Form Follows Flow: BIG's Design for Battersea Power Station Square Unveiled

Battersea Power Station, owned by a Malaysian consortium of S P Setia, Sime Darby Properties and the Employees Provident Fund, is in the midst of a multi-phase development following a master plan by Rafael Viñoly Architects and with major contributions by Norman Foster and Frank Gehry. BIG's competition-winning contribution, the aptly named Malaysia Square fronting the historic power station, was, per a statement from the developers, "first conceived by its owners who were seeking an avenue to showcase the uniqueness of Malaysia’s fascinating culture, rich diversity and heritage."

References to Malaysia are found in the two-level design's urban canyons that are inspired by the country's landscape and geology. Further, the striated stones (limestone, granite, marble, sandstone, gravel, and dolomite) reference Malaysia's geology, and a central fountain has been designed in the form of a hibiscus – Malaysia's national flower.

Bjarke Ingels described the design in a statement: "Situated at the very foot of the towering Battersea icon, the new Malaysia Square derives its shape from human flows, creating a cascading landscape carved into the street – or simply put form follows flow. As an urban canvas of possibilities for cultural expression, where landscape, architecture, urbanism and media design are in complete harmony – the new Malaysia Square lends dignity to the majestic industrial heritage while paving the way for a new Malaysia identity."