KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Corporation's (JCorp) wholly owned subsidiary, JLand Group Sdn Bhd (JLG), has announced a landmark collaboration with the internationally renowned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to develop a significant component within the 7,290-acre Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) township.

This project, known as the Discovery City precinct, spans 582 acres and is envisioned as a model of environmentally conscious design, seamlessly integrating with the region's unique landscape.

ZHA will lead the design for this mixed-use development, with AJM-Planning and Urban Design Group Sdn Bhd serving as the local master planner and principal submitting person for the development order plan.

IBTEC is positioned to become a major circular city within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with a gross development value (GDV) of RM27 billion. The township is expected to be a key destination for strategic expansion in Malaysia's southern region.

Datuk Sr Akmal Ahmad, deputy chairman of JLand Group, said that this partnership with ZHA underscores the group's commitment to both regional and international collaboration.

"IBTEC is designed to be a cutting-edge hub, strategically located and built with smart infrastructure to drive innovation, all while ensuring sustainable growth for the future.

"With this advanced development, it is hoped that it will enhance IBTEC's presence in the region as an investment destination and a key component within the JS-SEZ worth billions of ringgit, creating jobs for the local community and cementing JLG's position as an end-to-end real estate developer as a whole," he said.

"Their unique ability to blend form and function while respecting the environment aligns perfectly with our vision for Discovery City."

The centrepiece of Discovery City will be the Signature Gallery building, a landmark project with a GDV of RM269 million. This will feature ZHA's first iconic building in Malaysia, reflecting the firm's distinctive vision of 21st-century architecture and sustainable design.

The building will adhere to both local and international standards, including the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation's (MGTC) Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and international certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

ZHA's design approach for Discovery City will prioritise the harmonious integration of Johor's natural environment.

The firm will create sustainable structures, implement cutting-edge smart city technologies, and maintain a strong commitment to minimising environmental impact.

By embracing circularity and fostering a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environments, Discovery City is set to establish a new benchmark for sustainable development in Malaysia and beyond.

Gianluca Racana, director at ZHA, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "Discovery City will be our first project within Malaysia's architectural landscape, and we are honoured to be awarded this opportunity to explore how architecture can enhance its natural context, creating a synergy between the built and natural environments.

"We are committed to crafting an extraordinary development that will both inspire and respect its setting with our maiden project in Malaysia."