Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards 2012 Special Supplement

APRIL 7, 2013

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA ORGANISED BY

Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM)

World Landscape Architecture Month 2013

1-10-3, Presint ALAMI, Pusat Perniagaan Worldwide 2, Persiaran Akuatik, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

T : (603) 5523-4638 / (6013) 2020-827 | F : (603) 5519-0827 E : ilamalaysia1981@gmail.com W : www.ilamalaysia.org Facebook : Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM)

SPECIAL

CITY OF LANDSCAPING WONDERS PAGES 6 & 7

PUTERI HARBOUR – LUXURY’S NEW ATTITUDE PAGE 10

PAGE 2 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES

APRIL 7, 2013

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

LANDSCAPE...

More Than Just Beauty

By LAr. Dr. Suhardi Maulan

organised by

Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM)

World Landscape Architecture Month 2013

President LAr. Mohd Fadrillah bin Mohd Taib Vice President Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Osman bin Mohd Tahir Honorary Secretary LAr. Dr. Nor Atiah binti Ismail Assistant Honorary Secretary LAr. Charles Teo Kae Siang Honorary Treasurer LAr. Sharipah binti Mohamed Assistant Honorary Treasurer LAr. Danial bin A. Hasan Committee Members LAr Mohd Nazri bin Saidon LAr. Abu Hassan bin Wahab LAr. Abd. Aziz bin Othman LAr. Zainudin bin Ya LAr. Sabarudin bin Buang LAr. Noriah binti Mat LAr. Sharon Lee Chee Wee LAr. Meor Saadon Sofian bin Mior Razali LAr. Sahar bin Samsuri Auditors LAr. Samsul Rohaizad bin Mohd Jemoner LAr. Wan Salamatul Juita binti Wan Hashim Immediate Past President Dato’ LAr. Ismail bin Ngah Northern Chapter Liaison Officer: LAr. Phua Chin Eng Southern Chapter Liaison Officer: Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Ismail Said Sabah Chapter Liaison Officer: LAr. Kartini Datuk Arif Sarawak Chapter Liaison Officer: LAr. Sinsoon bin Jabu

Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) 2012 Special Thanks to Intl. Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Amcorp Properties Berhad Amcorp Prima Realty Sdn. Bhd. Gemilang Juga Sdn. Bhd. Bandar Eco Setia Sdn. Bhd. Setia Indah Sdn. Bhd. UEM Land Cahaya Jauhar Sdn. Bhd. Perbadanan Putrajaya Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan Walrus Design Sdn. Bhd. OTLA Design Partnership Aroma Tropics Sdn. Bhd. Just Right Design Sdn. Bhd. Tajul LandArt Malik Lip & Associates Sdn. Bhd. Pentago Landscape Sdn. Bhd. Urban Design Group Sdn. Bhd. Mentari Design Praxcis Design Sdn. Bhd. Tropics Design Alam Haruman Design EKM Landscape Architects Magni Concept Sdn. Bhd. Laman TBG SKA Landscape Architects BL Consultant Team Alamscape Sdn. Bhd. Konsep Inovartis Clouston Design (M) Sdn. Bhd. Design, Training & Consulting Unit, UPM Researchers & Students Putrajaya Wetlands LAr. Mohd Fadrillah Mohd Taib LAr. Dr. Suhardi Maulan LAr. Sharipah Mohamed LAr. Charles Teo LAr. Kamariyah Kamsah, FILAM LAr. Meor Saadon Sofian Mior Razali LAr. Phua Chin Eng LAr. Siti Zabeda Mohammad LAr. Zainuddin Ya Prof. LAr. Dr. Mustafa Kamal Mohd Shariff LAr. Nurulhuda Hayati Ibrahim MLAA2012 Organising Committee ILAM Council Members 2012/2014

ILAM President LAr. Mohd Fadrillah bin Mohd Taib

Around the world, April is observed as “World Landscape Architecture Month”. In collaboration with this event, NST recently had the privilege to speak with the President of the Institute of Landscape Architects of Malaysia (ILAM), LAr. Mohd Fadrillah Mohd Taib. During the discussion, topics ranged from the recently held annual Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards to the benefits that landscape architects can contribute to the environment, local and national economies, tourism industry and the well-being of the nation’s growing population.

Community participation at Taman Wetlands Putrajaya

Urban pocket space

Green spaces for recreational purposes at residential precinct

The Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) has sucessfully organised the annual Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA).

Can you tell our readers about the significance of the MLAA? The Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards is a design and planning competition for members of our profession, whereby we recognise the outstanding work being doing across Malaysia and in the ASEAN region.

people to see but also to be used for positive activities such as jogging, playing games and taking nature walks, which also improve health. In my opinion, our housing areas should not only have neighbourhood parks but also ample walkways with spaces for exercise and socialising. The challenge now, of course, is to ensure that these elements are not only happening in luxury housing estates but also in the medium and low-cost housing areas.

What is the meaning of “landscape”, from your perspective?

In Malaysia, many people have a perception that landscape is only about trees and shrubs, but “the landscape”, in our context, refers to any enviroment or outdoor space that people see and interact with on a daily basis. Trees and shrubs are part of the term “landscape”, yet so are our parks, urban plazas, roads, mountains, rivers, cities and wetlands.

What impact does landscape architecture have on the local economy?

The idea of landscape architecture being able to increase property values is not only limited to housing developments but can also be applied to offices and institutional developments. Currently, the government also recognises the importance of landscaped areas in tourism activities via its “Garden and Park Tourism” initiatives. At the moment, the demand for landscape and garden products is also increasing and this allows small and medium industries such as consultancy services, nurseries and fountain and pool suppliers, to thrive. So, I would like to stress here that our industry does have a significant impact upon national growth domestic product values.

How important is it to have landscape architects involved in land planning and design?

Landscape architects consider themselves to be “stewards of the land”. Therefore, the main role of these professionals is to ensure new developments do not destroy pre-existing natural areas and that solutions can be found that work in harmony with the unique structure of any given site or piece of land to enhance its profile.

How important is it for a development to have a good landscape planning and design?

For ILAM, and all landscape architects, we believe that landscape planning has many benefits and values to offer and these are not just important; they are, in the long run, priceless. With the MLAA, we are making a strong, positive statement about the value and benefits of landscaping from different perspectives; environmental, aesthetic, health and well-being, economic and social.

Can you elaborate about these values and benefits? s %NHANCE "IODIVERSITY 3URROUNDINGS By planning soft landscapes, we are actually increasing biodiversity. Such areas will have more plants and these plants will create new habitats for the local wildlife. Careful landscape plannning, which considers protection, conservation and restoration of natural landscapes and zoning, also aims to provide a cleaner environment and better air quality. s )NCREASE !ESTHETIC 6ALUES There is no doubt that landscaping increases the aesthetic value of a space. Just imagine a city without plants, a lack of ample walkways or no waterfront or riverside relaxation areas. Studies have shown that greener cities are preferred by residents in comparison to hard, grey concrete jungles. People believe that landscaping and a happy shade of “green” can enhance their lives. Furthermore, it is more likely that a house facing a green area would have a higher market value and be sold more easily, compared to a house facing a less attractive view. s "ENElTS TO (EALTH 7ELL "EING In relation to health and well-being, many studies looking at restorative environments have pointed out that people who engage in or are exposed to green spaces have a better quality of life. A classic study by Roger Ulrich (Professor of Architecture at the Centre for Healthcare Building Research at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden), further asserts this claim that patients in a hospital who can see landscape elements from their beds recover faster. Furthermore, landscapes also improve micro climates, reduce urban heat and improve quality of air. s 2ECREATIONAL 3PACES By providing spaces such as public parks, we are actually providing areas not only for

What less tangible benefits can be derived from a well-landscaped public area?

Landscape architecture is an agent for improving social interaction. As Malaysia becomes more urbanised, a demand for public spaces such as parks, plazas and even roadside walkways will increase and these are unique platforms for improving human contact. Malaysians from all walks of life and ethnic groups need and use landscaped spaces and regardless of our growing desire for online social media; one cannot deny that people do need a place to meet and greet.

ILAM has been in existance for more than 30 years. What challenges has it faced in that time?

The main challenge that landscape practitioners face in Malaysia is people’s perception of landscaping, which is often confined, as we mentioned earlier, to “planting trees and shrubs”, which is not strictly true. The landscape we consider is very much associated with the environment at large and the public must be informed that by undertaking good landscape design, we are actually protecting and improving the environment. As a result, our rivers, hills, wetlands, city greenery and urban public spaces will all be much better managed. By really knowing what landscape architecture is all about, the landscape agenda can be a priority for the country.

How do you think this challenge can be overcome?

Related government landscape and environmental agencies at the federal, state and local levels should actively promote, guide and enforce landscape development and activities. This guidance should come in the form of an Act that would govern the entire profession and its practitioners. By having such an Act, the profession can improve in terms of professionalism and the quality of services provided. This, in turn, will improve the quality of designs that we deliver. I hope all readers will note that we believe it is very important that public spaces be planned and designed by a professional landscape architect, for the sake of public health, well-being and security.

So, what is your hope for the future development of your profession in Malaysia?

My hope is that the issues and problems mentioned earlier, regarding perception and recognition, can be solved. I would like to take this opportunity to urge the main players in landscape industries, be they from universities, government agencies, private practitioners or builders, to work together to develop a strategic agenda to improve landscape quality and development in Malaysia, for the sake of all Malaysians. I would be excited and heartened to see everyone supporting our efforts by attending our events, participating in eco-friendly activities and going out and enjoying the wide variety of public spaces created for the nation.

APRIL 7, 2013

NEW SUNDAY TIMES | PAGE 3

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

Kayangan Heights Bags Top MLAA Awards

By Raymond Martin

Photo: Teratai Villa at Kayangan Heights

Recently, New Straits Times had the privilege of interviewing Amcorp Properties Berhad Executive Chairman, Azmi Hashim.

He told us about the recent work the company has undertaken, and shared his thoughts on winning two Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) for the year 2012, presented by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM).

The awards were for the developments of Kayangan Heights and Kenanga Woods@Kayangan Heights, which were presented with the Excellence Award (Developer Category), and the Honour Award (Professional Landscape Architects Category), respectively.

Can you give our readers a brief history of Amcorp Properties Bhd? Amcorp Properties Berhad (AMCORP) is a subsidiary of Amcorp Group Berhad. The company was incorporated in Malaysia in 1965 under the name Taiping Textile Limited and was initially involved in manufacturing textiles for the local and export markets. We were listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia in 1972. In 1984, the company changed its name to Arab Malaysian Development Berhad, following its diversification into property development and several other business sectors. The company changed its name again in 2002 to AMDB Berhad and, subsequently, to its current name, Amcorp Properties Berhad, in 2010, when it became a subsidiary of Amcorp Group Bhd. Currently, following a restructuring exercise, AMCORP’s main focus is concerned with local and foreign property, engineering and infrastructure businesses.

AZMI HASHIM Executive Chairman AMCORP PROPERTIES BERHAD

Besides Kayangan Heights, can you tell us about other property developments undertaken

by Amcorp Prima Realty?

At the moment, AMCORP is focused on developing Sibu Jaya, an award-winning, self-contained, mixed development township of approximately 1,200 acres, located along the Pan Borneo Highway in Sibu, Sarawak. Presently, there are 461 acres of completed development as well as 739 acres of undeveloped and on-going projects. Sibu Jaya is one of the largest integrated township developments in the state and AMCORP plans to continue tapping local expertise through joint ventures with local developers and contractors to transform Sibu Jaya into a successful and vibrant township.

Sibu Jaya, Sarawak

NEO Bankside, London

How did the Group diversify to invest in the property field?

In 1982, the company ventured into this new field by acquiring 5 property development companies, namely Taman Aman Sdn Bhd, Exotic Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Seng Hock Realty Development Sdn Bhd, Living Development Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Kompleks Damai Sdn Bhd. This was subsequently followed by the acquisition of more companies specialising in property development, construction and engineering services, such as Arab-Malaysian-Toda Construction Sdn Bhd, Selaju Sdn Bhd and Walleng Enterprises Sdn Bhd. The company’s successful past projects include Taman Bayu Mutiara (Pulau Pinang), Menara Pelita (Kuching), Seri Duta I and II, Bangunan AmAssurance, Bangunan AmBank Group, Plaza KWSP (Kuala Lumpur) and Amcorp Trade Centre, Petaling Jaya.

Tell us about winning project in the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA).

We were surprised and honoured by this recognition of our work. The Kayangan Heights developments is a gated, low-density bungalow design, located within Section U9, Shah Alam, surrounded by several mature developments such as Monterez Golf Club, Bukit Jelutong, Denai Alam, Cahaya SPK, Sunway Kayangan, along with a nearby RRI future development. Kayangan Heights is easily accessible from the major highways and in years to come, with the completion of the proposed DASH Expressway, it will only take approximately 20 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur.

The entire Kayangan Heights development, sprawling over approximately 400 acres of pristine forestland, is strategically positioned and protected from Klang Valley’s hustle and bustle. It comprises four distinctive districts, each with its own unique features, landscape and facilities catering for the residents. The natural beauty of ancient trees, running streams and a tranquil lake, a clubhouse equipped with a gymnasium, swimming and wading pool all provide places for wholesome recreation and relaxation for residents’ families and friends.

Besides Malaysia, has the company ventured into property development abroad?

AMCORP first ventured overseas in 2009 when it acquired a freehold office and commercial building at 40/50 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London. We were very pleased when the property was successfully sold for a profit of RM72 million within 24 months of acquisition. This was followed by a series of smaller acquisitions of residential properties in Lexam Gardens and Baker Street, which have all since been sold at a profit.

At Kayangan Heights, we observed that Amcorp Prima Realty placed great emphasis on landscape and the environment – can you tell us why?

The concept of Kayangan Heights is inspired by the beauty of nature. That’s why the landscape is carefully planned to blend into the existing natural environment. It is also part of the company’s efforts to develop sustainable designs. The facilities and parcels are created to ensure that they maximise the green effect experience. In addition, the recreation facilities, such as the clubhouse, were intended to incorporate the beautiful green backdrop of the nearby forest, which can be seen from the terminus of the stunning infinity pool.

Due to the success of these ventures, AMCORP has gone further into property management and investment in London. Via a joint venture with London’s prominent property development companies, Native Land Limited, Grosvenor Limited, Montrose Land and Developments Limited and Tarras Park Properties Limited, Amcorp Properties Berhad invested in one of London’s prime residential developments, known as NEO Bankside.

This was followed by the latest acquisition, via a joint venture with NL (Pollen) Limited and HPL (Mayfair) Pte Ltd, of a freehold, income-producing property in central London. Located at 29-30 Old Burlington Street, this property is in the heart of East Mayfair, long considered to be London’s prime real estate area, with rentals among the highest in London and the world.

What is the current state of Kayangan Heights development?

Of the total 307 acres of land for sale in Kayangan Heights, 50 per cent, or 156 acres, have been sold. To date, there are approximately 120 units of bungalows built by lot owners and 61 units of bungalows built by the company.

Do you think that landscaping is an important component in property development?

Yes. AMCORP strongly subscribes to the belief that landscaping plays an important role in property development. AMCORP takes into account the sustainable development aspect of the local environment and ecology in order to preserve nature’s best. Kayangan Heights is a good reflection of this commitment and a living expression of our beliefs.

What is the next step for the Kayangan Heights development?

Kayangan Heights is a growing development and AMCORP aims to increase the population within Kayangan Heights by developing bungalows on the remaining vacant lots. AMCORP intends to continue with the cluster concept of 20 to 30 units, each targeted at the middle-upper income group. For the medium to long term, AMCORP expects to be able to gain higher premiums on pricing as the development in Kayangan Heights matures and becomes more extensively populated.

With the winning of the MLAA Award this year, how important will landscape development be in Amcorp Prima Realty’s future projects?

Winning the award is further impetus for AMCORP to continually aspire to achieve the best possible standards in landscaping. Now, AMCORP will endeavour to incorporate equally intelligent and respectful landscaping in all of its future projects. We may even win more awards along the way!

PAGE 4 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES

APRIL 7, 2013

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

Putrajaya wins five awards HONOUR AWARD — GOVERNMENT HONOUR AWARD — GOVERNMENT

Community gardens of Putrajaya: A public–private participation programme with the involvement of residents’ associations, non-government organisations, government agencies and private companies. Currently, Putrajaya has eight community gardens approved by Putrajaya Corporation. Located on public lands owned by the Federal Land Commission, three gardens are in Presint 8, four in Presint 9 and one in Presint 16.

Two more gardening groups have applied to start their gardens in two separate locations in Presint 14 and Presint 5.

EXCELLENCE AWARD — GOVERNMENT

Putrajaya Botanical Gardens: Nicknamed the “Mother of All Gardens” and spread over 93ha of former palm oil plantation, it is the biggest botanical garden in Malaysia. It was designed as an arcadia of plant sanctuary where living collections of plants mainly from the botanical region of Malesiana can be found.

The living collections also consist of more than 700 species of flowering plants from other geographical regions of the world within the Equatorial belt including Asia Pacific, Africa and South America.

HONOUR AWARD — GOVERNMENT

Ecohydrology management of lake and wetland in Putrajaya urban ecosystem: Putrajaya’s lakes and wetland were constructed to control the quality of the run-off with consideration given to the processes of possible source of all pollutants in the catchment area, including stakeholders’ activities. It also ensures aesthetic viability and sustains good water quality suitable for recreational use, including primary and secondary contact activities. The Putrajaya lake and wetland management model has achieved its goals of creating clean fresh air, a conducive, safe environment and clean water for the lakes through an ecosystem management for the benefit of Putrajaya residents.

HONOUR AWARD — GOVERNMENT

Healthy Park-Healthy People: The landscapes and parks of Putrajaya became an excellent venue for a cycling programme named Putrajaya Inter-Parks Ride (PIPR). This programme was established in May 2010 to provide opportunities for the Putrajaya and neighbouring communities to utilise Putrajaya public parks to cycle for recreation, leisure and health, thus promoting a healthy lifestyle and the tagline “Healthy Parks, Healthy People”. Since the first ride began in May 2010, this activity has succeeded in creating a new phenomenon in cycling, with a total of 17 cycling activities carried out from 2010 to July 2012, involving more than 15,000 cyclists. Held on Feb 20, 2012, it has been recorded in the Malaysia Book of Record as the ‘Largest participation in an inter-parks cycling event’ with 3,077 participants.

Taman Pancarona: The second largest park in Putrajaya, it has extensive planting of showycoloured foliage, tassels, flowers, fruits and berries, flowering trees and shrubs following the planting concept of “Shimmering Colours”, after the name Pancarona. “Panca” means “shines” and “Rona” is an old Malay word for “colour”. It was designed and built as an urban public park to cater to sports and recreation needs of residents in the Core Island (Nusa Perdana) city centre area.

APRIL 7, 2013

NEW SUNDAY TIMES | PAGE 5

PUTRAJAYA Astounding Landscape Amongst World’s Best!

Putrajaya Inter-Parks Ride; Healthy Parks Healthy People Green City Honour Award, MLAA 2012 Bronze Award, The International Awards for Liveable Communities 2012 The Malaysia Book of Records – Largest Participation In An Inter-Park Cycling Event, 2012

Community Gardens of Putrajaya; Growing Pride, People & Community Green City Honour Award, MLAA 2012 Bronze Award, The International Awards for Liveable Communities 2012 A Community Participation, Engagement and Empowerment initiative under the Putrajaya Local Agenda 21 Programme

Taman Botani Putrajaya Green City Honour Award, MLAA 2012 An arcadia of plant sanctuary; the living collections of plants from botanical region of the Malesiana Registered with the Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) International recognition in publication “Paradise Found” as one of the top 40 most beautiful parks in the World

Taman Pancarona Putrajaya Green City Honour Award, MLAA 2012 Purposed designed and built as an urban public park to cater sports and recreation needs for residents A parks of “Shimmering Colours” with an extensive planting of showy-coloured foliage, tassels, flowers, fruits and berries

Eco-hydrology Management of Lake and Wetland In Putrajaya Urban Ecosystem Green City Excellent Award, MLAA 2012 Gold Award, The International Awards for Liveable Communities 2012 Recognition As An Operational Site By UNESCO-IHP Ecohydrology Programme, 2011

2012

GREE AWAN CITY RDS S

MALAYSIA

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We follow the edict that a city is as beautiful and poised as the people who live in it. That is why we are proud to have won Five out of Six Awards of the Green City Awards 2012. The honour itself is a testament to our dedication in thinking green and designing landscapes that are a true reflection of our love for our homeland and the environment.

AGE 6 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES

APRIL

MALAYSIA L ARCHITECTURE A AISYAH SULAIMAN

PUTRAJAYA aisyahs@mediaprima.com.my

A

City

of landscaping

wonders There are still much to be done to ensure that Putrajaya remains as great a city as its contemporaries, not just for business or work, but also for fun and play.

Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat Putrajaya Corporation president

great city is one where the communities thrive under its shelter, where the best facilities and transportation are offered, and where families are built on good, solid ground.

But a truly wonderful city however, offers all these, and much more.

Malaysia is home to a great many wondrous cities, from those that boasts high-rise and modern building complexes to immense parks and gardens that dot the landscape. Only one city, however, has managed to combine the modern and the traditional, with elements of nature and man-made wonder rolled into one.

Putrajaya, the Federal government administrative centre, embodies the very best in city planning and worldclass landscape architectural feat. The city is well-developed, taking into account the elements of nature, God and human.

With almost 40 per cent of its land use designated as open space in line with the concept of a "City in the Garden", the outstanding aesthetic quality of Putrajaya with its spectacular buildings and colourful landscape had won it numerous accolades and recognition. This year, the city once again took the landscape industry to another level by winning five categories under the Green City Awards of the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) 2012 by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (Ilam).

The award is given to cities in the country that have demonstrated excellence in landscape architectural planning, design, development and management at a city-wide scale.

Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat says bagging the awards is a testimony to Putrajaya's role as a leading model city in various aspects of landscape architectural and environmental practices in the country.

"This is the first time that we have submitted projects

based on current management practices, highlighting real life work and tasks. We included in particular the lake, wetlands, community gardens, park activities and events, as well as community participation, engagement and empowerment.

"The facts and figures submitted for the awards are evidence of a truly vibrant and well-managed city, which we hope to share with the rest of the country."

The city's submissions, he says, covered not just the overall outlook but also the day-to-day details of its development.

"We focused on events such as the community gardens, where the people partake in activities to create their own piece of natural wonder in their backyards. It is to further beautify the scenery around their homes.

"The gardens have now become the only community gardens left in Malaysia.

L 7, 2013

NEW SUNDAY TIMES | PAG

LANDSCAPE AWARDS MLAA

It had attracted people from all over to come and learn about the gardens and how they survive in such a modern setting."

The MLAA Award is not new to the city. It has won several categories in the past three years, one for its Taman Wetland Putrajaya in 2011, and for its Putrajaya Waterfront Promenade, Taman Warisan Pertanian, and Taman Rimba Alam in 2010.

The five awards won last year are the ILAM MLAA Excellence Award for its projects — Ecohydrology Management of Lake and Wetland in Putrajaya Urban Ecosystem, Community Gardens of Putrajaya, Healthy Park — Healthy People, Botanic Gardens Putrajaya and Taman Pancarona Putrajaya.

Winning the awards, adds Aseh, mean the city is on the right track, and is shaping up to become what it is truly meant to be a garden city for a green nation.

Putrajaya was designed and devel-

oped to become an example of the best practices in city planning, building and management. The city was chosen to pioneer the nation's aspiration to create a 'Garden Nation' in the late 1990's.

It went on to become the 'Model Green City' as a commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in 2009 to reduce carbon emission.

Elaborating, Aseh says Putrajaya has taken the lead in community engagement projects as well as produce a suc-

cessful recycling centre that encourage all its citizens to practise recycling daily.

Putrajaya is probably the only city in Malaysia with a whole fleet of buses running on natural gas, and the first to implement the Electronic Landscape Submission that went live last month.

It has also brought standard practices for public safety and maintenance to international standards, says Aseh, such as the Playground Safety Programme with the International Playground Safety Institute, LLC, based in the United States.

"Putrajaya has blossomed from an idea into a well-carved, beautifully crafted and manicured city. We may need to loosen things a little to allow for greater diversity of activities and businesses to flourish but the main theme and concept must be followed.

"There are still much to be done to ensure that Putrajaya remains as great a city as its contemporaries, not just for business or work, but also for fun and play."

Aseh says among the objectives set for the city are to elevate it as an excellent Federal government administrative centre, build a progressive and diverse urban economy, strengthen tourism as a key economic function, enhance community-living environment, implement integrated transportation system, employ adaptable and responsive land use management and adopt effective partnership and good governance.

The ultimate goal is to obtain the status of a 'Sustainable City', or a city that works on its own resources.

"The sustainable city concept is one that is adaptable and responsive towards change and, therefore, the need to change and adapt as, and when required is mandatory.

"This means that we have to become a resource-efficient city, and continue to excel and grow as the world continues to progress in technology and adapt to the ever-changing mindset of the people," concludes Aseh.

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APRIL 7, 2013

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

East Ledang – this is how living spaces should be E

AST LEDANG is a themed garden residential development designed and planned for the upper middle to upper class segment.

Insights from extensive market research helped defined unique customer value proposition. It was not innovation but the definition of a dream that the market asked for.

Foremost is a safe and spacious environment that can create a nurturing, caring and loving sanctuary.

Another insight showed an innate desire to be surrounded by external spaces providing a safe, happy and light environment — "an on-demand escape."

This project by UEM Land Holdings Berhad (UEM Land) in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, is planned and designed to meet these needs.

Developed on the concept

of space and spaciousness, it holistically looks at both internal and external spaces to create a sense of belonging and endearment thus, creating the tagline, "this is how living spaces should be".

From the 31 manicured themed gardens, seven parks, internal courtyards, high ceilings, ample spaces and attention to detail, to the fibre-optic based fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) ICT network and three-tier security system, East Ledang captures the essence of the perfect living space giving the customer a safe and secure, friendly and neighbourly environment that not only encourages its residents to actively enjoy both the external spaces but also encourages a sense of community.

The emphasis on spaciousness is further evident in the application of garden living through the 31 gardens and open spaces that make up more than 15 per cent of the total acreage (the authority requirement is only 10 per cent while the density is reduced to a mere 2.7 units per 0.4ha, way below the industry norm of 10 units per 0.4ha).

The esoteric gardens make the grounds much more than a site for a home.

They have opened up room for interaction and harmony with nature, connecting people to development.

The gardens spread over seven parks spanning the project. Individually themed, the parks correspond to each day of the week while the 31 gardens relate to the 31 days in a month, providing residents a different garden theme to experience and enjoy each day of the month.

Each garden is distinctive in its theme, design and experience. Bearing names such as Fountain Garden, Swan Garden, Wind-rustling Garden, Stairway Garden and Mist Garden, they create a harmonious environment, expressing a commitment of responsi-

bility and beauty, function and identity, legacy and forward vision.

Each permutation of the gardens explores the possibilities of outdoor space, creating a sense of time, place, history — connections that ground the inhabitant, promote physical and mental health and ultimately make space "special" to each individual.

On landscape, the plants and trees are chosen for relevance to the local environment and easy maintenance.

Local forest species, including the now rare Johor tree, and local orchard species are reintroduced to the landscape, to mature over time into a selfsustainable, balanced and diversified ecosystem.

Local topography features — the views, water features, hills, canal and monsoon drain — are fully explored and utilised. Transformed, in varying degrees, into wetlands, forest, stream, pond and other environments, these green areas envelop the built areas, creating an identity unique to each house and forming a seamless experience of spaciousness that resonates from the outdoors and continues into the indoor spaces.

The "green continuum" concept integrates buildings and open spaces through a continuous network of linear parks and open spaces providing residents easy access to green areas, while at the same time creating lush, shaded and comfortable living atmospheres.

The open spaces comprise networked pedestrian footpaths, valleys and embankments with active and passive recreational areas.

By encouraging pedestrian movement throughout the development, the design encourages community and kinship, with increased interactions between residents.

Answering the need for genuine outdoor experiences in a safe environment, residents have the opportunities for exploration, nature-bonding, education and recreation in and among the gardens.

APRIL 7, 2013

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APRIL 7, 2013

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA

Puteri Harbour – luxury’s new attitude P

uteri Harbour is one of UEM Land Holdings Berhad’s (UEM Land) signature and catalytic projects in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia, Johor. This 688-acre integrated urban waterfront development offers a panaromic view of the Straits of Johor.

It seeks to redefine luxury living and offer boundless real estate benefits to the astute investor. Located adjacent to Kota Iskandar (Johor government new administrative centre), it offers a unique luxurious lifestyle community with exceptional waterfront living, dining, entertainment, the arts and culture in a safe and postcard picture natural setting.

It will be an ideal location for global or regional commerce and events, with state-of-the art facilities and a business friendly environment that will create world — class personal or business investment opportunities.

The project‘s master plan aims to realise the vision for the development as an iconic waterfront location with quality environments and structures that complement each other, integrate well into the surroundings and contribute towards a rich vibrant and textured waterfront precinct – a place that is engaging, contemporary and culturally relevant.

The objectives are to enhance the identity of the waterfront; create amenities for all groups of people to complement the waterfront experience; promote a sense of community within the urban spaces; adopt safety and security measures through environment design; and promote environmental sustainable designs and use of resources.

The urban design guidelines focuses on five precincts within the waterfront development. They are identified as Nakhoda, Laksamana, Tanjung, Bahtera and Puteri precincts. For the Malaysian Landscape Architecture Award 2012, the area of focus is the Phase 1 development of Bahtera precinct, namely the Satellite Club House.

The guiding principles of this development, especially those that relates to landscape, are as follow: • Landscape elements are to respond to local cultural conditions through the use of materials, textures and forms that celebrate the Malaysia native landscape.

• The theme should be to create a bold, contemporary tropical landscape in scale with each distinctive precinct of development.

• Create landscapes for a variety of uses, large public gatherings, special events, celebrations as well as intimate events.

• Develop strong indoor/outdoor relationships between commercial and retail and the adjacent public laneways and plazas, and residential and the adjacent gardens, to enliven the public domain.

• Use trees, structures, water features and planting to create cool

micro climates, and use verandahs and roof structures to protect people from rain, to encourage people to inhabit the landscape.

• Provide a clear delineation between public and private uses and encourage passive surveillance to increase security.

• Create destination landscapes at key locations to encourage a complete experience of all the precincts and use distant views and vertical installations to link these destinations.

• Create a landscape that will evolve into a multi-layered and engaging place appropriate for a range of different users at different times of the day and different times of the year.

The avenue of rain trees continues around the waterfront.

Waterfront promenade terminates at the staircase to the upper headland level.

The staircase is a series of platforms that creates spaces for people to relax and watch the promenade, as the well as the extruded boxes containing plants and trees.

APRIL 7, 2013

NEW SUNDAY TIMES | PAGE 11

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD LIST MLAA2012

THE MLAA 2012 ORGANISING COMMITTEE

THE MLAA 2012 JURY

organised by

Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM)

World Landscape Architecture Month 2013

LAr. Mohd Fadrillah Mohd Taib Competition Chairman

LAr. Dr. Suhardi Maulan Competition Judging

LAr. Sharipah Mohamed Certification & Financing

LAr. Charles Teo Competition Outline Promotion & Publication

LAr. Kamariyah Kamsah FILAM (Group 1 Head Judge)

LAr. Meor Saadon Sofian Mior Razali

LAr. Siti Zabeda Mohammad

LAr. Zainuddin Ya

LAr. Phua Chin Eng

Prof. LAr. Dr. Mustafa Kamal Mohd Shariff (Group 2 Head Judge)

LAr. Nurulhuda Hayati Ibrahim

EXCELLENCE AWARD - GOVERNMENT Ecohydrology Mgt. of Lake and Wetland Perbadanan Putrajaya

HONOUR AWARD - GOVERNMENT Taman Sahabat Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan

HONOUR AWARD - GOVERNMENT Putrajaya Inter-Parks Ride (PIPR) Perbadanan Putrajaya

HONOUR AWARD - GOVERNMENT Taman Botani Putrajaya Perbadanan Putrajaya

HONOUR AWARD - GOVERNMENT Community Gardens of Putrajaya Perbadanan Putrajaya

HONOUR AWARD - GOVERNMENT Taman Pacarona Putrajaya Perbadanan Putrajaya

HERITAGE LANDSCAPE AWARD Dataran Merdeka Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

HERITAGE LANDSCAPE AWARD Taman Budaya (Reservoir Park) Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara

EXCELLENCE AWARD - DEVELOPER Kayangan Heights Amcorp Prima Realty Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - DEVELOPER Damselfly and Geyser Creeks Bandar Eco-Setia Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - DEVELOPER Serenity Park East Ledang Phase 1 UEM LAND

HONOUR AWARD - DEVELOPER Pocket Parks @ Phase 9 Bandar Eco-Setia Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - DEVELOPER Puteri Harbour Satellite Clubhouse UEM LAND

MERIT AWARD - DEVELOPER Waterfalls of Setia Eco Cascadia Setia Indah Sdn. Bhd.

MERIT AWARD - DEVELOPER Cluster C2S Complex, Kota Iskandar Cahaya Jauhar Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Zephyrpoint @ Basong Walrus Design Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Hillvista Condominium, Singapore OTLA Design Partnership

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Impiana Resort, Phuket Pentago Landscape Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Setia Eco Park Phase 6 Waterway Aroma Tropics Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Kenanga Woods @ Kayangan Heights Just Right Design Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Setia Eco Cascadia Show Village Tajul LandArt

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL The Datai Malik, Lip & Associates

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Taman Awam Merdeka, Johor Bahru Tropics Design

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Dai Phuoc Phase 1, Vietnam Pentago Landscape Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL D’Vida Mentari Design

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Praxcis Design Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL The Central Park @ Bangsar South Urban Design Group Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Precint 5 & 6 Putrajaya Waterfront Pentago Landscape Sdn. Bhd.

HONOUR AWARD - PROFESSIONAL Linear Park, Iskandar Malaysia Clouston Design (M) Sdn. Bhd.

MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE YEARBOOK 2012 (184 Pages) Call +(603) 5523-4638 to purchase Perbadanan Putrajaya

ILAM Academic Awards

ILAM Research Awards 1. Excellence Award

Campus Landscape Environment for Student with Disabilities, a Case of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Gombak Campus LAr. Dr. Mohd Ramzi Mohd Hussain, Dr. Izawati Tukiman, Itrynadia Mohd Shahli, Nurbazliah Zaidin

Mitigating Urban Heat Island Through Children Participation Workshop Method Dr. Mohd Hisham Rasidi, Prof. Madya LAr. Dr. Ismail Said, Nur Adila Rusli, Tetsu Kubota

ILAM Student Design Awards 1. Excellence Award

Redesigning the Outdoor Spaces of Hospital Serdang as Livable Therapeutic Garden Ain Syafikah Mohd Zaini

Muhammad Falihin bin Jasmi Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Yong Jia Yu Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Mohd Hafiz bin Zainal Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) Abdul Fahim bin Razali Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

ILAM Fellowships

Assoc. Prof. LAr. Zainul Hakim Mohd Zain LAr. Noriah Mat LAr. Nurulhuda Hayati Ibrahim

Malaysia Landscape Character Assessment Assoc Prof. LAr. Anuar Mohd Noor

2. Honour Award

Enhancement of Design & Planning Process for Residential Area through 3D Architectural Modelling Participatory Design Dr. Mohd Yazid Mohd Yunos, Leedya Syariza Azman, LAr. Dr. Nor Atiah Ismail, Prof. Dr. Rahinah Ibrahim, Nor Kalsum Mohd Isa

Application of Rasch Measurement in Measuring Perception on Walkable Environment Roslina Sapawi, LAr. Dr. Sapura Mohamad Prof. Madya LAr. Dr. Ismail Said

Living Museum, The Edification of Tale at Kota Mahsuri Mohamad Safiy Zakwan Md Baseri

2. Honour Award

Sungai Sijangkang Ecological Riverfront Mohd Suhail Ahmad Sahimi The Wellness Landscape Ng Ooi Tee

Mersing Waterfront Wan Amirul Asraf Wan Ali Splendid Metamorphosis of L’Apprenti UPM Iskandar Al Khalifah Mohd Razali

PAGE 12 | NEW SUNDAY TIMES

APRIL 7, 2013

Thank You ILAM COUNCIL MEMBERS 2012/2014 The Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) would like to express sincere gratitude to our

Invited Guests, Sponsors, Contributors and ILAM Members for gracing the ILAM Gala Dinner 2013 and the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards Ceremony held on the 6th of April 2013, at The Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by

In conjunction with International Federation of Landscape Architects

INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS MALAYSIA

(IFLA)

World Landscape Architecture Month 2013

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

A member of UEM Group

Contributors

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