Culture in Urban Development by Nabila Hilmy

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

Elements of culture in urban development

Roles and values of culture in urban development

Impact of culture in urban development

Culture and sustainable urban development in Malaysia

Conclusion

References

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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

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.

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Element of culture in urban development

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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

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

always use to approach to other people.

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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.

guide

and

studied

direct

their

implement

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

urban

development.

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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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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.

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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.

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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

the

that

have

strong

cultural

society that contribute to the growth of economy that based on cultural industries.

As the demand of cultural industries

Songket Melayu, one of the Malaysian

increases

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

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.

employments

also growth

contributes for

the

local

economic

and

international

growth

that

also

disease.

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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

economy,

while

profits, employments, new and

infrastructure growth.

promotes

more Photo by Nur Songket

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.

also influence the element of culture in

many

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

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.

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

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,

living

and

belonging

citizenship’’.

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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

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.

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Photo by Time Out Kuala Lumpur

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

Culture enhance economic development in Malaysia In

Malaysia,

culture

contributes

economic sector with different type of approaches such as craft, art and tourism.

Moreover,

other

activities

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

developments.

Thus,

locals

better better

who

human human

developments and economic sustainability may affect every aspects of sustainability towards the development in Malaysia.

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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.

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.

emphasizing local specialty and historical continuities in physical developments, it can be the major key to fight against climate change in Malaysia.

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

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.

can

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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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

culture

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

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.