Project designer aims to raise the quality of life of KL folk

The Gardens at Mid Valley City aims to lift the quality of life of Kuala Lumpur folk through its well-designed and integrated living, working, shopping and recreation spaces.

World-renowned concept designer Eric R. Kuhne, who designed the project, uses the vibrant colours and simplicity of Malaysian life to create a landmark of excellence, elegance and comfort in The Gardens.

In the design and development of The Gardens, Kuhne drew inspiration from the country’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, ceremonial robes, flora and myths.

“Here, gardens, restaurants, galleries, meeting rooms, exhibition spaces, shops, hotels and apartments integrate into a seamless experience, creating thriving chambers of commerce,” Kuhne said.

Eric R. Khune

He said the quality of the non-commercial spaces in The Mid Valley City, which include a 700-metre-long boulevard, a roof garden and river front recreation space, could stack up against mixed-use developments in other cities.

“The civic life is captured in the quality of space provided to the people for their daily living, working and recreation. This is increasingly a source of challenge for cities all over the world,” he added.

In designing the two Grade A office towers in Mid Valley City – The Gardens South Tower and The Gardens North Tower – Kuhne set out to establish the offices as the most prestigious office address in the region.

“The workplace of the future will be defined by the quality of the work experience.

An artist's impression of The Gardens at Mid Valley City

“In keeping with the changes in the approaches and attitudes towards work, the work environment needs to change to satisfy the growing demand for more inspiring and rewarding work experiences,” he said.

With 500,000 sq ft of gross lettable area in each block, it is one of the most spacious office buildings in the country.

The architecture of the office towers overlooking the Klang River is based on Kuhne's design philosophy that a city is the greatest work of art.

Describing the building aesthetics, he said the double-volume lobbies, open areas for discussions, the presence of a concierge and the hospitality of an espresso bar – previously the preserve of fine hotels and resorts – defined the new leisure work environment of The Gardens North and South Towers.

While utilising the most sophisticated materials and technology to deliver comfort and convenience, the design of the office towers is a showcase of the country's rich cultural heritage.

The design of The Gardens South Tower is inspired by the country's rich timber forest while the North Tower is inspired by woven crafts.

The two towers are among the few in the city equipped with helipads on the rooftops to cater to executives who prefer airborne arrivals and departures.

By The Star