Penang Global City Center

Asymptote Architecture
Penang Global City Center
Penang, Malaysia

Sited on Penang Hill the Penang Global City Center (PGCC) is a key component of the 256 acre development site that was formally the Penang Turf Club.

The design is centered on the idea of creating a new and powerful image for the city of Penang and the new initiatives associated with the development of the Northern Corridor of Malaysia.

The complex includes two iconic, sixty-story towers housing luxury residential units and five-star hotels, the Penang Performing Arts Center (PenPAC), a high-end retail and entertainment complex, an observatory, a world-class convention center and a vast public arena in the form of a plinth that serves as an entrance to the PGCC and connects it to the city beyond.
The design of the iconic towers in particular draws inspiration from not only the lushness and drama of the surrounding mountains and seascapes, but also from the rich and diverse cultural heritage that makes up the Malaysian nation and Penang in particular.

The forms of the two towers are comprised of both horizontal and vertical elements. Sculpted horizontal components move across the plinth, rise up and transform into articulated vertical structures.

The vast, cascading plinth, which functions as a public plaza with multiple gathering spaces, are venues for the performing arts center, convention center and various facilities for residential, office and urban life.Set against the backdrop of the nature reserve of Penang Hill, the twisting, glass facades of the towers “perform” various surface effects - reflecting, refracting and distorting views of Penang, the surrounding landscape and the seascape beyond.

The design incorporates the latest in sustainable design and engineering technologies.

Construction start for Phase 1 is scheduled for late 2008.

Total Area: 1.000.000 square meters
Retail Complex: 400,000 square meters
Convention Center: 100,000 square meters
Performing Arts Center (PenPAC): 75,000 square meters
Condominiums: 70,000 square meters
Hotel and Service Apartments: 50,000 square meters
Offices: 25,000 square meters
Observatory: 1,500 square meters
Parking: 190,000 square meters

Developer: Abad Naluri, a subsidiary of Equine Capital
Architects: Asymptote Architecture
Master Plan: Atelier Seraji