Over the past decade, Mont Kiara has evolved from a neighborhood dominated by low-rise buildings into a dynamic urban area with a skyline rivaling many major cities. The 75.5-acre development includes tens of thousands of square meters of office and retail space, new residential apartments, and public amenities. The recently completed Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) is now regarded as a “gem” within the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area.
The Art é MK complex, designed by SPARK, consists of three towers: two residential and one hotel. Situated at the forefront of Kuala Lumpur’s new “metropolis,” the developer Nusmetro envisions this landmark integrated development as a place where people can live, work, and unwind in the city center. The design seamlessly connects various convenient facilities and buildings into one cohesive urban space.
This 200,000-square-meter development offers 1,600 residential units along with ground-level retail spaces. The urban living concept includes amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, garden terraces, restaurants, and health facilities. The interiors, designed by Thomas Chan of Nusmetro, feature a retro French Baroque style. A distinctive architectural element on the façade is the “rib arch,” inspired by the client’s fingerprint pattern, giving the building a unique identity reminiscent of human DNA.
The design concept for Art é MK features a tower and podium complex. The podium incorporates retail spaces, parking facilities, and cultural venues, avoiding the typical unremarkable parking podiums often seen in Southeast Asia. This organic podium has become a vital feature, enhancing the urban experience for local residents and serving as a landmark gateway to the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area.
Similar to many Asian complexes, Art é MK is directly connected to the public infrastructure network, increasing urban density without expanding into Kuala Lumpur’s suburban green belt. This approach benefits both the environment and society, aligning perfectly with Nusmetro’s commitment to health and sustainable development goals.
The architectural complex rises from a seven-story podium to the 66th floor across three towers. The simple geometric tower design is transformed by sweeping arcs inspired by the fingerprint rib arch motif that rises up the towers. The towers emerge organically from the podium’s landscaped garden, weaving together as a dynamic urban ensemble. Art é MK’s design is carefully tailored to the site’s environment, image, and future vision, creating an iconic silhouette that interacts impressively with surrounding highways.
Art é MK stands as one of Kuala Lumpur’s tallest residential developments, with its sculptural form prominently shaping the city skyline. The towers feature panoramic views, grand lobbies, and stylish boutique spaces perfect for social media moments within their podiums. Rooftop terraces and a variety of public and private amenities enhance the residential experience.
Resident services at Art é MK include 24-hour concierge and housekeeping, a flower shop, and round-the-clock accommodation and dining options. The leisure club offers a lounge, game room, art fitness center, 35-meter swimming pool, business suites, and a screening room. As a city landmark, Art é MK frequently serves as a backdrop for advertising shoots. At dusk, the building’s illuminated “ribs” stretch skyward, creating a stunning spectacle.
Project Drawings
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Model diagram
△ Generation process diagram
△ Analysis chart
△ Analysis chart
△ Plan view
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Functional zoning diagram
△ Structural schematic diagram
△ Structural schematic diagram
△ Node diagram
△ Node diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: SPARK
Area: 201,800 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Heartpatrick
Project Partners: Lim Wenhui, Stephen Pimbley
Project Architect: Luca Maccarinelli
Design Team: Peter Morris, Luca Maccarinelli, Anusha Bajpai, Andriani Wira Atmadja, Ethan Euihyun Hwang, Chanachai Panichpattanakij, Mark Mancenido
Client: Nusmetro
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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