A brilliant and inspired design both resolving the critical issues of the creation of a major urban pedestrian link as well as creating a new iconic structure to capture your imagination and attention through the use of its LED technology and elegant form.
The Saloma Link is a pedestrian bridge that connects Kampong Bharu, the traditional Malay enclave dating back to the late 19th century with Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), a modern cosmopolitan Central Business District (CBD).Both were formerly separated by the Sungai Klang and the six-lane AKLEH highway.It re-established the historical connection between Jalan Ampang and Kampong Bharu, among the prominent enclaves that create Kuala Lumpur.
It encompasses the redevelopment of Jalan Saloma – with a streetside plaza, wider shaded footpaths and a 370-metre elevated walkway culminating with a bridge spanning 69 metres across the Klang River and the AKLEH highway.
Besides that, the Saloma Link also aims to stimulate the conservation and redevelopment of this historical part of the city by making it more accessible, spreading the welfare of the prosperous CBD to this traditional enclave making it resilient and to participate more equitably in Kuala Lumpur’s growth.
The prominent feature of the bridge is the curved steel roof canopy consisting 4,100 diamond façade modules made of solid, perforated aluminum and glass panels.Each façade panel is discreetly integrated with the structure and equipped with state-of-the-art lighting modules to illuminate the bridge during the night.During the day, the panel’s unique shapes reflect the sunlight giving the bridge a glimmering and distinctive character.
Inspired by the Sirih Junjung, a matrimonial gift hand-crafted from sireh leaves traditionally offered in Malay weddings as a symbol of unity, the Saloma Link represents a ceremonial gesture that embodies the bond between two important enclaves in the city: the affluent Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the traditional village of Kampong Bharu.
The permeability of the canopy promotes airflow inside the enclosure making the space underneath breezy and comfortable.This creates a pleasant respite from the hot tropical climate.In addition to that, the interior of the canopy is also naturally lit and the right balance of sunlight creates a play of light and shadows, offering a unique experience as one walks through the bridge during the day.
At night, the glimmering studs emit colourful lights making the façade a medium for a variety of programmable lighting displays – using lights as a form of artistic expression.This contributes to the popularity of the bridge during weekends and festive periods.This feature also makes Saloma Link a unique public realm complementing other city attractions.The attraction also creates economic activities in the surroundings.
