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Petronas Twin Towers
The 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers, developed as an integral
part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) project, house PETRONAS'
new corporate headquarters.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers rise like sentinels in the heart of Kuala
Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Costing a whopping US$1.2bn and
uniquely designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, it rises to 1,483ft
(451.9m) in height and is all of 33ft higher than the Sears Tower.
Cesar Pelli, former dean of Yale University's School of Architecture,
also designed Canary Wharf in London, and the World Financial Center
in Manhattan, New York City.
The floor-plate of the Tower is designed based on geometric
patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed
of two rotated and superimposed squares with small circular infills.
These geometric figures have been described by architects as symbolising
unity, harmony, stability and rationality - all important principles
of Islam.
Like the exterior design, the Towers' entrance design was also inspired
by the country's cultural heritage, incorporating contemporary Malaysian
motifs adapted from traditional handicrafts such as songket and
timber carvings. The overall character of the building is high-tech
and international but distinctively Malaysian.
At the podium level, the PETRONAS Twin Towers feature the following
:
- The 864-seat Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, a venue of architectural
and acoustic distinction. It is also home to the Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra.
- PETROSAINS - the state-of-the-art interactive science discovery
centre, carrying the theme "oil and gas". With its entrance at
Level 4, Suria KLCC, PETROSAINS is a modern contemporary museum
that allows visitors to touch, feel and manipulate displays and
exhibits aimed at stimulating interest in science and technology
particularly in petroleum science.
- Galeri PETRONAS - With its entrance at Level 3, Suria KLCC,
Galeri PETRONAS caters to both traditional and contemporary art
enthusiasts. The gallery features various types of art ranging
from painting, sculptures, multimedia to experimental works.
- Twin Towers Fitness Centre - Located at the Concourse Level,
the centre spreads over an area of 50,000 sq. ft. The centre houses
an array of equipment with facilities for sports like badminton,
squash, volleyball and futsal.
- A reference library on energy, petroleum, petrochemical and
related industries.
The Towers were topped-out in March 1996 and occupation began in
early 1997. Tower One is currently being occupied by PETRONAS, the
state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two is being occupied by
PETRONAS' associate companies while the remaining space is being
leased out to multinationals.
The PETRONAS Twin Towers are located on the northern boundary of
the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and has state-of-the-art communication
facilities. MSC is the launching pad to propel Malaysia into the
frontline of the information age.
Kuala Lumpur City Center Park
The beautifully landscaped park at KLCC is the last inspired masterpiece
by the versatile and talented Brazilian master of gardens, the late
Roberto Burle Marx.
Spread over 50-acres [20-hectares], the lush tropical garden provides
a haven of tranquility for those seeking a respite from the stress
of city life.
The KLCC Park is unique in its theme and concept. Designed to showcase
a heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man's creation with
nature, the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park offers a calm and harmonious
environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy and
dynamic city.
The late Roberto Burle Marx uses a combination of trees, shrubs,
structures of cement, stones and wood as well as various water features
in his creations. Elements of shapes, texture and topography are
merged to create attractive and breathtaking masterpieces while
at the same time imposing an illusion of space. Colour and form
are achieved by using various combination of trees, shrubs and sculptures,
thus dispelling the notion of a garden as a static creation.
The conservation factor was another key consideration in the planning
of the park. About 23 of the mature and rarer specimens were saved
from the former Selangor Turf Club, and eventually transplanted
on to the park grounds.
About 1900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms have been planted
at the park. Much thought proceeded the selection of these plants,
with the objective of encouraging bio-diversity. Among other attractions
at the park are the magnificent lake symphony fountains, programmed
to provide numerous different dramatic animations following a Symphony
Overture sequence, the ornamental water features, the children's
pool and the children's playground.
The park is well interspersed with various amenities such as shelters,
benches, rest areas, drinking fountains and public toilets. For
health enthusiasts, there is also a 1.3 km jogging track encircling
the park.
Another interesting element of the park is the 43 meter elevated
bridge. The centrally located bridge provides visitors with a vantage
view of the park and the majestic PETRONAS Twin Towers.
Part of the park is also designed as a haven for birds and other
local fauna. Much research and thought went into the selection of
indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory
birds. Through such careful effort, it is expected that the KLCC
Park in the heart of bustling Kuala Lumpur will become an important
link in the 'bird corridors' of the region.
Lake Symphony
The Symphony Lake with an approximate area of 10,000 square metres
features mesmerising fountain displays. The displays consist of
5 programmes with over 380 individually sequenced effects shooting
up to a maximum height of 42 metres. These effects are displayed
along the arc and the two rings totalling 80 metres in length. The
Lake Symphony fountains are on from 12 noon till 2.00 p.m. and 6.00
p.m. till 11.00 p.m. on weekdays. Especially for weekands and public
holidays, the fountains are on from 10.00 a.m. till midnight.
Jogging Track
A 1.3 km. long jogging track is laid with EPDM, a special rubberised
material to ensure comfort and safety for fitness enthusiasts.
Rest Areas
Rest areas are located on various nodes of the interconnecting footpaths.
They are numbered as shown on the maps found on the Park's entry
and feature identification signs. The numbering system can be used
as points of reference for wayfinding and setting a rendezvous.
Ornamental Water Features
Waterfalls, Cascades, Reflecting Pools and Bird's Pool add to both
the excitement and tranquility of the respective zones in the park.
Children's Pool
The Children's Pool is a safe and fun place for children 12 years
and below.
The opening hours are as follows :
- Weekdays (Tuesdays to Fridays)
->10.00 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. (Pool will be closed for maintenance
on Mondays when it is not a public holiday).
->The Pool is open throughout the week during school holidays.
- Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
->10.00 a.m. - 9.30 p.m.
->Parents and guardians are advised to refer to the rules and
regulations listed on the usage of the pool to ensure children's
safety and enjoyment.
Other Amenities
The KLCC Park has been provided with various amenities such as:
- Toilets complete with modern fittings and facilities for the
disabled and baby change.
- Male and female changing rooms annexed to the toilet near the
Children's Pool.
- Drinking fountains with filtered water.
Children's Playground
The Children's Playground is all 2 acres of unbridled fun meant for
children 12 years old and below. Not only are the play equipment varied
and exciting, the whole playground has been laid with Ethylene Propylene
Deine Modified (EPDM) rubber, a child-safe material. Due to the nature
of this material, eating, drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited
in this area.
Opening Hours
The KLCC Park is open from 7.00 a.m. till 10.00 p.m. daily
(except for the Children's Pool - please refer to information on Children's
Pool)
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