The Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur holds deep national significance, having been built for Malaysia’s declaration of independence in 1957. This historic site was chosen as the location for Malaysia’s new iconic landmark—the Merdeka 118 Tower, soaring over 600 meters high.
This 118-story multifunctional tower spans 6.35 hectares and includes 147,000 square meters of dome-shaped retail space, multiple high-rise residential apartments, and a metro station. It also houses a six-star Park Hyatt hotel with a rooftop restaurant covering over 50,000 square meters. The office spaces can accommodate up to 16,000 people. A double-glazed elevator on the building’s north side provides direct access to the 360° double-deck observation deck.
Merdeka 118’s design is inspired by the shape of a diamond and is strategically situated along a key axis. To the east lies Negara Stadium, while to the west is Merdeka Stadium, adjacent to a new linear park designed by Sasaki Associates. This park features a public plaza for stadium visitors and serves as the official entrance to the tower’s lobby.
The tower’s structure is prominently visible through the use of extensive transparent glass combined with internal lighting. The intricate interplay of facets, patterns, and textures creates a natural crystalline appearance that shines brilliantly both day and night. This design symbolizes Malaysia’s unity across its diverse states, territories, races, and cultures, while also reflecting the country’s rich tradition of arts and crafts.
Ethnic design elements are incorporated throughout the tower’s two-story halls, both inside and outside the podium. Under the clear, transparent skylight, the hall expands impressively, resembling a beautifully sculpted artwork carved from sturdy limestone. From the northern lower level, an escalator leads visitors south to a larger, more expansive space, culminating at the iconic towering central hall on the 35th floor.
Alongside the Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur Tower, Merdeka 118 has emerged as one of the city’s three iconic skyscrapers, symbolizing major urban infrastructure renewal and technological advancement.
The tower’s construction has been safely capped and was expected to be completed in 2022. Upon completion, it will surpass the Shanghai Tower to become the second tallest building in the world.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Floors 2-75 Plan
△ Observation Deck Plan
△ Restaurant Floor Plan
Typical Hotel High-Rise Floor Plan
Project Information
Project Status: Completed in 2022
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration: 2010–2022
Client: PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd
Building Area: 350,000 square meters
Height: 644 meters
Facade Material: Glass
Type: Residential Apartment, Residential Building, Residential Complex, Skyscraper
Project Features: 35th-floor central hall, two-story 360° observation deck, six-star hotel, rooftop restaurant, dome retail space, multiple high-rise apartments, office space for 16,000 people, and metro station
Design Director: Karl Fender
Design Team: Gerard Van Beek, Daniel Goldin, Simon Ho, Jon Gibson, Sam McHeileh, Mariusz Grochowski, Kianson Tay, Shem Kelder, Garth Lien, Josh Gutierrez, Derek Hawkes, Sophie Foo, Shaun Beck, Joel Lee, Shei-Lin Teo, Bryan Dinh, James Mills, Cheryn Cheam, Hannah-Lee Hughes, Lawrence Ng, Andrew Walter, Ping Tan, Gabriel Kok, Matt Findlay, Kathie Hall, Roland Catalani, Katherine Malouf, Soney Chau, Nicky Drobis, Rob Kolak, Sean Furlonger, Jim Stewart, Sally McDonald, Cliff Chang, Eve Sayer, Georgie Tiernan, Craig Baudin, Zac Yiu, Aki Bennier, Munya Makombe.
Construction Unit: Samsung Group
Structural Engineer: Robert Bird Group
Photography: Squint Opera, Wordsearch, Pointilism
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