In George Town, Penang, the recently completed Astaka Kota Selera food court stands as a model of how contemporary architecture can harmonize with heritage conservation and community needs. Located adjacent to the historic Fort Cornwallis within the UNESCO World Heritage zone, the project highlights a sensitive approach to design that prioritizes cultural preservation and the livelihoods of local hawkers.
Designed by EA Architects, Astaka Kota Selera was recognized as Building of the Year and awarded the Commercial Low Rise Gold at this year’s PAM Awards. Beyond its accolades, architects Liou Hung Woei and Lui Sy Ying emphasize the project's broader goals: safeguarding local heritage, supporting community businesses, and creating inviting public spaces.
The redevelopment formed part of the Penang State Government’s North Seafront Improvement Programme, which included the archaeological restoration of Fort Cornwallis’s western moat. The original food court was situated directly above the moat’s historical location, necessitating its relocation not due to structural concerns but to enable the fort’s defensive landscape to be reinstated. This presented a complex challenge for the architects, who needed to design a new facility for 26 hawkers while allowing archaeological work to continue. Vendors were temporarily moved to a nearby site during construction to maintain their operations.
EA Architects adopted a community-centered approach, consulting with hawkers and regular patrons to understand the original food court’s function and identify areas for improvement. As food serves as a vital component of Malaysia’s cultural identity and community life, ensuring the market remained both a workplace and a familiar gathering place was a key consideration.
Architecturally, the building avoids mimicking colonial styles or overshadowing Fort Cornwallis, opting instead for restraint and subtlety. The low-profile, open-plan design maintains important sightlines to the fort, Padang Kota Lama, and the restored moat. The jury for the PAM Awards praised the project’s careful attention to scale, proportion, and materiality, noting its respectful stance toward the heritage environment.
A distinctive feature is the perforated red brick façade, which doubles as an environmental element by filtering daylight and facilitating airflow to mitigate heat. The choice of brick also visually complements the nearby masonry walls without attempting to replicate them, reinforcing the building’s understated connection to its historic neighbor.
Environmental considerations strongly influenced the design to accommodate Penang’s tropical climate. The architects retained two mature trees within the site, organizing the layout around them to enhance shade and contribute to a cooler microclimate. Natural ventilation is encouraged through the building’s open configuration, reducing the need for air conditioning. A lightweight green roof system provides additional insulation while blending the building with the adjacent greenery of Padang Kota Lama. Wide roof overhangs offer protection from sun and rain, enhancing comfort for visitors and vendors alike.
Astaka Kota Selera exemplifies how modern architectural interventions can respect and reinforce heritage settings while serving the evolving needs of local communities.