1
HYATT CENTRIC
Written by Ar. Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim
At 9 am Saturday 15 February 2025, 45 members of the public gathered at the lobby of Hyatt Centric Hotel for the first event of SinggahKL 2025 to be led through the processes of design and construction by the representative of the building owners Hap Seng, Nam and the SAA Architect Lydia.
Nam wove an inspiring story of how the design reflected the many characteristics of Kuala Lumpur such as the confluence of the rivers Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang,
how the traditional shophouse spiral staircase was made a feature and the colours selected.
The enchanted group were led through the common areas such as the pool and restaurants as well as the hotel rooms where we were given an insight into the innovative ways the new rooms were built into the former KFC office building, a fine example of adaptive reuse.
Hap Seng owns 5 of the buildings in the area and their contribution to urban renewal and connectivity included a level one pedestrian link at all their buildings taking people off the streets
2
PAM CENTRE
Written by Ar. Mustapha Kamal bin Zulkarnain
Over the weekend of February 7 and 8, 2025, PAM Centre in Bangsar as one of the venues transformed into a vibrant hub for SinggahKL 2025. More than just an event, it was an immersive encounter where architecture, culture, and community converged within this striking contemporary landmark.
A Building that Breathes and as Pulse of the Event
With its raw concrete textures and layered steel façade, PAM Centre was not just a venue but an active participant. Light filtered through its porous exterior, casting shifting patterns on floors where visitors gathered for design tour of the building and casual conversations. Throughout the weekend, the building was pulsed with energy.
A Weekend of Connection Beyond formal programs, some of the most meaningful moments happened in quiet corners where students and industry veterans and attendees pausing to appreciate the seamless blend of space and experience spatial experiences through exchanging photographs especially on the rooftop garden.
As SinggahKL 2025 came to a close, PAM Centre had proven itself not just as a host but as part of the memory. The weekend reaffirmed that architecture is more than structures — it’s about the life and conversations it nurtures. Spaces matter, and the stories we create within them shape the city we call home.
3
SAMA SQUARE
Written by Ar. Rien Tan
The SinggahKL architectural tour at SAMA Square, led by Ar. Rien from TKCA Architects and sponsored by Swissma Technologies, brought together nearly 200 participants eager to explore this innovative urban hub in Setapak.
The tour began at the People’s Plaza, the heart of SAMA Square, where Ar. Rien shared insights into its design philosophy — creating a vibrant, sustainable space for community engagement. Visitors observed how the plaza seamlessly connects the Market Building, Retail Village, and Open Street Plaza, fostering interaction and activity.
Inside the Market Building, attendees experienced its translucent façades and modular stall designs, ensuring both functionality and an inviting atmosphere. The well-planned service lanes and organized layouts showcased how the space supports both physical and online commerce while maintaining high cleanliness standards. The aroma of fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee from the food court and bakeries further enriched the experience.
At the Open Street Plaza, participants saw how SAMA Square extends beyond traditional retail, offering spaces for gatherings, performances, and pop-up events. Thoughtfully integrated greenery and seating areas demonstrated a balance between aesthetics and comfort.
The tour concluded with a discussion on sustainable market design and urban placemaking. As the sun set over Setapak, SAMA Square stood as a testament to how architecture can foster community spirit and redefine urban living.
4
MEDIA CITY ANGKASAPURIE
Written by Ar. Mustapha Kamal bin Zulkarnain
Within the evolving landscape of Media City, nestled in the iconic Angkasapuri complex, Panggung Seri Angkasa unveiled itself as a new stage for culture, creativity, and conversation. As part of Singgah KL 2025, this modern auditorium welcomed visitors into a space where architecture, technology, and heritage intertwined seamlessly.
A Stage of Light and Sound Stepping into Panggung Seri Angkasa, one is immediately enveloped by a sense of grandeur and precision. The sweeping curves of the auditorium’s design, the rich textures of wood and acoustic panels, and the interplay of soft lighting create an atmosphere both intimate and commanding. Sound moves effortlessly within the space, a testament to the auditorium’s cutting-edge engineering — a hall built not just to amplify voices but to elevate experiences.
The Rhythm of the Weekend Over the Singgah KL 2025 weekend, the stage came alive with discussions on media, storytelling, and the future of creative industries. Panels featured veteran broadcasters and young visionaries alike, their voices resonating through the carefully designed acoustics. Attendees settled into plush seats, absorbed in performances that blended tradition with innovation — shadow plays framed by digital projections, and musical acts where classical and contemporary notes intertwined.
A Future Rooted in Legacy Beyond the programmed sessions, quiet moments revealed the true magic of the space. Visitors lingered in the foyer, admiring the architectural details that paid homage to Malaysia’s broadcasting legacy. Conversations meandered from nostalgia to possibility, echoing the very essence of Panggung Seri Angkasa — a bridge between past and future, tradition and progress.
As SinggahKL 2025 bid farewell to this remarkable venue, one thing remained clear: spaces like these are not just built for events, but for the stories they inspire.
5
HOTEL STRIPES
Written by Ar. Norwina Binti Mohd Nawawi
It was early Saturday morning on the 15 February 2025, while heavy traffic hovers on the main Ampang and Sultan Ismail roads of Kuala Lumpur city; right amid KL heritage row of old townhouses behind former Campbell Road (now Dang Wangi) lies a 7-storey high stripe hotel in stripe with its neighbourhood environment. The owner, YTL, initially allowed only 30 participants for the visit but eventually extended it to 45 people with the last entry to the visit, a lady from Seremban who had left home from the wee hours before 6 am for SinggahKL 2025.
The secretariat was the last to be ushered to level 2 of the hotel for a briefing by Andrew Yit of YTL and Ar. Yap Boon Kean. Drinks and snacks were provided in the packed briefing room.
The briefing provided the background on how the hotel was initiated from the choice of site, the concept of laying bricks for the façade based on Lego, including the many experimentations done to provide the signature of the hotel, the deciding factor of the hotel height, the interior design concept with the essence of the place, and how the site had experience from being a gangster area to now the ‘happening place.’
After the Q&A on the hotel and PAM KLAF’s presentation of KLAF’s programme, the participants proceeded with the tour in two groups. The first group visited the upper floors to explore the rooftop and allow space, whilst the second group visited the restaurant on the lower floor. Since the session to the following SinggahKL site was sooner than anticipated, some of the participants left for the next destination without being able to participate fully in the current site. With a word of thanks to our host, we went to Media City, Angkasapuri.
Although our visit was a short visit to Stripe Hotel that morning, and eager for more, we were fortunate to read the many stories and feedback written on Stripe Hotel by the many visitors to Kuala Lumpur as simply convenient and chic. For more information on the stories behind Stripe Hotel, visit www. stripeskl.com.
