Panama resort rewarded for sustainable architecture

on Wednesday,April 28,2010 20:04

The American Society of Landscape (ASLA) has announced the winner of its Honor Award in Analysis and Planning - a prize that attracted a record number of applicants this year.

The Resort at Isla Palenque, which is located in the Gulf of Chiriqui off the coast of Panama, was named this year's winner for its geo-responsible master plan, which was created through a partnership between developer Amble Resorts as well as planning and architecture firm Design Workshop.

Project organizers say that their plan for the resort makes use of the land and aims to maintain the island's natural beauty after the development has been built. Furthermore, the planners took sensitive ecosystems and cultural material into account when designing the resort.

Richard Shaw, a principal and partner at design workshop, said "the idea behind the master plan has always been to retain natural resources while accommodating low-density development; synthesizing aspects of sustainability, conservation, and ecotourism for a result that will really create unprecedented character."

The resort, which has been in the planning stages for the past three years, will include a boutique hotel and sustainably designed residences when it is completed.