The plan is a response to the Sultan of Brunei’s vision to advertise economic diversity, emphasizing the preservation of the town while transforming it right into a “city in a garden”.
Brunei is home to one of the vital biologically diverse ecosystems on the earth. Its capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is situated within the rainforest near Kedayan and the Brunei River.
The core planning team worked with biologists, environmentalists and engineers – and most significantly with the people and government of Brunei – to develop sustainable strategies.
The Kedayan River connects the international airport with the town center and Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s first water city. The eco-corridor along the river was originally designed as green infrastructure to stop frequent flooding in the town center. Thanks to stakeholder meetings, the initiative grew to incorporate tourism and revitalization.
The project re-centers development along the rivers, creating an energetic waterfront for recreation, leisure and cultural events. At the identical time, the project connects recent industrial nodes that reactivate development along the river.
Boundary policies restrict development outside the currently built-up area to stop future urban sprawl. This encourages redevelopment and improves land use efficiency while protecting forests and open spaces.
Together with recreation and leisure programs, the creation of better-planned open spaces along the Kedayan Waterfront and the Brunei River helps Brunei restore its natural values.
By renovating Bandar Seri Begawan’s existing infrastructure, the plan presents a transparent vision for improving living conditions in the town, stimulating economic diversification and demonstrating ways to include public input into national planning.
The core planning team, led by HOK, included Brunei-based Jones Lang LaSalle, Meinhardt, MVA and OWMP International.
Source: HOK.com | photos from HOK.com
