The twin towers of Kuala Lumpur

As it builds the world's tallest buildings, Malaysia aspires to reconcile modern technology and Islamic values. The Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is one of the largest commercial real-estate developments anywhere and noteworthy on at least two other counts. First, at the center of the complex, occupying half its 40 hectares, is a landscaped park meant purely for rest and relaxation. Second, surrounding the park will be 20-odd buildings described as "intelligent" because they will manipulate automatic controls and communications systems to use as little energy as possible while keeping residents and visitors safe and comfortable. Also unusual, if not unique, in Southeast Asia is the City Centre's approach to air conditioning. All buildings will be cooled by chilled water from a central plant powered by natural gas, which Malaysia has in abundance.<
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