Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Counting with 88 floors and standing 452 meters high (1,483 ft), these towers were once the tallest buildings in the world (from 1998 till 2004 – until surpassed by Taipei 101), yet they still maintain the title of the world’s tallest twin towers.
The Petronas Towers clearly dominate the skyline of Kuala Lumpur since they are visible from every corner of the city, especially the Central Business District. The towers contain a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a shopping mall, and a 50-acre park.
Designed by Argentine architect César Pelli and Filipino-Malaysian Engineer Deejay Cerico, the reinforced concrete structure and glass and steel façades’ design was inspired by Islamic architecture and motifs found in Islamic art, reflecting Malaysia’s Muslim religion. In addition, the plan of the towers was based on a Rub el Hizb, complemented with circular sectors to create a bigger plan area.
An interesting and unique feature of the towers is the double-decker sky bridge that connects both structures, located at the 41st and 42nd floors. This is the tallest sky bridge in the world, located 175 meters (574 ft) above street level.
The towers are easily accessible by Kuala Lumpur’s Metro, having a station right under them. It is possible to visit the sky bridge to see Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and to eat at its restaurant.
Fun Facts: While the Petronas surpassed the height of the World Trade Center, these count with only 88 floors, compared to the 110 floors of the former WTC. In addition, Chicago’s Willis Tower’s tallest antenna is 75.41 m (247.4 ft) taller than those of the Petronas Towers, however, in accordance with the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat regulations and guidelines, the antennas of Willis Tower were not counted as part of its architectural features, as opposed to Petronas’ spire which is counted as part of its architectural feature. For this reason, the Petronas Towers exceed the official height of Willis Tower by 10 m (33 ft) even though the roof of Petronas Towers (378.6 m) is 63.4 m (208 ft) lower than the roof of Willis Tower (442 m).
As an architect, it must be a dream come true?!
It was!!! It took me about 10 years to get there, from the moment I knew about the towers for the first time.
They are definitely an impressive sight! Well worth the visit.
Your first picture is awesome.
Will try to take picture like that in my next visit to the twin towers.
Wish you enjoy your stay in Malaysia.
Thanks lunaticg! My stay in Malaysia was amazing!
It has been my dream to see the Petronas Towers ever since I saw “Entrapment” with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones!
haha!! I know! I think that building became even more famous after the movie was filmed there!
Petronas Towers is one of my favorite architectural landmark; they put their culture in these towers.
It’s true. This is one contemporary building that blended well their cultural symbols into modern design.
Great photos, despite having seen them in real life my thoughts immediately go to Catherine Zeta Jones, is that weird?
Thanks Ayng! haha, funny isn’t it! It is our pop culture towards that building! I too think about her and the movie when I see that building.