restraint
a necessary quality of buildings forming the background to university life."
""
Boldness of form together with the use of natural and simple materials has produced a complex of buildings of quiet sophistication which trast with the surrounding buildings and make evident the hub of the seat of learning.
con-
The choice of simple materials has made it possible to erect the structures without exceeding the financial vote. They provide a further advantage in that a minimum of expenditure will be needed for subsequent mainten- ance and decoration and the money thus saved can be utilised for future university developments.
The complex is the first large scale successful application of fair-faced concrete in Malaysia. Widely used in other parts of the world, this tech- nique has until now suffered from special problems resulting from the Malaysian climate. Its success in this instance is due very largely to the contractor, his men and the super- vising staff, who showed an ardent enthusiasm in their effort to succeed with this method of construction.
Largest in S. E. Asia
The three storey administration block has been occupied by the uni- versity since mid-April in order that the transition from their temporary accommodation in the Arts Faculty could be achieved during the academic
recess.
Presently the Great Hall is among the largest buildings of its nature in South East Asia. It is capable of seating. in air-conditioned comfort. 3,000 graduates, relatives, friends and dignitaries at the time of the annual Convocation. This most important function on the university calendar can now be held within the campus.
The building has been designed to provide permanent facilities for Tele-
Internal court- yard of adminis- tration block with enclosed escape staircase
vision and Radio Malaysia, a built- in public address system, cine pro- jection and simultaneous translation during conferences. These facilities. together with a lighting control room. occupy a series of sound-proof rooms on the mezzanine floor, each giving a full view of the proceedings in the entire hall. Around three sides of
the hall stretches a commanding bal- cony which will be used during form- al, informal and sporting occasions.
The approach to the Great Hall is by way of a bridge across a pool, or from the paved car park, into the towering volume of the foyer where 3,000 guests may pass without con- gestion.
Complex seen from the north-east
Far East Architect & Builder October, 1966
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