MALAYSIA’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS
Landscape Architecture Industry Awards
An Initiative of
w : www.ilamalaysia.org | f : Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM)
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By LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
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HILE reshaping the terrain and waterscape to create a more suitable living environment is as old as human civilization, less attention has been paid to the importance of landscape architecture – until recent times. Before the 1980s, most people in Malaysia saw landscape architecture as a field that was mainly associated with horticulture and beautification of environment. It was not on anyone’s main agenda when planning a development. Fast forward to the 21st Century, and a National Landscape Department now actively engages with the public to build more communal spaces. Developers not only include landscape architecture at the early stages of master-planning, they even promote landscape features as unique selling points. “Thirty-six years ago, when we started the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) in 1981, people associated landscape design with horticultural and cosmetic purposes. Landscape design was viewed as something that could beautify certain areas by planting trees and so on,” said institute president Associate Prof LAr Dr Osman Mohd Tahir. “During the 80s, more landscape architects returned from overseas after their studies because local universities did not offer such courses then. "These landscape architects felt that being a developing country, Malaysia should look at landscape in a more organised manner. That was how this institute began,” added Dr Osman. The institute has been working to raise awareness and change the perception of landscape design, projecting functional values into the design and subsequently the development. “In the 90s, the public began to recognise landscape design as an important component in their lives. At the same time, the Government set up the National Landscape Department in 1995 and devised a National Landscape Policy to better people's lives. Subsequently, a National Landscape Day was declared on March 3," said Dr Osman. “This was also the time of mega projects such as Putrajaya, developed as an Intelligent Garden City, and landscape design became part and parcel of the planning stage of housing developments. “Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was designed using the 'Airport in the Forest, Forest in the Airport' concept, and most of the big local authorities engaged landscape architects for their projects,” he added. Riding on the increase in public awareness, ILAM has expanded its boundaries by actively participating in international organisations such as the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and organising conferences that involve stakeholders from all around the world.
In recognition of excellence
With the declaration of April as World Landscape Architecture Month, ILAM decided to further cement the achievements of those who contributed in the field of landscape design by presenting the Malaysia Landscape
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MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY ILAM changing the perception of landscape architectural design to project Architects Awards (MLAA). First given out in 2007, the awards recognise those who have contributed in the field of landscape development, including the developers, the contractors, the local authorities, the practitioners, researchers, policymakers, students and the media. “At the same time, we get to monitor the landscape design trends in Malaysia," said Dr Osman. “Now, landscape is not just looking at the greenery of the whole area but also the creation of space for people to enjoy as well as for education and knowledge. “Besides the security features, there are more projects that include urban farming which incorporates fruit trees in the communal area. “We are not designing for the sake of designing; the engagement of the community is becoming more important and the landscape architects have to take into consideration the needs of the users,” said Dr Osman. He added that landscape design has also been used to solve engineering issues and repurpose barren landscape such as storm water management and water retention pond. 3
1 Landscape designs now inspire the public to do more. 2 Landscape designed as part of community living. 3 Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia president Associate Prof LAr Dr Osman Mohd Tahir.
Following the propagation of highrises, developers have enlisted the help of landscape architects to design vertical green spaces. “With the awards, we are able to recognise all these changing trends and efforts from new technology, innovation of the researchers, new ideas from students, and the green initiatives by the local authorities,” said Dr Osman.
Beyond the vision at 2020
While Malaysia has a goal of becoming a beautiful garden nation by 2020, ILAM strives to look beyond the vision and create a long-lasting legacy by helming a sustainable agenda. “After 35 years in the industry, we are launching the Landscape Architecture Agenda 2050 to go beyond the vision at 2020 and device a strategy for the coming 30 years," said Dr Osman. “We will spend the next three years gathering insights and suggestions from industry stakeholders – the consultants, the landscape architects, contractors, researchers, and students. We will enlist their help to offer the best to the people, and subsequently produce a document in 2020 as a roadmap to achieve the goal in 2050." According to Dr Osman, the initiative is partly due to issues arising in the foreseeable future. “With massive urbanisation and increase in world population projected for the next 30 years, it is believed that
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After 35 years in the industry, we are launching the Landscape Architecture Agenda 2050 to go beyond the vision at 2020 and device a strategy for the coming 30 years.
SIGHT SIGHT
“With three more years to go, we would like to open this discussion and hear from everyone," said Dr Osman. “Besides international dialogues, conferences, shorties and workshops, the public is also welcome to give their suggestions on our website. “We have won the bid to host the IFLA World Congress in Kuala
Tag Line Lead - Aspire - Alive
Value
Landscape architects need to be key players in planning and designing the built environment and take a more influential role to lead and inspire design solutions that will shape our future, for a better living environment for all.
10 Strategic Focus Areas SFA 01 Visibility
Landscape architects should be more vocal and engaging in political debate, collaborate and cooperate with related organisations in order to be relevant, influence decision-makers and think big.
SFA 02 Resource Management
Landscape architects should safeguard and incorporate effective resource management in each design approach, primarily the fragile environmental components of water, air, food, waste, and natural and sensitive ecosystems, via conservation, preservation and/or rehabilitation efforts.
SFA 03 Experiences and Needs
SFA 04 Conducive Living
functionalvalues valuesinto intodevelopments developments functional
The clock starts ticking
Landscape as a base for well-being and inspired living through innovative technology and sustainable values.
Landscape architectural design should emphasise on user experience, such as inclusion of local social and cultural values, community engagement and participation in the design process, promote local identity and image, and cater to the needs of the less fortunate via universal design.
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there will be greater pollution and we will experience an increase in climate change phenomena, escalating food security issues and a lack of space. “Studies show that the world population will increase to 9.7 billion from the current 7.5 billion. Malaysia's population is projected to reach 44 million by 2050, with more than 90% living in urban areas and cities. “Realising the issues and needs that we may face in the future, landscape architects can play a vital role in the country’s development, with innovative planning and design providing better and more inspirational living environments for all,” said Dr Osman. With the Landscape Architecture Agenda 2050 (LAA2050), ILAM will focus on 10 strategic areas to drive the landscape architecture professional forward and play a more influential role in national development. "It is our belief that landscape can serve as a base for well-being and inspired living through innovative technology and sustainable values.
Vision
Lumpur in 2020, which will be held in conjunction with the LAA2050 Summit where the LAA2050 Documents detailing our agenda will be revealed." As the leader of an organisation with a respectable legacy, Dr Osman reckons the future is both bright and challenging for the next generation of landscape architects. “Landscape architecture is a meaningful profession. The practitioner is taught to create a balance between development and nature. That is why we have to create a long-term sustainable agenda to pave a certain direction instead of doing the same thing year after year. “This is the time for the next generation to think of new ideas, to be innovative and creative – that is the challenge for them. “While there are certain limitations for the next generation of landscape architects, there are also ample opportunities with evolving modern technology, hence the young aspiring landscape architects should start to engage actively with the industry.” he said. To know more about ILAM’s new initiative, visit www.ilamalaysia.org or Facebook page: Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM).
For more information, visit www.ilamalaysia/laa2050
Over-population has caused a deterioration in the quality of life, hence, promoting conducive and inspiring living environments should be a key priority for landscape architects. Key strategies include creating more public spaces in urban areas, enhancing blue-green infrastructures (natural and semi-natural landscape elements), promoting food security via urban farming, combatting climate change through design, and promoting thermal comfort in every spatial design.
SFA 05 Security and Safety
Natural and human threats have escalated in the past decade and landscape architects should play a vital role in designing landscape spaces and places which respond to natural disaster phenomena. These include emergency preparedness, preventing crime via the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach which focuses on preventing vandalism and non-state violence.
SFA 06 Economic Return
Any form of future project should take sustainable economic value into consideration so as to ensure lifelong durability, generate economic returns for local businesses, cultivate positive socio-economic impact, promote green tourism and benefit the stakeholders at large.
SFA 07 Human Capital Enhancement
The landscape architecture industry should focus on the development of leadership, increased productivity, promoting creativity, originality and skills, encouraging ethical competition, promote diversification and adaptability to changes and become an influential and versatile trend setter. To achieve this and to be significantly visible, the number of landscape architects should be increased.
SFA 08 Best Practice
The practising landscape architecture firms should increase productivity through an organised structure which promotes high efficiency, enhanced best practice standards and quality control in delivering the services.
SFA 09 Education and Research
Education and research fields should venture into the discovery of new ideas and philosophies, setting future directions, bridging academia and industry, promoting pragmatic solutions, and increasing involvement in international markets.
SFA 10 Technology and System
Promote the landscape architecture industry Big Data (which incorporates the large volume of data – both structured and unstructured) and The IOT (The Internet of things is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items, embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enables these objects to collect and exchange data), application of augmented reality, tools and cutting edge technology in design.
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FOREST VILLAGE WITHIN THE CITY The ERA by JKG Land offers residents a quick retreat to a serene sanctuary By YOGANESWARI VELLUSAMY yoganeswari@mystar.com.my
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EADING developer JKG Land Bhd has set out to be bold and different by constantly seeking assurances, stability and happiness for its customers. Living up to its status, the company clinched the merit award at the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) 2016 for The ERA @ Duta North project. What defines The ERA is the offer of a quick retreat from the bustling city life to a tranquil and serene sanctuary that is just minutes away. The development is a flagship mixed-residential development located in the mature and well-connected township of Segambut and near affluent Mont Kiara. It is a well-balanced freehold development that provides optimum living spaces for residents to achieve "work, live and play" lifestyle goals, hence boosting its position as one of the few hidden gems in Kuala Lumpur. The development consists of six residential towers, a three-storey retail development, a landscaped Forest Village of over six acres and eleven acres of wetlands. The eye-catching skyscrapers of 53 to 63 storeys will place the development as having the tallest buildings in the area. In the midst of the bustling city, nature lovers are treated to over halfa-century-old trees. Shady canopy of luscious greenery, tree houses, hanging pavilions, jogging trails and siesta lounges present an ideal setting for families to have some quality time together. “Three residential phases themed Dawn, Noon and Eve support the concept of cool comfort (Dawn), tranquil relaxation (Noon) as well as recreation and entertainment (Eve),” said JKG Land Bhd managing director Datuk Teh Kean Ming. The gross development value (GDV) of the three phases, offering a total of 2913 units, is about RM2.5bil. The project will take eight to ten years to complete. With built-ups ranging from 614 to 2,928 sq ft, every unit is designed as a "New Age" home with practical layouts that optimise living spaces. The design feature of a dual-key unit makes it ideal for multi-generational family living. Besides panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur city centre, Batu Caves, Titiwangsa and KL Metropolis, each residential tower will feature a Moon Deck on the spacious roof area that is accentuated by a Sky Lounge for residents to unwind after a long day's work. Other amenities within The ERA @ Duta North include a luxurious 100-metre pool, hanging pavilions, adventure trails, water maze and special gourmet kitchens which come with a small cook-out and barbeque area for residents to hold their own gettogether parties.
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A link bridge will give residents an exclusive and direct route to Jalan Putramas and Dutamas 2. It offers convenience and connectivity to surrounding hubs such as Publika, Dutamas, Solaris, KL Metropolis as well as the Matrade building. “This link bridge not only makes it convenient for residents but will help eases traffic into Jalan Segambut,” said Teh. Being merely eight km away from
Kuala Lumpur city centre (KLCC) and having easy access to KTM, as well as the upcoming MRT 2 transport hubs, this development’s connectivity is surely one to be sought after. With a competitive starting price of RM375,900, Teh believes that Duta North’s growing popularity will bring endless opportunities and bigger returns for investment. For more information, visit www. erabegins.com or call 1700-81-80-81.
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1 Three residential phases themed Dawn, Noon and Eve support the concept of cool comfort (Dawn), tranquil relaxation (Noon) as well as recreation and entertainment (Eve). 2 The ERA offers a quick retreat from the bustling city life to a tranquil and serene sanctuary. 3 This freehold development provides optimum living spaces for residents to achieve 'work, live and play' lifestyle goals. 4 Shady canopy of luscious greenery, hanging pavilions, jogging trails and siesta lounges present an ideal setting for families to have some quality time together.
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5 The well-landscaped grounds include this resplendent flying fox crafted around an old forest tree.
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UPGRADE FOR D'SARA UPTOWN Mature township to be transformed into the 'Golden Square' of Petaling Jaya
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By VIKNESH ASHLEY
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
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EE Hoy Chan Sdn Berhad distinguishes itself in the market by being forward-thinking in its planning, having clear goals and strategies, as well as finding the right person for the job. The company employs a customercentric approach in its endeavours. The revitalisation of the mature and established township of Damansara Uptown is one of the key developments the company is focusing on. See Hoy Chan has embarked on a journey to elevate the business, leisure and living experience of Damansara Uptown through an integrated project that will transform the area into the “Golden Square” of Petaling Jaya. The transformation, targeted to be completed by 2019, includes the construction of two residential towers, a lifestyle mall, a serviced residence and an office block. The first component of this project is Uptown Residences, a freehold condominium consisting of two towers with a total of 380 homes. This luxury residential development was completed in early 2016. It offers a wide range of recreational facilities including a mini theatre, a hot and cold whirlpool bath, a gourmet kitchen, saunas, a reading room, a half basketball court and a herb garden for residents' consumption. The other project featured in the vicinity is Somerset Damansara Uptown, open since December last year. This highrise features 211 contemporary serviced apartments, offering guests or business visitors a choice of studios as well as one and two-bedroom apartments for short or long-term stays.
This serviced residence is packed with facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, sky lounge and two meeting rooms. Somerset Damansara Uptown is a perfect home away from home for business partners, avid travellers, executives and young families. In addition, this property is linked to the Starling, a mall with a nett lettable area of 450,000 sq ft. The Starling, which has opened its doors to the public last December, is distinctively eco and lifestyle-themed, catering to the mid-to-high level market. It has earned the tagline “The Mall in the Park” for its two parks that boast nature-inspired architectural features and design flourishes. The last addition to Damansara Uptown, purposed to attract more MNCs into the area, is a 38-storey MSC-status Green Grade-A office tower. This new office will be named Uptown 8 and has a net lettable area of about 475,000 sq ft. It is expected to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2019.
Damansara Uptown to relax, get in touch with nature and connect with family and friends,” said See Hoy Chan Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Joe Tan. This beautification project costing RM12mil entails a series of upgrading works to enhance the Damansara Uptown square. The surrounding landscape has been enhanced with interwoven swathes of greenery, making strolling around the site much easier and more relaxing. “Our extensive landscaping has improved the living and working experience of the Damansara Uptown community,” added Tan. Besides the lush landscaping, existing kerbs and walkways along the road were widened and beautified. Now, all those who frequent the location can enjoy friendlier pedestrian and bicycle pathways. In addition, designated pedestrian crossings with traffic lights and disabled-friendly access have been added along the rows of shops to make
Streetscape beautification
A key unifying factor of the Damansara Uptown mixed development is the streetscape beautification initiative, aimed at elevating the Uptown experience for those who frequent the area. See Hoy Chan has spearheaded this move, assisted by landscape architectural firm Praxis Design Sdn Bhd. “The entire streetscape project was developed to create both functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces for residents, workers and visitors in
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3 1 The Starling mall. 2 One of the street art installations around Damansara Uptown. 3 A bird’s eye view of the improved walkways, bicycle lanes and landscaping around the square. 4 Night view of the Starling mall.
it easier for the public to get around Damansara Uptown. Canopies have also been erected over five strategically-chosen side lanes from the inner ring to the outer ring for the convenience and comfort of people walking in the area. To complement the streetscape upgrading, a series of street art installations have been installed around the square. These installations have become landmarks, and reflect Damansara Uptown’s character which embodies vibrancy, fun, creativity and style.
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ITH decades of experience in building houses that nurture families, S P Setia has consistently delivered projects that impress and inspire while capturing award after award in several major competitions within the property industry. Fresh off its multiple victories from StarProperty.my Awards 2017, including The Cornerstone Excellence Award for Setia Eco Glades, Lepironia East Garden, S P Setia has once again bagged several awards in the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) 2016 for its numerous developments. The accolades include the favourite Setia Eco Glades, which won the Developer and GLC (Master Plan) Excellent Award, as well as Developer and GLC (Development) Excellent Award for its Charm of Nusantara project, as well as Landscape Master Plan and Professional Design Honour Award for its Lepironia Garden. Besides that, Wetlands@Setia Alam North and Grassland Park and Oriental Garden at Setia EcoHill won the Developer and GLC (Development)’s Special Honour and Honour Awards respectively, while Setia Eco Cascadia bagged the Developer and GLC (Master Plan) Honour Award. These honours demonstrate the achievement of S P Setia in the craft of realising beautiful landscape concepts.
Glades of stylish beauty
Located at the flourishing neighbourhood of Cyberjaya, Setia Eco Glades is a beautiful 268-acre development that is destined to be one of the treasured gems in the "Silicon Valley of Malaysia". Within the development stands the stylish Lepironia Garden, which provides reliable water filtration to keep plants and animals healthy. The garden is named after a wetlands plant native to the site, Lepironia articulata, a slender reed that can prevent erosion by stabilising the base of ponds. It acts as an agent that absorbs toxins and heavy metals in the water, purifying it while providing crucial shelter for small birds and fishes. The Lepironia Garden is created to enhance the sense of peace, calm and tranquility in Setia Eco Glades. Residents will be able to meditate or do yoga on a floating deck surrounded by the eponymous Lepironia, or dangle their feet over the water’s edge while enjoying the soothing sound of a cascade. Setia Eco Glades also offers the lovely Charm of Nusantara, which is inspired by the concept of an exotic Balinese lifestyle. With an open verandah surrounded by lush greenery, family and friends will be able to socialise over the course of the day at an environment that perfectly merges the waterscape, tropical plants and Balinese elements which form the key creation of a tranquil Balinese garden. To enhance the Balinese secret gardens and signature island atmosphere, waterspouts are placed around swimming pools and ponds, while plants like palms, lotus water
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lilies and jasmine flourish. The setting evokes balmy island nights. The result is a dreamy island paradise where shades of blue and hues of green stand out amid a backdrop of white sands.
Foothills of lush greenery
Other beautiful and distinct greenscapes crafted by the developer are the Grassland Park and Oriental Garden@Setia EcoHill, Semenyih. Setia EcoHill is a 673.4-acre township designed to provide the ideal setting for a sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort and modern conveniences. The development has a low density of 10 well-designed energy-efficient homes per acre spread out over 80 acres of parkland and green spaces. At the same time, it provides extensive facilities that promote sustainability. The township sits on a former oil palm plantation that presented a maze of undulating peaks and snake-like waterways that slither through the foothills. The property must have posed a challenge to the planners. Following an in-depth study, S P Setia managed to craft a practical use of the land while retaining its natural form and beauty. Grassland Park and Oriental Garden have both been carefully planned and built to take into account the natural hilly path of the water flow from upstream to downstream. These waterways have been integrated into landscaped concept parks to enhance the ambiance. The waterways provide relief from heat and pollution, and act as a buffer between the road and homes. The huge difference in water levels from hilltop to lower pond base is addressed
MASTERSTROKE OF CRAFTED LANDSCAPES S P Setia continues to shape projects that impress and inspire the industry
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combines the organic entity with the residential development. Determined to harness what nature has to offer, the developer weaves the natural elements into the DNA of the entire precinct including the residences and commercial area. The result is a distinctive showcase of S P Setia's “Live Learn, Work Play” philosophy. Putting the Wetlands at the forefront of its master plan, the development of Setia Alam North transforms multiple oval-shaped water pockets into an exquisite ornamental land form. The wetland flora make the water features an instantly recognisable point of reference for residents and visitors alike, while providing sanctuary for the migratory birds. To promote a closer bond between community and nature, the Wetlands features native fruit trees, flowering plants, hiking trails and walkways that link the different pockets of water together.
Cascade of blue and green
3 1 Setia Eco Glades also offers the Charm of Nusantara which is inspired by the Balinese lifestyle. 2 The Lepironia Garden is created to enhance the sense of peace, calm and tranquility in Setia Eco Glades. 3 Setia Alam North is a distinctive showcase of S P Setia's "Live Learn, Work Play" philosophy. 4 To enhance Balinese secret gardens and signature island atmosphere, waterspouts are placed around swimming pools and ponds.
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5 The Oriental Garden subtly incorporates East-Asian elements, emanating a tone of exclusive grandeur and elegance. 6 Metamorphosis Park is a 15-acre park that reflects the life cycle of a butterfly.
Reinvigorating the Wetlands
The Wetlands@Setia Alam North is another feat that successfully
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with a dry creek concept of waterways integrated with weirs and plants to ensure the smooth passage of water while filtering and cleaning before it goes downstream. The upper stream pond and lower stream lake are the two major parks formed with lush landscape gardens. Each has been planned to provide a unique interactive experience that will draw residents to the outdoors to
space detailed with relaxing greenery. The park is injected with user-friendly amenities, so that children and adults can have their recreational activity while enjoying the scenery. Large timber decks and dotting benches are provided for those who wish to use the park as a resting space. The Oriental Garden subtly incorporates East-Asian elements through selected flora and artist sculptures, emanating a tone of grandeur and elegance. Homes nearby will be able to enjoy an exclusive resort view of the garden from the backyard of their homes. The design concept inspires to bring Asian-centric landscape elements and nature to the community’s backdoor. These breezeways work to create a green network that acts as a noisereducing circuit. Planted with selected trees, the alley not only screens the surrounding houses but also attracts various migratory birds to the park. An oriental-inspired bridge connects the walkways and brings park visitors close to the water body for them to feed the tortoises and fishes in the lake.
enjoy the facilities. Inside these pockets of green spaces are recreational spaces such as children’s playground, cycling track, outdoor gym equipment, foot reflexology paths, rest benches, bird cages and jogging track – all contributing to an eco-living environment. Within Grassland Park, residents are provided with large and open
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Setia Eco Cascadia is a 272-acre mixed development that offers landed strata residential precincts, high-rise serviced residences and a commercial centre. The name “Cascadia” symbolises the waterfall tributaries that drain into Sungai Tebrau and finally into the Straits of Johor. It also characterises the lowlying wetlands area which was retained and transformed into Waterfall Park and Metamorphosis Park. With landscape planning no longer playing second fiddle in modern master planning, both parks serve as important elements of modern living. Waterfall Park is crafted by weaving natural elements alongside urban living requirements, whereby Mother Nature is turned into a lifelong companion rather than into an unnecessary casualty. The landscape, terrain and ecosystem for this development are in harmony with humanity and its environment. Metamorphosis Park is a 15-acre park that reflects the life cycle of a butterfly. Through diligent designs and planning, the park has undergone a metamorphosis of its own. The gated and guarded residential precincts of Foresta, Montana and Aurora are complemented by the cascade concept to reflect the uniqueness of the original topography. Foresta has been given a fresh design that provides a sense of timeless beauty while Montana distinguishes itself by embodying modern geometrical concepts in its landscape design. With these free-spirited jewels of nature, S P Setia is poised to attain another level of mastery in its developments that would serve as a heritage for generations to come.
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TRIPLE HONOUR FOR F3 CAPITAL Developer's excellent standards earn recognition at the MLAA 2016 By VIKNESH ASHLEY
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
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EVELOPER F3 Capital Group has always focussed on its trademark of setting new lifestyle trends because of its understanding of property sentiments and visionary leadership. The company has blossomed from a corporate and property consultation firm into a dynamic and forwardthinking investment group. Aware of the need for innovation within the highly competitive property industry and its responsibility to stakeholders, F3 Capital has created development hotspots and set new benchmarks. The company’s achievements stem from the stewardship of an elite team that seamlessly runs the operations while focussing on a number of projects at any given time and ensuring the highest standards of real estate quality. Three of F3 Capital’s prestigious developments were given due recognition at the recent Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) 2016 which highlighted these properties among other developments on Malaysia’s real estate map. The Honour award within the Contractor category went to the Selayang 18 and Dua Menjalara developments, while an Excellence award within the Professional Design category was ascribed to the UNIV360 Place development. The Selayang 18 and Dua Menjalara developments exhibit a mixture of unique design cues, such as urban and contemporary designs and green garden living concepts, despite being categorised as high-rise properties. Unique to Dua Menjalara is a double-volume hanging garden feature and a mid-level observation deck. Located at levels 17 and 17A of the property, they boast panoramic views of the KLCC Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur city. The uniqueness of Selayang 18 lies in its list of over 30 communal facilities solely for residents' use. UNIV360 Place covers four acres of prime estate within Taman Serdang Jaya. Upon arriving at this destination, you would be convinced as to the efforts that make this property stand out from the rest. F3 Capital has implemented the indigenous biophilic theme in all the nooks of the UNIV360 Place property. This theme entails the merging of two separate design concepts, the first of which is indigenous design that involves applying local characteristics to a structure. This is done by infusing accents of local culture, natural environment and local construction materials across
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a property to satisfy the needs of residents. The other concept used at this Serdang Jaya property is biophilic design, which adopts green architecture features to reconnect highrise urbanites with nature. The resulting structure evidently
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3 1 Vignesh Naidu, F3 Capital Group CEO. 2 Selayang 18 and Dua Menjalara were both honoured under the Contractor category. 3 Univ360 Place Vertical Pocket Garden. 4 UNIV360 Place sits on prime four acres of estate within Taman Serdang Jaya.
reduces pollution, mitigates stress and in due course improves the quality of life. This is not the first year that F3 Capital has enjoyed accreditation by the MLAA – the developer received an Honour award under the Landscape
Construction category for a commercial development established in Sri Gombak dubbed Urban 360. As the group chief executive officer, Vignesh Naidu liked to say: “Green is the new black. It’s our signature development theme in all the projects we undertake”. Through grit and innovation, F3 Capital crafts beautiful landscapes that will last for generations.
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ROOFTOP, THE GARDENS Terang Bulan Reka Bina Sdn. Bhd. TROPICANA AVENUE Tropicana Innovative Landscape SELAYANG.18 RESIDENCES PNC Design Sdn. Bhd.
MERIT AWARDS
THE RAFFLESIA @ HILL PARK Tropicana Innovative Landscape
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS RADIO TELEVISION MALAYSIA (RTM) News Desk Current Affairs Section
DEVELOPER & GLC CATEGORY
RESEARCHER CATEGORY
EXCELLENCE AWARD
EXCELLENCE AWARD
SWISS GARDEN RESIDENCES, KUALA LUMPUR SK Landscape Sdn. Bhd.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2016 UNIV 360 PLACE Engky Design Sdn. Bhd.
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS EXCELLENCE AWARD
UNIV 360 PLACE Engky Design Sdn. Bhd.
HONOUR AWARDS
STAR METRO DESK THE STAR Star Metro Desk IMPIANA KUMPULAN MEDIA KARANGKRAF Asmar Zakri Editor
DUA MENJALARA PNC Design Sdn. Bhd.
9th MALAYSIA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS MLAA 2016 WINNERS
FEATURE DESK NANYANG SIANG PAU Ang See Tee Writer, Features
LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS CHARM OF NUSANTARA, SETIA ECO GLADES Setia Eco Glades Sdn. Bhd.
SPECIAL HONOUR AWARD
WETLANDS @ SETIA ALAM NORTH Bandar Setia Alam Sdn. Bhd.
HONOUR AWARDS
TWIN PALMS SUNGAI LONG Fabulous Range Sdn. Bhd. a subsidiary of Chang Holdings Limited
LANDSCAPE RESEARCH AWARDS Eco Public Art Placemaking Framework Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) LAr. Dr. Khalilah Zakariya, LAr. Syamim Azhari
HONOUR AWARDS
The Predictors of Butterfly Diversity in Small Urban Parks Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Dr. Zanariah Jasmani, Dr. Lee Yoke Lai, LAr. Dr. Sapura Mohamad, Nurul Hidayah Mohd Derus, Izzati Ghazali
GRASSLAND PARK AND ORIENTAL GARDEN @ SETIA ECOHILL Setia Ecohill Sdn. Bhd.
Impact of Green Faรงade: Energy Saving on Building Cooling Loads Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Mohd Khairul Azhar Mat Sulaiman, Dr. Mohd Fairuz Shahidan
MALAYSIAN PROJECTS DAMANSARA FORESTA Just Right Design Sdn. Bhd.
MERIT AWARDS
MERIT AWARDS
BELUM RAINFOREST PAVILION & VILLA SANTUBONG Urbanis Landscape Design
LINEAR PARK EAST LEDANG UEM Sunrise Berhad
VERDANA WDI Design Sdn. Bhd.
DEVELOPER & GLC CATEGORY
UPTOWN STREETSCAPE Praxcis Design Sdn. Bhd.
EXCELLENCE AWARD
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS WATERWAY RIDGES, SINGAPORE Surbana Jurong Consultants Pte. Ltd.
CENTRUS @ CBD PERDANA WDI Design Sdn. Bhd. QUAYSIDE SEAFRONT RESORT CONDOMINIUM Walrus Design Sdn. Bhd. LEPIRONIA GARDEN, SETIA ECO GLADES Oasis Design Studio Sdn. Bhd. LEGENDA @ SOUTHBAY Landart Design Sdn. Bhd.
MERIT AWARDS
THE ERA SALES GALLERY Praxcis Design Sdn. bhd. THE GREENS Praxcis Design Sdn. bhd. TWIN ARKZ Hoda Design Sdn. bhd. MOLEK PINE 4 Perunding Landskap ABD PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS & STUDY AWARDS EXCELLENCE AWARD
ELMINA EAST LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN Mentari Design
HONOUR AWARDS
16 QUARTZ @ MELAWATI Mitraland Melawati Sdn. Bhd.
LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN AWARDS SETIA ECO GLADES LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN Setia Eco Glades Sdn. Bhd.
HONOUR AWARDS
KUNDANG ESTATES Gamuda Land Sdn. Bhd.
LAr. SITI MAISARAH SALAHUDIN LAr. TENG PE YANG CONTRACTOR CATEGORY
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION AWARDS EXCELLENCE AWARD
YOU VISTA @ YOU CITY SK Landscape Sdn. Bhd.
HONOUR AWARDS
TWIN ARKZ Forac Alam Sdn. Bhd
EXCELLENCE AWARD
SPECIAL HONOUR AWARD
GREEN INITIATIVES AWARDS EXCELLENCE AWARD
SIGNATURE POCKET PARK ADOPTION PROGRAMME Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
SPECIAL HONOUR AWARD
BUTTERWORTH BAHARU REGENERATION PLAN: EMPOWERING COMMUNITY & PUBLIC SPACES Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai
HONOUR AWARD
SUSTAINABLE MILIEU THROUGH GREEN INITIATIVES: AN APPROACH OF PUBLIC, PEOPLE & PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (4PS) Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai
MERIT AWARDS
SHAH ALAM BACK-ALLEY GREENING INITIATIVES Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam TAMAN ETNOBOTANI PUTRAJAYA Perbadanan Putrajaya
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY DESK ASTRO AWANI Mohamad Najib Mat Aroff Junior Editor, Business and Economy Desk
YOUNG LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AWARDS 2016
STUDENT DESIGN AWARDS
GOVERNMENT CATEGORY
TAMAN BOTANI PERAK Tajul Landart
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
STUDENT CATEGORY
Military Landscape: Pengerang Battery as Heritage Enclave Farah Ain Syazwani Hamdan - Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE MEDIA AWARDS
LAMAN MAJLIS BANDARAYA PETALING JAYA Mentari Design
Malaysian Threatened and Rare Tree Landscape Guideline Sime Darby & Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Nor Azahar Md Husain, Sharif James Zainal Aziz, Norshahidah Todong Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Osman Mohd Tahir, Dr. Shamsul Khamis, LAr. Abd Aziz Othman, Emran@Zahrin Mohd Taram
SETIA ECO CASCADIA Setia Indah Sdn. Bhd.
THE LIVING COLONY: REVITALISATION OF SUNGAI KAYU ARA Clouston Design (M) Sdn. Bhd.
MERIT AWARDS
Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Landscape Architecture: Prototype for Sustainability Design and Challenges Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Nor Diana Aziz, LAr. Ramly Hasan, Ghazali Mohd Amin, Firdaus Chek Sulaiman, Prof. Sr. Dr. Haji Abdul Hadi Haji Nawawi, Sr. Dr. Nor Rima Muhamad Arif
NEWS & PROGRAMMES ON CURRENT AFFAIRS BERNAMA NEWS CHANNEL Abdul Rahman Editor in Chief (News Desk) Hakimi Zuffrida Mohd Zain Acting Director of Operations Geetha Khan Producer, Programmes On Current Affairs THE BIGGER PICTURE BFM MEDIA SDN. BHD. Juliet Jacobs Producer, Earth Matters FEATURE DESK HARIAN METRO Hartini Mohd Nawi Assistant Editor, Features
Gardens of Joyful Beauty Murni Zainal - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
HONOUR AWARDS
Reviving the Cultural Landscape in Kampung Buntal Nur Ain Harun - Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Pinang Rehabilitation Project Tan Chee Cheat - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Imaginative Play Park Federick Woo Chuen Tat - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
MERIT AWARD
Garden For Homeless - Therapeutic Garden Yew Wooi Seng - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
STUDENT CATEGORY
STUDENT ACADEMIC AWARDS MOHD FADZLI OTHMAN Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) MUHAMMAD ADAM ZAKARIA Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) FEDERICK WOO CHUEN TAT Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) NUR SHAZMIERA ROSMIDAR ROSLAN Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM)
ILAM FELLOW MEMBERS 2017 LAr. ZAINUDDIN ISMAIL LAr. ABU HASSAN WAHAB LAr. DR. NOR ATIAH ISMAIL LAr. HAJI ESA AHMAD
Organised by
An initiative of
Endorsed by
2017
www.ilamalaysia.org
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STARPROPERTY.MY FRIDAY 28 APRIL 2017
INJECTING LANDSCAPE INTO THE NATIONS’ NERVOUS SYSTEM ILAM highlights contributors of the landscape architect profession
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By VIKNESH ASHLEY
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
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HE 9th Malaysian Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) organised by the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) was held to recognise and award the best and most outstanding projects in Malaysia as well as within the neighbouring region. The MLAA, along with ILAM’s Gala Night, is part of a wide array of activities organised in conjunction with the World Landscape Architecture Month celebration in April. The series of events aim to introduce the profession of landscape architect to a larger audience, creating greater visibility on the growing role of landscape architects in the outdoor built environment through various activities, seminars and conferences, awards and public awareness campaigns. This years’ MLAA had seen a steady increase in submissions of over 145 entries from within Malaysia as well as projects from Singapore, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. Some of award categories featured included Professional (Landscape Design, Landscape Analysis and Study and Young Landscape Architect), The Government category and Student Category. Additionally, three new categories have been introduced this year, namely Green Product Category, Landscape Master Plan Awards under Developer and GLC Category and the Landscape Architecture Media Awards. The Star Metro, represented by Metro assistant news editor Yip Yoke Teng, has received the media award for its role in disseminating pertinent information on the industry. Some winning projects include Setia Eco Glades by S P Setia Bhd, Linear Park Estate Ledang by UEM Sunrise Bhd, Kundang Estates by Gamuda Land, The ERA by JKG Land Bhd and Uptown Streetscape in Damansara Uptown by See Hoy Chan Sdn Bhd. The winner of the much coveted Project of the Year was UNIV360 Place by F3 Capital Sdn Bhd. This year’s awards saw a total of 62 awards presented under eight categories. Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local
Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar was represented by the minitry's Deputy SecretaryGeneral (Policy and Development) Datuk Dr Tam Weng Wah. Noh said this year is another successful attempt by ILAM to highlight the continuously blooming and prospering landscape architecture profession in Malaysia, moving toward the vision for a “Greener and Beautiful Malaysia 2020”. “The efforts of landscape architecture professions are evident for city inhabitants, which bear witness the transformation of a “Grey City” such as Kuala Lumpur into a much more sustainable “Green City” of the 21st Century. “The ministry of KPKT through the National Landscape Department of Malaysia (JLN) will fully support the greening of Malaysia,” he added. On that note, he said he would like to see the nailing down of the Landscape Architect Agenda 2050 (LAA2050) initiative and a collaboration in many other programs that are related to the sustainable green society and development. The LAA2050 marks another milestone for ILAM as a new initiative undertaken to outline the Moving Forward Roadmap for the landscape industry. Launched on ILAM’s gala night, the LAA 2050 will poise as the new direction to shape the next 30 years of the Landscape Architect profession in Malaysia. Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (Ilam) president Assoc Prof Dr Osman Mohd Tahir said the LAA2050 will take place under a mission aimed to “react, think creatively and find the best solutions” for the betterment of the nation’s living environment to maintain, enhance and protect the surrounding nature. “ILAM wishes for one day that people may say ‘If you love nature – live in the city.’ In order to make this notion a reality, landscape architects need to embed landscape beauty and pleasure within cities in the form of parks and gardens, as this would in turn increase the satisfaction of city living. “Our city landscape should be focused about linking the social to the ecological aspect of the nation that would result in a more sophisticated community,” said Osman.
1 MLAA 2016 by ILAM honours the various stakeholders that contribute to the field of landscape architect. 2 UEM Sunrise project director (southern region) Zamri Yusof (left) and deputy general manager (landscape) Noor Hisyam Mohd Abdullah Hashim celebrating their win for Linear Park Estate Ledang.
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3 S P Setia Bhd president and cheif executive officer Datuk Khor Chap Jen (left) receiving recognition from Osman for their contribution as the Platinum Sponsor of the MLAA 2016. 4 Tam (second from right) and Osman (right) presenting the Project of the Year Award for the UNIV360 Place.
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STARPROPERTY.MY STARPROPERTY.MY FRIDAY 14 28 APRIL 2017
MLAA2016 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES
UNIV 360 PLACE
CHARM OF NUSANTARA, SETIA ECO GLADES
• EXCELLENCE • LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD / PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
• EXCELLENCE • LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT AWARD / DEVELOPER AND GLC CATEGORY
ENGKY DESIGN SDN. BHD.
SETIA ECO GLADES SDN. BHD.
ELMINA EAST LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
SETIA ECO GLADES LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN
• EXCELLENCE • LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS & STUDY AWARD / PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
• EXCELLENCE • LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN AWARD / DEVELOPER AND GLC CATEGORY
MENTARI DESIGN
SETIA ECO GLADES SDN. BHD.
YOU VISTA@YOU CITY
SIGNATURE POCKET PARK ADOPTION PROGRAMME
• EXCELLENCE • LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION AWARD / CONTRACTOR CATEGORY
• EXCELLENCE • GREEN INITIATIVES AWARD / GOVERNMENT CATEGORY
SK LANDSCAPE SDN. BHD.
DEWAN BANDARAYA KUALA LUMPUR