Building KLPac
The concept was a creative adaptation of the old and original to one that transcended history and culture.
In order to keep as much of the original structure intact, brick walls of the workshop was preserved. Then, a modern, four-storey steel and glass structure that provides functional and aesthetic spaces was incorporated into the old structure.
In fact, some materials of the former workshop unearthed on site were retained as part of the theatre design, said KLPac theatre manager Teoh Ming Jin.
“We wanted a raw finish to the building, which is true to its form. The cracks on the floor, for example, added to the authenticity of KLPac,” he explained.
The pre-mix flooring was unconventional. Heavy-duty tarmac was used for indoor use and required no maintenance.
In Pentas 1, a strap of old zinc roof ran around the wall above the stage. The side walls bore timber blocks in various sizes and PVC pipes were used to enhance acoustics and add to the aesthetics of the theatre space.
By reusing buildings and natural materials, the embodied energy was retained, making the project much more environmentally sustainable than entirely new constructions. The old trees and vegetation that matured with the old building was retained and preserved. Lighting, sound and rigging were designed with practicality, user-friendliness and quality in mind.
Teoh said KLPac reflected an innovative use of building materials within a very tight budget and timeframe.
“The entire project cost RM30mil and was completed in 15 months (plan, design, construct and build),” he said, adding that the 11-month construction period was considered extremely quick.
In comparison, Istana Budaya, which had almost the same capability, cost approximately RM250mil.
Decision making between teams also contributed to the success of KLPac, said Teoh. It involved theatre people designing for theatre people, besides architects and contractors.
Teoh said: “We knew exactly what we wanted, the vision was there and we stuck to it.”
A showcase of adaptive reuse
Besides being honoured by FIABCI Malaysia in the Malaysia Property Award 2007 in the Special Award for National Contribution category, KLPac had won the Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia award in 2006 for the adaptive re-use category for its creative blending of old and new architecture.
Adaptive reuse is a process that changes a disused or ineffective item into a new item to serve a different purpose. Sometimes, nothing changes but the item’s use.
Successful built adaptive reuse projects are those that best respect and retain the building’s significance and add a contemporary layer that provides value for the future.
Not only are performances held in KLPac, it also hosts other events such as product launches and dance events.
“A whole lot of new people are coming to use the space, “ Teoh said.
Cutting edge design
THE Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac) seemed to have struck a chord among the judges in the final round. When asked which of the projects stood out in this year's submission for the FIABCI Malaysian Property Award, the answer was simply KLPac.
Star Publications (M) Bhd group editorial education advisor Datuk Ng Poh Tip said KLPac stood out this year because it was more than a commercial development.
"It has enhanced the cultural life of Kuala Lumpur and has given the performing arts a much-needed boost. Kuala Lumpur has become livelier with its existence," she said.
Ng added that KLPAC richly deserved the award. "We need more of such projects in the country," she said. Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers vice president Tan Sri Clifford Herbert said KLPac was very well done because the developer took an existing project and turned it into something that people can appreciate.
"I think developers should take more effort in conserving old buildings, What YTL did is really an example of how you can completely enhance an old building's facade, keeping some things intact but adding a new dimension of modern architecture," he added.
Tradewinds Corp Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Megat Najmuddin Khas felt KLPac was very interesting and deserved an award because it had transformed the whole environment of Sentul as well as perception of Sentul among the city's population.
"Sentul used to be known as the workshop for KTM. "Subsequently, it earned the dubious reputation of being a gangster's haven. Because of KLPac, people's perception of Sentul has become a bit more positive," he said.
Megat Najmuddin said KLPac had done well and would continue to do well. "For KLPac, the design, theatre and acoustic are very leading edge and among the best in the country now," he added.
