Toward a new architecture and landscape design with utilizing eco-parks
Toward a New Architecture and Landscape Design with Utilizing Eco-Parks, Case Study of Setia Alam
Authors: Behzad Mirzaei Yeganeh, Nehzat Jalal Kamali
Towards New Architecture, International Conference, Tehran, 2009
Extended Abstract:
Iran, as a developing country, lacks some factors of urban design. Eco-park, as an urban design system, is one of the needs of today's urban areas. Eco-park helps maintain the area's ecological balance and creates awareness in public regarding the need for conservation of biodiversity. Such eco-parks can attract people towards tourism too. Residential eco-park, based on green architecture and sustainable architecture, is a new pattern of settlement.
Setia Alam eco-park in Malaysia, as one of the most successful award-winning projects, can help establish a good example in all developing countries such as Iran. In this article, the essential design ideas of this eco-park have been explored. Energizing by solar power, respect for Mother Nature and ecosystem, recycled and locally sourced materials, and a low-carbon development are some sustainable features that have been considered in this residential project.
There was a need to adopt a methodology for this research to link qualitative and quantitative data as well as qualitative observations of the site. In order to do so, various methods were chosen to clarify the existing situation of Setia Alam Eco-Park. Three methods are used in this research; after interviewing the consultants of the project, Setia Eco-park was observed for more investigation. Reviewing articles and documents complemented the whole work.
Considering the factors which are taken into consideration in the design of this Eco-park,it can be seen that apart from appropriate usage of solar energy, low carbon development, and the stunning well-designed landscaping, all the factors complement each other in a way that not only the functionality of the project as a whole is achieved, but also the project has aesthetics values. This can be seen in concealing the rainwater-harvesting system as an example. This project is an environmentally inspired architectural development with an emphasis on sustainability and energy-efficient elements. The development blends well with the tropical surroundings, and best describes what tropical resort living is with respect for Mother Nature.
Iran, with different climates, has a high potential for creating eco-parks. The green areas of the north and Kish and Qeshm Islands in the south seem to be proper places for this purpose. Thus, creating eco-parks in these areas can be a good start toward utilizing eco-parks in Iran. The development of houses with a low-density rate, amidst a carefully crafted eco-landscape, is suggested to maximize appreciation and awareness of the native flora and fauna. It is also recommended that all the utility services, such as Electricity and telephone cabling systems and drainage systems, be concealed underground to sustain more harmony with the nature of the site.
Focused on environmentally conscious design methods, The appropriate usage of natural ventilation, Usage of Materials with Long Life and Low Maintenance, the optimized usage of the solar energy and rainwater-harvesting system has been suggested to be improved further developed in future regarding the different climates in Iran.
Keywords: Eco-park, Low carbon, Solar power, Landscape design
Certificate for the printed abstract