New icon to stand out in city centre

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THE Kuala Lumpur City Centre will see a new iconic building in the vicinity of the world-renowned Petronas Twin Towers by 2016.

Currently known as the Angkasa-Raya, the project by Sunrise Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UEM Land Holdings Berhad, will occupy the former Bangunan Angkasa Raya’s space.

The integrated mixed-used project, will comprise premium office spaces, over 280 service residences, a luxury hotel with 200++ five-star suites, three sky levels as well as a multitude of signature retail spaces.

Proud designer: Scheeren looking at the model of his design during the unveling of Angkasa Raya.

Rather than a single mass, the 268m tall building is made up of three cubic volumes, which appear to float above open and horizontal layers.

The ground levels, which host public spaces and activities, would draw the street into the building and bring urban life into its transparent stacks, while tropical nature imbues its multiple layers.

The sky levels give the public access to one of the city’s most breath-taking views across its skyline, and an unobstructed view of the Twin Towers.

Product composition is 31% residential and 69% commercial, and it is located at the corner of Jalan P. Ramlee and Jalan Ampang.

The building is designed by renowned architect Ole Scheeren who has a few landmarks to his credit including the CCTV headquarters in Beijing and the Maha Nakhon in Bangkok.

Taking shape soon: (From left) Tong, Wan Abdullah, UEM Land Holdings non-independent non-executive director Datuk Mohd Izzaddin Idris and Scheeren sharing a light moment.

Scheeren said the design was inspired by Malaysia’s multi-cultural and diverse society.

“With the Twin Towers in the vicinity, we need a design that can relate to something as strong and as powerful as that,” said Scheeren, adding that the building would add to the dramatic skyline of the city.

During the unveiling of the development recently, Sunrise chairman Datuk Tong Kooi Ong said Angkasa Raya broke away from the standard high-rise typology and alters the perception of what a skyscraper could be.

“Ole was asked to conceptualise a building which will best exemplify the prime minister’s call for unity — 1Malaysia.

“So he had to design a building that is to be iconic, that will be recognised worldwide on its own merit, yet complementing the Twin Towers,” said Tong, adding that work starts next year, and it will be opened for sale a year from now.

Also present at the event were UEM Land Holdings group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Wan Abdullah Wan Ibrahim.