The façade of the Damansara Heights Pavilion is like a huge jewel that shines in the heart of the city; a jewel that is valuable not only for its visual beauty, but also for its precision in design and function. From the very beginning, the solid and luxurious presence of this façade captivates the viewer; a pattern that is clearly inspired by the classic Italian “Bugnato” style and reinterpreted with a modern design language. What makes this façade even more of a jewel is its ability to convey a sense of value and distinction. Just as a true jewel is valued not only for its beauty but also for its rarity and precision in its cutting, this façade also displays such qualities. The cut glass, made from recycled materials, not only conveys a message of sustainability, but also becomes a unique jewel with its own unique design.
From a functional perspective, the use of recycled glass and its design as a shade is a smart move to reduce energy consumption in tropical climates. A facade that not only enhances visual beauty, but also effectively blocks the sun’s heat and helps keep the interior cool. This demonstrates the architects and designers’ commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. However, there are also some challenges; including the high costs of producing and maintaining this handmade glass and the advanced lighting systems that may need to be revised in the long term. Also, although this glass allows natural light into the space well, during peak hours of sunlight, the need for additional systems to reduce heat may increase.
What sets this project apart from other similar examples is the coherence of the design and its impact. Every element, from the cut glass to the lighting system, works in harmony and in conjunction with each other to create a coherent overall image. Like a grand orchestra, the facade conveys a specific message at every moment: gentle and calm during the day, and exciting and magnificent at night. This dual change, like the transformation of the calm of the day into the excitement of the night, invites the audience to a deeper understanding of the space.
Finally, the facade of the Damansara Heights Pavilion perfectly demonstrates how traditional elements such as the Bugnato style can be combined with modern technology to offer the audience a new experience of space. This project is not just a building, but a living work of art that challenges our emotions with light and shadow. Like a precious jewel, this facade is constantly changing and alive, reminding us that architecture can be more than just a building; it can be a storyteller, a poet, and even an actor.
Brand : Light sculptures, Cappuccio design studio
Designers : Francesco Cappuccio, Datuk Tan Peng Han, KLPDS, Koonanan Panyahom
Photo Credits : act studio
Prize: LIT Lighting Design Award