Penang
Global City Center
Penang, Malaysia
Asymptote's design for the new PGCC complex incorporates two iconic, sixty-story luxury residential towers onto a plynth that houses a five-star hotel, the new Penang Performing Arts Center (PenPAC), a high-end retail and entertainment complex,
a new convention center and a vast new public space that serves as a public forecourt to the PGCC.
a new convention center and a vast new public space that serves as a public forecourt to the PGCC.
Design Concept
The PGCC development is designed to be an included in the more ambitious and grand master plan for the entire Northern Corridor of Malaysia, thereby helping create a new exciting and forward-looking image for the City of Penang.
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Context
Set against a lush natural backdrop of the Penang hills, the architectural concept aims to reconcile contemporary urban forms with the adjacent natural landscape.
Phlinth and Towers
The PGCC's large commercial plinth is a platform for its two iconic towers and accommodates a variety of public spaces that overlook the city connect to the upper level programs including the performing arts center, convention center, hotel, residences
and office space.
and office space.
The PGCC towers are unique architecturally in that they are horizontal as well as vertical elements: horizontal structures span across the upper surfaces of the plinth and transition to vertical towers that rise up to create a dynamic composition with the nature reserve of Penang Hill as lush green backdrop.
Facade
The distinct patterns achieved by the louver system created by utilizing a high performance louver system and though there delicate interweaving and use of arabesque like geometries achieve a local flavor culturally. This articulation not only is environmentally responcive but gives the towers and plynth a unique identity while contributing to the environmental performance of the buildings. Combined with the towers' twisting, these unique glass façades create optical effects that vary depending on one's viewpoint and amplify the dynamic iconic quality of the PGCC's architecture.
Project Information
Date: 2006 - 2008
Size: 100,000 sqm
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Design Team:
Architect: Asymptote Architecture
Design: Hani Rashid, Lise Anne Couture
Project Director: Theo Sarantoglou Lalis, Jill Leckner
Design Team Phase I:
Fernando Velasco, Laura Trevino, Erick Carcamo, Marcia Akermann,
Alex Pincus, Adrienne Broadbear
Design Team Phase II:
Erick Carcamo, Brian Deluna, Sophie Luger, Ariane Stracke, Chris Ziegler
Assistants: Jong Kouk Kim, Karen Lee, Kristin Willey, Natalia Ibanez Lario
Client: Abad naluri Sdn. bhd.
Consultants:
Structural Engineer: Arup New York, Hong Kong
MEP Engineer: ARUP New York
Environmental Designers: Atelier Ten New York
Cladding Consultant: Front, Inc. New York
Size: 100,000 sqm
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Design Team:
Architect: Asymptote Architecture
Design: Hani Rashid, Lise Anne Couture
Project Director: Theo Sarantoglou Lalis, Jill Leckner
Design Team Phase I:
Fernando Velasco, Laura Trevino, Erick Carcamo, Marcia Akermann,
Alex Pincus, Adrienne Broadbear
Design Team Phase II:
Erick Carcamo, Brian Deluna, Sophie Luger, Ariane Stracke, Chris Ziegler
Assistants: Jong Kouk Kim, Karen Lee, Kristin Willey, Natalia Ibanez Lario
Client: Abad naluri Sdn. bhd.
Consultants:
Structural Engineer: Arup New York, Hong Kong
MEP Engineer: ARUP New York
Environmental Designers: Atelier Ten New York
Cladding Consultant: Front, Inc. New York