This parliamentary building for Johor state integrates Islamic and Johor elements to create an open yet dignified seat of government. It takes the form of a traditional sceptre representing sovereignty and fuses Moorish-Andalusian architecture with symbolic Johor motifs such as skylights in the form of a pineapple and a jewel. The assembly hall is surmounted by a public gallery as a high degree of permeability is designed to encourage interaction, combining formal function with the informal. The environmental strategy includes daylighting and natural ventilation is facilitated by angled façade grilles to cut out tropical rain. The three themed courtyards embody the Islamic concept of gardens as paradise on earth.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture