STUDIO 1
EXPERIENCING CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
STUDIO 1
EXPERIENCING CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
This course aims at instilling the new urban planning students into the awareness of fundamental human-environment relationship, and the problem of our present-day built environment, in terms of urban livability and sustainability that lead to the basic appreciation of, and passion for, a good urban planning and design. The studio focuses on training students in excelling their various skills of perceiving and appraising the built environment and society that constantly shapes and uses it. Besides, this studio enhances students’ ability to communicate their opinions effectively and enables them to evaluate the built environment in visual (graphic such as freehand sketching and perspectives drawing) and verbal.
Lettering & Sketching Practice
Project 1
Sketching Urban Life: Perceiving of Public Spaces
At night, being a walkable and sittable area, Sungai Segget Walk is one of the spots with the most foot traffic. Pedestrians are walking, talking, sitting, and observing. The mood was content and energetic, with different people of different backgrounds going on their lives at their own pace, radiating a sense of belonging. However, the motorcycles parked on the walkway and no proper separation between the high-traffic car road and the area significantly reduce the safety and confidence of pedestrians.
The colours of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee in JBCC become even more vibrant at night, when the colourful lanterns and street lamps are lit. Pedestrians walk slowly, taking in the view and capturing pictures of themselves on the street. The absence of cars invites social interactions and foot traffic, but some bikers park on the pathways, blocking the way and limiting the feeling of safety of pedestrians. While most shops are closed due to the late hours, some roadside restaurants open, catering to tourists who prefer nightlife and citizens who look to unwind after work.
Under the classically designed archway marked as the entrance of Pasar Karat, clothing vendors use the space to display and sell their products. Hung string lights contribute to a relaxing ambience, while brightening the path and the clothes displayed. It was slightly quieter compared to the middle of Jalan Segget and the bazaar, where most of the foot traffic is, perhaps due to the location being further in, but it was no less full of life. Customers inspect the clothes offered, and some people even choose to sit and observe.
Pasar Karat, when it opens from sunset, transforms the whole atmosphere of Jalan Segget. The liveliness comes from the people, with visitors walking & examining the goods displayed, or vendors, some who put on music to attract attention, adding to the ambience. A vendor is selling colourful balloons to a family, and a cat mascot is entertaining another. The air is filled with an inviting aura that attracts observers to join, with people of various stories that gather. Everything adds up to a diverse, welcoming, & interactive street life.
Project 2
Perceiving Neighbourhood Life
The use of the open pavements and gathering areas of Hutan Bandar Mutiara Rini proves how vital a good public space is socially. Numerous community-involved activities are held daily, such as group aerobic exercises, mostly participated in by adults and the elderly. The trees provide shade while also cooling the air, and music plays for the aerobic activity, adding to the liveliness and energy. Everything adds up to a harmonious, interactive, and welcoming atmosphere.
The serene ambience and beautiful view of Sunway Emerald Lake attract people from nearby areas, especially families. For instance, a family can be seen observing and pointing out the life inside the lake, showcasing a learning environment resulted from the park itself. The shade from the trees, the currents of the lake water, and the overall surroundings provide a calming and memorable visual and auditory experience.
The fresh and comfortable atmosphere of Hutan Bandar Mutiara Rini in the morning invites different people from all over the city, resulting in a diverse community of users. From children to the elderly, the park is used for recreational activities such as jogging, walking, and sports, among others. Trees and roofed seating areas provide shade and aesthetic value, while not reducing visibility. A vibrant atmosphere that radiates a sense of belonging to those watching.
The green, grassy open lawns at Adda Heights Town Park constantly invite activity, especially from families during the peak evening hours of 5-7 p.m. Families, especially those with children, were participating in blowing bubbles, among others like riding e-bikes, playing sports, or simply observing, and the happiness in the air was infectious. The diversity of the age groups and the atmosphere that radiates safety enough for families to let their children loose display the strengths of the park.
Project 3
CitySense: Perceiving of Public Spaces
In the afternoon, at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, the combination of sounds of chatter, trishaws creaking, and the colourful trishaws, architecture, and trees all combine into a vibrant, lively atmosphere. The hot sun compelled people to sit under the trees, chatting and observing, showcasing the 'edge effect'. However, the motorcycles parked on the road, the moving cars, and the lack of a pedestrian walkway reduce the safety and quality of the street.
The night at Armenian Street is a quiet pause, especially when compared to the bustling atmosphere in the day. Only a few pedestrians and trishaws pass by, and the street is illuminated by the few lanterns and cars driving through. The road 's traffic calming elements such as the narrowness and the speed bump manage to slow cars, but is unfortunately not enough to increase the quality for pedestrians, especially with absence of a walkway on one side of the street.
In the morning, roadside stalls make up most of what is Chowrasta Market, and each vendor sells different goods, ranging from bags and souvenirs to spices and snacks. Pedestrians, mostly those of older age, examine the products and look at the stalls, and the narrow path allows the visitors to be at arm's length of of each other able to talk normally. The vibrant colours of goods and tents under the sun and the sounds of street-goers combine into a lively atmosphere.
Under the colourful umbrellas of Umbrella Alley, the air is filled with people's chatter. Pedestrians walk slowly, enjoying the joyful, relaxed atmosphere. Some shops open for the morning, and the walkway is wide enough for people to walk freely. The car-free alley also allows pedestrians to linger without the obstructions of vehicles, and locals and tourists alike enjoy this area, giving sense of belonging. However, the air was hot and stuffy, perhaps due to restricted wind flow by the buildings blocking it.
Exercise: Experiencing The City through Journaling
Jan Gehl's Cities for People Cornell Notes
The Human Dimension
Senses & Scale
The Lively, Safe, Sustainable, & Healthy City
The City at Eye Level
Life, Space, Buildings — in that order
Developing Cities
Toolbox
MyMaps Database
JBCC Project 1 Site Visit
Adda Heights Behavioural Analysis
Georgetown Project 3 Site Visit
Project 2 Behavioural Analysis Activity