DESIGN CREATED BY PEOPLE ACTING AS A GROUP OR ENTITIES THAT SHARE OR ARE MOTIVATED BY ONE COMMON INTEREST
DESIGN CREATED BY PEOPLE ACTING AS A GROUP OR ENTITIES THAT SHARE OR ARE MOTIVATED BY ONE COMMON INTEREST
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
DBKL
Urban Landscape
Completed
Emerging as a cultural and ecological catalyst, the River of Life Early Works Package (EWP) signals the beginning of a bold transformation to revive and reconnect 10.7 kilometers of the Klang and Gombak rivers. As the first phase of a wider master plan, it sets a precedent for how urban regeneration can honor heritage, invite public life, and restore natural systems in tandem.
The EWP is strategically located in the Heritage Quarter, right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown along High Street, now known as HS Tun Lee. This location is rich with legacy, yet until now, was underutilized—its potential hidden behind years of urban neglect. The project reclaims these forgotten spaces, breathing new life into the city’s storied past.
Covering an area of 14,521 square meters, the initiative reimagines a once-static corridor into an activated urban spine. Through sensitive urban infill and placemaking strategies, formerly lifeless spaces are transformed into vibrant public areas, stitching the urban fabric back together. It reflects a balance between contemporary design and historical resonance.
Public art installations, interpretive signage, and a renewed streetscape serve as key design elements that narrate the history and aspirations of the area. These interventions are not merely decorative—they are storytelling devices that ground the visitor experience in a sense of place, connecting the city’s collective memory to its present and future.
Kuala Lumpur’s downtown is a magnet for both local communities and global travelers, drawn to landmarks such as Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek, and Petaling Street. The River of Life project recognizes this dynamic and elevates the existing civic landscape into a more walkable, engaging, and inclusive destination.
One of the core design objectives is to increase pedestrian movement and comfort. Streets are restructured to be more people-friendly, with shaded walkways, widened pavements, and flexible spaces that can open up for public events. These interventions create a pedestrian-first environment that celebrates street life and social interaction.
Traffic congestion in the district is addressed through the rationalization of bus routes and circulation, improving accessibility while reducing vehicular dominance. By integrating transport planning with public realm improvements, the project supports a more seamless and sustainable urban mobility experience.
Ultimately, the River of Life Early Works Package is more than a public works project—it is a statement of intent. It embraces the city’s rich heritage while creating space for future stories to unfold. As the rivers begin to flow cleaner and the streets come alive with people, this initiative signals a hopeful and enduring reconnection between Kuala Lumpur’s natural landscape and its urban soul.
WHZ Environmental Design Sdn Bhd
2014
2017
Design, Landscape Masterplan
14,000 m2
UTC/GMT +8 hours | 08:49 AM
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