TABUNG HAJI TOWER, KUALA LUMPUR

BY: SITI HUMAIRA BINTI ABDUL AZIZ (1007P74344)


"The Hour Glass" form is something new but as a sculptural symbol, it represents the spiritual enlightenment promised by the pilgrimage" - Hijjaz Kasturi

The tabung haji building is a landmark of Islam development. A well-known Malaysian architect, Hijjas Kasturi, designed the building. The height of the building is 152 meters (500 feet) with 39 floors. The total construction cost of Tabung Haji building is 95million Ringgit Malaysia. The building has 27 office floors, 7 levels of car parking, 2 floors of room service and two multi-purpose floors such as counters, large hall, cafeteria and lobby. The building is also designed with a cone shaped surau with a capacity of 250 people. It is also used for Friday prayers in which the capacity can be raised to 600 people. The Tabung Haji building was built within three years. It has an area of 55.7k square meters. The geometrical floor plans of the building exhibit a simplistic expression of the tradition in Islamic art. The concept of circular concave curve symbolizes the revolution and modern approach in architecture. The building has five columns that symbolize the five pillars of Islam, as well as meeting the requirements of the building structure itself. One can only see a pillar from one point. This concept implies that the iman and the faith of the believer is not something to be show and proud of, but to be implemented and verified. The most unique feature of the building is, “ALLAH” is carved in Jawi on top of the building. The design symbolizes unity by the conduct of worship which is demanded by Allah swt.