5 Notable Brutalist Buildings in Kuala Lumpur You Need To Visit

Words by: Hanan Khair

Brutalist architecture, characterised by raw, unpolished surfaces and geometric forms, continues to have its moment, especially given the widespread acclaim for the 2024 film The Brutalist, which follows a fictional architect pioneering the style in the United States after World War II. Emerging in the mid-20th century, brutalist architecture continues to invite a sense of awe – and even warmth – through imposing and strikingly unique structures often made from concrete.

For Malaysians, these monolithic concrete footprints are a representation of a unique and underappreciated period in Malaysia’s architectural history. In Malaysia, brutalism, meaning ‘raw concrete’, first emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when the country was asserting its post-colonial identity.

From public libraries to modernist landmarks, we’ve rounded up buildings in Kuala Lumpur that exemplify the best of brutalist architecture, offering a sense of monumentality and permanence.

Bank Negara Malaysia

Address: 2, Jalan Dato Onn, Kuala Lumpur, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Completion Year: 1970

A masterclass in Malaysian brutalism, Dato’ Seri Dr Nik Mohamed Nik Mahmood, a graduate of the Birmingham School of Architecture in the United Kingdom, designed the headquarters which emphasises its importance as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s financial system. The original 18-storey tower features rough-textured concrete panels that convey a sense of strength and solidity. Its entrance hall sits between two tall concrete structures with narrow vertical slit windows, creating a bunker-like look similar to the architecture favoured by Claude Parent. Two more towers were seamlessly added in the 1980s, following the original design’s rectangular modernist form, bush-hammered concrete finishes, and bold curved stair cores.

Universiti Malaya’s Dewan Tunku Canselor

Address: 825, Lingkungan Budi, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Completion Year: 1966

Built between 1965 and 1966 by renowned architects Datuk Kington Loo and Chris Bailey, the building was officially opened by first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who was also the first chancellor of the university. Despite its obvious brutalist style, the great hall incorporates local elements suited to Malaysia’s tropical climate. These can be seen in features such as the deep recesses, brise-soleil sun shading, high ceilings, and bold structure designed to allow natural ventilation. To achieve the rough concrete texture, Bailey used detailed descriptions of the timber formwork, a technique he first learned and executed in India. Timber shuttering was also commonly used in Malaysia due its ready availability.

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP)

Address: Menara DBP, Jalan Dewan Bahasa, Bukit Petaling, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Completion Year: 1962

Located at the east central of Kuala Lumpur, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka features a solid concrete façade and angular projections. Its lack of decoration showcases Brutalism’s raw and utilitarian spirit. Standing at approximately 535 feet in height, the building is fitted with metal framing, glazed mosaic tiles, as well as lightweight concrete, which was still a new construction material in Malaysia at the time. There is also a concrete spiral staircase designed with traditional elements that leads to the hall.

Menara MARA

Address: Menara MARA, 232, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Completion Year: 1965

Believed to showcase its strong vertical form and repetitive design, this classic landmark was built to support Malaysia’s rural development and education initiatives. Its simple and practical design, with plain concrete gridding and exposed textures, reflects the government’s focus on modernisation, equality, and progress after independence. The high-rise tower stands 30 storeys tall, overlooking the lively Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman shopping district.

Wisma Angkasapuri

Address: Bukit Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Completion Year: 1968

Angkasapuri, once home to Malaysia’s Ministry of Information and national broadcaster RTM, was designed by Canadian architect Nicholas James Pappas during the post-independence era of Malaysia. The building is made up of solid, geometric concrete forms, with elevated corridors and slabs that give it a strong, monumental presence. Inspired by a traditional musical instrument called ‘rebab’, Angkasapuri is equipped with sun-shading devices that offer both aesthetic appeal and protection against Malaysia’s humid and rainy climate.

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