History meets innovation in the heart of Kuala Lumpur as the first-ever Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week 2025 (KLAW 2025) launched today with a vibrant city walk led by Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming. This inaugural event signals a new way forward for Malaysia’s capital — one where design, heritage, and community come together beyond the walls of convention halls.
Held under the banner of ARCHIDEX 2025, Asia’s leading architecture business event, KLAW 2025 reimagines the city itself as a canvas. The week-long celebration features site-specific installations, city sketch crawls, and experiential trails, transforming Petaling Street and Old Kuala Lumpur into a walkable design destination.
A New Model of Citywide Celebration
KLAW 2025 marks the first time a major B2B trade event is co-branded with the city to drive business-to-consumer (B2C) engagement and boost the visitor economy. With ARCHIDEX taking place across MITEC (21–24 July) and KLCC (23–26 July), the initiative draws an expected 56,000 visitors from 110 countries into the historical and cultural heart of KL.
YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming praised the effort, saying,
“With the launch of AREC and the 24th edition of ARCHIDEX this coming Wednesday, we are setting the stage for Kuala Lumpur to further cement its reputation as a regional leader in design and sustainable urban development. ARCHIDEX remains the largest architecture and building materials exhibition in Malaysia, welcoming over 50,000 participants from 110 countries this year.”
He also announced a RM30,000 grant to PAM (Malaysian Institute of Architects) in support of this urban activation.
Highlights: Urban Installations in Old KL
Visitors can now discover four immersive design installations created by emerging Malaysian architects in partnership with local businesses:
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“lepaX” at REX KL: A striking reimagination of scaffolding into a space for pause and perspective.
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“Twist Potato” at Pik Wah Café & Bar: A sculptural retreat in an urban void, where light and shape dance together.
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“ngo-kha-ki” at Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown: A nostalgic nod to five-foot ways reinterpreted as connectors of time and culture.
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“Prism of Merdeka” across Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock: Angular portals guide visitors through a symbolic corridor of KL’s layered history, ending with a view of Merdeka 118.
Also featured are a 10-metre hand-drawn KL Old City Sketch and a live Sketchcrawl with the KL Urban Sketchers collective.
Beyond Architecture: Community and Culture
KLAW 2025 is more than a festival; it’s a strategy. By leading visitors beyond the expo floor into the fabric of the city, the initiative aims to drive foot traffic to cafés, hotels, local vendors, and heritage spots, helping small businesses while reshaping perceptions of KL’s old quarters.
Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, joint organiser of ARCHIDEX, said: “With ARCHIDEX and DATUM drawing in thousands of professionals, KL Architecture Week adds an experiential layer — encouraging them to stay, explore, and return not just for business, but for the city. It’s about making Kuala Lumpur part of the event, and the event part of Kuala Lumpur.
Looking Ahead
KLAW 2025 lays the foundation for a future urban design movement, bringing together architects, city-makers, and cultural players to rethink how exhibitions and cities intersect. As Malaysia’s design scene gains global attention, KLAW promises to evolve into a signature cultural platform that tells the story of KL through creative placemaking.
For the full programme, maps, and activities, visit archidex.com.my
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