penang global city center by asymptote architecture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the design of the penang global city center (PGCC) by new york firm asymptote architecture
was unveiled on september 12, 2007 in penang, malaysia.

situated on penang hill the penang global city center (PGCC) is a key component of the 256 acre
development site that was formally the penang turf club. the design is centered on the idea
of creating a new and powerful image for the city of penang and the new initiatives associated
with the development of the northern corridor of malaysia.



penang global city center
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the PGCC  is comprised of two iconic, sixty-story towers housing luxury residential units
and five-star hotels, the penang performing arts center (penpac), a high-end retail and entertainment
complex, an observatory, a world-class convention center and a vast public arena in the form
of a plinth that serves as an entrance to the pgcc and connects it to the city beyond.

set against the backdrop of the nature reserve of penang hill, the twisting, glass facades of
the towers ‘perform’ various surface effects - reflecting, refracting and distorting views of penang,
the surrounding landscape and the seascape beyond.



penang global city center
image courtesy asymptote architecture

the vast, cascading plinth, which functions as a public plaza with multiple gathering spaces,
are venues for the performing arts center, convention center and various facilities for residential,
office and urban life.



penang global city center - plaza
image courtesy asymptote architecture



image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center - plinth
image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center at night
image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center at night
image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center at night
image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center at night
image courtesy asymptote architecture



penang global city center  - site plan
image courtesy asymptote architecture



asymptote's initial plan from 2005


location: penang, malaysia
size: 1,000,000 sq. m
date: 2006
client: abad naluri sdn. bhd.
architect: asymptote architecture
consultants:
mep and structural engineer: arup
environmental designers: atelier ten
cladding consultant: front, inc.