Johor Corporation’s (JCorp) wholly owned investee company, JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to develop the Discovery City precinct within IBTEC.
This innovative mixed-use 582-acre development will take place within the 7,290-acre Ibrahim Technopolis or IBTEC township which is set to become a model of environmentally conscious design integrated seamlessly with the region’s unique topography. The innovative mixed-use 582-acre development will see Zaha Hadid Architects leading the design, while AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd (APUDG) will serve as the local master planner and the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) for the Development Order plan of Discovery City.
Set to be a major circular city within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM27 billion, IBTEC is eyed to be the next key destination for strategic expansion in the southern region of Malaysia. Meanwhile, the GDV for the Signature Gallery building, the centerpiece of the mixed-use development, is projected to reach RM269 million upon completion driven by anticipated future demand in the area.
This project, designed by the internationally renowned consultant ZHA, will adhere to both local and international standards, including the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)’s Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and international certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This commitment is essential for IBTEC’s transformation into an eco-friendly and sustainable development, elevating its status on the global stage.
Zaha Hadid Architects is a globally renowned architectural practice known for acclaimed designs inspired by the organic forms within the natural world and their pioneering use of advanced technologies to enrich the user experience and sustainability of their architecture.
This landmark project in Discovery City will include ZHA’s first iconic building in Malaysia, showcasing their signature vision of 21st Century architecture and sustainable design. “This partnership reflects our commitment for regional and international collaboration. IBTEC is designed to be a cutting-edge hub, strategically located and built with smart infrastructure to drive innovation, all while ensuring sustainable growth for the future. With this advanced development, it is hoped that it will enhance IBTEC’s presence in the region, as an investment destination and a key component within the JS-SEZ worth billions of ringgit, creating jobs for the local community and cement JLG’s position as an end-to-end real estate developer as a whole,” said Datuk Sr Akmal Ahmad, Deputy Chairman of JLand Group. “Their unique ability to blend form and function while respecting the environment aligns perfectly with our vision for Discovery City”.
ZHA’s design approach for Discovery City prioritises the harmonious integration with Johor’s natural surroundings, reflecting IBTEC’s vision of a circular city where innovation thrives.
Discovery City will be our first project within Malaysia’s architectural landscape and we are honoured to be awarded this opportunity to explore how architecture can enhance its natural context, creating a synergy between the built and natural environments,” stated Gianluca Racana, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects. “We are committed to crafting an extraordinary development that will both inspire and respect its setting with our maiden project in Malaysia.”
The full launch of the Discovery City precinct is anticipated in 2025.
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