Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW) 2026 is an initiative by ARCHIDEX – Asia’s Leading Architecture Business Event. Held from 19 July, KLAW concluded its second edition on 16 August after bringing architecture beyond its exhibition halls and into the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Under the theme “A City Reborn – Rekindling the City, Layer by Layer”, the initiative was created by ARCHIDEX as an extension of its commitments to advancing architecture and the built environment beyond the trade exhibition – creating opportunities for the public to engage with architecture and demonstrating how design, heritage and placemaking can shape the way people experience their city through thoughtfully designed architectural installation and art sculptures.

KLAW 2026 officially opened on 19 July at the River of Life Masjid Jamek Lookout Point, at the historic confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers — widely recognised as the birthplace of Kuala Lumpur.

Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, joint organiser of ARCHIDEX, said, “KLAW is about creating a deeper connection between people and Kuala Lumpur — reconnecting with the stories, spaces and communities that have shaped our city. Through architecture, arts and heritage, we hope to inspire people to rediscover KL, appreciate its unique identity and create new memories within the places we call home.”

The opening featured the ARCHI-HERITAGE Talk, featuring Bong Wei Jian of Arkitek LLA, who shared insights into the meticulous conservation of the iconic Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, highlighting the balance between preserving historical authenticity and ensuring the landmark remains relevant for future generations. Ar. Goh Tze Hui of Arkitek JFN explored how urban regeneration and communitycentred design can revitalise city centres through architecture and placemaking. Meanwhile, Faatihah Hadi of Think City presented the transformation of the Masjid Jamek Precinct as a successful example of heritage-led urban regeneration, demonstrating how thoughtful public realm improvements and community engagement can reconnect people with Kuala Lumpur’s cultural roots while creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces.

The opening also marked the launch of TE-TAMU, KLAW’s signature self-guided architectural exploration featuring four installations and two sculptures located across downtown Kuala Lumpur. Inspired by the idea of gathering and placemaking, TE-TAMU reimagined public spaces as places for people to pause, connect, and experience the city. Ar. IDr Dexter Koh Yew Peng, President of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), said, “The installations at KLAW show the versatility of a lot of materials that are used in construction that can also be transposed into sculptures and the installations.”

At the River of Life Masjid Jamek Lookout Point, Titik Temu, designed by Ar. Beh Ssi Cze and Ar. Yong Leng Chee, reinterprets the traditional attap pavilion as a contemporary gathering space celebrating the historic confluence where KL was founded. It is accompanied by two sculptural works, Hanya Kerana Cinta by Syafiq Sabri and Kemajuan Tanpa Kesedaran by Ahmad Fauzi Amir Hamzah, which explore themes of resilience, compassion and conscious progress. Nearby, Seloka Kaki Lima, designed by Ar. Qhawarizmi, celebrates Malaysia’s iconic five-foot way as a place of pause, conversation and shared experiences. Beyond the River of Life, Ayun by Ar. David Teoh and Ar. Firadaus Khazis at MRT Pasar Seni invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with the city, while Jalur Tamu by Ar. Steven Ngu at Lorong Petaling 2 celebrates cultural exchange and frames views towards Merdeka 118, creating a dialogue between Kuala Lumpur’s heritage and contemporary skyline.