Rising 21 storeys above the historic shophouse district of Georgetown, capital of Penang, Malaysia, is a new ‘bioclimatic skyscraper’ designed as an icon suggesting the progressive government of the major tenant, UMNO, the country’s ruling political party. Although centrally air conditioned (as an afterthought), the building provides sophisticated systems of natural ventilation, including experimental wing-wall/air-lock devices clipped to balconies. The service core is placed to the east to shade offices from the morning sun, and public areas of this core are naturally lit and ventilated. On the western side, sunshades and balconies offer shade in the afternoon. Several skycourts are included to serve the 14 floors of offices.

Jury Verdict

Like a vertical aeroplane wing, this silver building soars into the sky over Penang. Commissioned by a leading political party to be a landmark, it makes several statements; not the least of them, an environmental message.

Like an aircraft wing, the blade-shaped building is aligned towards the prevailing winds with funnels channelling air into the interior to reduce dependence on airconditioning. Close attention to environmental concerns has provided both functional and decorative elements. Shade awnings in recyclable aluminium reduce glare and sophisticated computer models were used to predict the airflow through and around the building to reduce interior temperatures. This project stands out as a thoughtful environmental response and an elegant construction.

Photography KL Ng

Menara UMNO, Georgetown, Malaysia
Architects and Interior Designers TR Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd—project architect Ken Yeang. Developer South East Asia Development Corporation. Structural and Civil Engineers Tahir Wong. Electrical, Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineers Ranhill Bersekutu. Lighting Consultants NDY Lighting. Natural Ventilation Consultants Richard Aynsley, Phil Jones. Quantity Surveyor Juru Ukur Bahan Malaysia. Builder JDC Corporation.

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