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Taylor’s University

Bachelor Science (Hons.) in Architecture Semester 5

Theories of Architecture & Urbanism

Project 1 (Part B) Comparative Analysis Essay

Selected Street: Rua dos Mercadores, Macau & Jalan Stesen 1, Klang

Name: Lim Peidi

Student ID: 0324272

Tutor: Mr. Nicholas Ng


Content

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Street Introduction (Rua dos Mercadores)
1.2 Street Introduction (Jalan Stesen 1)
2.0 Comparative Analysis
2.1 Contact Point 1 – Open Space
2.2 Contact Point 2 – Privatization of public Realm
2.3 Contact Point 3 – Outdoor Quality
2.4 Contact Point 4 – Physical Planning Dimension
2.5 Contact Point 5 – Openness of A Space
3.0 Conclusion
4.0 References
1.0 Introduction

Jan Gehl mentioned that cultures and climates over the world are differ from one another,
but people are the same. They will be attracted and gather at public if a good condition of
public space is provided for them. Physical environment is one of the factor that influence
the degree of activities to happen in public (Gehl, p9). Public life in a good quality public
spaces is important of a full life. He emphasized on life, then spaces, then buildings which
the other way around never works.

Life Spaces Buildings

Figure 1.0 (a) Graphic representation of Jan Gehl’s theory which emphasizes on public life before physical buildings

This essay attempts to make a comparative analysis between Rua dos Mercadores, Macau
and Jalan Stesen 1, Klang. These two areas are full of significant historical values but slowly
override by the commercial value. In this approach, this essay will discuss about how the
qualities of public realm affects the qualities of outdoor activities which subsequently affect
the social relationship among community.

Figure 1.0 (b) Graphic representation of relationship between quality of outdoor space and rate of occurrence of outdoor activities

Based on the case study on Rua dos Mercadores, Macau and Studio 5 site research on Jalan
Stesen 1, Klang, a comparison is made between these 2 streets based on the, types of
‘contact points’ which varies the types of activities and degrees of contact intensity.
1.1 Street Introduction (Rua dos Mercadores)

Description of Rua dos Mercadores Street, Macau

Rua dos Mercadores which is situated in the commercial district of Parish of Se, Macau, is
one of the oldest commercial hub established. This street was also known as “Business
Street” as varieties of businesses are carried out at the ground floor.

History & Morphology of Rua Dos Mercadores

1834 1889 1952 2010


Figure 1.1 (a) Figure ground diagrams showing the morphology of Rua dos Mercadores

Rua dos Mercadores was formed from Rua Direita which acts as the major spine for the
growth of Macau’s urban form. The street then extended down South-West while being
interconnected with the new lane constructed. The street slowly turns into a commercial
hub with a more structured street. Today, Rua dos Mercadores no longer serves as main
commercial hub but still function as commercial center with local businesses selling mainly
food, Chinese medicine and traditional herbs.

Figure 1.1 (b) Site plan showing the zoning of Rua dos Mercadores

Open Space

Residential

Commercial

Mixed-Used (Commercial + Residential)


Contact Points

Figure 1.1 (c) Plan showing the contact points along Rua dos Mercadores

Contact Point Contact Intensity Activities


Contact Point 1 (C1) Friends / Co-workers Necessary
Rua Dos Hangout, Gathering Business (shoplots)
Mercadores Square
Acquaintances Optional
Interactions between shop Sitting on benches enjoying
owners, employees, locals street view

Chance Social
Employees handing out flyers, Interaction between strangers
advertising their products

Passive
Locals and tourists just observing
or relaxing
High intensity of acquaintances Combination of necessary,
and chance contact as the square optional and social activities
accommodates mostly locals who makes the square meaningful
visit here frequently and attractive (Gehl, p14)
Contact Point 2 (C2) Friends Necessary
Tv. do Soriano Friends Outing Business activities (boutique,
retail)
Acquaintances
Vendors greeting each other Optional
Leisure (tourist sightseeing,
Chance shopping)
Promoting products to customers
Social
Passive Friends outing, shop owners
People walking pass each other and tourists
A public space that has high High number of optional
possibility for maintaining already activities allows social
established contact through activities increase
outings and greetings substantially (Gehl, p11)
Contact Point 3 (C3) Close Friendship Necessary
13 Street Friends coming out from a shop Business activities
(restaurant, stores)
Acquaintances
Shop dweller maintaining contact Social
with each other Shop owners, Local
community
Chance
Business negotiation between
vendor and customer

Passive
The series of different shop offer
pedestrian an insight
Passive contact at modest level Poor quality of outdoor area
due to less optional activities allows strictly necessary
activities only (Gehl, p11)
Contact Point 4 (C4) Close Friends & Friends Necessary
Calcasa Do Amparo Outing & Gathering Business Activities (Café,
Store, Restaurants)
Acquaintances
Greetings among shop owners Optional
Leisure Activities (Instagram,
Chance Performance)
Waiters introduce food
Social
Passive Pass by, Waiter serving
Pass bys customers
Activities here helps to maintain Interesting activities that
already established contacts that attract people increases the
promote higher contact intensity social activities here (Gehl,
user type p23)
Contact Point 5 Close Friendship Necessary
R. de Sao Paulo Friends coming out from a shop Business Activities (Cafes,
Shops)
Acquaintances
Shop dweller maintaining contact Optional
with each other Leisure Activities (Sightseeing,
Photo taking, Shopping)
Chance
Business negotiation between Social
vendor and customer Interaction with visitors,
Hangout with friends
Passive
The series of different shop offer
pedestrian an insight
Tourist hotspot promotes a higher Finely interwoven pattern of
acquaintances and chance contact necessary, optional and social
activities makes the place
attractive
1.2 Street Introduction (Jalan Stesen 1)

Description of Jalan Stesen 1, Klang

Jalan Stesen 1, Klang is best known for its historical values. The shophouses are lined on
both sides of the street. Skilled businesses started here has witnessed countless historical
events and led to the rise of modern era. Currently, there are still few of these traditional
businesses remain in Jalan Stesen 1. Newly added businesses turn the use of shophouses
into shoplots which serves more as a commercial area.

History & Morphology of Jalan Stesen 1

Figure 1.2 (a) Figure ground diagram showing the morphology of Klang

Origin of Klang started along the river as river is needed for transportation and basic needs.
Growth of tin mining led to war and destroyed of settlements. Proper urban planning
further developed Klang and reach its peak in the 90s. Booming industrialization bring away
attention from Klang and some shophouses here rebuilt into high commercial buildings.

Figure 1.2 (b) Site plan showing the zoning of Jalan Stesen 1
Open Space

Commercial

Mixed-Used (Commercial + Residential)


Contact Points

Figure 1.2 (c) Plan showing the contact points along Jalan Stesen 1

Contact Point Contact Intensity Activities


Contact Point 1 (C1) Friends / Co-workers Necessary
Cendol Lorong Hangout, Gathering Business (hawker stalls)

Acquaintances Optional
Interactions between stall owners Sitting on benches enjoying
& customers alley view

Chance Social
Shared table customers Interaction between shared
tables strangers
Passive
Customers observing passer by
High chance contact due to less Optional activities by the
tables and chairs provided locals leads to more social
activities (Gehl, p11)
Contact Point 2 (C2) Friends Necessary
Jalan Besar Outing together to buy stuff Business activities (florist,
Commercial retail)
Acquaintances
Vendors greeting each other Optional
Sitting at the shopfront
Chance observing the street
Products promotion to customers
Social
Passive Shop owners and customers
Pedestrian on 5’ walkway
A public space that has high Less favorable outdoor area
possibility for maintaining already limits the optional activities
established contact as the to be carries out (Gehl, p11)
customers are mostly the locals
Contact Point 3 (C3) Close Friendship Necessary
KTM Junction Friends coming to and from KTM Business activities
Station (restaurant, stores)

Acquaintances Social
KTM Staff maintaining contact Strangers chit chatting while
with each other waiting train , Purchasing of
train ticket
Chance
Conversation between strangers
while waiting for train

Passive
Pass bys of passenger to and from
KTM Station
Less optional activities lead to Activities restricted with poor
more passive contact outdoor area (Gehl, p11)
Contact Point 4 (C4) Close Friends & Friends Necessary
Back Alley Outing to see the mural art Daily household chores
(Throw rubbish)
Acquaintances
Greetings among residents Optional
Leisure Activities (Instagram)
Chance
Way finding Social
Pass by, Residents chit
Passive chatting
Residents pass by at back alley
Interesting attraction here helps Attraction attracts people and
to maintain already established increases the social activities
contacts that promote higher here (Gehl, p23)
contact intensity user type
Contact Point 5 Close Friendship Necessary
Chong Kok Kopitiam Friends and families visit the shop Business Activities
together (Restaurants)

Acquaintances Optional
Shop dweller maintaining contact Shared table culture
with customers
Social
Chance Interaction between
Food order between staff and customers and shop owner
customers

Passive
People having meals at each table
Tourist hotspot promotes a higher Liveliness of Chong Kok
acquaintances and chance contact Kopitiam brought up by the
at Chong Kok Kopitiam combination of necessary,
optional and social activities
1.3 Grounds for Comparison

Rua dos Mecardores and Jalan Stesen 1 are chosen to compare between each other as these
two streets are both historical streets and have similar contact points such as:

• Open Space
• Privatization of Public Realm
• Outdoor Quality
• Physical Planning Dimension
• Openness of A Space

Open Space is a space that provide a higher opportunity for activities. Macau and Klang
have two different type of open space to cater different types of activities which
subsequently increase the contact intensity.

Privatization of public realm is one of the main factor that affect the contact intensity.
Although both Macau and Klang have privatized the public realm, but the results of these
two streets are different.

Outdoor quality is the main issue that affects the contact intensity of a place. The outdoor
quality of junction at both Macau and Klang are similar but the minor difference makes a
huge difference in between these two contact point.

Back alley’s revival is one of the main plan that both Macau and Klang will like to do to
revive the back alley, but the different approach of planning dimension leads the back alley
to serve different activities and varies the contact intensity in between these two streets.

Macau and Klang both have tourist attraction such as Ruins of St Paul and Ching Kok
Kopitiam. The different degree of openness of the contact point cause an impact of contact
intensity at Klang.

Whereas Rua dos Mecardores perceives pedestrian street as a primary element in urban
planning to promote more tourism purposes, Jalan Stesen 1 perceives the street as an
element to enhance the localization of Klang. These similar types of contact points with
different social activities happening may affect the contact intensity of these contact points.
2.0 Comparative Analysis

2.1 Open Space

The open space provided in Rua dos Mercardores which is the square is a designated open
space area while the open space in Jalan Stesen 1 is informal. These two-different open
spaces yet serve the same purpose where the people meet and spend their time here
together.

Open Space of Rua dos Mercadores Square

Rua dos Mercadores Square is located at the starting point of the street. This square acts as
a visual termination point as it provides a strong sense of place for both the locals and
tourists. It informs the users on their arrival to the street. This space also serves as a
breathing space for the residents and shop vendors. Having shoplots along the both side of
the streets, the square allows locals to take a break at this area.

Figure 2.1 (a) Plan showing the square situated in between shophouses creates a breathing space for the people
Rua dos Mercadores square is the urban element that contribute to the legibility of Rua dos
Mercadores Street as it stands out from all the shops with repetitive character and serves as
a node and landmark for the people. The legibility of streets creates a sense of place for the
people and people can detect and remember the street pattern.

Planted trees and seating facing the main streets are provided in this square. This favorable
exterior condition gives a sense of welcoming for the people and invites them to come to
this space. Besides, a wide range of optional activities can occurred due to the desirable
situation that invites people to stop, sit, play, eat and so on (Gehl, p11).

Sharing of street
furniture with strangers

Shopfront reaching
the square gives a
Seating Provided sense of welcoming

Figure 2.1 (b) Photos showing the favorable condition of square which invites people to stop

The strong image of human social activities creates a more favorable setting for the contact
point. Hence, the contact intensity and experience between users are higher and more
significant. This allows people to remember the time, place and the people who they met
and interact with.
Optional
Necessary
Strolling with friends
Businesses
Hangout

Reading newspaper Social

Interactions between strangers,


shop owners and customers

Figure 2.1 (c) Diagrams showing the rate of occurrence of activities with the good condition provided at Rus dos Mercadores Square

Figure 2.1 (d) Figure showing the contact intensity of the people at Rua dos Mercadores Square
Open Space of Cendol Lorong

Cendol Lorong is located at the side alley of Jalan Stesen 1. It gives a sense of surprise for
the people as they walk through the repetitive shophouses along the street. Klang is
significant for its shophouses architecture and its food culture. Few famous restaurants such
as Chong Kok Kopitiam and Seng Huat Bak Kut Teh attracts outsiders to visit Klang just for
food.

Figure 2.1 (e) Plan showing the open space at the end of Jalan Stesen 1 utilized as hawker stalls

The open space at the end of Jalan Stesen 1 which is connected to the side alley has
contributed into food stalls to emphasize more on the food culture in Klang. This informal
open space which allows stall vendors to carry out their businesses attracts and allows
people to utilize the side alley.

Figure 2.1 (f) Photos showing the settings of the hawker stalls at open space are informal
Locals can be found chilling along the hawker stalls with friends, spending their time under
the shades of the hawker stall to chit chat with others. People use this side alley as an
alternative path to the other street too as the existence of human activities attract them to
use the side alley.

Open space along the


side alley

Pass-by Chilling at the side alley

Friends chit-chatting

Figure 2.1 (g) Photos showing the activities carried out along the Cendol Lorong

This informal open space has contributed to a public space that accommodate public
activities and contributed to an architectural language in Klang to enhance the sense of
place.

Optional
Necessary
Chit-chatting
Hawker Stall
Chilling

Enjoying the view of


Social
side alley
Interactions between locals

Figure 2.1 (h) Diagrams showing the rate of occurrence of activities with the good condition provided at Cendol Lorong
Figure 2.1 (i) Figure showing the contact intensity of the people at Cendol Lorong

Open spaces provided helps to enhance the spatial quality of a place which subsequently
increase the activities occurred and creates a higher contact intensity between people. Rua
dos Mecardores has a formal open space while Jalan Stesen 1 has an informal open space.
Similarly, these two open spaces have activities that attract people here. Subsequently,
these activities promote more social activities and increases the contact intensity of the
open space.
2.2 Privatization of Public Realm

Rua dos Mecardores and Jalan Stesen 1 both have privatized their street by expanding the
stalls and working space from their shops. Yet, the settings of these public realms which are
different gives a different impact on contact intensity of the street.

Privatization of Public Realm at Tv. do Soriano

Tv. do Soriano is a pedestrian street connected to Rua dos Mercadores with numbers of
shop lots at both sides. The intersection points along the streets allow Tv. do Soriano to
form a linear chain that connects people from another street to Tv. do Soriano.

Figure 2.2(a) Plan showing Tv. do Soriano connected to few streets and designated for pedestrian only

Privatization of public realm can be easily found along the pedestrian walkway as the shop
owners place and display their goods at the shop frontage. The street is designed for
pedestrian only, hence, vehicles are not allowed, and this allows the shop owners to expand
their businesses to the pedestrian path.
Extension of shopfront
to the pedestrian road

High contact intensity of


people

Figure 2.2 (b) Photos showing the privatization of shop and the contact intensity of people

This privatization of public realm establishes an interaction between the both sides of the
street. Closer proximity between the shop owners create a higher intensity of acquaintances
contact. Narrower path due to the expansion of shops also create a higher passive and
chance contact. The contact intensity from passive contact to close friendships are likely to
happen along this street.
Figure 2.2 (c) Figure showing the contact intensity of people at Tv do Soriano
Privatization of Public Realm at Jalan Besar Commercial

Jalan Besar commercial is a row of traditional shophouses which slowly turned into shop lots
as the residential above is left vacant. Five-foot walkway is used to link these shop lots
together, functioning as a corridor and provides shelter for the people during rain.

Jalan Besar

Figure 2.2 (d) Plan showing privatization of 5’ walkway at Jalan Besar Commercial

At Jalan Besar commercial, shop owners extend their shop frontage to the five-foot walkway
with their goods. This privatization of walkway causes a different degree of contact intensity
along the five-foot walkway.
Figure 2.2 (e) Photos showing the privatization of 5’ walkway by carrying activities out here or placing goods on 5’ walkway

People have a chance to start a conversation with the shop owner by having a glance at the
goods placed on the five-foot walkway, interactions between shop owners and customers
also gives a source of inspiration for the passer-by to purchase their product. These
activities laid in front of the eye of public establish various contact form, a transition from
passing by to starting a conversation and to establish a closer relationship between each
other. Activities between buildings exists with the privatization of five-foot walkway and
causes the five-foot walkway to have a higher contact intensity of people. Contradicting, this
privatization happen only at one side of the shop houses as the shophouses are separated
by the vehicle path which allows the contact intensity to be focused at the sides of the
street.
Figure 2.2 (f) Diagrams showing the contact intensity of people at Jalan Besar Commercial

Privatization of public realms allows higher contact intensity which subsequently enhance
the social relationship between one another. The different settings of these two public
realms give a different focus of contact intensity. Rua dos Mecardores allows a higher
contact intensity in the middle of the street as the street sides are occupied by the
expanded stalls. Contact intensity of closer friendship are more likely to happen here. On
the contrary, Jalan Stesen 1 has a higher contact intensity at the side which are the five-foot
walkway as the vehicle path act as a boundary between 2 sides of the shops. Acquaintance
contact are more likely to happen between the shop owner and the customers here.
2.3 Outdoor Quality

Outdoor quality is the main factor that attracts the people to a space. If the outdoor quality
is desirable, there is a high chance for having a higher intensity. The traffic junction at Rua
dos Mecardores and Jalan Stesen 1 has a similarity where the traffic rate here are higher.
This affects the contact intensity of the space.

Outdoor Quality of 13 Street

13 street is a junction formed by 3 oldest street in Macau. The planning of the street is not
proper, and the quality of public realm is deteriorated. The spaces in between streets are
narrow and have a high volume of traffic throughout the day. Activities carried out here are
strictly necessary activities only.

Figure 2.3 (a) Plan showing the outdoor space of 13 street that is less favorable
Necessary activities such as businesses and shopping are carried out here. Not much
optional activities carried out here as the outdoor quality is less favorable with the noise of
traffic and limited space for activities to be carried out.

Less outdoor space


Pass-by at 13 street
13 street as transition
junction

Figure 2.3 (b) Photo showing the activities carried out at 13 street

The passive contact at 13 street are at modest level as people pass and go, they have no
intention to stop by as there are no interesting and attractive events happening here.
Although the street is crowded with people, but they are just using this junction as a
crossing node. There is less chance of developing the contact intensity from passive contact
to close friendship. The highest possible of contact intensity that can be established at 13
street is acquaintances where the shop owners greet each other

Desirable condition for Desirable condition for


necessary activities optional activities

Social interaction

Figure 2.3 (c) Diagram showing the undesirable outdoor quality of 13 street that leads to less social interaction of people
Figure 2.3 (d) Diagram showing the contact intensity of people at 13 street
Outdoor Quality of KTM Junction

KTM Junction is the busiest junction along the street as landmarks such as Chong Kok
Kopitiam and KTM Station are located next to it. Besides, OCBC Bank is also situated near
the junction where people runs errands at the bank. The spaces in between are wide and
able to accommodate cars for parking purposes too. Although the volume of traffic is high
throughout the day, there are still lots of activities carried out here.

KTM Station

KTM Junction

Chong Kok Kopitiam

Figure 2.3 (e) Plan showing the open space outside KTM station to accommodate activities
Necessary activities such as businesses at the restaurants and shop lots, optional activities
such as friends chit chatting outside the KTM station and vendors stall selling at this area. As
Klang residents use KTM frequently. Therefore, there are a lot of people go in and out the
KTM station by passing this junction which allows the passive contact at KTM junction at
modest level.

Large space outside


KTM station to
accommodate activities

Figure 2.3 (f) Photo showing the outdoor spaces of KTM station with a desirable outdoor quality

People pass and go as they are in a rush. While waiting for the KTM train, there are few
activities that can be seen around this area. People purchasing tickets from the counter,
strangers starting a conversation between each other while waiting for the train to arrive.
These activities lead to a higher chance of contact intensity from passive contact to close
friendship by starting a conversation between each other.

Desirable condition for Desirable condition for


necessary activities optional activities

Social interaction

Figure 2.3 (g) Diagram shows the desirable condition at KTM junction allows more social interactions
Figure 2.3 (h) Diagrams showing the contact intensity of people at KTM Junction

Less favorable outdoor quality of space leads to lesser or no optional activities which
establish a pass and go area where no people stopped by. The traffic condition which is
dangerous for outdoor activities and the air pollution by vehicles make both Rua dos
Mecardores an undesired space for outdoor activities. However, the buffer zone infront of
KTM station at Jalan Stesen 1 allows small businesses to happen here makes the space is
more desirable than Rua dos Mecardores’ 13 street.
2.4 Physical Planning Dimension

Both Rua dos Mecardores and Jalan Stesen 1 puts effort in allowing the revival of the back
alley. Hence, art paintings can be seen here. However, the different planning dimension of
these streets causes a different impact of contact intensity of the alley.

Physical Planning Dimension of Calcada do Amparo

Calcada do Amparo is a hidden alley that has be resurrected into a thriving hub for Macau’s
creative minds. Situated near the tourist attraction – Ruins. Of St. Paul, people are lead to
this alley through the arts on the wall. Range of activities happening here attracts the
attention of residents and tourist to visit and gather at this alley.

Figure 2.4 (a) Plan showing the Calcada do Amparo which rejuvenates into a new artistic hub
Variety of activities are introduced to this alley. Necessary activities which are businesses by
the restaurants and cafes. Optional activities such as exhibition, Instagram and street
performances. These activities allow friends to hangout here to maintain their already
established contact.

Figure 2.4 (b)Photo showing the performances carried out attract people to stop by

The well-planned side alley to accommodate people’s interest and in trend turns Calcada do
Amparo to a whole new gathering space. Colleagues, friends gather here for outing. A
higher contact intensity relationship such as close friend relationship can be found
throughout the alley. The creative planning of this alley also gives a sense of exploration for
the people.
Figure 2.4 (c) Diagram showing the contact intensity of people at Calcada do Amparo
Physical Planning Dimension of Jalan Stesen 1 Back Alley

The back alley of Jalan Stesen 1 is to accommodate the residents only, but with the input of
some enthusiastic artist, there are few wall arts could be found along the back alley. These
wall arts are inspired by the Hokkien dialect. The purpose of these wall arts is to evoke the
historical memory of people towards Klang and to let the outsiders learn hokkien words
through the wall art.

Back Alley

Figure 2.4 (d) plan showing the back alley of Jalan Stesen 1 with wall art
Least activities carried out here as there are no proper planning of the back alley. Outsiders
are least aware on the wall art that are existed here. Necessary activities such as the
residents carry out daily house hold chores can be seen at the back alley. Optional activities
such as few locals spend their time at the back-alley chit chatting by the road shoulder and
some tourists to take photo at the back alley. Hence, there are least social interaction
among the community.

Figure 2.4 (e) Photos showing the wall art at the back alley

The not well-planned back alley allows passive contact at modest level where the residents
pass by each other. Low contact intensity relationship can be found here as there are not
much interesting attraction for the people.
Figure 2.4 (f) Diagram showing the contact intensity of people at Jalan Stesen 1 back alley

Outdoor activities are influenced by the physical planning dimensions. With a proper
planning, interesting and attractive activities can be carried out and turns the place into a
public realm. Calcada do Amparo which have a proper planning and knows the strategy in
attracting tourists revived the street and allows more optional activities which brings up the
social activities. A higher contact intensity happen in Rua dos Mecardores as the back back
alley of Jalan Stesen 1 has not much planning which lead to only necessary activities
happening here and reduces the social activities and contact intensity.
2.5 Openness of A Space

The openness of a public realm is one of the factor that allows activities to happen here.
With more activities happen here, the contact intensity will be increased. Ruins de St Paul
and Chong Kok Kopitiam are both tourist attraction but the openness of the space allows
different contact intensity of these spaces.

Openness of Rua de Sao Paulo

Rua de Sao Paulo is one of the biggest square in Macau as it is near to the main tourist
attraction Ruins of St. Paul. The square is big enough to accommodate the hectic number of
tourists. The openness of this public space allows the activities happen here to be visible to
all the people.

Figure 2.5 (a) Plan showing the openness of Rua de Sao Paulo
Necessary activities carried out here are mostly businesses such as cafes and stalls selling
souvenirs. A lot of optional activities can be found here too such as performances and photo
taking. These activities which falls into others eye caught their attention and attract more
people to the square.

Crowded with people due


to tourist attraction

Openness of square able to


accommodate higher rate of
Close Friendship
people

Figure 2.5 (b) Photo showing the openness of Rua de Sao Paulo to accommodate more numbers of people

The openness of Rua de Sao Paulo which brings in more activities enhances the social
relationship in between community. A growth of passive contact to close friends contact
intensity can be found here as human activities allows more human interactions.
Figure 2.5 (c) Diagram showing the contact intensity at Rua de Sao Paolo
Openness of Chong Kok Kopitiam

Chong Kok Kopitiam is located along Jalan Besar. It has been established decades ago and
become a famous restaurant among the community. Chong Kok Koptiam sized of one shop
lot area only able to accommodate limited numbers of customers and the activities happen
in the restaurant is not tha visible although the shopfront is opened wide big towards the
public.

Figure 2.5 (d) Plan showing the openness of Chong Kok Kopitiam to the public is only the 5’ walkway
Necessary activities carried out here are businesses by the shop owners. Optional activities
are chit chatting among the customers. Limited number of optional activities due to the
limitation of space and the openness of Chong Kok Kopitiam. Drivers who passed by Chong
Kok Kopitiam do not have a visual permeability towards the interior due to the distance in
between and the small openings.

Visibility from street is only


towards the five-foot
walkway

Figure 2.5 (e) Photo showing the visibility of Chong Kok Kopitiam from street

The activities under shades in Chong Kok Kopitiam limits the number of activities. Although
the activities are extended to the five-foot walkway, but people do not get a full view of
happenings in the restaurant. Hence, this make the restaurant scene less attracted to the
passer-by and only locals visit the restaurant.The social relationship is enhanced within the
local community. A high close friendship contact intensity can be found here as people visit
the shop in groups.
Figure 2.5 (f) Diagram showing human contact intensity at Chong Kok Kopitiam

The openness and visibility of a space affect the activities in relation to the interaction of
people at the outdoor spaces. Rua dos Mecardores with a highly opened street sallows
more social activities and have a higher range of contact intensity ranging from chance
contact to close friendship contact. Conversly, Jalan Stesen 1 has limited open space to the
public. Hence, the contact intensity is relatively lower that Rua dos Mecardores.
3.0 Conclusion

Both Rua dos Mercadores and Jalan Stesen 1 have similarities and differences in between.
They have similar contact points, but the different approach of the street planning and
purposes of the street influence the activities to be carried out at each contact point which
later affect the contact intensity of the street.

Rua dos Mercadores is a more well- planned street to accommodate more pedestrian path
as they are more aware of the importance of public realm. Jalan Stesen 1 has no proper
planned public spaces but the local community turns the open space and five-foot walkway
into a public realm to accommodate more optional activities such as chit-chatting.

The more desire condition of Rua dos Mercadores contact points compared to Jalan Stesen
1 attracts more activities to happen which relatively attracts more people to visit the street.

I personally think that a favorable condition of public realm is important to enhance the
interaction of people but what is more important is the personalization of a place. Rua dos
Mercadores may have a lot of pedestrian path and desirable outdoor condition to bring in
people but this language may not work in Jalan Stesen 1, Klang as the weather here is hot
and humid. Jalan Stesen 1 has their own language in bringing in people together which are
the food culture and the privatization of five-foot walkway. This language brings in a sense
of place to Jalan Stesen 1.

All in all, I agree with Jan Gehl’s theory where life comes before spaces and building where
the life of the community shapes the space and building and bring in a unique sense of
place. This unique sense of place brings in different types of activities to the place and varies
these activities and the contact intensity at both Rua dos Mecardores and Jalan Stesen 1.
4.0 References

1. 104 R. dos Mercadores, Zhuhai, Guangdong, Macau | Instant Street View. (n.d.). Retrieved

from https://www.instantstreetview.com/@22.1941,113.538469,101.33h,5p,1z

2. 22.19502,113.539838 @ Instant Street View. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.instantstreetview.com/@22.19502,113.539838,146.28h,-7.78p,1z

3. 22.195811,113.540117 @ Instant Street View. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.instantstreetview.com/@22.195811,113.540117,177.52h,0.9p,0.01z

4. 22.196621,113.540773 @ Instant Street View. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.instantstreetview.com/@22.196621,113.540773,79.03h,-17.33p,1z

5. 22.196693,113.540135 @ Instant Street View. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.instantstreetview.com/@22.196693,113.540135,334.38h,2.42p,0z

6. Gehl, J., & Koch, J. (2011). Life between buildings: Using public space. London: Island Press.

7. How to Write a Comparative Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/how-write-comparative-

analysis?fbclid=IwAR1xE0WAWk_adO3X83DZKOsDjIeNvFya4HRphuCjzHiojV3AVt0IP

H-TGCI

8. Keegan, M. (2017, January 13). A Brief History of the Ruins of St. Paul's. Retrieved from

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/a-brief-history-of-the-ruins-of-st-pauls/

9. Sassy's Guide to Calçada do Amparo, Macau. (2017, August 17). Retrieved from

https://www.sassyhongkong.com/travel-macau-calcada-do-amparo-guide/

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