News / KLAF 2026 shows how architecture shapes cities and the lives of Malaysians
Architecture stepped out of studios and into public life at the recent Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2026 launch held at RexKL, setting the tone for a year-long celebration of design, culture and community. Organized by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), KLAF 2026 – themed "Future Culture" positions architecture as not just a professional discipline but a shared cultural language shaped by memory, identity and everyday experience.
Officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, the launch marks her first public appearance in her new portfolio, and the festival’s relevance to Kuala Lumpur as a living city.
In her address, Yeoh emphasises that architecture plays a crucial role beyond aesthetics or function.
"It is important that buildings and spaces reflect society, heritage and everyday life," she says. "KLAF 2026 brings architecture into public view, reminding us that design is not just about buildings, it's about community, culture and a sense of belonging."
KLAF 2026 brings architecture into public view, reminding us that design is not just about buildings but also about community, culture and a sense of belonging, says Yeoh.
That principle is at the heart of "Future Culture". Instead of moving away from the past, KLAF 2026 frames the future as an extension of collective memory where heritage, technology, sustainability and social values intersect.
"In architecture, future culture refers to how cities evolve by carrying memory forward balancing heritage with innovation, technology with humanity, and progress with cultural identity," says PAM president Adrianta Aziz.
"It asks how spaces can remain meaningful in a rapidly changing world through design that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in lived experience."
Adrianta says KLAF 2026 is an intentional effort to "festivalise architecture", making it visible, accessible and relevant to everyday Malaysians.
Adrianta says KLAF 2026 is an intentional effort to 'festivalise architecture', making it visible, accessible and relevant to everyday Malaysians
"Architecture arises from the people, is rooted in memory, and reaches out with hope for tomorrow," he says. "It's not just a festival for architects only, but a festival with the city and its people."
This inclusive approach is reflected in the festival's scale and reach.
It brings together professionals, students, industry players and the public through forums, exhibitions, installations, competitions and city activations, but with a difference this year.
While the festival begins in Kuala Lumpur, it will expand nationwide through PAM's Northern, Southern, East Coast, Sabah and Sarawak chapters.
For the first time, the festival will also take place in Terengganu, Penang, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak as part of a nationwide tour.
By activating different parts of the city and collaborating with creatives, communities and businesses, the festival also functions as an economic and cultural catalyst, encouraging people to rediscover the city through new perspectives, says Adrianta.
KLAF 2026 director Lim Gim Huang describes the festival as a shift from talking about architecture to actively practising it
We've evolved from discussing architecture in conferences, to reflect and become part of architecture itself, says Lim, pointing to RexKL as an example of adaptive reuse that embodies concept, context and content
"We've evolved from discussing architecture in conferences, to reflect and become part of architecture itself," he says, pointing to RexKL as an example of adaptive reuse that embodies concept, context and content.
"Future culture is what makes architecture come alive today, and what we do now shapes what culture becomes in the future."