SPONGE PARK AS FLOOD-RESILIENT LANDSCAPE AT BERTAM LAKE, KEPALA BATAS, PULAU PINANG

Abstract

The research explores flood-resilient landscapes and the sponge city concept to address Malaysia's increasing urban flood risks due to climate change and rapid urbanisation. The lack of effective urban stormwater management in urban areas, especially in flood-prone regions, exacerbates both infrastructure damage and socio-economic impacts. Through the incorporation of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) into urban design, this project investigates how sponge city concepts can alleviate these challenges. To find successful design elements such as permeable pavements, bioretention systems, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and green roofs,  information was gathered through literature reviews and precedent studies. Results indicate that the sponge city concept provides strategies for a flood-resilient landscape. Thus, it promotes urban livability, sustain biodiversity, and increase flood resistance to Bertam Lake park. The research emphasizes that it is important for adaptive flood management techniques to be practiced to promote resilient and sustainable communities in Malaysia's urban landscapes.