Project Background
Shengxi Corridor is one of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic shopping malls, home to numerous luxury brand stores and upscale restaurants. Originally built in 1996, the mall faced a decline in business and was acquired by YTL Company in 1999. Upon acquisition, YTL (BIM Design) decided to move away from a fixed tenant business model and transform Shengxi Corridor into a luxury retail center, reopening it to the public on July 30, 2005.
By 2009, the architectural design of Shengxi Corridor had become outdated compared to the surrounding commercial environment. To redefine its position and brand image in the city, YTL sought to renovate the original facade.
Commercial Facade Renovation
Located on Bukit Bintang Road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Shengxi Corridor’s original facade facing the street was renovated by SPARK Sibang over an area of approximately 2,000 square meters. SPARK’s design employs urban sculpture techniques to create a distinctive landmark, enhancing the visual appeal of the entire block and elevating the retail brand’s image.
Stephen Pinbury noted, “Unlike other street-facing shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, SPARK’s new facade closely integrates with the surrounding public environment.”
The design draws inspiration from Christian Lacroix’s Paris haute couture exhibition. The unique cuts and structural forms of his dresses and costumes influenced the architectural concept. Shopfronts along the street are wrapped in crystal-like glass and stone panels, creating a captivating streetscape through the interplay of solid fractures and transparent elements.
This transformation changed the building’s overall appearance, introducing a modern classic style that stands out amid the bustling traditional commercial surroundings. It marks SPARK Sibang’s first use of light steel, stone, and glass facade design in Malaysia, incorporating advanced facade technology from French engineering firm RFR, renowned for designing the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris.
▲ Stephen Pinbury Manuscript
The new facade evokes the draped curtains seen in ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, while also recalling the intricately carved dresses available inside the mall. The continuous interplay of solid structures and transparent glass panels completely redefines the street facade, creating a modern classic aesthetic that stands out among the traditional commercial landscape around Shengxi Corridor.
Buildings along Bukit Bintang Road are seamlessly connected to the bustling pedestrian flow, making the mall a striking landmark akin to a lighthouse in the urban fabric.
SPARK also designed an iconic three-story shopping pavilion at the entrance for LVMH and its cosmetics brand Sephora, replacing the original coffee shop. This pavilion is connected to Shengxi Corridor via a one-story corridor bridge.
The three-story Sephora flagship store stands prominently at the intersection, linked to Shengxi Corridor through a connecting bridge that passes through the new crystal-shaped facade on the second floor.
▲ Sectional Perspective
SPARK meticulously crafted this complex facade using premium materials, establishing Shengxi Corridor’s classic commercial image and elevating its status within the city. This renovation positioned the mall among the top shopping centers in Southeast Asia.
Following the brand image upgrade, visitor numbers have grown annually by 26%, solidifying Shengxi Corridor as one of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks.
Design Drawings:
▲ Rendering
▲ Elevation View
▲ Building Facade Unfolding Diagram
▲ Sectional View
▲ RFR Curtain Wall Structure
▲ RFR Curtain Wall Structure
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Spark Architects
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Category: Retail Architecture
Lead Architects: Stephen Pimbley, Ping Boli, Wenhui Lim, and Lin Wenhui
Design Team: Michael Gibert, Darmaganda, Kim Lee Tan, Sevena Lee
Building Area: 2,000 m²
Project Year: 2010
Photography: H. Lin Ho Photography
Collaborative Design Firm: A. Mariadas Architect
Structural Design: RFR Shanghai
Construction: Yeoh Tiong Lay Construction Company Sdn Bhd (SPYTL)
Lighting Designer: Snfor Sdn Bhd
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