ALDEIA (do) PUBLICO -
the public’s village (Final Design Report) by Bryan Yeoh Ern Thean - 0325617
Instructor : Dr.Nikhil Joshi Ar.Edward Chew
Master of Architecture Culture & Community Design Studio (CCDS) [ARC 70209]
Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………………
1-6
1.1 Brief Overview
……………………………………………………………………………
7
1.2 Research Question
……………………………………………………………………………
8
1.3 Aims & Objective
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8
1.4 Methodology
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9
2.0 Literature Review
……………………………………………………………………………
10-12
3.1 Paprocany Lake Shore Redevelopment, Poland
……………………………………………………………………………
13-14
3.2 Satay by the Bay, Singapore
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15-17
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18
5.1 Social Study
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19-24
5.2 Cultural Study
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25-30
5.3 Economy Study
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31-33
5.4 Historical Study
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34-36
6.0 Site Analysis
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37-68
7.0 Proposed Program
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69-70
8.0 Design Strategies
……………………………………………………………………………
71-78
9.0 Environment & Technology
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79-101
10.0 Bibliography
……………………………………………………………………………
102
List of Figures 1.0 Introduction
3.0 Case Studies
4.0 Fieldwork 5.0 Data Collection
List of Figures : 1.4 Methodology Figure 1.1 : Diagram of research methodology used in the report
3.0 Case Studies Figure 3.1a : Night view of project (Archdaily, 2015) Figure 3.1b Bench and net opening (Archdaily, 2015) Figure 3.1c Outdoor gym and walkway (Archdaily, 2015) Figure 3.2a : Satay by the Bay; airy and spacious open area food court (Dormusweb, 2012) Figure 3.2b : Overall design elevation of Satay by the Bay (Dormusweb, 2012) Figure 3.2c : Overall floor plan (Domusweb, 2012)
5.1 Social Study Figure 5.1a : Cars on the roads in between Settlement houses Figure 5.1b : Motorcycle, one of the most commonly used vehicle in the Settlement Figure 5.1c : The usual hang out area under the ‘ketapang’ tree. Figure 5.1d : Typical house unit in the Settlement Figure 5.1e : Boats of fishermen, parked by the shore. Figure 5.1f : Hatten development emerging on the skyline of the Portuguese Settlement. Figure 5.1g : Outdoor kitchen; operating as a small restaurant and hang out spot. Figure 5.1h :Reclaimation of land resulting in low tide, day or night. Figure 5.1i : Panorama of site, from the sea. 1
5.2 Cultural Study Figure 5.2a : Local wine made from glutinous rice Figure 5.2b : Preserved seafood to be sold Figure 5.2c : Fisherman soup : Famous local seafood soup Figure 5.2d : Pang Susis (Savoury Meat Buns), influenced by Chinese Siew Pau Figure 5.2e : Devil Curry : Famous home-cooked dish within the Settlement Figure 5.2f : Pineapple jam tart Figure 5.2g : Traditional costume and dance during performance Figure 5.2h : Bell tower at Portuguese Settlement Figure 5.2i : St. Peter statue where community pray and make their wishes
5.3 Economy Study Figure 5.3a : Distribution of Jobs Figure 5.3b : Level of Livelines chart Figure 5.3c : Identity Figure 5.3d : Business Opportunities
5.4 Historical Study Figure 5.4a : Key Plan; Location Plan; Site Plan 2
Figure 5.4b : Location of Melaka Figure 5.4c : Figure shows plan & elevation of typical residence in the Portuguese Settlement in 1930 Figure 5.4d : Pictures above show No.10 Portuguese House in Portuguese Settlement, Melaka Figure 5.4e : Pictures above show current architectural style and pattern of residential houses in Portuguese Settlement
6.0 Site Analysis 6.1 SCALE vs HORIZONTALITY Figure 6.1a: The sections below identify three different settlement experiences to illustrate the relationship between street and volume from a pedestrian’s perspective. 6.2 SOLID vs VOID Figure 6.2a: Figure-ground plan of Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.2b: Condition 1- Open space between Lim Kok Wing campus and the sea. Figure 6.2c: Condition 2- Open space between Portuguese square and the sea. Figure 6.2d: Condition 3- Open space between Portuguese square and house. Figure 6.2e: Condition 4- Open space between Secondary school and house. 6.3 LIGHT vs HEAVY Figure 6.3a: Interrelation of activities define liveliness of the settlement
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6.4 ACTIVITY vs TIME Figure 6.4a: Daytime activities of the settlement from morning till noon Figure 6.4b: Night time activities of the settlement from evening till night 6.5 FLOW vs INFRASTRUCTURE Figure 6.5a: Sections through major roads of the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.5b: Figure shows macro analysis of vehicular network capacity Figure 6.5c: Figure shows macro analysis of bus route Figure 6.5d: Figure shows micro analysis of vehicular and pedestrian circulations 6.6 EDGE vs FILTERS Figure 6.6a: Edges of the sea against built form with highlighted views from the site Figure 6.6b: Panoramic view from site Figure 6.6c: Collage of views from Lim Kok Wing and Food courts 6.7 PATTERN vs VERTICALITY Figure 6.7a: Site plan showing 4 areas of the site to be studied
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6.8 ELEMENTS OF LYNCH Figure 6.8a: Paths found in the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.8b: Administrative Edge is comprised of the custom quarters Figure 6.8c: Food & Beverage Edge is comprised of the restaurants and food court located by the seafront Figure 6.8d: Education Edge is comprised of SMK Canossa Convent and Lim Kok Wing University Figure 6.8e: Residential Edge includes all residences located in the settlement Figure 6.8f: Districts found in the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.8g: Nodes found in the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.8h: Landmarks found in the Portuguese Settlement 6.9 PHYSICAL DATA Figure 6.9a: Sun path diagram of the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.9b: Windrose diagram of the Portuguese Settlement Figure 6.9c: Section showing tide levels of the seafront at the site
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7.0 Proposed Program Figure 7.1 : Proposed Program
8.0 Design Strategies Figure 8a : Public Space diagrams (Author, 2015) Figure 8b : Overall site layout Figure 8c : Wind; Access; Noise diagram Figure 8d : Views diagram Figure 8e : Human Flow diagram Figure 8e : Zoning of Areas diagram Figure 8f : Idea Sketches
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Brief Overview The fact that cultural values in Malaysia is slowly dying has caught the attention of many which includes us locals and outsiders too. While the original cultures which was born here are diminishing slowly, new developments which has no resemblance of the country’s identity have been flooding the nation. Although measures have been taken to preserve these gems, most governing bodies still think that these communities do not help in contributing to economy growth. Issues mentioned relates directly to the chosen site which is the Portuguese Settlement, situated in a humble yet prominent area along Sungai Ujong, Melaka. Sea. People. Community. These words summarises their daily lives and routines in this small but rich community; in the form of culture, lifestyles and history. Long since these people have been living here, earning their living through fishing and passed down the tradition to generations with their unique way of living. But now their way of life have been jeopardised by much advanced money-making developments which restricts the Settlers to put rice on their table. Thus this has led to a question whether being a minority community would be the main factor why they are unable to protest against the governing body? Or probably due to lack of unity in the community itself which causes this? Or is it because the community lack communication with the surrounding neighbourhood? Therefore, this study investigates the Portuguese Settlement issues mainly focusing on the spatial design program which would help in social interactions in both small and large scales. Literature reviews have been used as a start and various case studies plus direct feedback from the community itself help in understanding the issues further more. The cumulative data obtained and analysed through this study allows thedevelopment of effective design strategies which would then help in solving the issues faced.
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1.2 Research Question
How do public spaces contribute to the improvement of social interactions within the community & adjacent neighbourhoods of the Portuguese Settlement?
1.3 Aims & Objectives The aim of this report is to explore the types and uses of public spaces which may be a tool to enhance the interactions between the community itself and with the surrounding neighbourhood of the Portuguese Settlement. Objectives : -
To identify the definition of ‘public spaces’ and understanding how it works in various context. The general meaning and purpose of public spaces have been understood and further studied.
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To explore the atmosphere / ambience of each definition of public space may be incorporated into the design. This will help in setting out the proposed design program and enhance in the overall architecture design.
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To analyse the types of space which encourages higher social contact among participants in both micro and macro level without emphasizing on the term ‘public space’ yet. The purpose of this is to not limit the research of good social interactive spatial design to just public spaces.
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1.4 Methodology
Figure 1.1 : Diagram of research methodology. (Author, 2015)
This methodology used is of a qualitative approach. Through analysing various sources to have a general idea on the current situation at the Portuguese Settlement, then proceeding to fieldwork where conducting interviews, sketches, interviews and community mapping was done. The approach of this report is to identify the key issues of the Settlement and yet propose solutions via design strategies which very much lean towards the exploration of public spaces. Finally the cumulative design strategies are used as tools in design exploration to test the research outcome (Figure 1.1).
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2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
The definition of place have evolved from time to time and have been derived differently by many different architects from time to time. Matthew Carmona states everyone needs to stop worrying so much about individual buildings and physical artifacts and think instead about places in their entirety (Carmona & Tiesdell, 2007). In designing and developing buildings and environments which interrelate with the public realm, it is therefore essential to ensure that this tremendous value of the public realm to the wider community is acknowledged, respected and enhanced. (Carmona & Tiesdell, 2007) Thus this leads to the term place-making which is in general terms mean a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. One of the effective ways to transform public spaces through place-making is by reinventing community planning; identify the talents and resources within a community (Project for Public Spaces Inc., 2015). Joan Clos iMatheu, Executive Director of UN-Habitat states that people who can provide historical perspective, insight into how the space functions, and understanding of what is truly meaningful to the locals who you are building for are the ones who truly understands the term place-making. To further understand the how public spaces relates to social impacts, observation and studies are to be made in different site contexts. Findings/Studies as such confirms that public spaces are directly associated with social interactions and states that higher use of public spaces does create higher social contact among participants (Carvajal, 2014). Carvajal also states that the public spaces serves as a setting where social relationships could be developed and positive neighbourhood social interaction take place. Lines are usually drawn based on community’s religion, ethnicity, gender and economic status because people do not get to meet or know one another (Un-Habitat, 2015). Such statement clarifies that social interaction between communities, old and young, multi-racial or single races would develop better connections with the help of a positive social setting.
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Designing and understanding a good public space which serves these purposes as stated, participatory approaches lends itself well in this situation. (Un-Habitat, 2015). Creating public spaces should not be just about observation and doing an analysis based on personal judgements, it is ideal to have the involvement of the citizens in the community, ensuring that individual and differentiated interests are transformed into collaborative practices. Moreover, such action would create a form of respect and giving the community the right of freedom to express and assemble information and further participate in decision making. As a role of an architect or a designer coming into a design as an outsider, participatory approaches are an opportunity for us and also other relevant consultants to be able to express their roles fully (Un-Habitat, 2015). Via participatory approach in generating a design for the community, often can be seen that such places lack economic development which was led by bad planning of public interaction spots. A good public space play a decisive role in attracting investment, uses and activities, thus enhancing safety, increasing values in a community, providing opportunities for economic interaction and lastly enhancing livelihood opportunities (Un-Habitat, 2015). This shows how much a public space can affect the well-being of the community, economically and exposure towards surrounding neighbourhood. The economic growth in a community somehow relates directly to the advancement of a community in terms of contributing to the society and in a bigger scale, the country itself (Project for Public Spaces Inc., 2015). Public spaces that generates income in a community shall not be only catered for the middle and higher income category, it should be reflected to the lower-income division which would help in balancing the activity diversity. The availability of a public space shall strike a balance between the pedestrians, cars and also street vendors which completes the entire experience. Such public space would then help in creating better journey experiences and at the same time help the lower-income divisions to generate profit amongst the higher income divisions. In the eyes of the designer, all income categories should be playing a role in a design of a good public space because a good space is a space that caters for everyone’s needs, not just for certain categories (Carvajal, 2014).
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Through all the reviews made, it is much understood that designing a public space is not just via individual observations but mainly on knowing is needed by the community itself. Often mistake done in many design planning and space planning, public spaces are often being shun and not highlighted as importance, which leads to more setbacks. The importance of the historical backgrounds, community’s hidden gems and their culture shall be the main priority when designing public spaces no matter in a large or small scale. In the Malaysian context today, such factors should be taken into account other than just building useless drug-addict hot spots which somehow does not do any good to the community. Parks and open spaces should be planned in a way that affects the daily routine of the pedestrians not just being there like a monument to be looked at only. In a community context, a public space definitely should be serving the community first then attracting visitors as an attraction, not just for show but for the experiences generated by the community lifestyle itself.
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3.0 CASE STUDIES 3.1 Paprocany Lake Shore Redevelopment, Poland by RS+ Paprocany Lake Shore Redevelopment was completed in the year of 2014 by RS+ which is situated in Tychy, Poland. The concept is based on wooden promenade located along the bank which is alternately meandering out over the lake and back on the ground. This promenade connects with pedestrian/bicycle path running on the back side and descends nearly touching the lake where it is over the water. On a promenade, there is an opening with a net stretched over the water and specially designed benches which could be used as a tribunes for water sport competitions organised on a lake. A sandy beach and outdoor gym was also integrated into the overall scheme. Figure 3.1c Outdoor gym and walkway (Archdaily, 2015)
Figure 3.1a : Night view of project (Archdaily, 2015)
Figure 3.1b Bench and net opening (Archdaily, 2015)
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This terrain was only a lawn by the road before an investment, completely unused except by fishermen. After the redevelopment was made, the promenade became a place frequently visited by the public even though the weather was unfavourable. Somehow it quickly became a fully working public space and a new meeting place for many. Multi-use of the promenade where families gather in the day and in the evening, spaces are for dates and strolling areas for the youth. In relation to the Malaysian context and subsequently the Kristang community, I would argue that the design facing the water body is definitely applicable which seen to have helped in catering for the public's needs thus activating the entire project successfully. Details of interactive components such as the nets, outdoor gym and specially designed benches are some which can be redefined in a small community which then caters for the needs of the public plus surroundings. However, the overall openness feel might be really impressive, but in the Malaysian context, some sort of shading strategies shall be taken into account in order to activate the scheme entirely. It would not be different if the uses of the public spaces are only activated in certain time of the day, which then causes it to be just another eye sore or unwanted space for street rats.
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3.2 Satay by The Bay, Singapore by Linghao Architects
Figure 3.2a : Airy and spacious open food court (Domusweb, 2012) Figure 3.2b : Overall design elevation (Domusweb, 2012)
Figure 3.2c : Overall floor plan (Domusweb, 2012)
Linghao Architects collaborated with KUU to design the new open food court hot spot using the concept of having spaces through a series of garden paths. Open on all sides to the different gardens, natural light and air permeate the environment, from above daylight shafts randomly enter space through openings. Visitors sit around a big table filled with big plants and flowers open to the sky and rain, as preparation, cooking, eating and washing occur in this natural surroundings. A dining pavilion is oriented and perched over an “eco-pond” filled with lotus flowers and a small pool of water fills the hand-washing areas in the public rest rooms creating a “back to the nature” feel to the entire project and experience. At Satay by the Bay food court, 25 food stalls are arranged in 2 main clusters serving various staples of hawker food and surrounded by tables and chairs next to the gardens. Stalls were kept simple and materials of the finishes are selected to suggest the surrounding nature, with natural plywood, white glass, cement grey chipwash flooring and recycled bamboo decking. Rainwater from roofs and immediate gardens is directed to a large pond that appears as an extension to the “eco-pond”.
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As the project is situated in the same climate, it proves that this project is definitely buildable in the Malaysian context. The cleverly organisation of the food stalls and the freedom of seating surrounding them helps create an experience altogether. As a development, it will definitely help economically as it becomes an attraction on its own. The usage of raw materials and incorporating some green features does help the project to be self-sustaining as well, which is a plus point for the project. However, some argument points would be mainly on the maintenance and cleanliness of the project while it is operating. No matter how beautiful it is, this is still a food court on its own unlike the Gardens by the Bay which is more like a museum for plants on its own. Thus, cleanliness comes from the owners of the stalls and also the users as well. Therefore, if the development is a community-driven project, there has to be steps to educate the community on the cleanliness issues. Beautiful greens, nice pond and stunning finishes would also look disastrous if there are no maintenance over the years. To keep a project running as such needs long-term maintenance either from the owners or from the community itself, if it is community driven.
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SUMMARY This report highlights mainly on the water body and importance of greenery corresponding to the needs of the community in a certain site context. The methods and the important steps are well shown in the first case study (Paprocany, Poland) where it caters well to the needs of the community which then helps in activating the site from being an unused site to a well-planned activity centre for people to meander. It may not be entirely economically helpful, but it does help in activating and giving life to the space itself. Whereas by conducting the second case study (Satay by the Bay, Singapore), it is evident that the project is built to generate profit but also keeping the sentiment of bringing people plus visitors to the project. By having the food court as the main attraction, it is clear that it acts as a main crowd-puller. Thus, both case studies share almost the same properties in terms of creating a public space as an attraction but both with somehow different purposes. To summarise the few strategies that can be observed between these two case studies, some of the important factors to be taken to account while designing a community public space shall be : -
Catering the needs of the community first (low, medium and high-income);
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Creating space for community and visitors to mingle (in & out of community);
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Community-driven and sustained (cleanliness and long-term usage);
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Economically helpful (helps generate income to the community);
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Proper security and demarcation of activities (preventing unwanted activities on site).
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4.0 FIELDWORK The fieldwork comprised of data collection in the form of site observation, photographs and informal interviews and a participatory approach activity to receive valuable feedback from the community. 4.1 Data Collection During the course of this research analysis stage, the actual process of data collection started on the 10th of September in the afternoon. A total of 20 CCDS students were organised into four equal groups that would be responsible of collecting the necessary data categorically. The four groups were divided based on the themes of social, cultural, economy and environment for the Portuguese community. Additionally, informal interviews, designed mainly to collect qualitative data, were carried out in each of the afore-mentioned groups so as to maximise the efficiency of gathering information.
4.2 Participatory Approach The participatory approach refers to an activity carried out by including members of the community or organisation so as to guide the design-making process (Rabinowitz, 2013). Such an activity was vital to understand the needs and expectations of the community. This in turn enables the students to gain sufficient knowledge on a cultural level. Two schemes were then presented on the 14th of September and invaluable data was collected which would later inform the schedule of programs that were required for the community.
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5.0 DATA COLLECTION
5.1 Social Study A list of questions have been prepared and specific objectives have been set when interviewing the community. This section mainly covers the information and the current issues which are faced by the Portuguese community.
1. TRANSPORTATION Q : - What are the means of transport here in the community? (bus, car, motorcycle, by foot or etc.) To know the sufficiency of existing mode of transportation.
Figure 5.1a : Cars on the roads in between Settlement houses
A : - Majority Settlers owns a car or motorcycle. Not much public transportation.
Q : - What is the traffic frequency in the community? (noise pollution) To identify the noise frequency of traffic in specific areas.
A : - Low. Not much of noise pollution caused.
19 Figure 5.1b : Motorcycle, one of the most commonly used vehicle in the Settlement.
2. SOCIAL SPACE Q : - Where are the intermingle spaces for the community? To know communal spaces and understand the community’s interest and wish list.
A : - Usually hang out by the sea, under the well-known ‘ketapang’ tree by the beach.
Q : - How does a large group of family being set apart? To know whether the expansion of houses is needed, intensity of home division.
A : - Many shifted out of Settlement to obtain better jobs, but comes back to visit elders during festive breaks.
Figure 5.1c : The usual hang out area under the ‘ketapang’ tree.
3. UTILITIES Q : - Are there any improvements in utilities (water, electricity and etc.) made for the past few years? To know sufficiency and advancement of utility supply in the community.
A : - Ranking of 7 out of 10. Sufficient but not much advancement.
20 Figure 5.1d : Typical house unit in the Settlement.
4. OCCUPATION
Q : - Where do you work & what do you work as? To know the exact occupation of the Settlers.
A : - Fishing was once the main job, but now many Settlers have to work multiple jobs to cater for family’s needs.
Q : - How does the new development benefit the community? (Hatten Development) To know the impact of new developments nearby towards the community. Figure 5.1e : Boats of fishermen, parked by the shore.
A : - Re-claim of land main cause of fishing difficulties. Settlers are forced to travel far (an hour) to sea to fish. Fishes sold could not even cover cost.
21 Figure 5.1f : Hatten development emerging on the skyline of the Portuguese Settlement.
5. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Q : - Which is the most significant & important space in the house / community? To identify the most important / main space in each homes @ entire community.
A : - Kitchen. As women are the ones who spend most of their time home, they cook daily and does preparation to run their restaurants at night. Men spend time in open community space usually by the sea side, under the infamous “ketapang” tree situated at the coastal area.
6. NEIGHBOURHOOD & INTERACTIONS Q : - Among your neighbours, where do you interact? (micro) - Among community & other nearby villages. (macro) To understand human interactions within the community spaces.
A : - Micro – Elders spend time with one another at coffee shops and by the beach in the day, restaurants for drinks by night. Younger generation school by day and sports/activities by evening/night. Macro – Lack interaction, Settlers very much on their own. Only leave Settlement for resources if need to.
Figure 5.1g : Outdoor kitchen; operating as a small restaurant and 22 hang out spot.
7. HEALTH & WELLNESS
Q : - Based on social gatherings (drinking, high seafood intake), how well the community keep up with their health? To know sufficiency of medical facilities in the community.
A : - Lifestyles do not directly affect Settlers health. Elders no sign of slowing down, most still working hard. - Most of them gets treatment from government hospitals because it is affordable, but not satisfied with service.
8. EDUCATION
Q : - Does the elderly Settlers emphasize on their children’s education? To know whether the young generations still inherit their tradition.
A : - Many Settlers encourage the younger generations to further their studies. Many young ones become professionals when study abroad. Young ones still come back to town occasionally and during festives. Figure 5.1h : Reclaimation of land resulting in low tide, day or night.
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9. POLITICS Q : - What is the Settlers’ perspective towards the governing body at the moment? To know whether community support the current governing and what is their upkeep with current political issues.
A : - All Settlers are unsatisfied with the current governing body and Chief Minister. No acknowledgement and help given to the community but have been destroying it (by reclaiming land on their source of income). Never hear them out, but just build based on their liking and whatever that generates income.
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Figure 5.1i : Panorama of site, from the sea.
5.2 Cultural Study Culture ignites the community’s life and enrich our world. (Arts Council England, 2014) Social wellbeing, education, health, and economy, these are the elements which will impact the community’s desires to embrace the culture. The sophisticated combination of culture releases the creative potential which will stimulate the growth of the community. Culture diverge ourselves from past to present. No society can form without culture. There’s no way to sustain a development with the absence of culture. Culture provides the cohesion and identity for a community. Culture is a valuable resource to present.
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Culture Habits Food represents the fundamental profile of culture. Portuguese Settlement is famous for their variety of food. For instance, Pickled Salt Fish (also named as Acar Ikan), Pickled Fish Roe, Cincaluke (tiny baby shrimp sauce), local wine, dried Karing- Karing (dried thread fish) and Belacan (dried shrimp paste) (Cuisine, 2005). These are the exclusive products derived from Portuguese community and it is reputed to be the best within the country. The intermarriage with local community has developed a diversity of culinary art for this community (Net, 2001). However, this small community unable to develop a formal tradition culinary practice and it is varied cook by cook. There’s a need to establish a practice in order to preserve the distinguish culture.
Figure 5.2a : Local wine made from glutinous rice
Figure 5.2b : Preserved seafood to be sold
Figure 5.2e : Devil Curry : Famous homecooked dish within the Settlement
Figure 5.2c : Fisherman soup : Famous local seafood soup
Figure 5.2d : Pang Susis (Savoury Meat Buns), influenced by Chinese Siew Pau
Figure 5.2f : Pineapple jam tart
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Costume
Language
During the early 16th century, the Portuguese men married local
Kristang, also known as the Malacca Portuguese Creole has a
Asian women, who were mostly Malay. With this maternal
strong influence together with the Malay language which is the
influence, Portuguese Eurasian women wore the ‘Baju Panjang’,
dominant local language of Malaya. Its vocabulary is largely
which looked similar to the ‘sarong kebaya’. Today, traditional
Portuguese-based, with a substantial contribution from the
wear only appeare on stage for dance performances and during
Malay language. It is used as a daily communication tool in
festive season. The dance is performed by couples dressed in the
Portuguese
costume of the traditional Portuguese descendants of Malacca.
generation.
Settlement,
predominantly
among
the
elder
Due to the population size of Kristang community, the language was listed as an endangered language by UNESCO. Today, Kristang language is not the language choice of the young adult in Portuguese Settlement, as the language is not taught formally Figure 5.2g : Traditional costume and dance during
in school. The language can only be learned verbally through daily conversation.
performance
Kristang language is a legacy and heritage left by the faraway Portuguese to Malaysian history. It would be tragic and unfortunate if this heritage is lost, to Malaysians in general and the tiny Portuguese community in Malaysia.
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Religion Majority of the Kristang practice Roman Catholicism. The settlement neighbourhood gather every evening to start their prayers in one of the house and circulate from house to house at 3 days interval. The significant bell tower of the settlement is situated next to the St. Peter statue. The bell is used as a tool to inform and gather the community in a festive or religious event and during funeral. The St. Peter statue is a place for the community to pray and make wishes. The religious practice is Figure 5.2h : Bell tower at Portuguese Settlement
reflected on the ornamentation of house within the settlement. and Sunday mass in the morning.
Figure 5.2i : St. Peter statue where community pray and make their wishes
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Festival
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Conclusion Through the years, the Kristang community in Malacca has survived against all odds and unfavorable conditions with all the elements of culture, traditions, music, dance, language and religion intact. Building and growing on this multi-ethnic and multicultural stage, the strong assimilation power of the community is constantly ‘absorbing’ and ‘marinating’ itself with the cultural richness of Malaysia. Despite all the mixed marriage and diminishing community population, the identity and communal sense of Kristang never seems to dilute. With their far ancestor arriving centuries ago, there are merely any connection between Kristang and the Portugal today. The community see themselves as a native, and proud both with the identity as a Malaysian and Kristang community.
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5.3 Economy Study Current economic situation
Neighbouring developments
From the informal interviews that were conducted, it was found out that the economic situation of the Portuguese community has been deteriorating over the years as more seaside development were approved and implemented, which caused environmental issues that affect one of their main economic
The community feels that they are powerless against these developments. Although they have been voicing their concerns as well as expressing their rejection towards neighbouring developments,
livelihood - fishing. Presently, fishing is still one of their economic means of
their pleas are constantly ignored and belittled. The community also
surviving, but no longer their primary source of income. Today, the
feels that these developments are harming their natural livelihood by
Portuguese settlement is famous for their seafood restaurants located along
affecting their surrounding environment. Developments require land
the shoreline of Malacca. Part of the community is running their own
reclamation and when that happens, the natural shoreline of the
seafood restaurants that generate sufficient income, and symbolises their
settlement is affected; fishermen then would not be able to fish at their
primary economic means. Meanwhile, they also produce their own home-
normal area, which is in close proximity with the settlement. They
products that would be sold within the community as well as to visitors. The
would then be forced to go out to deeper sea and they do not have
average
income Fishing
of
the
restaurant
Food Industry
owners
Entrepreneur
is
Other
around
RM7000.
Unemployed
proper equipment for such a task. There is, however, a minority which hopes that the developments will contribute to the job opportunities for the settlement.
15% 25%
10%
Expectations of community 40%
10%
A lot of the respondents felt that they cannot rely on the local government anymore and therefore expect the people of the community to start their own businesses in order to be able to sustain a living in the long run.
Figure 5.3a : Distribution of Jobs
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Liveliness of shops
Economic identity
Most of the shops and restaurants only operate during the evening and night
Most of the people consider themselves as Eurasians and thus they feel
from 5pm to 11pm. Since the prices are not really affordable for the locals,
really concerned about having something unique to the Portuguese
the main customers are tourists and Malaysians who come to visit the
settlement in Malaysia. The respondents were asked how strongly they feel
Portuguese settlement for the seafood. It is to be noted that the heaviest
about standing out as an identity.
activities happen from Friday to Sunday.
Figure 5.3c : Identity
20
20
18
18
15
15
13 10
8
8 5
5
5
No. of Interviewees
No. of Interviewees
Figure 5.3b : Level of Liveliness
13 9
10 8 5 5
2
3
0
0 2
3
1
1
2
3
2
0
0 1
2
3
0 4 5 Level of Liveliness
6
7
0 1
4 5 Economic Identity
6
7
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Opinion on local government
Business opportunities
The majority of the people in the Portuguese settlement feel that the local
Although the economic situation is not too bright, there are opportunities for
government should be doing more in order to reach out to them whereas
various age groups as shown below. As stated previously, the younger
there is a small group of individuals who feel that the government has been
generations are encouraged to pursue higher studies.
completely neglecting their opinions and requests. Additionally, the government does not provide subsidies to the restaurant owners. 14 12
12
12 10
Level of involvement from younger generations The young generation is less involved because most of them choose to find jobs outside of the community and they do not think there is a place for them within the community as a whole. It is to be noted that a lot of the
10 8
7
6
5
5
4
3 2
parents encourage their children to pursue higher studies in order to have a
2
wider range of job prospects outside of the settlement.
0
2
1
1 0
Education
Food Industry <21
22-35
Entrepreneur
Fishing
>36
Figure 5.3d : Business Opportunities
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5.4 Historical Study
Figure 5.4a : Key Plan; Location Plan; Site Plan
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Figure 5.4b : Location of Melaka
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Historical Study
Figure 5.4c : Figure shows plan & elevation of typical residence in the Portuguese Settlement in 1930
Figure 5.4d : Pictures above show No.10 Portuguese House in Portuguese Settlement, Melaka
Figure 5.4e : Pictures above show current architectural style and pattern of residential houses in Portuguese Settlement
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6.0 SITE ANALYSIS
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6.1 SCALE vs HORIZONTALITY 6.2 SOLID vs VOID 6.3 LIGHT vs HEAVY 6.4 ACTIVITY vs TIME 6.5 FLOW vs INFRASTRUCTURE 6.6 EDGE vs FILTERS 6.7 PATTERN vs VERTICALITY 6.8 ELEMENTS OF LYNCH 6.9 PHYSICAL DATA
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6.1 Scale vs Horizontality The settlement grain in plan reflects different typologies of buildings in terms of volume, scale and arrangement of housing block. The growth of the settlement is mostly affected by the seafront, with commercial buildings closest to the sea, followed by educational and residential. The variation of scale and volume defines the public and private zone. Passers-by experience varied scales of the space, moving towards the site. SECTION A-A
Squera Road
SECTION B-B
Daranjo Road
SECTION C-C
Eredia Road
Figure 6.1a: The sections below identify three different settlement experiences to illustrate the relationship between street and volume from a pedestrianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective.
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6.2 Solid vs Void
CONDITION 3
CONDITION 4
CONDITION 2
CONDITION 1
Figure 6.2a: Figure-ground plan of Portuguese Settlement
The map of the settlement illustrates a mass-to-void relationship between built and un-built spaces which shapes the perception of public and private space. Upon closer inspection of open public spaces, there are semi-spaces that ties public and private spaces. Semi-spaces consist of semi-private and semi-public spaces which have differing levels of control and accessibility. 40
The sense of ownership in a particular place can be affected by many factors such as volume, width and scale of an open space, its visual connectivity, permeability and activity. Perceptual boundaries do not always correspond to the conditions of physical boundaries. In conclusion, the physical arrangement and width of the street, scale and volume of the building and the usage of the space influences human
Figure 6.2b: Condition 1- Open space between Lim Kok Wing campus and the sea.
perception towards a place.
Figure 6.2c: Condition 2- Open space between Portuguese square and the sea.
Figure 6.2d: Condition 3- Open space between Portuguese square and house.
Figure 6.2e: Condition 4- Open space between Secondary school and house.
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6.3 Light vs Heavy The hierarchy of building types is determined by significant landmarks. Main destinations can become important urban magnets for activities and people. The settlement has many landmarks that are determined by the community and visitors. Activities are responsible for such permanence. Hence, light and heavy becomes a metaphor of classification whereby heavy represents a landmark. This classification reveals the settlementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hierarchy networks, showing the settlement as a polycentric hierarchy and pattern of activities that frames the vibrant seaside while highlighting the minor activities within the settlement. HEAVY
MEDIUM
LIGHT
Portuguese Food Court
Portuguese Square
Portuguese Food Stall
Night activity at the food court
Medium activity at Monterios Restaurant
Portuguese House Restaurant
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The interrelation of the different degrees of hierarchies of programs and activities
Figure 6.3a: Interrelation of activities define liveliness of the settlement
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6.4 Activity vs Time Type of activities in the settlement differ throughout the day. The settlementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image to visitors portrays a seaside community with a specialized food profile. During the day, activity is focused on the Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Albuquerque Road and side streets towards SMK Canossa Convent. Low activity is seen at the seafront as visitors to the seafront is scarce during the day. As the eateries only open in the evenings, night activity in the settlement spikes as visitors populate the food court, transforming the seafront into a lively interaction node. This is further enhanced with street side vendors that adds a retail layer of activity to the already active node. The understanding of temporal and permanent activities within the time cycles reveals the tendencies of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s congregational patterns within the entire settlement.
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Figure 6.4a: Daytime activities of the settlement from morning till noon
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Figure 6.4b: Night time activities of the settlement from evening till night
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6.5 Flow vs Infrastructure Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Albuquerque Road as a domain infrastructure is the main access to the Portuguese settlement. The pedestrian infrastructure is treated as secondary. In the housing area it is almost imperceptible, provoking passers-by to traverse alongside vehicular.
Figure 6.5a: Sections through major roads of the Portuguese Settlement
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Vehicular Capacity Network
Figure 6.5b: Figure shows macro analysis of vehicular network capacity
Traffic organization on a macro scale of the Portuguese Settlement are mostly for vehicles rather than as pedestrian linkage towards to Bandar Hilir and Permatang Pasir. Minor inner road networks are only linking within the micro context and supporting the major road spine.
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Bus Route
Figure 6.5c: Figure shows macro analysis of bus route
Buses are a common means of public transportation in reaching the settlement. The road widths in the settlement are narrow which creates difficulty for buses to access the site. There are two bus companies that pass by the Portuguese settlement on regular time intervals, namely, SKA and the Town Bus.
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Micro Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation Existing vehicular access to the Portuguese Settlement from Ujong Pasir is only via Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Albuquerque Road, which leads to congestion during peak hours. Access to the site is via the public paid car park. Pedestrian circulation is along the fringes of vehicular roads as there are no designated pedestrian routes on site.
Figure 6.5d: Figure shows micro analysis of vehicular and pedestrian circulations
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6.6 Edge vs Filters
Figure 6.6a: Edges of the sea against built form with highlighted views from the site
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Figure 6.6b: Panoramic view from site
Figure 6.6c: Collage of views from Lim Kok Wing and Food courts
Visually, the sea is considered a pleasing view from the food court and the entire perimeter edge of land. Therefore, the view has been maximized and unobstructed except for the Hatten Project west of settlement.
52
6.7 Pattern vs Verticality
The character of a place is transmitted in terms of height and width, proportion and scale, aesthetic and materiality, light and colour. The suburban area has a stable building typology between inner urban fabric and its approach to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. Single-storey houses define the essence of the streets. Extended jetties create harmonious horizons between solid structures and the water body. With the arrival of Lisbon Hotel (now Lim Kok Wing), the colonial style building creates a contrast between both the residences and the water. Architectural typologies can be segregated into layers of aesthetic complexity. By extracting the colour palette, façade and scale rhythms, scale of volume and openings, we can have a closer engagement with the character of the place.
Figure 6.7a: Site plan showing 4 areas of the site to be studied
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54
55
56
6.8 Elements of Lynch
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Site Dialogue - The study of the Elements of Lynch of the site reveals the current perception and mental map of the community and visitors of the settlement. The proposal of design strategies has to coexist with the different characteristics of the neighbourhood in hopes of adapting to the context to create different dialogues between the proposal and the site. This would allow for conversations to arise between the site and adjacent communities. Path According to Lynch (1960), paths are the streets, sidewalks, trails, and other channels in which people travel.
Figure 6.8a: Paths found in the Portuguese Settlement
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Edges According to Lynch (1960), edges are perceived boundaries such as walls, buildings, and shorelines.
Figure 6.8b: Administrative Edge is comprised of the custom quarters
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Figure 6.8c: Food & Beverage Edge is comprised of the restaurants and food court located by the seafront
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Figure 6.8d: Education Edge is comprised of SMK Canossa Convent and Lim Kok Wing University
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Figure 6.8e: Residential Edge includes all residences located in the settlement
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Districts According to Lynch (1960), districts are relatively large sections of the city distinguished by some identity or character.
Figure 6.8f: Districts found in the Portuguese Settlement
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Nodes According to Lynch (1960), nodes are focal points, intersections or loci.
Figure 6.8g: Nodes found in the Portuguese Settlement
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Landmarks According to Lynch (1960), landmarks are readily identifiable objects which serve as external reference points.
Figure 6.8h: Landmarks found in the Portuguese Settlement
To understand the Portuguese Settlement, the mapping of the Nodes & Landmarks of the area will help identify the areas that are significant to both the local communities and visitors to the settlement.
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6.9 Physical Data Sun Movement
Figure 6.9a: Sunpath diagram of the Portuguese Settlement
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Wind Movement
Figure 6.9b: Windrose diagram of the Portuguese Settlement.
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Table 6.9a: Meteorological data showing dominant wind directions, wind speeds and air temperature throughout the year Tidal Levels
Figure 6.9c: Section showing tide levels of the seafront at the site
There are 4 waves of tidal intervals that occurs along the Straits of Malacca, causing the site to experience a mix of high tides and low tides at different intervals of the day. High tides generally occur during the 2nd and 4th waves which are during the early mornings from 0600 hours up to 1100 hours and the evenings at 1730 hours up to 2330 hours. The 1st and 3rd waves are generally low tides.
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7.0 PROPOSED PROGRAM
Figure 7.1 :Proposed Program
One of the key programs would be the Community Hall which serves different functions for the community; as a celebration space, rentable event space and sports facility space. Vocational Training Center which comprises of fishing workshop and culinary school that would help in achieving the overall projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective; encourage participation of local youths into preserving and development of the cultural traditions. Restaurants and Cottage Industry are there to provide opportunities for the local to promote their cultural customs and products. The existence of a Micro-Brewery would help in achieving this target as well; promote a culture which have not been publicized yet. Wet Market would be serving the entire community, currently the community has to travel out from the Settlement to obtain daily resources.
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Studio units are for visitors who plans to stay for a short term in the Settlement while the Homestay units would be owned by the community, rent out to visitors when they do not stay there. Program Type
Calculation Quantity
Area per unit (sqm)
Total Area (sqm)
No. of Occupants
Community Hall Visitor Interpretive Center
1 1
900 30
900 30
500
Vocational Training Center Fishing Workshop (Sea-related) Culinary School
1 3
150 60
150 180
20 12
Optional Activities Micro-Brewery Seafood Waste Fertilizer
1 1
350 50
350 50
Residential Studio units Homestay (2+2)
8 10
42 70
336 700
10 10
Commercial Restaurant (Kitchen + Store) Cottage Wet Market Cold Storage
11 3 1 1
50 40 300 50
550 120 300 50
250 3 300
Services EcoTech Systems Rainwater Harvesting Tank Seafood Waste Fertilizer Store Built-up Area Circulation (30%) Total Built-up Area
190 1 1
200 50
200 50 4156 1246.8 5402.8 70
8.0 DESIGN STRATEGIES Proposed program have led to spatial design that differentiates the types of public spaces that would be experienced by the audience but in the form of journey.
Boulevard
Landmark
Promenade
Fresco
Piazza / Square
Park
Landscape
Figure 8a :Public Space diagrams (Author, 2015)
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Site analysis and self-observation have helped in deriving a massing study of how to tackle the limitations plus delimitations on site but still maintaining the experience and journey which is was intended.
Initial Design Massing Layout : a. Site Information - Size : 11,481.38 sqm / 2.83 acres - Currently a carpark space (130 no.) with 10 restaurants facing the sea
Figure 8b :Overall site layout
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b. Access; Wind direction; Noise - Main road access from Albequerque Road, boats used to be able to access from sea, human access from housing area - Main noise source from Lim Kok Wing University and Convent School - Wind direction from sea (sea breeze)
Figure 8c :Wind; Access; Noise diagram
c. Views - Demarcation of positive and negative views around site - Direction of audience views when entering the site
Figure 8d :Views diagram
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d. Human Flow - Anticipated human flow; journey around site - Indicating meeting points (nodes) when interaction between human flow occurs
e. Zoning of Areas - Demarcating based on entry point; public, semi-public and private space on site - Defining spaces based on vibrancy and privacy on site
Figure 8e :Human Flow diagram
Figure 8e :Zoning of Areas diagram
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Initial Idea Sketches : -
Hierarchy of spaces created; while experience is still emphasized Exploration of design based on sections and multi storey levels Understanding the flow of audience based different levels, not just horizontally
Figure 8f :Idea Sketches
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Final Design :
“Aldeia (do) Publico” – the public’s village The entire project is built entirely to serve the Portuguese Settlement and help in terms of social interactions within the settlement itself and the surrounding neighbourhood. The idea of creating multiple/different public spaces throughout the project is to provide the Portuguese Settlement a place to mingle, meander and to socialize. At the same time preserving the cultural values and roots of the Portuguese Settlement as an attraction for the surrounding neighbourhoods apart from the gentrified Jonker Walk. By promoting multiple types of public spaces, it gels the public attractions with the public interaction spaces and consecutively public experiences.
Research Question : How do public spaces contribute to the improvement of social interactions within the community & adjacent neighbourhoods of the Portuguese Settlement?
Design Philosophy : Public Spaces as Nodes The design philosophy is to create public spaces along the entire project which creates nodes from one point to another. Each node then signifies different types of public areas i.e. public attraction, public interaction and public experience. These three public areas then branches out to the types of public spaces indicated (boulevard, promenade, park and etc.) which is derived from the activities to be created on different areas. As the journey from a space to another, the activities and environment of public space changes thus creating a journey or an experience within a project.
Design Strategies :
9.0 ENVIRONMENT & TECHNOLOGY 9.1 Overall Thermal Transfer Value
9.2 Building Energy Index (BEI)
Data Analysis :
9.3 Artificial Lighting
9.4 Acoustic Analysis
9.5 Health & Safety Bomba Requirements :Due to fire and safety issues, Bomba requirements would be needed to be complied for entire site. The few requirements of Bomba requirements are as follows :-
Fire Truck Access Road -
According to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;?, the driveway for a Bomba truck shall be at least 6.1 meters. Driveway shall cover entire site without obstruction.
Fire Hydrant Locations - According to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guide to Fire Protection in Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;?, fire hydrants shall overlap in the radius of 45 meters (90 meters diameter) along the entire driveway of the Bomba fire truck.
Uniform Building By-Law Requirements Designs which are to be done in Malaysia itself shall comply to the Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) which is mainly a benchmark, minimum and maximum of design criteria when approaching a design. Therefore a section was cut to indicate the few understanding of the UBBL :-
10.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY Arts Council England. (2014). The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society: an evidence review, 1–53. Carmona, M., & Tiesdell, S. (2007). Urban Design Reader. Retrieved from http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/92844/ Carvajal, L. (2014). Exploring the Relationship between Neighbourhood Social Interactions and Urban Sprawl in U.S. Metropoliton Regions. Igarss 2014, (1), 1–5. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-014-0173-7.2 Cuisine, M. C. (2005). malacca cristang cuisine. Net, M. F. (2001). Malaysian Eurasian Food on MalaysianFood.net. Project for Public Spaces Inc. (2015). Placemaking and the Future of Cities, 35. Retrieved from http://www.pps.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/02/Placemaking-and-the-Future-of-Cities.pdf Un-Habitat. (2015). HABITAT III ISSUE PAPERS 11 – PUBLIC SPACE, 2015(May), 0–8.