Makkah Royal Clock Tower - I've seen it with my one eyes!

Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, completed 2012
601 m/ 1,972 ft/ 120 floors
Developer: Saudi Bin Laden Group
Architect of the hotel: Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners)
Architect and Structural Engineer of the Clock Tower: SL Rasch
G.F.A: 5.0 million sq ft

Great height is generally motivated by a desire for attention, but the building that is currently the third tallest on the planet is little known outside the Muslim world. As part of the King Abdullah Al Saud Endowment for the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, the Makkah Clock Tower is the centerpiece of the Abraj Al Bait Complex of seven luxury hotels, including the Fairmont Hotel, housed within the tower that rises 601 meters to the tip of the crescent spire, and overlooks the Holy Mosque for Muslims performing Umrah and Hajj.

When you drive into Mecca, this clock tower is what you get set see first.

Lego Technic model 42029 - new project for the next couple of weekends

I got this model a couple of months ago. Have yet to start on it. Hopping to do so this weekend. This unit really reminded me of my old Ford Ranger 4x4 pick-up truck but in blue.

This model can be operated with the Lego Power unit (sold separately). Apart from the pick-up truck, you can also use the bricks to build another vehicle seen below on the right.

Pre-launchinig preparation for Bank Rakyat's new corporate HQ in Kuala Lumpur

Last night there was a hive of activities down at the new Bank Rakyat corporate HQ on Jalan Travers. Spots lights were everywhere. I suspect they are trying to prepare tor the official opening of the office soon. You can also see the red carpet laid out in the lobby.

The new Shell HQ building from the point of view of Pasaraya Sri Kota on Jalan Travers

This photo of the new Shell HQ building was taken from the point of view of Pasaraya Sri Kota on Jalan Travers. The unique wavy facade of the building is very innovative and the use of green coloured glass makes it look more seamless with the trees.

Menara Prisma, Presint 3, Putrajaya

In case you are wondering, this is how Menara Prisma looks like from the outside. This is a commercial office building in Presint 3, Putrajaya. I believe office space in the building is available for rent.

Below is one of the Companies operating in that building.

The Lego Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II - Half way through. Another couple of weekends to completion

In my previous posting titled: The Lego Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II - new toy to play for the next couple of weekends I talked about my latest Lego project. Many weeks have passed and I have completed part of the construction.

Behold, the extent of the current build. This is only part of the completed project i.e. up to book 3 of 6 books!

The mini figurine is not part of the set. My son decided to add one of his for effect. During construction, some of the stickers were used.

The pair of 10 wheels can be seen in the shot below. The center axle is fixed but the other 4 are steerable.

The representation of the V8 diesel engine that would actually power the real machine. As the wheels move, the piston heads move as well.

A close up of the engine bay.

The various gears that help move certain parts of this Lego set.

The rear end of the crane.

A very long crane.

Hopefully I would be able to complete the other 2 booklets in the next couple of weeks.

Bank Rakyat new corporate HQ tower fully lighted up

This is something that you seldom see in Kuala Lumpur, an office block being completed lighted at night. I believe the contractor was testing the light system inside the building. From the outside, it does appear that some floors and areas have some lighting issues that still need to be resolve.

Bucharest, Romania - More huge halls - Part 10

Continuation from Bucharest, Romania - Wondering inside the second largest building on Earth - Part 09

In this particular room, last year's NATO summit was held. It too has a huge chandelier.

In this particular room, pink marbles are used extensively. Very feminine.

The intricate design of the ceiling decorations are baroque influences.

We were told that thousand of local artisans labored on this building. In fact, it still not finished yet.
 

A glass panel sky-roof overlooking another massive hall.

It is huge enough to play football.

The height is 16 meters from ceiling to floor.

Marble staircase.

Because of the marble, in summer, it is cool in the building.

On a major balcony we can see the city of Bucharest.

Even the balcony is huge.

Notice the lack of any tall buildings.

Bucharest sits on an earthquake zone, hence the hesitant of any developer to plan anything tall.

The Romanians are really proud to be a member of the EU. Everywhere you see a place to hang a flag, there will be an EU flag flying besides a Romanian flag.

To be continued.

Bucharest, Romania - A tour of the second largest building in the world, The Palace of Parliament - Part 08

Continuation from Bucharest, Romania - Introducing the bond valaution concept at a World Bank conference and proud to know Malaysia has something unique to share with a lot of developing economies - Part 07

At the end of the conference, the organisers arranged a trip to The Palace of Parliament, a multi-purpose building containing both chambers of the Romanian Parliament. The Palace is the world's largest civilian building with an administrative function, most expensive administrative building and heaviest building.

We took a bus to get to the building.

It is massive!

Made out of marble, the building holds the world record for the heaviest building in the world.

Very impressive facade. Some technical details of the building:

• 270 m by 240 m, 86 m hight
• 92 m underground
• 1,100 rooms
• 12 stories tall with four additional underground levels currently available and in use (another four in different stages of completion)
• Floor area 340,000 m2 (3,700,000 sq ft)

We are currently mingling outside the building waiting for a guide to come to us.

In Bucharest, the weather was just beautiful, clear skies without any clouds.

BPAM bag in Bucharest.

The tour starts. I though this first room was a hall but I was corrected by the guide, it is only a passageway...wow.

Green carpet and a green dial watch.

The guide. Behind her are busts of famous people from Romania and a tapestry that depicts the history of ancient Romania.

A selfie.

To be continued.

Bank Rakyat Corporate HQ on Jalan Travers @25 January 2014

The building of Bank Rakyat's new HQ is coming along nicely. A barrier has been fixed to separate the view of old buildings from within Bank Rakyat (see the metal wall being built around the old block of shops).

The inner garden is currently undergoing planting.

Most of the glass paneling have been attached.

Bank Rakyat was able to get an entry from Jalan Travers itself.

A couple of brave souls on ropes dangling on the side of the building to clean the glass paneling.

For more visit:

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/11/status-of-bank-rakyat-new-corporate-hq.html 

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/05/bank-rakyat-hq-jalan-travers-3-may-2011.html

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2012/05/bank-rakyat-new-hq-on-jalan-travers-20.html

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2010/09/bank-rakyat-project-9-september-2010.html

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-final-touches-to-construction-of.html

http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/01/accident-at-bank-rakyat-building.html

 

 

The final touches to the construction of Bank Rakyat's new corporate headquarters on Jalan Travers

Final touches to Bank Rakyat's new HQ on Jalan Travers. The workers are preparing the roof garden.

The main entrance will be on Jalan Travers.

Nice green glass twin towers.

Previous postings:

1. http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/01/accident-at-bank-rakyat-building.html
2. http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/11/status-of-bank-rakyat-new-corporate-hq.html
3. http://meoramri.blogspot.com/2011/05/bank-rakyat-hq-jalan-travers-3-may-2011.html

New Shell Malaysia Corporate Headquaters, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Took this picture on Sunday, 15 June 2013 of the new Shell Malaysia corporate headquaters on Jalan Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. The glass facade is up and the workers are now putting the finishing touches to the building. Trees and carpet grass have been planted.