A close-up view of swings designed by Qhawarizmi, for children using wheelchairs.
Playgrounds surrounded by trees and equipment that would allow children with disabilities to enjoy a play space with their able-bodied friends were some of the criteria set for a design competition organised by Shah Alam City Council (MBSA).
Held in conjunction with MBSA’s 25th anniversary in collaboration with the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM), the competition was open to professionals and landscape architecture and urban design students.
They were tasked with designing playground concepts that would showcase attractive design features, using “nature-based solutions” that reflected the identity of Shah Alam.
Aerial view of a playground concept which looks like a flower.
According to ILAM Centre of Excellence chief executive officer Zainul Fadli Zaini, who was on the judging panel, participants were required to take into account a construction budget of not more than RM5mil and a play space of 0.81ha.
“The play spaces are to be spread out. There should be different areas for slides, swings and climbing elements,” said Zainul.
Architect and registered interior designer Qhawarizmi Norhisham emerged as one of the three grand prize winners.
In Qhawarizmi’s design, there was a jogging track circling the playground, which looked like a flower from an aerial view.
Mohd Fauzi (fourth left) with the winners.
The track was designed to enable adults to watch over their young while exercising.
There were also swings for wheelchair-dependent children as well as steps fashioned out of timber.
A jury of professionals including an international representative from Takano Landscape and Planning, a landscape consultancy firm from Japan which played a key role in the original design and construction of Shah Alam Lake Park, formed part of the judging panel.
“Their presence not only strengthens the credibility of this competition, but also carries a deep symbolic value connecting the legacy of the original design of this iconic park with the new aspirations of Shah Alam in conjunction with its silver jubilee celebration,” said mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim, who presented the prizes.
The grand prize was awarded to three winners, each receiving a cash prize of RM10,000.
For the Special Award (Mayor’s Choice), three winners received a cash prize of RM3,000 each.
“MBSA aims to produce a new playground with a more inclusive design for the community, especially for children and the disabled.
“It is also one of the steps to make Shah Alam city a destination with an iconic playground, that is safe and attractive.
“This competition also serves as a platform for MBSA to strengthen strategic cooperation between the council and Ilam in empowering the field of landscape architecture and promoting community participation in urban planning,” said Mohd Fauzi.
