ARCHITECTURE

CULTURE AND HISTORY II [ARC 60203]

STADIUM MERDEKA
established on August 21, 1957

Lecturer: Ms. Shirin

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

IntroducMonGroup
Site context analysis K.C. Wong
Architecture Layout of the BuildingJ.M. Tiong
Architectural Style Group
Building structure, construcMon and materials analysisJ.S. Yeow
Architecture elementsW.X. Tang

Group members
TANG WEI XIN (W.X. Tang)

TIONG JIA MIN (J.M. Tiong)

WONG KAI CHIANG (K.C. Wong)
YEOW JINN SHENG (J.S. Yeow)

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Introduc)on

Introduc)on
Stadium Merdeka, translated as Independence Stadium, was ini2ally erected for Malaysias
declara2on of independence on 31th August, 1957. The stadium is now operated by Perbadanan
Stadium Merdeka, and served as a venue for many spor2ng events, and concerts. It can
accommodate 25000 observers while 10000 will be seated. AIer the failure of demolishing the
stadium to redevelop the land on 1990s, Stadium Merdeka was then announced as a na2onal
heritage building in February 2003.

Informa)on
Building name: Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium)
Func2on: A venue for spor2ng events, for concerts.
Loca2on: Jalan Stadium, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Architect: Stanley Edward Jewkes
Established date: August 21, 1957
Surface: Grass pitch, track
Capacity: 25,000
Operator: Perbadanan Stadium Merdeka

Fast facts
JULY 1956, Public Work Department was assigned to design and construct a new stadium within
one year.
Architect Stanley Jewkes assembled a team of engineers and technical assistants for the task of site
surveys and soil studies.
The design of a two-storeyed covered stand building, Jewkes collaborated with Edgar Green, his
architect compatriot at PWD.
The design of the dierent elements of the stadium were dedicated by the prac2cal considera2ons
like the availability of building materials, manpower, design safety, the allocated budget, as well as
the comple2on dateline.
As far as possible, local building materials were used
in order to reduce delivery 2me.
The stadiums construc2on came two dis2nc2ve
engineering achievements: the tallest prestressed
towers and the longest can>levering shell roofs then
known in the world.
The stadium was completed on August 15, 1957, in 2me for the momentous occasion it was to
commemorate for which it was named - Merdeka.
Its rst event, appropriately would be staging of the
na2ons independence on August 31, 1957.
It also hosted the ght between Muhammad Ali and
Joe Bugner on July 1, 1975.

History of Building
1921
The land where the stadium was built, was ini2ally the
oldest Golf course in Kuala Lumpur but was then discarded.
On 1937, this area was developed into Corona>on Park in
order to celebrate corona2on of King George the VI as
England King.
1930s
The rst idea of a rst-grade stadium in our country is suggested by Football Associa>on of
Selangor (FAS). According to the records, proposal to build a stadium was not considered
important un2l the old stadium at Jalan Ampang was destroyed during the colonial of Japan during
1942 un2l 1945.
JANUARY 1951
YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman was assigned as President of FAS and then Football Associa2on of
Melaya (FAM). He considered as a developed country, we would need a great stadium. AIer
countless 2mes of proposing, Kuala Lumpur Municipal Commissioners agreed inves2ng in this
project.

SEPTEMBER 25, 1956

Stadium Merdeka was started to build un2l 21 August 1957.
Stadium Merdeka was once proposed to be demolished by Tun Dr. Mahathir in order to redevelop
the land but was not succeed due to the late 1990s Asian economic crisis.
2007
The stadium underwent restora>on to its original 1957 condi>on as part of Malaysias 50th
anniversary plans to relive moment of proclaiming independence.

Architect
Stanley Edward Jewkes (9 October 1913 - 19 June 2011)
Stanley Edward Jewkes was the architect and engineer of both Stadium Merdeka (1957) and
Stadium Negara (1962), both located on Petaling Hill, and was the Director of the Public Works
Department from 1959 to 1962. He arrived in Malaya in 1941 to join the Public Works Department.
AIer World War II, he returned to Kuala Lumpur to reinstate the railway system before secling at
PWD HQ. In 1950, he was asked to head the new Design and Research Branch. As Director PWD, he
convinced the Cabinet about the loca2on of a triumvirate of na2onal structures.
By July 1956, the Malaysian Public Works Department(PWD) was assigned to design and construct
the new stadium. The architect S.E Jewkes assembled a team for the task , one of them was E.A
Green, his architect compatriot in PWD.
To achieve maximum 2me savings, construc2on work was divided into two contracts (Lim Quee &
Sons for the building and K.C Boon & Cheah for the terraces).

Architectural Layout of Building

Approaching the Site
The Stadium Merdeka is sitting at the center of Kuala Lumpur. (Lai Chee Kien, 2007)

*The location of Stadium Merdeka (framed), Stadium Negara (north direction), Victoria Institution (north-east
direction) and Chin Woo Athletic Association (west direction).
(Source: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=956606&page=106)

*Following are the pictures when approaching Stadium Merdeka:

(Source: Google Street View)

(Source: Google Street View)

*The main approach of Stadium Merdeka.

Based on the images shown, an oblique approach can be identified, where it enhances the effect of perspective
on the front faade and the form of the building. As the space in front of the main entrance is actually a parking
area, the path can be redirected one or more times to delay and prolong the sequence of the approach. (Francis
D.K. Ching, 2007)
Circulation to Use-Space
To enter the stadium, visitors have to go through the turnstiles, which there are 50 turnstiles in total being
placed around the stadium. In this way, the stadium can be occupied fully in just 10 minutes. (Perpustakaan
Negara Malaysia, 1998)

GATE 1

*Distribution of the gates around the stadium, in a total of 8 gates.

(Stadium plan source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

*The main entrance of the stadium.

*The turnstile at one of the gate.

*Gates at different locations, access by the stairs.

*The elevation of covered stand after entering the gate. (Source: Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka, pg.17)
*Legends
- Upper terrace
- Lower terrace
- The two pair of stairs which is the only access to upper terrace from lower terrace inside the lower
terrace seating area, can also access the platform situated at the middle part of the covered area.
- The 3 of the 14 tunnels around the stadium at the covered stand area.
- The passageway which can be access straight from the outside of corridor.

*Ground floor plan of the stadium corridor. (Source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdekafloor-plan)

*Legend
- The staircase inside the corridor which give access to upper terrace, which they are separated from
the seating area.

It is noted that both terrace are separated and cannot be accessed directly.

*The tunnel at the center of covered stand.

*The only stairs that can access upper terrace

from the lower terrace area.

*The continuous metal balustrade which separates

the upper and lower terrace.

*The passageway.

*The stairs inside the corridor which give access to

the upper terrace.

*The view upstairs, the upper terrace around the

Stadium can be accessed.

10

*Lift for the disabled, for their easy access

to the upper terrace.

*Concrete stairs at upper and lower terrace.

*Able to access upper terrace around the

stadium from here.

*Metal staircase over the drain.

11

*The view from top of Stadium Merdeka. (Source: Google Map)

*Legend
- The location of tunnels, which give access to lower terrace
- The big tunnel which access the field

*The tunnel which give access to lower terrace.

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*The big tunnel which gives access to the field, located at the south-east of the stadium.

In case of emergencies, the 14 tunnels along with 10 sets of external staircases around the perimeter of the
terraces can evacuate the audience efficiently. The whole stadium can occupy up to 21364 audienc e, which
include 3000 covered seats. For the two-storeyed covered stand building, Steven Jewkes had collaborated with
Edgar Green, where this structure would house the offices, restaurant and several rooms for specific purposes .
(Lai Chee Kien, 2007) Different staircase is used to access the second floor of the building.

13

*Ground floor plans of different parts in the covered stand building.

(Source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

*Ground floor plan. (Source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

*Legend
- Private access

- Public access

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*Circulations for private and public.

(Covered stand building plan source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)
*Legend
- Public circulation
- Private circulation

Other than these, the arrangement of washrooms are clear.

*The arrangement of male and

female washrooms. (Plans source:
http://venue.myceb.com.my/floorplan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)
*Legend
- Males washroom (left)
- Females washroom (right)

15

Organization Analysis
Geometry
For geometry, Stadium Merdeka is a combination of rectangle and oval, where the rectangle part is the covered
stand building which consist of offices, restaurant and various rooms with different purpose, and the oval part
with lower and upper terrace of seating areas. At the center of the stadium, a rectangular field is placed for
various activities to be carried out.

*The rectangle and oval component of Stadium Merdeka as shown in plans.

(Source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

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Hierarchy
The principle of hierarchy implies that in most if not all architectural compositions, real difference reflect the
degree of importance of these forms and spaces, as well as the functional, formal, and symbolic roles they play
in the organization. For a form or space to be articulated as being important or significant to an organization, it
must be made uniquely visible. (Francis D.K. Ching, 2007) In this case, this visual emphasis is achieved by
endowing the form or shape with a strategic location.

It is known that Stadium Merdeka is built in the center of Kuala Lumpur, which Tunku Abdul Rahman wish his
people can have a place to work-out and relax. (Lai Chee Kien, 2007) The location is very strategic as it connects
different status of people together. As the site for both Independence celebrations and a sporting competition,
Kuala Lumpur established its position as the nations center and displayed the spaces of the city to its new
citizens as well as to its visitors.

*The view of Stadium Merdeka which is very noticeable because of its shape and size as compared to Stadium
Negara and Chin Woo Athletic Association. (Source: Google Map)

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Symmetry

(Plan source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

(Elevations source: Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka, pg.17)

By putting a line along the center of the plan and elevation of the covered stand building of Stadium Merdeka,
it is seen that the building is in symmetry. The type of symmetry shown is bilateral symmetry, which refers to
the balanced arrangement of similar or equivalent elements on opposite sides of a median axis so that only one
plane can divide the whole into essentially identical halves. (Francis D.K. Ching, 2007)

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*The whole Stadium Merdeka in symmetry, which includes the covered stand building and the field.
(Plan source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

*The view of stadium been separated by a vertical plane, which shows half of the stadium where there is still
an equivalent elements on the opposite side of the stadium.
(Section source: Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka, pg.16)

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Plan to Elevation Analysis

*General circulation of visitors.

(Elevations source: Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka, pg.17)
(Ground plan source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)
*Legend
- The passageway which connects outside corridor and lower terrace seating area.
- First floor windows location.
- Main entrance.

Both ground floor plan and elevation above shows relation in between each other, which shows the circulation
and arrangements of each element of this structure.

*The windows of the covered stand building.

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*Relation between the stadium plan, elevation and covered stand building plan.
(Elevations source: Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka, pg.17)
(Plans source: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan)

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Reference:
D.K. Ching Francis, 2007, Architecture: Form, Space and Order, third edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., United
States of America

Lai Chee Kien, 2007, Building Merdeka: Independence Architecture in Kuala Lumpur, 1957-1966, Galeri
Petronas, Malaysia

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, 2015, Stadium Merdeka- Floor Plan (accessed online, 13
November 2015)
URL: http://venue.myceb.com.my/floor-plan/stadium-merdeka-floor-plan

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia: Bahagian Pakar Maklumat, 2015, Siri Pakejan Maklumat Bangunan
Bersejarah: Stadium Merdeka (accessed online, 13 November 2015)
URL:http://myrepositori.pnm.gov.my/bitstream/123456789/793/1/siri%20pakejan%20maklumat%20banguna
n%20bersejarah_stadium%20merdeka.pdf