BIG, Hijjas and Ramboll won an international competition set out by the Penang State Government to transform Penang South Islands into a sustainable, global destination. The plan will provide Malaysians with 4.6km of public beaches, 600 acres of parks and a 25km waterfront. The designers aim to create a place where people and nature coexist in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
The plan is divided into three archipelago shaped themed islands. The Channels, the Mangroves and the Laguna. A set of urban guidelines will make sure mixed-use districts of 15,000 to 18,000 residents with a continuous 50 to 100m buffer around each district will support habitat connectivity and edge ecologies in reserves, parks, corridors and urban plazas.
”BiodiverCity will have an integrated system of localized water resources, renewable energy and waste management, tied altogether in a human-made ecosystem. Rather than design a city for cars, we designed BiodiverCity for waterways, rail and different kinds of personal mobility, forming a multi-modal environment of movement. The resultant urban landscape will be a celebration of Penang's position as a truly global crossroads of the world - economically, ecologically and socially.”
Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director BIG
The Channels will be constructed in three phases. First as an active destination that includes a wave pool and technology park. Second as a civic heart that establishes governance and research institutions in the area. In the third phase it becomes a Cultural Coast that builds upon the heritage and vibrant creative energy of Penang’s George Town to create a regional and international appeal. At the heart this district will have a 500-acre digital park that includes spaces for research, development and local business opportunities.
“At the south-end of Penang Island, BiodiverCity’s ecologically diverse landscape promotes co-existence with natural elements while giving ground for communal experiences rooted within Malaysian heritage. A network of biologically rich islands is scaled and programmed to accommodate diversity in social experiences for Penangites and newly established habitats for native plant and animal species.”
Daniel Sundlin, Partner BIG
The Mangroves is organized around a network of sheltered urban wetlands. It will create suitable environments for its namesake Mangrove forests. A natural infrastructure that can convert more than four times as much carbon as a typical forest. At the center of this island, the Bamboo Beacon will host meetings, conferences and major events. Buildings will be constructed by low-carbon materials such as bamboo and Malaysian timber in combination with green concrete (a sustainable alternative comprised of industrial waste and recycled materials).
“The Penang South Island vision includes an adaptive infrastructure management platform to harness the site’s renewable resources provided by the sun, wind, rain and ocean. The platform will be ‘plug-and-play’ and include governance to incentivize the use of emerging green technologies as part of an evolving resource management solution.”
Shonn Mills, Global Director Ramboll
The Laguna Island is organized around a central marina. An archipelago is formed by eight smaller islands with stilted and terraced housing. Newly established marine habitats will support biodiversity underwater by providing spawning grounds for native species. Recreational points and hatcheries can support the local communities along Penang’s southern coast. Animals are given safe passage through continuous canopy and waterways, and within natural habitats, people can safely access elevated boardwalks.
BiodiverCity will support a water, air and land-based autonomous public transportation network that aims for a car free environment. Streets will serve as a safe and welcoming thoroughfare for bikers and pedestrians.
