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The state of affairs in Kota Iskandar

[ 30-06-2009 ]
The state of affairs in Kota Iskandar

ETWEEN a cluster of new buildings in Nusajaya lie sparkling fountains, pretty courtyards and crystal clear pools.

No, it isn't one of Johor's newest gardens, but Kota Iskandar, the new state administrative centre.

Take one look at Kota Iskandar and you will immediately realise that a lot of thought has been put into its design.

Various architectural concepts were incorporated into the designs of the Johor State Assembly Building, the Menteri Besar office building and the state government and state secretary's offices.

The state assembly building has Moorish and Alhambra-inspired elements. However, the roofs have the traditional Johor Malay feature -- the bumbung limas.

The building is decorated with symbols that Johor is famous for, like the pepper and gambier flower. The glass ceiling of the main hall has a pineapple-inspired design.

The beauty of the state assembly complex isn't limited to its architecture.

Between the building's west and south wings lies "Laman Kasturi", a garden with fragrant plants like jasmine, white magnolia and pomegranate and calamansi.

The garden, modelled after the Court of Myrtle in Alhambra, Spain, provides a soothing environment for a walkabout. Breathe in the delicious fragrance and enjoy the sounds of the fountains along the walkway.

Another garden, "Laman Bunga Rampai", is nestled between the east and north wings.

A variety of pleasant-smelling and colourful plants such as yellow magnolias, jasmine, alamanda and pandanus can be found in this garden.

"Laman Bunga Rampai" is also known for its attractive water features.

A reflecting pool casts a mirror image of the trees and the building surrounding it, while a waterlily pond and nearby fountain add to the overall calming effect.

Across Dataran Mahkota and in front of the state assembly complex is the Menteri Besar Building.

Apart from the menteri besar's office, the state secretary's office and 14 state departments are located here.

Once again, Moorish-Andalucia and Alhambra elements feature highly in this building, which has tall pillars and wide open corridors to let in plenty of natural light.

The high-ceilinged walkways are breezy and a pleasure to stroll in.

Like in Alhambra, the building employs the "garden in the home" concept. Its Al-Yanna, Carmen and Firdaus gardens are well-designed and come complete with date palms, sweet-smelling blooms and water features such as a pool and fountain.

The other buildings in Kota Iskandar -- the state government blocks -- may not come with beautiful gardens but they are still attractive.

The blocks stop short of plain because of their unique roofs.

Made of aluminium blades to shield the building from the sun, the roof has turned ordinary office blocks into cosy traditional Malay houses.

Kota Iskandar is not like Putrajaya, which inspires awe with its large-scale mosque, bridges and futuristic buildings.

Kota Iskandar's appeal is subtler, but no less potent. Its artistry and attention to detail will charm you, slowly but surely.

With enough time, Johor's new administrative capital will achieve the same status as Putrajaya, and be a source of pride for Johoreans.

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