CULTURE IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT
PICTURE
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Centre of Studies for Town and Regional Planning, FSPU UiTM Puncak Alam
Prepared by: Muhammad Iskandar bin Rosman 2018400806 Nur Syazana Nabilah binti Yusri 2018248182 Nurulnabila binti Hilmy 2018663518 Group: AP221/6B Session: March-July 2021 Prepared for: Mr. Mohamad Taufek bin Mohd Hanapiah
Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s 01
Introduction
4
02
Elements of culture in urban development
5
03
Roles and values of culture in urban development
8
04
Impact of culture in urban development
13
05
Culture and sustainable urban development in Malaysia
19
06
Conclusion
26
07
References
27
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0 1
Introduction Culture has been recognized as an essential element of the well-being of people, local development and equity. It was related to the understanding of cultural heritage and values' diversity. Other than that, cities have no future without culture. The cities also must be strengthen with the cultural assets, the heritage that provides a sense of meaning and identity
to
their
inhabitants,
and
the
creative
opportunities that enhance the vitality, liveability and prosperity of our cities should be played by the residents that living in the area. People may use cultural expressions to describe themselves as a community, read historical traces, realize the meaning of rituals in their everyday lives, or simply appreciate elegance, peace, and creative endeavor. There are basic social and human needs that must be met as part of the sustainable planning plan, not as an afterthought.
4 Photo by Mohd Aram on Unsplash
0 2
Element of culture in urban development
Photo by Houston ISD
01 Language The first elements of the culture is
This will help people to get to know each
language. Language is an important things
other better. This is interrelated with what
that happen in everyone's life and also in a
happens to every town planner who wants
culture. People use language to convey
to do a construction or development in an
knowledge, communicate feelings and
area.
emotions, affect the actions of others, and
communicate with the residents in the area
behave
of
to convey information about the project
friendliness or animosity toward people
that will be carried out in the area. This is
who use language in a significant way.
done to avoid misunderstandings between
Language is the way that people will
planners and residents.
with
varying
degrees
The
town
planner
needs
to
always use to approach to other people.
5
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Photo by Travel.Earth
02 03
Symbols Symbols are the base of culture. Where symbols represent an object, word or
Norm
action that stands for something else. For
Norm is anything that is common, typical,
instance the symbol of action in culture is
ordinary, or predicted. The concept of
bowing head, whistling, winkling of eyes
norms is essential for comprehending
situation it is express a specific object idea
social power in general and conformity in
about other. Other examples of symbols of
particular
an objects such as flag, anthem. This is the
behavior. Its provide a set of standards
short expression for the identification of
about how to act and help to maintain
something yet give a full understanding to
order and predictability in society. It is
the people in an area.
difficult to see how society could operate
In the field of urban planning, this is very
without social norms.
important to facilitate communication and
This is very important in carrying out the
to signify individuals, groups of people,
development process in an area. In order to
organizations or more ambiguous concepts.
develop an area, the norms of a culture
For example, this is done in determining
need
which organizations will be involved in a
development that can be easily adapted and
construction or development.
used by the community in an area.
to
to
be
guide
and
studied
to
direct
their
implement
6
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Photo by Houszed
05
04
Beliefs
Values
A belief is an idea that a person holds as
Values may help describe a culture's
being true. A belief can come from
personality, but they rarely suggest a
different sources, including a person’s own
particular course of action. Values usually
experiences or experiments, the acceptance
guide what one should do, but not how one
of cultural and societal norms such as
should do it. Values act as social principles
religion and what other people say such as
because they have perspectives on beliefs,
education. As we know, every human
goals, and attitudes. Regardless of size,
being has their own beliefs or religions
every community has its own set of beliefs,
that are very important in their lives. This
norms, and sanctions.
can be associated with development projects according to a religion. For example, the construction of a mosque for Islam. According to Islam, the construction of a mosque or surau should be placed according to the direction of Qiblat and this matter should be emphasized by town Photo by Everypixel
planners in preparing the layout plan.
7
0 3
Roles and values of culture in urban development Cities'
attractiveness,
creativity,
and
sustainability are all influenced by culture. Culture has always been at the center of urban development, as shown by cultural landmarks, heritage, and traditions. Cities as vibrant life-spaces do not exist in the absence of culture, and they are solely steel and concrete structures prone to social deterioration. As a result, there are culture roles and values that lead to urban development.
8 Photo by Leo Moko on Unsplash
Photo by Sorasak on Unsplash
Fostering urban value and image Historically, city centers were populated by symbols of power and belief. Today, cultural institutions such as museums, galleries,
theaters,
academies,
and
memorials characterize city centers. This transition shows the importance of culture at all levels of urban development, from establishing the fundamental character of the city to being an essential economic resource. It is the way to socialize and attract public and private investments in the cultural values expressed by the city traditions. It is mainly a way of attracting people and tourists to appreciate the city's cultural diversity and its capacity to Photo by Yohei Shimomae on Unsplash
become an artistic creativity magnet.
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Safeguarding cultural diversity It is important to protect cultural diversity and be aware of cultural diversity in urban areas, because mainstream culture can prevail in public places such as streets, monuments,
cultural
institutions,
and
parks. These areas must be open to all members of society. Women's and men's access to, participation and contribution to the cultural life of the community. Public places also serves as a communication channel between culture and nature and between humans and the environment, where wildlife, biodiversity, history and human use intersect. Above all that, it is fundamental to maintaining the connection of culture throughout our life. So that, it will portray a good image of a city and at the same time it will shape the social and economic
well-being
in
urban
development.
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10
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Provide cultural knowledge Nowadays, we must all learn about the history of our town in order to promote the uniqueness and identity of the town for the future. For example, we can take into account the knowledge about the character of our historic city, natural environment, the language, the music, the arts and the literature that has been adopted in recent decades. As a result, new knowledge of the culture and the environment can change a persons sense of place and make them feel like they belong in the city.
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11
Making sustainable cities As cities across the world continue to grow at a rapid pace, people face a variety of challenges such as unemployment, social inequality, racism, and crime. Besides that, culture is a strategic advantage that can help communities become more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. There are several cultural projects and creative sectors like film and broadcasting, digital animation, fashion, literature and culture arts that can generate profits for cities. So that the income produced can be used for restoration,
environmental
planning,
design, and construction and leading to a higher quality of life.
Photo by PropertyGuru
Photo by PropertyGuru
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0 4
Impact of culture in urban development Culture is the fundamental of human developments
throughout
the
civilization of humankind. Because of culture is so important in the process of the human developments, planners adapt the component, importance and the aesthetical value of culture in urban developments. Culture can be said very impactful in every aspects of urban developments, from planning to the final form of the developments.
13 Photo by Malik Shilby on Unsplash
Photo by Tourism Terengganu
Culture enhance urban economic growth Culture in the form of arts, crafts, food and
As examples, the production of goods and
environments actually contribute a lot in
services
the
urban
components such as traditional craft like
developments. As examples, Malaysia
Batik and Songket in Malaysia is highly
recorded the total revenue of RM 66.1
valued internationally, potentially increase
Billion in the tourism sectors that promotes
the supply with a large-scale production of
mostly on the local cultures. As we can
the goods and significantly increase the
see, there is a lot of interest of cultural
economic growth in the cultural-based
aspects even among the international
sectors for the local communities.
economic
growth
in
the
that
have
strong
cultural
society that contribute to the growth of economy that based on cultural industries.
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As the demand of cultural industries
Songket Melayu, one of the Malaysian
increases
to
wonders that infuse with rich history
local
and cultural value. With its elegant look,
community especially those who dwells in
it sold with high price but highly valued
the sub-urban area that are richer with
by
cultural elements. However, when Covid-
community. Songket is one of the
19 hits for the past 2 years, cultural
cultural creative goods that enhance the
creative industries also drop significantly
urban
because of closed boarder, locally and
represent the magnificent identity of the
internationally to prevent the spread of the
locals.
it
employments
also growth
contributes for
the
the
local
economic
and
international
growth
that
also
disease.
Photo by The Edge Market
But,
with
good
infrastructures,
the
productions continue while the goods are delivered in the broader platforms which is the digital markets. So, culture can significantly enhance urban economic growth as it nowadays seen as the fastest growing generating businesses
sectors
of
economy,
while
profits, employments, new and
infrastructure growth.
promotes
more Photo by Nur Songket
15
Culture influence type and cost of housing Housing is the essential part of human needs while it provides protection and develop mutual relationship which what shape us humans. Usually, a groups of culture influences it’s housing and the housing became the part of the culture. The cultural elements such as design and beliefs is one of the main components that influence housing type and cost and it also practiced in Malaysia.
01
also influence the element of culture in
02
many
In
and the belief is still relevant until this day.
Malaysia where Islam is the most followed
Tradition also influenced type and cost of
religion for centuries, the housing itself is
housing especially in Malaysia where
influenced by the beliefs in terms of
customs and traditions is kept in order
privacy, modesty and space in each homes.
either in rural or urban area. As we looked
For examples, terrace housing is the most
at Malay traditions in housing, one of the
preferable for the Malays not just with its
major architectural design in most of
affordable price but living in the terrace
Malay housing is it mostly have 3
house
Islamic
bedrooms. Malay community prior privacy
teaching when it comes to neighbourly
at the most and 3 bedrooms is built in
manners.
allows
traditional Malay house to separate the
neighbours to interact with each others
parents, sons and daughters. This 3
better then those who live at high-rise and
bedrooms housing is still applicable in the
the
the
modern days and housing in Malaysia
Ukhwah closer as recommended in the
commonly have at least 3 bedrooms, while
Islamic teaching.
maintaining
Beliefs
Traditions
Beliefs is the fundamental of life. Beliefs things
including
community Terrace
interactions
housing.
promotes housing
eventually
bring
Tradition simply known as customs that
transmitted from generation to generation
privacy
between
family
members and keeping the housing price in affordable level because the more space the higher the price will be.
16
Culture influence urban environment of a city Culture and urban space has a strong connectivity and can be seen on different types of urban or public spaces are correlated
with
specific
activities
of
different social groups. ‘’Public spaces are kind of a mirror to the city culture, to the city life, undoubtedly it is a medium influencing and completing the cultural profile of a man and society.’’ Quoted from the viewpoint of the social aspect William White characterized squares as “places of sharing,
of
living
and
belonging
citizenship’’.
Photo by CK Travel
In Malaysia, there are different types of public facilities which are one is associated with one cultural groups and one that was opened for public used. For examples, in big city like Malacca, the city isn’t just built for the longevity of Malay cultures but as well as other cultures with different belief and traditions. The diversity is what make the city livable where people can live inclusively and strengthen the social interactions between different cultures.
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Photo by Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
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The existence of public facilities such as mosques, churches and temples in a city is some
examples
that
culture
indeed
influence the image of the city. Those infrastructure doesn’t act as the place of place of worships and social interaction place but act as the image of the city like nodes, paths and landmarks.
Photo by Klaudia Nina Kondorosi
Cultural diversity in a city also affecting the design of the city’s masterplan. In Malaysia, city like Kuala Lumpur is built from combination of different streets that Photo by Prasit Rodphan
have its own sense of culture. Kampung Melayu, Little India and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is an examples of cultural correlation that shaped the city. So, it was true that culture influenced the urban environment of a city.
Photo by Reddit
Photo by Time Out Kuala Lumpur
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0 5
Culture and sustainable urban development in Malaysia Culture is who we are and what shapes our identity. No development can be sustainable without including culture. Culture sustainability is important and seen as a powerful driver for urban developments, social, economic and environmental developments. Culture also divided into different components which is cultural heritage, cultural industries, cultural tourisms and cultural infrastructures which act as the driver for better profit and incomes, enhanced employments and enhancing urban developments, especially for the developing countries like Malaysia, that rich with diversity of culture. Culture in Malaysia isn’t just about the local identities but also seen as the main components and opportunities to achieve sustainability.
Photo by Ravin Rau on Unsplash 19
Culture related to the development of cultural infrastructure and public spaces In Malaysia, culture is important when it
Furthermore, the uses of the public spaces
comes to urban design and building
and cultural infrastructure
infrastructures for the locals, both in design
strongly support the needs of the diversity
and its use. Cultural relevance in the city
of culture among Malaysian communities
urban
and
so it can promote the locals to engage more
infrastructure is important as it shows the
in every cultural practices in the city’s
locals
of
public spaces. For example, Dataran
Malaysia. Moreover, it also promotes sense
Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur isn’t just act as
of belonging among the locals toward the
heritage space, yet it also became the
city as the saw the resonance of their
public space that vibrantly used as
cultural values and enable the local to see
gathering spaces for cultural practices such
themselves reflected from the city urban
as religious celebration day and place
design and built cultural infrastructure.
where everyone can gather inclusively.
design, identities
place and
making, uniqueness
must also
Photo by Flickr
20
In the relation of culture and space, it
Other than public spaces, educational
promotes cultural diversity and cultural
infrastructures and systems in every level
activities with the concept of citizenship at
in
the local level. For a better understanding,
importance
culture is important as it been seen as the
knowledge.
valuable
sustainable
importance, Malaysian community will be
development in Malaysia because culture
able to valuing the diversity, creativity and
is the main key elements that play a
the development of skill of using digital
positive role in building better, vibrant and
tools for cultural transmission, innovative
peaceful society. In order to maintained the
expression and bridging of culture which
value of cultural diversity in Malaysia, it
eventually make the local community
requires
more sustainable.
assets
for
integration
among
the
Malaysia
should of
underline
culture
By
the
skills
and
underlining
the
multicultural society to pursue stronger
Culture also related to a sustainable urban
community. To achieve the integration,
developments in term of its historical
building inclusive public spaces is one of
importance. Heritage structures and urban
the strategies that can help strengthen the
spaces
bond among the community.
historical value can be conserve and
in
Malaysia
that
have
high
maintained as vital spaces as long as culture significant is applied in the city development.
Those
heritage
valued
structures and urban spaces isn’t just for the image of the city but also important for Malaysia to conserve all the bad and good memory and identity of the nation and its city. Thus, culture is relatable to the progress toward sustainable cities and communities for the development of Malaysia.
21
Culture enhance economic development in Malaysia In
Malaysia,
culture
contributes
to
economic sector with different type of approaches such as craft, art and tourism.
Moreover,
In
other
activities
as
just
not
improve
local
cultural
economic development but also produce
heritage,
cultural
more excellent entrepreneurship. Excellent
perspectives, such
cultural
industries, craft and art, tourism and
entrepreneurship
means
cultural infrastructure can be the strategic
actively participating will also generates
tools to enhanced revenue and provide
better skills especially in being able to
more opportunity for employment within
speaks in public, continuously learn and
the local communities.
adapt new perspectives which is the fundamental
of
developments.
Thus,
locals
better better
who
human human
developments and economic sustainability may affect every aspects of sustainability towards the development in Malaysia.
Photo by Friends Of Sevenpie
Photo by D’AsiaTravel
22
Culture can build resiliency against climate change In Malaysia, culture may also build resiliency toward the climate change that become worse each year onwards. Culture can build resiliency toward local climate change by applying traditional knowledge and building technologies that are used traditionally by the local community because it was the best suited for the local environment conditions. Malaysia is known with its equatorial climate, which is hot and humid throughout the year. However, increasing urbanization in Malaysia contributes to higher temperature affect, especially at the urban areas. Culture can build resiliency against climate change by applying the elements of traditional architecture to the modern structures
and
infrastructures.
As
examples, structures in Malaysia should have better natural air ventilation inside exactly as the previous Malay traditional Photo by Nur Hidayahtuljamilah Ramli
housing that have superb natural air ventilation systems that can reduced a lot of power consumption to keep the building in
constant
cool
conditions.
By
emphasizing local specialty and historical continuities in physical developments, it can be the major key to fight against climate change in Malaysia.
23
Culture for peace and social cohesion as a basis for sustainable development in Malaysia In Malaysia, the community live in diversity yet harmony. Because of the strong cultural belief, it enables Malaysian to have strong citizen participation, good community empowerment and have better social cohesion than other multiracial country as it promotes grassroots process that build recognition and connection within the communities. Peace, effective governance,
and
justice
are
both
development enablers and development outcomes to achieve SDG and with culture, it can be achieved.
Moreover, culture can be used as medium that ensuring inclusivity, representative, participatory
and
comprehensive
in
decision making. For examples, local Photo by New Straits Times
cultures and cultural approach can offer new ways of tackling social issues and problems while promote understanding among different groups of society. Despite that, local culture in Malaysia may also provide more knowledge and increase awareness which will become the enabler
Photo by The Stringer
for better future of the city. 24
Culture also can be part of sustainable development in Malaysia, in terms of policy making. Instead of creating local policies that didn’t reflect to the local social environment, local governments should put more consideration and focus more on developing cultural policies than international policies that are not even related and less suitable for the locals. One of the examples of cultural policy making that can be apply to boost Malaysia’s sustainable developments is citizen-based policies. Citizen-based policies is a great strategies and seen as powerful tools to drive the sustainability. With culture fused with policy making, it eventually can encourage better citizen participation in the making of urban development policies. Cultural policy making contributes to longterm benefits for Malaysia sustainable developments because it connect the people directly to the center of the sustainability.
It
can
be
said
that
contribution of culture in the policy making may act as guidance where crucial decisions in the developments can be easily identify and potentially act as mitigation against negative impacts. Photo by Omar Elsharawy on Unsplash
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0 6
Conclusion Culture is not about creative crafts and arts. Culture aged along with the people and make the culture is the people itself. However, culture is still misunderstood nowadays, and we have highlighted the importance
of
culture
in
the
urban
developments. Culture consist of values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that the community shared. The stronger the culture, it can be the pillar and man driver of every decisions and actions in order to achieve sustainability for the brighter future. Moreover, better roles and values in urban developments, especially in Malaysia is thrives from culture. Culture act as the urban images, conserves and protect the diversity and ensuring the continuity of knowledge about the local identities. Culture also is a powerful tool that drive urban sustainable developments. the role of cultural practices and values in sustainable development
must
be
explicitly
recognized, supported, and integrated into planning and policy in a systematic and comprehensive way.
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References Berkley Center for Religion, P. and W. A. (n.d.). How Should Religion Be Considered in Urban Planning? Berkley Center fo Religion, Peace and World Affairs. https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/how-should-religion-be-considered-inurban-planning. Choo, T. (1982). The Application of Traditional Design to Contemporary Housing in Malaysia . Master. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Duxburry, N., Hosagrahar, J., & Pascual, J. (2016, January 1). Culture 21_Agenda_21_for_Culture Why must culture be at the heart of sustainable urban development? agenda 21. http://www.agenda21culture.net/. Elements of Culture: Basic Elements of Culture. Study Lecture Notes. (2020, September 18). http://studylecturenotes.com/elements-of-culture-basic-elements-of-culture/. Kimanuka, O. (2016, August 11). Why culture is vital in a nation's development. Retrieved May 21, 2021, from https://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/read/202542 Learning, L. (n.d.). Introduction to Sociology. Lumen. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/elements-of-culture/. OPEN CALL: Viable Data Remote Residency. Программа ЕС и Восточного партнерстваКультура и креативность. (2016, January 27). https://www.culturepartnership.eu/en/article/why-art-and-culture-contribute-more-to-aneconomy-than-growth-and-jobs. UNESCO. (2016). Culture Urban Future.
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