During International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2024, Azril Amir Jaafar, Principal & Director of Kuala Lumpur-based Veritas Design Group, presented an inspiring look into how the firm is integrating sustainable principles in their recent projects, heavy on the transformative efforts to build more sustainable cities and the firm’s latest eco-friendly initiatives in Shah Alam.
A key highlight was VERITAS’s Garden City masterplan concept for Shah Alam, which aims to reduce urban heat islands by increasing green spaces. This design introduces shaded areas and greenery to keep urban temperatures down and foster a comfortable environment for residents. “Our goal is to create cities prioritising both the environment and people—spaces where nature and community thrive together,” Azril explained.
Among the flagship projects is the PKNS Headquarters in Shah Alam, which exemplifies how architecture can extend natural landscapes. Dubbed Laman PKNS, this innovative building blurs the line between structure and park, seamlessly connecting the city’s built environment with its green spaces. The building’s design aims to connect people with nature, fostering community and well-being.
To achieve high energy efficiency, the PKNS Headquarters incorporates a high-performance building envelope with design features that reduce the need for artificial cooling and lighting. For instance, east and west facades have minimal glass coverage to prevent heat absorption, while horizontal shadings and low-emissivity (Low-E) glazing optimise thermal performance. The north and south facades use vertical shading to maximise natural light without sacrificing comfort.
Through these projects, VERITAS is redefining sustainable urban design, transforming Shah Alam into a city that celebrates its natural surroundings and promotes environmental consciousness.
