Architecture Of The Petronas Towers: The Former World’s Tallest Building Is Kuala Lumpur's Most Famous

Although there are several high quality examples of Modern Architecture in Kuala Lumpur, by far and away Malaysia's best-known building are the Petronas Towers. On their completion in 1998 they became the tallest building in the world, the first structure to hold this title from outside of the US. However, although this title initially focused the world’s attention it is the architecture of the Petronas Towers that will guarantee their long lasting fame.

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The Petronas Towers’ Former World’s Tallest Building

The completion of the Petronas Towers fulfilled the state’s long-term ambition of creating a landmark structure that would place Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia firmly on the map. The towers became instantly famous when they secured the title of the world’s highest building in 1998, with an official height ten meters greater than the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower).

Controversy Surrounding The Petronas Tower's Title Of World's Tallest Building

Capturing the title caused great controversy as America’s tallest building has 22 more stories, much higher useable office space, and an antenna that is almost 250 feet taller than the Petronas Towers’ highest point. The controversy focused upon the Petronas Towers’ spires, which as architectural elements, contributed to the buildings overall height, as defined by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

However, the antenna that sits atop of the Sears Tower is not included in its official height as it is not a structural element. This clever and precise reading of the rules allowed the Petronas Towers to become the world’s tallest building and forced the CTBUH to create three additional height categories.

The Architecture Of The Petronas Towers

The internationally renowned Argentine-American skyscraper architect Cesar Pelli was handed the task of creating a landmark structure for Kuala Lumpur. Already well known for creating other spectacular high-rises, including the UK’s tallest building the Canary Wharf Tower, Pelli did not disappoint and designed an immediately recognizable building.

The building combines cutting edge technology with Islamic artistic influences.. The steel and glass covered high-strength reinforced concrete structures are built in the shape of the geometric Islamic symbol Rub el Hizb. This combination of local traditional motifs and high tech building techniques creates a truly unique structure that achieves the architect’s aim of creating a “multifaceted diamond sparkling in the sun”.

There is no doubt that the towers instantly became famous by capturing the world’s tallest building title. However, the quality and unique architecture of the Petronas Towers would have led to this building becoming an international landmark and symbol of the city even if it had not won this honor. Although Taipei 101 surpassed Pelli’s creation in height, the Petronas Towers remain a proud landmark to the achievements of this young country. Much like another former world’s tallest building, the Empire State, it has become a much-loved icon of the city that it has become synonymous with.