KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week (KLAW), an initiative by Archidex, is back with a programme that invites locals and visitors to rediscover Kuala Lumpur through its architecture, heritage, arts and urban stories.

Launched at the River of Life Masjid Jamek Lookout Point on July 19, 2026, KLAW 2026 carries the theme A City Reborn: Rekindling the City, Layer by Layer, highlighting the role of people, culture and architecture in shaping Kuala Lumpur’s evolving identity.

“KLAW is about creating a deeper connection between people and Kuala Lumpur, reconnecting with the stories, spaces and communities that have shaped our city. Through architecture, arts and heritage, we hope to inspire people to rediscover KL, appreciate its unique identity and create new memories within the places we call home,” said Archidex joint organiser and CIS president Datuk Vincent Lim.

A key highlight is TE-TAMU, a self-guided trail featuring four architectural installations across downtown Kuala Lumpur. Inspired by traditional gathering spaces, the installations transform public areas into places for people to pause, connect and share experiences.

The trail includes Titik Temu at the River of Life which reinterprets the traditional attap pavilion as a contemporary gathering space; Seloka Kaki Lima celebrating the iconic five-foot way; as well as Ayun at MRT Pasar Seni and Jalur Tamu at Lorong Petaling 2, both framing views of Merdeka 118 while creating a dialogue between Kuala Lumpur’s heritage and modern skyline.

The launch also featured the Archi-Heritage Talk where Arkitek LLA Bong Wei Jian shared insights into the conservation of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad while Think City associate Faatihah Hadi highlighted the transformation of the Masjid Jamek Precinct as an example of heritage-led urban regeneration that reconnects people with Kuala Lumpur’s cultural roots.

“The installations at KLAW show the versatility of a lot of materials that are used in construction that can also be transposed into sculptures and the installations,” said Malaysian Institute of Architects president Dexter Koh.

“Having seen the event today, we believe it is very much aligned with and complements what DBKL is currently doing. It is not just about DBKL taking the lead but also about bringing together ideas and contributions from others to further elevate Kuala Lumpur. As we all know, Kuala Lumpur has been recognised as a Unesco City of Design. Therefore, what the organiser has done today complements and supports DBKL's ongoing efforts to elevate Kuala Lumpur's standing on the global stage,” said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) project implementation and building maintenance department director Hanum Ain Zainal.

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