GDP Architects, one of Malaysia's most influential design practices, is celebrating 35 years of architectural excellence with a major retrospective exhibition. The firm, which has quietly shaped the architectural landscape across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and George Town, is opening its doors from August 30 through October 19 for a unique project that examines its own evolution through "group, design, partnership" at its GDP Campus in Bukit Damansara.
Sarah Merican, a Partner at GDP Architects who joined the practice nearly ten years ago, represents both the heritage and evolution of the firm. She has witnessed firsthand how GDP navigates between global architectural trends and Malaysia's complex cultural landscape, creating spaces that authentically reflect the nation's multicultural identity. Under her partnership, the firm has continued to define contemporary Malaysian architecture through a collective vision rather than pursuing individual architectural stardom.
The retrospective exhibition, which coincides with GDP's first major publication, captures what Merican describes as architecture born from "people coming together in spite of our differences." This philosophy has guided the practice through Malaysia's rapid urban transformation over the past three decades. The exhibition showcases how Malaysian architecture can successfully balance international design trends with meaningful local context, featuring projects ranging from intimate individual homes to major urban developments.
The GDP Campus itself serves as both the exhibition venue and a compelling case study of the firm's design philosophy. An aerial view of the campus reveals its thoughtful contextual integration within Bukit Damansara's residential neighborhood, demonstrating how contemporary architectural expression can be balanced with sensitivity to existing urban fabric. This approach exemplifies the firm's commitment to creating buildings that enhance rather than dominate their surroundings.
From the GDP Campus, Merican reflects on how the collective vision has successfully guided the practice through Malaysia's rapid transformation and considers the future direction of Malaysian architecture. The firm's three-decade journey demonstrates that architectural excellence can emerge from collaborative design philosophy while maintaining deep respect for local cultural contexts and community needs.
