In a previous article, I mentioned the two types of towers- pedestal tower and tower on a pedestal. This tower by Zaha Hadid Architects is neither. The Sunrise Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is all tower, baby. All function is incorporated into the monolithic towering form. Monolith, however, alludes to multitude by way of two voids running up the body.
Courtesy of © Zaha Hadid Architects
The building is composed of flows, independent from one another, that delineate the building into different programmatic elements. Facilities floors, which are shared, further break up the building while connecting its occupants. These floors along with a three-dimensional spatial grid, act together to create an intelligible navigation scheme for lobbies, atria and common spaces. Out of this grows a 66-floor building that is concise while skirting the stigma of the mundane, efficient tower.
Courtesy of © Zaha Hadid Architects
Project Info:
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Area: 6800 m2
Gross floor area: 150000 m2
Footprint area: 2800 m2
Project Year: 2009
All Images Courtesy Of Zaha Hadid Architects
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.