Beside
the Petronas Twin Towers lies the awesome sight of KL Tower, the tallest
tower in Southeast Asia. It stands majestically atop Bukit Nanas (Pineapple
Hill) at 421 meters and 94 meters above sea level, is one of the first
and perhaps most enduring images a visitor to KL will encounter. KL Tower
was built to endure against wind pressure of 190 miles per hour.
KL Tower, the 4th tallest of its kind in
the world, was erected as a telecommunication tower to improve the quality
of telecommunications and broadcasting transmissions. It doubles as an
exciting destination with much to offer visitors in terms of cultural
activities, shopping bargains, and even the ambience of a forest reserve!
Completed in 1996 after taking 4 years
to build, the tower's beautiful architectural design and motive reflects
rich Islamic Heritage. This was the brain child of local architects, Kumpulan
Serineka Sdn Bhd, who successfully blended Eastern architecture with Western
technology to build such an elegant tower.
Dome shaped arches at every doorway on
the upper ground floor are decorated with glass that illuminates like
giant diamonds whose surfaces are arranged according to the form of traditional
Islamic "Muqarnas". This Iranian forms larger brusque patterns at the
bottom to symbolize the seven layers of the sky. The receding shape of
the apex symbolizes the sun ray whereby it is also a symbol of man's journey
towards perfection.
The soffit of the tower head is decorated
with vertical rib structure on the outer layer on which the aluminum Islamic
design is drawn. This, however, can only be seen from the pedestrian mall
and the buildings around the tower.
Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle,
KL's business and entertainment district, KL Tower is just a stroll away
from major hotels and shopping establishments. The tower is also easily
accessible as there are regular public transportation.

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