Course: Adaptive Approaches for Open Spaces in Disaster Management

The Centre for Landscape Management Studies at the Housing and Local Government Training Institute (I-KPKT) organised the Course on Adaptive Approaches for Open Spaces in Disaster Management on 19 March 2025. This course was conducted online and was attended by staff from Local Authorities (PBT) and relevant government agencies from across the country.

The course, which was divided into two sessions, featured guest speakers:

1. Mr Nasir bin Mohamed, Senior Assistant Director at the Landscape Development Division, National Landscape Department, and;

2. Associate Professor Dr. Suhardi bin Maulan from the Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

This course aimed to introduce participants to strategies for adapting and modifying the use of outdoor or open spaces so they can function more effectively when facing disaster threats. This approach is important because open areas such as parks, fields, and public spaces often serve as temporary shelters, evacuation areas, or even places for post-disaster recovery. It is closely linked to climate change and the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and storms. Therefore, adaptations to the structure and use of open spaces are necessary to make them more disaster-resilient, more accessible to the community, and more efficient in providing aid during and after a disaster.

The course was conducted online (via Zoom Meeting), where the main objective was to emphasise the ability to change and adapt to current conditions to address the various challenges that arise from disasters. These include Enhancing Response Capabilities, Ensuring Safety and Well-being, Reducing Risks and Losses, Increasing Community Awareness, and Environmental Preservation.