September_1965 — Page 20

Model of proposed Istana Negara

New Palace for Paramount Ruler of Malaysia

DE

GOH HOCK GUAN, architect

ESIGNING a new palace for a na- tion's paramount ruler necessi- tates a certain frame of mind from the architect concerned.

He must realise from the very out- set that such a building should not only provide a suitable home for the nation's ruler and his consort, ac- commodation for visiting dignitaries, in addition to providing a glittering setting for state functions. but also, the palace should be the foremost building in the nation. As such it must reflect and capture the nation's spirit and culture, if not its soul.

This, the architect, Mr. Goh Hock Guan, has done. In designing the proposed new palace for Malaysia's paramount ruler, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he has created something uni- que - a simple yet grand building which will surely stand out effective national symbol.

as

an

He has described it as an attempt to capture as much as possible the very spirit of Malay culture and ex- press it in the most contemporary architectural terms.

To be built on top of a 450 ft. high dome-shaped hill west of Jalan Duta (formerly known as the Diplo- matic Enclave Highway), the new Istana Negara will command a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, and also of the nation's capital, Kuala Lumpur, further off.

56

The site reserved for the palace en-

closes an

area of more than 200 acres. The palace itself will occupy about 4 acres.

а

The palace will be rectangular in shape, 200 ft. long and 100 ft, wide, and completely surrounded by moat-style ornamental reflecting pool. The building will be basically four- storeyed, rising to a height of 50 ft. A feature of the palace will be its striking flat topped roof composed of concrete square modules with their corners meeting in turned-up points all around the edge, reminiscent of the traditional crescent-shaped Minangkabau roof of ancient times.

Diamond-shaped plastic domes will allow filtered light through on to the roof-garden immediately beneath the roof. These plastic domes will pro- vide a shimmering effect when viewed from afar, and will give the impres- sion of a diamond-studded crown.

Double Roofing

The roof-garden immediately beneath this "parasol roof" will cover the entire top floor. Completely open on all sides of the building, and sur- rounded only by a balcony, the roof- garden with its terraced walks and local flora will provide a delightful setting for garden parties. Apart from this, the roof-garden will also serve a second function that of a second roof for the building.

The idea of this double-roofing, ac-

cording to Mr Goh, is to "come to terms with the Malaysian climate.'

Below this roof-garden will be the first floor, housing the Royal suite and private lounge, study and private lounge, study and private dining room. Here too, will be the ruler's private prayer room, and the various suites for VIP guests. There will also be a ruler's conference room which be convertible into a theatrette for film shows for the Royal family.

A minimum of air-conditioning will be used in the suites. Instead, timber louvres running the entire length of one wall of each suite will serve as windows. These completely "openable shuttered walls" will allow the cooling breeze from the surround- ing hills to circulate freely in the day, and yet be shuttered off from the out- side world

ensure at night to maximum of privacy. These louvres as well as the panelled walls will be of local timber.

a

The main ground floor will house another feature of the palace the throne room. It will measure 140 ft. by 80 ft. and will rise majestically the full height of the palace building. Controlled side-lighting on the roof will illuminate the throne room dur- ing the day.

A central aisle will run the entire length of the throne room which will be capable of seating more than 1.000 people. On both sides of the throne room, doors will lead to a promenade completely sheltered from the outside by perforated walls of

terrazzo.

Leading from the throne room will be the reception concourse. It will

Far East Architect & Builder September, 1965

Page 20Page 21