Zaha Hadid Architects reveals its first project “Discovery City” masterplan for Malaysia

Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed design for its first project in Malaysia, the plans are developed in collaboration with JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG). 

A strong commitment to minimizing environmental impact and cutting-edge smart city technologies are key features of the 582-acre Discovery City masterplan in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The mixed-use 582-acre Discovery City precinct is situated within Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), the 7,290-acre township in Johor, Malaysia.

IBTEC, a major circular city within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), is envisioned as a model of environmentally conscious design that blends seamlessly with the region’s unique landscapes. IBTEC, with its RM27 billion Gross Development Value, is a major location for strategic expansion in southern Malaysia.

In addition to leading the design of Discovery City, ZHA is also responsible for the masterplan’s centerpiece, an RM269 million cultural center that will mark the firm’s first Malaysian building.

Kuala Lumpur-based architecture practice HIJJAS Architects and Planners is the Local Project Architect while Malaysian firm AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd (APUDG) will serve as the local master planner and the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) for the Development Order plan of Discovery City.

“Discovery City will be our first project within Malaysia’s architectural landscape and we are honoured to be awarded this opportunity to explore how architecture can enhance its natural context, creating a synergy between the built and natural environments,” said Gianluca Racana, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.

“With our maiden project in Malaysia, we are committed to crafting an extraordinary development that will both inspire and respect its setting,” Racana added.

ZHA’s design strategy for the masterplan will emphasize on the city’s integration with Johor’s natural environment, which is in line with IBTEC’s goal of creating a circular city that fosters innovation. 

In keeping with this vision, ZHA will create the foundation for the environmentally friendly architecture, along with cutting-edge smart city innovations and a steadfast commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Discovery City aims to establish a new standard for sustainable development in Malaysia by embracing circularity and promoting a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments.

“This partnership with ZHA reflects our commitment for regional and international collaboration. IBTEC is designed to be a cutting-edge hub, strategically located and built with smart infrastructure to drive innovation, all while ensuring sustainable growth for the future,” said Datuk Sr Akmal Ahmad, Deputy Chairman of JLand Group. 

“With this advanced development, it is hoped that it will enhance IBTEC’s presence in the region, as an investment destination and a key component within the JS-SEZ worth billions of ringgit, creating jobs for the local community and cement JLG’s position as an end-to-end real estate developer as a whole,” Ahmad added.

Discovery City aims to minimize energy and water consumption by utilizing rainwater harvesting, renewable power generation, and locally sourced and recycled materials, all made possible by ZHA’s cutting-edge design and construction technologies. 

ZHA’s first building in Malaysia, which showcases their vision of 21st-century architecture and sustainable design, will also be located in Discovery City.

Discovery City will demonstrate IBTEC’s dedication to environmentally sustainable development by adhering to both local and international standards, such as the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) and the international certification of LEED.

ZHA expects to share the detailed design for Discovery City in 2025.

Zaha Hadid Architects began construction on Ülemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn, Estonia. In addition, ZHA shared an update about the construction of West Kowloon Terminus in Hong Kong. Finally, ZHA won a competition to design Riga Ropax Terminal in Latvia. 

Project facts

Client: Johor Corporation (JCorp)
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
ZHA Project Principal: Gianluca Racana
ZHA Project Director: Maurizio Meossi

Competition Team

ZHA Project Associates: Andres Arias Madrid, Bogdan Zaha
ZHA Design Team: Aditya Ambare, Alex Nap, Andrei-Ciprian Cojocaru, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Ceren Tekin, Disha Shetty, Jillian Nishi, Maria Lagging, Ryan Anthony Szanyi, Shi Qi Tu, Shibani Choudhury
Local Executive Architect: HIJJAS KASTURI ASSOCIATES SDN BHD
Landscape Architect: GRANT Associates
Masterplan Engineering, SMART & Sustainability: Ramboll

Development Team

ZHA Project Associates: Effie Kuan, Bogdan Zaha, Maria Echeverri, Marina Martinez

ZHA Design Team:  Aleksander Mastalski, Alex He, Amin Yassin, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Calin Negret, Ceren Tekin, Disha Shetty, India Baz, Jianfei Chu, Nurul Ahmad Fauzi, Prasanna Balan, Shibani Choudhury, Vishu Bhooshan.
Local Executive Architect: HIJJAS KASTURI ASSOCIATES SDN BHD
Masterplanner: APUDG Sdn Bhd
ESD / SMART: Ramboll
Landscape Architect: WAA Design Sdn Bhd

All images courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects.

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