BRDB, a name synonymous with premium property development in Malaysia for over 60 years, has officially acquired the site of Wisma Damansara in Kuala Lumpur. This milestone marks the beginning of a significant collaboration with the world-renowned British design firm, Heatherwick Studio, for an architecturally-driven mixed-use development that is set to redefine community living in the heart of the capital.
Ideally positioned near MRT Semantan, the upcoming development will act as a strategic gateway connecting the exclusive Damansara Heights enclave to Kuala Lumpur’s dynamic city centre. The project is envisioned to deliver a seamlessly integrated experience of residential and retail spaces, carefully crafted to uplift and enrich the lives of its residents and visitors.
This development also signifies Heatherwick Studio’s first venture in Malaysia, bringing with it the firm’s distinctive human-centric design philosophy. Known globally for creating spaces that balance creativity, function, and emotion, Heatherwick Studio aims to reimagine the urban experience through a hybrid indoor-outdoor retail layout that intertwines lush natural landscapes with modern amenities. With a focus on encouraging wellness, social connection, and harmony with nature, this new destination will be more than just a place to live or shop — it will serve as a dynamic community hub for all.
Dato’ Sri Akbar Khan, Executive Chairman of BRDB, expressed the transformative potential of the collaboration, noting that the partnership with Heatherwick Studio represents a pivotal moment for the company and for Malaysian architecture. As BRDB marks its 60th anniversary, he emphasised the developer’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy — not merely through iconic structures but by reshaping how people engage with their surroundings and how communities evolve over time.
Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Design Director of Heatherwick Studio, also shared his excitement, stating that he is thrilled to work alongside BRDB on their debut Malaysian project. He sees the partnership as an opportunity to create a joyful, innovative and impactful space that reflects the energy and potential of Damansara Heights.
Heatherwick Studio’s reputation is backed by a diverse portfolio of award-winning developments around the globe. These include Little Island in New York, a one-of-a-kind public park floating on the Hudson River; Azabudai Hills in Tokyo, which integrates green spaces with dynamic architecture; and 1000 Trees in Shanghai, a visionary mixed-use project inspired by the surrounding forested mountains. The studio is also behind the transformation of the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town from a historic grain silo into a world-class contemporary art museum, as well as the revitalisation of Coal Drops Yard in London into a stylish urban retail destination. Their work in China includes the Xi’an CCBD, a culturally rich district clad in handcrafted ceramics, while their Changi East expansion in Singapore sets the standard for airport design of the future.
Now, bringing their international expertise and innovative design ethos to Kuala Lumpur, Heatherwick Studio and BRDB are poised to create a project that not only introduces a new era of mixed-use development but also reaffirms their shared values of quality, timelessness and sustainable community living.
For more information and updates on this exciting development, visit www.brdb.com.my.
