Unsustainable living depletes Earth’s resources.
BY LEE YAN LI
lylee@thestar.com.my
Halimah (fifth from left) and Osman sharing the victorious moment with the prominent winners of the MLAA 2015.
Landscape architects should lead the way in sustainable design development to address the environmental challenges for the benefits of the younger generation.
“Members of Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) could play a significant role in establishing committees such as sustainable waste management, national chemical management board, national climate change centre and national crisis and disaster management centre,” said Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.
In the 11th Malaysia Plan, climate resilient development will be focused on incorporating climate change and environmental considerations into policy and development planning, evaluation and implementation.
Citing findings from United Nations Environment Programme, she noted as the current usage of Earth’s resources is 50% faster than its coping capacity, its resources cannot keep pace with the current development rate.
“With the rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050, three planets will be needed to sustain our way of life at this rate,” said Halimah when officiating the opening ceremony of ILAM’s Gala Night on April 9.
The annual gala was to celebrate the Eighth Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) that recognised the most outstanding projects in Malaysia and the surrounding region.
ILAM president Associate Professor Osman Mohd Tahir said studies have shown that people tend to be healthier and happier when living close to nature.
As more people are moving into the cities, green spaces and vibrant streetscapes are often cited as key factors in attracting residents and businesses.
Attendees browsing the ILAM special pullout by StarProperty.my at the ILAM Gala Night Dinner.
MLAA has seen a record number of 130 entries this year, including participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam.
S P Setia, the biggest winner of the night, received the coveted Project of the Year Award and Property Developer Awards (Excellence) with its Lepironia Gardens project in Setia Eco Glades.
Putrajaya Corporation won the Green Achievement Award with the Royal Floria Putrajaya project, while Wan Salamatul Juita Wan Hashim became the winner of Young Landscape Architect Award.
SK Landscape Sdn Bhd (Philea Resort and Spa, Malacca) and Ipoh City Council (eze3@MBI) won the Excellence awards for Landscape Construction and Green City respectively.
To showcase the official entries, ILAM has released the MLAA 2015 Yearbook.
The awards was endorsed by the International Federation of Landscape Architects.
The Gala Night was sponsored by S P Setia Bhd (platinum), Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd (silver), UEM Sunrise Bhd (bronze) and Tropicana Innovative Landscape Sdn Bhd (supporting sponsor).
The supporting partners included Playpoint Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Design 218, Star Sanctuary Sdn Bhd, Park Games Equipment (M) Sdn Bhd and Isofu-Modern Living Concept.
