PAM-MRT CORP: RTS LINK STATION FACADE DESIGN COMPETITION FOR MALAYSIAN ARCHITECTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 -- RM250,000 awaits the first prize winner of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Station Facade Design Ideas competition that was launched jointly today by Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

In a statement today, PAM said the winning design may be adopted for the future Bukit Chagar RTS Link Station between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

The competition is open to all PAM architects registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), and will involve developing a concept facade design for the new three-storey elevated station structure.

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"The Bukit Chagar station will be where passengers board RTS Link trains for five minutes to Woodlands North Station in Singapore, and construction of the project is expected to be completed in 2026.

"The station is set to be a new landmark icon in Johor Bahru with a capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour and an estimated ridership of about 150,000 passengers per day," PAM said.

Its president, Datuk Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail said the competition is an excellent opportunity for Malaysian architects to showcase their talent and creativity, to drive innovation and to be involved in national projects.

Meanwhile, MRT Corp chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said the competition is the brainchild of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

"As a new gateway into Johor Bahru and Malaysia, the station should have an iconic design to reflect the modern and confident outlook of Johor Bahru but at the same time, incorporate the essence and characteristics of the heritage of Johor Darul Ta’zim," he said.

The second prize winner will receive RM65,000, while the third prize winner gets RM35,000. A total of RM30,000 also awaits those selected for honorary mentions.

Registration for the competition can be done via www.PAM-RTS.com. The winners will be announced in February next year.

-- BERNAMA