Going Green at “The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture”

Subang Jaya, 19^th October 2015 – The One Academy’s School of Interior Design has launched “The Swiss Touch in Landscape Architecture” exhibition that will be accessible to the public for 5 days (19^th Oct – 23^rd Oct), in conjunction with “Creative October’, which is the school’s annual initiative to promote creativity through design and architecture. 

This exhibition by the School of Interior Design is held in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia, initiated by Swiss art council Pro Helvetia, to showcase Switzerland’s role as one of the leaders in landscape architecture and to highlight the public this crucial form of culture.

According to Mr. Rolf Ott, the current landscape architecture scene highlights the implementation of green spaces within urban and peri-urban projects through the creation of gardens and parks. Switzerland topped the 2014 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) due to its ecology-driven efforts, and is one of the most sustainable nations in the world.

With Swiss architecture as a worthy role model, this exhibition aims to promote a prevalence of green spaces within Malaysian landscape architecture among the Interior Architecture & Design students and the general audience.

The exhibition was officiated by Mr. Rolf Ott, Charges d’Affaires (Deputy Head of Mission) of the Swiss Embassy in Malaysia, Dr. Eric Leong, Head of The One Academy’s School of Interior Design, and Mr. Tatsun Hoi, Founder and Principal of The One Academy.

The exhibition features 36 panels (text and images) and 3 short films on Swiss landscape architecture projects that not only emphasis on design but also integrating different aspects of ecological sustainability.

The exhibition’s contents are as follows:

a) Introduction – The panel contains an introductory text on the general content of the exhibition.  

b) Features – The panels provide an insight into the features of the Swiss landscape architecture.

c) History – Introduction to historical gardens, gardening shows, national exhibitions and Lausanne Jardins, the international festival of urban garden design.

d) Pioneers – Shows the important role played by the pioneers of Swiss landscape architecture.

e) The Protagonists – Provides a survey of the most significant Swiss landscape architecture studios.

f) Nouvelle Vague – Presents the works of a new generation of Swiss landscape architects. 

Three short films were also projected:

• Christian Stern, asp, Zurich: Irchelpark

• Pascal Amphoux, Contrepoint, Lausanne and Dom Alois, La Valsainte: The Charterhouse of Valsainte, Frigourg

• Paolo Burgi, Studio Burgi, Camorino, Ticino: Cardada

These films explores the nature of Swiss landscape architecture through interviews with architects, including the origins of inspiration and relevance of their designs.

To complement the theme of the exhibition, lecturers and students of Interior Architecture & Design tirelessly designed and implemented green spaces at the exhibition venue to provide a holistic experience to the audience. The materials used for the setup include pallets, green grass and plants, and garden stones.

Other highlights of the event include an entertaining medley of songs performed by Ms. Mandy Tan, and a lucky draw session to lift the mood with rewarding prizes.

“I hope that this exhibition will provide you a good insight into landscape architecture and its role in our society as it did to me, as well as an inspiration for the students of The One Academy,” Mr. Rolf Ott said, feeling honored to launch the event.

On the next day (20^th Oct), Mr. Rolf Ott returned to The One Academy for a sharing session titled ‘Switzerland – A Land of Great Diversity’ with the students. There, he provided background information of the geographically small nation with an immense appreciation towards human rights and environment, which explains the importance of green spaces to the vibrant and diverse culture.

For more information about The One Academy, visit www.toa.edu.my or call +603-5637 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to [email protected].