Stone-Ideas.com 
The materials used include bright sandstone as wall cladding
The new Apple Store in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is reminiscent of a bamboo hut in the hinterland of the Far Eastern islands. Like the other 15 or so such stores around the world, it was planned by the architectural firm Foster + Partners. The materials used are bright, appear light and open. One of them is the Italian sandstone Pietra Serena on the walls.
The shop, operated by Apple itself, is located on top of a shopping center in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) central business district of Kuala Lumpur. From there it extends into the depths as an open hall over three floors, with access to the central atrium of the mall below.
The architects’ aim was also to adapt the store to the country’s tropical climate. The dome (which we called the bamboo hut), measuring 26.5 x 26.5 m, is made up of horizontal glass panels and shading louvres that reduce the sun’s heat gain.
A glass oculus with 30% ceramic content in the middle allows plenty of light to reach the lowest level.
At night, lighting from within makes the complex a special attraction.
Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, says: “The project captures the vitality of the city, with a roof that appears to float above the landscape. Galleries and walkways provide spectacular views of the natural surroundings and offer unexpected lines of sight through the store at different levels.”
As is usual for Apple stores, the interior is designed with simple sales tables on which the products are available for fitting and trying out. The walls are designed with galleries; the connection between the floors is provided by a glass elevator and a staircase made of quartz and glass. Of course, the store also has a video wall, a meeting room and a pickup station.
To mark the opening of the store, with the full name “Apple The Exchange TRX”, there was a big event called “Jom Discover” on June 22, 2024: Numerous celebrities from the creative scene appeared, showcasing themselves and Apple products. The computer company’s business model includes training on the devices and photo tours through the city. The normal program is called “Today at Apple”.
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(21.10.2024, USA: 10.21.2024)