Johor Corporation’s (JCorp) wholly owned investee company, JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), have announced a pioneering collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to develop the mixed-use 582-acre Discovery City precinct within Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), the 7,290-acre township in Johor, Malaysia.
Set to become a model of environmentally conscious design integrating seamlessly with the region’s distinctive landscapes, IBTEC is planned as a major circular city within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). With a Gross Development Value of RM27 billion, IBTEC is a key destination for strategic expansion in southern Malaysia.
ZHA are leading the Discovery City design, in addition to designing the centrepiece of the masterplan – the RM269 million cultural centre by ZHA will be the practice’s first building in Malaysia. HIJJAS Architects and Planners is the Local Project Architect while AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd (APUDG) serve as the local master planner and the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) for the Development Order plan of Discovery City.
ZHA’s design approach for Discovery City will prioritise the integration with Johor’s natural surroundings, reflecting IBTEC’s vision of a circular city where innovation thrives. Staying true to this vision, ZHA will establish the framework for Discovery City’s ecologically sustainable architecture, together with innovations in smart city technologies, and a steadfast commitment to minimising environmental impact. By embracing circularity and fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments, Discovery City aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable development in Malaysia.
Using the advanced design and construction technologies developed by ZHA, Discovery City will prioritise the use of locally sourced and recycled materials as well as incorporate renewable power generation and rainwater harvesting to reduce energy and water consumption. Discovery City will also include ZHA’s first building in Malaysia, showcasing their vision of 21st Century architecture and sustainable design.
Adhering to both local and international standards, including the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)’s Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) international certification, Discovery City will demonstrate IBTEC’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development. The launch of Discovery City’s detailed design is anticipated in 2025.
- Location: Johor, Malaysia
- Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
- ZHA Project Principal: Gianluca Racana
- ZHA Project Director: Maurizio Meossi
- ZHA Project Associates Competition Team: Andres Arias Madrid, Bogdan Zaha
- ZHA Design Team Competition Team: Aditya Ambare, Alex Nap, Andrei-Ciprian Cojocaru, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Ceren Tekin, Disha Shetty, Jillian Nishi, Maria Lagging, Ryan Anthony Szanyi, Shi Qi Tu, Shibani Choudhury
- Local Executive Architect Competition Team: HIJJAS KASTURI ASSOCIATES SDN BHD
- Landscape Architect Competition Team: GRANT Associates Masterplan Engineering
- SMART & Sustainability Competition Team: Ramboll
- ZHA Project Associates Development Team: Effie Kuan, Bogdan Zaha, Maria Echeverri, Marina Martinez
- ZHA Design Team Development Team: Aleksander Mastalski, Alex He, Amin Yassin, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Calin Negret, Ceren Tekin, Disha Shetty, India Baz, Jianfei Chu, Nurul Ahmad Fauzi, Prasanna Balan, Shibani Choudhury, Vishu Bhooshan.
- Local Executive Architect Development Team: HIJJAS
- Client: Johor Corporation (JCorp)
- Year: 2024
- Images: Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)