Malaysia (Petronas Twin Towers)

The 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers, developed as an integral part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) project, house PETRONAS' new corporate headquarters.

The PETRONAS Twin Towers rise like sentinels in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Costing a whopping US$1.2bn and uniquely designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, it rises to 1,483ft (451.9m) in height and is all of 33ft higher than the Sears Tower.

Cesar Pelli, former dean of Yale University's School of Architecture, also designed Canary Wharf in London, and the World Financial Center in Manhattan, New York City.

The floor-plate of the Tower is designed based on geometric patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed of two rotated and superimposed squares with small circular infills. These geometric figures have been described by architects as symbolising unity, harmony, stability and rationality - all important principles of Islam.

Like the exterior design, the Towers' entrance design was also inspired by the country's cultural heritage, incorporating contemporary Malaysian motifs adapted from traditional handicrafts such as songket and timber carvings. The overall character of the building is high-tech and international but distinctively Malaysian.

At the podium level, the PETRONAS Twin Towers feature the following :

• The 864-seat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, a venue of architectural and acoustic distinction. It is also home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

• PETROSAINS - the state-of-the-art interactive science discovery centre, carrying the theme "oil and gas". With its entrance at Level 4, Suria KLCC, PETROSAINS is a modern contemporary museum that allows visitors to touch, feel and manipulate displays and exhibits aimed at stimulating interest in science and technology particularly in petroleum science.

• Galeri PETRONAS - With its entrance at Level 3, Suria KLCC, Galeri PETRONAS caters to both traditional and contemporary art enthusiasts. The gallery features various types of art ranging from painting, sculptures, multimedia to experimental works.

• Twin Towers Fitness Centre - Located at the Concourse Level, the centre spreads over an area of 50,000 sq. ft. The centre houses an array of equipment with facilities for sports like badminton, squash, volleyball and futsal.


• A reference library on energy, petroleum, petrochemical and related industries.

The Towers were topped-out in March 1996 and occupation began in early 1997. Tower One is currently being occupied by PETRONAS, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two is being occupied by PETRONAS' associate companies while the remaining space is being leased out to multinationals.

The PETRONAS Twin Towers are located on the northern boundary of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and has state-of-the-art communication facilities. MSC is the launching pad to propel Malaysia into the frontline of the information age.