Apple Flagship Store in Kuala Lumpur by Foster + Partners

Apple's first flagship store in Malaysia is located in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), a 70-ha financial district in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Foster + Partners designed a building that defies the hot tropical rainforest climate, even though it is maximally permeable.

The distinctive Apple aesthetic is characterised by an open and transparent ambience, achieved through a dome-shaped roof comprising stacked, bright white solar shading louvres with bands of glass in between. From a distance, the roof appears to float above the 26.5 x 26.5 m semi-submerged retail space. In fact, the structure is supported by highly polished stainless-steel columns. The area between the roof and floor is bridged by large, frameless glass elements, which complete the illusion of immateriality and create a spacious entrance area that is visible from all sides.

Highly polished stainless-steel columns support the roof. © Nigel Young / Foster + Partners

The completely transparent entrance area provides unexpected perspectives. From the outside, visitors can look into a tropical garden between the urban canyons of the city. From a surrounding gallery in the interior, spectacular views open up into the presentation room, which is almost 10 m below.

The roof dome's geometry is perfectly harmonised with the context, showcasing an intelligent design. The convex angled louvres are arranged in a cascade and are designed to control solar radiation as effectively as possible. From the perspective of the shop floor, the roof appears relatively closed. As one ascends, the permeability increases. A particularly wide louvre in the eaves area provides protection for the glass façade and shades the entrance area. At the highest point, a glass oculus allows natural light to filter into the interior.

A glass oculus allows natural light to flood the interior. © Nigel Young / Foster + Partners

The store extends over three levels, connected by a sculptural staircase made of quartz and glass and a glass lift. The lowest level is directly connected to the adjacent shopping centre and houses the display tables. The design features high-quality materials such as natural stone, polished stainless steel, terrazzo floors and a wooden ceiling.