1.1 Identification of Research Topic: Chapter One

SOFTSCAPE AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING
(A CASE STUDY OF KLCC TAMAN, KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA)

RESEARCHED BY: - JAMES O. KAYODE (CUADT22-08/12-00062)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH TOPIC
From the inception of time the space where man dwells has being arranged naturally to
ease comfort, mobility, productivity, sustainability and communication of the lives that
resides within it; this form of arrangement or planning of the space (earth) can be traced
to the days of creation as stated in the historical accounts of the two holy books, the Bible
and the Quran. According to the first chapter of the first book in the Holy Bible, after
God created the earth and all things within it he saw it was good and ready to be habited
by man – this was also documented in the Holy Quran in the second chapter and is
evidence in some of the world’s nature reserves such as Plitvice Lakes National Park in
Croatia Europe and Gunung Mulu National Park near Miri, Sarawak Malaysia.
Figure I: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia Europe (Picture sourced online)
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Figure II: Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak Malaysia (Picture sourced online)
In this presence age where the nu1mber of dwellers within a particular space, community,
state and nation increases on daily basis as a result of migration to seek a better means of
livelihood. This form of increase in the population of dwellers over time leads to small
settlements such as villages becoming towns or cities as various structural reforms in
terms of infrastructure are bound to take place for enlargement of the spaces to
accommodate the increasing numbers of people bringing about clustering of spaces that
eventually leads to congestion of the created urban area and other vices such as low
productivity outputs in service delivery and polluted atmosphere/environment. Urban
area which can be either cities or town has it benefits to the society as it denotes how
developed a nation is hence, attracting people despites its state of busyness due to the
industrial and commercial activities that thrives within its walls on hourly basis and
leaving the inhabitants stressed and worn out. The essence planning an urban area for
sustainability is to help form a platform on which all the decisions regarding development
is aimed at meeting the inhabitants environmental needs.
Urban planning in terms of meeting people’s needs is fashioned at bringing the people
much more closer to nature by creating a sustainable place not with the view of only the
present generation in mind but the future generations are to be the main emphasis. For
this to be realisable, the act of landscaping need to be allowed in the planning scheme of
urban area. As according to Hackett (1950) who examined landscape as a space on the
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outside of an enclosure high marked for modification to fit into the natural environment,
James (2012) on the other hand saw landscaping more as a form of environmental
beautification that allows for various natural and artificial landscape materials to be used
in order to add nature to the aesthetic appeal of an area. He further stated that the
landscape materials are classified into two types of which there is the hardscape elements
which comprises of the stones, steels, timbers and concretes, and the softscape elements
of which comprises majorly of natural vegetative materials such as trees, shrubs, flowers
and water bodies.
Previous studies have shown that softscape is a form of landscaping that inculcates the
use of natural elements in landscape development construction in creating spaces such as
recreational grounds for both the young and old within community, hence it usage as a
scheme in planning a sustainable urban environment will not be a new concept the world
has no idea off but it will help in awaking the awareness and the need for every individual,
religious bodies, private and government organisation to see the importance of using a
medium such as softscape in creating the global community goal of a conducive, serene
green and sustainable environment that could help reduce and combat global vices such
as the global warming experiences.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
In spite of the serene natural environment created by God for the benefit of all the earth
inhabitants with vegetation, water bodies, hills and mountains dotting everywhere to
create an environment planned to achieve an atmosphere that denotes and connotes
peacefully living, quality and healthy life style, and a sustained earth space for future
generation – nevertheless, the advancement in technology and man’s quest to want more
for himself has over the years gradually brought extinction and destabilization of the
initially laid out environmental plan.
This distortion in the original planned land mass by natures default came about with the
evolution of the ages that warranted the need to build large structures for industrial,
commercial, residential and public purposes bringing about the falling down of trees,
blasting of mountains to erect transport communication structures like airports, rail way
routes etc. and in few instances filling up of ocean and river banks to create more land
spaces for communal development. The change in the natural environment did not only
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create additional spaces that is beneficial to the populace by it also has brought a change
in the way and living pattern of the people which in turn has its side effects on the
atmosphere and environment at large.
In view of this the research entails the collection of data and carrying out surveys with
emphasis on the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Taman, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia
to explain how an urban area which integrates softscape into its planning scheme can help
increase the quality and healthy life style of its dwellers as well as creating a conducive
and sustainable living spaces.
1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This research on the Softscape and Sustainable Urban Planning: A Case Study of KLCC
Taman, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia is intended at investigating the use of softscape elements
to create a conducive and liveable atmosphere for dwellers in cities and large town, and
for this to be achievable, the following objectives have to be met;
i. To understand the importance of urban planning and how it can be ststained

through the integration of softscape in its urban planning design schemes.
ii. To establish the need for creating a balance in nature and the man’s concrete and
steel “jungle”.
iii. To identify the potentials and challenges in the choice case study and give possible
proposed guidelines that can be of reference to scholars for future public and
research works.
iv. To identify the different type of softscape elements used in the case study site,
noting their functions and effective contribution to the sustainability of the
environment at which it is located.
v. To describe the challenges that comes with the use of softscape in bringing about
a sustainable planned urban environment that is of great benefits to the presence
and future human race.
vi. To encourage the use of softscape in urban planning for improvement and
achievement of the global green environmental goals and objectives.
1.4 RESEARCH TOPIC JUSTIFICATION AND MOTIVATION
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The architecture profession over time has being observed to span wider than the initial
ideology of it being restricted to building structures; as a student of Architecture Design
Technology who aspires to be a future world changer by making the earth a habitable
place for all its inhabitants it is of importance to examine this subject matter as it relates
to Urban Design which is another branch of architecture set aside to help create
sustainable environment for mankind.
Large cites and urban settlement concentrate majorly on the structural development
within their territory and neglect the need for comfort and serenity that is brought about
by the use of landscape not to mention the lack of control and maintenance experienced
daily in their landmass and degradation of human and natures value – which has being
the major reason for congestion and an unhealthy environment within the urban land
spaces.
The awareness of landscaping using softscape elements to bring about an eco-friendly

atmosphere and enhance the beauty of places when inculcated in urban planning is low
hence, a research topic such as this will provide an avenue to enlighten people on the
benefits of using softscape as one of the major tools in designing an urban planning
scheme that is sustainable.
1.5 RESEARCH SCOPE
The research scope is to converse and generate awareness on how softscape elements can
be applied in urban planning to bring about the sustainability of the entire area with
emphasis laid on the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Taman, Malaysia, stating the
various type of softscape elements used, notable techniques of instalment of the elements,
challenges encountered as a result of using the elements, and the need to encourage the
continuous usage of the elements in various urban planning designs for sustainability
achievement.
1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
This research at the end would serve as a lookout in the planning of an urban environment
for a cautious consideration on interrelationship between building structures and its
environment using softscape to strike a balance in city life by providing a healthy, better
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and sustainable controlled space – whereby giving the urban community a green and new
identity.
1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This following research questions need to be looked into in order to establish that this
research topic is viable;
i. What is urban planning and how can softscape be used to bring about a sustainable
and quality environment.
ii. How can urban planning be effective in striking a balance between nature and the
manmade environment?
iii. Why chose KLCC Taman, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia as the case study site for the
research topic?
iv. What are the different types of softscape elements employed in the choice case
study and their beneficial attributes to the existing environment?
v. What are the challenges of integrating softscape elements in the planning of an
urban environment?
vi. How can this research convince people to administer more of softscape in
environmental planning for sustainability rather than hard core structural edifice?
1.8 RESEARCH METHOD INDICATION
The research is organized in the following format to allow for easy study and review:
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - Literature Review
Chapter Three - Research Methodology
Chapter Four - Data Analysis
Chapter Five - Conclusion and Recommendation
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter examines the definition of urban planning and sustainability by various
academic scholars and how the two co-exist. The growth experienced in an urban
environment, its defects and effect on the dwellers and possible solutions proffer by
various researchers in reverting this. Landscaping and its branches as it related to urban
planning, types of elements and their various forms of arrangement and sources, and
studies of previously researched urban spaces by other authors.
2.1 WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING?
Sustainable – “viable or renewable” has become a common word associated with the
construction or building industry over the past few decades and this is not likable to go
into extinction soon nor in few years to come. Literarily, what comes to the mind of an
individual whenever the word “Sustainable or Sustainability” is mention is – the ability
to preserve over a long period of time and in this case it means years or in the case of the
construction industry ensuring that the project is eco-friendly with the inclusion of
greens. Allen and Hoekstra (1994), in their report stated that thou sustainability is not
ease to give one definition due to it applicability to many ecological and social situation
it can be explained as a process of evolution incorporating humans and their environment
into a large ecological system, whereby the humans needs to give attention to the
maintenance of the system. This they further explain by stating the obvious that
sustainability is not a way of taking humans back to the early age neither is it aimed at
having them have dominion over nature but a way of collaboration with nature in order
to give birth to an entirely new era, community or settlement.
The term “Urban” over the decades has be synonymous with the word city or even big
city due to the size of dwellers and infrastructures put in place, Weeks (2008) defined
urban as “a place-based characteristic that incorporates elements of population density,
social and economic organisation, and the transformation of the natural environment into
a built environment” this he finalized after examining the rationale being high marking
some areas as urban and other as villages even when it could be seen clearly that some
villages or settlements has a larger population of dwellers within it compared to some
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urban areas. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
(UNDESA) population division special updated estimates of urban population in October
2011, it was stated that urban population is on the increase yearly by sixty (60) million
and by 2050 about seven (7) out of ten (10) people will be living in cities and towns due
to the natural increase in population through either net rural-urban migration or
reclassification of rural settlements into urban settlements. UNICEF (2012) examined
urban area or space based on the gotten statistics and explained it as one which could have
resulted due to the administrative or political boundaries, threshold population size,
density, economic function or the characteristics of the whole settlement which has to do
with its advancement in technological or modern day infrastructures.
Figure III: World Urban Population (Chat sourced online – UNDESA Population. Division)
On the other hand, Planning is the basses of continuity and efficiency of what is to be put
in place and how best it would be properly utilized for the purpose it’s meant for hence
taking a look at the definition of planning by Stuart and Peter (2009) as a task brought up
with various sequential actions that will aid in achieving an outcome. According to Janet
Shapiro in one of her papers published online on the civicus organization website, she
defined planning from the view point that it is a complex process established
systematically for a need, how to ensure the need is met within a strategic framework
allowing for priority identification and operations. The essences of planning is to have
taught of the future in mind and how to cause a positive change – all form of plan do not
at all times bring about a total positive outcome but in the actually sense if when properly
strategized will be able to cause a form of transformation.
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For an urban area or environment to be functional and appreciated by people, it will need
a tool that is strategized planning and according to the Southern University New Orleans
strategic planning handbook and manager’s implementation tools 2010, “strategic
planning is a tool for organizing the present on the basis of the projections of the desired
future”. Hence, there can be no proper urban environment without the initial necessary
planning. Lewis (1969) examined urban planning a science art arts for directing the land
use and character as well as siting building and communication routes for securing
maximum practicable the economy growth, convenience of the inhabitants and
beautification of the environment at large. Also, the American Planning Association in a
paper published on their website defined urban planning not just as an art or science but
a dynamic act/profession of working to improve the welfare of people and their
communities through the creation of attractive, convenient, efficient, equitable and
healthy spaces for both the present and future generation. Hence with this it is possible to
say that every form of urban planning needs to ensure it has a sustainable plan inculcated
in it planning scheme.
2.1.1 Sustainable Urban Planning Processes
The duty of any government as regards its territory aside enforcing law and order is to
make provision for a liveable and healthy spaces; embracing the concept of urban
planning denotes the proposition to regulate the use or land and other physical resource
within ones territory in the general interest of the people to provide them with means of
quality living. Nevertheless, the experience of people who migrate from rural areas to
urban places with the hopes and believe of improving their living conditions is always
mostly shattered due to the low quality of living and depredated state they find the new
environment. This state can be traced to the level of poverty, pollution, congestion and
extinction of nature as a result of improper planning and maintenance on the part of all
concern.
Sustainable urban planning should not be seen as part of a professional career alone but
a collective act that is saddled with the crucial a responsibility of ensuring that dwellers,
visitors or passer-by of an urban area experience an improved quality of living coupled
with a stress free livelihood. In order to achieve this there are certain processes that need
to be followed according to the World Health Organisation in a paper published in the
year 1999 on a guide to reorienting urban planning for the benefit of providing the people
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with a healthy environment. These processes are; building partnership, analysing of

issues, common vision, action planning, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation
and feedbacks.
2.1.1.1 Building Partnership
No plans succeeds perfectly without the joint or mutual agreement of the parties involved
that is, the implementing party and the users. Hence, the first step to be taking in the
process of planning a sustainable urban are is to ensure the interest of the users is
considered and their idea play an importance roles in the planning/design process.
Every nation or community has its own peculiarity that distinguishes it from the other.
This in most instance varies by cultural identity, weather and existing natural resources
as a result the sustainable urban planning scheme that would be perfectly for urban area
“A” will likely be a disaster for urban area “G” – in order to avoid conflict of interest and
an abandon or underutilized plan, all stakeholders such as the government, local
authorities and peoples representatives need to come together to arrive at common goals
and objectives that will aid in the easy follow of the planning process. In order words
there is the need for a strong community participation when it comes to sustainable urban
planning as the facilities provided for will be used mostly be the resident within the area.
Figure IV: Collective Efforts/Partnership helps Transform the Globe (Picture sourced
online – http://ec.europa.eu)
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2.1.1.2 Analysing of Issues
The second process is to know the urban environment being planned for and this can be
achieved by understanding the plights and joy of the people – getting to know their happy
moments and the cause of it as well as their sad moments and what warrants the mood
change, taking full observation of the surrounding in which they dwell in, how their time
is being spend for social activities and the inter-relationship between people within the
neighbourhood. This will help in redefining of the initial scope based on the issue
analysed and setting priorities on what is most important to put in the sustainable planning
scheme for the urban area.
2.1.1.3 Common Vision
A common vision is the soul basis of envisaging a bright and rewarding future and this
starts with the understanding of the strength and weakness, and also the opportunities and
threats an urban area will pose to a larger community or nation. This process is to help
formulate an agreeable vision for the urban area and work towards achieving its
sustainability.
2.1.1.4 Action Planning
This process stage allows for the outlining of the necessary line of actions to be taking in
ensuring that all the previous gathered information are put in place, stating how the
process would be taking, the time frame, possible benefit and challenges that are liable to
spring up in the cause of the implementation, strategies that can be employed to combat
the challenges, the targeted users and beneficiary, and ways to ensure that all are in line
with all previously stated goals and objectives.
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Figure V: Urban Plan Lookout (Picture sourced online – http://www.gic-edu.com)
2.1.1.5 Implementation and Monitoring
Every laid out plan do not necessary means success or void of failure – Plans are meant
to be followed up diligently at the stage of implementation as this would give an avenue
for corrections of oversight areas, amendments of suggestions that seems viable but not
totally practicable and a chance for close monitoring of the implementation stage which
in actual sense is the design stage of the sustainable urban planning otherwise called urban
design. At this stage there is always a very high expectation from the users and the
provider because it is when they experience the birth of their planned work and as such
this process stage should not be rushed or taking with an unprofessional mind-set due to
the assurance that a well detailed and entrusted sustainable urban plan has being put in
place.
2.1.1.6 Evaluation and Feedback
Evaluation and feedbacks a process stage in sustainable urban planning that need not
behind until the implementation is and monitoring process is completed but there is need
for it to be inculcated into every process stage for effectiveness. At this process stage, the
need to select useful measures for measuring progress works and performance reporting
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is essential, so is the need of getting feedback and responses from the users of the
environment to help in the proper regulation of acts and behaviours.
2.1.2 Challenges of Sustainable Urban Planning
The reason for the need of sustainable urban planning is as a result of the rapid increase
in the number of people dwelling in cities and towns – this increase is mostly caused by
rural-urban migration in pursuit of “better life”. These poses great challenge to the
implementation of a sustainable urban planning and even much more challenges after the
implementation if the plan do not take care of projected/accurate targeted increase in
population. Examined below are some of the challenges faced by urban areas/settlements
before and after the implementation of a sustainable urban planning scheme – having in
mind that this challenges varies between nations, states and settlements due to several
reasons of which culture is one.
2.1.2.1 Before/During Implementation of Sustainable Urban Planning
i. Awareness:
Public participation is essential in the actualization of a sustainable urban plan and
as such the involvement of public stakeholders should be considered as an
advantage to s successful planning process as the extent at which the public is
made aware of planning activities and regulations determines to a large extent to
how they will conform and comply with its regulations and this in general has an
effect on the implementation.
ii. Focus Point:
The focal point of urban planning should be on emphasising control rather than
guiding the development alone – the legislations of land use plans and zoning are
adopted to assist in protecting the urban natural environment, structural
development and property enhancement and maintenance value, and not
restriction as the case seems to been. This has being a big challenge in
implementation of sustainable urban planning as most of the current urban
legislation do not conform with the present economic, political and social statues
of nations and communities.
iii. Physical Development Plan Approval:
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Urban Planning is saddled with the responsibility of creation and allocation of

spaces for healthy and sustainable living pattern – this spaces could be for public
use (beach, squares, parks etc.) or private use (residential, commercial or
industrial building types) and as such all needs to be planned for adequately. The
challenge with this is most of the physical development plan for the allocated
spaces do not get their approval on time as a result there is a delay in
implementation process on the other hand some of the developments that
commences without approval tends to be impounded and as such the actualization
of the sustainable urban planned area get to be forfeited. Also, physical
development plan that is being executed without approval such as the
development of a petrol or gas station or an industrial plant can prove as hazard
to the environment and cause deterioration in healthy living standards.
iv. Policies Guiding Sustainable Urban Planning Implementation
In order for a plan to be effectively implemented there is need it put certain
policies in place so has to guide the execution process. Government policies for
sustainable urban planning implementation is expected to have a positive effect
of the social and economic productivity of the urban area as well as the populace
and not one that is harmful or financial income generation oriented alone as the
core value is sustainable urban environment is to ensure the people have a healthy
living environment.
v. Structure of Planning Agencies:
Planning agencies within urban areas are set up to manage and monitor all
activities relating to the sustainability plan; but in situations where by there is no
co-ordination between the national or federal planning agencies and that of the
district or state agencies, there is bound to be challenges. It can be observed that
the initial practice system of a district or state government is to operate on colonial
form of administration as stipulated in the laws as the national or federal
government is not allowed to checkmate the impropriation of lands and this also
implies that the is not allowed to checkmate the federal government on land use.
2.1.2.2 After Implementation of Sustainable Urban Planning
i. Affordability and Accessibility:
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A sustainable urban plan is structured for the dwellers of the urban area to make
effective use of but in some countries most of the urban design laid out after an
effective sustainable urban planning process has not been made use of as expect
owing to the fact that the various development plans are not affordable or easily
accessible by the populace.
ii. Environmental Sanitization:
This is apparently a case of inculcating good strategic plans in place to ensure that
there is no form of misappropriation or misuse of the implementation. In most
countries especially the developing ones the first form of challenge faced after the
implementation of a sustainable urban plan is the issue of energy, waste and water
management. These has cause increase in funds management that warranted a
hard stressful living experience, as well as pollution and misuse of spaces which
has a high risk in healthy living.
iii. Neighbourhood Identity:
Sustainable urban plan should be about the people and this means it should carry
their identity and not a borrowed identity so as to have a cohesion with the
community and make them feel in place.
iv. Regional Development:
The achievement of a successful sustainable urban plan should not be limited to
the area alone but there should be a form of development of neighbouring rural
areas and towns so as to limit excessive population increase of the newly planned
space by imploring the method of decentralization and revitalization processes.
v. Scaled Design:
One of the challenges confronting sustainable urban planning after its
implementation is the design scale – sustainability in the respect of urban
development should not be centred on cars and commerce but an avenue of
inspiration for the community and a pleasant living environment.
2.1.3 Need for Sustainable Urban Planning
The need for a sustainable urban planning scheme in the present generation cannot be
over stated most especially to avoid the extinction of the man and the natural resources
which makes living and co-existence more appreciable. According to the urban
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sustainable development goals of the United Nations, the following reasons serves as
importance of why a sustainable urban planning is required in the present generation.
i. Climate Change:
Sustainable urban planning helps to reduce the adverse effect of climate change
and reduce the risk of disaster in the environment as every urban settlement is
responsible all happenings within its territory which makes the environment
vulnerable to danger of flooding, increase in sea level and temperature rise and
fall as such, sustainable urban planning allows for the integration of the
management of environmental risk and resilience planning including strategic
infrastructural design planning to assist in realisation of a healthy and liveable
environment.
ii. Integrated and Innovative Infrastructure Design:
Urban settlements before most sustainable planning implementation are faced
with the challenges of infrastructure design and modern technological solutions,
which is one of the major provision made available by implementing a sustainable
urban planning.
iii. Reduction in Urban Poverty Level:
Urban poverty differs is quite different from rural poverty as there is the need to
pay for every basic amenities used which in the rural setting would have being
free and easily accessible – urban sustainable planning helps to look into this and
reduce it to a considerable level by providing accessible and affordable housing
schemes, and other facilities that will make living desirable.
iv. Special Concentration and Land use Efficiency:
Spatial concentration in sustainable urban planning gives room for efficient
service delivery, and proper use of amenities. In an urban area the increasing
demand for the use of land is higher when compared to the population raise and
as such leads to decline in urban density hence, an effective sustainable urban
planning causes a proper usage in land in terms of land mix-use for
communication routes, energy efficiency and proper water supply.
2.2 WHAT IS SOFTSCAPE?
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There is no way softscape can be talked about without the mentioning of the term
landscaping and in this case urban landscaping as the research is tailored at the relating
softscape an element of landscaping and sustainable urban planning.
From the view point of an urban open space it is possible to place the definition of urban
landscape as a way of making people embrace the use of public spaces such as; parks,
square, surplus areas and abandoned industrial or urban sites – this is one of the major
concept of urban landscaping which also encompasses urban restructuring for a better city
identity creation. Murat (2012), in a paper presentation examined urban landscape as a
basic form of green and open spaces within the environs of an urban settlement, stating
that the existence of these space is dependent on its surrounding structural forms whereby
giving the entire area a sense of belonging. Urban landscaping introduces aesthetics into
an already dilapidating environs and causes it to be more functional at the same time
through the use of certain practices or elements that help rejuvenate the area. These
practises or elements in question are the hardscape and softscape elements.
The hardscape element as defined by David Beaulieu a landscaping expert on their

webpage of about home, said it is a one consisting of the inanimate elements that is
material which are not in their natural form used for paving, beautification and structural
purposes:- steels, stones, sculpture, fountains etc. Most often, hardscape elements are
combined other landscape elements to bring subtleness to the environment.
Figure VI: Stone Finished Patio (Picture sourced online – http://tieronelandscape.com)
On the other hand David defined softscape as animate elements that comprises of
horticulture and live materials such as plants in general.
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Figure VII: Typical Softscape Design (Picture sourced online – http://akvo.in/2014/01/25/)
Inculcating softscape design into a sustainable urban planning can help in providing a
positive drastic change after implementation to surrounding and proposed physical
structural development giving them a defined character and function using; flowers,
mulch, shrubs, trees and other ornament plants without neglecting some edible vegetables
and herbs. Just as stated in a lecture note delivered by a doctorate professor Fathy El
Naggar of the architecture department, faculty of engineering Pharos Univesity Egypt that
the sole purpose of softscape is to lend character to landscaping by the creation of an aura,
ambience, and reflecting the sensibilities of the people within the area.
2.2.1 Softscape Components and Application Method
Softscape components or materials are basically characterised by the fact that they are
living thing in order wards horticultural materials. Some of the components are;
2.2.1.1 Ground Cover
These are plants that are grown over a land area for adverting the issue of erosion and
weed invasion on a property. Their growth is usually and average height of above
24inches from the ground level and they come in various colours based on their plant
family to give an aesthetics feel and to the environment.
i. Types:
There are various types of ground cover and each is based on the specific functions
it is expected to perform as well as characterised by it colours (see Table 1.0).
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TABLE 1.0: SELECTED GROUND COVERED TYPES

(Sourced online – Wikipedia.org and Perennial.com)
Plant Plant Plant Average Architectural Remark
Botanical English Colour Height Application
Name Name (in)
Achillea Greek White 6–8 Edging in Grows on
ageratifolia yarrow rocky area. normal, clay
or sandy soil.
Arctostaphylos Kinnikinnick Light 12 – 23 Edging Drought
uva-ursi Pink tolerant
Aurinia Basket-of- Yellow 8 – 12 Ornamental Ever green,
saxatilis gold and edging Shear after
bloom
Euonymus Winter Deep 7–9 Edging Drought
fortunei creeper Green tolerant
Lamiastrum Yellow Creamy 23 Deer
galeobdolon Archangel Yellow Resistant
Oenothera Evening Deep 6–8 Border, Good
speciosa Primrose Pink Edging Texture/Form
Stachys Lamb’s ear Deep 8 – 12 Edging Drought
byzantina Pink or tolerant
Purple
Thymus Mother-of- Deep 6–8 Edging Attracts
serpyllum Thyme Green or Butterflies,
Purple Evergreen,
Fragrant
Veronica Turkish Deep Lawn and Drought
liwanensis Speedwell Blue edging tolerant and
rabbit
resistant
Vinca minor Blue Deep 4–6 Evergreen,
Periwinkle Blue Drought
tolerant
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ii. Uses:
Ground covers can be utilize for the following purposes;
 As lawn to replace grass.
 Define spaces
 Traffic barriers and visual guides.
 Transition between lawn area and tall plants.
 Unify divergent landscape components.
Figure VIII: Thymus serpyllum (Picture sourced online – http://www.perennials.com/plants)
2.2.1.2 Perennial Herbs
Softscape is not about beautification alone but also considered bring food closer to ones
table in the process, that is why plants such as perennial herbs are inculcated into the
components. This plants have a live span beyond two years are edible as meal spies and
also medicinal.
i. Types:
Perennial herbs varies in colours, textures and height; Table 2.0 show some
selected types.
TABLE 2.0: SELECTED PERENNIAL HERBS PLANTS

(Sourced online – Eatyourherbs.com, Wikipedia.org and Perennial.com)
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Name Name (in)
Allium Onion Mauve, 10 – 12 Edging Cooking,
Schoenoprasum Chives lilac garnish
Hyssopus hyssop Pink, 12 – 24 Edging Flavour in
Officinalis) blue wine,
cooking
Lavandula Lavender Light 16 – 18 Border Culinary, Cut
angustifolia Pink Flower
Melissa Lemon balm White - 27 – 59 Gardening Tea
Officinalis green
Mentha mosquito Green Gardening Insect and
Pulegium plant and snake
purple repellent
Mentha Spicata Spearmint Green, 11 – 39 Gardening flavouring,
pink condiments
and teas
Nepeta cataria Catnip, White 20 – 39 Edging. Attracts
catmint and housecats
spots of and
purple butterflies.
or pink Tea.
Ocimum Basil Green, 12 – 51 Edging Cooking
basilicum Purple recipe
Pelargonium Scented Pink, Bedding Cake
Geraniums red making,
Drought/heat
tolerant
Satureja Winter White 16 Border Seasoning,
Montana Savory accents
strong
flavours
21

Figure IX: Perennial Herbs Planted in buried pots (Picture sourced online –
http://www.juxtapost.com)
2.2.1.3 Shrubs
Shrub are plants different from trees in terms of height which are usually below six-meets
tall. Although some may end up growing into trees as a result of the conditions at which
they are pruned. (See Table 3.0).
TABLE 3.0: SELECTED SHRUBS PLANTS

(Sourced online – Eatyourherbs.com, Wikipedia.org and /landscaping.about.com/)
Name Name (m)
Alpinia Ginger Lily brilliant 1–3 visual guide
purpurata red
flowers
False Cypress Gold Mops showy 0.9 – 6 Shade, visual
greenish- guide
golden
22

Forsythia × Forsythia bright 1–6 Visual guide

intermedia Bushes yellow
Fothergilla Fothergilla brilliant 1–3 Hedges
gardenii Bushes orange or
red
Hamamelis Witch dark 3–8 Privacy,
virginiana Hazel yellow, Hedges,
orange, visual guide
or red
Hibiscus Rose of Green 2-4 Privacy,
syriacus Sharon with Hedges
pink-red
flower
Hydrangea Oakleaf yellowish 8 Shade
quercifolia hydrangea green to
dark
green
Rhododendron burans Red and 12 visual guide
arboreum white
Syringa Lilacs Lilac 2 – 10 Hedges
vulgaris
i. Uses:
Shrubs can be utilize for the following purposes;
 Barriers to unwanted foot traffic
 Screens of shrubs provide privacy
 Ground covers
 Direct traffic around property corners
23

Figure X: Shrubs (Picture sourced online – http://gardenwalkgardentalk.com)
2.2.1.4 Trees
Trees are woody plants that grows to a considerable height of above six-meets tall, having
much more thicker steams (trunk) when compared to shrubs and a wider spread of
branches.
i. Types:
Tree types varies based on their spread, density of their leaves, families etc.. and
this are what helps determine the appropriate places to use them in sustainable
urban planning. (See Table 4.0)
TABLE 4.0: SELECTED TREE TYPES

(Sourced online – Eatyourherbs.com, Wikipedia.org and Specialitytrees.com.au)
Plant Plant Branch Average Architectural Remark
Botanical English Spread/ Height Application
Name Name Looks (m)
Thuja White cedar Cone 10 – 20 Screens and Ornamental
occidentalis Shaped hedges tree
Populus Populus Sparsely 18 – 24 Screens and hockey stick
grandidentata dense hedges components
Delonix regia Flamboyant Umbrella 5 – 12 Shading Water
Shaped resistance
wood
24

Pistacia Chinese Sparsely 9 – 10 Shading Ornamental

chinensis pistache dense tree
Gymnocladus Kentucky Sparsely 18 – 21 Shading Ornamental
dioica Coffeetree dense tree
Waterhousea Whisper Sparsely 30 Signature tree Ornamental
floribunda dense tree
Brachychiton Jerilderrie Dense 8 Signature tree Ornamental
populneus x Red tree
acerifolius
Malus 'Prairie Prairie Fire Dense 4–6 Signature tree Ornamental
Fire Crabapple tree
Albizzia lebbek Woman's Dense 18 – 30 Signature tree, Ornamental
tongues shading tree and food
tree.
Anogeissus Axle Wood Dense 15 – 20 Screens and Ornamental
latifolia Tree hedges tree
ii. Uses:
Trees can be utilize for the following purposes in sustainable urban landscaping;
 Defining spaces and marking boundaries between garden, parks etc
 For enclosure, privacy and direction
 linkages between one building and another
 Improving air quality
 Providing shade and shelter
 Nose reduction
 Creation of habitat for faunas
 From an engineering perspective trees
 Some tree roots help in soil stability
 Tree leaves and branches prevents dehydration of soil and erosion
 Give aesthetics to an environment in contrast to building outlines
25

Figure XI: Tree use as shading (Picture sourced online –

http://davisla.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/trees-help-improve-the-quality-of-life-in-our-town-
cities/)
2.2.1.5 Palm Trees:
These are also trees but distinct in characters as they are classified as unbranched
evergreen tree synonymous within the tropics and warm regions. See Table 5.0 for types.
TABLE 5.0: SELECTED PALM TREE TYPES

(Sourced online – Eatyourherbs.com, Wikipedia.org and Palmpedia.net)
Plant Botanical Plant Native Average
Name English Height
Name (m)
Acanthophoenix Yellow Mauritius and 3 – 3.6
crinita Barbel Reunion Islands
Palm in the Indian
Ocean
Adonidia Christmas Palawan, 6-9
merrillii Palm Danjugan and
Sabah
Archontophoenix King Palm Australia 20
alexandrae
26

Areca Sacred Solomon 3–6

novohibernica Palm Islands in New
Guinea
Arenga Japanese Japan 2
ryukyuensis dwarf sugar
palm
Astrocaryum Warri Central and 2.5
mexicanum Cohune South America
Palm
Bactris Bango Palm South America 3–9
brongniartii
Calamus Wait-a- Austra 3
australis While
Chamaedorea Lovely Costa Rica 1.2 – 1.8
amabilis Palm
Chamaedorea Bow Tie Mexico 1–4
klotzschiana Palm
i. Uses:
Palm Trees can be utilized for the following purposes in sustainable urban
planning;
 As a single specimen for signature statement

 Shading sunny windows
 Creates privacy along the property line, windows, pools, patio etc
 by the entry
 As island bed accent or anchor
 As backdrop for fountain focal point
 Highway demarcation
 Barriers to unwanted foot traffic
 Screens of shrubs
 Direct traffic around property corners
27

Figure XII: Tree use as shading (Picture sourced online –

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/295263/#b/)
2.2.1.6 Water Plants:
Water plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environments such as salty-
water or freshwater. They could appear as floating leaves or finely dissected and there
growth and survival are either in water or a soil saturated with water. See Table 6.0 for
types of water plants.
TABLE 6.0: SELECTED WATER PLANT TYPES

(Sourced online – bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/water/)
Plant Plant Description Image
Botanical English
Name Name
Victoria Amazon Found in large pond, the plant has
amazonica lily leases that can stress to about 1.8m
and are covered in spiny prickles. It
has a ripe pineapple fragrance.
Sagittaria Arrowhead It is a perennial plants that has

attractive arrow-shaped foliage and
clusters of three white petals – its
leaves grow longer and tapered in
deeper water.
28

Pontederia Blue It is a broad-leafed water plant that

cordata pickerel thrives at the edges of ponds and
weed, produces abundance lavender-blue
flower spikes through the summer.
Typha Cattail They create tall, textured
latifolia background along margins of water
garden and serve as perches for
small birds and dragonflies – having
seeds that form after the greenish
flowers fade.
Lemna Duckweed Forms a fast-growing cover over
aequinoctialis pond and other water garden surfaces
and a source of nutrition to many
forms of wildlife.
Nelumbo Lotus Common in the Asian region with an

nucifera ability to spend the winter season in
pond and in spring it sprouts and spin
out new foliage.
Caltha Marsh It is a plant that likes a wet
palustris marigold environment and most efficient in
water gardens.
Myriophyllum Parrot's A versatile plant that can be grown

aquaticum feather underwater – to add oxygen and give
fishes a hiding place.
Thalia Thalia Colourful and tall aquatic plant with

dealbata flowers perched and bunched atop its
stems.
29

Eichhornia Water The plant is adorned with glossy
crassipes hyacinth green leaves which float leisurely

across the pond covering the
surface with roots serving as
shelter for the fishes.
2.3 CASE STUDY: APPLICATION OF SOFTSCAPE IN JAPAN

SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING
James (2012) in his report after examine a Japanese garden journal dated the 5th of June
2006 stated that the gardens and possibly park designs in Japan are being influenced by
the culture of the Buddhist which mean aim is to align people with nature hence, the use
of varieties of landscape elements most especially in terms of softscape element are
common. These ranges from stones which is a hardscape element, water, to subtle plants
of various colours, textures, shades and form in symbolic ways to make the human mind
free itself from the challenges of the “jungle” world they find themselves.
Though the Japanese have various forms of garden types but there strong attachment to
plants which is the closest representative of nature or the natural environment cannot be
over looked even when a designer is working on a garden such as the stone garden there
must be elements of greens in form of mosses.
30

Figure XIII: Stone Garden at Ryoan-ji(Picture sourced online –

creatingjapanesegardens.com)
Japan amongst all world rated countries striving to make their territory sustainable for the
future generation has several range of public parks and gardens for communal use of
which the Kiso Sansen Park located in Kaizu.
Figure XIV: Kiso Sansen Park, Kaizu Layout (Picture sourced online – kisosansenkoen.go.jp)
The park is an urban city park and the largest National Park in Japan, developed in the
year 1987 and straddling three districts. Its design is in such a way that visitors to the park
can also enjoy the serene environment of surrounding cities such as Nobi plain and Ise
Bay. It derives its name from the attributes of the surrounding environment which is the
present of three great rivers (Nagara River, Kiso River and Ibi River) flowing round it.
on the park ground are structures such as the flood prevention tower, car parks, children
recreation grounds and the 138 Tower Park (65meters high) which allows for an over
31

view on the whole area and surround environment. This tower also houses an exhibition
centre that present the historical, climatic and nature of the area to visitors as well as
gaming for all interested in having additional fun after the enlightenment.
Figure XV: 138 Tower Park (Picture sourced online – google image search)
One of the things that sets the park aside from all other parks within the country is the
attractiveness and calmness of the whole environment which can be attributed to the
effective colour usage which also allows it to be useable all year round for sporting
activities, family picnics and other forms of recreational activities.
32

Figure XVI: A part of the Children’s Area (Picture sourced online – google image search)
The colourful nature of the park is as a result of the inculcation of about 260,000 tulips
and musacari bulbs which varies in about 125 different shades, textures and colours –
noting that this plants are beautiful seasonal flowers all arranges in a theme of a “flowing
river) which in the actual sense is the representation of the three surrounding major rivers
in the country. The nature of the softscape components used in the park allows for it to
host seasonal event relating to the educating of people about plants characteristics and
their numerous benefits to man and its environment.
33

Figure XVII: A overview of the Tulpis and Musacari Arrangement (Picture sourced online
– google image search)
34

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter examines the method at which this research is carried out in the manner of
giving a brief background of the study site, how data are being derived and collated as
well as sampling methods and analysis.
3.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY SITE
The country Malaysia has a territorial border that spans an area of about 329,758 square-
kilometres occupied by the Malay Peninsula on the Asian south shores and the states of
Sabah and Sarawak within the north-western coast of Borneo Island. The country has its
capital city as Kuala Lumpur which is situated within the Malay Peninsula.
According to an online information on the world’s gazette, Kuala Lumpur is the most
populated city in Malaysia with a total population of 1.6million people based as at 2010
and a total land mass area of 234 square-kilometres. Being an urban settlement coupled
with the identity as the Federal Capital Seat of the country, Kuala Lumpur is a mixture of
both commercial, recreational and residential hub with a 24hours in flocks of activities in
most of its area. The busy nature of the city is as a result of the fact that it is a tourist
destination to not just the citizens or Asian community alone but the world at large hence,
it boast of a wide range of tourist sites of which the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)
Taman/Garden/Park is one.
The KLCC Taman is located at close proximity to one of the world’s famous architectural
masterpiece The Petronas Twin Tower and was designed to provide greenery to
compliment the structure and its surrounding environment.
3.2 RESEARCH METHOD
In order to have an idea on the relationship of how Softscape can be inculcated into the
planning of a sustainable urban environment, the research method employed was to carry
out a background check by consulting previous research related topics through journals,
books, paper and online search engines for eBooks on what sustainable urban planning
entails, the term softscape, the interrelationship between the two with the architecture
35

professions. Also, study visit was made to the study site for understanding of its
contribution to the environment at which the facilities are situated, willingness of people
in making use of the facilities and how they feeling it has helped and can be improved.
3.3 DATA COLLECTION
Two method of data collection was employed during the course of this research; the
primary data collection process using the direct field observation system - the visit made
to the choice study site allowed for the physical observation of every activity going on
within and around the site with must attention paid to the human behavioural pattern in
context with the change in environment and temperature. Pictures were taken of showing
the existing form of landscape, children play area, the water bodies and of people making
use of the facilities for relaxation and entertainment purposes.
The secondary data collection process allowed for information both quantitative and
qualitative to be sourced form literature review of journal with related topics, professional
books on landscaping and urban planning and design, publication in magazines and
online, as well as model of the study area. All this data consist of plant details and
population chats.
36

CHAPTER FOUR
CASE STUDY
This chapter will be taking a critical look at the study site, the facilities within it, the type
of planting scheme and other amenities used in the site.
4.1 KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE (KLCC) TAMAN, MALAYSIA
KLCC Taman is a public park and garden located in the heart of the Federal Capital of
Malaysia with close proximity to the Petronas Twin Tower a famous world architectural
masterpiece. Designed on a landed area of about 200,000 square-meters (20hectares or
50arces) by a Brazilian Architect – Roberto Burle Marx – with the sole aim to “leave the
world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature” the
park was officially opened in the year 1998.
LEGEND
1 Petronas Towers I & II
2 Concert Hall
3 Suria KLCC Retail
Complex
4 Office Tower (Menara
Maxis, Menara Esso)
5 Mandarin Oriental Hotel
6 Future Building
Figure XVIII: Drafted Layout Plan of the KLCC Taman Malaysia, 1991 (Picture sourced
– online)
The park is known for its tropical qualities and the infusion of man-made hardscape
design components (cements, water features etc.), softscape components (trees, shrubs
etc.) and other natural components like stones to combat the hustling and bustling of the
busy capital city. With over a 1,974 indigenous trees inclusive of species of the palm
37

family strategically dotting the ground it allows for the attraction of air faunas to migrate
in causing the park to also serve the purpose of bio-diversity and conservational works.
The following are some of the softscape components and other amenities utilized within
the park grounds;
4.1.1 Softscape Components
Amongst the softscape components used in the designing of the KLCC Taman are the
1,900 indigenous trees and 74 palm tree family plants of which 40 of these trees accounted
for were transplanted after being saved from when the Selangor Turf Club was to be
relocated in the early 1990’s to Sg Besi. Listed below are some of the trees and other flora
used in the park of which most are labelled.
4.1.1.1 Diospyros blancoi:
Commonly called velvet apple or butter fruit tree in English language, is notable for its
edible reddish-brown fruit and also its ornamental features and wide spread branches with
well dense foliage that can serve as a shade in a sunny weather.
4.1.1.2 Pongamia pinnata:
A legume tree that grows up to a height of 15 – 25metres and with wide equally spread
large canopy branches serving as windbreakers and shading devices.
4.1.1.3 Arachis pintoi:
In English it is called the Pinto Peanut, is one of the numerous ground cover employed in
the park as it has bright yellow flowers that glows under lighten hence, it is one of the
plants used in traffic direction at nights.
38

Figure XIX: Arachis pintoi as groundcover (Picture sourced – self taking)
4.1.1.4 Cyrtostachys renda:
The lipstick palm is one of the native plants of Sabah, with its red colour crown - shafts
and leaf sheath, and it is located within area whose leaves are not so attractive so as to
draw the attention of passer-by to them.
4.1.1.5 Dillenia excelsea:
Purple Simpuh Tree as it is commonly called is one of the few trees in the park with an
average high of about 40metres and a clear trunk of about 20metres, the tree has a
round/acute shaped foliage branch with yellow and at times white flowers on it.
4.1.1.6 Ficus elastica:
Also called rubber tree is one of the trees within the parks that allows for migration of
faunas, thriving well in poor soil and has long dropping branches.
4.1.1.7 Ficus nitida:
Indian Laurel Tree, is a good shade plant with height of over 40meters and evergreen
shiny foliage.
39

Figure XX: Ficus elastica (Picture sourced – self taking)
4.1.1.8 Michelia champaca:
The yellow/white flowered tree referred to as the Yellow Jade Orchid tree is one of the
trees within the park with very strong pleasant fragrant and also its seeds are known to
attract birds.
4.1.1.9 Nephelium lappaceum:
A native plant of the Malay Peninsula the Rambutan tree, has a hairy edible round fruit
which varies in colour from red to golden yellow depending on its maturity.
4.1.1.10 Dryobalanops aromatica:
It is a form of oak tree of the Malaysian origin and has a growth height of about 80metres.
40

Figure XXI: Overview of the Park showing Trees (Picture sourced – online)
4.1.2 Children’s Playground
The playground is located along the west side of the KLCC Taman of which its two (2)
acre perimeter floor is finished with Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) a
synthetic rubber material which assist in the resisting harsh weather conditions. The play
area is equipped with kiddies gaming equipment such as the swing, slides, rocking and
rotating items all with maximum security and safety check in place.
Figure XXII: Overview of the Children’s Playground (Picture sourced – online)
41

4.1.3 Jogging Track
There is a 1,300metres (1.3km) jogging track finished with EPDM and laid round the
park at a strategic position so as not to obstruct other users.
4.1.4 Water Features
Figure XXIII: Children’s Pool and Artificial Waterfall (Picture sourced – self taken)
Within the park are various forms of water features from, the man-made lake called “Lake
Symphony” which span about 10,000 square-metres, to the main fountain that shoots
water to about 42metres high, the drinking water fountain that is strategically located
within the park, other smaller fountains, children’s pool and various artificial waterfall.
All these water features advantages can be felt in the cool temperature experience.
42

Figure XXIV: Drinking Water Fountain (Picture sourced – self taken)
4.1.5 Other Amenities
Softscape and hardscape are both landscape components that works to complement each
other except in theme parks or garden which might require one to be less visible than the
other. The KLCC Taman in its design made use of some landscape materials that are no
longer in their natural form to make accessibility and usage of the facilities friendlier.
Some of this includes; the garden benches, the light fittings, the chains for
demarcation/privacy/restriction, the metal board signage, the metal/aluminium fish
fountain sculpture, the waste bins etc. Also, there are building structure being provided
for such as; the convenience rooms, shelters, resting areas and a 43metres elevated bridge
which crosses the lake for easy transition from one end to another as well as a symbol of
movement in the actualization of the countries vision 2020 aspirations.
Figure XXV: Waste Bins, Metal Board Signal, Garden Seat (Picture sourced – self taken)
43

Figure XXVI: Shelter, Metal Notice Board, Drinking Water Fountain Shelter (Picture
sourced – self taken)
44

CHAPTER FIVE
DATA ANALYSIS
This chapter is aimed at presenting and analysing data collated from the research by
comparing the literature review study with the study site, identifying the challenges
associated with the use of softscape in sustainable urban planning and also the general
benefit of its usage.
5.1 CHALLENGES IDENTIFIED WITH SOFTSCAPE IN SUSTAINABLE

URBAN PLANNING
Softscape components used in sustainable urban planning are rarely understood, it is not
enough to allocated some certain part of the urban plan for greenery but to ensure the
surrounding spaces correlated with the greenery position – this is one of the things evident
in the study choice site as it seem it is becoming choked up by the surrounding structure
which are way taller that all the existing trees whereby restricting its ecological benefits
and mainly allowing for it to serve as a tourist attraction. These and other challenges
examined below were identified from the research study:
5.1.1 Availability of Skilled Labours
The built industry is encompassing of various professional who are meant to handle
specific parts of a project work – the conceiver of the KLCC Taman design from the
initial layout plan (Figure XVIII) was able to show that planners, architects and other
professional put their effort into an effective planed work that would add more value to
the life span of the Kuala Lumpur environment, so also it can be seen when a visit is paid
to the study site that various modifications has taken place of which some serve as a form
of advancement and others as an “eye sore” to the entire area. Also, a look at some of the
plants gives an impression that the person’s in charge of pruning is more concerned about
the form than the health of the plants in itself.
5.1.2 Cost of Maintenance
Softscape components can be a handful of elements to maintain if the right plant is being
used at the wrong place and vice-versa – this range from having to cope with plants that
45

shred their leaves on daily bases to those whose branch and root growth are a bit difficult
to restrict and might encroach into unwanted areas. Another major maintenance issue
associated with softscape in sustainable urban planning is at the stage of germinating to
seeding and before they reach stage of maturity which varies on plant type, the plants
needs much attention and any mix handling of them with cause a defect when they are
fully grow.
5.1.3 Environmental Pollution
In the cause of the study, the study site has being able to deal with the issue of
environmental pollution to an agreeable minimum nevertheless, the challenges pose by
environmental pollution on softscape elements can be very harmful both to the plants and
the users of facilities around them. In an instance where there are industrial pipes running
above or beneath the floors of a green area or a circumstance where an industrial plant
fumes raises through the surrounding atmosphere of a planned green area, there is the
tendency of the plants to react negatively when they come in contact with such toxic
substances.
5.1.4 Time of Maturity
For softscape elements, the reality of its existence after implementation of the sustainable
urban plan might not be felt until after some years. This is one of the major challenges
and as such it is one of the reason why it is used less in urban planning and in instance
where the plans have being implemented it could cause the place to be reused and the
initial greenery plan replaced with a building structure. That is one of the reason why
during the implementation of the KLCC Taman Plan about 40 numbers of matured trees
where replanted on the park ground after they were rescued from the Selangor Turf Club.
5.2 BENEFITS OF SOFTSCAPE IN SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING
The Chapter Two of this research has help in understanding the relationship between
softscape and sustainable urban planning. More so, the Brazilian Architect who designed
the study site has being very specific in the aim and objective which surrounds he’s
conceptual forms and arrangement pattern of the park. Hence, in order to have a defined
understanding on the physical and psychological effect softscape has on man and his
surrounding when inculcated into urban sustainable planning identified from the studies
46

when carried out the following area will be the base points; aesthetics, cultural identity,
durability, eco-friendliness, flexibility and versatility.
5.2.1 Aesthetics
Softscape components as seen in Figure I – II are elegant and exciting elements to

inculcate into any form of urban planning. The blend with the surrounding environment
(Figure XXI) adding a natural appeal to it and bringing nature much more closer to man
as well as a sense of belonging and intimacy (Figure VII)
5.2.2 Cultural Identity
Every country has variety of softscape components in other words plants species peculiar
to them – also some plant are known as signature plants (TABLE 4.0) for they have
certain characteristics which when use in greenery within an urban environment, tells
more about the peoples culture, way of life and attributes – everyone always want to give
a good first impression about their person when they meet with a stranger – an example
is the lipstick palm which is a native of Malaysia and well utilized in the KLCC Taman.
5.2.3 Durability
Compared to some elements of landscaping which might need periodical replacements,

softscape elements are known to have the ability to rejuvenate except in rear occasions
where they might have being badly damaged due to lack of maintenance culture or
mishandling. Most plants have a very long life span and exist for thousands of years even
after being transplanted – Some of the Ficus elastic (Figure XX) were transplanted while
young and are still surviving till date.
5.2.4 Eco - Friendly
Bio – diversity and conservation is a watch word for softscape in sustainable urban
planning, as it serves as wind breakers (Pongamia pinnata - Chapter Four), fauna
migration (Michelia champaca - Chapter Four), protective covering and oxygen supply
(Myriophyllum aquaticum – Table 6.0)and reduction in the effect of global warming,
ozone layer changes etc. Also, plant roots help in soil stability and help reduce the risk of
erosion and landslide that could be disastrous to surrounding structures – and helps to
47

reduce dehydration of the soil within their environment hence, reduce the raise in
temperature level.
5.2.5 Flexibility
The ability of plant to be reshaped not just be pruning the branches or leaves but also the
trunk and steam as they matured makes them a very interesting softscape to use in
sustainable urban planning. The pictures below shows some nurtured and sculptured
plants to give distinct shapes.
Figure XXVII: Sculptured Plants (Picture sourced online – http://absorbant.rssing.com/)
5.2.6 Versatility
Softscape components are versatile materials that can be used to brighten up an urban
environment; the study of the Kiso Sansen Park in Japan (XVII) shows that they do not
only serve ornamental purpose nor affect the quality of air within an environment alone
but thy help in traffic direction as a result of their bright colours (Arachis pintoi - Chapter
Four).
Table 2.0 and Table 4.0, expresses some of their usefulness as human consumables in
terms of food or seasoning in meals, Figure XXV also shows that they can be sculpted
into different forms and images for tourist attraction and in Table 6.0 they can be used in
adorning water elements such as ponds, pools etc. as they come in varieties of texture as
well.
Softscape component benefits in sustainable urban planning as mention above, can only
be effectively achieved if the right professional are employed to carry out the planning
48

process from the inception to the implementation stage. Also, when the knowledge of
planting scheme is being sorted out for either by requesting the contributions of a
horticulturist if a Landscape Architect is not on ground, so also the consultation of
qualified persons who understands the concept of colours and weather.
49

CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION
Based on the studies carried out softscape as being identified as a part of landscaping
symbolized with the characteristics of using faunas to create an aura within an
environment and also awaking the sensibility of people to their natural habitat. Its
versatility in areas of application and contributing factor to reducing the effect of harsh
atmospheric weather condition on the earth and man without losing its attractiveness has
giving it an edge over the hardscape elements which are mostly man-made with an
exception of the natural stone.
The need to encourage built environment professional such as the Architect, Construction
Engineers, Landscape Architects, Urban Designs and Urban Planners to inculcate
softscape (greenery) in their construction and planning projects is very essential for it has
less negative effect on construction and planning projects but verse positive impact
especially in the area of achieving a sustainable environment which happen to be the main
goal of the built industry in this present generation. Also, government should work on
awareness and sanitisation of the citizens on the importance of keeping and natural
environment as well as living in one this would go a long way in exposing, promoting
and enlighten the public on how best to utilize softscape in their immediate surroundings,
neighbourhood and community.
In view of the structural and environmental going on in Nigeria a country situated within
the western region of the African continent it is hoped that this research will be of
tremendous assistance in proposing an Prototype Monumental City Park within the
countries capital city Abuja and the its commercial nerve centre Lagos State.
50

REFERENCES
Hackett, B. (1950). Man, Society and Environment. Percival Marshall.
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www.cdn.intechnopen.com
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Towards Agenda 21: European Sustainable Development and Health Series 3
Isam K.S (2009); Theortical Empiral Research in Urban Management Nov.2(11)

“Challenges of Urban Planning at the Face Centre – Urbanization” Published Paper.
Romania
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Unpublished PGDLA Report. Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna Nigeria.
Weeks,J.R (2008) Defining Urban Area Published Department of Geography, San Diego
State University CA, U.S.A
UNICEF (2012) The State of World’s Children 2012 “ Children in an Urban World”
Published Report UNICEF
Sturart J.R, Peter N. (2009) Artifical Intelligent: A Modern Approach Published #rd
edition Prentice Hall USA
SUNO (unknown), Strategic Planning Handbook and Managers Implementation Tools
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Gazette London.
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Management, July 12 – 15, 1993, Flagstaff
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Towards a definition of sustainability T.F.H Allen & Thomas W. Hoekstra
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Abt Associate, Inc., (December 2001). “Building Partnerships for Neighbourhood

Change" FannieMae Foundation (Online) fmfpubs@fammiemaefoundation.org
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An Efficient Partnership” Journal of Extension (Online) kotval@msu.edu
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http://ec.europa.eu/environment/newprg/spatial.htm
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53

1.1 Identification of Research Topic: Chapter One

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SOFTSCAPE AND SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING

(A CASE STUDY OF KLCC TAMAN, KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA)

1.1 IDENTIFICATION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

i. To understand the importance of urban planning and how it can be ststained

1.4 RESEARCH TOPIC JUSTIFICATION AND MOTIVATION

The awareness of landscaping using softscape elements to bring about an eco-friendly

1.5 RESEARCH SCOPE

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.8 RESEARCH METHOD INDICATION

Chapter One - Introduction

Chapter Two - Literature Review

Chapter Three - Research Methodology

Chapter Four - Data Analysis

Chapter Five - Conclusion and Recommendation

2.1 WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING?

2.1.1 Sustainable Urban Planning Processes

with a healthy environment. These processes are; building partnership, analysing of

2.1.1.1 Building Partnership

2.1.1.2 Analysing of Issues

2.1.1.3 Common Vision

2.1.1.4 Action Planning

Figure V: Urban Plan Lookout (Picture sourced online – http://www.gic-edu.com)

2.1.1.5 Implementation and Monitoring

2.1.1.6 Evaluation and Feedback

2.1.2 Challenges of Sustainable Urban Planning

2.1.2.1 Before/During Implementation of Sustainable Urban Planning

Urban Planning is saddled with the responsibility of creation and allocation of

2.1.2.2 After Implementation of Sustainable Urban Planning

i. Affordability and Accessibility:

2.1.3 Need for Sustainable Urban Planning

2.2 WHAT IS SOFTSCAPE?

The hardscape element as defined by David Beaulieu a landscaping expert on their

Figure VI: Stone Finished Patio (Picture sourced online – http://tieronelandscape.com)

Figure VII: Typical Softscape Design (Picture sourced online – http://akvo.in/2014/01/25/)

2.2.1 Softscape Components and Application Method

2.2.1.1 Ground Cover

TABLE 1.0: SELECTED GROUND COVERED TYPES

Figure VIII: Thymus serpyllum (Picture sourced online – http://www.perennials.com/plants)

2.2.1.2 Perennial Herbs

TABLE 2.0: SELECTED PERENNIAL HERBS PLANTS

Plant Plant Plant Average Architectural Remark

TABLE 3.0: SELECTED SHRUBS PLANTS

Forsythia × Forsythia bright 1–6 Visual guide

Figure X: Shrubs (Picture sourced online – http://gardenwalkgardentalk.com)

TABLE 4.0: SELECTED TREE TYPES

Pistacia Chinese Sparsely 9 – 10 Shading Ornamental

Figure XI: Tree use as shading (Picture sourced online –

2.2.1.5 Palm Trees:

TABLE 5.0: SELECTED PALM TREE TYPES

Areca Sacred Solomon 3–6

 As a single specimen for signature statement

Figure XII: Tree use as shading (Picture sourced online –

2.2.1.6 Water Plants:

TABLE 6.0: SELECTED WATER PLANT TYPES

Sagittaria Arrowhead It is a perennial plants that has

Pontederia Blue It is a broad-leafed water plant that

Nelumbo Lotus Common in the Asian region with an

Myriophyllum Parrot's A versatile plant that can be grown

Thalia Thalia Colourful and tall aquatic plant with