Design factors contributing to active urban squares in Malaysia
Urban squares are a type of public open space that cater for various activities for the public, such as for events and leisure. The activities in the square are not only contributed by annual events and celebrations, but also daily and weekly informal activities of visitors and tourists. Some squ...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/53181/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/53181/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/53181/1/ICABE%202016%20KHALILAH.pdf http://irep.iium.edu.my/53181/3/ICABE2016%20Programme%20and%20Abstract%20Book.pdf |
| Summary: | Urban squares are a type of public open space that cater for various activities
for the public, such as for events and leisure. The activities in the square are
not only contributed by annual events and celebrations, but also daily and
weekly informal activities of visitors and tourists. Some squares even become
landmarks and focal points of the city. While the design of urban squares has
been studied in depth by researchers in other countries, however, local studies
that interrogate how urban squares are occupied in Malaysia are still scarce.
This research examines three prominent urban squares, which are Dataran
Putra, Dataran Merdeka and Dataran Pahlawan, to explore and outline the key
criteria that contribute to the activities of the squares. The research objectives
are: 1) To identify the spaces, design elements, structures and surrounding
area; 2) To map the activities and flow of users throughout the day; and 3) To
synthesize the key findings to formulate design strategies for urban squares in
Malaysia. The methods adopted for this research comprise of conducting site
inventory and photographic documentation, observation and mapping, and
semi-structured interviews with 150 visitors. The analysis reveals that there are
five (5) key criteria that contribute to an active urban square. The findings from
this research are useful for Landscape Architects and Urban Designers in
planning and designing urban squares in Malaysia, or upgrading underutilized
urban squares. This research concludes that an active and successful urban
square can contribute to the city’s livability and quality of life for its people. In
order to remain active and successful, urban square designs in Malaysia
should meet the needs of the local climatic and socio-cultural factors. |
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