Project 2 theories of urbanism

Theories of Architecture & Urbanism Project (Part 2)

Comparative Analysis Essay

Student: Chee Jia Xin Student ID: 0327392 Tutor: Mr Nicholas

Content

Chapter 1 : Foreword page 4 Chapter 2: Introduction to the street 2.1 Jalan Stesen, Klang, Malaysia page 6 2.2 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok, Thailand page 7 Chapter 3: Comparative Analysis 3.1 Contact points page 10 3.2 Types of activities page 14 3.3 Comparison of Jalan Stesen and Charoen Krung road page 28 Chapter 4: Conclusion page 46 Chapter 5: References page 48

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Chapter 1 foreword

Foreword

This paper is about the Part 2 of the Theories of Architecture and Urbanism project, it is a comparative analysis essay based on the findings from Part 1. A series of examination will be carried out to investigate the similarities and differences based on the type of ‘contact points’, patterns of social activities and varying degrees of contact intensity between two street of different countries in Asia.

A comparison between the local street, Jalan Stesen in South Klang, Malaysia and Charoen Krung road in Bangkok, Thailand, will be made and analysed based on the related perspectives with the reference to Jan Gehl’s theories on “Life Between Building”: Using Public Space.

Jan Gehl believed that a great city planning would truly activate and highlight the importance of public realms that become the platform where citizens perform their daily lives and helps in the betterment of living qualities through function.

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Chapter 2 2.1 Jalan Stesen, Klang, Malaysia 2.2 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok, Thailand

The Street Jalan Stesen, Klang

The Morphology

Klang or Kelang, officially Royal Town of Klang, is a royal town and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Klang was famed for its tin mining attributes during the old days and resulted the increase in the population of the town from its early civilization origins into the commercial hub we all know of today. Before the Selangor states capital moved to Kuala Lumpur, Klang held the title due to its strategic location, presence of minerals and boost of popularity in lieu of commercialism.

Located at the south Klang, Jalan Stesen is separated from north Klang with the Klang River running through the town. North Klang used to be the main commercial centre of Klang, but since 2008, more residential and commercial areas as well as government offices are being developed in south Klang. Most of the major government and private healthcare facilities are also located at here. Hence, south Klang tends to be busier and becomes the centre of social and recreational activities after office hours and during weekends. Besides, Malaysia’s busiest port, Port Klang is located at south Klang.

There is also quite a lot of local landmarks and attractions can be found in the south Klang. For example, Istana Alam Shah - the royal residence of the Sultan of Selangor, Little India - colourful street from the striking saris hanging from shops to the snacks and sweetmeats on sale from shops and roadside stalls, Klang Selatan Fire Station - a beautiful Victorian-style structure that was built in 1890s and etc.

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The Street Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok

Charoen Krung Road is a major road in Bangkok and the first in Thailand to be built using modern construction methods. The street were built during 1862 - 1864 in the reign of King Mongkut (King Rama IV), it runs from the old city centre in Rattanakosin Island, passed through Bangkok’s Chinatown, continues into Bang Rak District, where it formerly served the community of European expatriates, and ends in Bang Kho Laem. With the major mode of transport shiting ftom water to land, the construction of the road marked a major change in Bangkok’s urban development.

Charoen Krung’s importance gradually declined as the city’s rapid expansion in the latter half of the 20th century drew real estate development elsewhere. Lately, in an attempt at urban renewal, there have been efforts to promote the southern Charoen Krung neighbourhood as a creative district. The Bangkok’s first creative district, craftsmen flooded into the area, setting up businesses in shop houses which doubled as homes and workplaces.

The Charoen Krung road begins at Sanam Chai Road, at the corners of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Saranrom Park and the Territorial Defense Command headquarters. It heads east through the Rattanakosin Island, crossing the inner moat at Saphan Mon, and passes the Ban Mo and Wang Burapha neighbourhoods, as well as the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.

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Chapter 3 3.1 Contact points 3.2 Types of activities 3.3 Comparison of Jalan Stesen and Charoen Krung road

Introduction

Based on Life Between Buildings. Jan Gehl first concern about the public life and the spaces in which they place as he explores on the activities in the urban context and their contributions to the quality of life.

Gehl recognized a framework to the outdoor activities to be specific necessary activities, optional activities and social activities. He identify necessary activities as functional activities that are independent from the physical environment. Optional activities are recreational activities that depend on the physical environment as it dictates people’s behavior and atmosphere in the context. This interrelates to the conditions of the public space where Jan Gehl explains the better the space, the more optional activities occur and the longer the necessary activities last. It then catalyzes the resultant activity, which is the social activity of the space. The combined activities emulate the essence of the life between buildings.

Clearly, Gehl know the need for contact, which is identified through levels of contact intensity, outlining varying forms of interaction. These indicate contact points that profile the places and opportunities of contact.

Diagram shows the relationship between the quality of outdoor spaces and the rate of occurrence of outdoor activities.

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3.1 Contact points

Contacts points can be defined as a place or a point where people tend to gather around. A place where social interaction and activities occurs regardless of having its formality as a space that has its own specific functions. It is also can be created by various factor and differently by places where it follows the context of its site

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Contact points Jalan Stesen, Klang

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Chong Kok Kopitiam Klang Komuter Station Seng Huat Bakuteh Seraph Awaken Cendol Durian Buhari The Alley

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Contact points Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Saphan Taksin BTS Station Exit 3 Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall Bangrak Bazaar Intersection near State Tower Soi Charoen Krung 49 Square in front of Jewelry Trade Center

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3.2 Types of activities

According to Jan Gehl, outdoor activities in public spaces can be divided into three categories, each of which places very different demands on the physical environment: necessary activities, optional activities, and social activities.

Necessary activities (under all condition) Including those that are more or less compulsory. In general, everyday tasks and pastimes belong to this group.Because the activities in this group are necessary, their incidence is influenced only slightly by the physical framework. These activities will take place throughout the year, under nearly all conditions, and are more or less independent of the exterior environment.

Optional activities (only under favourable exterior conditions) Optional activities is those pursuits that are participated in if there is a wish to do so and if time and place make it possible.This category includes such activities as taking a walk to get a breath of fresh air, standing around enjoying life, or sitting and sunbathing. Those activities take place only when exterior conditions are favourable, when weather and place invite them.These activities are especially dependent on exterior physical conditions.

Social activities Social activities are all activities that depend on the presence of others in public spaces. For example, children at play greetings and conversations, communal activities of various kinds and finally - as the most widespread social activity - passive contacts. Social activities occur spontaneously, as a direct consequence of people moving about and being in the same spaces

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Type of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 1 - Chong Kok Kopitiam (high intensity)

necessary activities

optional activities

Business activities (restaurant)

Using outdoor table for dining Sharing table with other customers

passive contact Staff greeting the customers.

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 2 - Klang Komuter Station (moderate to high intensity)

chance contact

optional activities

Wayfinding

As a meeting with friends and family

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 3 - Seng Huat Bakuteh (moderate to high intensity)

necessary activities

optional activities

Business activity (restaurant)

Customer stand and wait at the 5 foot walkway.

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 4 - Seraph Awaken (low to moderate intensity)

optional activities Visitor taking photo while waiting for their seat.

By adding greenaries, it create a positive outdoor spaces

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 5 - Cendol Durian Buhari (high intensity)

necessary activities

chance activities

Business activity (restaurant)

Sharing table culture

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Types of activities Jalan Stesen, Klang

Contact points 6 - The Alley (low intensity)

optional activities

optional activities

Mural art finding.

People sit at here.

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Type of activities Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok

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Type of activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 1 - Saphan Taksin BTS station exit 3

Figure showing optional activities like the biker sitting on the benches while waiting for customers.l

Figure showing that necessary activities like street vendor selling foods, and also pedestrian walking on the sidewalk.

sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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Type of activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 2 - Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall

Figure show that optional activities like people sit on the stairs, and social activities.

Figure showing necessary activities like pedestrian Waiting to cross the street creates a stop point.

sources:http://www.bangkok.com/magazine/robinson-bangrak.htm

sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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Type of activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 3 - Bangrak Bazaar

Figure showing that necessary activities like the shop owner selling Their products during the market time.

Figure showing that social activities like greetings and having conversation occur.

sources:http://whiletravelling.com/en/bangrak-bazaar-bangkok/

sources:http://whiletravelling.com/en/bangrak-bazaar-bangkok/

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Types of Activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 4 - Intersection near State Tower

Figure showing that necessary activities like the traffic officer on duty and also necessary activities like pedestrian crossing the road via zebra crossing.

Figure showing that optional activities like sitting in front of the Shophouses and necessary activities like walking on the 5 foot walkway.

source:shttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

Source:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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Type of activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 5 - Soi Charoen Krung 49

Figure showing that optional activities such as standing at the sidewalk or sitting on the sidewalk. This prove that the quality of Space is comfortable with shading and a place to sit.

Figure showing that necessary activities like stall vendor and also Optional activities such as the customer enjoy their meal at the sidewalk.

source:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.5 154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850e 2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

source:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.5 154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850e 2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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Type of activities Charoen Krung road, Bangkok

Contact points 6 - Square in front of Jewelry Trade Center

Figure showing that necessary activities like street vendor selling their stuff and also optional activities like pedestrian waiting under a tree.

Figure showing that necessary activities like crossing the street, walking on the street. Optional activities can be found here, parent and children playing on the square in front of Jewelry Trade Center.

source:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.5 154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850e 2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

source:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.5 154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850e 2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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3.3 Comparison Analysis

In this comparative analysis, Jalan Stesen and Charoen Krung road share similar geographical context as both of them are in Southeast Asia with tropical climate. The typical tropical climate does not encourage outdoor activity as the it is not thermal comfort to the human. They share the similarities that both of them located beside the river where the settlement started. They are very prosperous and busy during the early times while the history of the streets has been slowly forgotten and replaced by modernized commercial activity.

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Chong Kok Kopitiam & Intersection near State Tower

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Similarities among two contact points Chong Kok Kopitiam & Intersection near State Tower

Figure showing the Chong Kok Kopitiam

Figure showing the extended frontage of the shophouses near the State Tower. sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

In tropical country, 5 foot walkway are use as a sheltered walkways or covered sidewalks and this forming the frontage to a row of commercial properties. As the ground floor of most commercial buildings in downtown areas is occupied by shops or eating places, the 5 foot walkways also serve function as corridors for people to window-shop or look for refreshment. Besides, the extended frontage also protect the people from directly contact with the vehicles as it act as a buffer zone for the user. This feature can be found in both of the contact points - Chong Kok Kopitiam (Klang) and Intersection near State Tower (Bangkok). Chance contact happened at both places as people tend to have conversation while waiting their seat or crossing the road. Necessary activities such as business activities are happened in both contact points. Both contact points sharing a common characteristic that they have moderate to high intensity contact. Due to high intensity contact, the activites happened here draws the people into these space as “being able to see other people in action, constituted the area’s main attraction” (p.29).

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Differences between two contacts points Chong Kok Kopitiam & Intersection near State Tower

Figure shows the Chong Kok Kopitiam and the five foot walkway.

Chong Kok Kopitiam is an extremely popular breakfast spot in Klang. Every morning, Malaysian of all races would gather here for a plate of nasi lemak or toast before going on with their day. There is no doubt that Chong Kok Kopitiam in Klang is a well-known meeting place. This place offers close interactions as often times, chances of sharing a table is very high. Hence, visitor will be forced to share table with strangers and creating opportunities for close contact. During the daytime, the intensity of contact is relatively high as even the shop frontage will be used as serving food and visitor will stand at the sidewalk to wait for their table. The five foot walkway are occupied by the chairs and table while this blocking the pedestrian to use the five foot walkway as a continuous sheltered pathway, However, the space become low intensity contact area as night falls when the shop closes.

The space only use as a part of route to reach their destination.

Figure shows share table culture and conversation occurs between the customer 31

Differences between two contacts points Chong Kok Kopitiam & Intersection near State Tower

Figure shows the open shop frontage in Charoen Krung Road

Alternatively in Charoen Krung road, the shophouses near the intersection near State Tower are having open shop frontage. Basically, they promoting their goods and products to the tourist and local people. Chance contact are happened when the encounter of shop owner and pedestrian promoted by the open store frontage and quiet environment. This is proven through the theory where shops that had a direct relationship to the people and the surrounding tend to have higher stops points (p.25).

Besides, the five foot walkway at Klang is more like a enclosed five foot walkway, the enclosed five foot walkway is actually quite narrow compared to the open sidewalk in the shop frontage of Charoen Krung road. The open frontage in Charoen Krung road is more wider and lessly block by the goods and products of the shop owners. This provide the pedestrian a sense of comfort in visually as the view are not blocked and also slower their pace and walk slower. This situation encourage more chance contact and social activities between the pedestrian and pedestrian or pedestrian and shop 32 owner.

Klang Komuter Station & Square in front of Jewelry Trade Center

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Similarities among two contact points Klang Komuter Station & Square in front of Jewelry Trade Center

Figure showing the Klang Komuter Station

Figure shows the square of Jewelry Trade Center

sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

Klang Komuter Station (KTM station) serves as a transportation hub while the square of Jewelry Trade Center recognized as a meeting point of visitors and main drop-off point for the people.. Both of the site serves as a drop-off or pick-up point. This function enabling chance contact to be happen more frequency due to people tend to meet at here more rapid. Besides, both of the site experienced heavy traffic during peak hours. High intensity of social activities can be found as many people will gather at these places. Necessary activities such as working can be found at both places also. During the peak hour, both of them are heavily visited by people. Hence, passive contact such as greeting will be happened very frequently. However, the quality of outdoor of these two site is very different.

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Differences between two contacts points Klang Komuter Station & Square of Jewelry Trade Center

Figure shows the entrance of KTM Station

As a transportation hub, Klang Komuter Station (KTM station) play an very vital role to the community in Klang. It provides connectivity to the whole of Klang and the surrounding areas. The passengers are seen gathering in front of the KTM station as they exit the station. However, proper seating area are not provided by the authority. So, people need to stand while waiting their transport to their destination.Passive contact happens when the pedestrian standing there and observe the surrounding. Morevers, there are many taxi driver lounging in that area by chance of getting customer. Social activities like conversation between the taxi driver and other taxi drivers are sparked.

Chance contact such as conversation between the pedestrian and taxi driver are happened.

Lacking of public seating and non well-designated waiting area actually affect the outdoor quality of the Klang Komuter Station. By having this problems, it leads to lower optional activities to happen at there as pedestrian are feel uncomfortable and insecure at there space. Gehl mentioned that, in the street spaces of poor quality, only the bare minimum of activity takes place. People hurry home (p.11).

Figure shows a lady is waiting her transportation and taxi driver lounging In that vicinity.

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Differences between two contacts points Klang Komuter Station & Square of Jewelry Trade Center

Figure shows the square of Jewelry trade Center

On the other hand, the square of Jewelry Trade Center demonstrate a good example of good quality outdoor spaces. The square are well designated for people to gather at there. Greenaries are planted to enhance the visual comfortability of the pedestrian. The plants also help in cooling the atmosphere as they release water vapor during transpiration. “When the outdoor areas are of high quality, necessary activities tend to take a longer time, because the physical conditions are better. In addition, however, a wide range of optional activities will also occur because place and situation now are invite people to stop, sit, eat, play and so on” (p.11).

Furthermore, there are street vender along the street. As mentioned by Jan Gehl, people and human activities attract other people (Gehl, 1936). Hence, pedestrians tend to gather around due to the existence of the street vendors and food truck at the entrance of the square and more social activitied will be promoted.“They gather with and move about with others and seek to place themselves near others. New activities begin in the vicinity of events that are already in progress “(p.23).

Figure show the street vender at the entrance of the square sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

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Cendol Durian Buhari & Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall

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Similarities among two contact points Cendol Durian Buharl & Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall

Figure shows the Lorong Cendol Stall.

Figure showing the outside of Robinson Shopping Mall

sourceshttp://www.bangkok4majormiceareas.com/venue/robinson840932061

Cendol Durian Buhari is a landmark to the local people and also an attraction for the tourist while the Robinson Shopping Center act as a landmark for the tourist and local people.Both of the site serves as a meeting point for the user regardless local or tourist. People tend to meet at these places to having some leisure activities. Necessary activities like business activities occur at both place.

Optional activities like waiting at the sidewalk and sitting also happened at both contact points.

However, the square in front of the Robinson Shopping Mall is more designated as a positive outdoor space for people to gather and waiting compare to the Cendol Durian Buhari where is a informal open space.

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Differences between two contacts points Cendol Durian Buhari & Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall

Figure showing the big tree that located at the open space at Jalan Stesen 1

At the end of the Jalan Stesen 1, an open space can be found. The Cendol Durian Buhari located at the side of the open space. The famous food in Klang not only restricted to the main course, but also the dessert. The open spaces is actually an abandoned land where the local people especially the children will gather around here to play. Due to a presence of a big tree, it provide the user a shaded environment. However, the open space are not well maintenance as the ground are unpaved, lacking of street furniture like bences and streetlight. Hence, lesser optional activity occur here, However, the existence of the street vendor - Cendol Durian Buhair did help a lot in bringing people in to visit this spaces. According to Jan Gehl, people are attracted to other people (p.23). Slowly, this space not only visited by the local but the tourist also. Hence, more social activity are likely to happen.

People tend to spend more time at this informal open spaces, having conversation with friends and family. Passive contact like observing surrounding while having meal also occurred here.

Figure shows limited chairs and table are provide to the customers.

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Differences between two contacts points Cendol Durian Buhari & Square in front of Robinson Shopping Mall

Figure shows the square in front of the Robinson Shopping Mall sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.5154087,457m/dat a=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.51 41424

The open space in front of the Robinson Shopping Mall is well designated as a square, Before entering the shopping mall, the staircase become a waiting point where friends agree to meet up.

Some people also sitting on the staircase for a rest. The contact intensity of here is low to moderate as the quality of the space is good adequate sidewalk and less crowded so optional activities, such as drinking while walking increase in frequency.

Furthermore, street vendor can be found along the square. The shading from the tent provides comfort for the pedestrian, thus increase the opportunity to look around, as well as increase the chance of contacts such as greeting, brief discussion and wayfinding. Social activities happened between the pedestrian while waiting for their turn to cross the road. Chance contact like conversation between the tuk tuk drivers and tourists sparked.

Nevertheless, street vendors actually act as a stop point for the pedestrian. According to Gehl, the opportunity to see, hear, and meet others can also be shown to be one of the most important attractions in city centers and on pedestrian streets (p.28). People tend to stop in front of the street vendor and a series of activities will be carried out. For example, bargain prices, purchase products and et cetera.

Figure show the street vender at the entrance of the square sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

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The Alley & Soi Charoen Krung 49

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Similarities among two contact points The Alley & Soi Charoen Krung 49

Figure shows the mural art that can be found at the alley

Figure shows the activities happen in Soi Charoen Krung 29

Sources: photo taken by Chee Jia Xin

sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

To rejuvenate the Klang city, a lot of effort have been putting in, mural art painting is one of it. There’s few pieces of artwork can be found at the back alley and wait for people to discover them. However at the Soi Charoen Krung 49, there’s a market along the street. Street market is a very popular activities in Thailand. Both of the contact points share the same intention which is to attract tourist and local people to explore the city more.Both of the attractions are located at the alley or so called “hidden”, Passive contact such as greeting can be found at both contact points. For example, the residence will need the neighbour when they dump the rubbish at the back allary of Jalan Stesen, street vendor greet to the customer at the street market. However, the type of activities provide in the street are very different. In cases where neighbouring cities offer varying conditions for city activities, great differences can also be found (p.34).

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Differences between two contacts points The Alley & Soi Charoen Krung 49

Figure shows the mural art painting and abandoned payphone.

In this era of technology, more and more culture are getting forgotten by the generation. Hence, some of non-profit organization noticed this problems and took action to response the issue. Few piece of mural art painting can be found at the alley of Jalan Stesen 1. The mural art are mostly related to the Hokkien dialect as a method to commemorate the spirit of Hokkien dialect to the younger generation.

Due the location of mural art painting that hidden in the back alley, they are not that eye catching.

Very least of tourist or local know their existence. However, optional activities like tourist taking photo with the mural art painting are still occur. Necessary activities like local dumping the trash at the back alley, loading and unloading goods can be also seen at the back alley. The contact intensity here is very low as the character of this outdoor activities didn’t glint the interest of the people.

Figure shows the mural art painting

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Differences between two contacts points The Alley & Soi Charoen Krung 49

Figure shows the activities happen in Soi Charoen Krung 29 sources:https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saphan+Taksin/@13.7183079,100.

5154087,457m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x30e298c422801f79:0xaf0150e850 e2cd76!8m2!3d13.7187374!4d100.5141424

On the other hand, activities that happened in Soi Charoen Krung 49 is very attractive to the tourist and local. The space are very happening due to the presence of the activities. Having a street market here, the street become a very lively street. Mentioned by Gehl, if given a choice between walking on a deserted or a lively street, most people in most situations will choose the lively street (p.25). People come where people are. Pedestrians are attracted by the people in the market and tend to participate in the context. “ It was obvious that human activities, being able to see other people in action, constituted the are’s main attraction” (p.29).

More optional activities tend to happen here. People are standing at the sidewalk, waiting under the shade and participating people’s experience in a modest way. Some people also sit on the sidewalk, when the quality of space is comfortable with shading and a place to sit. Beside, the intensity of social activities at here are also relatively high as there’s conversation between vendor’s owner and customer, customer and other customer. Chance contact like customer bargain with the vendor’s owner, tourist ask question to the local and so on. In other words, people and human activity are the greatest object of attention and interest (p.29),

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Chapter 4 conclusion

Conclusion

In a summary, Jalan Stesen and Charoen Krung Road are similar in geographical context and climate, Both of them are asia country which having tropical country climate. However, this hot and humid climate does not encourage people to walk outdoors due to the weather is less favourable.

Lesser optional activity will be carried out at the outdoor unless the weather is more pleasant to the user. For example, during raining season, people will choose to stay at home rather than having a walk outside. But some necessary activities such as walking to work still need to be carried out regardless of the weather.

Although the Jalan Stesen have lower overall contact intensity compare to the Charoen Krung Road, but both of them did share some common types of contact points which provide a public space that the three types of outdoor activities including necessary activities, optional activities and social activities to be carried out. However, the street condition in Charoen Krung is more favorable and desired by the people compared to Jalan Stesen as more attractive activities are relatively to happen at Charoen Krung road.

Throughout the comparison, we can found out the nature of human activities in the street plays a vital role in attracting people to the area. This prove what Jan Gehl mentioned in the book, “people are attracted to other people� (p.23). Where there are people, it is generally true that people and human activities attract other people.

Last but not least, I personally feel that with a more thoughtful urban planning, both streets can get higher contact intensity and provide better spatial experience for the user while walking through the streets. A more well designated open space is very important to create a positive outdoor space that make everyone tend to take longer time at the outdoor, as they physical conditions are better.

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Chapter 5 references

References

Gehl, J. (2011). Life Between Building: Using Public Space Korn. (2017). A Lively Night Market “Bangrak Bazaar”. Retrieved on September 21, 2018 from http://www.kokotel.com/a-lively-night-market-bangrak-bazaar Renown Travel. (2010). Wat Yannawa : The “Boat Temple” with a Viharn in the Shape of Chinese Sailing Vessel. Retrieved on September 21, 2018 from https://www.renown-travel.com/temples/wat-yannawa.html While Traveling. (2014). Life at Bangrak Bazaar. Retrieved on September 21, 2018 from http://whiletravelling.com/en/bangrak-bazaar-bangkok/ LivingAsean. (2017). A Day Trip Through Charoen Krung Retrieved on September 21, 2018 from http://livingasean.com/explore/day-trip-charoen-krung/ Wikipedia. (2018). Sathorn Pier.Retrieved on September 21, 2018 from https://www.trazy.com/spot/3022/sathorn-pier-central-pier Wikipedia. (2018). Charoen Krung Road. Retrieved on September 23, 2018 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charoen_Krung_Road JTBF. (2005). Bangkok in 1960 and 2010. Retrieved on September 23, 201http://www.jtbf.info/bangkok_konjaku_en.html Thuan, W. (2018). BTS Saphan Taskin. Retrieved on September 21 2018, from http://www.bangkok.com/bts/saphan-taksin.htm

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References

Google Street. (2018). Robinson Shopping Mall. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7198959,100.5156701,3a,75y,247.36h,92.43t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s XYNHT98VfUg1LFsOncbftA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DXYNHT98VfUg1LFs OncbftA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203 %26h%3D100%26yaw%3D261.36224%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

Google Street. (2018). Saphan Taksin BTS Station Exit 3. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7188038,100.5148887,3a,75y,135.23h,78.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s 8Wy6JtUqQLT5RHWtXSgegw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Google Street. (2018). Bangrak Bazaar. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7192964,100.5149835,3a,75y,160.66h,71.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI IZJPF9Vt4cLEg8ARvRbgg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Google Street. (2018). Intersection near State Tower. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7210604,100.5162666,3a,75y,227.48h,67.31t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1s alxvu-vQOhG0yPv-8l6EgA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3Dalxvu-vQOhG0yPv-8l 6EgA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%2 6h%3D100%26yaw%3D165.70831%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

Google Street. (2018). Soi Charoen Krung 49. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7236884,100.5174552,3a,75y,166.23h,71.4t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sO w9F8E-xD8FRJUzeqqv62Q!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DOw9F8E-xD8FRJUz eqqv62Q%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D20 3%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D268.75024%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656

Google Street. (2018). Jewelry Trade Center. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@13.7233052,100.5198583,3a,75y,220.83h,89.64t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s LElbTvutAKChHVbu1mcmFQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

tember 21 2018, from

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