Apple The Exchange TRX,
design: Foster + Partners
Apple has opened its first store in Malaysia, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur 's prestigious Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) business district. British architectural studio {tag:pracownie} is responsible for the project.
The Apple The Exchange TRX store designed by Foster + Partners in Malaysia is organized on three levels - at the top is an observation deck that directly connects to the edge of the park, bringing natural light and greenery into the store through soaring spaces
Nigel Young © Foster + Partners
A building adapted
to Malaysia 's tropical climate
The building, which is a partially underground structure, is topped by a glass, stepped dome. The upper level of the store features a tropical garden and lawn that surrounds the entire store. The dome, which measures an impressive 26.5×26.5 meters, is constructed of rounded, square panels that shrink upward to form a layered structure. Its glazed structure not only stands out from its surroundings, but also alludes to Malaysia's tropical climate. To accommodate these conditions, the entire structure was shielded by a series of slats that were angled to control the amount of light coming in.
The Apple Store creates new visual and spatial connections between the store's central atrium and the rooftop park, which includes a lush tropical garden and a common lawn surrounding the building's upper level
Nigel Young © Foster + Partners
innovative roof
to regulate light and heat
As visitors move through the store, the structure of the slats evolves - on the lower levels, the elements appear more solid, but as they climb higher, they become more permeable, allowing more light in. This clever solution helps control the sun's rays and create a comfortable environment for users. An additional source of natural light is a central glazed oculus that brings diffused daylight into the interior. This opening, equipped with a ceramic frit, is designed to reduce excess sunlight by 30 percent, providing comfortable indoor conditions by avoiding overheating of the space.
Designed as a glazed dome - the roof measures 26.5×26.5 meters - it seamlessly transitions between square and circular geometry, from base to top
Nigel Young © Foster + Partners
shaded walkway
- a protective and aesthetic solution
The lowest panel of the dome extends outside the building, creating a protective canopy over the glass facade. This creates a shaded walkway around the perimeter of the store that not only shields passersby from the sun, but also seamlessly connects the building to the surrounding park.
The Apple Store's lowest slat extends outward shielding the glass facade and creating a shaded walkway around the store's perimeter
Nigel Young © Foster + Partners
traditional dome shape
in a modern twist
When viewed from different perspectives, the dome's form resembles a traditional circular structure. At night, the multi-layered roof begins to glow with an eye-catching glow, making the building a magnetic spot on the map of Kuala Lumpur.
The store's three-dimensional layered roof emits a warm glow at night provides a focal point for the entire complex
©Foster + Partners
contrast of above-ground space
and underground space
Apple The Exchange TRX store was designed on three levels, which are connected by a staircase made of quartz and glass.
Apple The Exchange TRX - The store's three-dimensional tiered roof emits a warm glow at night and serves as a focal point for the entire complex.
©Nigel Young / Foster + Partners
An underground portion of the store, located beneath the dome, surrounds the central atrium, creating a viewing gallery that provides the opportunity to observe the interior from different perspectives.
A sculptural quartz and glass staircase and a glass elevator connect the different levels, and landings create multiple sightlines in the Apple The Exchange TRX space
Nigel Young © Foster + Partners
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Fosters + Partners studio.
