CONTENT

Title Page
No.
1 Introduction
2 History of PAM building
(I)As a townhouse
(II)As Empire Hotel
(III)As Peninsular Hotel
(IV)As PAM building
3 Architect of PAM building
4 Characteristics of PAM building
(I)Palladian Influences
(II)Chinese Influences
5 Comparison with local and western buildings
(I) Loke Mansion
(II) Villa Capra
(III) Comparison Table
6 Conservation of PAM building
7 Conclusion
8 Appendix
(I)References
(II)Group Photo
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

The PAM building,(figure 1.01) currently located at Jalan Tangsi, is formerly known as Loke
Hall or Loke Chow Kit's House. This building began life as a townhouse of famous Chinese
entrepreneur and tin minor Loke Chow Kit which was known as the only building belonged to the
local. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2007)

Figure 1.01 Front view of PAM building (Source : WeeKit Ong,2011)

In the late nineteeth and early twentieth century, private residences of the wealthy Chinese
are among the most spectacular buildings in Malaysian cities. Loke Hall protruding for its absolute
ostentation and for the ways in which they merged European classical forms and traditional
Chinese house plans and motifs. As the capitalist towkay owners prospered as agents between
foreign power and capital on the one hand, and Chinese entrepremeurs on the other, so the
buildings they built reflected their loyalty to both east and west, which then created an architectural
hybrids known as 'compradore mansions'. (Chin Voon Fee, 1998)
 2.0 HISTORY OF PAM BUILDING

2.1 As a townhouse (1907-1909)

The PAM center has been built in the European quarter of Kuala Lumpur. It was not only
used as a residence, but also an office for tin industry at that time. PAM center is built in 1907 by
an Anglo-Indian architect A.K.Musdeen. The building possesses a vivid history with a large dose of
nostalgia. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2007)

2.2 As Empire Hotel (1909-1919)

In 1909, Loke Hall was taken over by Europeans and undergoes its first major
transformation which is converted the great mansion complex into an establishment known as
Empire Hotel. (Figure 2.01) The Empire hotel lasted until 1919. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia,
2007)

Figure 2.01 PAM building as Empire Hotel (Source : J.M.Gullick)

2.3 As Peninsular Hotel (1919-1973)

Ownership of the building passed over to Loke Yew's son, Alan Loke in year 1916, who had
bought the deed after his renowned father's dead.After this, the Empire hotel was then renovated
and became Peninsular Hotel which survived until 1973. Loke Hall looked much more opulent and
extravagant during its days as a hotel.It also became a favourite meeting and lodging place for
colonials,planters and members of the tin and trading ventures. Unfortunately, a slow decline soon
set in due to the intense competition as well as the changing social-economical circumstances.
(Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia,2007)

2,4 As PAM building (1973 – )

In 1973,the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) acquired tenancy of the premises and
began refurbishing the Loke Hall for use as the PAM center. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2007)
PAM in its dual status as 'tenant Architect' and 'custodian' of a building announced under the
Antiquities' Act has fulfilled its compulsion to maintain the building in a good state of repair and
restore it in the manner of a model “conservation” and “adaptive reuse” project. (Malaysia Tourism
(MATTA) , 2005)
 3.0 ARCHITECT OF PAM BUILDING

Loke Hall's architect, A.K.Musdeen is the architect that designed the Chow Kit Emporium.
It is now the present day Industrial Court Building.(Figure 3.01) (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia,
2007)He was born in Hong Kong in year 1869 and he had already with the Public Works
Department (P.W.D) at Klang as a surveyor by 1892. At later years, he was also found that he
applied for the post Draftsman & Surveyor P.W.D Kuala Lumpur. Information states that he was in
private practice at the beginning of the 20 th century till then he appears as an architect in the
Singapore and Straits Directory 1929. (J.M.Gullick, 2000)

Figure 3.01 Industrial court building (Source : Ezry Abdul Rahman , 2013)
 After the first building built, he was then commissioned again by Chow Kit in 1907 to build a
town house and offices on a site for his growing tin-mining venture in Barrack Road,(Figure 3.02)
which is Loke Hall.At those days, it was described the most brilliant edifice of its kind ever erected
in Kuala Lumpur. The building is an interesting piece of work with the spread of arhitectural ideas
across ethnic boundaries which is unique and sole. (J.M.Gullick, 2000)

Figure 3.02 : 1895 Kuala Lumpur Map , Barrack Road located at left portion of the map
(Source : J.M.Gullick)
 4.0 CHARECTERISTICS OF PAM BUILDING
The PAM center appears to have been influenced by Loke Chow Kit's careful observations
of European architectural approaches when he was on tour of Europe in 1903 with Loke Yew. It is
observed to have something the appearance of an Italian Villa, with the interior courtyard as well.
(Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2007) Loke Hall Consists of two separate units: one unit resembles
a typical shophouse(Figure 4.01) except for the elaborate decoration on the gable and the other
section is reminiscent of Palladian villas (Figure 4.02)built for the colonial admintrators.There are
many Palladianisms's features that can be observe throughout the building. The major part of the
whole architectural compostion is comprising the stable annex too. (Ken Yeang ,1992)

Figure 4.01 Typical shophouse unit (Source : Hoo Zhi Xin,2013)

Figure 4.02 Reminiscent of Palladian's Villa (Source : Hoo Zhi Xin,2013)

4.1 Palladian Influences
Loke Hall has a central entrance portico leading to an internal courtyard. It is said to be
symmetrically planes around the open air courtyard and it also bears Palladian motifs.The
pediment is decorated with floral motifs moulded from plaster and in the center is a circular
ventilation hole.(Figure 4.03)Below the pediment are three pairs of windows,each decorated with
emphasized key stone and artificial balustrades.(Figure 4.04)(Ken Yeang, 1992) Yet,the townhouse
and its elevated treatment was based on the Baroque-period style of European manors.
(Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, 2007).

Figure 4.03 Palladian motifs (Source : Hoo Zhi Xin , 2013)

Figure 4.04 Pediment and windows (Source : Hoo Zhi Xin ,2013)
4.2 Local Influences
While embracing Western architectural forms, traditional principle concerning the internal
organization of space in the Chinese mansion were also seen in Loke's Hall. It has the internal
open-air courtyard (Figure 4.05 )which nowadays only can be seen in old buildings in Malacca and
Rumah Agam Cheong Fatt Ze in Pulau Pinang. This design also presence in the heritage buildings
of China. (Ar. Mohd. Zulhemlee An ,2008)

Figure 4.05 Internal open-air courtyard (Source : Hoo Zhi Xin , 2013)

The building also retain some vernacular features in its roof details. (Pertubuhan Arkitek
Malaysia , 2007) For the other section of the building elaborate artwork was done at the gable ends
and on the upper front facade. The gable ends show some Dutch,Portugese,English and Islamic
influence. The combination influences was the result of designs from different architects as it
evolved around two different construction periods. (Ar. Mohd. Zulhemlee An ,2008)

Besides that, Loke Hall express the grandiose and lavish decorative treatments constructed
through load bearing techniques. Loke Chow Kit claimed the annex for his offices, leaving the
simpler building to the left for stables. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia , 2007)
 5.0 COMPARISON WITH LOCAL AND WESTERN BUILDINGS
For comparison purpose,we chose another Chinese residential building, Loke Mansion as
local reference and Villa Capra as western reference.

5.1 Loke Mansion

Loke Mansion (Wisma Loke) (Figure 5.01) is also build by A.K.Musdeen in the British
colonial era. It is located at No.273A,Jalan Medan Tuanku. Loke Mansion was built by the late
Cantonese community leader, Cheow Ah Yoke (also known as Loke Yew) over 12 years from 1892,
the year he bought Loke Mansion in its present form was completed in 1904 and was part of the
former sprawling 11-acre (45,000 m2) Loke Estate. Loke Yew made sure his mansion became one
of the most prestigious residences in Asia and was reputedly the first residence in Malaya to
receive electricity. Loke's family lived there until the 1930s. (N.S.Sulaiman, 2008)

Figure 5.01 Front elevation of Loke Mansion (Source : Sreerema Banoo,2009)

 Loke mansion is reminiscent of an European-style villa. The plan of the Loke Mansion is
symmetrical and proportioned. Similar to the PAM building,the architecture style is Palladian and
Chinese. It has a strong belief in harmony and balance which is clearly evident. Therefore, the
symmetrical facade of the mansion overlaps both Palladian and Chinese influences. The moon
gate (Figure 5.02) is the strongest architectural element that is of Chinese influence. Chinese-style
ventilators and windows were used and roof-top parapets obviously rose above the roof line.
Chinese murals, Chinese figures and scultured relief are found in the exterior and interior of the
mansion. Although the style is more to European style, the integration of Chinese style makes
these houses a unique Straits Eclectic structure. (LICT ,1999)

Figure 5.02 Moon Gate (Source : Sreerema Banoo,2009)

 5.2 Villa Capra
Villa Capra (Figure 5.03) is a Renaissance villa just outside Vicenza, northern Italy,
designed by Andrea Palladio. It is also known as La Rotonda, Villa Rotonda, and Villa Almerico. It
was built between the years 1567 - 1570, in an ideal landscape, built as a mansion Vatican official
called Paolo Almere. (Villa La Rotonda , 2009)

Figure 5.03 Front View of Villa Capra ( Source : Barnyz , 2011)

The name La Rotonda refers to the central circular hall with its dome. To describe the villa,
as a whole, as a 'rotonda' is technically incorrect, as the building is not circular but rather the
intersection of a square with a cross . (Villa La Rotonda , 2009)

The design is for a completely symmetrical building having a square plan (Figure 5.04) with
four facades, each of which has a projecting portico. The whole is contained within an imaginary
circle which touches each corner of the building and centres of the porticos. Each portico has steps
leading up, and opens via a small cabinet or corridor to the circular domed central hall. This and all
other rooms were proportioned with mathematical precision according to Palladio's own rules of
architecture which he published in the Quattro Libri dell'Architettura. (Architeuul ,2011)
 Figure 5.04 Villa Capra's Floor Plan (Source : Carolyn McDowall , 2012)

The highlight of the interior is the central, circular hall, surrounded by a balcony and
covered by the domed ceiling; it soars the full height of the main house up to the cupola,(Figure
5.05) with walls decorated in trompe l'oeil. Abundant frescoes create an atmosphere that is more
reminiscent of a cathedral than the principal salon of a country house. From the porticos wonderful
views of the surrounding countryside can be seen; this is no coincidence as the Villa was designed
to be in perfect harmony with the landscape. Thus, while the house appears to be completely
symmetrical, it actually has certain deviations, designed to allow each facade to complement the
surrounding landscape and topography. Hence there are variations in the facades, in the width of
steps, retaining walls, et cetera. In this way, the symmetry of the architecture allows for the
asymmetry of the landscape, and creates a seemingly symmetrical whole. (Architeuul ,2011)

Figure 5.05 The cupola (Source : Alessandronegri , 2013)

 The landscape (figure 5.06) is a panoramic vision of trees and meadows and woods, with
the distant Vicenza on the horizon. The northwest portico is set onto the hill as the termination of a
straight carriage drive from the principal gates. This carriageway is an avenue between the service
blocks, built by the Capra brothers who acquired the villa in 1591; they commissioned Vincenzo
Scamozzi to complete the villa and construct the range of staff and agricultural buildings. As one
approaches the villa from this angle one is deliberately made to feel one is ascending from some
less worthy place to a temple on high. This same view in reverse, from the villa, highlights a
classical chapel on the edge of Vicenza, thus villa and town are united. (Architeuul ,2011)

Figure 5.06 The surrounding landscape of Villa Capra (Source : Radhika , 2007)
 5.3 Comparison Table

Table 5.01: Comparison between Loke Hall and Loke Mansion

Loke Hall Loke Mansion

Diagram5.31 Loke Hall Elevation Elevation

Influenced by
Palladianism,symmetrical and
proportional.

Diagram 5.3.2 Loke Mansion Elevation

Influenced by renaissance segmented

arches and the load bearing Tuscan column
that line the verandahs.
Neo-classical in styling which the Form Double story arcade with a loggia which is
north wing has a Regency flavour and renaissance in style.The facade gives a
with its balcony terrace and eclectic style strong sense of symmetry which is the style
features.It is also skillfully laid out of Palladian architecture.
with an atrium incorporated and
symmetrically composed.
-There are three gable ends in this Structure
building,one on the front facade and
the other two on the left
facade.Below the gable,the frieze
was decorated with swags or
festoons. Diagram 5.3.4: Pediment
-The pediment is decorated with
floral motifs moulded from plaster -Portrays Greek pediments and rooftop
and in the center is a circular parapets giving a strong contrast to two
ventilation hole. pairs of interesting roof gables raised above
the roof which reflects the Dutch or Belgium
architecture.

Diagram 5.3.3:Keystone
 -The first floor arches on the polygonal
sides has 5 keystones each.The two stories
arcade has semi circular arches and a
series of double arches super-imposed over
the single arches.A row of small
column,melded in shallow relief between the
upper arches,rise to cornice.

Diagram 5.3.6: Keystone / Arch design

Eclectic
Features

Digram 5.3.7: Portico leading to

courtyard
Diagram 5.3.8 : Moon Gate
-Internal open-air courtyard which is
one of the Chinese mansion's -The famous Ching dynasty “Moon gate”
features. has been incorporated into the rear portion
of the current Loke Mansion.The gate sits
prominently in the rear wall of the ground
floor.It is amalgamated with a set of sliding
and folding doors with Chengal wood and
iron fitted the wall.The moon gate leads to
the courtyard.

Diagram 5.3.9:Balustrade

-Small staircase that bring visitors to

the porch before entering the main
door of the house which is a notable
Malay feature.
-Some vernacular features in its
roof details.
Figure 5.07: The Red gate
 (Source:Sreerema Banoo , 2007)

-The red gate(Figure 5.07) is the original

entrance of the mansion.It gives the family
privacy and security while providing
ventilation at the same time.It is also made
out of Chengal wood.The red gate faces
inside and a secondary as a safety foor
when the wooden door is open.It is built
together with a typical Chinese wooden lock
that is used in almost every classical house.
-The ventilation windows are rarely
square ,but framed in curvilinear
symmetrical shapes.This is also the
characteristics of Chinese Feng Shui.
Elements

Diagram 5.3.11: Motifs on column

Diagram 5.3.10 : Doric column -The columns give an essences of its

straight lines and combine it with the
-Doric columns enhance the upper contrast of the horizontal cornice lines of the
front facade and divide the windows building.
into bays. -The annexe which has ornate balcony
-There are a balcony runs the full terraces with decorative formed iron
length of the upper floor on the left beautify the building.
side of the building. -On the both sides of the doorway are
-The hand railings were made of square window openings,originally
decorative cast iron. unglazed,with bars and shutters.

Diagram 5.3.13 : Wall Panel Pattern

Diagram 5.3.12: Plant motifs on

balustrade
-The staircase is made of wood as
well as the handrails of the
staircase.

Diagram 5.3.15: Iron Gate

Diagram 5.3.16: Main Entrance

Diagram 5.3.17: Window

Designed in heavy load bearing Construction Overall architecture is a solid masonry
masonry yet adapted for tropical construction.
living.The wall is much thicker than As the building is influenced by Chinese
the building nowadays as not only architecture,the pillars,rafters and beam in
its column but also the wall bear roofs and walls are not hidden but
loads.The wall was able to absorb instead,exposed and emphasized.
and release humid into the air within
the house to lower its temperature.
-The usage of breathable paint is to
lower the temperature but
nowadays it is no longer being used
as the usage of air-conditioner does
not require air to flow in and out.It
also caused the forming of fungus
as humid within the wall cannot be
released effectively.
Table 5.02: Comparison between Loke Hall and Villa Capra
Loke Hall Villa Capra
Elevation

Diagram 5.3.18: Front Elevation of Diagram 5.3.19 : Elevation of Villa Capra

Loke Hall Symmetrical and Propotional , respond to
Symmetrical and Propotional the landscape.
Reminiscent of Palladian style which is Form The design reflected the humanist value of
symmetrical and proportional in and Renaissance architecture which emphasis
form.Retaining vernacular features due style on symmetry,proportion,geometry and the
to local influences. regularity of the parts.
Located on the focal point of the Topography Located on hill,surrounded by trees and
city,which is near by Selangor meadows and woods,promotes serenity
Club.When Loke Hall serve as Empire and solemnity.
Hotel, the railway track just right infront
the entrance.
Structure -In order for each room expose to sun, the
design was rotated 45 degrees from each
cardinal point of the compass.

Diagram 5.3.20 : Pediment and

windows
-Below the pediment are three pairs of
windows,each decorated with
emphasized key-stones and artificial
balustrades.The balustrade came from Diagram 5.3.21 : Pediment
both China and Europe,as same
design also found in Europe.
 -The pediments were each supported by
six Ionic columns.

Diagram 5.3.22 : Projecting Portico

-Each portico was flanked by a single
window.
-All principal rooms were on the second
floor or piano nobile.
Elements -Each of the four porticos has pediments
graced by statues of classical deities,
revive the classical antiquity particulary
ancient Roman architecture.

Diagram 5.3.23: Mosaic Pattern

-One of the eclectic features shown in

Loke Hall.

Diagram 5.3.24: Oculus

-An oculus (intended to be open to the sky)
inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The
dome was ultimately completed with a
cupola.

Diagram 5.3.25 : Doric Column

Evidence of Palladian remisniscence

Diagram 5.3.27 : Motifs on Ionic Column

Diagram 5.3.26: Motifs on Column
Columns with ornate,European-style
foliated motifs were a popular features
in many Chinese mansions
 6.0 Conservation of PAM building

PAM chose to take care of this building because of its distinct design, which cannot be
obtained from the buildings of other era. The case for the conservation of Loke Hall arises from its
historical, architectural, social and cultural interest. (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia ,1983) The
artistically built and with a high degree of the Chinese artisan craftmanship which has since being
lost, that is why conservation is needed. Further more, the pediment, hooded molds and fanlights,
porch, loggia, blind arcade, corner quoins, Regency verandah are only few of the many details that
would intrigate conservationists and architects. In addition, its location which is the main area of
Kuala Lumpur makes it a suitable building to be used as a reference of heritage building.
(Malaysia Tourism (MATTA) ,2005)
 7.0 Conclusion
The PAM center would not be standing today if not for Kuala Lumpur City Hall's
interventation in 1980s,in reaction to concerns from members of the public. (Malaysia Tourism
(MATTA) ,2005) The heritage buildings therefore stand as continuing testimony to the city's
commitment to conservation. In conclusion, we people must appreciate the heritage buildings and
learn something from our ancestors through the building.
 8.0 Appendix
8.1 References

‘Architectural Heritage:Kuala Lumpur-Pre-Merdeka’ 2007, Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, p. 38-39

'Architeuul 2011, Villa Capra Rotonda'v'iewed 17 June 2013,

http://architectuul.com/architecture/villa-capra-rotonda

‘Malaysia Design Archive’, An influence of Colonial Architecture to Building Styles and Motifs in
Colonial Cities in Malaysia, viewed 14 May 2013, http://www.malaysiadesignarchive.org/?p=936
‘PAM Press Conference’ 1983, Arkib Negara
Arputhaswamy, J 2005, Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAM), Malaysia Tourism, MATTA, viewed
on 7 May 2013, http://mattaclass.blogspot.com/2005/09/malaysian-institute-of-architects-pam.html
Banoo, S 2009, ‘Mending a Broken Soul’, The Edge Malaysia, 1 February, viewed on 9 May 2013,
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/deco-a-garden/13061-mending-a-broken-soul.html
Gullick, J.M 2000, ‘A History of KL’, MBras
Kamal, K 2008, Sejarah Bangunan Loke Chow Kit (Kini Bangunan PAM), Building Conservation,
University Teknologi Mara, viewed on 12 May 2013,
http://buildingconservation.blogspot.com/2009/09/sejarah-bangunan-loke-chow-kit-kini.html
LICT 1999, ‘Loke Mansion “Blended Architecture’’, Department of Architecture and Built
Environment, Interior Architecture Semester 7 Students
Sulaiman, N.S 2008, ‘Loke Yew Mansion: Heritage Unclaimed’, Building Case Study, p. 1 & 5, 16-
22, Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment, LIMKOKWING University of Creative and
Technology
'Villa La Rotonda 2009 , Villa La Rotonda ,' viewed on 24 th June 2013,
http://www.villalarotonda.it/en/larotondadelpalladio.htm
Voon Fee,Chein 1998, “The Encyclopedia of Malaysia Volume 5: Architecture’, Archipelago Press
Yeang, Ken 1992, ‘The Architecture of Malaysia’, The Pepin Press
8.2 Group Photo

Figure 8.1 Group photo during our site visit in PAM building
(From Left : Hoo Zhi Xin,Lim Yee Zhing, Mr.Ani , Chua Sor Hong, Wong Jia Xin)