Apple recently opened its first store in Kuala Lumpur, located in an underground shop with a unique dome design created by Foster + Partners. The store, named Apple The Exchange TRX, serves as a connection between a shopping center and a nearby park. The building features a domed roof above a glass wall, providing the only visible part of the store from street level.
The dome, with a square base, is cleverly designed to resemble a traditional rounded dome from specific viewpoints and is equipped with louvres to shield the store from sunlight.
The store’s multi-layered roof, which is three-dimensional in nature, emits a gentle glow during the night and serves as a central focal point for the broader development. This design establishes fresh visual and spatial links between the central atrium of the mall and a rooftop park, which boasts a verdant tropical garden and a communal lawn that encircles the upper level of the store.
Stefan Behling, the Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, expressed his satisfaction with the opening of Apple The Exchange TRX to the public. The project encapsulates the vibrancy of the city, featuring a roof composed of stacked solar shading blades that give the impression of floating above the landscape.
The galleries and walkways within the store offer breathtaking views of the natural environment and provide unexpected perspectives through the store at various heights. The store’s expansive interior showcases Apple’s cutting-edge product range and seeks to uplift people’s spirits through the play of light and shadow.
Crafted as a glazed dome, the 87 x 87-foot (26.5 x 26.5 meter) roof seamlessly transitions from square to round geometries from its base to its apex. Tailored to suit Malaysia’s tropical climate, the roof is shielded by a series of fins that are strategically positioned to manage solar radiation. Initially appearing solid at lower levels, the roof gradually becomes more porous as visitors ascend through the store. The lower fin extends outward to protect the glass facade and forms a shaded pathway around the store’s perimeter. An oculus at the center, featuring 30% ceramic frit, introduces soft daylight into the interior and incorporates a dynamic lighting element.
The store spans three levels, featuring a top-level viewing deck that seamlessly integrates with the park, allowing natural light and greenery to permeate the interior. A striking quartz and glass staircase, along with a custom glazed elevator, connects the different levels, while strategically placed landings offer multiple perspectives throughout the space.
The Forum is situated on a floating deck, with the avenue and display tables located on the lowest level, providing direct access to the mall. Additionally, the store is equipped with a video wall, boardroom, and a dedicated Apple Pickup station. The design of Apple The Exchange TRX incorporates a sophisticated selection of premium materials, such as natural stone walls, polished stainless-steel columns, light Terrazzo floors, and a timber ceiling.