Disparating the meaning of public space in historic city
Previous researches have made critical contributions to the understanding of the significance of place to people. This study aims to explore one spectrum of people’s place experience to reveal an understanding of place meaning as it is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that comprises of peop...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
International Journal of Advanced Research
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/53223/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/53223/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/53223/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/53223/1/IJAR%202016%20-10467.pdf |
| Summary: | Previous researches have made critical contributions to the understanding of
the significance of place to people. This study aims to explore one spectrum
of people’s place experience to reveal an understanding of place meaning as
it is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that comprises of people’s
emotional relationships to place. Another concern of the study is to identify
the importance of public space in historical cities. Firstly, the paper reviews
the relevant literature on place and place meaning, while disparate and
integrating concepts of it are encountered through semi-structured interviews
with users of public space (n=40) in Melaka (a UNESCO world listed
heritage city). The study folds the meaning of one long existed public space
that had undergone a series of change, which is locally known as Dataran
Pahlawan. Evolved from a seaside esplanade originally known as Padang
Pahlawan, the space was gradually transformed in term of functions and
physical appearance. The study provided evidence on people’s experience of
the place. The changes and the loss of Padang Pahlawan as a memorable
public place have not weakened the place identity of the city and its place
meaning. To the residents, the Dataran Pahlawan and its surrounding still
contributed a panoramic experience and urban enjoyment. There are indeed
elements that are commonly recognized with pleasure and care by the users,
in which the study shows that the physical changes in some way modified
people’s will and awareness towards urban conservation. The study also
corroborates additional benefits of Dataran Pahlawan, which are obtained
through the very form and nature of the city. It is suggested that the area and
it's surrounding convey various architectural meanings such as civic and
ceremonial ground, a square, a district, a landmark and a node. It is a vision
that results of mapping the meaning of the public space may determine its
significance and values that contribute to the evocation of place identity in
the Malaysian urban area. |
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