BSLA / MERIT AWARD Analysis and Planning SASAKI ASSOCIATES , INC .
Forest City Conceptual Master Plan Iskandar Development Region , Malaysia
Forest City is a new global city in southern Malaysia , adjacent to Singapore . Designed to accommodate 700,000 permanent residents , its high-density , transit-oriented approach is a key-component in the region ’ s strategy to reduce development pressure that has resulted in deforestation and the loss of vital agricultural lands from unmitigated suburban sprawl . Forest City ’ s environmental context plays a critical role in the design of the city . At the center of the four islands lies the Seagrass Preserve – a key ecological feature of the region that celebrates Forest City ’ s commitment to embracing and enhancing the environment . This preserve is the visual focus of the city , providing a distinct identity for the surrounding mixed-use hubs . The iconic towers of the development ’ s two main central business districts overlook this beautiful marine landscape , while an interconnected network of waterfront parks provide an opportunity to experience and learn about Malaysia ’ s unique coastal ecosystems . This extensive ground-level park system connects to Forest City ’ s distinctive network of contiguous podium level parks that link to form a 400 hectare ( 688 acre ) automobile-free urban public realm .
126 BSLA