Astaka Bukit Bendera is a three-storey food and beverage centre on a steep embankment on Penang Hill. The design embraces the philosophy of Architecture Without Walls to achieve energy efficiency in its passive cooling and natural lighting. The two higher levels house the food court and stalls with souvenir and drinks stalls below. The existing food-hawker location occupied a flat site at the hilltop but the selected embankment allows the building to be terraced down, allowing every level unobstructed views. There is minimal interference with the environment and no danger to the slope or the old retaining wall. The main frame is steel and the roofing is lightweight metal decking.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture