Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is to design a masterplan for a major mixed-used urban development to be called “Discovery City”.
The city will be located within the 28 sq km Ibrahim Technopolis, an eco city in the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone that is being developed by state-owned investment manager Johor Corporation and JLand Group.
It will contain green features such as renewable power generation, rainwater reuse and construction will use locally sourced and recycled materials.
ZHA is working alongside Malaysia’s HIJJAS Architects + Planners and AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group on the project, which aims to become a benchmark for sustainable development in Malaysia.
The centre of Discovery City will contain a $61m cultural centre, also designed by ZHA.
Gianluca Racana, ZHA’s director, said: “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.
“With our maiden project in Malaysia, we are committed to crafting an extraordinary development that will both inspire and respect its setting.”
The detailed design of Discovery City is due to begin in 2025.
