The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week 2025 (KLAW 2025) made its mark on the streets of KL yesterday, as YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government, led a vibrant city walkabout through Petaling Street, the historic heart of Old KL where specially curated installations marked the start of a week-long celebration of architecture, arts, and heritage. 

KLAW 2025 is the first major instance in Malaysia where a trade exhibition extends its footprint directly into the city streets, bridging the gap between a trade exhibition and cultural activation.

An initiative by ARCHIDEX 2025, KLAW transforms Chinatown and Old KL into a living gallery under the theme “Reviving the City’s Heartbeat.”

“This is a new milestone for Malaysia,” said Nga. “We are blending the old with the new and creating a world-class platform, potentially at par with other international festivals. KLAW is about inclusion, inspiration, and a whole-of-nation approach.”

KLAW comes to life through four immersive installations crafted by emerging architects and local creatives. These include “lepaX” at REXKL, which reinterprets scaffolding into a contemplative structure; “Twist Potato” at Pik Wah Café, a playful retreat carved into an urban void; “ngo-kha-ki” at Four Points by Sheraton, a tribute to the traditional five-foot way; and “Prism of Merdeka” opposite Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock, a powerful spatial journey reflecting heritage and progress. 

The event was accompanied by a live Sketchcrawl, showcasing the layered stories and architectural evolution of Kuala Lumpur’s historic core.

“KLAW aims to showcase the work of young architects and the talent that exists within our community. Everyone should come and experience this remarkable initiative, to immerse themselves in the old city’s charm while revelling in contemporary art and architecture. The installations will be on display throughout the week, in conjunction with ARCHIDEX and the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival,” said Ar.Adrianta Aziz, PAM President, who accompanied the minister during the walkabout. 

With an anticipated 56,000 visitors expected to attend ARCHIDEX, the initiative is poised to spark a tourism and retail ripple effect in Old Kuala Lumpur. “KL Architecture Week encourages visitors not just to attend, but to experience the city,” said Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S. “It’s about turning the city into a living gallery.”

KLAW 2025 sets a bold precedent, revitalising historic streets through immersive design and urban storytelling. This is more than a festival, it’s a statement: architecture lives in our streets, our stories, and our shared experiences.