MH370 : Memorial Center

City University Malaysia

Project idea

The MH370 Memorial Center is born out of a profound sense of loss, resilience, and humanity’s enduring search for truth. Inspired by the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on March 8, 2014, the project aims to honor the memory of the 239 lives lost while offering a space for healing, remembrance, and reflection. This project is not only a tribute but a symbol of the collective grief and the undying hope of families, survivors, and the global community. More than just a memorial, it is a call to remember, to question, and to commit ourselves to greater safety and compassion in aviation. Central to the idea is the concept of the “Unending Lane,” a symbolic path that represents our journey through grief, understanding, and the ongoing search for answers.

Project description

Strategically located on a repurposed oil rig in Kemaman, Terengganu, the site selection reflects Malaysia’s close relationship with the sea and the maritime industry, while also symbolizing the aircraft’s presumed final resting place. The memorial center is carefully designed to evoke emotional engagement through storytelling spaces and reflective environments. The journey begins on the ground floor, where visitors encounter emotionally charged and educational spaces such as the Point Pitstop, Debris Tunnel, Last Word, Cockpit Simulation, Black Box Exhibit, Counselling Pod, Portrait Dome, and the Timeline Theatre. These spaces are intended to immerse visitors in the narrative of MH370, from the initial incident to the ongoing search and investigation.

Moving to the first floor, the atmosphere becomes more personal and introspective. Spaces such as the Log Cabin, Cabin Lounge, Families Corner, and the Control Tower provide a quieter environment for family members and visitors to reflect, while the Boarding Bridge leads to the centerpiece of the project , the Unending Lane. This path is both physical and symbolic, divided into zones that represent different emotional stages of the MH370 tragedy: The Beginning, Turning Point, and Hope Lane.

Technical information

The MH370 Memorial Center is meticulously planned, not only in terms of narrative but also in its materiality and spatial organization. The repurposing of an oil rig platform highlights adaptive reuse and engineering innovation, integrating the structure into the emotional storytelling of the memorial. Public and private zones are clearly defined across two levels, ensuring visitors’ experiences flow in an emotionally coherent and respectful manner.

Key architectural elements such as the Debris Tunnel and Black Box Exhibit are designed to give visitors tactile and visual connections to the real components of the aircraft, creating a bridge between abstraction and reality. The Dome of Portraits is a technologically enhanced space where digital screens showcase the faces and stories of the victims ,bringing a human element into the memorial narrative.

Material choices reflect the project’s themes of strength, lightness, and sustainability. Aluminum, a nod to aircraft construction, is used extensively for its durability and symbolic alignment with aviation. Natural, calming finishes create a contemplative environment, while sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems ensure the project respects environmental concerns.

In essence, the technical execution of this center not only supports the emotional and narrative aspects of the design but also reinforces its commitment to longevity, meaning, and purpose.