BiodiverCity in Penang

The Penang State Government’s competition to design a masterplan for Penang South Islands has been won by BIG, Ramboll and Hijjas, who worked closely with the Penang State Government, collaborators and stakeholders to transform the islands into a sustainable and global destination.

The images for the winning plan show a community of the future living in an exciting and sustainable community.

The masterplan is described as a vision of the future for Penang South Islands.

“We have decided to set the bar as high as humanly possible by imagining a new archipelago that aims to be both more culturally and biologically diverse than previous developments,” says Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG.

“The resultant urban landscape will be a celebration of Penang’s position as a truly global crossroads of the world- economically, ecologically and socially.”

The BIG team says they have decided to set the bar as high as possible.

BiodiverCity will consist of three biodiverse and sustainable islands, built off the shore of Penang Island and connected by an autonomous transport network, that are designed for economic, cultural and ecological growth, utilising local and global technologies.

4.6-kilometres of public beaches, 600-acres of parkland, and 25-kilometres of waterfront are all included in the 4,500-acre development, and the proposal supports the Penang2030 vision, given its focus on liveability, stimulating socially and economically inclusive development, and providing environmental sustainability for future generations.

BiodiverCity will consist of three biodiverse and sustainable islands.

Mixed-use districts will each house 15,000-18,000 residents across 50-500 acres. A 50-100 metre buffer around each district will also foster habitat connectivity by supporting edge ecologies in reserves, parks, urban plazas and corridors.

The Channels form a 500-acre digital park including spaces for research, development and local business, while The Mangroves will be dedicated to business, with a Bamboo Beacon at the centre for meetings, conferences and events. Organised around a network of urban wetlands and mangrove forests, it will be able to sequester more than four times as much carbon as a typical forest.

BiodiverCity is not designed for cars, instead allowing for waterways, rail and different kinds of personal mobility.

The Laguna is made from eight smaller islands that form an archipelago, the westernmost island organised around a central marina.

Floating, stilted and terraces housing takes advantage of the natural setting of Tanjung Gertak Sanggul, and newly established marine habitats support underwater biodiversity by creating spawning grounds for native species.

Waterways, rail and different kinds of personal mobility are planned for the development.

All buildings are designed for efficiency, using low-carbon materials such as bamboo, Malaysian timber and green concrete, a sustainable material made from industrial waste and recycled product. Green roofs, facades, public and private open spaces are encouraged, forming a near continuous habitat mosaic that feeds back into forests, beaches, riparian zones and estuaries at the island’s edges.

The design features an integrated system of localised water resources, renewable energy and waste management.

All buildings are designed for efficiency, using low-carbon materials such as bamboo, Malaysian timber and green concrete.

BiodiverCity is not designed for cars, instead allowing for waterways, rail and different kinds of personal mobility. The districts are connected below their platforms, increasing the efficiency of goods, services and regional mobility, while also increasing pedestrian safety.

Hon. Mr. Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia, says that, “by preserving and developing an ecologically diverse landscape, the islands promote coexistence with nature. The team will also be in close collaboration with the State to ensure that all facets of the project celebrate both the heritage and innovation that characterise Penang, while creating a home for its growing communities, economies and ecologies.”