Home / Portfolio / Placemaking
Project Name
Penang Hill Project
Location
Penang
Scope
Masterplanning
Status
On-going
The growing concern for the hill’s future has spurred us to suggest the implementation of a masterplan to the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC). In this regard, the significance of a well-organised and meticulously planned layout for future projects has been highlighted. This strategy ensures that visitors are met with an enriching experience while maintaining the integrity of the hill’s natural landscape and environment. The draft up for the masterplan proposal referenced heavily on the historical urban landscape approach. The UNESCO-endorsed methodology accentuates the cultural, social, and environmental attributes of urban areas with historical significance—a well-fitting approach for Penang Hill.
One of the concerns that contributed to the idea of the masterplan is: “How much can the hill hold?”. This matter transcends the mere number of passengers that can be transported uphill with the tram; it delves into the limits of the natural environment, which in turn can impact the local flora, fauna, and the overall ambiance of the hill. The risk of having crowds gathered in a single location presents potential pitfalls for the future. Nevertheless, a solution has been designed to combat the problem.
With the opening of new areas, large crowds can be mitigated. The limited amount of features to explore was a major factor contributing to the challenging management of crowds on the hill back then. Hence, the strategy of introducing new areas has effectively dispersed the visitors throughout the terrain as they explore the variety of attractions provided. Among these attractions is the iconic flagstaff of Penang Hill, the captivating sky deck and the beautiful English bungalows from the 18th century.
Another factor contributing to the concern is the funicular—particularly at the lower station, with a large number of people visiting the hill every day. To tackle the problem, entertaining amenities are introduced in the lower station for tourists to keep themselves busy with. This proactive measure not only alleviates congestion as the visitors wait for the tram, but also sustains their anticipation which might wane while waiting in lengthy queues.
Aligned with our company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, the abundant resources of sunlight and wind atop the highland has been taken advantage of. These natural blessings are converted into electricity through the deployment of solar panels and wind turbines—significantly reducing the reliance on non-renewable fuel sources within the popular tourist destination. Plans have been made to extend the realm of sustainability across other facets of the hill, notably at the food court. Overall, the preservation of sustainability within this cherished landmark holds great importance, not only to ensure its long-term operation but also to safeguard the perpetuity of the hill’s diverse natural species.
