Theories of Architecture & Urbanism : A Comparative Analysis Essay by Lieng Kam Wong

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture Theories of Architecture & Urbanism (ARC 61303)

Project 2 Comparative Essay Analysis Selected Streets Ya n a k a G i n z a , To k y o & J a l a n S t e s e n 1 , K l a n g

Name: Wong Lieng Kam Student ID: 0323566 Tutor: Mr. Prince Favis Isip

Contents

1.0 Project Introduction

2.0 Background (Description + History & Morphology + Site Plan) 2.1 Asian Street Case Study: Yanaka Ginza 2.2 Local Street Site Analysis: Jalan Stesen

3.0 Analysis 3.1 Contact Point 1 3.2 Contact Point 2 3.3 Contact Point 3 3.4 Contact Point 4

4.0 Conclusion

5.0 References

1.0 Project Introduction In this comparative analysis essay, findings from Project 1 (Asian Street Case Study) and the local site from Design Studio V are to be analysed side by side. The main framework of this paper is built upon the similarities and dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, types of â&#x20AC;&#x153;contact pointsâ&#x20AC;? and the varying degrees of contact intensity between the two cities. Although both cities are placed in the same context of urban landscapes, they differ in terms of physical environment: a factor that influences the activities to a varying degree and in many different ways (Gehl, 2011, p.9). This essay focused on the outdoor activities and the number of physical conditions that influence them. These activities then spark life between buildings, which Gehl suggests the concept of varying degrees of contact intensity as the basic or outline of various contact form. In summary, outdoor activities in public spaces can be divided into three categories: necessary activities, optional activities and social activities. Each of these activities places different demands on the physical environment (Gehl, 2011, p.9).

Figure 1: Graphic representation of the relationship between the quality of outdoor spaces and the rate of occurrence of outdoor activities (Gehl, 2011, p.11)

Figure 2: Diagram of the simplified outline of various contact forms (Gehl, 2011, p.15)

2 . 1 A s i a n S t r e e t ( C a s e S t u d y ) : Ya n a k a G i n z a The Asian Street (Case Study) study that will be compared is Yanaka districts in Tokyo which still survives from the past decades. Ginza guild, is a symbolic name for shopping areas.

It is one of the old meaning silver and

Yanaka Ginza is a traditional shopping streets, known as shotengai that reminisces Tokyo from Showa period (1926-1989). Most of the commercial stores were transformed from the original residential houses. Today, it has developed into a tourist shopping hotspot.

Diagram 1: Street context along Yanaka Ginza from Nippori railway station

Diagram 2: Historical timeline of Yanaka Ginza

Diagram 3: Human density at Yanaka Ginza

2.2 Local Street (Analysis): Jalan Stesen The Local Street (Analysis) that will be compared is Jalan Stesen. Jalan Stesen located at the South Klang, known as one of the old town in Klang, as it was established as an early trading town when the town was a bustling mining town. Jalan Stesen is lined with shophouses on both side of the street that thrives with mix-used development, which varies from commercial to residential to institutional. It is once occupied by the British during World War 1, and the Japanese during World War 2, Neoclassical shophouse are the main built environment along the street which gives the street a sense of place. In the past, it is mesmerized with the noise and chaos of the hustle and bustle of the activities. Today, it is not as bustling as before known to be a melting pot of trading of businesses and social activities, but has been degenerated as a dormant place and slowly to be forgotten.

STREET CONTEXT

HISTORY 1800s River of Life Early settlers habit the land nearby along the linear river of Klang. Their community is build up with blocks of linear typology. The river was the main source of their lifestyle as it was their means of transport

1900s

Klang River as heart of life

Functional Substitution Due to rapid expansion of tin mining activity, more linear blocks were built to accommodate the tin mining workers. The railway system was established to take over the functional significance of the river, enabling urbanism to spread away from the river

Diagram 5: Site context of South Klang

2000s

Railway station replaces river

HUMAN DENSITY

The Golden Era During the weekends, more people will visit compared to weekend

HIGH

There was a rise of business opportunities after Klangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s occupation by the British and the Japanese. This resulted in the development of roads, bridges, transportation stations as well as administrative centres built in the town to serve the people better. However, there were potential sites to be developed to encourage public life

After working house people use KTM train station as transport and some will pass by or stop by Jalan Stesen as there might be heavt traffic flow

WE EK DA Y W EE KE ND

First double decker bridge connects North & South HOLIDAYS

LOW

Today

During holidays and festivals, the street are the quietest as shop owner would take a break and rest also to celebrate with family

A Continuing Desire Population surged and trading activities flourished, resulting in the increasing economic and social demands. Potential sites eventually are all filled up with specific desired functions that benefit people. Throughout the centuries, people focus more on development and progressivity of Klang, unfortunately it makes better living quality to be left out

Developed into a functional city

Diagram 4: Historical timeline of Klang

Restaurant and kopitiam are usually open in the morning to serve breakfast to the people

Lunch hour for the workers as Jalan Besar is mostly commercial building

Human density and traffic flow at peak as people are leaving home after working hour

Diagram 6: Human density at Klang

Most of the shops are closed around 6pm

3.0 Analysis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jalan Stesen (Local Site)

1 4 2 3

Diagram 7: Site plan showing contact points along Jalan Stesen

BUS STOP

OCBC BANK

STREET TYPOLOGY

CHONGKOK KOPITIAM

H A M A M AT S U - YA Y U YA K E D A N D A N S TA I R C A S E

BUS STOP

STREET TYPOLOGY

Diagram 8: Site plan showing contact points along Yanaka Ginza

3 . 0 A n a l y s i s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ya n a k a G i n z a ( A s i a n S i t e )

3 . 1 Co n t a c t Po i n t 1 : Pu b l i c Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

Contact Point 1 INADEQUATE

Contact Point 1 CONVENIENT

Public Transportation - KTM Station (Bus Stop)

Public Transportation - Nippori Railway Station (Bus Stop)

Contact Intensity High

Known as a major railway transportation hub in South Klang. Concentration of mixed demographics leads to various encounters and engagements

One of the largest rail hubs in Tokyo, which is also a major rail hub north west of Ueno. Concentration of mixed demographics leads to various encounters and engagements

Activities Necessary: Transit

Optional: Tourist sight-seeing and taking photo

Social: Interaction between locals, workers and tourists

Human Behavioural Pattern

Activity Pattern Functional: Locals at work or running errands walking in a fast pace

Recreational:

Interaction Pattern Close: Walking & conversing

Chance: Tourist asking for directions from locals

Passive: Walking pass another with visual and audio contact

Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and tourists

Seating Pattern: Although seats are not so present here, people tend to use the gateway and lamppost to stand against as resting supports. (Gehl, 2011, p.153)

Seating Pattern: Although seats are not so present here, people tend to use the gateway and lamppost to stand against as resting supports. (Gehl, 2011, p.153).

3 . 1 Co n t a c t Po i n t 1 : Pu b l i c Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n As an alternative to the differentiated street systems, other ways of using cars and the other rapid means of transportation can be envisaged. The importance of an integrated transportation system to city life can be observed in those cities in which transportation has always been on foot. (Gehl, 2011, p.109). Both of the streets has public transportation which is the KTM and bus stop at Jalan Stesen, and Nippori Station and bus stop nearby Yanaka Ginza Street.

Restoran Bismillah

KTM Station

Bus Stop Diagram 9: Bus Stop across KTM Station Nippori Station

Bus Stop Diagram 10: Bus Stop across Nippori Station

Both of the streets has a bus stop, however the bus stop at Jalan Stesen is informal where it comprises of a bus stand and a bus lot. This is due to the existence of KTM Station where majority of the people uses it to travel to the site. Many examples illustrate the great influence of factors such as distance, route quality, and mode of transportation on the connections between people and between various functions (Gehl, 2011, p.115). In Nippori Station, the bus stop is more complete where it has a bus shelter equipped with seating. The chances of contact is higher at Nippori Station as people are more intimate distant when waiting for the bus arrival. People do not wait at the bus stand at Jalan Stesen as it is exposed to the hot sun. They usually wait at the opposite shophouse as primary seating is provided at the restaurant and hop into the bus when it arrives. In addition, the KTM is very spacious, and people do not stop at the KTM as it is only a transit point. Passive contacts are most likely to be seen at the public transport at Jalan Stesen.

3 . 2 C o n t a c t P o i n t 2 : T h e S t r e e t Ty p o l o g y

Contact Point 2 DISPERSE

Contact Point 2 INTIMATE

Street Typology (5 Foot Walkway – Parking – Main Road)

Street Frontage (Extended Store – Main Road)

Contact Intensity High

Hawker stalls are occupied at the 5 foot walkway, creating a positive space by providing primary seats to encourage people to eat and stay. The seats faces the main road, where people attracts more people to the store

Informal seating and shades are provided across the main pedestrian walkway, where attracts more people to the store

Activities Necessary: People walking through to get to destination Optional: People stop by to rest, eat or drink Social: Interaction between shop owner, customers, locals, workers, friends and tourists

Activities Necessary: People walking through to get to destination Optional: People stop by to rest or drink Social: Interaction between shop owner, customers, locals, workers, friends and tourists Human Behavioural Pattern

Human Behavioural Pattern

Activity Pattern

Functional: Locals at work or running errands walking in a fast pace

Functional: Locals at work or running errands walking in a fast pace Recreational: People walking in linear pathway with slow pace closer to stalls to observe the stalls. People taking orders which may crowd the entrance of the store Interaction Pattern Close: Walking & conversing Chance: Meet up or hang out with friends Passive: Walking pass one another with only visual and audio contact Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and tourists Seating Pattern: Primary seats provided by the stall under a canopy encourages people to stay under the shades

Recreational: People walking in linear pathway with slow pace closer to stalls to observe the stalls. People stopping and resting at the seats which may crowd the entrance of the store Interaction Pattern Close: Walking while conversing and drinking liquor together Chance: Meet up or hang out with friends Passive: Walking pass one another with only visual and audio contact Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and tourists Seating Pattern: Informal seating made of liquor crates set up in front of stall on sidewalks for customers to sit and relax under the shade. The seats faces the main pedestrian walkway, where attracts more people to the store

3 . 2 C o n t a c t P o i n t 2 : T h e S t r e e t Ty p o l o g y Distance is used both to regulate intimacy and intensity in various social situations and to control the beginning and end of individual conversations, implies that a certain space is needed for conversations (Gehl, 2011, p.67). Jalan Stesen has a wide street typology which consist of 3 elements of layers, which are the main road with 2 lane for vehicular circulation, side parking on both side and 5 foot walkway along the shophouses. 5 foot walkway are being used frequently, due to the wider width of Jalan Stesen, people tend to walk along the narrow 5 foot walkway, causing a higher chance of contact along the pedestrian circulation walkway. The linear forming of 5 foot walkway improves opportunities for stopping and resting precisely where creates a greatest chance as positive outdoor areas are being used.

Side Parking

5 Foot Walkway 5 Foot Walkway Main Road Diagram 11: Main Road of Jalan Stesen

In The Hidden Dimension [23] Edward T. Hall defines a number of social distances, that is to say, customary distances for different forms of communication in the Western European and American cultural sphere.

Diagram 12: Positive outdoor space provided with seats

Figure 3: The four distance zones od proxemics are concerned with distance between people

3 . 2 C o n t a c t P o i n t 2 : T h e S t r e e t Ty p o l o g y Similarly to Jalan Stesen, the pedestrian circulation of Yanaka Ginza is also in a linear form manner due to extension of storefront and informal seating in front of stall on sidewalks for customers to sit and relax under the shade. The seats faces the main pedestrian walkway, where attracts more people to the store. Thus, creating a pedestrian walkway where people are to walk on the street road. In contrasting with Jalan Stesen, where at Yanaka Ginza, pedestrian circulation take place along the main road due to extended stall are being set up along the narrow street. As Yanaka Ginza wants to promote pedestrian friendly, rules are being set where vehicular access are blocked in the afternoon to encourage pedestrian activity in the street. Hence, resulting in a narrower street which increases the intimacy level of people and the built environment. Improved physical conditions as in implication of rules have resulted in impressive increases in the number of pedestrians, a lengthening of the average time spent outdoors, and a considerably broader spectrum of outdoor activities.

Diagram 13: Main Road of Yanaka Ginza

The relationship between distance and intensity, closeness and warmth, in various contact situations has an important parallel in the prevalent perception of architectural dimensions. (Gehl, 2011, p.69). People are physically and visually engage to the activities along the street where it has a higher intimacy level compared to Jalan Stesen due to the extended stalls along the street to the main road. The intimacy scale between the people and built environments provokes a higher possibility of interaction and communication between people and people & people and built environments. Small spaces tend to be perceived as warm and personal. The small dimensions make it possible to see and hear other people, and in small spaces, the details as well as the whole can be enjoyed. Conversely, large spaces are perceived as cold and impersonal. Buildings as well as people are â&#x20AC;&#x153;kept at a distance.â&#x20AC;? (Gehl, 2011, p.71) Despite the dissimilarity where Jalan Stesen has a different street typology compared to Yanaka Ginza, but the human behavioural pattern is similar where the pedestrian travels in the same linear manner. Thus, the level of intimacy and human contact to the stall are also much in similar.

3.3 Contact Point 3: Building Function & User

Contact Point 3 NECESSARY ACTIVITIES

Contact Point 3 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Function of Building & User (OCBC Bank & Pos Office)

Function of Building & User (Hamamatsu-ya)

Contact Intensity Moderate to High

Informal seating and shades are provided across the main pedestrian walkway, where attracts more people to the store

Activities Necessary: People running errands and work Optional: Observing and seeing other people while waiting Social: Interaction between customers, locals and workers

Activities Necessary: Shopping and go to work Optional: Observing and seeing other people while waiting Social: Interaction between shop owner, customers, locals, workers, friends and tourists Human Behavioural Pattern

Human Behavioural Pattern Activity Pattern Activity Pattern Functional: Locals at work or running errands walking in a fast pace

Functional: Shopping

Recreational:

Recreational: Enjoy the antiques shopping ambience

Interaction Pattern Close: Waiting & conversing

Chance: Asking for help

Chance: Meet up or hang out with friends

Passive: Walking pass one another with only visual and audio contact

Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and staff

Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and tourists

Seating Pattern: Primary seats provided while waiting for queuing number

Seating Pattern: Although seats are not so present here, people tend to use the gateway and lamppost to stand against as resting supports. (Gehl, 2011, p.153).

3.3 Contact Point 3: Building Function & User Life between buildings comprises the entire spectrum of activities, which combine to make communal spaces in cities and residential areas meaningful and attractive. Life between buildings offers an opportunity to be with others in a relaxed and undemanding way. (Gehl, 2011, p.14). Activity is a source of attraction where it attracts people to attract people, which the function of the built environment plays an important role where it serves a certain purpose which contributes to common interest or needs.

Diagram 14: Interaction happens outside the pathway of Pos Office while waiting

Diagram 15: Interaction happens outside OCBC Bank pathway while waiting

The major different between both of the street is that the function of the buildings attracts different user groups. OCBC Bank and Pos Office is one of the reason casing the vehicular and human traffic congesting along the street due to its public services function. Therefore, locals adults and elderlies are the main user.

3.3 Contact Point 3: Building Function & User Whereas for Yanaka Ginza, buildings are most likely to be Japanese old-fashioned store. With the history of more than hundred years, it attracts not only tourist from overseas but also locals to visit the old shopping street to feel the ambiance. Thus, at Jalan Stesen, people are mostly gathered for necessary activities, on the other hand, Yanaka Ginza showcases the historical evidences physically and visually where it welcomes all the ages group user which provokes a sense of curiosity and interest to explore and understand the activities along the store, creating an opportunity for optional activates to occur.

Traditional slippers called geta has been in business since 1891 FAST JAPAN, Inc, 2018

Bamboo craft Tadaima Japan. 2016

Wood craft Cool Photo Japan, 2018

3.4 Contact Point 4: Landmark & Nodes

Contact Point 4

STIMULATING

INVITING

Landmark & Nodes (Chongkok Kopitiam)

Landmark & Nodes (Staircase)

Contact Intensity Moderate to High

5 footway are being used as an extended business from the storefront to provide more seats and opportunity to contact

Informal seating are provided across staircase, where attracts more people to come

Activities Necessary: Travelling or to work

Optional: Observing and seeing other people while waiting for food

Optional: Observing and seeing other people while waiting

Social: Interaction between shop owner, customers, locals and workers

Social: Interaction between locals, friends and tourists

Human Behavioural Pattern

Activity Pattern

Functional: Extended of business to 5 foot walkway are being used when the shop are full

Functional: People prefer using the small narrow ramps rather than the steps.

Recreational: People walking in linear pathway with slow pace to observe the stalls. Some stop to take photographs of the stall while some queue to buy food. It congests the street but forms an attraction to others.

Recreational: People stop at mid steps or on top of the stairs to watch the sunset or take photographs which may obstruct the continuous flow of pedestrians through staircase.

Interaction Pattern Close: Walking while conversing, watching demonstration on food and taking photographs Chance: Asking for directions, asking for help to take a photograph Passive: Walking past one another with visual and audio contact Acquaintances: Meeting between shop owner, tourists, locals and workers Seating Pattern: Primary seats provided while food is served

Interaction Pattern Close: Walking while conversing, photographs

watching

sunset

and

taking

Chance: Asking for directions, asking for help to take a photograph Passive: Walking past one another with visual and audio contact Acquaintances: Meeting between locals, workers and tourists Seating Pattern: Steps as secondary seating area to watch sunset as the stairs faces the shopping street allowing people to observe the overview activities of the street.

3.4 Contact Point 4: Landmark & Nodes The character of the life between buildings changes with changes in the society situation, but the essential principles and quality criteria to be used when working for human quality in the public realm have proven to be remarkably constant (Gehl, 2011, p.7). In Jalan Stesen, Chongkok Kopitiam is located near to the KTM Station where it is known as a node point of assembly and to disperse the people at an instantaneous rate who come and leave Jalan Stesen through the KTM Station. Opportunities for meetings and daily activities in the public spaces of a city or residential area enable one to be among, to see, and to hear others, to experience other people functioning in various situations (Gehl, 2011, p.15). The location of the node point are close the the KTM Station as both of them provokes interaction and gather the crowds. It is also known as a waiting point for the KTM Station and bus stop when there is insufficient of seating and shades. In addition, shophouses are lined at both side of the street between the main road and is connected with 5 foot walkway where frontage of the shophouse is form by the 5 foot walkway which functioned as a corridor that provides shades and shelter to the people. Due to the strategic location of Chongkok Kopitiam towards KTM Station. It has successfully becoming a node point for common meeting place for people also appear to be a public space to connect people from different area via the linear form of 5 foot walkway along the shophouse.

Diagram 16: 2 node point are close to each other provokes interaction

The opportunities of â&#x20AC;&#x153;see and hear contactsâ&#x20AC;? must be considered in relation to other forms of contact and as part of the whole range of social activities, from very simple and noncommittal contacts to complex and emotionally involved connections (Gehl, 2011, p.15). Consequently, there is a higher intensity of contact where people passes by walking while conversing, watching demonstration on food and taking photographs and meeting between shop owner, tourists, locals and workers who have a meal together. Thus, existence of node points offer a chance to establish or improve the contact between people and people.

3.4 Contact Point 4: Landmark & Nodes Whereas in Yanaka Ginza, the node point for public gathering is located between the Yuyake Dandan Staircase where it is located at the entrance gate where people watch the sunset or the paranomic view of the shopping street allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of old Japan. Human activity as attraction, people are attracted to other people. They gather with and move about with others and seek to place themselves near others. If given a choice between walking on a deserted or a lively street, most people in most situations will choose the lively street. If the choice is between sitting in a private backyard or in a semiprivate front yard with a view of the street, people will often choose the front of the house where there is more to see (Gehl, 2011, p.23). It became a landmark where with different level of view along the stairs gives a sense of intimacy is created as the frequency of contact points increases when people often stop by and take photographs or to enjoy the sunset view. Presence of ramp that attracts more people to pass through compare to stairs. (Gehl, 2011, p.145). People who arrive at the node point will experience a high chance of contact as people stop at mid steps or on top of the stairs to watch the sunset or take photographs which may obstruct the continuous flow of pedestrians through staircase. Social interaction are much more higher due to the steps as secondary seating area to watch sunset as the stairs faces the shopping street allowing people to observe the overview activities of the street.

Diagram 17: High contact of activities due to the informal staircase Barni, 2018

Despite the dissimilarity where Jalan Stesen has a different types of landmark and nodes compared to Yanaka Ginza, but condition of space at the open seating area is favourable at all times as it is a node point. Thus, creating a high contact intensity where passive and active contacts are abundantly seen.

4.0 Conclusion In a nutshell, the overall condition of Jalan Stesen, Klang is active and fill with necessary activities for instance, going to the OCBC Bank, Pos Office and transit or travelling to destinations at KTM. Due to the wide main road along the Jalan Stesen, it disperse the human flow which decreases the interaction. Without the necessary activities, the street is dormant and quiet where lease amount of activities take place along the street except vehicular movement. The major issue are most likely to be the lacking of optional activities which becoming one of the key factor that discourage and intensify human interaction. Whereas in Yanaka Ginza, the few key factors that encourage and intensify human interactions are the presence of canopies and seats facing the main road, a narrower width of roads that centralizes movement and activities, and edge effect where edges acts as preferred stopping zones. In conclusion, it is clearly proven that the theory of Jan Gehl that activities is a major attraction towards people and where people gather as a crowd, it also can be seen that people respond differently according to the built environment, where it attract people as well, In addition, the quality of the built environment is also a key towards the high contact intensity of the occurrence of activity. Despite that, I would say both street are complementary to each other in many ways as they have similar urban elements. The areas that were analysed show that the activities and function can be found in both streets, however application is subjective. A strong relationship between environment quality and the rate of occurrence of outdoor activities, both are interrelated.

5.0 References Gehl, J. (2011). Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Island Press. Naho_B_M. (2017, September 25). Yanaka Ginza: Tokyo's Best Old-Fashioned Shopping Street. Retrieved from https://jw-webmagazine.com/yanaka-ginza-tokyos-best-old-fashioned-shopping-street-db7e586241f1 Nakagawa, I. (2018, July 06). Yanaka Ginza, Nippori - A Nostalgic And Lively Shopping Street. Retrieved from https://matcha-jp.com/en/46 Yanaka Ginza. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.japanvisitor.com/tokyo-area-guides/yanaka-ginza