With nearly three decades of experience, Anggia Murni GP, IALI shares her expertise in sustainable landscape design. She has scaled at greater heights in the world of landscaping, from holding strategic roles in various organisations
and institution to being a speaker at various seminars nationally and aboard. Not to mention an array of awards and recognitions she has been bestowed upon. As the principal of Tropica Greeneries and a co-founder of the Green Building Council Indonesia, Murni discusses her approach to integrating sustainability with aesthetics in her projects, including the PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort.
Your resort landscaping incorporates sustainable practices in the PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort project. Can you share some of the key innovations?
Sustainable landscaping begins with selecting the right plants for the right environments. For example, the path leading to the lobby of the resort is quite dark, almost like a tunnel. Instead of adding grow lights, I recommended using plants that thrive in low-light conditions. To add vibrant colour, we planted bunga raya, or hibiscus, Malaysia’s national flower.
Water efficiency was also a priority. As a member of the Green Building Council Indonesia, we paid keen attention on the requirements of the Malaysian Green Building Council to calculate water usage from the start. We opted for recycled water for irrigation, as using freshwater for landscaping is discouraged to achieve a good green building rating.
What challenges did you encounter during the design process, and how did you address them?
One significant challenge was meeting the client’s desire for a tropical aesthetic, reminiscent of Bali. However, creating and maintaining such a landscape posed difficulties, especially in a different climate. To address this, we worked closely with the resort operators from the beginning to ensure that they hired a dedicated landscape maintenance team.
What is the significance of this project in shaping your broader portfolio?
The PARKROYAL Langkawi project reinforced the idea that sustainability and aesthetics can coexist. In other projects, such as the landscaping for Bali Airport and Kuta Beach Walk, we focused on using hardy, native plants like bougainvillea, which thrive with minimal maintenance. This approach demonstrates the importance of blending functionality with visual appeal.
How has landscape design evolved in recent years?
Landscape design plays an important role in climate change adaptation. It has shifted from being solely focused on aesthetics to becoming a multidimensional discipline. Now, it addresses ecological, social, and functional priorities to meet global challenges. This evolution aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on promoting health and well-being. This is to ensure that designs are purposeful and sustainable.
What are the key functions of modern landscape design?
Modern landscape design serves several essential functions. It supports ecological restoration by enhancing biodiversity and creating habitats for native flora and fauna. It helps mitigate flooding through bioswales, permeable surfaces, and rain gardens, which manage stormwater. Thoughtful designs also regulate microclimates, reducing urban heat and improving air quality. Beyond environmental benefits, these spaces promote health and well-being by reducing stress, encouraging physical activity, and fostering social interactions.
What are the main considerations in holistic landscape design?
Holistic landscape design must consider several factors. Water conservation is crucial, achieved through rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and drought-tolerant plants that need minimal irrigation. Energy efficiency plays an important role as well. It strategically placed vegetation can reduce energy consumption by providing seasonal shading or sunlight. Sustainable materials, such as locally sourced or recycled resources, minimise the project’s carbon footprint. Encouraging biodiversity enhances ecosystem services like pollination and soil fertility. No less important is nature- based solutions, such as green roof and vertical greenery to increase open space in urban area.
What role does sustainability play in maintaining landscapes?
Sustainability in landscape design extends beyond initial installation and into long- term maintenance. A management team must ensure that green spaces maintain their ecological and functional integrity over time. This includes monitoring plant health, maintaining irrigation systems, and evaluating the effectiveness of hardscape features. By adopting sustainable practices, landscapes can remain resilient, continuing to provide environmental and social benefits for years to come.