Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 747

Abstract: Relationship of functional and emotional elements between people and place creates a meaning; this process known as place attachment. In urban design, some general discussion focused on the importance of physical elements and activities to develop identity and atmosphere of place, however, study on place attachment in public open spaces is usually received with less attention. Considering this issue, the research focuses to examine the attributes and characteristics which are influence the place attachment in Sarawak Riverfront Promenade, a public space which is popular in Malaysia. By using a mixed method approach, this research covers two main areas namely urban design and environmental psychology. Survey and interview were conducted in selected place, a total of 165 respondents were involved in the questionnaire and 18 people participated in the interview. Observations have been carried out to obtain the physical and visual urban character in order to discover the level of place support users’ activities. Data processing and analysis were conducted by triangulation method and results of the data gathering as a research findings were processed based on the objective of the study. The findings indicated that the place attachment affects users’ perceptions of the riverfront promenade.

Abstract: Bridgeheader is one of the typology of low-income people in the city who assume that the house is only ‘a springboard’ for their life in the city. This group of people dwelt not far from the location of their place to work; occupying marginal spaces in the city and its environment tend to be slump. Almost all areas in the city of Jakarta have marginal spaces, therefore the government attempt to improve the quality of their houses, for example by providing low-cost housing. In fact the low-cost house which was provided by the government failed to be ‘consumed’ by the brigdeheaders at the time when the used value of the house has been turned into market value. The research aimed to determine such approaches of use value of the house that can be ‘consumed’ by the brigdeheader, but did not undermine the space in the city. Data collection methods using practical observation conducted with interviews. While the analysis using descriptive pragmatic method in four case study area in Jakarta. The findings indicate that the concept of house for this group is not determined only by the ‘low price tag’ but also ‘the way of use’ of the space contributed with the result that the house can be ‘consumed’ well.

Abstract: Malaysian community centres in city like the developed countries is too bear the responsibility of providing community facilities to the urban mass. Community centre is one of the main social facilities with the purpose of facilitating community interaction and finally, contributing community development in urban areas. The study frames by in-depth interview with the deputy director of urban design, building department and professional expert in urban design project. this study assessed approaches that participations can use to evaluate critical factors for developing the community centres.A city like Kuala Lumpur, wherescarcity of spaces for community gathering and interaction is severe, it is urgent to resolve theproblems and enhance the potentials for ensuring effective and multipurpose uses of thecommunity centres. This research approaches that community centre can be a pole of community development.

Abstract: The objectives of this study is to find that sustainable is important part of the identity in the dimention of regionalism Architecture. By conducting a study of the relationship between sustainable architecture with identity dimensions of regionalism in architecture, will get a clarity that sustainability in architecture is an essential part to determine the identity of the architectural regionalism. In particular the identity of the architectural regionalism in Indonesia.

Abstract: Significant changes in the world population demand interior design approach to be more usable and accessible for all people. However, the lack of awareness and misinterpretation on the “real user” during interior design process discourage the integration of Universal design (UD) in the built environment. For that reason, this study employed literature survey to identify how UD principles could support diverse users in the built environment. Then, we recognize how UD can be employed in the interior design process to meet this purpose. The results of this study contribute in recommending the integration of UD as a green interior design approach for accommodating diverse user in the Malaysian built environment.

Abstract: This paper aims to focus on the attitude and responses of the stakeholders on the importance of preserving the non-use value of cultural heritage for George Town, Penang World Heritage Site (GPWHS) conservation. This research has examined the possibilities of several attitudes of the stakeholders in explaining the importance of preserving the non-use value for the GPWHS conservation. Pearson’s Correlation and Multiple Linear Regressions were used in predicting the dependent variable using a set of several independent variables. The purpose of the correlation test was to prove whether the correlation between the dimensions of the independent variables has had any influence on the non-use value of cultural heritage for the GPWHS conservation. A face-to-face interviewing technique using the structured CV questionnaire aided by photo images-supported was applied in this survey. The numbers of completed questionnaires were 294 from local residents and 147 from tourists (domestic and foreign) in GTWHS. This paper reveals that there was a relationship between the local stakeholders’ attitude and responses on the importance of preserving the non-use value and the WTP value for the GTWHS conservation.

Abstract: Mosques as a symbol of Islamic cities have a significant place in Islamic Architecture and it prompts architects to create admirable, magnificent buildings. While several studies have done on features and prototypes in this field but mainly it leaded to exaggerate dominance of dome as inseparable component of mosques. Although dome construction is costly, it is not that much adaptable to different climates and even it is not a good culture indicator of different countries, still there is a strong insist on presence of dome in mosques everywhere. This paper aims to study African mosque example which deeply relied on vernacular architecture. Various styles of design in Mali as case study investigated in terms of material, design concept, to arrive at concrete results.

Abstract: During the last decade transportation in Malaysia has been changed and stepped forward into motorized-transportation. However, Malaysian government started to move toward sustainable society, which sustainable transportation is one of the parts. University Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Serdang campus is mainly dependent on the personal cars and shuttle buses. Furthermore, routes in the campus mainly planned for the vehicles rather than pedestrians and cyclists. This study was trying to examinefunctional factors that encourage UPM’s students to do pedestrian activities in the campus.In this study quantitative method through questionnaire survey has selected to assess the variables on a sample of subject. The result showed that students were more looking for accessibility and connectivity, and they were more expected to have particularly pedestrian shortcuts. This research can be helpful for the UPM’s policy makers and master planners to facilitate in documenting pedestrian environment literature, as well as help urban designers and city planners to have a deeper perspective of pedestrian perceptions and opinions in tropical climate and particularly Malaysia.

Abstract: People are interested to spend their leisure time in spaces where variety of activities take place so more users are attracted to such spaces.Living environments lacking inappropriate social spaces, resulting poor social interaction have been causing psychological problems as well as issues on security and safety and matters with sense of belonging to the environment. This paper focuses on residents’ preference on character of spaces for social interaction in their condominiums. This study employed questionnaire surveys for selected condominium residents in Kelang Valley, Malaysia. The study found that limitations, cumbersome rules, as well aspoor connectivity of spaces have caused people to prefer outdoor social spaces where they can have free activities,view other people activities and half hear them.

Abstract: This paper explains parts of the findings from the overall research entitled Landscape Alteration in Urban Residential Area of Malaysia. It focuses on the spiritual aspect existed in some of the gardens in the neighbourhood. A qualitative research method has been adopted in this research. The study informs on the aspect that was believed to have been totally diminished among the local residents; giving another insights of the meaning and values of the residents alternate garden.Keywords: residential garden, spiritual value, cultural landscape