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THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

Project Part 2: Comparative Analysis Essay

Loong Bo Lin

0321469

Tutor: Mr. Prince

CONTENT

1.0 Introduction to project/ Site Study

1.1 Introduction to the project

1.2 Introduction of Bugis Street, Singapore

1.3 Introduction of Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur

2.0 Comparative Analysis

2.1 Necessary Activities

2.2 Optional Activities

2.3 Resultant Activities

3.0 Conclusion

4.0 References

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

This paper requires study through the book, “Life Between Buildings”, by Jan Gehl. Studies

are carried out by analysing two selected streets, which is Bugis Street from Singapore and

Jalan Hang Kasturi from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and identifying the similarities and

dissimilarities based on the patterns of social activities, the different type of contact points

as well as the degree of contact intensity between the two streets.

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.2 BUGIS STREET, SINGAPORE

Image 1.2.1 Bugis Street, Singapore map

Bugis Street lies in an extensive area which was commonly referred to in the past, by the Chinese-educated community, as Xiao Po (little slope). The latter stretched all the way from Tanjong Pagar, through Singapore's Chinatown, to Jalan Sultan. The whole vicinity was thriving and crammed with merchants and traders, making it one of the most vibrant economic zones of old Singapore.

Today, the original Bugis Street is now a cobblestoned, relatively wide avenue sandwiched between the buildings of the Bugis Junction shopping complex. On the other hand, the lane presently touted as "Bugis Street" is actually developed from New Bugis Street, formerly Albert Street, and is billed as "the largest street-shopping location in Singapore". Although

the street is now not a well-known tourist destination, it is frequented by

many Singaporeans.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.3 JALAN HUNG KASTURI

Jalan Hang Kasturi is a street in downtown Kuala Lumpur. It runs roughly north-south

through the Kuala Lumpur's Petaling Street Chinatown. The stretch between Lebuh Pudu

and Jalan Tun Sambanthan is today a pedestrian zone called Katsuri Walk.

Jalan Hang Kasturi was originally called Rodger Street, after Sir John Pickersgill Rodger, the

British Resident of Selangor from 1884 to 1888 and again from 1896 to 1901. In between, he

was transferred to be the British Resident of Pahang. The road translated to Jalan Rodger

and then to Jalan Hang Kasturi in 1982, in honour of the legendary warrior that was featured

in “Hikayat Hang Tuah” and “Malay Annals”.

Image 1.3.1 Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur map

2.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

As extracted from the book “Life between buildings”, Jan Gehl had come out with three

types of outdoor activities, which are necessary activities, optional activities and resultant

activities, which also known as social activities .

Figure 2.0.1 Different types of outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are important as it creates the public scene that is dependent on the

physical environment. Most outdoor activities only take place when physical environment is

welcoming and pleasing. Weather and the quality of space are the main elements to a good

outdoor space.

To explain the different kind of categories, necessary activities are considered as

compulsory activities which include tasks that are required to be achieved in one’s daily life,

and it includes going to work, attending school as well as grocery shopping at the nearby

shops. It is necessary as it happens throughout the year.

On the other hand, optional activities are the activities that only take place when the time,

place and weather are acceptable. Optional activities are at its highest point when the

physical environment is in good conditions. These activities included taking a dip in the cool

sea or running under the cool breezy wind, where the situation is inviting. As stated by Jan

Gehl’s text, “when the quality of outdoor area is good, optional activity rises, the number of

social activities usually increases substantial ly”.

Besides, resultant activities which also known as social activities, only occurs based on the

people that appears in public spaces. Social activities included passive contact which is

seeing and hearing others.

2.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2.1 NECESSARY ACTIVITIES

With Bugis Street and Jalan Hang Kasturi as comparison, there’s still similarity among these

two roads. These two streets are considered as shopping nodes intheir own city. Bugis

street is Singapore's biggest shopping district with over 800 shops and a vibrant night-time

market. As for Jalan Hang Kasturi, it is one of the most popular streets in the heart of Kuala

Lumpur, featuring the historical walk, Kasturi Walk and Central Market, which focuses more

on souvenirs and handicrafts.

Image 2.1.1 Shopping area of Bugis Street

Image 2.1.2 Bugis street Image 2.1.3 Bugs Junction

Image 2.1.5 Central Market

Image 2.1.4 Shopping area along Jalan Hang Kasturi Image 2.1.6 Kasturi Walk

Along the Bugis Street, one can easily identify that the both entrances of Bugis Street are

the main nodes with commercial buildings, banks, public transportation hubs and church as

well as residential areas housing the local community flanking from all sides. The presence

of economic acitivity is concentarted in one straight path leading to the main nodes which

permeable edges such as intersection roads with zebra crossing. This aids in way finding for

the pedestrians – teeming with the heavy traffic condition, incresing the likehood of

travelling by foot in search of food, entertainment or retail. This increases the frequency of

necessary activity, thus increasing the chance of optional and social activities.

A significant contact point of Bugis street contributed by necessary activity is the entrance

of Bugis Street, whereby locals can be seen taking the public bus to their destinations. The

regular routine of the customers allow a range from low to high contact intensity – low

intensity for passive “see and hear” contacts amongst shoppers and public commuters,

moderate intensity between stall owners and regular customers who establish an

acquaintance network and high intensity between regular bus commuters or customers who

form close friendships.

Image 2.1.7 Bugis Street entrance

Jalan Hang Kasturi general is mixed economic zone teemed with historical landmark,

markets and shophouses with tenants of locals and foreigners. The arrangement of

businesses and retails are fairly organised, with its pavement widened, easng pedestrian

flow, thus increasing the opportunity for way finding. Street, local and global landmarks are

easily seen through view corridors. There are several nodes that cater to different

communities, each with their own distinctive traits and value such as the tourists nodes and

the corporate nodes with paths that interwave with each other. These chaotic patterns of

paths, nodes, landmarks and major throughfares cutting through streets with high volume

traffic forms blurred boundaries (edges), connected via circulation of pendestrians. Upon

arrival at the road, visitors are attracted to the five-foot walkway which widens halfway

along the road – designed to accommodate the influx of pendestrians along Jalan Hang

Kasturi.

A significant contact point of Jalan Hang Kasturi that is contributed by necessary activity is

the Kasturi Walk. People are seen using the walkway as a transit from the Pasar Seni LRT

station to their destinations, some are buying local snacks along Kasturi Walk or souvenirs

from Central Market. The contact intensity here is low to high – low intensity for passive

“see and hear” contacts which are formed among visitors, there are also possibility for

pedestrians in running into the same person at multiple occasions, giving rise of chance

contacts, possibly maintaining already established contacts, modereate intensity between

regulars and shop owners who form an acquaintance network and high intensity for daily

commuters who form close friendships with one another.

NECESSARY ACTIVITY

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

Image 2.1.8 Kasturi Walk

In comparision, the cultural of Jalan Hang Kasturi allows higher possibility of establishing

contacts as visitors and commuters use the walkway as major means of transits due to the

lack of specified paths to a destination. Besides, refering to Jan Gehl’s defination of contact

point intensity, the walkway along Bugis Street establishes a higher contact intensity

whereby acquaintance contacts can be achieved through converse as compared to passive

contacts on Jalan Hang Kasturi. This is contributed by the fact that Jalan Hang Kasturi is a

main street that used by people from within and outside the vicinity whereas the Bugis

Street is an intimate one-way road used by local residents from within the vicinity.

2.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2.2 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Optional activities occurs when the exterior conditions of a certain location are inviting, and

when the weather and location are favourable. The better the condition of the place, the

higher the chance of the occurrence of optional activity, which results in the incidence of

longer-lasting necessary activities.

Bugis Street experiences tropical climate, thus receiving an unforgiving amount of sunlight

throughtout the year, with heavy downpour during the monsoon season. The most

appropriate time to walk outdoors along the streets are in the morning. Due to the harsh

weather, locals would rather residing within the confinement of the buildings.

A significant contact point of Bugis Street that is contributed by optinal activity is the well-

designed transportation hub, which is the Bugis MRT Station. The shaded transportation

hub allows people to use the public transport to their destination in a comfortable way.

Besides, passers-by and workers who hear the busking performances coverage at the

pedestrain bridge as they are attracted to the music produced by the local buskers and are

prompted to stop and watch the performances. The contact intensity here ranges from low

and moderate – low intensity for passive “see and hear” contacts formed among spectators

of the performance, moderate intensity between buskers who carry out their businesses

side by side and form an acquaintance network.

Image 2.2.1 Bugis MRT Station

Similar to Bugis Street, Jalan Hang Kasturi also experiences tropical climate. Due to the

temperature and rainfall, five-foot walkways are implemented by the former Dutch

colonials for the comfort of pedestrians and protection from the weather. Shoppers and

tourists use these walkways to travel to work, eat and commute. These necessary activities

that are confined within this five-foot walkways reduce the scope of walking between

buildings and increases the chance of social activity among the shop owners and visitors

ranging from low intensity such as passive intensity to high intensity such as encounters

with friends and having conversations by the street.

A significant contact point of Jalan Hang Kasturi that is contributed by optinal activity is the

Kasturi Walk. The shaded walkway along Kasturi Walk acts as a gathering point. The contact

intensity here ranges from low to high – low between vendor owner who form passive

contacts with passers-by, moderate and high intensity between family members and group

of friends who communicate with one another.

Image 2.2.1 Kasturi Walk

In comparision, the Bugis MRT Station has a higher chance of contact than Kasturi Walk as

there is an activity as attraction present such as the live busking. Thus, it can be concluded

that, the climate conditions of Bugis Street and Jalan Hang Kasturi, people perfer to perform

their necessary and optional activities in a shaded area, thus resulting in more intimate

social activities as external factors constrains.

2.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2.3 RESULTANT ACTIVITIES

Social activities, as known as resultant activities are activities that depend on the presence

of others in public spaces. It is the fruit of the quality and length of the other types of

activities. These activities occur spontaneously at any place and are usually prompted by the

occurrence of necessary or optional activities or both as the three activities are finely

interwoven. This involves simple greetings and conversations, communal activities of

various kinds, and simply seeing and hearing other people (Gehl, 1987). These spontaneous

activities result in meaningful outdoor spaces as they are attractive in terms of activities

complementing each other. The social activities at Bugis Street and Jalan Hang Kasturi are

greatly affected by their distinct culture and communities.

The difference in economic activitiy results in disimilar communities and cultures in both

Bugis Street and Jalan Hang Kasturi. The residential area within Bugis are occupied by the

locals. The dwellers of Bugis are considered to be tireless lot who are streamlined for the

fast-paced life in the city, owing to a significant amount of time spent on daily commuting.

When the locals are commuting or fulfilling their busy schedules, they are seen enjoying

their free time by the street with their family and friends. This replacement and transition of

culture is welcomed by the people, therefore they are driven and attacted to the street

more often, contributing to the rise of optional and social activities .

Image 2.3.1 Bugis Junction Square

A significant contact point of Bugis Street that is contributed by a social activity is the Bugis

Junction Square. The open space acts as a place of congregation for locals and tourists who

wish to chill and rest. It is also a place for various activities such as fan meeting and

promotion event. The contact intensity here ranges from low to high – low for passive “see

and hear” contacts between unfimilar locals who acknowledge ech other’s presence, and

high intensity between family members and group of friends who communicate with one

another.

Contradictory to Jalan Hang Kasturi, Jalan Hang Kasturi boasts its rich cultural and historical

context although half it’s occupants are foregin workers who have taken over the economy

and public streets. The incursion of the populace of the foregin community with a diverse

culture range does not share the same value and clash of philosophy with the local

community, thus resulting in a lack of interaction with one another. Optional and social

activities between two communities are hardly seen. Even though the street life had

disminished throughout the years, the Chinese community still instils a sense of belonging,

hence during cultural festivals, a large influx of the locals are seen gathering around the

street in celebration.

A significant contact point of Jalan Hang Kasturi that is contributed by a social activity is

Medan Pasar. Here, local and foreign tourists enjoy the company of each other at the open

space, taking photos and chatting with one and other during events or festival seasons. The

contant intensity ranges from low to high – low between tourists and locals who established

passive “see and hear” contacts with each and other, giving them an opportunity to interact

and advance into friendships and close friendships, a high contact intensity.

Image 2.3.2 Medan Pasar during event

In comparison, the Bugis Junction Square and Medan Pasar possess similarities in term of

contact point as they are both place of congregation for the public but are disimilar in term

of intensity as more passive and chance contacts are present at the Bugis Junction Square,

due to the higher density of population in Singapore.

3.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, it is obvious that Jan Gehl’s theory about the relationship of the physical

environment quality and the rate of occurrence of outdoor activities is indeed undeniable.

From the analysis above, it can be seen clearly that most of the activities occurs under

fovourable conditions. It offers an opportunity to understand how activities can happen

under certain circumstances. In these two cities, it is observed how closely the planning of

the cities are iterrelated, and how are the planning of cities are able to affect and shape the

daily life of all the users.

4.0 REFERENCE

Bentley, I. (1987). Responsive environments: a mannual for designers.

Cullen, G., & Gosling, D. (1996). Gordon Cullen, visions of urban design. London: Acad. Ed.

Gehl, J. (2011). Life between buildings. Washington, D.C. [etc.]: Island press.

Lynch, K. (2012). The image of the city. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press.

NOEL FOO (2013, December 04). A colourful past and present. Retrieved November 29,

2017, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/12/05/a-colourful-past-

and-present-central-market-marks-125th-anniversary-with-an-interesting-lineup-of/

Bugis Street: A Wallet-Friendly Shopping Market in Singapore You Must Visit. (2016,

February 25). Retrieved November 29, 2017, from https://www.tripzilla.com/bugis -street-

colourful-side-shopping-singapore/31149