The Penang South Island International Masterplan Design Competition is a strategic initiative for the State Government of Penang to create a new vision for Penang Island through a land reclamation project that comprises 3 islands on the southern edge. The 18.2-square-kilometre project will include an industrial district, two new commercial districts, a vacation destination, a broad range of mixed-income housing, public parks, light rail transit and all other urban functions & amenities needed to create new vibrant communities.

The competition brief expressed a strong desire for the final plan to incorporate smart / digital city planning strategies as well as achieve sustainable development goals. In line with this vision,EOWON Architects, together with Tekuma Frenchman (USA), was shortlisted in January 2020 for the Penang South Islands (PSI) International Masterplan Design Competition that is jointly organised by the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Northern Chapter) and the Board of Architects Malaysia. Also involved in the project was the Zhongjiang Hydraulics Institute, branding agency Insignia, and Skymind on the integration of AI into the city infrastructure.

The other four shortlisted consortiums were Foster + Partners (UK) with GDP Architects Sdn. Bhd.; UN Studio (Netherlands) with Architects 61 Sdn. Bhd.; MVRDV with aLM Architects; and Bjarke Ingels Group (Denmark) with Hijjas Architects and Planners.

“ The objective of the masterplan is to strengthen this ecosystem, not degrade it. Any land reclamation project stands to disrupt the ecology and inhabitants of the sea and the land —the fish and the fishermen communities.” By adopting the principle of resilient place-making, society, nature, infrastructure and economy can thrive in unity adapting to global environmental change, while creating a unique urban setting that celebrates local culture encouraging innovation and growth. Translating that principle into design moves, a key element of the design was a tidal basin that injects clean water into the system, powered by the natural energy of the sea. The basin is both a hydraulics and a place-making solution, creating a lively harbour for the fishing communities, residents and visitors.