KLIFD Signature Tower design competition moves into second stage

KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): As many as 12 top architectural firms in the country have been shortlisted into the second stage of the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD) Signature Tower Design Competition.

These top internationally-acclaimed architecture firms are GDP Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Foster+Partners Ltd, UK;  T R Hamzah & Yeang Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Llewelyn Davies Yeang, UK; Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn Bhd; RSP Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill Architecture LLP, US; Veritas Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merril LLP, US; Pakatan Reka Arkitek Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with COX Architecture, Australia; D P Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with REX Architecture PC, US; Aqidea Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Coop Himmelblau, Austria; Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Bjarkelngels Group (BIG), Denmark; Arkitek KDI Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Bates Smart Pty Ltd, Australia; Atsa Architects Sdn Bhd, in collaboration with Perkins+Will, US; and GSD Architect, in collaboration with Arquitectonica, US.

These architectural firms were selected by a panel of assessors following the submission of their pre-qualification documents after the closing date on March 22. The criteria for selection included organisation capability statement, qualifications of key personnel, experiences of firm or firms in collaboration, similar related past and current projects especially on signature or landmark towers, and international and national winning projects and awards received.

The competition is organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) under the auspices of the International Union of Architects (UIA). It seeks the best architectural solutions that reflect the aspirations for the Signature Tower to serve as the centrepiece building, sited on a prime location within KLIFD.

In a statement on Monday, 1Malaysia Development Bhd Real Estate (1MDB RE) CEO Datuk Azmar Talib said their aim was to attract collaboration of local and global talents to reap cutting edge innovation and creativity on a global level for the Signature Tower.

"With the selection of these top teams, we can look forward to seeing the Signature Tower grow into an innovative centrepiece for KLIFD." he said. 1MDB RE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1MDB, the master developer of KLIFD.

Saifuddin Ahmad, president of PAM, added that the competition has attracted many top architects and shortlisting the teams further has become an arduous task.

"We will ensure the subsequent stages of the competition continue to be conducted in a rigorous and transparent manner, mirroring 1MDB's own stringent procedures," he said.

The teams have been informed and are already working on their submissions due May 24, 2012.

Following the completion of the competitions second stage in May, an international jury of nine members will then select five winning schemes to proceed to the third and final stage.

The KLIFD is a RM25.07 billion project jointly developed by 1MDB and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Corp. The project will be developed over several phases on a 75 acre piece of land facing Jalan Tun Razak.