Archiprix International 2001
Universiti Teknologi Mara, Faculty of architecture, planning and surveying - Shah Alam, Malaysia
Wan Azhar
Wan Sulaima
Mohd Jam
Tutors: Syed Sobri Zubir
Location: Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. Client: Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange [KLSE]. Site: 10.2-acres area, located within International Trading Zone. Programme: MESDAQ Stock Exchange building [15000m2], virtual & media communication building [20000m2], software centre [2000m2], information made public tunnel [5000m2], exchange gallery [3000m2], offices [17000m2] & 1400-car parking space. Technical aspect: Reflective Cone System. The proposed Malaysian Exchange of Securities Dealing Automated Quotation and Communication Centre is to become a regional hub for international trade. In the midst of the new millennium, MESDAQ is embarking on a global journey that establishes new ground for innovative worldwide businesses. With the expanding of new global markets and IT focused industries, MESDAQ can be the Technological Platform that propagates technical competence resulting in sustainable profit. With the establishment of the MSC, MESDAQ needs an architecture that is responsive and sustainable by employing the state-of-the-art technologies such as fibre optic networking and lighting, electro-optic and Mechatronic Design etc. Initially, the design intention for MESDAQ is to create an architecture where spatial fluidity is utilized and integrated with the site topography and the natural forces. By doing this, the ambience of the building may become rigid with geometrical artificial spaces.As the concept of architectural space is largely influenced by multi-media, the idea of virtuality, fluidity, cinematic and so forth has become a popular topic of discussion in the architectural agenda of many famous architects like Rem Koolhaas, Toyo Ito, Jean Nouvel and others. Therefore the design takes the liberty of combining the initial concept with contemporary theories relating to fluidity of space so that the qualities of transparency is virtually inherent in the MESDAQ complex. To achieve the respective qualities of fluidity in the proposed complex, two major aspects of design are considered. The first, incorporates space-age technology in the skin of the structure which is of glass and perforated aluminium panels. These components are built-in with photographic diaphragms to control solar radiation and also act as solar cells. The second, considers transparency that promotes simulation and interaction of inner/outer spaces. During the day, the exterior skin will reflect the outside on its surface; at night, it reveals what is going on inside. Although MESDAQ is an intelligent building that can be self-regulated by using computers, the idea of nomadic architecture is applied here as an invisible tool for conceptualizing the world.Although the new economy of scale may have freed us from the restrictions of place and time, architecture is still concerned with the notions of context, space and time. And to respond to the notion, the image portrayed by MESDAQ must project the digital dynamism of the multimedia and IT industries. In this context, new technical and aesthetic qualities employing hologram can create graphic interplay of signs, colours, transparencies, filters and many more display of multimedia technologies that can attract the sensibility of the public obsessed with visual perception of the electronic media. MESDAQ's aerospatial imagery of the exterior has indirectly influenced the virtual space of the interior. The huge atrium with self-regulating biosphere combines teleworking and a communication centre and provides qualities of a responsive working environment. Technical Aspect reflective cone system - Ventilated collective glass cone structures that reflect and refract direct sunlight into the building.