Petronas Twin Towers Kuala Lumpur

PETRONAS Twin Towers was official opened by Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad in 31 August 1999. Since that the towers become a Kuala Lumpur landmarks and a symbol of Malaysia's social economy progress and achievement, it's also a symbol of aspiration and ambitions of Malaysia to become a develop country by year 2020. This twin building is a home for Malaysia Petroleum Company also known as Petroliam Nasional Berhad or PETRONAS. PETRONAS is ranked among the FORTUNE Global 500 largest corporations in the world, engaged in the broad spectrum of oil and gas operation in more than 30 countries.

The idea to build this tower came from Malaysia 4th Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad that wanted the PETRONAS Twin Towers must be unique and can be recognizing as icon of Malaysia by people around the world like Eifel Tower in France or Great Wall in China.

Standing at 452 m (1483 feet), designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates from USA, the tower was build on the former horse racing track at Jalan Ampang, fully completed in 1997, PETRONAS twin towers became the highest twin building in the world on date of completion before the places been taking over by Taipei 101.

 

The design of PETRONAS Twin Towers using the simple Islamic geometric forms of two interlocking squares creating a shape of eight-pointed stars. Upon the eight-pointed stars, are eight superimposed semi-circles softening the inner angles. Architecturally, these forms reflect important Islamic principle of ‘unity within unity, harmony, stability and rationality, this reflection of Islam is Malaysia official religion.

The construction started on March 1993, the 88 floor tower was built largely using the strongest concrete ever made in Malaysia, concrete was use because its cheap and easily to get it in Malaysia compare with the steel. Each tower weight about 300,000 tons, to support the weight of each tower, the contractor has to build 4.5 meter raft foundation containing 13200 cubic meters of reinforced concrete, weight about 32,550 tones supported by 104 barrette pile varying from 60m to 115m length.

Quick facts about PETRONAS Twin Towers

• Number of storeys: 88
• Height of each tower: 452m above street level
• Height of Sky Bridge: 170 meter
• Height of each pinnacle: 73.5 meters
• Car Park: 5400 parking bays
• The executive lifts are the longest rise in any office in Malaysia. They will serve every floor from the basement car park to the top of the tower in 90 seconds.

 

 

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