Experiencing the nature: ecological awareness through environmental art at Sungai Pontian Kechil / Mohamad Halim Hamdan

Environmental art is defined as the meeting point of art and nature. This kind of art can be in any form which often concludes the state of the environment and explores inventive ways to communicate and provide answers to the pressing concerns on nowadays. Art revolution occurred with deep meanings that profound the implications and morals for landscape architects. Art can evoke the emotion towards the community in any angle that gives awareness on environment. The main focus is on resembles the value of the natural area towards the community through environmental art. The abandoned river and neglected nature area in urban fabric are a value that should be preserved and conserved for the environment benefits. Hence, the aim and objectives of this study are to revitalize the river at Sungai Pontian Kechi! as riverfront community park through experiencing the nature while promotes awareness through environmental art and preservation of the mangroves forest. The methodology was used in this project including inventory and analysis for data collection, site synthesis for the suitability area and sensitive area for design to overcome the issues and problems. Moreover, the overall product will be used for masterplan development of Sungai Pontian Kechil. Therefore, Sungai Pontian Kechil Riverside is suitable for riverfront development with minimal intervention to resemble the mangroves value and the river history. The design guidelines focus on preserving and conserving the natural area in order to retain the quality of ecosystem in the study area. As a result, Sungai Pontian Kechi! can become examples and new minimal intervention which landscape as an art that attracts people to experiencing the nature in our country.