Malaysia's PAM 2026 Awards' Building of the Year melds heritage with modern needs

GEORGE TOWN, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

In George Town, Penang, the architectural dialogue between the past and the present has found a definitive expression in the form of Astaka Kota Selera, a food court that has been named Building of the Year at the 2026 PAM Awards.

The award, presented by the Institution of Architects Malaysia, underscores a growing consensus in the region that modern construction need not come at the expense of historical integrity, provided the design approach is rooted in deep contextual understanding.

The significance of this accolade extends beyond the professional architecture community, touching upon broader economic and social dynamics in Malaysia’s heritage-rich states. As urban development pressures mount in cities like George Town, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage zone, the successful integration of contemporary facilities into historic landscapes offers a replicable model for other Malaysian cities.

The project demonstrates that commercial viability and cultural preservation are not mutually exclusive, but can be mutually reinforcing when managed with sensitivity and precision. For the local economy, the food court represents a stabilized hub for small-scale entrepreneurs, ensuring that the vibrancy of hawker culture is preserved even as the physical infrastructure around it evolves.

The genesis of the project was driven by the North Seafront Improvement Programme, a strategic initiative launched by the Penang State Government. A central objective of this programme was the archaeological reinstatement of the historic western moat of Fort Cornwallis, a critical element of the fort’s original defensive landscape.

The existing Astaka Kota Selera structure happened to sit directly above the alignment of this original moat, creating a direct conflict between the preservation of the historic site and the continued operation of the food court. Consequently, the relocation of the facility was not prompted by the structural obsolescence of the old building, but by the imperative to restore an important part of the fort’s historical topography.

This context presented EA Architects with a complex brief that went far beyond the simple replacement of an aging structure. The new facility had to accommodate 26 hawkers while allowing the delicate archaeological restoration work to proceed unimpeded. Crucially, the architects recognized that the livelihoods of these vendors were at stake during the construction period.

To mitigate this risk, the vendors were temporarily relocated to a nearby site, enabling them to continue their operations and maintain their income streams while the new building was developed. This logistical consideration highlighted the project’s commitment to social continuity, ensuring that the transition did not disrupt the economic lifeline of the local food community.

The design process was deeply informed by direct engagement with the stakeholders who would use the space daily. EA Architects conducted extensive consultations with the vendors and regular patrons to understand the functional nuances of the original food court and identify areas for improvement. This community-led approach was in a context where food is not merely sustenance but a core component of cultural identity.

Lui Sy Ying, one of the project’s lead architects, emphasized that in Malaysia, food is an important part of identity and the way communities connect. By treating the food court as both a workplace for long-established hawkers and a familiar gathering place for locals and visitors, the architects ensured that the new design respected the social rituals of the site.

Architecturally, the project adopts a philosophy of restraint rather than imitation. Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage zone, the design team deliberately avoided mimicking colonial architectural styles or attempting to create a competing landmark. Instead, the building is characterized by a low-profile, open configuration that ensures visual permeability. This allows the structure to sit comfortably within its surroundings without forming a visual barrier between the historic landscape and the public.

The scale and mass of the building are carefully controlled to ensure that Fort Cornwallis remains the dominant landmark, preserving important views towards the fort, Padang Kota Lama, and the restored moat.

One of the most distinctive features of Astaka Kota Selera is its exposed red brick facade, which serves as both the identity and the functional skin of the building. The perforated brickwork acts as an outer layer that filters daylight and allows air to move through the dining spaces, thereby reducing heat build-up. This material choice subtly complements the masonry walls of Fort Cornwallis, acknowledging the historic neighbor without attempting to replicate it.

The PAM Awards jury specifically commended the project for its careful calibration of scale, proportion, and materiality, noting that the building uses contemporary architecture to establish a respectful relationship with its heritage setting rather than trying to imitate history.

The tropical climate of Penang played a role in shaping the building’s environmental performance. Rather than relying primarily on mechanical technology to create a comfortable environment, EA Architects focused on passive strategies from the initial design phase. Two mature existing trees were retained and incorporated into the building footprint, with the design organized around them to leverage their shade for a cooler microclimate.

The open layout encourages natural ventilation, allowing breezes to flow through the dining areas and reducing dependence on air conditioning. The building features a metal deck roof with an innovative soil-free, ultra-lightweight green roof system, which provides an additional layer of insulation to reduce heat gain.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the green roof is conceptualized as an extension of the surrounding landscape, blending with the expansive greenery of Padang Kota Lama and melding the new intervention with the historic setting. Large roof overhangs provide protection from the tropical sun and shelter from heavy rain, enhancing comfort for both diners and hawkers.

This integration of sustainability into the architecture itself reflects a broader philosophy articulated by Liou Hung Woei, who stated that good architecture is about creating spaces that are comfortable, resilient, and meaningful for the people they serve, responding thoughtfully to site, culture, and climate change challenges.

The functional layout of the food court was designed to accommodate the diverse operational needs of the 26 stalls. While the stalls follow a standard module for consistency, adjoining units can be combined for vendors requiring larger preparation or serving areas. The perimeter arrangement allows diners to see the range of food available, encouraging interaction between hawkers and customers.

Wide circulation spaces and generous communal seating are provided to allow people to linger and enjoy the social atmosphere associated with Penang’s hawker culture. This attention to detail ensures that the space functions effectively as a daily hub for the community.

The long-term success of the project depends on factors beyond its initial design. Although the architecture prioritizes durability and lower long-term operating and maintenance requirements, the architects stress that regular cleaning, timely repairs, and proper management are essential. They also highlight the importance of preserving the mature trees and ensuring that future upgrades respect both the original design intent and the heritage significance of the site.

The architects believe that the project’s relevance over the next two or three decades depends on a shared sense of ownership among authorities, hawkers, and visitors.

This concept of shared ownership is central to the project’s relevance to Malaysian architecture today. Astaka Kota Selera does not seek to bring attention to itself but demonstrates that architecture can be quietly ambitious. It restores a historic landscape, accommodates contemporary needs, responds to the tropical climate, and creates a place where people continue to gather over food.

As Liou noted, building for Malaysia means creating architecture that genuinely works for Malaysians rather than pursuing forms for their own sake. The project stands as a testament to the possibility of protecting cultural heritage, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful public spaces simultaneously.