Ole Scheeren to build landmark tower in Kuala Lumpur

Commissioned by leading Malaysian property developer Sunrise Berhad (a member of UEM Land Holdings Berhad), the new tower will stand directly across the Petronas, offering new architectural qualities to the vibrancy of the city’s inner core. Rather than a single mass, Angkasa Raya is made up of three cubic volumes which appear to float above open, horizontal layers. The “ground levels” form an interconnected spiral of both pedestrian and vehicular circulation and draw the diversity of the streetscape into the building. A multitude of public spaces and activities including shops, a food court, car parks, terraces and prayer rooms bring urban life into the transparent stacks, while tropical nature invades and enlivens its multiple levels.
 
A second stack of horizontal slabs is lifted up in the air and hovers above the city. These “sky levels” contain a restaurant, bar, and multi-function spaces amid lush vegetation, giving the public access to one of the city’s most breathtaking views across its skyline and the neighboring Twin Towers. The three floating blocks accommodate the high-end Service Residences, a Luxury Hotel and Premium Offices.
 
Angkasa Raya demonstrates possibilities for the amplification of life and activities within the heart of one of Asia’s great capitals. Lush green gardens and terraces offer intimacies within the extreme urban density of the surrounding metropolis, while carefully shaded facades and a naturally ventilated atrium underline the environmental responsibility of the design.
 
With demolition of the existing building on the site completed in August 2011, construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2012.

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