New categories bring change to Malaysia’s key landscape architecture recognition.
By VIKNESH ASHLEY vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
ILAM president Associate Professor Osman Mohd Tahir
SUSTAINABLE living is a concept that should not only be promoted to be necessary, but also to be appreciated by society.
The organisation has taken a lead to constantly raise awareness of the role of landscape architects in Malaysia, as well as those passionate about maintaining a sustainable landscape environment.
To recognise the efforts of those helping Malaysia create and sustain an innovative and integrated landscape environment, ILAM had introduced an annual industry named the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards (MLAA) in 2007.
Those that take part in this annual event include industry professionals, property developers, government agencies, research bodies and students.
This year’s awards maintain the exclusivity of previous years. However, some key awards such as the Landscape Master Plan Award for Developer and GLC has been included.
This award was added due to the success of the introduction of the Young Landscape Architects Awards, as ILAM would like to continue having new ideas and new themes for the current and upcoming year.
According to ILAM president Associate Professor Osman Mohd Tahir, the theme that would take centre stage this year is in line with ILAM’s aspiration, as well as what the masses look forward to, which are developments enhanced with sustainability characteristics.
“Although landscape is commonly associated with greening the environment using just plants, we at ILAM would like to look at greening in a systemic, ideological, conceptual and philosophical manner,” Osman said.
Some of the simple ways of incorporating green ideas include replacing conventional park lighting with LED lighting, using street furniture, as well as using raised cement planter boxes in upcoming townships and existing sidewalks.
The new addition last year was the MLAA Landscape Development Award for projects that had been completed a year prior to submission for the awards.
For this year's event, developers will get to showcase their respective developments on a bigger scale via the Landscape Master Plan Awards. This award is a new category for developers and will scrutinise the landscape innovation of a township as a master development.
The ILAM president added, “It is evident that the public deems it important that landscape is incorporated into developments and townships. It is, in fact, a deciding factor for many property buyers.
This proves that even the property market is demanding landscape architecture involvement as it can add value to any township, as well as create an atmosphere that is rejuvenating for each individual property owner regardless of high-rise or landed developments.
Most interestingly, this year’s MLAA award has a Revolutionary Media Awards category.
“We have never opened the awards to the media for participation. However, we feel that the media should play a very important role in passing on information as well as creating awareness.
This is something that Malaysia must have as it increases the visibility of awareness on landscape architecture as well as the industry itself,” added Osman.
The media category is not measured as to how much these media organisations implement green practices internally or externally in their headquarters.
Instead it is measured based on how much media agencies educate the masses via news articles, magazine write-ups, or even via having designated sections on sustainable living, landscape, parks and even the introduction of sustainability techniques.”
MLAA is the only award that recognises the quality work of landscape architects endorsed by the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA). It is recognised not only nationally but also internationally,” explained Osman.
The focus of the MLAA award is looking into landscape in not only a horizontal but also a vertical manner, not only finding ways to plant but also preserving and conserving nature and looking at how problem areas such as wetlands can be transformed or converted into a space that is useful for the community.
Lepironia Gardens at Setia Eco Glades, Winner of MLAA Excellence Award
“Aside from bringing back nature to a developed area, preserving river corridors, green networking, implementing healthy living, bicycle lanes, covered walkways, and so on can ultimately add value to a given environment. This includes living or even office areas that are viewed as initiatives to green the environment,” Osman said.
Osman explained that ILAM wants to recognise quality work and uplift the industry. This will translate into uplifting the quality of landscape to ensure that users of these innovations will get the best value for their money.
MLAA submissions are open to all that are passionate about green and sustainable living as well as creating a green Malaysian identity.
The jury for the MLAA is made up of an international mix of people who hold the values of landscape architecture close to their hearts. All award submissions must be submitted by Jan 12, 2017.
MLAA 2016 calling for entries!
Learn more at www.ilamalaysia. org/mlaa-awards or call +(60) 11-1181 8919 / (603) 5523-4638 / (6013) 2020827.
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The article is first published in StarProperty.my pullout on Dec 7. Download StarProperty.my e-Mag(bit.ly/StarProperty_Emag) to read more.
