Kuala Lumpur Buildings

Kuala Lumpur buildings and structures can tell many hidden stories and is a good way to preserve a moment in time. By looking at the architecture of a building, you can tell its influences and the period it was built in.

If you go around KL, you will notice that there are a lot of buildings that were based on Victorian/Edwardian neo-classical themes. Many of the early colonial architects chosed to lavish their buildings with elaborate stucco reliefs and plaster work.

Kuala Lumpur buildings in the early sixties and seventies, on the other hand, were heavily influenced by the wave of International style architecture. International style was based on clean lines, basic forms and functionality. It was a design period that covered about four decades between the twenties to the sixties. International style was also a departure from 'imperialist' Georgian and Victorian period architecture, which marked the colonial period in Malaya.

Most KL buildings in the post Merdeka (Independence) period use strong symbolism and boldness to create a nationalistic image. If you notice, most of the local government architecture was the first of the Kuala Lumpur buildings that adapted International style to local requirements.

The moderate use of grilles and louvers is probably the most common means to keep these Kuala Lumpur buildings cooler. Early Kuala Lumpur buildings like Hotel Malaya (1960s), the EPF building in PJ, Parliament House (1963) and the Angkasapuri building (1960s) all make heavy use of louvers, shading panels and grille work.

Angkasapuri Kuala Lumpur

Angkasapuri is a main governmental building for Malaysia's Ministry of Information and also headquarters for Radio Television Malaysia (RTM). It is located on a hilltop along the Federal Highway near Pantai Baru. The Angkasapuri building construction began on 1966 and completed on 1968.

Berjaya Times Square

Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur is a building containing a huge shopping centre and two five star hotels which was opened on October, 2003. It is tagged as the world’s largest building ever built in a single phase, with 7.5 million square feet (700,000 m²) of built up floor area. It is set to become an international landmark offering shopping, luxury accommodation, business, food and abundant entertainment to the estimated 3 million visitors each month.

Dayabumi Kuala Lumpur

Dayabumi is one of the main Kuala Lumpur buildings and a major landmark in Kuala Lumpur. The Dayabumi building is located near the National Mosque, Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and Federal House at Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin.

Federal Territory Mosque Kuala Lumpur
Masjid Wilayah Kuala Lumpur

The Federal Territory Mosque or Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, is a major mosque in Kuala Lumpur. The beautifully-designed mosque is also commonly known as Masjid Wilayah to the locals. It is the 44th mosque built by the Government within the Kuala Lumpur city limits.

Cultural Palace Kuala Lumpur
Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur

Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur is a national theatre located in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. This theatre is formerly known as Panggung Negara and was officially opened by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. The turquoise folds on the roof and the intricate design of the foyer are just two of the features that will take your breath away.

National Palace Kuala Lumpur
Istana Negara Kuala Lumpur

The National Palace Kuala Lumpur or Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. It stands on a 28 acre site, located at a commanding position on the slope of a hill of Bukit Petaling overlooking the Klang River.

Kuala Lumpur Tower
Menara Kuala Lumpur

The Kuala Lumpur Tower or Menara Kuala Lumpur is a tall tower that was built in 1995. The KL Tower is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421m, which currently makes it the fifth tallest communication tower in the world. The tower was opened to public on 23 July 1996.

Parliament House Kuala Lumpur
Bangunan Parlimen Kuala Lumpur

The Parliament Building Kuala Lumpur is a building that truly symbolises the democratic system in Malaysia. Built in September 1962, the Parliament Building cost RM18 million and was the brainchild of Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.The building is located near the Lake Gardens, just right next to the Malaysian national monument, the Tugu Negara.

National History Museum Kuala Lumpur
Muzium Sejarah Negara Kuala Lumpur

The National History Museum Kuala Lumpur or Muzium Sejarah Negara is the second national museum in Malaysia after Muzium Negara. It is located opposite Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur
Menara Berkembar Petronas Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were once the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. The twin towers were designed by architect César Pelli and were completed in 1998. They became the tallest buildings in the world on the date of completion.

Pudu Prison Kuala Lumpur
Penjara Pudu Kuala Lumpur

Pudu Prison is a classic example of some of the earliest colonial prisons. If you've been out exploring Kuala Lumpur, you might notice the fading and peeling murals depicting scenes of nature, on the wall circling the Pudu Prison. The wall murals of tropical scenes painted by the prisoners took them over a year to paint using 2000 liters of paint! The murals entitled the Pudu Prison inmates to won a place in the Guinness Book of Records, for painting the world's longest mural along the prison's walls.

Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra Kuala Lumpur

Putra World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur or commonly known as PWTC, is a main convention and exhibition centre in Kuala Lumpur. PWTC was constructed in 1981 and completed in 1984. The Putra World Trade Centre building was officially opened in 1985 by the previous Malaysian prime minister,Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad during the first UMNO General Assembly.