 What We Do » Resorts 
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Isla Palenque Master Plan
& Ecotourism Resort
Golfo de Chiriquí, Republic of Panama
Honor Award in Analysis & Planning, National ASLA Chapter
Isla Palenque, a 434-acre Panamanian island, serves as
a model for geo-responsible design practices throughout
Central America, drawing upon natural, human-made and
cultural patterns. The project preserves 85% of the island
into a nature sanctuary, examines bioclimatic strategies
for site-planning decisions, explores methods of agrotourism
to decrease imports, and develops water and energy management
plans that reduce dependency on non-renewable resources.
The project challenges existing governmental regulations,
redefining regional development and conservation standards.
Design Workshop was instrumental in helping Amble Resorts
achieve their vision by synthesizing aspects of sustainability,
ecotourism, conservation and education. Collaboration
with 4240 Architecture and other design team members resulted
in bioclimatic strategies that utilize the island’s tropical
climate to reduce energy needs. Serving as a model for
eco-responsible design, this resort will use less than
15% of its 434 acres for all buildings, roads and trails.
Panamanian law requires 15% of all zoned land to be designated
for park and open space purposes. The proposed plan exceeds
this requirement by over 2,300%, preserving 368 acres
for the enjoyment of its visitors.
Design Workshop also facilitated a phased and flexible
implementation over a 10-year period, looking holistically
at development, circulation, energy, conservation and
amenities. By introducing new prototypes to the market,
the plan accommodates for market demand flexibility, ensuring
an economically-sustainable future. Phase one of Isla
Palenque is nearing the implementation stage and is slated
to open in 2012.
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