Petronas University of Technology

The Petronas University of Technology was founded in 1997 at the invitation of the Malaysian Government, and is the region's largest academic centre for the study of civil, mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering. Fully funded by the Malaysian oil company Petronas, it aims to blend the best academic training with hands-on industrial experience to produce a new generation of graduates who can contribute to Malaysias industrial development.

Located within the beautiful and dramatic landscape at Seri Iskandar, 300 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, the 450-hectare site is characterised by steep hills and lakes formed by flooded disused tin mines. The design responds to the physical landscape of the site and to the weather patterns particular to this part of the world. While it can be intensely hot in the sun, in the monsoon season the skies open every afternoon to bring torrential rain, creating a cycle in which the ground is alternately scorched and soaked. To allow students to move around the campus while shaded from the sun or protected from heavy downpours, soaring crescent-shaped roofs protect the pedestrian routes that wind around the edge of the site. Held aloft by slender columns, these canopies intersect to encircle a central landscaped park. Where possible, the jungle forming the park has been left in a natural state, although some marshy land has been activated to form a natural water installation.

Arranged around the edge of the park are buildings for teaching and research, contained in four-storey blocks that tuck beneath the edges of the canopies. Cafes and other communal student facilities are located at the canopy intersections, which also correspond to the entrances to the housing blocks. Marking the main entrance to the University is the drum-like form of the resource centre. Containing a library and multi-purpose theatre, it will be the chief social hub of the campus. Future expansion will see the completion of a sports stadium and a mosque - amenities that will be shared with the residents of a new town planned adjacent to the University.

Client: Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Consultants: Majid & Associates, Jurukur Bahan Malaysia / KPK, Roger Preston & Partners (Concept), Shah P.K & Associates, Vision Lighting Design (Academic Buildings), Arup Facade Engineering, BDG McColl, Lightsource International (Asia) Ltd. (Resource Centre), Majutek Perunding, Projeks Bhd, Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn. Bhd. (Academic Buildings), Research Facilities Design, Sandy Brown Associates / Marshall Day Acoustics, Wisma HSS Integrated (Resource Centre)