An Innovative Touch to Malaysia by Zaha Hadid Architects: Discovery City

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the 582-acre Discovery City in Johor, Malaysia, with an emphasis on sustainability and smart city technologies, aiming to minimise environmental impact and create a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environment.

The 582-acre Discovery City masterplan will be Zaha Hadid Architects’ first project in Malaysia. Discovery City will include innovations in smart city technologies and a steadfast commitment to minimising environmental impact. Embracing circularity, Discovery City will foster a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments.

Johor Corporation’s (JCorp) wholly owned investee company, JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), have announced a pioneering collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to develop the mixed-use 582-acre Discovery City precinct within Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), the 7,290-acre township in Johor, Malaysia.

Set to become a model of environmentally conscious design integrating seamlessly with the region’s distinctive landscapes, IBTEC is planned as a major circular city within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). With a Gross Development Value of RM27 billion, IBTEC is a key destination for strategic expansion in southern Malaysia.

ZHA are leading the Discovery City design, in addition to designing the centrepiece of the masterplan – the RM269 million cultural centre by ZHA will be the practice’s first building in Malaysia. HIJJAS Architects and Planners is the Local Project Architect while AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd (APUDG) serve as the local master planner and the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) for the Development Order plan of Discovery City.

ZHA’s design approach for Discovery City will prioritise the integration with Johor’s natural surroundings, reflecting IBTEC’s vision of a circular city where innovation thrives. Staying true to this vision, ZHA will establish the framework for Discovery City’s ecologically sustainable architecture, together with innovations in smart city technologies, and a steadfast commitment to minimising environmental impact. By embracing circularity and fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments, Discovery City aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable development in Malaysia.

Using the advanced design and construction technologies developed by ZHA, Discovery City will prioritise the use of locally sourced and recycled materials as well as incorporate renewable power generation and rainwater harvesting to reduce energy and water consumption. Discovery City will also include ZHA’s first building in Malaysia, showcasing their vision of 21st Century architecture and sustainable design.

Adhering to both local and international standards, including the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC)’s Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) international certification, Discovery City will demonstrate IBTEC’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development.

“This partnership with ZHA 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.”

“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. With our maiden project in Malaysia, we are committed to crafting an extraordinary development that will both inspire and respect its setting.”

The launch of Discovery City’s detailed design is anticipated in 2025.