A Look Inside 118 Mall’s Futuristic Interiors and Indoor Greenery

Words by: Hanan Khair

Have you checked out the newly opened 118 Mall yet?

Global architecture and design studio Buchan has designed the interiors for the glass-domed shopping centre, which sits within the podium of Menara 118, the world’s second-tallest skyscraper. The project was developed in collaboration with Fender Katsalidis and GDP Architects.

118 Mall at Menara Merdeka Maybank aka Merdeka 118 has officially opened, bringing a massive new (1)

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Situated near two of Kuala Lumpur’s most significant historic landmarks, Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, 118 Mall spans seven storeys across 140,000sqm. Among its key attractions is The Atmosphere, a massive glass dome spanning 88 metres in diameter. During the day, natural sunlight streams through the dome, while it transforms into a beautiful display of twinkling lights after dark.

The interior design incorporates stunning futuristic and greenery themes through sculptural elements, water features and landscaping. Rather than relying solely on conventional retail finishes, these details introduce different textures and forms throughout the mall.

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Drawing inspiration from Malaysia’s natural landscape and heritage, the mall incorporates wildlife sculptures throughout its interior. Featuring native animals such as tigers, tapirs and orangutans, these pieces can be found in various areas, including around the cave-like restrooms.

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Water is another recurring element in the design. Multi-level water features named ‘Raincloud’ that flow through all levels are complemented by projected light displays, adding movement and character throughout the mall. Lush landscaping adds greenery to the public areas, providing a contrast to its retail spaces and architectural finishes.

On the third level, 118 Mall celebrates local creativity through the Malaysian Artisan District. Spanning more than 60,000 sq ft, the space brings together established and emerging Malaysian brands across clothing, handicrafts and food, showcasing locally made products. It also features bird’s nest-inspired woven pods, handcrafted by local artisans and placed throughout the district to provide shoppers with spots to take a break.

The seven-storey mall is directly connected to the Merdeka MRT Station via a sheltered underground walkway, allowing visitors to access its lower ground floor straight from the station.

For more information, visit 118 Mall’s official website. Check out Buchan for more details on their other projects.