Jalan alor (illusive city)

ILLUSIVE CITYM A P P I N G T H E T O W N S C A P E | T A L E S O F T H R E E C I T I E S

Y O N G T H A N G S H A U N 0 3 2 0 6 7 5H E R N - H Y M M D E V I N C H I N G 0 3 2 0 5 2 6A I M I FA R Z A N A 0 3 1 7 6 2 1C H E N E E D O N G 0 3 2 1 1 8 1E G B E RT C H I N H A W H O O N G 0 3 1 5 1 1 5

C H A RAC T ER IZ I N G URB AN FO RMSF I G U R E G R O U N D S T U DY

A C T I V I T Y M O V E M E N T PAT T E R N

ES TA B L IS H I N G S IG N IF I C A N T S ER IA L V I S IO N S

I L LUS TRAT IO N O F URB A N D IS T IN C T FO RM SI L LU S I V E C I T YC O L L A G E C I T Y

TA LES O F W I S H

F I G U R E G R O U N DA N A L Y S I S

URBAN FABRIC- A clear segregation of fine

grain and course grain typologies .

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE- The separation of public

and private spaces are clear in this figure ground

- The figure(buildings) is private while the ground(surrounding) is public.

- The public spaces were not created by the buildings therefore are accidental.


PATTERN TYPOLOGY- The pattern is quite

eccentric which then forms a deformed typology.

- There are no predetermined pattern in the arrangement .

- This gives an original identity to the city.


SCALE - Course grain typology is at

a bigger scale compared to fine grain.

- Scale change is gradual as shown in the bottom left of the diagram.

- Larger scale hints at commercial buildings while smaller scale figure hints to a more active site.


SOLID AND VOID- Solid and void relationship

is more distinct in the course grain fabric

- Clear separation and almost no relationship between figure and ground.

- Fine grain typology is more open in its solid and void.

- There is no distinct starting point.

- Solid tends to relate to the void in terms of ratio and is interchangeable.


L A N D U S E D I S T R I B U T I O N

A C T I V I T Y U S E D I S T R I B U T I O N

V I B R A N C Y

GREEN GRADIANT INDICATES VIBRACY OF THE AREA

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1. PEOPLE-CENTRIC AREA, MORE PUBLIC SPACE, MORE FUNCTION, MORE VIBRANCY

2. THE SIGN AND SOUND OF THE ENVIRONMENT ATTRACT

3. MIX SPACES OF COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENT SPACES.

4. RESIDENT AREA, MORE PRIVATE SPACE, LESS FUNCTION,LESS VIBRANCY.

GREEN GRADIANT INDICATES ENGAGING

R AT I O O F A C T I V I T Y - D AY T I M E

- Bukit Bintang has more activity going on, during the daytime.

- Less activity going on in Jalan Alor during lunch hours.

- During the day people will conduct leisure activities at the shops.

- Most people who frequent Jalan Alor are usually tourists or non-local visitors.

R AT I O O F A C T I V I T Y – N I G H T T I M E

GREEN GRADIANT INDICATES ENGAGING

- In Jalan Alor, the night time culture is stronger and more robust than day time.

- Different commercial typologies.

- Bukit Bintang is also very happening but not as much as Jalan Alor.

H I E R A R C Y O F V I S T A S E N G A G I N GI L L U S I V E

A CONTRASTING ELEMENT OF SPEED BETWEEN THE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, THESE TWO ELEMENT INTERSECT SEAMLESSLY WITH ONE ANOTHER. PEDESTRIANS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE A SENSE OF DIRECTED VIEW POINT AND VISUAL EXPERIENCE. THE SILHOUETTE OF THE BUILDINGS EVOKED ENGAGEMENT AND ILLUSION THROUGH WALKING EXPERIENCE.

P U B L I C T R A N S P O RT A N D A C C E S S I B I L I T Y

E N G A G E M E N TPUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ENHANCES ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN USERS, ALLOWING EASY ACCESS TO AND FROM THE LOCATION. THIS PARTICULAR AREA ARE USUALLY MORE CROWDED WITH PEDESTRIANS

P E D E S T R I A N M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N – D A Y A C T I V I T Y

DIRECTION OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT

DURING THE DAY, THE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT PATTERN FLOWS FROM JALAN ALOR TO JALAN BUKIT BINTANG.

- RESIDENTS GOING TO WORK- TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY

P E D E S T R I A N M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N –N I G H T A C T I V I T Y

DIRECTION OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT

DURING THE NIGHT, THE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT PATTERN FLOWS FROM JALAN BUKIT BINTANG TO JALAN ALOR.

- TOURIST ATTRACTION

P E D E S T R I A N M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N – D A Y D E N S I T Y

GREEN GRADIeNT INDICATES THE DENSITY OF PEDESTRIANS

DAYTIME,

- HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ON THE UPPER SIDE OF JALAN BUKIT BINTANG

- BUKIT BINTANG WALK PROMOTES ENGAGEMENT WITHIN THE LOCALS.

GREEN GRADIANT INDICATES THE DENSITY OF PEDESTRIANS

NIGHT TIME,

- HIGHLY CONCENTRATED ON THE LOWER SIDE OF JALAN ALOR

- CHANGES THE VISUAL EXPERIENCE FROM ENGAGING TO ILLUSIVE.

P E D E S T R I A N M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N – N I G H T D E N S I T Y

D U A L I T Y - THE TWO-FOLD EFFECTD

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V E H I C U L A R M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N

JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL

FROM JALAN BUKIT BINTANG

JALAN PUDU

• TWO MAIN ROADS – JALAN PUDU TO THE EAST, JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL TO THE WEST

• SMALL ROADS JOIN AND TURNOFF AT VARIOUS POINTS

• CREATES A COMPLEX NETWORK OF ROADS, CONNECTIVITY WHICH IS SOMEWHAT CHAOTIC

• HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF TRAFFIC EXCHANGES ON JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL DUE TO THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC.

• LOW TRAFFIC IN JALAN ALOR DUE TO IT BEING A RELATIVELY SMALL SUBSIDIARY ROAD AND THE LARGE AMOUNT OF PEDESTRIANS AND WALKING INTERESTS AROUND.

S E G R E G A T I O N O F S P A C E

• SEGREGATION OF WORK/PLAY DUE TO MAIN ROADS AND SUBSIDIARY ROADS

• PROMINENT AMONG THEM BEING JLN. SULTAN ISMAIL. • JLN. BUKIT BINTANG ACTS AS A CONNECTOR BETWEEN

“ARCHIPELAGOES”. • THESE LARGE MASSES OF USED SPACE CAN SHOW CLEAR

ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS, BUT ACTUALLY CUTS THROUGH MANY PEDESTRIAN PATHS.

• ABOVE DIAGRAM SHOWS THE SMALL INNER ROADS THAT DIVIDE THE AREA INTO EVEN SMALLER “ISLANDS”

• THE TRAFFIC SEPERATING THE SERVICES AND PEOPLE EVEN MORE.

• SEGREGATION OF SPACE DISSUADES PEOPLE FROM EXPLORING OFF THE PATH THAT THEY ORIGINALLY TOOK.

A R C H I P E L A GO E F F E C T

D O M I N A NT D I V I D E R

C O N N E C T O R R O A D

L E SS E R D I V I D E R

I S L A N D E F F E C T

V E H I C U L A R M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N : D A Y A C T I V I T Y

LEGEND

GREEN GRADIENT INDICATES THE DENSITY OF TRAFFIC

• DURING THE DAY, THE MAIN MODE OF TRANSPORT IS BY FOOT

• MOST OF THE SERVICES AND PLACES OF INTEREST ARE CLOSELY ACCESSIBLE.

• THOSE COMING FROM OUT OF KUALA LUMPUR CENTRE USE PERSONAL VEHICLES TO GET AROUND.

• FEW CARS COME OUT OF JALAN ALOR.

V E H I C U L A R M O V E M E N T P A T T E R N : N I G H T A C T I V I T Y

LEGEND

LEGEND

GREEN GRADIANT INDICATES THE DENSITY OF TRAFFIC

• TOWARDS THE EVENING OR NIGHT, MOST OF THE POPULACE WILL START BY EITHER LEAVING THE CITY CENTRE

• CROWDING THE MAIN ROADS, OR STAYING TO EAT DINNER AT THE LOCAL STORES.

• CONCENTRATION LIES ON THE CONNECTING ROADS AND JLN. SULTAN ISMAIL.

• JALAN ALOR ITSELF IS CLOSED TO ACCOMADATE RESTAURANTS AND STREET HAWKERS, RESULTING IN LITTLE TO NO TRAFFIC

H I E R A R C H Y O F S T R E E T S T R U C T U R E

JALAN ALOR, INTERMEDIARY ROAD

JALAN ALOR, BACK ROAD

JALAN ALOR, BACK ROAD

JALAN SULTAN ISMAIL , MAIN ROAD

LEGEND

SUBSIDIARY ROAD

BACKROADS

MAIN ROAD

THE HIERACHY OF THE ROAD SYSTEMS ARE PROTRAYED ABOVE, SHOWING IN A WAY THE LAYERS OF THE PLACE. RELATING TO THE KEY WORD “ILLUSIVE”, IT SHOWS THAT STRAYING

FROM THE MAIN ROAD CAN ALLOW THE PERSON TO ACQUIRE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES, FROM JALAN ALOR TO ITS MANY BACK ROADS WHICH ITSELF HOUSES SHOPS UNSEEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THUS, IT COMPLIMENTS THE COMPLEXITY OF THE AREA WITH THE

COMPLEXITY OF ITS DEPTH.

CULLEN’S SERIAL VISION

“ Urban experience is one of a series of revelations, with delight and interest being stimulated by contrasts.”

Gordon Cullen, 1961

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C U L L E N ’ S S E R I A L V I S I O N

S p u r r i n g l i v e l i n e s s , c o m p l e x i t y a n d v i b r a n c y

Note the boisterous nature of the street leading to the entrance of Jalan Alor on a typical afternoon. This depicts and foreshadows the charismatic nature of Jalan Alor, attracting and engaging crowds.

Strategic vista of a national identity adorns the junction leading into Jalan Alor, injecting a welcoming sense of place.

E N G AG I N G P R O S P E C T S O F JA L A N A LO R

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The junction entrance of Jalan Alor – full of life from the variety of activities which engages the visual senses. Note the large influx in pedestrian movement and high pedestrian volume - encouraged by the sight and activity vibrancy.

Almost after the happening junction of Jalan Alor, the street quiets down. Note the wide street but the low pedestrian volume as compared to the highly engaging entrance despite functional activities on either sides of the street.


E N G AG I N G ATT R I B U T E S O F JA L A N A LO R

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6Note the visually interesting facades of recurring built forms along Jalan Alor. However, the lack of pedestrian and traffic volume does not justify this visual feature, suggesting that Jalan Alor’s place-making identity lies in other factors besides building form.

Note the large and distinct building block contributing to an interesting visual engagement in contrast with the sequential roof line along the street.



7 The end of the journey portrays a significantly quieter street. Activity is very subdued, as seen from the non-operating businesses on either sides of the street. A distinct polarity exists at both ends of the street with reference to the degree of engagement offered.


F RAG M E N T E D S V: T H E I L LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y1

A juxtaposition on building forms portraying modern and traditional place-making.

The backalley provides a contrasting truth from the frontal facades: chaotic clusters and the constricting space are an uninviting sight, deterring pedestrian and vehicular access.


3A visual deviation portrays fragments of truth – the linear line of vision reveals a meandering path between tall forms, overshadowed by the wider, more dominant street, highlighting its illusive role.

F RAG M E N T E D S V: T H E I L LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y


Another fragment of truth behind the scenes portray the stacked residential dwellings. The approach is often overlooked due to the distracting façade of activities lining the front. The sunken form further accentuates its inconspicuous character.

4F RAG M E N T E D S V: T H E I L LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y

The building form is depressed and sunken from the street facade, and easily overlooked due to its discreet nature. The ground level still caters for commercial functions, but they are catered towards a more intended purpose, causing a lower pedestrian gradient as compared to Jalan Alor’s vibrant nodes, which is more activity-diverse.


5F RAG M E N T E D S V: T H E I L LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y

Imposing structures distinguishes open space from a mass of visual engagement as one travels down the street. However, as opposed to other fragmented serial visions, more pedestrian movement is observed due to the less chaotic nature and heightened perception of safety of the street.

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F RAG M E N T E D S V: T H E I L LU S I V E Q U A L I T Y

POETICS OF SERIAL VISIONSE N G AG I N G Areas with high vibrancy masks the truth with engaging happeningsThe amplified vibrancy creates an illusion of liveliness.As the journey progresses, vibrancy levels are lowered. There is a gradual transition of engagement levels.

I L L U S I V EWith a low vibrancy, the degree of illusion is lowered and portrays more accurate representations of Jalan Alor's true nature.The illusive nature wears off towards the end of the street as the engaging nature lowers.The illusive nature coexists with the engaging character of the site, as both qualities have a coupling effect and gives a collective character to Jalan Alor.

S E R I A L V I S I O N

F R A G M E N T E D S E R I A L V I S I O N

C O L L A G E C I T Y L A Y E R

P E R M E A B I L I T YA R E A O F F O C U S

H I E R A C H Y

H O R T I C U L T U R E

D I V E R S I T Y L I N E A R V I S I O N


H I E R A C H Y

- Course grain typology creates a hierarchy of scale and functionality which serves to attract attention from the public.

- The fine grain typology becomes overshadowed, portraying less importance in first glance.

KEY ELEMENTS - SCALE


A R E A O F F O C U S

- The area in-between the fine grain typologies are brought to focus due to its activity.

- The in-between space serves to compliment the building instead as it attracts public attention.

KEY ELEMENTS – ACTIVITY, ACCIDENTAL SPACES IN-BETWEEN


P E R M E A B I L I T Y

- Pockets of spaces between buildings creates visual permeability.

- However, such spaces tend to be “overlooked” due to the limited angles and “forced” vision.

KEY ELEMENTS –SPATIAL POCKETS BETWEEN BUILDINGS


H O R T I C U L T U R E

- The strategic use of greens in the city serves not only to add aesthetics but to also be purposed to introduce nature to the city and obstruct certain views via strategic placement.

KEY ELEMENTS –USE OF GREENERY


D I V E R S I T Y

- The fine grain typology houses a multicultural community carrying out diverse activities segregates itself away from the course grain typology which is monotonous and serves a singular purpose.

- The vibrant city attracts the masses due to its unique appeal.

KEY ELEMENTS –FUNCTIONAL ZONING


L I N E A R V I S I O N

- Tightly arranged buildings in the fine grain typology causes vision to be streamlined and forced in a linear fashion.

- This provides a “forced” view on the public and brings more focus on engaging sights.

KEY ELEMENTS –LINEAR TYPOLOGY, ONE DIRECTIONAL APPROACH

C O N C L U S I O N : I L L U S I V E C I T Y

A variety of happenings engage the sensory perception and fosters miscellaneous experiences.

A throbbing vibrancy radiates from the junction of the street, creating a happening and intriguing introduction which is lively and charismatic.

However, things do not seem the way they should be if attention is paid in the journey through the spaces. There are areas which are discreetly hidden and unassuming.

There exists a sense of contrasting duality where the vibrancy is glorified to mask and overshadow such inconspicuous spaces.

This is translated as Jalan Alor’s illusive nature, which could only be discovered as one unravels the engaging charade on the street.

C O N C L U S I O N : I L L U S I V E C I T Y

C O M PA R I S O N O F T H R E E C I T I E S

TANGIBLE ELEMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR GEORGETOWN KUCHING

BUILT FORM - Dense and chaotic - Organized, linear grid-like arrangement based on axis.

- Emphasis on culture & heritage

- Inspired by the improvement of green spaces, air mobility, heritage and housing

ACTIVITY/FUNCTION - Multifunctional - Creative City- Many religious

buildings – emphasis on multicultural faith

- To be developed as Green City

MOVEMENT PATTERN - Complex connectivity with sufficient interconnectedness

- Linear and direct movement patterns

- Increased efforts to improve pedestrian cirdultation

- Focusing on decentralization to reduce sprawl.

- Unconventional connectivity

FAV O U R I T E C I T YNAME FAVOURITE CITY AND WHY?

CHEN EE DONG My favourite city is George Town as compared to the rest. Based on personal experience in the city, I love the spatial experience provided by the long, meandering roads flanked by shophouses of different styles. As the streets of George Town city is well planned on a grid-like formation, the linear approach provides an infinite sense of continuity. There is also a rich mix between function and heritage, resulting to many mix-use buildings, implying good solution to preserving culture and the sense of place.

EGBERT CHIN For me, I would choose Kuching as my favourite city due to it being designed as a brand new green city. This allows for elaborate planning in urban spacing, with allotted spaces for usage and emphasized further for greenery or recreational. Also, the effort to reduce traffic congestion with alternative methods such as large roundabouts instead of traffic lights prove to be a more effective direction.

HERN-HYMN DEVINCHI NG

I personally think that Kuala Lumpur is my favorite, because for my point of view that I like a place where commercials is near-by where we live. So it can promote more movement/exercise around the place. And it can create more social around the city of the place. Being complex in the city in the area, can have a good idea of spaces.

AIMI FARZANA AHMAD NORIZAN

As for my personal selection, Kuala Lumpur would be my favourite city. The interweaving of tall and medium rise business districts and commercial buildings creates an aesthetically pleasing experience and promotes connectivity within the locals. The infuse of old buildings and new buildings create a sense of contrast where at certain area of the city, everything seems dilapidated, broken and decaying but the place still booms with life.

YONG THANG SHAUN

Although Kuala Lumpur has shown many problems in its urban city planning , I would still choose Kuala Lumpur as my favorite city. Unlike the other two cities where the cities were built based of precedence and proper planning , Kuala Lumpur retains its originality in its urban design where rather than being built for the people, the city grew with the community , integrates with them and form around them. This is proven through this study itself on Jalan Alor as the cities best attributes were slowly forged and integrated , becoming a part of the citizens of Kuala Lumpur.

Education

Jalan alor (illusive city)