Merdeka 118, formerly known as Warisan Merdeka Tower, KL 118, and PNB 118, is a 118-story megatall skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Standing at an impressive height of 678.9 meters (2,227 feet), it is the second-tallest structure and the second-tallest building in the world, only surpassed by the Burj Khalifa at 828 meters (2,717 feet).
A Nod to Independence
The building's name, Merdeka, which literally means "independence," is inspired by its proximity to Stadium Merdeka. The spire of the building was completed in October 2021, marking its final height of 678.9 meters (2,227 feet) above ground and 717.6 meters (2,354 feet) above sea level.
A Sustainable Marvel
Merdeka 118 is not just a towering structure but also a beacon of sustainability. It is the first building in Malaysia to receive a triple platinum rating from worldwide sustainability certifications, including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
A Mixed-Use Development
The Merdeka 118 development spans a 19-acre land funded by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), with a budget of RM 5 billion (US$ 1.21 billion). The building is a mix of office spaces, hotels, and retail outlets and an observatory floor, which will be the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia. It has two observation decks, the first inside the building and the second inside the spire, and a retail business center (118 Mall). It will be surrounded by four acres of urban and linear parks.
A Symbolic Design
The building is designed with a mixture of diamond-shaped glass facades to signify the diversity of Malaysians. The design was made to resemble and inspired by Tunku Abdul Rahman's outstretched hand gesture while chanting "Merdeka!", when he proclaimed the independence of Malaysia on 31 August 1957.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
The structural engineers are Leslie E. Robertson Associates and Robert Bird Group while the civil and structural engineer of record for this tower is Arup. The building will be equipped and illuminated at night with 8.4 km of LED light strips which would gradually move from one corner to another.
Merdeka 118 is a testament to Malaysia's growth and development. It is a symbol of the country's independence and a beacon of architectural and engineering excellence. As the tallest building in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, it stands as a proud reminder of the country's progress and its aspirations for the future.
