Master plan for a sustainable urban district in Malaysia

The Penang State Government initiated an international design competition in January 2020 to transform Penang South Islands into a sustainable, global destination. Penang’s biodiversity spans various topographies and protected environments that have in recent years, encountered new developments that disrupt coastal zones and natural habitats.

In contrast, BIG, local architect Hijjas and Ramboll’s master plan proposal—BiodiverCity—supports the Penang 2030 vision with a clear focus on liveability. The focus is to enhance the quality of life, boost the economy to raise household income, as well as establish a framework for a socially and economically inclusive development. But most importantly, a development that is environmentally sustainable for the future generation.

The master plan supports a water, air and land-based autonomous public transportation network aiming for a car-free environment where streets serve as a safe and welcoming thoroughfare for bikers and pedestrian. The buildings in BiodiverCity will be designed to perform efficiently and will, to a large extent, be constructed by low-carbon materials such as bamboo and Malaysian timber in combination with green concrete.

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