asymptote architecture: penang global city center

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 centerimage 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 – plazaimage courtesy asymptote architecture

image courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center – plinth image courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center at nightimage courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center at nightimage courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center at nightimage courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center at nightimage courtesy asymptote architecture

penang global city center  – site planimage 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.