By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
IPOH, March 12 - The Faculty of Design and Architecture (FRSB), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), established expert collaboration with the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to develop the Ipoh Landscape Master Plan 2023-2035.
The Dean of FRSB, UPM, Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Suhardi Maulan said the project focuses on five areas in Perak, namely the Ipoh City Centre, Kinta Riverfront, Gunung Rapat, Kampung Manjoi Cluster, and Gunung Lang.
"MBI has appointed a team of experts from FRSB to analyse and design the landscape master plan based on the community’s current needs and the existing environmental strengths in Ipoh.
"The implementation of this collaboration indirectly shows that landscape architecture educators at UPM have specialised expertise that is recognised, in line with industry needs," he said.
The project began in June 2022 and expected to be completed by April 2023, with the participation of several other experts from FRSB, UPM, namely LAr. Dr. Shamsul Abu Bakar, Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Nor Atiah Ismail and LAr. Mohd Nazri Saidon. In addition, the project also provides professional exposure opportunities for students from FRSB, UPM.
The Technical Director of the Ipoh Landscape Master Plan Project, LAr. Dr. Shamsul Abu Bakar said that based on analysis conducted, each area had its own strengths, needs, and uniqueness. Every development proposal must have a solid foundation, to be utilised for the benefit of the community.
"For example, we have proposed the concept of 'Ipoh Life Corridor' for the Kinta Riverfront area, which focuses on ecological importance or sustainable landscape development through optimal space utilisation while emphasising the importance of existing heritage.
"We hope this place will become a more active area for the local residents in the future," he said.
He added that heritage was the key consideration because Ipoh is a city rich in history and has its own identity besides the uniqueness of its natural environment influenced by the limestone hill formations.
"Therefore, we see the importance of balancing the need to instil natural value with heritage and cultural values in landscape design in the Kinta Riverfront area," he said.
In addition, the Ipoh City Landscape Master Plan was given new breathe by emphasising the importance of core values such as Greenery, Accessibility, Inclusivity, Enjoyment, and Memorability.
These core values will become a reference point to ensure that the proposed developments will not deviate from its vision and mission. - UPM
