A 20-hectare (50-acre urban sanctuary) tropical landscaping in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is conceptualised by the world famous Brazilian landscape artist, the late Roberto Burle Marx. Roberto Burle Marx admired certain aspects of natural gardening and the perennial efforts to recreate the illusion of nature in urban parks and suburban subdivisions but his philosophy and vision were guided by the sensibility of an artist. The green spaces of the KLCC Park are thus carefully contrived to dispel the notion of the garden as a static creation. The order imposed by Burle Marx's art transforms the natural topography into an art form.The public park and garden reflect the tropical greenery, vibrant colours and patterns of the country's rich cultural heritage while its calm setting help dissipate the tensions of city living. People from the buildings within the KLCC development step out of their doorways and can quickly find a change of scene, away from the madding crowd. The soothing greenery and water features are old fashioned contrasts to the moderness of the new age materials and structures. Its is also truly Malaysian in both design and function and is poised to become a major focal point of interest to local and foreign tourists.
Multi-coloured children's playground
The park is unique in its theme and concept. This verdant area accentuated with specially designed water features is a work of art, an 'unnatural garden'. Its special features include a playful fountain pool, 2-acre children's playground, wading pool, patterned footpaths, sculptures, murals, shelters, benches and jogging track set among carefully chosen trees and shrubs native to Malaysia. The children's playground consists of colourful child-safe play equipment which are thoughtfully placed under large shady trees in the middle of the park.
The park will have shaded rest areas beneath the lush greenery, public recreational open spaces, landscaped gardens and soothing water features. As the park approaches the commercial buildings within the development, it will merge with the private gardens of each of the buildings to make them an integral part of the park. The park is in keeping with the KLCC Masterplan which provides for an integrated development with an appropriate balance between commercial and public land use; between natural greenery and engineered masonry and between international image and national heritage.
Approximately 1,900 indigenous trees and palms representing 74 species are planted to encourage bio-diversity within the park areas. Out of this number, some 40 trees were preserved and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club.
Sculptures at the lake area
A series of murals and sculptures have been installed on the pavement surrounded by trees and palms in the lake area. Another striking features of the park is the Lake Symphony which comprises two water fountains.
Located at the esplanade outside Suria KLCC, the Lake Symphony is programmed to provide 150 colorful, magical and dramatic animations. The total effect is a lighthearted and gregarious atmosphere. The fountain would be most captivating during sunset and against the night sky. The calming effects of the colorfully lit water features is not only soothing and relaxing to the mind but is something that parks in Kuala Lumpur have not seen before.Part of the park is a haven for birds and other local fauna. Much research preceded the selection of indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort it is expected that the KLCC park will become an important link in the 'bird corridor' of the region.
The park at KLCC form part of the 100-acre KLCC Development. Other components of the current phase of development include the 88-storey PETRONAS Twin Towers, the recently opened Suria KLCC, Maxis Tower, Menara Esso, a 6000 capacity Surau, the District Cooling Centres to provide air conditioning and infrastructure works within the vicinity.
