (offices for The Ministry of Education, Malaysia among others), the development site is accessible from the Putrajaya Oval Road, situated facing the junction leading to Alamanda Shopping Centre and Precinct 16. The competition brief called for architectural designs that interpret Islamic Architecture in a modern form.

Our proposal featured 2 main concepts; first, a series of repetitive monumental structures reminiscent of entrance gateways or ‘Iwans’, a predominant feature in Islamic architecture in the middle east used as entrance lobbies for public buildings; and second, facades of glazed windows layered with aluminum sun shading architectural screens of various patterns inspired by the concept of ‘Masharabia’ windows of Morocco. These facades contrasted against the white painted walls of corner pylons, structural elements that provide for both aesthetic and practical functions for the scheme. The pylons, positioned at the corners of each ‘Iwan’ and office building, contribute to the predominantly vertical overall outlook while making it possible to have column free interior spaces.

Eventually, 3 architectural firms obtained the commission for Parcel F; Pakatan Reka Architects Sdn Bhd (PRA) appointed as the lead consultant, S&O Architects Sdn Bhd and Jafri Merican Architect.

CV: Putrajaya Parcel F (Final Scheme)

In April 2007, 10 Malaysian architectural firms participated in a design competition for Parcel F, Putrajaya, of which 3 architectural firms obtained the commission; Pakatan Reka Architects Sdn Bhd (PRA) whose scheme was chosen as the development theme, S&O Architects Sdn Bhd and Jafri Merican Architect (appointed for sub parcels F8, F9 and F10).

PRA’s architectural scheme for the development featured a modern theme, with building enclosures of green coloured glass and passive solar shading devices. The layout plan. designed based on the concept of sustainable development, had the buildings clustered around small ’pocket parks’ and landscaped avenues to minimize heat accumulation at the ground surface areas. Orientation of each building’s wider elevation was set on a north-south axis, a strategy to reduce direct solar heat gain.

Parcel F8 is designated a common facility building housing a cafeteria, visitor’s centre, multi purpose hall, offices and surau. Parcels F9 and F10 are office buildings which will be implemented in the second phase of the development. The concept adopted for the common facilities building, as F8 is now referred to, is that of a ‘functional box’, a no frills approach in which the functional placement of its internal spaces and solar shading requirements shape the outlook of its exterior form. It is a functionalist approach which will imbue the scheme with a timeless appeal.

CV: Putrajaya Waterfront Office Competition Proposal

The proposed commercial office development on Lot 2C2 (abbreviation for Precinct 2, Commercial Building, Parcel 2) is located in the vicinity of the Wawasan Bridge and is adjacent to Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd headquarters building. It is accessible via two platform levels; first, the vehicular access level, at the same elevation as the Core Island main roads and second, a lakefront promenade, about 6 metres lower. By virtue of this promenade frontage, the site is part of an extensive network of tourism related lakefront developments in and around the core island.

Designed based on a modern theme and inspired by maritime elements, the building enclosure is of blue coloured glass combined with passive solar shading devices. The proposed scheme is composed of curvilinear forms aimed at creating visual continuity of the facades when viewed by tourists travelling on boats and ferries across the lake. Consisting of a 16 storey office tower and a 4 storey retail area and office suites, these two blocks are linked by a central stepped courtyard which connects the two main access levels. Around the courtyard, retail outlets combined with various dining and fast food outlets create a lively ambience which will attract tourists, lunch hour and weekend visitors; a key factor in ensuring the success of this commercial development.

CV: Kelab Sultan Suleiman, Kuala Lumpur

The Sultan Suleiman Club in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, founded in 1909, is the oldest and most prominent club created exclusively for the Malay community. The earliest clubhouse, of timber construction and thatched roof, was destroyed in a fire in 1930, and subsequently a new building was constructed in 1932, of bricks and concrete structure, with enclosure of timber panels and clay roof tiles. By the mid 30’s, the club had become a favourite gathering place for various Malay associations and became historically significant when the first Malay Congress that led to the formation of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) was held there in 1946 (This is a subject of debate between Johor and Selangor UMNO around the time of the officiation ceremony of this replica building, but nevertheless, our article refers to Bernama and other official sources). Lamentably, by 1967, this clubhouse structure had fallen into a state of disrepair and was demolished to make room for a new building, a modern clubhouse which is still operational today.

In early 2007, Jafri Merican Architect was appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Malaysia, to design an accurate replica of the 1932 clubhouse, to be reconstructed as authentically as possible, given the absence of any of the original working drawings, which after consulting with numerous sources, were deemed no longer available. To overcome this constraint, old photographs were studied, interviews conducted with senior citizens who frequented the club prior to 1967, and site visits carried out on various colonial buildings of similar period and construction type. These type of buildings, predominantly located in old towns such as Taiping , Kuala Kangsar, and Tapah among others, were studied and photographed to ascertain the type of materials used, sizes of timber elements, method of construction, and the prevalent architectural style used in expressing building details during the 1920s to 30s colonial period.

Initial working drawings were prepared and presented to the Museum and Antiquities Department of the Ministry, and the Sultan Suleiman Club committee. Based on their feedback, drawings were refined to produce the final agreed scheme, approved for submission to authorities; and due to constraints of a tight construction schedule, the calling of a design and build tender. Upon award of the contract, our firm was appointed to work directly under the design and build contractor to produce details concurrent with the progress of construction work.

During this stage our efforts were directed towards preparing construction detailed drawings and advising the contractor regarding material selection and sizes of timber elements to be used. Timber sawmills which could produce the required plank sizes were sought and identified, as were suppliers for materials such as clay roof tiles of the ‘Marseille’ profile and u-shaped metal gutters and rainwater downpipes similar to those used during the colonial period. Ultimately, It is the selection of correct materials and construction details that gives authenticity to the completed building.

Construction works were certified practically complete in late November 2007, and the building was officiated by HRH The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on the 8th of December 2007.

CV: Putrajaya Lot 5G2 (SeniBahri Arkitek)

Government offices on Lot 5G2 (abbreviation for Precinct 5, Government Building, Parcel 2) located adjacent to the Pullman Hotel, Putrajaya, consists of 2 office blocks designed by SeniBahri Arkitek for Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd to fulfill their contract with the end users; The Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia; and The Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

In December 2007, Jafri Merican Architect was appointed by Bina Goodyear Berhad (BGB) as the design and build architect to interpret design intentions of SeniBahri Arkitek and develop design drawings contained in the contract documents into construction drawings, in collaboration with engineering, interior design and landscape consultants appointed by BGB.

The architectural concept is based on a symbolic theme of traditional Malay culture, its heritage and artifacts. Symbolic elements such as ‘Tombak’, ‘Pendeng’, ‘Nenaga’ and ‘Pintu Pong’ among others were developed into buildable details and the intricate design of the building enclosure refined in collaboration with a façade engineering consultant. Drawings were prepared and submitted for approval to Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd project management team and their consultants in 3 stages; concept submission, design development submission and construction drawings submission. Upon obtaining the necessary approvals, these drawings are issued to BGB site personnel for construction implementation.

CV: MITI HQ Competition Proposal, Kuala Lumpur.

In November 2008, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd invited 8 Malaysian architectural firms to participate in a competition for The Ministry of Trade and Industry, Malaysia headquarters building in Jalan Duta, adjacent to the Matrade Building. 3 proposals, those by Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, RSP Architects Sdn Bhd. and Jafri Merican Architect were presented to the minister for his selection.

Our strategy to achieve both efficiency and slenderness was to design the tower block in 3 separate elements and have these interlock in one composition. One of these elements, the service core with a vertical glass enclosure comprising a stairway and a bank of bubble lifts, allow visitors views towards Kuala Lumpur while giving the tower its vertical outlook. The other 2 interlocking elements of the tower composition, a sloping rectangle and a curved glass form, featured a roof deck accessible from a dining/meeting room that could be used for entertaining visiting dignitaries. The tower skyline is embellished with a shaded glass dome housing a conference room; and a pinnacle in the form of a telecommunications tower above the service core.

The entire complex was planned based on a C-shaped configuration with entrance lobbies for VIPs being separated from the public entrance (accessing the multi purpose hall and an auditorium 6 metres below the main road level). The level difference within this site was addressed by a gently sloping central courtyard which allow visitors access to different zones within the proposed development; and a circular garden of tropical forest trees linked to a free form landscaped garden with walkpaths leading to an open air ampitheatre.

In conclusion, every conceptual decision made for the scheme reflected our intention to create an architectural proposal that was designed to cater to the specific needs of The Ministry of Trade and Industry, Malaysia both in terms of functionality and corporate image.

CV: Block 10, UiTM Resort, Shah Alam.

The UiTM Resort in Section 6, Shah Alam was built as a private low rise condominium development in the early 80’s. Upon its purchase by UiTM, the entire development was converted into an accommodation facility, catering mainly for post graduate and foreign students. Complemented by supporting facilities consisting of a coffeehouse, restaurants, meeting rooms, a banquet hall, tennis courts and various service facilities; all buildings within this complex had been built on an undulating site and linked by landscaped covered walk paths for accessibility within a reasonable walking distance from one block to another.

In 2005 the UiTM Vice-Chancellor initiated efforts to upgrade and improve the conditions of the accommodation blocks, which by then had become dilapidated, and to create a theme and image that is more suitable for a resort, rather than the existing outlook of a low rise condominium. Jafri Merican Architect was appointed to explore suitable concepts and to prepare tender drawings for design and build contracts. A number of optional concepts were explored and finally, UiTM agreed on a Mediterranean theme for the resort. In mid 2007, the client gave the go ahead for tender exercise for Block 10.

Jafri Merican Architect was novated for appointment under the design and build contractor to work with their consultant team and produce working drawings for construction. Construction works were completed in early 2008 but practical completion was delayed until mid 2008 due to interior design changes. The completed Block 10 was made operational for the January 2009 intake of foreign students.

CV: Visitors’ Centre at Mutiara Damansara

Located in Mutiara Damansara, adjacent to Ikea and Ikano Power Centre, the Visitors’ Centre and Site Office for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd is one of the earliest buildings built in what was known, to those involved in Boustead Holdings Berhad projects in early 2000, as the Kem Kual development. Completed in 2001, it served as both project management office, where site meetings were regularly held for projects under going construction; and sales office, where the latest product launches took place attended by many prospective buyers.

Conceived as an extension of a public landscaped park proliferating around a water retention pond, the building was designed as a configuration of 5 connected structures; a single central edifice being the main exhibition/showroom area and four smaller structures (comprising a management office, meeting/conference rooms and a surau) connected at a diagonal angle.

The architecture is of modern tropical expression combined with diverse regional influences; featuring deep overhanging roof forms and stone walls as raised platform and column bases. Selection of natural materials, rather than paintwork for colour gives the building its earth tones, blending harmoniously with its idyllic landscaped park setting, an outstanding scheme designed by Malik Lip and Associates Sdn Bhd as a prelude to the verdant image of Mutiara Damansara, which Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd intended to portray to its future habitants.

CV: Projects for Boustead Holdings Berhad

Jafri Merican Architect had been involved in projects for Boustead Holdings Berhad since 1998. Listed below are the projects; some were built, while others remained design proposals. Throughout the design and construction implementation, we worked closely with Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd project personnel had since established a good working relationship.

1. Construction and Completion of 16 units 2-Storey Shop Office, 48 units Shop House and 24 units low cost shop (Phase 4B) on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

2. Construction and Completion of 1 unit MBPJ Food Court on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

3. Construction and Completion of a Visitors’ Centre and Site Office on Lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

4. Construction and Completion of 10 units 2-Storey Shop Office, on lot 70, Mutiara Damansara, Mukim Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd.

5. Conceptual Planning Proposal for 27 units Office Building, 201 units Shop Office and 1 unit Shopping Complex at Mutiara Damansara, Mukim Sg. Buloh, Daerah Petaling, Selangor Darul Ehsan for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

6. Concept Design Proposal for a Sports Complex & Related Facilities at Mutiara Damansara, Lot 70, Kem Kual, Mukim Sungai Buloh, Daerah Petaling, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

7. Concept Design Proposal for a Visitors’ Centre, and Renovation and Refurbishment Works of existing premises at Kilang Wang Bank Negara Malaysia, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, for Boustead Holdings Berhad.

CV: Commercial Building on Lot 2C2, Putrajaya

For the Commercial Building on Lot 2C2, Putrajaya, the original conceptual design was developed by Cox Architects (Design Architect) and submitted for approval to Perbadanan Putrajaya by Perunding Alam Bina Sdn Bhd (PAB) being the Local submitting Architect. The project was tendered as a design and build contract, and awarded to Putra Perdana Construction Sdn. Bhd. (PPCSB, subsidiary of Putra Perdana Berhad).

Jafri Merican Architect was appointed as the consultant architect, upon issuance of a letter of release by PAB, to develop the concept design for construction, submit and obtain the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, and provide professional architectural services throughout construction, to a stage enabling the CCC to be issued. The client, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd retains the appointment of Cox and PAB and the consultant engineers as 'Checker Consultants', comprising part of the developer's Project Management Team.

The perspective renderings shown here were prepared by Cox/PAB as part of the tender documents, illustrating their design intentions as a guide, for design development and construction implementation to be carried out by Jafri Merican Architect and other PPCSB appointed consultants.

CV: Commercial Development for Felcra Berhad

The proposal for a multi storey commercial development in Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur comprise two towers, a 40 storey office building strategically poised at the junction of Jalan Semarak and Jalan Perumahan Gurney, and a 34 storey service apartment tower positioned diagonally opposite, set a distance behind allowing for a podium block to straddle the main street frontage.

The design concept features a spiral form for both towers as a formal metaphor symbolizing traditional textile based Malay ornaments and crafts such as tengkolok and selendang normally folded in a spiraling manner to give its cloth material a structural quality, thus enabling a bold form to be sculpted from its pliable and collapsible fabric.

Functionally, the proposed development is designed based on green building principles, the towers having double skin facades that reduce heat gain while allowing for maximum daylighting; the podium being raised to allow car parks at ground level, a strategy to reduce export of earth; and the provision of green roofs that will contribute towards addressing the effect of urban heat phenomena in the city centre.

Above all, the proposed architectural form aims to create a landmark effect in the city for Felcra Berhad to gain an opportunity at rebranding their corporate image, having an architecturally significant headquarters building as a centerpiece for acquiring global media attention.

CV: Development on lot 3C10 and 3C11, Putrajaya

This design proposal for commercial lots in Precinct 3, Putrajaya featured 2 main elements. A glass façade, with sunshading devices that form wave like patterns, and corner shear walls of the service cores. We developed the wave concept to provide the scheme with design elements that give some form of dynamic effect and movement, whereby the facade changes whenever the traveller moves within the pedestrian mall. We felt that the wave metaphor is relevant because of the site being located in the Core Island. No building in the boulevard had addressed the symbolic relationship with the water elements so by adopting this approach we hoped to create a unique scheme.

The two lots are separated by a pedestrian mall leading to the Boulevard.This separation is due to an LRT tunnel route that traverses the site leaving 2 triangular shaped parcels with separate basements. We oriented the grid to face the longer boundaries at the separations to make the basement design more effective. As for UDG we provided the low rise streetwalls and punctuation zones facing the boulevard and the height tallies with POJ and 4G3 facades.

The shear walls of grey concrete finish with bas reliefs of exotic patterns is a homage to post merdeka Malaysian architecture of the early 60s period but rendered in a more contemporary way.

The competition winner was Broadway Malyan. Pakatan Reka Architects Sdn Bhd was appointed as local architects. Recently, Sacha and Tan architects, one of the participants, presented their scheme in the Venice Biennalle architectural exhibition.

CV: Wisma Tani in Architect Concept magazine

Wisma Tani 4G2, Putrajaya was featured in Architect Concept Magazine April 2010 issue.

CV: Putrajaya School featured in magazine

Putrajaya Precinct 11 School Complex was featured in Architect Concept magazine, April 2010 issue.

CV: KSS featured in Architecture Malaysia (PAM)

Kelab Sultan Suleiman project was featured in Architect Malaysia magazine, November 2009 issue.

Travels: The Art and Architecture of Bali

Entry gate with overhead decorated beam. A less typical type of gateway seen on the way to Ubud

The archetype entry gateway to a house, without overhead beam. This type of design is the most characteristic of Balinese gateways commonly found in homes and temples throughout Bali

Typical temple complex near Ubud

Temple structures, Ubud

View from the Mercure hotel, Kuta Beach

Stone work roadside work shop

Temple near Ubud

Crafts shop by the roadside on the way to Ubud

Beach decorations at Jimbaran Bay

These photographs were taken during my recent trip to Bali (11th to 13th March 2011). From the seafood restaurants and beach decorations at Jimbaran Bay, the crafts and sculptures of Ubud, the typical roadside houses, The Mercure Hotel (where I stayed), Hard Rock Cafe and the shopping areas in Kuta, Art and Architecture is a way of life in Bali. These exist everywhere and anywhere even in the smallest of structures and the most ordinary of families.

The religion of the Balinese people is Hinduism. The average Balinese is very religious in nature and this quality is apparent in their everyday activities and their structures, homes or market places. Temples are everywhere within a very short distance of one another. Tourism is the most important source of income and the entire country's socio economic activities are geared towards fulfilling the needs of tourists coming in from all over the world daily.

The photographs are of ordinary or of typical scenes or moments, as to capture the essence of everyday life in Bali. I've posted over 100 photographs on Jafri Merican Architect's Facebook page.