BHA ARCHITECTURAL MANUAL _ PART 4 _ DESIGN CHECKLIST

 4.0     SCHEMATIC DESIGN STAGE

The schematic design or outline proposals for the design concept should be clear sketches and images formulated to reflect client’s brief, budget and basic planning requirements.   The drawings are expected nowadays to be in digital architectural sketches, diagrams and/or basic line drawings and 3D images showing the design intent or concept.

4.1    CHECKLISTS FOR SCHEMATIC DESIGN STAGE 

After the site analysis, to ensure that the intended design will be on the right track, designers should take time to check themselves on the statutory and local requirements.   It would be very unfortunate to have to redesign a work just because designers had not taken time to check on these design controls set by the town councils and technical departments controlling developments on the site.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNING GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Local government guidelines usually differ from town to town and state to state.   Refer to  the specific local council / government’s guidelines before proceeding further. 
• MEET UP WITH THE TOWN PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENTS’ PERSONNEL to find out the latest ruling / guidelines for the area of the proposed development project

Study the details of the following pre-design aspects and start marking up the site plans with the data gathered and re-confirm on the following:

3.1         LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE SITE
3.1.1 Land Title [Geran] or Pre-Computation Plan & Conditions of Planning Approval
3.1.2 Site Survey 

3.2         SITE ANALYSIS
3.2.1 Site Observations
3.2.2 Site Surroundings

3.3         PLANNING AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
3.3.1 Zoning
3.3.2 Setbacks for the Building
3.3.3 Plot Ratio for the Building
3.3.4 Parking Requirements
3.3.5 Building Plinth
3.3.6 Height Restrictions
3.3.7 Historical Conservations
3.3.8 Authorities Requirements

3.4         PROJECT BRIEF OR PROGRAMME
3.4.1 Establish Project Brief or Programme

4.1     BUILDING LAWS AND TECHNICAL REQs

Once the CONCEPTUAL DESIGN is produced and satisfies the PROJECT BRIEF, checks should be done on the following TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

4.1.1  UNIFORM BUILDING BY-LAWS, 1984 [UBBL] 

also Refer to 2012 Amendments.   

Review the Building Design against the Uniform Building By-Laws, 1984 [UBBL] to ensure basic compliance to the Building Laws on:[1] Submission Procedures for Authorities Approval, 
[2] Space, Light and Ventilation Requirements for the Building,
[3] Temporary Works during Building Construction,
[4] Structural Requirements of the Building,
[5] Constructional Requirements,
[6] Fire Protection of the Building (BOMBA REQUIREMENTS)
4.1.2  GOVERNMENTAL GUIDELINES AND RULES

GARISPANDUAN DAN PERATURAN BAGI PERANCANGAN BANGUNAN

• All government projects must be designed based on the LATEST set of GUIDELINES AND RULES ON PLANNING OF BUILDING prepared by the ECONOMIC PLANNING UNIT of the PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT [Jawatankuasa Kecil Piawaian dan Kos bagi JPPN, Jabatan Perdana Menteri]. 
• Among others, the RULES govern dimensions of spaces and building components, specifications of finishes and services allowable for the types of buildings to be designed.
• Refer to Manual for IBS Content Scoring System (IBS Score) prepared by CIDB as well as MS1064 on Guide to Modular Coordination in Buildings

4.1.3  JABATAN KERJA RAYA (JKR)If JKR is involved in the Government Project, it is best to refer to JKR for their STANDARDS on design should there be relevant procedures and standards that must be adopted in the building design.
4.1.4  JABATAN ALAM SEKITAR (JAS/DOE)

• EIA is to assess the overall impact on the environment of development projects proposed by the public and private sectors. It is a planning tool to prevent environmental problems.
• Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] is required for activities LISTED under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987. 
• 19 categories of activities are prescribed under the Environmental Quality Act [EQA], 1974 (Amendment 1985). 

The activities are related to agriculture, airport, drainage and irrigation, land reclamation, fisheries, forestry, housing, industry, infrastructure, ports, mining, petroleum, power generation, quarries, railways, transportation, resort and recreational development, wastewater treatment and disposal and water supply.

Of direct concern to architects are:
1. Building developments schemes of 50 hectares or more
2. Environmentally-Sensitive Industries and Developments of any size3. Resort And Recreational Development

• Construction of coastal resort facilities or hotels with more than 80 rooms.
• Hill station resort or hotel development covering an area of 50 hectares or more.
• Development of tourist or recreational facilities in national parks.
• Development of tourist or recreational facilities on islands in surrounding waters which are gazetted as national marine parks.

4.1.5  ROADS AND DRAINS

Apart from the standards imposed by the relevant planning department, the Local Authority’s ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT or JKR, may have jurisdiction on TYPE OF ROADS AND DRAINS to be designed in a development and in around a building.   

JABATAN PERPARITAN DAN SALIRAN (JPS) should also be consulted for feedbacks on development requirements.

🔺 Request the CIVIL ENGINEERS to confirm on the Roads and Drains with the authorities / technical departments.

4.1.6  JABATAN PERKHIDMATAN PEMBETUNGAN (JPP) & INDAH WATER KONSORTIUM (IWK)

For large scale projects especially, early consultation with JPP will reduce design errors in providing space for SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS or the proposed sewerage system.

🔺Request the CIVIL ENGINEERS to confirm on the matter.

4.1.7  TENAGA NASIONAL BERHAD (TNB)

Early consultation with TNB will reduce design errors in providing spaces for Sub-Stations, TNB Switch Rooms and/or other electrical room requirements

🔺Request the ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS to confirm on the matter.

4.1.8  TELCO PROVIDERS (TELEKOM, TIME, MAXIS etc)

Even though not as critical as the above departments early consultation with the Telco Providers will save design time.

🔺Request the ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS to confirm on the matter.

4.1.9  JABATAN PENERBANGAN AWAM (JPA)

JPA (Department of Civil Aviation/DCA) has jurisdiction over the height of buildings within the flight paths of aircrafts, especially near airports.   They should be consulted  when designing tall buildings.

4.1.10 UNIVERSAL DESIGN GUIDELINES 

MALAYSIAN STANDARDS ON ACCESS FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN 

The following codes specify basic requirements for elements of buildings and other facilities to enable people [regardless off ability] to gain access into public buildings.

• MS1184 : CODE OF PRACTICE ON ACCESS FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS
• MS1331 : CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ACCESS OF DISABLED PERSONS OUTSIDE BUILDINGS

4.1.11 ENERGY EFFICIENCY

MALAYSIAN STANDARDS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Refer MS1525 : CODE OF PRACTICE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

The code among other things provides guidance, criteria and minimum standards for energy efficiency in building designs.   This MS1525 is referred to in the UBBL 2012 and hence is a complying code.

4.1.12 MODULAR DESIGN

MALAYSIAN STANDARDS ON MODULAR DESIGN

The IBS SCORE awards point from IBS Components in STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS (50 Points), WALL SYSTEMS (30 Points) and OTHER SIMPLIFIED SYSTEMS (20 Points for standard components based on MS1064, standardised grids, and prefabricated components) 

• MS1064 : GUIDE TO MODULAR COORDINATION IN BUILDINGS : PARTS 1 – 10
• The code aims to facilitate cooperation among designers, manufacturers, builders and authorities.   The code recommends standard dimensions for components to ensure dimensional coordination for equipment at all stages of the work.
• Part 1 : General Principles, Part 2 : Storey and Room Heights, Part 3 : Stairs and Stair Openings, Part 4 : Doors, Part 5 : Windows, Part 6 : Flat Sheets, Part 7 : Tiles, Part 8 : Masonry Bricks and Blocks, Part 9 : Cabinets and Part 10 : Concrete
• MANUAL FOR IBS CONTENT SCORING SYSTEM (IBS SCORE) 
• CIDB | Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia has produced an assessment system to be used to measure Industrialised Building System [IBS] content in a building.   

4.1.13 GREEN ARCHITECTURE

GREEN ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to MALAYSIAN STANDARDS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY and MALAYSIAN STANDARDS ON MODULAR DESIGN, consider the following

• Consider Green Architecture early in the design stage.   Green Architecture or GREEN BUILDINGS or Sustainable Buildings are ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE and RESOURCE-EFFICIENT DESIGNED BUILDINGS.
• Considerations starts with the expected LIFE CYCLE of the BUILDING from the SITING & ORIENTATION of the building, OPENINGS on the FACADES, selection of MATERIALS and EQUIPMENT to be used for the building, method of CONSTRUCTION, its OPERATION and MAINTENANCE and if possible the RENOVATION and DEMOLITION plans.
• Refer to GREEN BUILDING INDEX [GBI] website for details on the basic GBI Rating System considerations.   http://www.greenbuildingindex.org

Even if the building in hand is not pursuing GBI Rating, it is best to design responsibly and consider their rating tools in the design

EXCERPTS FROM GBI RATING SYSTEM ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Energy Efficiency (EE)

Improve energy consumption by optimising building orientation, minimizing solar heat gain through the building envelope, harvesting natural lighting, adopting the best practices in building services including use of renewable energy, and ensuring proper testing, commissioning and regular maintenance.

2. Indoor Environment Quality (EQ)

Achieve good quality performance in indoor air quality, acoustics, visual and thermal comfort.   These will involve the use of low volatile organic compound materials, application of quality air filtration, proper control of air temperature, movement and humidity.

3. Sustainable Site Planning & Management (SM)

Selecting appropriate sites with planned access to public transportation, community services, open spaces and landscaping.   Avoiding and conserving environmentally sensitive areas through the redevelopment of existing sites and brownfields.   Implementing proper construction management, storm water management and reducing the strain on existing infrastructure capacity.

4. Materials & Resources (MR)

Promote the use of environment-friendly materials sourced from sustainable sources and recycling.   Implement proper construction waste management with storage, collection and re-use of recyclables and construction formwork and waste.

5. Water Efficiency (WE)

Rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings.

6. Innovation (IN)

Innovative design and initiatives that meet the objectives of the GBI.

4.2     LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.2.1  LOCAL TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE

Review and understand how the local traditional architecture may possibly assist in the design process and decisions.   Local and traditional trends and practices may also help in saving energy and produce sustainable design.

4.2.2  FENG SHUI

Some understanding of basic Feng Shui matters relating to architecture will assist in designing for some clients, especially for houses, business and commercial buildings of Chinese clients.   The following are some notes for designers’ reference.   Designers need to seek a practitioner to understand the subject further.

Feng Shui, which translate literally as "wind-water" is a Chinese Geomancy practice of harmonising people with the surrounding environment.   Geomancy is the art of placing or arranging buildings or other sites “auspiciously”, i.e. encouraging towards success.   Feng Shui practitioners view architecture and element of space of having “forces” [chi/qi] of that of the universe, earth and built environment affecting man and his well-being.   

The practitioners believe that Feng Shui is the applied art of placing things such as buildings, interior furnishing and landscaping in a man-made environment to influence the “cosmic breath / forces” of a site.   Feng Shui is widely used to orient buildings and spaces to derive to an “auspicious” outcome.   An “auspicious” site and siting of buildings is normally with reference to features such as bodies of water, stars, or a compass.  Thus, practitioners believe strongly that by balancing the forces of yin (feminine / inferior or negative aspects) and Yang (masculine / superior or positive aspects) into a harmony, Feng Shui will help man to use the natural forces of the earth for mankind’s benefits, i.e. to attain health and wealth.

It is best to design buildings in a manner whereby it is acceptable to all races and while compatible with ones’ belief.   Thus, it is with this spirit that we recommend designers to have an understanding of Feng Shui.

The following are examples of some basic Feng Shui on architecture:

TIPS ON FENG SHUI PRACTICES

1. Main entrance to a building shall be raised and generous in size.
2. Entrance leading to the main doors shall go up to a building OR, if it is not the case, it shall be on a flat ground.   Stepping down into the main doors of the building is not auspicious.
3. If there is a need to have another set of steps / stair inside the entry, the staircase must not confront the main door.  The stair may be at the side or at an oblique angle to the main door.
4. There shall be no main doors opposing another, e.g. the main entrance of a building should not confront the entrance to an office within the building OR, to the main door to a house / residential unit, in the case of residential building.
5. Similarly, a main door to a house should not confront / face the main door of another house across the street.   In the case of corridors, e.g. within a condominium, no main doors i.e. main entrances should confront / one another in a corridor.   And, corridors leading to main doors main doors should be generous in size.
6. Main doors referred above include main entrance to building, main entrances to an office, a house and doors to bedrooms.
7. No cross symbols or any symbols representing ‘X’ should be able to be read from plans, elevation or others planes of a building.  Therefore, no ‘X’ symbols should be seen on a building.
8. A good site for a building is where the site backs as hill or higher ground with water features, e.g. river or lake in front of the building.
9. Backing the building, land on the left side should be higher than the right or road should be on the left with a stream on the right.

FENG SHUI AUSPICIOUS AND GOOD DIMENSIONS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS

PREFERRED OR AUSPICIOUS DIMENSIONS for height, width, depth etc. stated in mm.

                380

                415

                610, 680

                810, 860, 890,

                1065, 1085

                1265 

                1335

                1470

                1520 to 1550

                1720 to 1770

                1920 to 1980

                2110 to 2170

                2315 to 2365

                2530 to 2560

                2610 to2620

                2810 to 2835

Dimensions which do not fall within the range or do not correspond to the above are inauspicious.   This is a limited sample of dimensions.  The above sample does not cover range bigger than 3000mm.

4.2.3  VASTU SHASTRA

On the other side of the continent from China, the Indians have formulated their own form of Feng Shui called Vasthu Shastra.   The following are some notes for designers’ reference.   Designers need to seek a practitioner to understand the subject further.

Vastu Shastra / Vastu Sastra means the science of architecture and construction.   Vastu Shastra is an Indian Geomancy on buildings which planned to channel “positive energies” into man.   It comes from the ancient teachings of the Indian civilisation, incorporating Hindu and Buddhist believes, in the form of manuals on design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement and spatial geometry aspects of architecture.   The manuals include the principles, design and layout of houses, towns, cities, gardens, roads, water works, shops and other public necessities.   The designs are based on integrating architecture with nature and ancient Indian beliefs utilizing perfect geometric patterns, symmetry and directional alignments. 

The practitioners believe that proper implementation of Vastu techniques will bring peace and prosperity to households.   The science of Vastu is mostly based on directions and elements i.e. the building materials used.

Vastu Shastra deals with 5 elements.   

They are 

1. Earth | Magnetic field of the earth, 

2. Water | Gravitational attraction of the Earth, 

3. Fire | Solar Radiation, 

4. Air | Wind Energy and 

5. Space | Cosmic Radiation.   

These five elements of the nature have to be coordinated with the human body and the materials making up the buildings.   

The practitioners of Vasthu Sastra believe that the ORIENTATION of a building with respect to the NORTH and its relation with the planets, and built with suitable LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS, can not only save energy, but also promote a healthy house design - a comfortable living, good health, prosperity and wealth to the house owners/occupiers.  

TIPS ON DESIGN FOR VASTU SHASTRA

Vasthu Sastra is also about connecting to the Earth Energy to enjoy health, prosperity, peace and health.   

1. Landed property - it is recommended to avoid locations in valleys or hilltops, which practitioners believe will create distorted flow of energy (not unlike the Chi/Qi in Feng Shui). 
2. Regular shaped plots, such as squares and rectangles, are preferred over irregular shaped ones.   Similar to Feng Shui, properties having a road or junction in the middle of the plots are not favoured due to its “spearing” effects.   

Practitioners believe that the elements can determine the way particular directions interact with particular objects or certain kinds of people.   Apparently, the favourable directions are based on the moon-based Indian Astrology with its own Lunar Zodiac Signs.   Hence, the favourable or auspicious direction is very specific to the owner.

Indications of some ideas of Vasthu Shastra are as below:

EAST 

East stands for sunrise, or new beginnings. 

Practitioners believe that it is very advantageous for people who are trying to end something bad and getting started with something new.   It is the direction of prosperity.   

Here are the things in the house that can be in the eastern part of the house or face the eastern direction:

• The entrances to the house, living room, study and the place of worship should face the east.
• Treasure boxes, lockers etc. should open towards the east to promote prosperity.
• No kitchen or toilet should be in the east.
• East direction should not be in a more elevated range than the west, south west and the North West directions.
• Toilets / Bathrooms should not be in the North-East quadrant of the house    

WEST

West, for some practitioners, is probably the most negative direction.   The west is the direction where the sun sets, which means that this direction is not really good for beginnings.

Out of all the Vastu directions, this is the one the Indians have more instructions for 'don'ts' than 'dos'.   The Indians believe that people who live in the western part of the house or have entrances opening to the west direction do not lead a happy life or a prosperous one.   The western direction is the direction for women [?].   

These are the things that one needs to be aware of about the western direction:

• It is better to have a staircase or a tank in the west than anything else.
• One could consider having an office here, as a second choice of offices, especially within the house.
• Store the garbage bins or build the garage in the western direction of the house.
• Toilets / Bathrooms should not be in the South-West quadrant of the house    
• There is also a belief that SOUTH-WEST facing Main Door will invite misery and challenges to the occupants.
• Avoid huge openings on the west to prevent the escape of good energy.   

NORTH

Practitioners believe North is auspicious and the direction that is best for the business people.   The planet that rules over this direction is Mercury.   They found that the UV rays cast by the sun have the least negative effect in the northern parts, so having any open space in the northern area would be a good move.   

The following steps have to be taken care of when one is trying to take advantage of Vastu in this direction.

• Have the office in the north part of the house or the building for maximum success.
• It is better if there is a slope or elevation on the north side.
• Keep construction in the north to the minimum, so as to maintain the efficiency at highest.   If there are persisting constructions in the north, prosperity will certainly vanish.
• Do not have any toilets or garbage bins in the north.
• Do not put any staircases in the north, for it can promote financial loss in one's life.
• Do not keep the kitchen in the northern part of the house either.   In a North Facing house, kitchen should be in the South-East

SOUTH

For Indians, the south is a contradictory direction.   There is some fear among those who follow Vastu Shastra about this direction.   

There are mixed feelings about whether this direction works for people or not.   

• For instance, if one builds a house with a south facing entrance, they might be successful for the first few years, but after that the money will begin to stagnate and eventually start decreasing.   
• Thus, the Indians believe it is better to use the south direction in cycles, so as to keep all the bad luck far away.
• In a South-Facing house, the kitchen should be in the North-West
• Avoid huge openings on the south to prevent the escape of good energy