Born with a need to replace the aging Ministry of Health facilities, the NIH aims to be Malaysia’s first integrated state-of-the-art medical research complex within a consolidated single address. Comparable to similar facilities in the United States and Singapore, this successful Public Private Partnership initiative over 42-acres of land in Setia Alam consists of 7 distinct research institutes complete with laboratories and shared facilities, as well as temporary and permanent living spaces, all connected via carefully considered linkages to encourage the cross-insemination of ideas between researchers.

Wrapping around a landscape spine as the green common, the series of buildings incorporates a diverse spectrum of typologies, from offices, to teaching and learning spaces, auditoriums, library, multi purpose hall, staff, management and research services. At the heart of this development is the Institute of Medical Research or the IMR, a 10 block state of the art medical research facility accommodating 909 personnel from scientists to support staff in 350 purpose built research laboratories.

The space planning and design philosophy at its core is dedicated to the interaction of scientists and researchers outside of the laboratory to stimulate collaboration and pollinate ideas across different areas of expertise. Almost as a satellite to the institute is the ‘Residency NIH’ block, a temporary accommodation for short and long term researchers. These hospitality components are clearly defined by 2 separate wings sitting perpendicular to each other.

Completing the whole scheme are the more permanent residential components located on a neighbouring plot. These government dwellings within the periphery encourages active commute to the complex either on foot or cycling via covered walkways & dedicated bicycle lanes, a zero carbon initiative in line with the overall theme of the Setia Alam Township. This inter-connectivity is extended further to the greater township via a connected pedestrian link bridge to the neighbouring transport hub and pedestrian network beyond. Upon completion the NIH will become the largest medical research institute in South East Asia. Our hope is for NIH to be a catalyst and incubator for purposeful and accidental research within a conducive environment for the betterment of health and humanity at a global scale.