University of Technology Petronas by Foster + Partners & GDP Architects

Malaysia's sustained growth in recent decades in large part to the development of a strong education sector, one that aims especially to contribute to advances in the fields of science and technology.  In support of this ambition, the government invited the petroleum company Petronas to set up a private university that would nurture technically qualified, well-rounded graduates who could direct the development of key industries in Malaysia.  Blending academic training with hands-on experience, the University of Technology Petronas is conceived as an environment that will encourage creativity and innovation, 'a place to learn and not a place to be thought.'

Salinger House by CSL Associates

Architect's Brief

The initial brief of the Salinger house was a weekend retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Dr. Hj. Rudin Salinger and his wife Puan Munira Salinger were then living in Petaling Jaya, 15 minutes drive from the central Kuala Lumpur.  At the time, the site was highly undeveloped and essentially a rural district located on the outskirts of a small Malay village.  With their knowledge and understanding of Malaysian culture, the clients were looking to build a modern home which would embrace their Malaysian heritage and Muslim faith.  Having lived in Malaysia for over 30 years, Dr. Hj. Salinger had developed a great interest in Malaysian's heritage and culture.  This has since a number of papers written on timber woodcarving and handmade roof tiles as well as the ability to cook many local dishes.

The program was simple.  To design a house with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living and dining room.  With his culinary skills, Dr. Salinger requested that his kitchen be easily accessible and in direct contact with the dining room.  An area with a direct relationship with the garden was necessary for him to indulge in another of his bobbies, gardening.  However, what was of greater importance was the clients' desire for a distinctively Malaysian house.

Petronas Tower by Cesar Pelli & ZAP Group Architects Sdn Bhd

Once considered the tallest building[s] in the world from 1998 to 2004, the Petronas Towers designed by Cesar Pelli stand as a cultural and architectural icon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Completed in 1998, the Petronas Towers are a reflection and homage to the dominant Islamic culture of Malaysia.

The Petronas Towers have not only put Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the architectural radar, but it evoked the richness of the country’s culture.  The towers are not simply recognized for their height, but it was Pelli’s conceptual efforts to incorporate Islamic motifs and symbols into the design process that would influence the design and the detailing of the building.