Universiti Technology Petronas(UTP) is a research university located in Bandar Seri Iskander, Perak. Wholly owned by Petroleum Nasional Berhad, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company; is focused on educating young Malaysians through engineering, science and technology.

Set within a hilly and tropical terrain, the design approach of this project responds to a 450 hectare landscape with seasonal monsoon weather. To provide students the comfort of shade and protection from heat and heavy rain, crescent shaped canopies were erected along the public areas of the campus to culminate a landscaped park that encourages interaction and socialisation amongst students and faculty. The preservation of the site’s natural topography is further optimised by the modular design of the academic and research blocks.

Universiti Technology Petronas was the first collaborative project between GDP Architects and Foster + Partners in 2004. This ongoing transfer of knowledge, process and technology have paved the way for deep cross cultural learning and partnership on future mixed development and residential projects; namely the TROIKA and Arcoris Mont Kiara. Universiti Technology Petronas was the recipient of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004.

In collaboration with Foster & Partners.