Cover Pintasan Saloma is designed by Veritas Design Group (Photo: Courtesy of Veritas Design Group)
Pintasan Saloma is designed by Veritas Design Group (Photo: Courtesy of Veritas Design Group)
1 / 1
Three leading Malaysian architects share the most iconic creations from their portfolios and explain what makes them so special
According to Syah Kamaruddin, director and principal at Veritas Design Group, the Pintasan Saloma encapsulates the essence of Malaysian architectural intervention. This pedestrian bridge connects KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) to the Kampung Baru enclave, acting as a link to two worlds—traditional and modern—that intersect above the Klang River and Akleh Highway.
What does an iconic building mean to you?
It is a one-of-a-kind architectural statement that represents the nation and cultural identities; it evokes human introspection, marks the impactful progress of societies, and portrays innovative design excellence.
If you had to pick one iconic building from your portfolio, what would it be?
The Pintasan Saloma. It is inspired by the sireh junjung, an ornamental leaf traditionally offered in Malay wedding ceremonies as a symbol of unity. This represents the ceremonial gesture that embodies the bond between KLCC and Kampung Baru.
Read more: 5 iconic skyscrapers designed by Malaysian architects
Above Syah Kamaruddin of Veritas Design Group
Syah Kamaruddin of Veritas Design Group
1 / 1
Can you share any interesting anecdotes about designing and building it?
Pintasan Saloma is designed as a portal into both ends of the city that frames the scenic view of the vibrant KLCC, the Petronas Twin Towers and other major city landmarks, as well as the future developments in Kampung Baru.
Each of the facade panels is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting modules to illuminate the bridge at night. However, its reflective and unique shape catches the sunlight during the day to give the bridge a slight glimmer and distinctive character. The curved steel roof canopy consists of 4,100 diamond facade modules, made of solid and perforated aluminium, glass and transparent panels. The configuration of these panels are designed to enhance the overlapping concept of sirih junjung, and its pattern references those found in traditional Malay arts and craft.
What makes it special and what inspires you about it?
Since the bridge opened, it has become a new landmark attraction and a new public realm that attracts the people of KL as well as tourists. The 69m bridge has enhanced the interconnectivity of the city’s pedestrian and bicycle traffic network, currently cut by urban infrastructures. This has significantly reduced the travel time for the residents of Kampung Baru to the Kuala Lumpur CBD area and allows direct connection of tourists from the KLCC area into Kampung Baru—a melting pot and gastronomical destination of Kuala Lumpur.
See also: 10 locations in Malaysia to get on the Wes Anderson trend
Above The design of Pintasan Saloma is inspired by sireh junjung
The design of Pintasan Saloma is inspired by sireh junjung
1 / 1
Corporate culture
Serina Hijjas is a leading figure in sustainable building in Malaysia. Hijjas Architects & Planners is responsible for pioneering the adoption of sustainability and the reinterpretation of cultural identity in buildings such as Telekom Malaysia, the Securities Commission, and Celcom Tower.
She speaks about the uniqueness of Sasana Kijang and why she considers it iconic.
What does an iconic building mean to you?
An iconic building is one that leaves a lasting impression and [creates a memorable space]. It should never be measured only by the vastness of its scale or size but rather by the uniqueness of its architecture and the timelessness of its [design]. Iconic buildings can be special for their intricate engineering, attention to detail, and a sense of innovation that leaves a distinct feeling of awe, surprise or wonder.
Don't miss: 7 amazing structures designed by women
Above Serina Hijjas
Serina Hijjas
1 / 1
If you had to pick one iconic building from your portfolio, what would it be?
I would have to say Sasana Kijang, [a centre of knowledge and learning by Bank Negara Malaysia]. In order to break down its lengthy 200m mass, the frontage is visually subdivided into three distinct “pavilions” and a central grand foyer [which houses] the museum, central bank offices, conference centre, and library building.
This is perhaps one of the most challenging buildings [we’ve ever] built, from the complexity of its detailing to the quality of its execution. For me, it is one of our most iconic buildings and the top choice from the portfolio of Hijjas’ works. It’s also been nominated for the Aga Khan award.
What makes it special and what inspires you about it?
The spaces inside are unique, and we continue to see blogs and photos from visitors that capture special moments in the building, which inspires us. Many photo ops are at the “Nautilus” staircase in the Numismatics and Economics museum. It is dubbed the “Fibonacci” stairs as it spirals with an ever-changing geometry up the building and has inspired many other stairs in Kuala Lumpur.
Additionally, the “songket diamond facade”, completed 13 years ago, has inspired many building facades from Putrajaya to neighbouring areas.
Read more: Serina Hijjas discusses legacy and sustainability
![Sasana Kijang, a centre of knowledge and learning by Bank Negara Malaysia].](https://cdn.tatlerasia.com/tatlerasia/i/2023/05/19100545-2214_750x500.jpg)
Above Sasana Kijang, a centre of knowledge and learning by Bank Negara Malaysia (Photo: Courtesy of Hijjas Architects & Planners)
Sasana Kijang, a centre of knowledge and learning by Bank Negara Malaysia (Photo: Courtesy of Hijjas Architects & Planners)
1 / 1
Above The spiral stairway inside Sasana Kijang
Above The songket diamond facade of Sasana Kijang
The spiral stairway inside Sasana Kijang
1 / 2
Thoughtful spaces
Masyerin Mohamad Nor is co-founder of Domaine Architects, the firm behind the stunning Kapas Heights development in Bangsar and KLoé Hotel, which won The Edge Malaysia-PAM Green Excellence Award in 2020. He tells us why he thinks KLoé Hotel is iconic.
What does an iconic building mean to you?
A building that is timeless. Not just for its aesthetic, but also for its positive contribution to us and our environment.
If you had to pick one iconic building from your portfolio, what would it be?
That would be KLoé, the hotel in Kuala Lumpur that we designed and completed in 2019. It relooks at curating design to be meaningful in both aspects of aesthetic and environmental considerations.
Above Masyerin Mohamad Nor of Domaine Architects
Masyerin Mohamad Nor of Domaine Architects
1 / 1
What makes it special and what inspires you about it?
In a nutshell, KLoé is not just a building design project. It is actually a showcase of our local craftsmanship, from architecture, furniture design to the collection of artworks by highly talented local artisans and craftsmen.
Can you share any interesting anecdotes about designing and building it?
One of our core design principles is being sustainable. However, this concept is not as commonly understood by many as we may think. It takes some effort to get the message across to all the parties involved in the project, so that everyone is on the same page. We get questions like “Why do we need to reuse old wood when we can get ‘nicer’ new ones?” “Why isn’t there air conditioning in the hotel corridors?” And, few even asked, “When are we painting the walls?” since the walls are exposed bricks and fair-faced concrete.
Above The lobby of KLoé Hotel
The lobby of KLoé Hotel
1 / 1
Above The pool at KLoé Hotel
The pool at KLoé Hotel
1 / 1
Elizabeth Soong is the managing editor of Malaysia Tatler. She loves a good laugh, but is serious when it comes to work, and gets a high from dancing, cats purring, plus enjoys musicals or binge-watching a good TV series. Continually inspired by the people she meets, edits and writes about, you're welcome to see what she's up to on her Instagram @lizsoong.
