Urban Coastal Reform_Master Thesis

URBAN COASTAL REFORM A VISION FOR INTERACTIVE AND PROTECTIVE COASTAL TRANSFORMATION IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA

DIA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

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URBAN COASTAL REFORM A VISION FOR INTERACTIVE AND PROTECTIVE COASTAL TRANSFORMATION IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA

Graduation Thesis of Delaney Tang Hui Ying Thesis Design Studio “Problems Cities Pose” Academic Year 2017 - 2018 Dr. Gunnar Hartmann, First Advisor Prof. Antje Buchholz, Second Advisor Dr. Lilian Busse, External Advisor (UBA)

DIA Graduate School of Architecture Hochschule Anhalt Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

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I would like to thank all the people who have been an important part of my experience in DIA. My advisors, Dr. Gunnar Hartmann, Prof. Antje Buchholz and Dr. Lilian Busse, for their guidance, professional advice and encouragement throughout this journey; My friends and coursemates with whom I shared stressful moments and unforgettable days; My family for their love and constant support, without them this would not have been possible.

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“What is our future vision for the shoreline?

One vision would be use the money they bring in to do the wetland preservation and create a flooadable area along the shore. That would be really progressive.�

-Kristina Hill

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abstract With global climate change, adaptive urban infrastructures are needed in coastal cities to confront risks associated with rising sea level and flooding. In the first phase, this research studies rapid transformation of urban form and landscape composition in Iskandar Malaysia. It then explores the potentials of coastal reform framework to supplement current regional coastal rejuvenation vision and applies interventions in three site-specific proposals. . Taking the advantage of existing and on-going coastal project sites, such design typologies embodied cultural representation and technology of coastal protection system in order to seek the balancing point between ecological value and urban development needs in the region. With potential activation of people spaces for spontaneous uses and dynamic programmes, this research also aims to envision a possible coastal transformation of Iskandar Malaysia into a sustainable environment that protect the coastline while catalyzing awareness of rising sea level issues through active waterfront experience.

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content 01 introduction 02 problem field 03 regional coastal transformation framework 04 coastal reform in southern iskandar malaysia context 05 conclusion 06 reference

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01 introduction an analysis of cross-border urbanism in iskandar malaysia

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In the last decades, Johor has undergone massive transformation in its urban form and landscape composition.

The development corridors in the regional land use plan has led to increased development along the coastline. High-rise developments are now a common sight in the downtown area close to Singapore. Foreign developers build new townships on reclaimed land along the coastline, exhorting international buyers to invest their future in these projects. The property values of waterfront lots entice continued development of residential and commercial structures.

The study area focuses on Iskandar Malaysia, a Special Economic Zones (SEZs) earmarked as a high-impact project since 2006 by Malaysia’s economic planners, to reect further on the emerging horizons of urban society, actor and development. Despite some commercial success, this research argues that Iskandar Malaysia has created tensions along two dimensions: human land use versus ecological wellbeing. The landform of the coastline is not only changed as part of natural cycle, but reshaped drastically by human actions. This research attempts to examine the ecological implications and investment-driven landscape fragmentation of such developments. Ultimately, the proposals hope to attain integrated approaches in coastal protection and coastal development to protect landscapes adequately and effectively in SEZs.

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Fig. 1.1. Location plan of Iskandar Malaysia in Asia map (Illustration by author based on Schwarzplan, 2015)

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ISKANDAR MALAYSIA country: malaysia climate: hot and humid population: 1.95 million1 life expectancy: 74.7 years2 project tags: urban coastal reform project area: 2,217 km project initiator: delaney tang hui ying ____________ 1. Iskandar Regional Development Authority, 10 Years Progress Report, 2016, accessed November 28, 2017. http://iskandarmalaysia.com.my/downloads/IM10%20Progress%20Report_V5.pdf.

2. Department of Statistics Malaysia, Johor @ A Glance, accessed November 27, 2017, https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cone&menu_id=d1dTR0JMK2hUUUFnTnp5WUR2d3VBQT09

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Looking back everyday city life 50 years ago where rows of shophouses dominated the city centre’s charm.

(Photo source: Johor Hainanese Association, 1965)

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02 problem field the dynamis of urban expansion in iskandar malaysia

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The interrelation between urban pull and rural push suggested

by Brand (2009) marks the juxtaposition between the centre and periphery, urban and rural, city and countryside which has laid the basis of urbanisation in general.1 Since the early revolution of industries, intervention of new technologies, evolution of transportation modes and the opening of trade have introduced a remarkable complexity and an increase of physical distances between cities and countryside. Cities have always served as the economical centres and rely on the agricultural and resource-rich surrounding territories for supply and subsistence.

____________ 1. Stewart Brand, Whole Earth Discipline (London: Penguin, 2009), chap 2.

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ISKANDAR MALAYSIA Urban Area: 2,217km2 Population: 1.950million

SINGAPORE Urban Area: 719km2 Population: 5.607million

Fig. 2.1. Figure ground plan of Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore (Illustration by author based on Schwarzplan, 2015)

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As the cross border metropolitan potentials are likely to transform and shape the urban development in its neighbouring region, the momentous growth found at Singapore’s borders arrives at an understanding of the links and dependencies between the global city and its hinterlands.

Iskandar Malaysia’s relationship with Singapore is characterized by a daily influx of transnational workers and the spill-over of investments from Singapore. These linkages seem to lend truth to Graham’s argument that “traditional notions that cities, regions and nations have any necessary coherence as territorial containers are extremely problematic.”2 Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore are prime examples of “transnational urbanism” -urban space is accessed and used daily by a range of international parties, while Iskandar Malaysia has been developing in Singapore’s shadow with growing cities and settlements nowadays.

____________ 2. Stephen Graham, Global Grids of Glass: on Global Cities, Telecommunications and Planetary Urban Networks, Urban Studies 36 (1999)

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SINGAPORE

SG - JB CAUSEWAY

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ISKANDAR MALAYSIA

STRAITS OF JOHOR

Johor Bahru is a city caught between conflicting transnational and national influences. Its proximity and close economic and labor linkages to Singapore draw it closer to its southern neighbour.

(Photo source: Daily Rakyat, 2015)

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2.1 Rapid Urban Expansion

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Percentage change in area by comparing land use between 1989 until 2014.

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iskandar malaysia 24

1989

singapore 25

iskandar malaysia

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2000

singapore

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iskandar malaysia 28

2007

singapore 29

iskandar malaysia 30

2014

singapore 31

1989

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Fig. 2.2. Urban sprawvl in Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore from 1989 until 2014 (Illustration by author based on Kasturi et al., 2015; Urban Redevelopment Authority, 2017)

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Upcoming skyscraper projects are transforming Iskandar Malaysia’s skyline.

(Photo source: Fayed, 2015)

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2.2 Factors of Urban Expansion

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Percentage change in area by comparing land use between 1989 until 2014.

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Fig. 2.3. The SIJORI cross-border region comprising Singapore, Johor Bahru in Malaysia and Riau in Indonesia (Illustration by author based on Hutchinson and Chong, 2016)

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2.2.1 SIJORI Growth Triangle 1994 The proximate regional area between Singapore, Johor and Riau is known as SIJORI. By combining the competitive strengths of these three regions, a significant move of urbanisation has emerged in the early 1990s. The establishment of SIJORI Growth Triangle in 1994 has further facilitated expansion of Singapore over its borders. The rationale for SIJORI was to enhance economic development upon resource complementarily and geographic proximity of the three geographic-close areas.3 On the one hand, the export-oriented manufacturing of industrial production in Malaysia and Indonesia was the main push for their urban growth, and attracted work migration from other parts of the countries. On the other hand, Singapore was in need of shedding its labour-intensive industries. The close ethic and language connections between the regions thus serve as a good basis for operating economic cooperation.

The limitations of Singapore on physical and natural resources have forced to foster innovation in urban development which it has now become known. Certainly, its urbanisation process is not contained within the urban island, but extending urbanisation to Malaysian Johor at the north as well as Indonesia Riau at the south. The economical incorporation of neighbouring areas in Malaysia and Indonesia has remained both a necessity and a profitable opportunity for each party. ____________ 3. Francis E. Hutchinson and Terence Chong Tai-leung, The SIJORI cross-border region: transnational politics, economics, and culture (Singapore: ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, 2016)

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Fig. 2.4. The five flagship zones of Iskandar Malaysia (Illustration by author based on IRDA, 2016)

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2.2.2 Iskandar Malaysia Development Plan 2006 The masterplan envisions five flagship zones as key focuses of the spatial-economic development. i. Flagship A : Johor Bahru (JB) City Centre: as the financial, cultural and tourism centre for the region; Iskandar Waterfront City (IWC) for worldclass residential and commercial uses. ii. Flagship B : Nusajaya, a green zone to the west of JB, to be developed for the uses of residential, marina hub, hotel, world-class entertainment, light-industry, medical services and tertiary education iii. Flagship C : Western Gate Development, to strengthen the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) for logistics, oil storage terminals and free zone industrial area; maritime industrial hub iv. Flagship D: Eastern Gate Development, to strengthen the brownfield area around Pasir Gudang for its industrial port and petrochemical industries; to redevelop the existing township for healthcare and education services (Knowledge Town) v. Flagship E : Senai–Skudai, the two cities located to the north of JB, for strengthening the existing air transit services; and developing new industrial and hightechnology park (Cyber City)

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)Number of people per square kilometre( Singapore - 7,987 Iskandar Malaysia - 2,200

Fig. 2.5. Population density of the region (Illustration by author based on ArcGis, 2017)

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Iskandar Malaysia, launched by the government in November 2006, was revealed in the emergence of transnational urban development. It was benchmarked as one of the highest proďŹ le of urban (re)development project in the country, as well as in the regions of Southeast Asia. This city-scale development project is in fact a regional economic plan under the 9th Malaysia Plan, which is responding to the rise of South-Johor Economic Region as a prime corridor for the incoming economic development in the country (IRDA 2016).4 Iskandar aims to achieve a dynamic growth corridor that capable for generating population growth from the current 1.95 million to 3 million by 2025.

____________ 4. IRDA (Iskandar Regional Development Authority), Smart City Iskandar Malaysia, 2016, accessed December 2, 2017, http://www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my/SCIM/download/imsc_booklet.pdf

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2.2.3 Foreign Investment

Fig. 2.6. Top foreign investments in Iskandar Malaysia (Illustration by author based on IRDA, 2016)

Iskandar master plan has put the physical clustering of different socio-economic programs into generating different urban catalyst to facilitate global economy for the growth of Southern corridor. Rizzo and Khan (2013) analyse the evolving developments in Johor Bahru as ‘the emerging Straits Mega-City Region’ whereby the transnational forces are encapsulated through the city-linkages and exchanges between Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Singapore.5 Indeed, the viewpoint of Singapore-centric in the SIJORI relations has to be re-examined, to see Johor as an independent metropolitan rather than peripheral centre because the increased decisive roles of Iskandar development have now been played.

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The other geopolitical powers outside the existing regime, such as China and Japan, is now participating in the cross border dynamics, of their investment capital and citizen move rapidly into the regions. Star (2017) states “domestic investments were recorded at US$33.1bil or 60%, while foreign investments were recorded at US$21.655bil or 40% from the total cumulative committed investments”.6 The shifting paradigm of urban development in Iskandar has suggested the following transnational aspects and circumstances, i. Transnational planning and urban development: Multi-scalar investors and actors; special economic zone; visionary package of world-class waterfront city; architectural productivon of ‘waterfront design’ (the knowledge network) ii. Transnational citizenship: property-led citizenship (Malaysia’s Second-home programme) iii. Transnational networks and flows: Circulation of investment capital; transborder watery mobility and governance in SIJORI region ____________ 5. Agatino Rizza and Shahed Khan, Johor Bahru’s response to transnational and national influences in the emerging Straits Mega-City Region (Habitat International, 40 , 2013), 154-162 6. Star Media Group Berhad, Iskandar Malaysia attracts total investment of RM32.15bil, accessed December 4, https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2017/03/22/iskandar-malaysia-attracts-totalinvestment-of-rm32pt15bil/#bccBKsKv0iIiK4xj.99

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2.2.4 2.1.4 International Forest City Waterfront Destination

‘Iskandar Waterfront City’ aims to develop 4,000 acres of water’s edge land that stretching along Johor Straits; throughout several phases in 25 years. Reclaiming the water’s edge land of Johor Straits will be dedicated for the prime commercial and property led development. It is also envisioned to be Southeast Asia’s new lifestyle destination akin to Australia’s Gold Coast. The planning idea of coastal city is now spreading across the regions in SIJORI. It was initiated by Singapore at first, then to the recent development trend in Johor Bahru, also Batam and Bintan in Indonesia.

The waterfront inspiration has been transforming from the early touristy model of tropical beach and resort, habitable space and architectural imagination for being a ‘global city’.

In addition, the urban development is reclaiming the watery spaces for mobility and transportation, hence introducing a new transborder spatiality of movement in the regions of SIJORI, and even moving up to the North to reach Melaka, Penang and Thailand.

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Fig. 2.7. Masterminding a complete makeover of Johor Bahru in Flagship Zone A (Photo source: Iskandar Waterfront Holdings, 2017)

The architectural production of waterfront city in Iskandar, therefore, has a broader transnational planning agenda for the audience beyond its national boundary. The urban development may reveals, i. New wave of middle-class migrant community and different ways of migratory practice ii. Multi-scalar investor that ranges from individual, business company to international developer iii. Visionary package of world-class city and architectural spectacle

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2.3 Environmental Impacts of Urban Expansion

landscape fragmentation & ecological loss water stress & flood fear

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Percentage change in area by comparing land use between 1989 until 2014.

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Fig. 2.8. Change of landscape composistion in Iskandar Malaysia from 1989 until 2014 (Illustration by author based on Kasturi et al., 2015)

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Fig. 2.9. Urban landscape comparison in 2008 and 2016 (Photo source: Google Earth Pro, 2017)

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2.3.1 Landscape Fragmentation & Ecological Loss

Iskandar Malaysia has witnessed a major shift in the spatial patterns of its urban landscapes since 1989 (Figure 2.8 and Figure 2.9). New urban growth covered public housing projects, commercial and industrial layouts, tourism and recreational areas that emerged over agricultural landscapes, informal settlements, open spaces, mangrove swamps, etc. In the future, there would be more emerging land development projects induced by the anticipated investment influx. The implication of these projected scenarios could adversely affect ecological diversity and functions through increased landscape fragmentation. In this regard, it is possible to say that rapid urban development which causes fragmentation of agricultural landscapes, forests and mangroves undermines the long-time resilience of this region, and may create series of sustainable problems.

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Fig. 2.10. Actual housing land area required in 2020 (8,872 hectares) over total land area for housing supply in 2003 (20,176 hectares) [Issues on ineffective land use planning & housing oversupply] (Illustration by author based on Rameli, 2009)

Fig. 2.11. Questionable quality of available public greenery to household [Issues on 10% provision of open space in current housing development planning] (Illustration by author based on Rameli, 2009)

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In relation to economic development, Malaysia’s Department of Statistics (2011) reports that, as of 2010, Johor State, whose recent economic prosperity owes its strength to Iskandar Malaysia, has a GDP of about US$20,000, a growth rate of 9.8%, and an unemployment rate of 2.4%.7 Although these figures suggest high-income status and higher prospects for this SEZs, the patterns of rapid urbanisation within a short period further argue the eventual decline in environmental and sustainable curve. Furthermore, the investigation of interaction between the land use planning system and the market system in the process of housing supply has proven an ineffective planning in the region, where the lands allocated for future housing have much exceeded the requirement of the plans (Figure 2.10).8 The situation could be described as daunting whereby investment-driven land use change does not pay justice to the substantial decline in the size of green areas and mangrove swamps within these years.

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Fig. 2.12. Aerial views along the coastal line of JB city centre with of new townships built on reclaimed land (Photo source: Google Earth Pro, 2017)

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Yang and Liu (2005) mention that “the degradation of worldwide estuarine ecosystems as a result of accelerated human population growth accompanied by agriculture, industrial and urban development justifies a strong need to find efficient ways to manage and protect these sensitive environments.�9 Thus, it is important to reflect the irreversible impacts of urban landscape change. For instance, development of luxury apartments and marinas on previously mangrove covered landscapes (Figure 2.12) may be a good example of irreversibility.

____________ 7. Department of Statistics Malaysia, Johor @ A Glance 8. Alias Bin Rameli, Land Use Planning System and Housing Development Process in Malaysia, (Johor, University Technology Malaysia, 2009), accessed December 4, 2017, https://issuu.com/anwar_townplan/docs/ alias_phd_final_pdf 9. XiaoJun Yang and Zhi Liu, Using satellite imagery and GIS for land-use and land-cover change mapping in an estuarine watershed (Tallahassee: Florida State University, 2005), accessed December 4, https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.files/fileID/14036

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Fig. 2.13. Linggiu Reservior, Johor which has the capacity to supply half of Singapore’s daily demand, was just 31% full by mid 2016.

(Photo source: Mediacorp Press, 2016)

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2.3.2 Water Stress & Flood Fear

As with much of Malaysia, Johor has historically been waterabundant and receives an average annual rainfall of 1,778mm per year. However, water usage in the state is expanding substantially and, when coinciding with drought, has led to serious shortages due to the overstripped agriculture base by growth alongside its border with Singapore.

Since its founding, Singapore has depended on water imports from neighbouring catchments in Johor, Malaysia, through agreements reached in 1961 and 1962. However, developments in Johor have created a new water calculus between Singapore and Malaysia. Since early 2015, drought, pollution and large discharges to combat salinity have depleted water levels in Johor River dams to historic lows, forcing Johor to seek additional potable water supplies from Singapore on three occasions in 2015 and 2016 and to impose water rations for 85,000 residents and industrial users in April 2016.10 This shock to the system is spurring a re-evaluation of cross-border water relations, and reveals Johor’s vulnerability to the resource impacts of its own development and the changing climate.

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Fig. 2.14. A Two-hour downpour left traffic at a standstill at all major roads leading into city, while many basement carparks in the city centre were also flooded.

(Photo source: Sin Chew Daily, 2015)

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Iskandar Malaysia’s population is projected to grow to as much as 3 million in 2025, doubling water demand. As pollution has worsened, the cost of water treatment has gone up, and industrial and transportation growth in bustling southern Johor are further exacerbating these threats to strain Johor’s export commitments to Singapore.

Along with lack of coordination in planning and development, it can be expected that the urban environment will face great challenges in integrating the built environment and the natural environment in a harmonious way. Conflict over land use becomes critical when development is regarded as more important than environmental protection. The situation is likely to aggravate its vulnerability to climate change and global warming events which escalate flood risk and rising sea level. This is true considering the fact that Iskandar Malaysia has experienced one of the worst floods in 2007/2008 which caused serious damage to property including deaths and risks to public health.11 ____________ 10. Jackson Ewing and Karissa Domondon, “How Johor’s Growing Water Woes Could Affect Singapore,” Mediacorp Press, September 14, 2016, accessed March 31, 2018, http://www.todayonline.com/commentary/ how-johors-growing-water-woes-could-affect-singapore 11. Badrul Hisham et al., Spectrum of Flood-related Diseases Encountered During Flood Disaster in Johore, Malaysia (Journal of Community Health, 2009), accessed December 1, 2017, https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/265199312_SPECTRUM_OF_FLOOD-RELATED_DISEASES_ENCOUNTERED_DURING_FLOOD_ DISASTER_IN_JOHORE_MALAYSIA

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03 regional coastal transformation framework rejuvenation of coastal area

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Iskandar Malaysia’s best asset is its location along the busiest sea trade routes in the world.1 Land along the coastline is considered especially valuable in the region because of its proximity to Singapore and requires extra attention in the planning process. The future plan of the site has been under the control of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, and is expected to achieve its growth targets by 2025.

The agenda has laid out five Big Moves to drive the transformation in the next phase of Iskandar Malaysia’s development. Coastline transformation has fallen into two of the five categories, namely ‘Greening Iskandar Malaysia’ and ‘Destination Iskandar Malaysia’, which planned to enhance social connectedness and promote a paradigm shift in sustainability through rehabilitation of impaired and vulnerable environmental coastal areas. There is also ‘Port Iskandar Malaysia’ that focuses on logistics sector to strengthen the ports’ position and market share in ASEAN.

____________ 1. Comprehensive Development Plan II 2014 - 2025 (Kuala Lumpur: Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), 2015).

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3.1 Balanced Regional Growth Targets for 2025

Total Population 3 million Total Development Area 113,825 hectares (49.5% of total Iskandar Malaysia) Nett Density 2,640 persons/km2 Green Area Conservation 26,223 hectares (11.4% of total Iskandar Malaysia) Access to Open Spaces and Parks 2 hectares per 1,000 population Coastal Protection and Enhancement 90 km of coastal span along Straits of Johor

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3.2 Catalytic Projects in Iskandar Malaysia: 5 Big Moves Big Move 1:

Inclusive Iskandar Malaysia Projects: - Vilagge improvements - Landscape beautification Big Move 2:

Greening Iskandar Malaysia Projects: - River cleaning and beautification - Beach nourishment - Coastal nodes Big Move 3:

Destination Iskandar Malaysia Projects: - Heritage, cultural & art trail - Johor river exploration - Mangrove forest ecotourism Big Move 4:

Port Iskandar Malaysia Projects: - Ports integration & expansion - Logistics parks & distribution centre - Logistics infrastructure improvement Big Move 5:

Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory Project: - Central data centre

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Fig. 3.1. Urban limits and spatial growth management (Illustration by author based on CDPii 2014-2025, 2015)

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Greening Iskandar Malaysia is the second Big Move that transforms the region into a green and low carbon region through urbanscape and protection of ecology. Projects such as rivers and water bodies improvement, coastal rejuvenation and green infrastructure are vital to portray the commitment in implementing low carbon initiatives and increasing the green footprint in Iskandar Malaysia.

The rejuvenation of coastal areas is another key project in Greening Iskandar Malaysia that shall transform the coastline of Straits of Johor into a beautiful, vibrant and valuable zone for Iskandar Malaysia. A total of 14 public nodes have been identified with efforts to protect coastal erosion and marine life ecosystem.

Big Move 2: Greening Iskandar Malaysia 67

A normal phenomenon of vehicles caught in massive congestion at the Johor-Singapore Causeway.

Source: Mediacorp Press (November 2017).

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Coastal Nodes Projects In Iskandar Malaysia 1. Johor Bahru City Centre 2. Stulang Laut 3. Senibong 4. Kampung Pasir Puteh & Telok Kabong Beach 5. Tanjung Langsat Beach 6. Delta Mewah 7. Sungai Layang Beach 8. Danga Bay 9. Sunagai Danga 10. Iskandar Destination Resort 11. Puteri Harbour 12. Pendas Point 13. Merambong Point 14. Tanjung Piai

Fig. 3.2. Coastal nodes projects (Illustration by author based on Schwarzplan, 2015 and CDPii 2014-2025, 2015)

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Fig. 3.3. Local tourism cluster (Illustration by author based on CDPii 2014-2025, 2015)

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Destination Iskandar Malaysia is leveraged on its natural and historical assets to strengthen and fast track the economic growth of Iskandar Malaysia. Tourism has been the core sector and backbone of Iskandar Malaysia for a long time and require transformation and improvement in existing tourism infrastructure to boost the tourism sector to a higher value chain.

A chain of tourism activities is focused along the coastline as the areas could provide a closer encounter with the mesmerising environment, especially of the mangrove forest.

Ramsar sites in the region are wetlands of international importance that are rarely found close to urban areas and are highly accessible.

Big Move 3: Destination Iskandar Malaysia 71

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Tanjung Piai coastal mangrove’s claim to fame is that it is the southernmost tip of mainland Asia. Being one of only five Ramsar sites in Malaysia, it is listed as a priority site for national ecotourism.

(Photo source: Justin Guariglia, 2015)

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Puteri Harbour, an integrated urban waterfront development in Nusajaya district comprises 13.5km of prime shoreline and a total of 120 acres of marine reclamation.

(Photo source: Mohamad Nazriezaba, 2017)

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Being Johor state’s largest standalone condominium project with over 9,000 watrerfront residential units, Country Garden occupies 22 hectares of reclaimed land along the city centre coastline, aiming to deliver a comprehensive range of leisure and recreational amenities .

(Photo source: Country Garden Danga Bay, 2018)

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project argument compromise necessary between urban development and environmental concerns

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Main question for the project

If climate change and rising sea levels have rendered coastal living less viable, how could architectural infrastructure serves as a new solution that could re-establishing a sustainable relationship between land and water, while coupled with social, ecological and economical responsibility?

Sub questions to answer the main question

1. In environmental sensitive area, how to utilize and strengthen natural defence to keep pace with sea level rise?

2. How could the traditional coastal defence structure be modified and enhanced to integrate user activities that relevant to the site condition?

3. Despite the adverse ecological impact and diminishing of natural defence, how could the new mega coastal projects be seen as an advantage to face the climate change challenges?

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04 coastal reform in southern iskandar malaysia context framework to empower

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The coastal zone of Iskandar Malaysia is an important environment and commercial asset to the region. Spanning 90km along the Straits of Johor, the coastal zone is rapidly developing and there is an urgent need to protect its ecological value and balance it with coastal urban development. 1 The coastal rejuvenation project shall transform the Straits of Johor into a prime waterfront zone where urban development coexist with many existing natural features of the waterfront.

Areas along the coastline that are not environmentally sensitive are seen as potential areas for all forms of urban development such as tourism, residential and waterfront commerce.

With development and population growth along the coast predicted to continue, the proposed approaches aim to defend the developed coast by a framework of newly adapted waterbreak infrastructure typologies. The actions would benefit the local marine activities and protect the coastline while simultaneously catalysing awareness of the coastal environment.

____________ 1. Pau Khan Khup Hangzo and Alistair D.B. Cook, “The rise of Iskandar Malaysia: Implications for Singapore’s marine and coastal environment,� The Green Reporter, February 6, 2014, accessed June 16, 2018, https:// thegreenreporter.wordpress.com/2014/02/06/the-rise-of-iskandar-malaysia-implications-for-singaporesmarine-and-coastal-environment/

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Sea levels have been rising by 3.4mm a year since 1993. Over the past 20 years, sea levels had risen by 6 to 8cm. According to the worst possible projection, sea levels could rise by more than 1m by the year 2100 and 6m by the year 2500.2 (Photo source: The Straits Times, 2017)

____________ 2. “Singapore Underwater, How Singapore is responding to the threat of rising sea levels,� The Straits Times, May 28, 2017, accessed June 20, 2018, https://graphics.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/Interactives/2017/ 82 rising-seas/long-form/index.html

PROJECTED SEA LEVEL RISE YEAR: 2100 SEA LEVEL: +1.02M

CURRENT SEA LEVEL YEAR: 2018

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Current development is actively reclaiming land to build new townships along the Straits of Johor.

80% of the site runs the risk to build on 100 year flood plain.

It could be seen a threat on environmental impact but also a potential coastal reform plan for an era of sea level rise and climate change.

Fig. 4.1. 6m flood plain in Southern Iskandar Malaysia Region (Illustration by author based on Schwarzplan, 2015)

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Issues in Southern Iskandar Malaysia

Water and Flood Developed regions affected by 100 year flood plain are mostly commercial buildings along the coastline.

Green Spaces Recreational facilities are fairly spread across the region, but limited in the city centre.

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Connection The region serves as major gateway from Singapore for nature attractions and recreational activities.

New Coastal Development Commercial assets along the coastline are captured to build high density residential, commercial and mixed-use projects.

Waterfront Access Waterfront is under appreciated and locals lack of historical and cultural background of the straits.

Water Based Transportation Water taxi and ferry services are proposed as an alternative transportation mode to enhance local and international connectivity networks.

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Pekan Nanas

Malaysia-Singapore Second Link

TANJUNG PIAI 88

Skudai

Mount Austin

JOHOR BAHRU Johor-Singapore Causeway 1

Pasir Gudang

NUSAJAYA

Singapore

Network of Nodes in Southern Iskandar Malaysia Region (Illustration by author based on Schwarzplan, 2015)

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Points of Interest

JOHOR BAHRU - NUSAJAYA: 20km NUSAJAYA - TANJUNG PIAI: 55km

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Operating Scales

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The proposal highlights the concern of coastal development in three selected sites in relation with the actual opportunities of the region, by restoring nature ecosystem in mangrove reserve zone, introducing edge defence infrastructure as a catalyst to local marinebased cultures at coastal promotion zone, and educating public about the local environment in urban development zone. Using soft living system, hard defence system and a collective solution of both systems in these interventions, a set of new coastal edge typologies seek to re-establish a sustainable relationship between land and water.

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Design Brief

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Strategies & Impacts

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Summary of Ideas

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Framework to Empower 1

LET IT GROW TANJUNG PIAI MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK

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2100 FLOOD PLAIN

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Site Condition and Coastal Issue Due to its geomorphology and diverse species of fauna and flora, Tanjung Piai was declared a Ramsar Site. It is a national icon, being the southern-most tip of mainland Asia and a priority site for national eco-tourism. Over the decades, mudflats and mangrove forests of the region have been eroded significantly due to coastal erosion, in spite of the construction of various coastal defence structures. The reported rates of shoreline retreat were between 2m to 4m every year. The problem becomes worse considering the long term changes induced by sea level rise.

Shoreline change from 1974 - 2011 (Illustration by author based on DID, 2013)

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PATH SOFT LIVING SYSTEM GREEN GROWTH

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Action & Edge Solotion Soft living system is adopted to fringe the mangrove forest. The current landform compromises swamps along shorelines that face the open sea and are directly exposed to the action of both tidal water and sea waves, where most erosion is attributable to the removal of the mangroves.

Thus, replanting is necessary to restore coastal capacity as mangrove trees can regenerate and serve as coastal defence structures.

A network of broadwalk is planned to build beyond the current mangrove edges with designed earth mound to be laid under the structure, which could serve not only as foundation of the low-impact broadwalk structure but also to lessen the tidal waves impact. By improving the connectivity on tourism infrastructure and facility, this strategy targets on public and community involvement in exploring coastal forest to raise awareness on the coastal protection measures.

100%

60%

100%

COST

EFFICIENCY OF FLOODING CONTROL

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

105

CURRENT WETLAND EDGE

6m SEA LEVEL RISE

1m SEA LEVEL RISE CURRENT SEA LEVEL

106

WETLAND BROADWALK WITH EARTH MOUND BELOW

ELEVATED DISCOVERY TRAIL

ELEVATED DISCOVERY PARK WITH LOW IMPACT INFRASTRUCTURE

EXISTING EXISTING

PROPOSED

WALKING TRAIL

GREEN CONENCTOR

WALKING TRAIL

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EXISTING CONDITION

PROPOSED NETWORK STAGE 1 0 - 5 YEARS

Existing infrastructure has limited access to explore on different stages of mangroves.

The level of raising public awareness is minimal.

Network of broadwalk and trail is integrated in mangrove wetland. Mangrove seedlings are planted in designated area with eath mound build beyond the edges for greater protection.

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STAGE 2 5 - 10 YEARS

STAGE 3 10 - 20 YEARS

Mangroves reach independent stage; the dense roots start to capture sediments. Users begin to observe to changes

Wetland ecological system reaches mature stage, stabilizing the edges more build-up soils.

WETLAND DEVELOPING PHASES 109

110

WETLAND BROADWALK 111

112

MANGROVE FOREST DISCOVERY TRAIL 113

114

115

Framework to Empower 2

MAKE IT RAISE NUSAJAYA PUBLIC MARINA

116

117

2100 FLOOD PLAIN

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Site Condition and Coastal Issue Nusajaya public marina - Puteri Habour is emerging as an exciting and breathtaking waterfront development featuring waterfront residence with an access to open sea, ritzy commercial developments, an eclectic mix of restaurants and trendy entertainment outlet. Being a newly developed area, it is the key commercial district of Iskandar Malaysia and planned to be a transit oriented city with water transport terminal. In fact, the project site was not part of a bustling metropolis. Instead, it was a rural area dominated by palm plantations and dotted with small fishing villages. The radical reshaping of the coastline into harbourfront requires urban design elements that tie local community and target user into the area to ensure a successful harbourfront transformation.

119

WALL HARD DEFENCE SYSTEM EDGE PROTECTION

120

Action & Edge Solotion Although the impact of constructing hard structure has always been a discussing topic especially for its consequences on ecological aspect, the proposal adopted site-specific approach along with the on-going marina development at the region. It is seen as an effective way as the usage of hard coastal protection structure is coupled with the effort of public space activation.

The costs of installing hard structures for coastal protection could be high, thus, incorporating water related activities and programmes with these structures should therefore maximise the usage. With the development of water based transportation, broadwalk, terraces, piers, commercial and mixed-use buildings, the site itself will have considerable economic impact when it becomes a district that creates job opportunities; a money generating landscape where people can shop, play and relax.

100%

100%

COST

EFFICIENCY OF FLOODING CONTROL

ECOLOGICAL VALUE

121

6m FLOOD LEVEL 1m FLOOD LEVEL CURRENT SEA LEVEL

TYPICAL STRUCTURE

122

HARD DEFENCE STRUCTURE TYPOLOGIES 123

124

PUBLIC GREEN

RAISED GROUND WITH UNDERGROUND DRIVEWAY

HARBOUR TERRACE WITH EDGE REINFORCEMENT

T

EXISTING

6m SEA LEVEL RISE

1m SEA LEVEL RISE

PROPOSED

CURRENT SEA LEVEL

RAISED HARBOUR BROADWALK WITH EDGE REINFORCEMENT

125

126

HARBOURFRONT BROADWALK 127

128

HARBOURFRONT TERRACE 129

130

131

Framework to Empower 3

LET IT FLOOD JOHOR BAHRU CITY CENTRE

132

133

2100 FLOOD PLAIN

134

Site Condition and Coastal Issue The evolving development in city centre has been regarded as the “emerging Straits Mega-City Region”, whereby the transnational forces are encapsulated through city linkages and exchanges. The sheer scale of these projects is astounding with housing planned for hundreds of thousands of people, often involving extensive land reclamation. The acknowledgment of permanent loss of traditional fishing ground and damages to seagrass meadows and mangroves due to such development is always “balanced” by the economic benefits. However, given all these grand vision, the current public accessible waterfront infrastructure and facilities are not up to par with the plan. The glory of the Straits as a public recreational area in the past decades has significantly decreased.

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NEW GROUND SOFT LIVING + HARD DEFENCE SYSTEM COLLECTIVE SOLUTION

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Action & Edge Solotion This proposal composed with hard engineered and soft living solutions to provide a coastal protection system which brings ecological developments and cultural activities together.

Instead of treating water as a major threat to the city and avoiding it, the plan welcomes water with terrace landform which at the same time also direct public towards the sea.

Taking the opportunity from the new developments along the coastline, a new ground is adapted into the proposal with design elements such as elevated driveway, terraces, bridges between buildings and green roof. They all exist with the purpose of celebrating water and maximizing public spaces to create opportunities for recreational activities and dynamic programmes. An oasis of urban recreation and healthier life style will be formed when waterfront becomes more accessible to public and people’s perspective about false sense of security behind the concrete coastal defence structure could be simultaneously changed.

80% COST

100% EFFICIENCY OF FLOODING CONTROL

100% ECOLOGICAL VALUE

137

ELEVATED NEW GROUND WITH LINK BRIDGES

138

NEW COMMERCIAL BUILDING WITH ACCESS FROM ELEVATED GROUND

PEDESTRIANIZED STREET WITH NEW DRIANAGE SYSTEM

PUBLIC SQUARE

BUILDING TO ELEVATE

WITH ACCESS ED NEW GROUND

EXISTING EXISTING

PROPOSED 6m SEA LEVEL RISE

1m SEA LEVEL RISE CURRENT SEA LEVEL

ELEVATED COASTAL DRIVE

PEDESTRIANIZED STREET

WATERFRONT PARK WITH SOFT & HARD REINFORCED EDGE

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140

NEW DEVELOPMENT EDGE 141

142

COASTAL DRIVE EDGE 143

144

145

146

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conclusion Urbanization is not only a global phenomenon of physical and cultural restructuring, but it has contribute to a spatial effect in distributed network of resources, communication, finance, and migration that characterize contemporary life. Urban coastal transformation is part of the process. However, the only difference between coastal transformation in the past and the future is that the effect coupled with accelerated sea level rise issue, as a direct result of human intervention into the earth’s natural processes. The prediction of one metre sea level rise in the research can be regarded as conservative, as there is still a high level of uncertainty surrounding how much the atmosphere will heat and therefore how quickly the glaciers around the world will melt. Thus, it can therefore not be ruled out that the world may not experience up to a six metre sea level rise by the year 2100.

Historically, the coastal protection measures have focused on the use of intensive structural to protect climate change events, while soft infrastructure is currently seen a new direction for the solutions. Thus, it entails an exploration of new strategies by combining the two types of solutions to reduce the impact of flooding in urban areas. The approach could response to more ecological and user friendly results as the sense of sustaining beauty will be built on this basis.

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Although the research in this thesis focused on the context of Iskandar Malaysia and the local portion of the Straits of Johor, the proposed typologies provide potential solutions for coastal urban areas globally, and particularly in the SIJORI region. It also lays the groundwork for further investigation concerning the feasibility of some choices, for a more specific implementation design for each site. There would be interesting leading to a more accurate research to estimate the efficiency of the coastal protection system concerning both economic and ecological values to fulfil all goals.

It might be concluded that resilience is a mechanism to achieve a new level of adjustment to changing conditions, where social, economic and environmental factors are involved. This thesis proves that water is not only able to influence environment and the way it responds to climate change, but also architecture and urban planning, thus social dynamics. When water issues are celebrated, but not feared, water is possible to bring people together, guide us towards a more resilient mentality and raise awareness, enhancing the urban system we live.

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Graduation Thesis of Delaney Tang Hui Ying Thesis Design Studio “Problems Cities Pose”Studio Academic Year 2017 - 2018 First Advisor Dr. Gunnar Hartmann Second Advisor Prof. Antje Buchholz External Advisor Dr. Lilian Busse (UBA)

Printing Kopie & Druck GbR, Dessau Copyright the author, photographers and designers © 2018

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