BSC ARC (Sem 2) : Culture & History 2 - Report

S C H O O L O F
A R C H I T E C T U R E ,
B U I L D I N G & D E S I G N
C U L T U R E & H I S T O R Y I I
PROJECT 2 : REPORT
S A B D
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS) IN
ARCHITECTURE
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA

Content
Introduction 
 
Building Information 
 
History of Building 
 
Site Context Analysis 
 
Architectural Layout of Building 
 
Architectural Style Analysis 
 
Building Construction, Structure & Material Analysis 
 
Architectural Elements/Components Analysis 
Conclusion 
 
References
3 
 
4 
 
5 
 
6 - 24 
 
25 - 37 
 
38 - 63 
 
64 - 69 
70 - 79
 
80
81 - 84
2

Introduction
Malaysia is a country filled with different cultures and tradition unlike any other place.
Being a multiracial country, influence from all ethnics and cultures surrounds us
everyday. One of the major influences from different cultures and background that we
come across everyday would be our local architecture. Malaysia architecture has gain
influence from all over, including Asian traditions, Colonial influence, Islamic
background and International style. Kuala Lumpur being the capital of Malaysia, is of
course, without a doubt the most developed part of the country. After gaining it’s
independence, more and more modern buildings started coming up around the city
and in the 90s, Malaysia’s concrete jungle came to live with it’s Late Modernist and
Post modernist style.
The Islamic Arts Museum has taken a tow on Modern Architecture but added touches
of details derived from Islamic architecture which brought meaning to the building’s
purpose as it’s main reason was to display Islamic arts. The building is well designed in
a way where it form an airy and well lit place which gives visitors an indescribable
ambience while strolling around the inside of the museum. The seamless continuity of
light in the spaces is maintained throughout the galleries, the library and the
restaurant. The openness of floor places did not give any restriction in displaying all
their artworks and gave a flow for visitors to walk around and enjoy whatever that
have to offer.
3

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
The Islamic Arts Museum is situated near Lake Gardens and Kuala Lumpur’s Bird Park.
It the largest museum to house Islamic art in Southeast Asia. Being of it’s size, it is
filled with over 10,000 artefacts. Despite being and Islamic art museum, it’s focus isn’t
100% towards Islamic art, but incorporates components from different parts of Asia
such as China and India.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana,
50480 Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.
+603 2092 7070 or
+603 2274 2020 
info@iamm.org.my
Address : 
 
Contact : 
E-Mail :
4

History
Upon entering the museum, a welcome of the museum's booklet gave an insight as to
what the museum has to offer.
Mirroring the growing interest in Islamic crafts, in December 1998, Malaysia
became home to Southeast Asia's biggest historical centre of Islamic crafts. The
building possesses 30,000 square meters, arranged in the midst of the verdant
surroundings of focal Kuala Lumpur's Lake Gardens.
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than ten thousand relics, and
in addition an excellent library of Islamic workmanship books. The building
illustrates the whole view of the Islamic world. The craftsmanship questions in
plain view extend from the most minor bits of gems to one of the world's
biggest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Accentuating towards
the Islamic growth in Asia, China and Southeast Asia are particularly all around
spoke to.
The style of the historical centre building is present day, with an Islamic feel
made by the subtle elements instead of by the structure itself. Iranian tile
laborers changed the Iwan-style spellbind into a clay woven artwork that edges
an inviting verse from the Qur'an. On the rooftop, these artisans transformed
the arch development conventions of Central Asia into the building's delegated
magnificence. The turquoise-shaded vaults are currently a point of interest on
the Kuala Lumpur horizon.
Inside the building, the rakishness of 21st century configuration is appeared
differently in relation to the delicate, adjusted types of the five arches that rule
the exhibition hall's inside. Worked over by skilled workers from Uzbekistan,
these forcing highlights frame a mood that is both vaporous and congruity. The
consistent congruity of light and space is kept up all through the exhibitions
and into different zones of the historical centre, for example, the library and
the restaurant.
5

S i te C o ntex t An al ys i s
6

Site Context Analysis Racquel Ooi Yi Lynn 0326676
p e r d a n a b o t a n i c a l g a r d e n
PLAN
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM); also known as Muzium Kesenian Islam Malaysia was
officially established on 12 December 1988. The building is a cross between moderniskc and
tradikonal Middle Eastern architecture. It sits in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s tourist region
among the rich landscape of the Perdana Botanical Gardens.
IAMM is located in an urban selng, where it harmonizes to the neighbouring context in the
company of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM Bhd), Masjid Negara, Planetarium Negara,
Muzium Polis Diraja Malaysia and Muzium Negara, so on and so forth. The museum is easily
accessible through various methods of transportakon system, which one of the mostly used
transport is the railway; located opposite of IAMM.
IAMM is one of the newly developed building amongst the other historical establishments. It sits
slightly on top of a hill; where a part of the museum can only be completely seen upon reaching
Jalan Perdana – Lembah. The seleckon of site is well planned as it is located within the areas of
public community and to government offices such as the KTMB office and the JAWI office.
7

Carpark Main Entrance
8

Upon arrival (when taking the Jalan Perdana route), an oblique approach of the building is seen.
The path to arriving the IAMM can be redirected a few more kmes to prolong the sequence of
the approach.
Approach of IAMM Upon Arrival
9
BUILDING APPROACH

That being the case, the entrance of IAMM is seen projected beyond its façade to be more clearly
visible.
The main entrance of the building is seen projected beyond the facade; deﬁning a ﬁeld of
exterior transikonal space; announcing it’s entry funckon to the approach; thus providing an
overhead shelter.
Signage of the museum easily seen beside the main entrance
10

ENTRANCE ACCESS
A. MAIN ENTRANCE ON LOWER GROUND FLOOR ( LEGEND 1)
MAIN ENTRANCE OF ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA 1
ENTRANCE AT LOWER GROUND FLOOR
11

ENTRANCE 
STAIRS AND RAMPS
To introduce a verkcal dimension and add a temporal quality to the act of entering the IAMM
building.
Change in split levels to establish a threshold and mark the passage from one place to another
within the museum.
12

A. REHAL TERRACE ENTRANCE ON LEVEL 2 ( LEGEND 2 )
SECOND ENTRANCE (REHAL TERRACE) OF ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM MALAYSIA 2
ENTRANCE AT FIRST FLOOR
13

RESPONSE OF BUILDING TO CLIMATE
As viewed from site plan, the spaces can be classiﬁed into three disknckve massing solids which
surround an opened-space central courtyard that allows maximum light penetrakon and cross air
venklakon within the space.
14

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia 15

Depressed Base Plane
Ground plane is lowered to deﬁne outdoor spaces which are sheltered. The central courtyard is
sunken; while protected from surface-level noise by the solid massing around it. Hence, it
funckons as a source of air, light, and views for the underground spaces opening onto it.
16

TRANSPORTATION
There are various methods of transportakon to get to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. Public
transportakons such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorails and taxis are easily accessible to get
to IAMM.
 
IAMM is also located within the bounds of walking distance to the Nakonal Mosque, KL Bird Park
and Nakonal Planetarium.
Route to IAMM from KL Internakonal Airport via bus/taxi
Route to IAMM from LRT Pasar Seni via Light Rail Transit (LRT)
17

SURROUNDING BUILDINGS
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is surrounded by various historical buildings; which are
inclusive of Nakonal Mosque, Islamic Centre, Police Museum, Nakonal Planetarium, Keretapi
Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Headquarters, KL Stakon Malayan Railway Stakon.
As coming from Jalan Damansara, the ﬁrst approach of one of the historical buildings is the
Nakonal Museum; Suleiman Building 1930, subsequently the KL Stakon Malayan Railway Stakon
and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) along Jalan Hishamuddin. Following that, Islamic
Centre, Al-Bukhary Foundakon and the Nakonal Mosque can be seen before arriving IAMM.
LEGEND
CASE STUDY BUILDING
1. Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)
NEIGHBOURING BUILDINGS
2. National Mosque
3. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)
4. Jabatan Agama Wilayah Persekutuan (JAWI)
5. National Planetarium
6. Royal Police Museum Malaysia
18

HISTORICAL TIMELINE WITHIN TASIK PERDANA DISTRICT
19

SIMILARITIES WITH SITE CONTEXT
(SURROUNDING BUILDINGS)
SIMILARITY
MOORISH DOMES; INVOLVING MOORISH - ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
INCORPORATING TRADITIONAL & MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN RELATION TO SITE
Despite IAMM being built in the late 20th century, its modern architecture skll
incorporates the tradikonal Islamic – Moorish architecture; where it involves the use of
Moorish domes which is arkculated with decorakve ornaments; similar to the buildings of
KTMB and Nakonal Planetarium that were built in early 20th century. Hence, it can be
perceived that the IAMM building amalgamates to the site; by bringing a revival of
Moorish – tradikonal Islamic architecture; incorporakng to the modern architecture; also
adapkng to the new era in the late 20th century.
20

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
DOHA MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART, QATAR
SITE & SETTING
The Doha Museum of Islamic Art is a museum that sits on the Corniche in the town, capital of
Doha called Qatari. The museum is designed by the architect I.M. Pei.. The museum was built on
November 2008, which is a few years later aser the IAMM building was built; hence it can be
perceived that these buildings were constructed about the same era as well.
The Doha Museum of Islamic Art is situated in a township where it has easy access to other
historical establishments within the district, similarly to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia;
where it is located in an area where it has convenient access to many other areas in town.
21

TRADITIONAL ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE & MODERNISM
This establishment incorporates ancient Islamic architecture; and it has a large colleckon of
Islamic Art; similar to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia which comprises of tradikonal Islamic
Architecture as well.
DOHA MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ARTS
22

SIMILARITY OF MASSING IN BUILDING
DOHA MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ARTS
23

In both context of the buildings, it can be perceived that the outdoor space (sunken space) is
deﬁned through the ground plane being lowered; which protects surface-level noise by the solid
massing surrounding the space. Hence, this space acts as a source of air, light, and views for the
underground spaces opening onto it.
24

Arch i tectu ral L ayo u t
o f B u i l d i n g
25

Architectural Layout of Building Rebecca Marie Tanduba 0322757
PLAN TO SECTION OR ELEVATION
The horizontal conﬁgurakon of the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia building plans shares a verkcal
relakonship to the building’s seckon as well as its elevakon. The spakal use of the building can be
seen through its organisakon of ackvikes at certain locakons. Withstanding, it gives reinforcements
on the massing, geometrical, hierarchy, symmetry, balance, addikve, subtrackve, relakonships of unit
to whole and repekkve to unique ideals.
Architectural layout refers to analysing and determining the relakonships between architectural spaces,
rooms, structures and other physical features within a consolidate structure.
This topic follows through analysing the layout of the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia and its comparison to
that of the Islamic Arts Museum of Doha.
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM OF MALAYSIA
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM OF DOHA
26

PLAN
ELEVATION
An analogous relakonship is what connects the plan to its elevakon. This is apparent as seen in the
building’s plans where the domes are located and that generally configure the shape of the domes in
the building’s elevakon. The analogous relakonship analyses the resemblances in the configurakon of
the plan to its seckon or elevakon. This refers to differences in form language, size, locakon or
irregular increments of change—which accounts for resemblance instead of equivalence.
27

Similarly to the I.M. Pei’s work of the Islamic Arts Museum of Doha, these two buildings have a
combinakon of form language and size changes, which evokes variakon.
PLAN
SECTION
28

The building’s plan share a diﬀerent relakonship with the building’s seckon as they connect through a
one to one-half relakonship. A one one-half relakonship refers to the conﬁgurakon of the whole plan
or seckon is equivalent to the part of the other.
PLAN
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
29

Compared to the Islamic Arts Museum of Doha, which has a straighvorward visual conneckon in
regards of the relakonship in its plan and elevakon, the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia building has
a somewhat obvious visualisakon of parts of its seckon in the building’s plans.
ELEVATION
PLAN
30

CIRCULATION TO USE-SPACE
Circulakon to use-space generally comprehends the significant dynamic and stakc components of a
building as well as provides a clear movement and stable condikons as per formed in the essence of
the building. Circulakon configures the engagement of ackvikes and access to each use-space—that
is the main focus of architectural design of funckon.
The analysis revolves about the pawern that follows the relakonship between the major spaces of the
building.
The relakonship of the spaces within the building is connected through a radial circulakon path. Each floor of
the building is verkcally connected through accessibilikes of stairs and ramps. The locakon of these
accessibilikes coincides amongst the display cases which uklises the radial circulakon pawern. This provides
flexibility in passing and culng through spaces and creakng spaces of rest and mokon, which maintains the
integrity of the building’s design layout.
RADIAL CIRCULATION
PATTERN
31

ORGANISATION:
- SYMMETRY AND BALANCE
The Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia buildings components are perceived and conceived to sub stain
equilibrium in its built form. Balance is achieved through conﬁgurakon—whereby the building
components achieved equilibrium but are diﬀerent in shape and language form. Evidently so, the
Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia building is asymmetrically balanced withstanding the locakons of its
designated spaces that separates the public showrooms to the semi-public spaces.
The blue lines signify the asymmetry of the building which brings about the balance in the spakal
division within the building.
- GEOMETRY
The museum building’s form is determined with solid geometrical forms and planes. The building, as
one can easily perceived, is designed with squares. The combinakons of squares would then form a
grid that further assists in the designing subdivisions of funckonal spaces according to its purposes.
The red lines signify how the subdivisions of spaces concur to the geometric form of the building’s
ELEVATIONPLAN
32

- HIERARCHY
The museum follows a rank ordering of elements that relates to the awributes of importance. This is
important as it influences the placement of showcases and displays throughout the arrangement of
the building’s form.
IAMM: Beginning from the lower ground floor, the spaces here are dedicated to act as the building’s
entrance and exit, which is why the recepkon as well as the gis shop is located here. Special Gallery 1
is located here as well where it displays the beginning of Islam.
IAMD: Beginning from the first floor, the spaces are delegated as a beginning of the museum’s
experience as it locates the auditorium as well as the special exhibikon gallery (which inhibits the
main awrackon of the museum).
33

IAMM: Following that, the ground ﬂoor has a transcendent outlook as the inverted dome hangs here.
Further in, the museum’s café and library locates here for visitors’ convenience. A courtyard is located
here as well as the Special Gallery 2 which follows Special Gallery 1’s theme of introducing the Islamic
culture and its beginnings.
IAMD: Next, the second ﬂoor displays the introduckon and visual art forms of the Islamic culture.
34

IAMM: The first floor is showcases the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Quran and Manuscript as well as
Architecture Galleries. This signifies the expand of cultures and its co-relakon to the other exiskng
cultures within their kme periods.
IAMD: The third floor showcases significant eras and countries of development of the Islamic art
kmeline, beginning from the 7th century to the 19th.
35

IAMM: The second floor displays the Islamic crass such as ceramics, jewellery, texkle, metalwork,
weapons and coins. Located on this floor but is projected outside, the main dome—the blue dome.
This floor displays the wonders of the Islamic culture in visual art forms.
IAMD: The fourth floor locates the temporary exhibikons, displaying artefacts and works that are
limited for showcasing.
36

The hierarchal order of the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia follows from a chronology of the
background to the achievements that were produced. The pawern goes on that it exhibits the bigger
picture before going into the details of the Islamic cultural empire.
The hierarchal order of the Islamic Arts Museum of Doha, on the other hand, approaches a
descending order of interests, starkng from the main (commercialised) exhibikon to the temporary
exhibikons. The showcasing goes in an order that is reverse of that of the Islamic Arts Museum of
Malaysia—from minor details before escalakng towards the bigger picture.
37

Arch i tectu ral S tyl e
An al ys i s
38

Architectural Style Analysis Renee Teoh Yen Qin 0322438
Introduckon 
All buildings that we see or come across nowadays will deﬁnitely be categorised under a certain
type of architectural style. From prehistoric architecture to gothic architecture and whats popular
amongst us today, modern architecture, all building will have a speciﬁc style or even a mixture of
styles depending of it’s elements, features and characteriskcs. 
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia 
Based on a brief research, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is a mixture of two architectural
era. The style of the museum consist of components, details and characteriskcs of Islamic
Architecture and Internakonal Style. It carries equal features of both architectural style and it’s
not predominantly one or the other. 
39

Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha 
As an internakonal case study in comparison to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) , I’ve
understood that the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) , Doha by I.M. Pei pertains some nokceable
feature of Islamic Architecture, but the building is very much design with the heavy inﬂuence of
contemporary architecture. Unlike Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the MIA is predominantly
Internakonal style. I.M. Pei explained how his design of the MIA has taken inspirakon from the
Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. I.M. Pei states his belief of how the water feature of Ibn Tulun
Mosque being surrounded by rounded arches has the essence of Islamic architecture. However,
I.M. Pei altered his design to suit a more contemporary, more internakonal style building but
maintaining features of Islamic Architecture that are subtle and not so much in your face.
40

Islamic Architecture
Islamic architecture is widely used in many countries, prominently distinguished in
religious buildings such as mosques and madrasahs. Not only that, Islamic architecture
can be spotted in countries and places ruled by Muslims. The architecture in Muslim
countries will show its evidence from public places such as mausoleum also known as
a monument to houses events. The other types of buildings/structures showcasing
Islamic architecture includes caravanserai, casbah/citadel and hammam. The most
important features in Islamic architecture are pointed arches, window openings and
domes.
Dome of Rock Timur Mausoleum
Islamic architecture focuses on balance and symmetry, concept of perfect creation,
landscape, entered upon God and the use of striated masonry. 
41

In Islamic architecture, there are a few important components that distinguishes itself
from other types of architecture.
- Mihrab - Sahn - Qibla 
- Minbar - Minaret - Chatti 
 
- Iwan - Harem 
 
- Bab - Selamlik
Mihrab Sahn
Portable Qibla CompassMinaret
Iwan
Minbar
42

Features/Characteriskcs
In Islamic architecture, despite having many domes in a building, there is usually a
dome that is more prominent as compared to the other domes located throughout the
same building, this is know as the main dome (Kubah Utama). The space under the
main dome is usually the space where it draws the most attention to, whether it’s the
main prayer hall or something else. The space under the main dome usually has the
most volume as compared to the rest of the building, and it’s purpose is to welcome
people and users into the space.
Blue Mosque in Muscat Jame Mosque of Yazd
43

Early Islamic architecture is mainly derived from Persian architecture such as arches
and arcades. They too have components borrowed from Early Christians and Byzantine
era such as striated masonry.
Arches & Arcades 
Tin Mal Mosque
Striated Masonry 
El Aksa Mosque
During one of the Eras in Islamic Architecture, the Atrium/Courtyard is ornamented
with a large scale geometrical pattern.
44

Islamic architecture aren’t crazy on decorations and ornamentations unlike the
Baroque era. They only showcase abstract mosaics, geometry shapes (circle
emphasizes one god ; triangle symbolizes human and harmony ; square symbolizes
physical experiences and materiality ; hexagon symbolizes heaven ; star symbolizes the
spread of Islam) , calligraphic, arabesques (Islimi) and water.
Mosaics
Calligraphic
Arabesques 
(Floral Mokfs)
Geometry Shapes
Water Features
Decorakons / Ornamentakons
45

International Style of Modern Architecture
International style is widely used and common amongst buildings nowadays. Ever since
it first made its debut back in the 1920s, buildings after buildings started popping up
one by one all over the world. It is widespread among skyscrapers in America and this
style eventually took a toll on churches, schools and even houses. 
 
The response for this movement is so great because of the idea of prefabrication
materials, not only did it increase employment in factories back in the days but it
definitely help constructing buildings easier. This has reduces decorations and
ornamentations and increase the use of steel and glass which gave buildings and sleek
and minimal look. The removal of decorations and elements which carries little to no
function to the building and creating something as aesthetically please with only
prefabricated materials has pushed design to it’s limits.
Villa Savoye Museum of Modern Arts
46

The characteristics of an International Style building consist of rectilinear forms and
planes surfaces. Open floor plans are important as they believed “Less is More”. The
usage of modern materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, glass, marble etc is a key
feature in International Style.
Bethlehem Bapkst Church The Bauhaus School Building
Internakonal Style Floor Plan Falingwater (Interior)
47

Case study comparison analysis 
 
 
(Islamic Architecture)
Based on my research, the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia contains components,
ornamentations and features of Islamic Architecture .
Applicakon of Dome 1. Inverted Dome
1. Inverted Dome 2. China World Gallery Dome
Dome
48

5. Architecture Gallery Dome
5
1
2
3
4
4. Quran & Manuscript Gallery Dome3. Malay World Gallery Dome
49

Arches on the south east of the building
Aches being an important feature of Islamic architecture, the IAMM has implemented
this in their design. The arches featured in the IAMM isn’t very decorative and they
carry a slightly more modern look as compared to traditional Islamic arches.
Water Feature in the Courtyard (Sahn)
Arches
Water Feature
50

Usage of Mosaics and Floral Mokfs are visible in the IAMM as it’s located on the main facade as well
as the exterior of the dome.
Floral mokf displayed on theFacade Pillar Floral mokf displayed on the Dome
Mosaics / Floral Mokfs
Replicakon of Mihrab placed in the museum is for display purposes. It does not mark the the exact
direckon of the Qibla.
Mihrab
51

Inverted Dome Atrium Main Lobby Atrium
Geometrical Shapes
Courtyard Wall
IAMM has featured large geometrical shapes in atriums throughout the building. The most
disknckve geometrical shape that has been featured is hexagons which symbolizes heaven, stars
which symbolizes God and squares which symbolises materiality.
52

The calligraphic used on both the facade and the Dome of the Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia translates to, “Roam the Earth, and observe how the creation was initiated.
Thus God will establish the final creation. God is capable of all things.” - Surah Al-
Ankabut, Verse 20.
Usage of Calligraphy
Calligraphic
53

Courtyard
The courtyard of the IAMM is located between the restaurant and the main dome
atrium. This space itself show cases a few islamic architecture features as well as
international style. Despite being outdoor, it’s not hot because the water feature gave
the area a cooling effect. It’s one of the main features of this museum.
54

(International Style) 
 
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is also design based on International Style despite
it’s Islamic architectural components. The usage of glass is abundant in the museum as
well well steel and concrete giving it a modern, contemporary look.
Usage of Glass and Concrete
Usage of marble and steel
Usage of prefabricated railings and glass
Recklinear forms and planes
Openess of ﬂoor plan
55

Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha
(Islamic Architecture)
As for the Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha, all these Islamic features and characteristics
are very subtle and it’s doesn't scream Islamic architecture at first glance.
As a strong support of my research, the applicakon of a dome. When you think of a dome,
you think of a hemisphere. I.M. Pei has designed a double-shell dome but it take a cubic
form on the outside. He applied styles from the modern era and Islamic architecture in just
this one feature alone.
Coﬀered domes were also added to the interior
Dome
Exterior of Main Dome Interior of Main Dome
56

Arches
Arches being on of the features in Islamic architecture, the MIA has implemented that. Unlike
Islamic architecture, the arches at the MIA isn’t as decorakve and it’s more toned down to match
the modern era.
Arches by the Courtyard
Mihrab
The glass curtain is one of the most beaukful and most sought for feature of the MIA in Doha. It
is actually design to replicate a Mihrab. It’s was design to signify Islamic architecture despite it
not funckoning as a Mihrab nor is it facing the Imam in Mecca.
57

Water Feature
A water canal and a water fountain has been placed in front of the main entrance of the MIA. A few
water features were placed in the courtyard as well. Not to menkon, the whole museum itself is
surrounded by the Persian gulf.
Water Canal Water Fountain
Water Feature (Courtyard) Persian Gulf
Interior Water Fountain
58

Geometrical Shapes
MIA has also featured large geometrical shapes on the ﬂoor of the main atrium of the Museum.
MIA has also showcased a water feature with a strong geometrical form by the glass curtain.
Ablaq
Despite not featuring ﬂoral mokfs and calligraphic as decorakon and ornamentakons, MIA
features the Ablaq, which is an Islamic architecture feature involving alternakng rows of light and
dark stone.
Floor of main atrium Geometric Water Fountain (interior)
Ablaq on exterior wall of MIA Ablaq on interior wall of MIA
59

Courtyard
The courtyard of the MIA is located on the east and west of the museum. This space is
flourished with water features and arches. City skyline and the Persian Gulf is
noticeable from both courtyards. The western courtyard is has lesser arches as
compared to the central courtyard but the western courtyard is connected to a boat
dock. The central courtyard however connects the main building to the library.
West Courtyard
West Courtyard
Central Courtyard
West Courtyard
Central Courtyard
Central Courtyard
60

(International Style)
The Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha, all these Islamic features and characteristics are
very subtle and it’s doesn't scream Islamic architecture at first glance.
Immense Usage of Glass
Usage of marble throughout exterior of building
Usage of prefabricated railings and glass
Recklinear forms and planes 
(also a form of cubism)
Openess ﬂoor plan
Usage of marble (interior)
61

Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia
Features 
(Islamic and Internakonal Style)
Islamic Arts Museum,
Doha
Consist of 5 Dome, 1 of
which is inverted and it
happens to be the main
Dome.
Dome Faceted dome at the top of
the atrium, taken cube
form from the exterior.
Located on the south-east
of the building.
Arches Present throughout the
building. Arch windows
located on the facade of
building as well as walls of
the courtyard.
Present in the courtyard. Water Feature L o c a t e d a c r o s s t h e
entrance of the building
and inside the building by
the glass curtains and gulf
surrounding the museum
Replication present but not
functional.
Mihrab Idea applied to glass
curtain but not functional.
Can be found on the dome
and facade of the building.
Mosaics / Floral Motif No evidence of mosaics or
ﬂoral motifs.
As decorative features.
Located on the walls in the
courtyard, as well as
decoration on the ceiling of
the main lobby.
Geometrical Shapes Plan view of building
s h o w s a d i s t i n c t
geometrical form. Interior
water feature shows a
clear geometrical shape as
well.
Can be found on the dome
and facade of the building.
Caligraphic No evidence of calligraphy.
No evidence of Ablaq. Ablaq Can be found both on the
exterior and interior of the
building.
Can be found north-west of
the building. Located right
next to the main dome
(Inverted dome)
Courtyard One located on the west
a n d o n e l o c a t e d i n
between the main building
and library.
Can be seen in elevation
and plan of the building.
Doesn't show organic
forms.
Rectilinear Forms/Plans Can be seen in elevation
and plan of the building.
Doesn't show organic
forms.
Present thought elevations
of the building.
Usage of Glass/Concrete Infamous glass curtain
displays a use of glass.
When enter, the whole
area can be seen. No
room within rooms and no
hidden corners.
Open Floor Plan Floor plan seemed open
with few secluded corners.
Railings for ramps and
stairs are all prefabricated.
Usage of Prefabricated Materials Glass balustrade and
railings for spiral stairs are
prefabricated.
Summary Table
62

Although both museums showcase similar and distinct features of Islamic architecture
and international style. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia has translated Modern
Islamic Architecture in a more direct way as compared to the Museum of Islamic arts
in Doha.  
 
As a visitor , you’ll definitely be able to distinguish the style of Islamic Arts Museum
Malaysia, but without research and understanding of Islamic Architecture, you
wouldn’t think the Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha conjured any features and
components of Islamic Architecture. 
 
All in all, they are two well planned projects of Islamic architecture that fits into
today’s modern society.
Museum of Islamic Arts, Doha
63

Bu i l d i n g Con stru cti on ,
S tru ctu re & Materi al
An al ys i s
64

Building Construction, Structure
& Material Analysis Raveender Singh 0322490
The national Islamic museum of Kuala Lumpur was constructed with a clear influence
of Islamic and with a little touch of modern architecture. Elements of Islamic
architecture are shown in the diagrams below.
Figure 1.0 shows the Mihrab located at the entrance of the Islamic arts museum. The
MIhrab is one of the main characteristics of Islamic architecture. It points towards the
direction of Mecca.
Figure 1.1 shows the dome in the museum. The dome is a significant element in
Islamic architecture as it has Islamic calligraphy writings on it.
(FIGURE 1.1)
(FIGURE 1.0)
Building Construckon
65

The structure also has an organic form with some curves in the interior of the building.
The foundation of the museum was constructed with the usage of concrete piling to
stabilize and support the heavy structure. As shown in figure 1.2
(FIGURE 1.2)
66

Building Materials
CERAMIC TILES 
ceramic kles are used throughout the building. The use
of ceramic kles is to represent Islamic architecture as it
is an Islamic museum. Ceramic kles are very durable
and require very less maintenance. This means that the
kles last for a very long kme without fading away
LAMINATED GLASS 
Glass is widely used in the museum both for
interior and exterior purposes. Glass allows
natural light to pass through therefore
reducing the usage of electricity in the
museum. Glass is also used to protect the
displays from damages.
CONCRETE PILLARS  
concrete pillars are used in the exterior of the building
to help hold the building together and also to form the
skeleton of the building. Concrete pillars are strong and
can provide support to the whole building
MARBLE TILES 
Marble kles are used in the interior and exterior
of the museum. Marble kles are proven to be
very durable and can withstand strong heat but
are also a hassle to maintain. It also improves the
overall look of the building
67

COLUMNS  
colunms are used in the inner parts of the
museum to support the ceiling and also to
provide a bewer visual effect to the interior
PLASTER CEILING  
Plaster ceiling is used for the ceilings of
every floor. It has superior workability that
allows it to be shaped into various pawerns.
This is shown by the pawern on the ceiling
of the museum.
MARBLE FLOORING 
Marble is used as the flooring of the interior
spaces in the museum. Marble enhances
the overall look of the place and also blends
in with the art and also pillars of the
building. Marble also brings a cooling effect
to the building thus making the
environment inside the building colder and
more comfortable
68

COMPARISON OF ISLAMIC ARTS MUSUEM MALAYSIA AND ISLAMIC
ARTS MUSUEM OF DOHA
ISLAMIC ARTS MUSUEM KL ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM DOHA
 
ARCHITECURE
 
Incoperate mostly Islamic architecture
 
uses mostly modern and cubic
architecture
 
FORM AND SHAPE
 
Made up of basic geometric shapes
 
Made up of all geometric and
asymmetrical shapes
 
LOCATION
 
located In the middle of the city in a
very conjusted area
 
located in the middle of the lake
providing a very clam environment
 
MATERIALS
 
uses a variety of materials that potray
Islamic architecture and also provides
various kinds of beneﬁts to the
building
 
uses mostly all the same materials as
the museum in kl and serves the same
purpose
 
CONCLUSION
 
This building is build by incooperaring
as many Islamic elements as possible
making it a simple building that also
reﬂects the architecture of islam
 
This building is build mainly using
modern architecture and is also much
more beaukful and complex compared
to the museum in KL.
69

Arch i tectu ral
E l ement s / C o mp o n ent s
An al ys i s
70

Architectural Elements / Components
Analysis Rachel Yeo Chi Xuan 0323005
1. Glass Door
Entrance
Floor plan of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
71

This building welcomes its visitors with a clear and big tempered glass sliding door with
aluminium frame. The transparent glass door allows natural light to enter the building. The space
does not receive direct light from the sun so the lobby is not always brightly lit because the there
is no window on the other sides of the lobby.
72

2. Panel
A white decagon panel in the middle of the high ceiling gives the space a feeling of the purity and
the star symbolises Islamic. The detailed pawerns on the star are of gold which makes the panel
the awrackon of the room when light shines on it. The panel is actually air-condikoner designed
to bring a different kind of atmosphere to the space.
3. Inverted Dome
The inverted dome in the hall gets all the awenkon when visitors first step into the galley. It is
also one of the main awrackons of the building. The shade of pastel colour blends in to the rest
of the space magnifies the effect of the dome which makes visitors sink in. One feature of the
building that makes the dome stand out is the minimal amount of walls at the surrounding.
73

Also, there are detailed carvings on the dome that illuminate light. The wrikngs on the dome
symbolises Islamic.
4. Dome
The dome emphasises on open spaces and Islamic’s geographical origins. The dome increases the
aesthekcian with the help of the light. It stands out in the space because of its curvature circular
shape surrounded with solid squares and rectangular elements.
74

5. Exterior Dome
The big turquoise dome placed on top of the building symbolises Islamic and it brings out the
specialikes of Islamic by adding carvings of Islamic wrikngs on the surface. It awracts awenkon of
people outside the museum and lets people know that it is an Islamic place by just looking.
75

6. Column
The column is a Corinthian column that has carvings of diﬀerent designs. The strong and double-
storey tall columns are placed around the gallery. It rises the standard of the space and gives a
diﬀerent atmosphere.
7. Glass Window
All the windows in this museum are huge glass windows which allow natural lights to enter.
However, there are shades extended outside of the glass windows, creakng only parts of the light
rays are able to enter the museum. The building receives dimmed sunlight so the dome stands
out among the elements.
76

8. Stairs
The stairs is special in its own way as it curves up to another ﬂoor which blends in just ﬁne
among the other elements around the stairs which are edgy. The staircase is placed in just the
right posikon that as soon as visitors are at their last steps, they will be awracted to the inverted
dome which makes it an incredible entrance.
77

In comparison to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, we have chosen Islamic Arts Museum in
Doha to be compared.
1. The water fountain
Water features acts as items to beaukfy a place. The water fountain is one of the most signiﬁcant
elements as it is built at the entrance of the museum. It catches the awenkon of the visitors
before they enter the building. It is also considered as one of the salient architecture elements of
all Islamic dynaskes. It gives the place a sense of beaukfulness and peace.  
 
While in the Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia, the water feature is rather smaller and diﬀerent.
It catches the awenkon of the visitors but at the same kme, it stays humble without gelng all
the awenkon. Visitors will skll have their eyes on the surrounding and buildings.
78

2. Dome
View from exterior
View from interior
The dome element in the interior of the museum was the coffered domes that cover the ceilings
of each floor. The concept is extraordinary by using the small domes to cover the ceilings of the
museum.
It is different from the domes in the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia as the domes in Malaysia is
more to round while the dome in Doha is edgy. It is also different from the exterior. The exterior
of the dome in Malaysia is round whereas the dome in Doha is squarish.
79

Conclusion
The Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia ventured towards signifying Islamic architecture
with the local Malaysian architecture blend into it. With the incorporation of these
two styles with a modern twist, exists Malaysia’s famous home for displaying Islamic
cultural arts.
Its perceivable geometrically-clad building and minimal external ornamentation evokes
a plain feeling and exudes the authoritarian vibe, instead of a commercial one. This
contradicted the museum’s settings as it locates itself in one of Kuala Lumpur’s famous
commercial hubs. Its plain exteriors also contradicts its elusive interiors that is fully
ornamented with Islamic-modernist decorations and design. This gave the museum a
grand-like transition from its outdoors to indoors. Adopting from this observation, the
museum conceptualises the idea of Malaysian Islamic art cultures in its exhibition
pieces as well as its decor. Leaving behind subtle hints of the evolvement of Islamic
culture in various components throughout the showcases within the building.
Known for being the most prominent Islamic arts museum in Southeast Asia, the
Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia began with the intention of fabricating the Islamic
cultural arts into its structure. This intention coincides the Islamic Arts Museum of
Doha whereby its architect, I.M. Pei, revelled on a journey of capturing the “true
essence” of Islamic architecture. The fabrication and interpretation of each buildings’
architects on one of the most unique and prominent cultures has managed to
celebrate the Islamic culture as it is, kindling interests in the uniqueness of its final
outcome.
80

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84

%7SIMILARITY INDEX
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INTERNET SOURCES
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PUBLICATIONS
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STUDENT PAPERS
1 %2
2 %1
3 %1
4 <%1
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6 <%1
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9 <%1
10 <%1
[Ms Patma - Group A] Culture & History 2 Report
ORIGINALITY REPORT
PRIMARY SOURCES
www.absoluteastronomy.com
Internet Source
www.malaysiacentral.com
Internet Source
ent.library.utm.my
Internet Source
iphone.app-search.jp
Internet Source
hajar-alwi.blogspot.com
Internet Source
www.klcityguide.com
Internet Source
www.ejawatankosong.net
Internet Source
www.rtbg.tas.gov.au
Internet Source
www.info.usda.gov
Internet Source
www.hackney.gov.uk
Internet Source

11 <%1
12 <%1
13 <%1
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16 <%1
17 <%1
EXCLUDE QUOTES OFF
EXCLUDE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
OFF
EXCLUDE MATCHES OFF
keatsthesunshinegirl.blogspot.co.uk
Internet Source
Gallop, Annabel Teh. "The spirit of
Langkasuka? Illuminated manuscripts from
the East Coast of the Malay Peninsula",
Indonesia and the Malay World, 2005.
Publication
cms.mohawkcollege.ca
Internet Source
www.scribd.com
Internet Source
filocartia.blogspot.com
Internet Source
university.taylors.edu.my
Internet Source
Ahmad Zakaria, Ros Mahwati, and Ramli
Zuliskandar. "Physical Analysis of the 19th
Century AD East Coast Red Quran Bindings",
Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences,
2016.
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