Social Interaction in Public Open Space- A Lake in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam

8/10/2019 Social Interaction in Public Open Space- A Lake in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam

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Social Interaction in Public Open Space : A Lake in Seksyen 7, ShahAlam | Nurameir Dzakareea bin Azmi

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CERTIFICATION

SOCIAL INTERACTION IN PUBLIC OPEN SPACE: A LAKE IN

SEKSYEN 7, SHAH ALAM

This report has been submitted to the Department of

Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying,

University Technology of MARA, to fulfil the requirement of JSB

467/ARK 557 RESEARCH PAPER course.

Prepared by:

Name : NURAMEIR DZAKAREEA BIN AZMI

UiTM No. : 2007106147

Programme : Bachelor of Science in Architecture

(Hons.)

Year / Semester : Semester 2 2013 / 2014

Session / Part : 12

Faculty : Faculty of Architecture, Planning and

Surveying


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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to

which it refers are the product of my own work and that any ideas or

quotations from the work of other people, published or otherwise are

fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard academic

practices.

Name : NURAMEIR DZAKAREEA BIN AZMI

UiTM No. : 2007106147

This research had been checked by:

Supervisor : Assoc. Prof. Amran Abdul Rahman

Course Coordinator : Pn. Mimi Zaleha Abdul Ghani

_____________________________ ____________

Assoc. Prof. Amran Abdul Rahman Date:

____________________________ ____________

Pn. Mimi Zaleha Abdul Ghani Date:


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In accomplishing this research paper, I would like to place my

deepest gratitude to the highest level to my supervisor, Assoc. Prof.

Amran Abdul Rahman for his patience in guiding and observing the

progress of my research since the beginning of the project till the end of

it. A special thanks also goes to Pn. Mimi Zaleha Abdul Ghani for the

teaching Research Paper.

Much love and respect to those friendly and cheerful children

who have been really helpful to this research. Not to forget my studio

mates who always been there for me in completing this task. I also

would like to convey my appreciation to the staff and Faculty of

Architecture, Planning & Surveying (FSPU) for providing the best library

facilities to me and other students for us to make full use of. I also

would like to express my love to my beloved family in supporting me in

completing this assignment and for understanding my life as an

architecture student.


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ABSTRACT

The objective of this research is to understand housing residents

and visitors interaction among other in an open space by investigating

their activities in a real scenario in a particular research area.

Issues arises in newspaper such as lack of open space,

unmaintained and security flaws, tend to disrupt social interaction that

should occur in this area.

The main methodology that has been applied for this research is

by observing the users or visitors by note taking, sketching and

photography which later on will be analyse.


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TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION ................................................ 1

1.1 Statement of the Problem ............................................... 4

1.2 Aim and objectives of research ....................................... 5

1.3 Significant of research .................................................... 6

1.4 Scope and limitation ........................................................ 8

CHAPTER 2:

LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................... 9

2.1 Residential Building and Housing ................................... 9

2.1.1 Definitions ................................................................. 9

According to the definition in Uniform Building By-Law 1984,

residential building is defined simply as a building or part thereof

designed, adapted or used for human habitation. .............................. 9

2.2 Open Space .................................................................. 11

2.2.1 Definitions ............................................................... 11

2.2.2 Functions ................................................................ 12

2.3 Community and Neighbourhood ................................... 14

2.3.1 Community.............................................................. 14

2.3.2 Neighbourhood ....................................................... 15

2.4 Social Interaction .......................................................... 16


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2.5

Conclusion .................................................................... 18

CHAPTER 3:

RESEARCH METHOD ..................................... 19

3.1 Introduction ................................................................... 19

3.2 Research Strategies ..................................................... 19

3.2.1 Site visit .................................................................. 19

3.2.2 Literature resources ................................................ 20

3.3

Methodology ................................................................. 21

3.3.1 Method 1: Observation and documentation ............ 21

3.3.2 Method 2: Photography .......................................... 22

CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ................... 23

4.1 Introduction ................................................................... 23

4.2 Site area ....................................................................... 24

4.3 Site Circulation .............................................................. 29

4.3.1 Vehicular Access .................................................... 29

4.3.2 Pedestrian............................................................... 30

4.3.3 Softscape and hardscape ....................................... 31

4.3.4 Exercising areas ..................................................... 34

4.4 Conditions and assumptions ......................................... 42

4.5 Observation .................................................................. 43


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CHAPTER 5:

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ...... 46

Bibliography ........................................................................... 47

Newspaper Articles ................................................................ 56


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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Seksyen around the site ...................................................... 23

Figure 2: Location plan...24

Figure 3: Entrances and pedestrian walkways .................................... 25

Figure 4: First entrance near Persiaran Dato Menteri ........................ 26

Figure 5: Walkways near the main road ............................................. 26

Figure 6: Second entrance near Jalan 7/1F ........................................ 26

Figure 7: Pedestrian walkways with no proper pavements ................. 26

Figure 8: Third entrance from below the site ...................................... 26

Figure 9: Parking and access points ................................................... 27

Figure 10: Vehicular access to the site .............................................. 29

Figure 11: Pedestrian flow and walkways.30

Figure 12: Concrete pavements .......................................................... 32

Figure 13: Floodlight ........................................................................... 32

Figure 14: Concrete bin ...................................................................... 32

Figure 15: Benches ............................................................................. 32

Figure 16: Distribution of benches ....................................................... 34

Figure 17: Exercising areas ................................................................. 35

Figure 18: Info panel area 1 ................................................................ 36

Figure 19: Exercising area 1 ............................................................... 36

Figure 20: Info panel 2 ........................................................................ 37


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Figure 30: Plan section A-A ................................................................ 40

Figure 31: Plan section B-B ................................................................ 40

Figure 32: Section A-A ........................................................................ 41

Figure 33: Section B-B ........................................................................ 41


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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, public open space in housing is essential in every

housing development. Government even implement this need in law

and regulation. In Uniform Building By-Laws (1984), open space need

to be provided in relation to a lot size and setbacks. The open space

shall not be altered or roofed.

Recently, many city councils in Malaysia become consciously

aware the needs of open spaces. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) took

measures in upgrading open spaces facilities and applying to gazette

some 380 areas as open space around the city. DBKL also asked

developers to allocate at least 10 percent of each development as open

space instead of it being scattered within the development (New Straits

Times, 2012). Recently, DBKL launched a new campaign, Go Green

Car Free Morning. The campaign is 1.5km car-free zone loops for two

hours every first Sunday of the henceforth. This initiative give residents

around Kuala Lumpur a temporary open space and to promote a

healthy lifestyle in form of exercise by walking or cycling, minimizing

diabetes and obesity suffered by many Malaysians. (New Straits Times,

2014). A well maintain amenities is important for residents to enjoy their

open spaces. Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) aware this issue,


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respond by upgrade their open spaces with the installation of solar-

powered lamps, new exercise equipment, and also planned to install a

roof over the multipurpose plain which would enable residents to carry

out their activities even during heavy rain. Petaling Jaya City Council

(MBPJ) meanwhile wants to implement a project called PJ Community

Green Corridor Plan, based on the city-in-a-garden concept to ensure

the wellbeing of the surrounding community and also to promote green

consciousness. (New Straits Times, 2013).

Research over the past decade focusing on previously neglected

aspects of open space quality has provided recognition of the social,

psychological, and economic benefits of open space. Research has

been carried out on open spaces such as play streets, community

gardens and town trails. (Zube, E. H., & Moore, G. T., 1991).

According to Ahmad Zamil (2012), there are two main

compositions of open space design concept. The two components are

softscape and hardscape.

Enrique Garcia et. al. (2004) gathered many crucial points from

other researchers in maintaining an integration community. It has an

impact and responsible in health and wellbeing of an individuals

(House, Umberson, & Landis, 1988; Umberson, 1987); family

functioning (Cochran, Larner, Riley, Gunnarsson, & Henderson, 1990;


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Milardo, 1988; Pierce, Sarason, & Sarason, 1997); adolescent

development (Cotterell, 1996); competence in old age (Antonucci &

Akiyama, 1997; Rein & Salzman, 1995), family caregiving in chronic

illness (Biegel, Sales, & Schulz, 1991); or adaptation to chronic illness

and disability (Lyons, Sullivan, Ritvo, & Coyne, 1995). Attachment to a

community also produces a willingness to contribute to its maintenance

(Kasarda & Janowitz, 1974; Sampson, 1988), which suggests that

individuals with higher levels of community attachment are more likely

to provide support to others (Haines, Hurlbert, & Beggs, 1996).

Introducing a public green space in housing area, can offer broader

social benefits as meeting places that give a shared focus to diverse

communities and neighbourhoods (Germann-Chiari and Seeland, 2004;

Martin et al., 2004) and this give a positive effect in physical and mental

well-being of people in the community (Ulrich et al., 1991; Takano et al.,

2002; Jackson, 2003).

United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (1994)

stated that the ongoing issues with murders or assaults, and increasing

numbers of the poor are not primarily a quantitative one, but also

qualitative changes in the way people are related to each other. There

is increasing evidence that residents of urban neighbourhoods with

poor living conditions and few environmental amenities for restoration


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display more symptoms of chronic stress and poor health independent

of the individual characteristics of resident (Van den Berg et al, 2006).

The need of proper open spaces are apparent in Malaysia.

Current issues regarding this can be seen in newspaper and internet. In

Subang Jaya, residents are protesting against the zoning of an open

space to residential area in the Subang Jaya draft local plan. They fear

the land which they have been using for recreation may be developed

(NST, 2012). Unused open spaces can lead a rubbish dump, leading to

monkeys and strays feed as happens in Kamunting. Recently, residents

of Kuala Ampang gathered at the MPAJ Kuala Ampang field to show

their appreciation to the local authorities for reclaiming their open space

for public use (NST, 2014).

1.1 Statement of the Problem

The lack of open social space model and precedents makes

difficult for housing owners or developer to integrate an appropriate

space for interaction in contemporary housing design. The relation

between inside (building) and outside (surrounding) is vital to make

good design thus give building users full benefit of the site.


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The lack of understanding in social interaction design had ledto

loss of the community and the neighbourhood values. The benefit of

softscape and its complementary hardscape in daily life slowly

disappear if there are no relationship between inside/outside of the

buildings.

1.2 Aim and objectives of research

The purpose of the study isto identify and understand the design

aspects of public open spaces in surrounding housing scheme and to

see how these open spaces function in terms of social interaction and

environmental benefit in housing development. From the investigation,

it is expected to educate and raise awareness to public users and

professionals regarding the significance of social interaction in public

open space. In line with the aim, the objectives of the study are listed

below:

To establish the level of awareness among public, professionals

and designers

To sort out the fundamental concept of social interaction space

and its elements


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To establish sort of guidelines for proper public open spaces in

the residential area

1.3 Significant of research

In terms of social interaction, this study would reveal the

connection among residents specifically in open space within and

around neighbouring residential areas. The data from this research will

be used to improve the way open spaces are design in an effort to

provide a better living environment and social interaction for the

community.

Generally, social interaction is very important to bring stability to

community. People interact with others through many social cues,

including those determined by facial expression, eye contact, gesture,

tone of voice, and temperament. These social cues are vital for people

as to make certain they are attaining mutual understanding.

Communication between people can be greatly interrupted if there is

minimal social information. (Sproull & Kiesler, 1986; Preece & Maloney-

Krichmar, 2003). Yap Yin (2008) in his paper stated that the importance

of maintaining close social bond which encompasses national unity and

integration is an important social agenda needed for a successful


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transformation of the Malaysian society both economically and

politically.

Factors which could affect residential satisfaction, such as

defects in the physical structure of the housing, lack of well-maintained

public facilities, and poor social and physical environment could

adversely affect the achievement of greater social integration. (Hashim,

A. H., 2003).

Studies conducted (Richard M. R. et al, 2009) collectively point

to the positive impact of being outdoors and around natural elements on

subjective vitality, above and beyond the effects of physical activities or

social interactions that can take place in natural settings. Being

outdoors encourage people to interact more with others and get more

exercise (Furnass, 1996) and most outdoor activities which involve

social interactions have a wealth of positive effects on individuals

(Cohen, Gottlieb, & Underwood, 2000; Ishii-Kuntz, 1990).

This research will help to provide a better understanding on the

way housing and open spaces in a particular area or section are design

to promote better communal living environment. Hopefully, this

research will also benefit future researcher who wish to conduct similar

investigation.


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1.4 Scope and limitation

In this investigation, the research will be focusing on social

interaction issues at a small lake located in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam.

Some primary spots of open spaces in the neighbouring areas are also

selected to observed the inter relationship amongst these spaces.


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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter discusses on the topic by looking various resources

from articles, books and websites. In this way the writer is able to

further enhance the understanding of the topic and all terms involved in

this study.

This is also to utilise and share acceptable or recognised

studies/writings, so that the argument or explanation would not be

purely based on individual standing but rather more inclined to an

academics.

2.1 Residential Building and Housing

2.1.1 Definit ions

According to the definition in Uniform Building By-Law 1984,

residential building is defined simply as a building or part thereof

designed, adapted or used for human habitation.

Housing is a composite commodity (in the sense of Gary Becker)

that fulfils several human needs. The major need is dwelling, but having


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a social space to interact and socialize with family and friends, or to be

able to reach a desired social status, might be some reasons for which

individuals demand some housing services. Thus, from a social point of

view, housing is more than a dwelling unit and its objective

characteristics, since it also provides security, privacy, neighbourhood

and social relations, status, community facilities and services, access to

jobs and control over the environment. (Vera-Toscano, E., & Ateca-

Amestoy, V. 2008).

In housing areas, the house and the exterior spaces are

interconnected physically and socially (Aziz, A. A. Et al., 2011). The role

of physical environment in affording interactions cannot be undermined

in improving residents attachments to housing (Brandon, Hirt &

Cameron, 2008; Huang, 2006). Having neighbourhood environment of

these positive potentials encourages one to invest time, social and

physical resources to generate meaningful attachment to the

community, and local social support (Boyce, 2006; Mee, 2009).

Architectural characteristics of the dwellings (S. Brown, et al., 2009),

appropriated outdoor space enclosures (Al-Homoud & Tassinary,

2004), and outdoor semi-private spaces (Williams, 2005) also affect

social interaction and social support among neighbours.


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2.2 Open Space

2.2.1 Definit ions

Open space, as defined by the Town and Country Planning Act

1976 (Act 172) means whichever land that is enclosed or open, that is

specified or reserved to be specified wholly or in part as a public

botanical park, public park, public sports and recreation field, pedestrian

walkway or as a public area (JPBD, 2000).

According to Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local

Government (2013), the open spaces and planting of trees are taking

into account under the Draft Local Plan, towards realising The Beautiful

Garden Nation vision which has become the guiding principle in the

formulation of the National Landscape Policy.

Leading property developers in Malaysia, continuously

incorporate sustainability in all of their developments by introducing

environmental friendly approaches such as the Green Action Plan and

Green Trail. These measures took early in planning phase until the

construction phase and also follow the Green Building Index (GBI)

assessment criteria. One of the GBI primary focus is to improve the

quality of human life via existing or in construction buildings. Under heat

island principles in GBI Township Tool and GBI Residential New


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Construction (RNC) Tool, open space is describes as land that is

enclosed or open that is specified or reserved to be wholly or in part as

a public botanical park, public park, public sports and recreation field,

pedestrian walkway, dedicated cycleway or as a public plaza. The open

space is a combination of hardscape and softcape. Greenspace is

defined as open space that is having predominantly softscape

landscaping in nature.

Urban designer, Marilyn Myers (1975) defined open space as

land and/or water area with its surface open to the sky, consciously

acquired or publicly regulated to serve conservation and urban shaping

function in addition to providing recreational opportunities. The value of

urban open space can also be considered with regards to the specific

functions it provides. For example, the Bureau of Municipal Research in

Toronto (1971) lists these functions as the nature function, urban

design function, economic function, social retreat function, and outdoor

recreation function.

2.2.2 Functions

Open green spaces usually function as corridors for fresh air

supply and facilitate good air circulation in general. It enhances the

recreational quality for the public and the overall image of a place


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(Rusli, 2009). Open spaces have significant importance in the life of the

settlements. The areas with high green-coverage rate have ecological

and environmental importance. These green spaces can improve the

urban climate, abate the urban heat-island effect by their ecological-

balancer function and reduce environmental damages. Through their

social importance, the open spaces can help the residents in adjusting

to the healthy lifestyle.

By their aesthetic importance, they determine the characteristic

of the settlements, help to improve the built-up character of the cities

(Balogh and Takacs, 2011). Furthermore, green spaces can offer

broader social benefits as meeting places that give a shared focus to

diverse communities and neighbourhoods (Germann-Chiari and

Seeland, 2004; Martin et al., 2004). Bell et al. (2008) and Weldon et al.

(2007) believe it offers many benefits such as increasing in social

activity, improving community cohesion, developing local attachment

and lowering crime levels. A study by Cohen et al. (2008) found there

was a positive association between neighbourhood features such as

parks and collective efficacy or the ability of residents to interact

positively.


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2.3 Community and Neighbourhood

2.3.1 Community

Poplin (1979) described community as the place where people

maintain their homes, earn their livings, rear their children and carry on

most of their life activities. Long and Hutchins (2003) defined

community as a grouping of up to several thousand households whose

occupants share common experiences and bonds derived from living in

the same locality. Rozilah et al. (2008) concluded community definition

as persons or people living within the same geographical area, carrying

on their social interactions and activities with one or more common ties

and shared values.

Residents are accustomed to communicate with other

community residents under the name of own community and interact

within their own communities. At the same time, community residents

establish a community defence system and have a clear sense of

belonging and community feeling. (Lele Zhao, 2009)


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2.3.2 Neighbourhood

De Chiara et al. (1984) defined neighbourhood as a residential

area with homogenous characteristics of a size comparable to that

usually served by an elementary school. According to De Chiara et al.

(1984) again, good neighbourhood at least provides with basic public

facilities requirements for sustaining and enhancing the existing

communities who live in the area. One characteristic that can extract

from that is the area would be at least 10 percent allocated for open

space and recreation.

Stuart Cameron et al. (2010) regarded neighbourhood is of

importance to urban social cohesion at two levels. Firstly, there is the

relationship and interaction between neighbourhoods, and the question

of whether socio-spatial divisions between neighbourhoods undermine

social cohesion. Secondly, there is the dynamic of social interaction

within the neighbourhood and the cohesiveness of neighbourhood

social bonds.

The design of a neighbourhood may provide both opportunities

for and constraints on who the individuals interact with and where they

interact (Fleming et al, 1985).

Bunnell, T. (2004) explained that neighbourhood units are

designed to promote increased social contacts and neighbourly


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interactions which sadly are rapidly eroding in our pursuit of material

progress.

The need for health benefits, comfort and relaxation from

residential green space either private green space and semi-public

such as street trees, public green area within housing neighbourhood

will be much important and the planting development or planting

program should give more attention. (Yunos, M. Y. M., & Saring, Z. M.

Z. M., 2012).

2.4 Social Interaction

In sociology, interaction refers to dynamic actions between two

or more actors (Latour, 1996).

Social interactions refer to particular forms of externalities, in

which the actions of a reference group affect an individuals

preferences. The reference group depends on the context and is

typically an individuals family, neighbours, friends or peers. Social

interactions are sometimes called non-market interactions to emphasize

the fact that these interactions are not regulated by the price

mechanism (Scheinkman, 2008).


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In late 1930s, Wirth (1938) in his essay feared the loss of social

interaction when he predicted the demise of community with increasing

urbanization. Later in early post-modernity era some researcher such

as Maran and Rodgers (1975), identified that social interaction is a key

element of community. Keane (1991) who research in community

formation also stated the importance of social interaction in forming a

solid community.

According to Fleming et al. (1985), social interaction is enhanced

by the presence of three variables;

1. Opportunity for contact;

2. Proximity to others; and

3. Appropriate space to interact.


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2.5 Conclusion

Open space is a necessity in neighbourhood area to promote a

healthy social interaction among residents. The quality of an open

space is important for it to function as a community catalyst.


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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHOD

3.1 Introduction

This chapter gives the idea to accurate the description of the

methodology, procedures to obtain data and information, and

management to undertake a study within the period specified.

Researcher has studied a few of examples from previous researcher in

order to identify research design used in this research.

3.2 Research Strategies

3.2.1 Site vis it

This investigative strategy is very important, as to get direct

impression of the case area and to fully execute research procedures.

The site was chosen for its suitable functions and satisfactory definition

of open public space in residential area. The nature of this research is

qualitative study, thus direct observation need to be included.


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Since this research started, total site visits conducted were 6

times, in the morning and evening hour time frame. The visit required to

walk around the site, photographing and document the area.

3.2.2 Literature resou rces

The writer has also scoutedfor information regarding the related

topics through literature sources such as books, documentations and

websites regarding the targeted area. Literature sources are concrete

and reliable information sources for the subject of study.

Mostly, the books and journals which refer here are in electronic

format and can be easily access from internet. Sources are ranges from

government department websites, local and foreign universities, Google

scholar site, and independent sites. Current issues, research and

related article can be found from online and offline newspapers, such

as The Star, New Straits Times and Bernama, and also reliable

magazines such as Time and Newsweek.


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3.3.2 Method 2: Photo graph y

Still and moving photography became the principal mode of

documentation, representation (Prosser, J., & Loxley, A., 2008).

This will be carry out by using digital camera. Documenting with

photography method can be applied anytime and from different views.

The suitability of this method makes observation more thorough and

fast. By using this method, research can be more close reading as in-

depth scrutiny and treating the visual as problematic. Photography

enable research more flexibility, for example documenting while walking

and capture in action activities. For this research, photography divide by

two categories. First the static photos, capturing photos of site areas

and surrounding objects. In this category, photos of possible social

interaction spaces will be collected for analysis. Second category

capture the activities and interaction involve around the site areas.

Documenting start with tracking visitor path upon arriving, when

possible social interaction take place and until visitors leave the site.

These photos will be used as a narrative in the analysis stage.


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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

The area which research was conducted is in section 7

residential area. This area of research is in between section 7 and

section 6. This area surrounded primarily by bungalows in section 7,

medium cost housing blocks in section 6, different kind of facilities.

Most of the residents are family and students.

Figure 1: Seksyen around the site


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Just like most residential area in Shah Alam, section 7 and

section 6 areas are covered with greeneries and green open spaces.

Basically, all areas are well shaded, to give residents a natural

environment. The red circle indicate the research area, surround by

nearest sections. All this sections are designated for low to medium rise

residential and low density commercial.

4.2 Site area

Figure 2: Location plan


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Location plan above shows the relation between the site

research and the surrounding areas around. From this we can see the

open space serves for mainly for Seksyen 6 and Seksyen 7. The

location wise; near the road made people easy to travel there by

walking. From the plan, the main lake of Shah Alam; Tasik Shah Alam,

is located far from people from Seksyen 6 and Seksyen 7.

Figure 3: Entrances and pedestrian walkways


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Fig. 4: First entrance near Persiaran Dato Fig. 5: Walkways near the

Menteri main road

Fig. 6: Second entrance Fig.7: Pedestrian walkwaysnear Jalan 7/1F with no proper pavements

Fig. 8: Third entrance from below of the site


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There are three entrances to access into this lake indicated by

red circle on the site plan above. These entrances are only limited to

people and link by stairs. The first entrance can be access from east of

the site which is from a main road, Persiaran Dato Menteri. The second

and third entrances are both located west, near Jalan 7/1F. A proper

pedestrian walkways (showed by green line above) with pavements and

shaded trees only provided along Persiaran Dato Menteri.

Figure 9: Parking and access points


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People usually park their vehicle along this road (indicated by the

yellow line) because there are no proper parking space could be

provided and it is near the entrances. The only convenient entrance

directly. To enter inside this area, visitors need to pass this access

points (indicated by the green circle) by walking down stairs. Some

people warm up around this point after entering the site before started

jogging or exercising. They would encounter other visitors passing by,

frequently welcome them with smiles and greetings. People from the

same neighbourhood commonly have a short talk together.

This layout design has provided the residents or visitors to have

spontaneous or coincidental meeting place, thus allowing to have

opportunities to communicate. This seems to have fitted well as

suggested byFleming et al. (1985) suggesting, access point areas can

serve as an appropriate space for contact indirectly.


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4.3 Site Circulation

4.3.1 Vehicu lar Ac cess

Figure 10: Vehicular access to the site

The area is connected with Shah Alam backbone primary road,

Persiaran Dato Menteri and backbone primary road, Persiaran

Kayangan thus vehicular can be easily access.

The red line indicate the secondary road, which connected to

Persiaran Dato Menteri, the main road. This road serves as an access

to tertiary road, indicate by yellow line, to go to the research area,

indicate by green colour.


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4.3.2 Pedestrian

Figure 11: Pedestrian flow and walkways

Pedestrian walkways are generally safe and provided along

vehicular road. The walkways are shaded with greeneries and well

taken care. The plan above shows the designated pedestrian

walkways, indicated by blue line. The walkways are provided until the

entrance points.


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The yellow arrows indicate flow of visitors coming to the

walkways following the pedestrian path. But in order from people from

Seksyen 6 to access this lake via walking, they need to cross the main

road (indicated by red line).

4.3.3 Softsc ape and hards cape

According to Huzeima Hussain (2010), softscape is soft

landscape which is defined as living plants and horticultural elements.

Hardscape is the manmade elements that complement the garden

design.

The softscapes of this area are filled with trees for shading, and

grasses. The ground are well maintained, covered around the lake

mostly with cow grass and maintained under Shah Alam Municipal

Council (MBSA). The hardscape area is around exercising and jogging

track, covered with concrete pavement.


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Figure 12: Concrete pavements

Figure 13: Floodlight Figure 14: Concrete bin

Figure 15: Benches


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MBSA provide basic street furniture to the park. Many concrete

bin were put to keep the surrounding clean. Six floodlight can be seen

to promote activities and as security for visitors during night hours.

Lots of benches can be found in this site along the running track

on which several people may sit at the same time or to take a quick

break. The distance between benches are about 1.5m to encourage

people in social interaction. Map below shows the benches distribution

around the site. Mainly, benches are distributed in pairs except at

access point area where three pair of benches.

All the facilities provided are in good conditions. MBSA put a lot

of effort to maintain the area well.


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Figure 16: Distribution of benches

4.3.4 Exercisin g areas

There are six exercising area around the lake. These area are

well equipped with different exercising equipment.


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Figure 17: Exercising areas

All of these areas are covered with concrete and bricks

pavement. The 1, 2, and 3 exercising area are about 5m width and 7m

long. The number 4 area is the smallest with 5m width and 5m long. It is

because less people gather around here and far from entrances.

People use this area only for exercising and the area is fit only for

exercising equipment. Area number 6 is the largest. The area covered

are 7m width and 9m long. It is near the entrance and main road.

1

2

3

4

5

6


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The area number 1 is near an entrance point. This should be a

good place be a social interaction activities. Visitor can refer to the

instruction panel to perform exercising with the equipment there. The

condition of equipment is good but the pavement possibly covered with

water after rain. This prevent full usages of the area.

Fig. 18: Info panel area 1 Fig. 19: Exercising area 1

The area number 2 is nearest to entrance point. Visitors often

gather here to warm up because only light exercising equipment can be

seen here and this make the area feel much more spacious and open.

The pavement are good with no defects compare to area number 1.

Spacious green area around make it suitable for social activities.


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Fig. 20: Info panel 2 Fig. 21: Exercising area 2

The area number 3 is near to the third entrance. Visitor often

miss this entrance because it is almost hidden. The area is beside area

number 2 and lightly covered by trees. The condition is almost the

same as area number 1.



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Area number 4 is the farthest area from entrance and other

exercising areas. The area only is only 25m but fully covered by trees.

Small forest can be seen behind this area. The forest make

environment around more comfortable.


The area number 5 is in between number 4 and 6. This is the

most open area in the site; lack of trees around except behind

exercising area. The exercising equipment are for low type of exercises.

Visitors often use this equipment as a temporary seating.


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The area number 6 is near to entrance point and main road. This

the largest exercising area in the site. Almost every day most senior

citizens gather around to practise tai chi together in this area.



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The lake surrounded by jogging track varies in width. The

pathway are about 1.5m to 3m width and 200m long. The width is

comfortable enough for two to three people to walk. People from

opposite direction can interact with each other when walking.

The exercising areas suitable for collective kind of activities.

Family with children frequently use this spots as resting place or playing

board games. Teenagers and adults commonly use this as their

chatting place or sharing ideas about exercising techniques.

Fig.30: Section A-A Fig. 31: Section B-B

Section A-A shows cross section of the site. The west side is

higher and steeper compare to east side. Because of this, visitors can

enter the site only two stair of entrances. This make visitors flow

concentrated along the entrances. The height differences between

inside and outside the west side park is about 9m. The staircases

provide steel railing for safety, but with no shading device.


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Figure 32: Section A-A

Figure 33: Section B-B


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4.4 Conditions and assumptions

From early assumption, all kinds of people are expected to use

this area as their exercising or relaxing place in a specific time. The

peak time is usually in morning and evening. The lowest users are in

afternoon because of Malaysia hot weather and no shading provided.

The exercise equipment areas are potential for social activities

other than exercising. Most people need help to properly use the

equipment. Since there is no playground, children play around this

area.


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4.5 Observation

Observation is suitable because of this subjective topic related in

observing human behaviour and social interactions. The interpretative

approach and symbolic interactionism in this method are needed to

tackle this research.

The criteria for this method; natural setting, natural event and

natural behaviour, make an observation the appropriate technique to

apply.

Along observation on site, the main parameters are listed so

data can be categorised and analysed. The main parameters are;

1. type of users (children, young adult, middle age, senior

citizen)

2. access to site (walking, bicycle, motorcycle, cars)

3. time (morning, afternoon, evening)

4. space of interaction (site access, jogging track, exercising

areas)


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Upon observation, visitors mostly came during morning time

between 8.00 am and 10.00 am. Weather factor played a crucial role in

determine visitors count. Visitors come here during morning and

evening, avoid coming on afternoon. In evening, they usually come

between 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

All types of visitor were come on this site; children, young adult,

middle age, and senior citizen. The local people can be seen coming by

walking from their neighbourhood to this site. People from seksyen 6

especially coming from east and people from seksyen 7 from west.

People from other neighbouring area can be identified. Most of them

came with car or motorcycle.

Young adult who came here were primarily to perform exercise.

They can be seen with proper jogging suits and perform all sorts of

exercise with the equipment. Some of them prefer exercise alone,

identified by wearing earphone running along jogging track.

Middle age visitors came with their families or children. They

tend to come in the evening, probably after working all day. The need to

escape from long stressful day and spend time together with family

usually the reason for their visit.

Children usually come with their parents. While parents

exercising, most children playing around the park. They played in the


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exercising areas because the exercising equipment intrigue them and

they use the equipment as tools for playing. When parents bring their

children, they played together well and parents interacting each other,

talking and sit together. Because of limited flat ground, the activities

only limited around this area and small closed activities.

Senior citizen visitors usually doing brisk walk and slow jog

around the track. They seldom seen to use exercising equipment areas

except to rest and did stationary exercises. While doing this they

interacting with other visitors.

Other potential spaces of interaction is the access points, where

visitor come in. Visitors tend to warm up around this, before jogging or

doing other activities. Visitors greeted and talked to each other while

warming up. The sense of welcoming into the site is strong because of

this three points of access. They also interact while walking down to

site. While on jogging track, visitor can be seen interact with smiles,

greeting and brief talking. This small interaction encourage people to

come exercising and be a part of this site community. This is true

because during observation, it can be seen that most visitors know

each other even though they came from different neighbourhood.


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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Based on the data collected, it was clearly showed an open

space in should be incorporate into residential are. By lots of

references, articles and research, an open space is a primary need for

a community in every neighbourhood. This area act as social gathering

place, to go outside from the social barriers of private residential.

Open space without proper facilities leads to unused area. It also

can be a potentially dangerous for children in the neighbourhood and

visitors; therefore continuous maintenance from city council are

essential. Security measures such as proper lighting and parking need

to be considered. In this research area, the site is well maintained to

provide maximum comfort for public use.

To implement an open space in design stage, various basic

parameters as stated in previous chapter should be noted. There is a

need of further studies on the situation within other areas in order to

receive more critical data analysis.


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Newspaper Articles

Residents want open space. (2012, March 06). New Straits Times,

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Residents happy they can now use 'UKRC' field. (2014, January 14).

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Open space turns into garbage dump. (2013, July 16). New Straits

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Council to adopt green corridor. (2013, August 13). New Straits Times,

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OPEN SPACES: Time to amend land code to curb abuses. (2012,

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'Car-free morning can save KL ecosystem'. (2013, December 30). New

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Welcome start to green initiative. (2013, January 06). New Straits

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initiative-1.455751

Documents

Social Interaction in Public Open Space- A Lake in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam