SIURA have won 2nd prize of BP Batam International Plaza competition with the theme named Garden of Hope. The Garden of Hope re-imagined existing BP Batam (the local authority office) roundabout as a green oasis, a meeting place and a focal point between the flows of traffics. The concept incorporates the surrounding site’s history and local context, as well as highlighting the existing heritage landmarks; three Banyan Tree planted by heads of state of their time, Soeharto, Lee Kuan Yew, and Dr Mahathir in 1987. We envision the roundabout plaza could advocate Berelang’s vision for Batam as the face of international trading as initiated by the former South East Asian state leader.
The design translated Batam’s unique hilly terrain and shorelines into multiple zoning: the Green Hills, The Heritage Tree Island, and the People’s Plaza in between. The Green Hills, consisting of 3 land filled hills, provide green visuals and acted as a barrier from sound, light, and air pollutions. The top of the hill offers a vantage point with an ocean view, and visitors are welcomed to sit in the hills’ terraces under the native trees. The plantings itself were carefully selected to invite the biodiversity back into the heart of the city. Other than drawing a clear boundary for the three banyan trees, The Shoreline is an interactive water play that allows the visitors to marvel at the trees from a comfortable distance. In response to ecology and climate adaptation, the shoreline will act as a detention pond during heavy rainfall period, slowing down rainwater run-off discharge.
The Garden of Hope increased accessibility, friendliness, safety, and comfortability of the pedestrian network, as well as creating social spaces and bringing nature closer to the public. It both provides recreational opportunities as well as quiet contemplation spaces. The design’s approach was to celebrate and connect the public with the historical site, establishing a new urban identity and brighter hope for Batam city.
Garden of Hope
Type: Competition, 2nd prize winner
Location: Batam, Indonesia
Client: Batam Indonesia Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam)
Design Team: SIURA
Images Credit: SIURA LLP
