Living Green in Times of Over-Development

As we survive and overcome the global pandemic of Covid-19. Phew! The significance of green spaces needs to be paid more attention. The lockdown imposed a strict restriction and individuals like myself who found solace in nature and outdoor spaces had a profound appreciation for it after being stuck indoors in a condominium for a long time. I felt like Rip Van Winkle when everything started to get back to normal despite still wearing a mask.

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A message to developers, condominiums in urban Malaysia have a unique opportunity to integrate greenery into their architecture and design in the future. In my personal opinion, starting with a garden and balconies. Condominium complex spaces can provide therapeutic outlets for older residents who are retired, foster a sense of environmental responsibility in children, and contribute to preserving the diminishing green pockets in our urban landscapes.

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If every opportunity we take to develop land without Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in mind or claim to have one. Where does Mother Nature stand when we destroy her children during development and do we sustain it? SDG and ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) have been in the talk for the last few months but when I did my research. There is still a lack of understanding, research, and implementation on it. I, myself have been educating myself on this subject for my personal development but how many can it be said for others? There are more buildings than proper and larger roads.

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A sanctuary amidst concrete jungles that many of us inhabit can often feel devoid of the serenity that green spaces offer. Condominiums, while addressing the housing needs of our urban population, have often neglected the importance of natural elements within their premises. However, the implementation of plant gardens within these complexes can create a harmonious blend of modern living and nature's tranquility. These gardens would not only serve as a retreat for residents to unwind, meditate, or simply connect with the earth, but also offer an aesthetic enhancement that softens the harsh lines of urban architecture. It would be great if residents and management could make a community project out of it.

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During one of my projects as a screenwriter and a master's student, I learned about urban farming how it can help reduce the cost of supply chain management, and how healthy vegetables are easily available due to their life span. Imagine having a little cozy urban farming in a condominium with curry leaves, cilantro, and “emergency onions” which we can easily find in our condo instead of running to the shops or ignoring the most important ingredient in our food because we are too tired to drive and park? It also helps to create modern-day agropreneurs in their business.

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Aging nation, my concern is empowering the elderly population, especially those residing in condominiums, who often face challenges in finding fulfilling activities within their restricted environments. Incorporating plant gardens within these complexes can offer an engaging and therapeutic outlet for older residents. Gardening has been proven to have numerous psychological and physical benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, and increased physical activity. By introducing green spaces, condominiums can provide a platform for seniors to reconnect with the joys of nurturing life, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment in their daily routines. It’s good for all those uncles and aunties to do yoga, tai chi, and “chitchatting.” It’s also would be good to implement in the care of the elderly such as in old folks' homes.

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As our lives become increasingly urbanized, the opportunity for children to engage with nature diminishes. It’s important to nurture young gardeners' minds about the importance of mother nature and give them an appreciation for food, especially picky eaters. Condominiums can serve as catalysts for change by creating plant gardens that encourage children to explore the wonders of gardening. These spaces provide a hands-on learning experience, teaching them about plant life cycles, the importance of soil health, and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

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Such experiences can shape the environmental consciousness of the younger generation, instilling a sense of responsibility towards the planet. Moreover, tending to plants can teach patience, dedication, and the joy of witnessing growth firsthand. During the pandemic, I had the joy of growing a tomato plant but it died due to lack of sunlight as I did not have a balcony. The irony is that I named it Sunny.

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Preserving greenery in urban landscapes in the rapid pace of urban development in Malaysia has led to the loss of precious green spaces, with iconic areas like Taman Desa falling victim to overdevelopment. Condominium projects are often accused of replacing these natural havens with concrete structures, causing distress to both residents and the environment. By integrating plant gardens within condominium complexes, developers can strike a balance between the demand for housing and the preservation of greenery. These gardens can serve as microcosms of local ecosystems, providing shelter and sustenance for flora and fauna that are increasingly losing their habitats to urban sprawl.

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Mitigating Habitat Displacement - The displacement of wildlife, particularly monkeys, due to urban expansion is a growing concern. As their natural habitats are destroyed, these creatures are forced to venture into urban areas in search of food and shelter, leading to conflicts with humans. By creating well-designed plant gardens in condominiums, we can offer alternative habitats for these animals. Incorporating native plants and trees can attract a variety of wildlife, helping to restore some semblance of balance to the disrupted ecosystems.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of green spaces in our lives, revealing their value as sanctuaries for solace and rejuvenation. Condominiums, being integral parts of our urban landscape, possess the potential to become more than just concrete structures.

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By integrating plant gardens within their premises, they can offer residents of all ages an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about environmental responsibility, and experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Furthermore, this approach can contribute to preserving the vanishing green pockets in our cities and mitigating the habitat displacement that accompanies rapid development. It is time to recognize that the vitality of green spaces extends beyond aesthetics – it is a necessity for the well-being of our residents, both human and non-human.

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