ARCHITECTURE students have earned acclaim for their proposals to reimagine urban spaces in Bandar Baru Klang, Selangor.
These students had taken part in the Bandar Baru Klang (BBK) Catalytic Development Master Plan International Design Competition 2026.
Their entries focused on sustainable ecosystems and converting urban areas into shared community hubs.
Jointly organised by Acmar Group and hosted by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Belt and Road Architectural University International Consortium (Brauic), the competition saw winners treated to a gala dinner at the closing ceremony in Klang.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said the competition had given fresh momentum for the redesign of BBK – an existing 80ha integrated commercial and residential township.
In his keynote address, he said winners had impressed judges with innovative concepts that combined environmental sustainability as well as transport-oriented development that incorporated the newly built Shah Alam Line LRT.
“A lot of thought went into designing vibrant and inclusive community spaces,” he said of the competition’s theme, “Think Beyond the City – Reimagine Klang’s Future.”
Abd Hamid said the competition had injected fresh momentum into the redesign of BBK by bringing together creative ideas from the next generation of architects and urban planners.
Xiamen University emerged champions for “Royal Port Reborn, Vibrant Future City”.
They won a cash prize of US$8,000 (RM32,760), trophy and priority for project implementation.
Student Gazang Lamu with team members Hong Shengnan and Ploypim Angsupokai were overjoyed at their win.
“Our architectural proposal combines cultural preservation with sustainable flood management, by incorporating a cultural centre and multi-functional water bodies designed to mitigate floods while providing recreational spaces,” said Gazang, a third-year student.
The other top prizes went to UTAR for its design titled “Project ReKlang: The Thirsty River” and Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (Bucea) China for “Klang Pulse”.
The two teams won US$5,500 (RM22,523) each.
Acmar Group group executive director Johnson Tee said the competition demonstrated how young architects could contribute fresh perspectives towards creating a more liveable, sustainable and resilient city.
“Most not only address current urban challenges but also offer practical ideas that complement the long-term vision for BBK,” he said at the prize presentation ceremony.
UTAR council chairman Tan Sri Dr Ting Chew Peh said the competition provided an invaluable platform for architecture students from various countries to showcase their creativity while exchanging knowledge and experiences.
“Although the proposals were conceptual in nature, many of the ideas could serve as useful references in shaping future development plans for the township,” he said.
Also present were Acmar Group managing director Datuk Steven Tee and Bucea vice-president Chen Hongbing.
