Eco Infoport

Krisantia, Ina Krisantia and Akbar, Muhamad Akbar (2009) Eco Infoport. Sustainable Tropical Environmental Design Exhibition (STEDex’09), 1. pp. 118-119. ISSN 2180-0685

Abstract

Putra Infoport is a collaboration site between University Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Canary Infoport Sdn Bhd. The main objective is to maintain synergy between UPM and the industries where UPM will provide the resources and infrastructure for development of technology and innovation. Recently, the site is used as a research and development centre for several UPM research Institutes . The site issues include the degradation of existing natural ecosystem, lack of space for communal interaction and no clear image of Putra Infoport as a research and development centre. However, the issue can be overcome through an eco-friendly landscape design. This project provides a one-point center for UPM’s research institutes and development of advanced infrastructure and services within a conducive eco-friendly environment. The design implements the concept of an eco-friendly environment by minimising negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, retaining the site’s natural landscape by minimising building interference on land, integrating the environ with social interactions and connecting transportation linkages for reducing the usage of carbon–emitting vehicles. The design formalised the leaf’s function and structure as the overall design concept. They are the design metaphor. The promenade represents the midrib while the form of the buildings represent chloroplast. The proposed pod and tubes represent the leaf function. The proposed design programme support the concept of eco-friendliness. They can be seen at the central parking lots, the dome shaped building, the promenade, the wetland, the roof top greeneries, the park and the pedestrian walkways. The design applied the principles of design. For example, the promenade is an axis, the tower is a focal point and there is continuity of spaces with structured green spaces. Key consideration is the response to topography in the placement of landscape spaces. Overall, the design attempts to embrace the eco-friendly concept which includes an eco-friendly landscape and structures with image and circulation enhancement. Design metaphor and design form are derived from the leaf structure and its function as clearly illustrated in the proposed master plan.

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