Urban Theories Comparative Essay

Theories of Architecture & Urbanism (ARC 61303)
PROJECT 2: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY
Pham Ngu Lao Street
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Jalan Reko - Jalan Tukang - Jalan Mendaling
Kajang, Malaysia
Name : Wong Chee Fon
ID : 0327220
Tutor : Dr Filzani Illia

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Project 1
1.2 Contact Points & Intensity Level Comparative Analysis 2
2.0 Street Background
2.1 Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 4
2.2 Jalan Reko-Jalan Tukang-Jalan Mendaling, Kajang, Malaysia 6
2.3 Grounds of Comparison Between 2 Streets 8
2.4 Thesis Statement 9
3.0 Contact Point Comparative Analysis
3.1 Eatery Nodes at Corner of a Junction 10
3.2 Utilization Of Alleyways 14
3.3 Public Transitional Space 17
3.4 Shaded Seating Area 21
3.5 Entrance as Node 24
4.0 Conclusion 27
5.0 References 28

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to Project
As an extension from the case study of project 1, project 2 calls for a thorough comparative
analysis between the case study on Pham Ngu Lao St, Ho Chi Minh and the local site
analysis on Jalan Tukang - Jalan Mendaling, Kajang. In this approach, this essay will
discuss about how the qualities of public realm affects the qualities of outdoor activities
which subsequently affects the social relationship among community.
In the book, Life Between Buildings, Jan Gehl mentions that cultures and climates over
the world are different from one another, but the people will be the same. They will be
attracted and gather at public if a good condition of public space is provided for them. They
will be attracted and gather at public if a good condition of public space i provided for them.
Physical environment is one of the factor that influence the degree of activities to happen in
public (Gehl, 2011, Pg. 9) whereby “the extent and character of outdoor activities is greatly
influenced by physical planning” (Gehl, 2011, pg.31). Public life in a good quality public
space is important of a full life. He emphasized on life, then spaces, then buildings which
the other way around never works.
LIFE SPACE BUILDINGS
Figure 1.1 Graphic representation of Jan Gehl’s theory which emphasizes on public life before physical building.
Thus, the key analysis factor are determining the similarities and differences with regards to
social patterns, type of outdoor activities, as well as the identification of contact points and
contact intensity between the two cities of similar urban context in Asia. Consequently, it
allows a better contextual and physical understanding of shared public space to
accommodate public life in promoting interactions and bonding.
1

1.2 Contact Points & Intensity Level Comparative Analysis
From Jan Gehl’ s - Life Between Buildings , he studied upon the relationship between
public life and spaces which also includes the types of activities happening in the urban
context, how it influence the quality of life in cities, the factors that hinder or enhance as
well as methods to improve life between buildings and the city life experience.
Using his framework, outdoor life can be categorized in three different activities:
necessary, optional and social activities. Necessary activities are every actions, mainly
covering functional aspects which may be independent from the physical environment.
For optional activities, it is voluntary based and highly dependent on physical conditions,
usually for recreational purposes. As for social activities it is when people animate public
space and emerge when people congregate in a place and socialize. This relates to the
condition of public space where better quality space has more occurence of optional
activities thus, the longer the necessary activities last. As a result, it formulates more
spontaneous social activity at public spaces which leads to a positive public outdoor life.
Figure 1.2 Graphic representation between quality of outdoor space and rate of occurrence of outdoor activities.
(Gehl, 2011, pg .11)
As mentioned in the book whereby the relationship between contacts draws intensity of the
public space. The closer the relationship, the higher the intensity the intensity. This
hypothesize where the specific popular spot or ‘contact point’ as a quality of a node as
how the type of people interact within the space and - the relationship of people that is
formulated in the relation to the place.
2

Figure 1.3 The concept of varying degree of contact intensity is the basis of the following simplified outline of
various contact forms.
(Gehl, 2011, pg. 15)
The elaboration of the outline in Life Between Buildings represents mainly the
low-intensity contacts at a lower scale. Although insignificant, these are independent
contact forms and as prerequisites for other, more complex interactions that relates to see,
hear, and meet which includes - contact at a modest level, a possible starting point for
contact at other levels, a possibility for maintaining already established contacts, a source
of information about the social world outside, a source of inspiration, an offer of stimulating
experience. (Gehl, 2011, pg.15)
Figure 1.4 and 1.5 A possible contact other other levels.
(Gehl, 2011, pg. 16)
Figure 1.6 Contact at a modest level.
(Gehl, 2011, pg. 16)
Looking into Pham Ngu Lao and Jalan Tukang- Jalan Mendaling - both streets share
similar street elements like the basic sidewalks, shophouses, traffic roads, alleyways, and
presence of third spaces creating a linear streetscape. Despite the basic streetscapes, Jan
Gehl emphasize that activity as mean for contact, both street have different function and
activity patterns due to cultural differences thus, creating a different characteristic contact
points as people from both street respond to social engagement with other people in
different patterns, resulting in different intensity levels.
3

2.0 STREET BACKGROUND
2.1 Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City - the financial center of Vietnam home to many headquarters of national
and international banks and cooperative companies is on the other hand also a tourist
magnet city being the most visited city in Vietnam. Once ruled by the French, it was once
called “Paris in the Orient” and thus the many old colonial buildings and some infused
French culture around the city. The common impression of tourists on this 300 - year old
city is the abundant choices of delicious street foods and the millions motorbike madness
zooming around the city.
Pham Ngu Lao Street - located on the western edge of District 1 and is referred to as the
backpacker district of Saigon. Its own unique vibe draws people from everywhere due to its
close proximity to prominent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. As there is always something
going on in Pham Ngu Lao Street, many visitors prefer to enjoy local street food or
people-watching while enjoying the incredibly cheap beer. Nightlife is also one of Ho Chi
Minh’s finest, with throngs of street vendors, Bia Hoi stalls, lively bars, and downtown clubs
filling up the lively scene.
The physical aspect of the street accommodates its tourist orientated and dynamic lifestyle,
with broad walkways, utilization of alleyways, availability of pocket park and
commercialized active storefronts, large and wide traffic roads - making the street vibrant
and lively with the influx of locals and tourist.
Figure 2.1 Pham Ngu Lao St in the day, active traffic and
commercialised storefronts accommodating the vibrant lifestyle.
(Image Source : Vietnam-Guide, 2018)
Figure 2.2 Active nightlife with crowded bars and roads in
Pham Ngu Lao St
(Image Source : Vietnam-Guide, 2018)
4

Morphology of Pham Ngu Lao Street
Figure 2.3 Morphology and Street Development diagrams of Pham Ngu lao St
(Wong, 2018)
5

2.2 Jalan Reko-Jalan Tukang-Jalan Mendaling, Kajang, Malaysia
Kajang Town - A town surrounded by institutional, educational, residential, commercial and
modern amenities like MRT line and shopping complex made it a very complete township.
However, the town acts as a transitional hub to go to other places hence the lost in contact
with the younger generation and the locals are displaced with foreign workers who now
permanently reside and work in Kajang. Its rich historical and cultural value remains its
identity while the transient and functional aspect makes it dynamic and vibrant.
Jalan Tukang sitting in between of Jalan Reko,the exit and entry point of Kajang Town and
Jalan Mendaling, that connects to the main traffic that connects to other part of Kajang,
Jalan Tukang is a convergence point of traffic which at almost every hour of the day, the
road is filled with moving vehicles and in conjunction with people jaywalking across. Along
the streets is mainly several parcels of pre-war shophouses of occupies the majority of the
streetscape influxed with some recessed and 3-5 stories tall modernized shophouses.
Mainly the shops are occupied with offices, retails and restaurants with minimal public
spaces in between. Landmarks like Kajang Shen She Yar Temple, Tin Hong Si Temple, and
Warisan Kajang indicates the strong cultural and historical presence in the street.
The physical aspect of the streets consists of the traditional narrow 5-foot walkway which
stretches along pre-war shophouses and breaks in continuity when it reaches recessed
shophouses, narrow and busy traffic roads, alleyways mainly as alternative routes or
disposal area and unshaded side pavements which is where the bus stops are located.
Figure 2.4 View of Jalan Tukang coming from Jalan
Reko
(Image Source : Google Map, 2019)
Figure 2.5 The busy traffic and presence of the pre-war and
modern shophouse along Jalan Tukang and Jalan Mendaling
(Image Source : Google Map, 2019)
6

Morphology of Kajang Town
Figure 2.6 Morphology and Street Development diagrams of Kajang Town
(Wong, 2019)
7

2.3 Grounds of Comparison Between 2 Streets
With reference to Chapter 1 Introduction, the comparison between the contact points are
classified through similarities and differences in regards to patterns of social activities,
types of contact points, varying degree of contact intensity in cities or street level and how
the built environment affects or promotes the behavioural pattern and condition to happen.
Pham Ngu Lao is a tourist orientated street while the continuous stretch of Jalan Tukang -
Jalan Mendaling focus on localization. However both the street share similarities of being
commercially densed in which they share similar street characteristic that acts as grounds
of comparison:
● Eatery Nodes at Corner of a Junction
● Utilization Of Alleyways
● Public Transitional Space
● Shaded Seating Area
● Entrance as Node
Corner shops at junctions are usually restaurants as they are visible from different
directions acting as a point of interest. Both streets share similar corner restaurant and
serving local delights as part of localization, acts as a node which subsequently means
higher contact intensity.
Back alleys are usually not a place for gathering or contact points, but however revival of it
transitionise it as a contact point as done by both streets of utilisation back alleys as
eateries zone.
Pham Ngu Lao St. features broad sidewalks while Kajang features the 5-foot walkway
which both serve as a transitional space for pedestrian circulation across the street. Both
share different quality and physicality of space that affects the chance of contact.
Shaded seating space is an important relaxing and resting area for the public. Both streets
provide shaded seating space but both has different characteristic and quality of space.
8

Both streets have close proximity to adjacent Mall Complex that is a major node
respectively, the different built quality and design planning of respective entrances affects
contact intensity and serve different activities.
2.4 Thesis Statement
Pham Ngu Lao perceives pedestrian street as primary element in urban planning towards
tourism, Jalan Tukang - Jalan Mendaling focus on elements to accommodate the
localization of Kajang. With the similar types of contact points with different social
activities, contact intensity and physical qualities is influenced by street functions, local
character and behavior, outdoor and physical quality of space.
Pho Quynh Restaurant The Sense Market
Alleyway Food Stalls Sidewalks Saigon Central Park Edge
Figure 2.7 Contact Points of Pham Ngu Lao St.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 2.8 Contact Points of Jalan Reko - Jalan Tukang - Jalan Mendaling
(Wong, 2019)
Alleyway
Food Stalls
Metro Plaza
Entrance5-Foot Walkway
Restaurant
2233
Wisma CTL
Bus Stop
9

3.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
3.1 Eatery Nodes at the Corner of a Junction
It is interesting to know the similarities between Pho Quynh Restaurant and Restaurant
2233 as they not just have a strategic corner location but also establish the food culture of
both cities. The two restaurants serving local delights, reflect the locality of food culture as
a representation of the sense of place, results in the influx of locals and visitors to these
eatery nodes that formulates high contact intensity and frequency.
Pho Quynh stands out by being visually coherent from all directions of the crossroad
junction where the junction is a high-intensity node for exchanging circulation in a form of
vehicular as well as foot, thus the restaurant is a good focal point, “People reluctantly
accept large deviations from the determined main direction, and if the goal is in sight, they
tend to steer directly towards it.” (Gehl, 2011, p.137). The sidewalks along Pham Ngu Lao
St. are wide, the eatery spills out some hawker stalls, dining tables and chairs allows
pedestrian engagement. Some customers park their motorcycles right outside the eatery’s
wide sidewalk and populating the frontage creating attraction-interest from pedestrians.
Figure 3.1.1 Plan showing the location of Pho Quynh
and the direction of traffic of the junction.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.1.2 Pho Quynh stands out to pedestrian of the
sidewalks and the vehicles of the junction road.
(Image Source : Google Image, 2019)
3.1.3 Section showing the condition and relationship of physical environment and contact intensity of the
corner lot Pho Quynh Restaurant at the junction
(Wong, 2019)
10

Pho Quynh Restaurant is located at the intersection of 2 active nightlife streets in which the
bars are located, the consistent circulating presence of people results in a higher contact
intensity at the area, thus reaching the potential to form contacts through users
participating within the social setting. The restaurant operates for 24-hours, acts as a
gathering point for people after the late night bars closes in which becoming the only active
node and high level of social activity in the late midnight. As the atmosphere is cooler at
night, it invites people to mingle, socialize, relax and enjoy the midnight snacks. In such
environment, chance and passive contacts prevails simultaneously whereby the activity is
generated by a balance of local and tourist
On the other hand, Restaurant 2233 similarly being a focal point in the junction of Jalan
Tukang and Jalan Mendaling, it has plenty of parking spaces outside and around the shop
which promotes visitors conveniently find parking space and walk to the restaurant. Being
an extended and connected shop from the neighboring Shen She Yar Temple, the eatery
and the temple share as a point of interest from past by vehicles and pedestrians, a form of
cultural engagement that may lead to effective attractions. With minimal enclosure, the
openness of the eatery allows a good quality of space with well ventilated, high ceiling and
wide space, which increases the comfort level that invites people to come and stay. The
openness also allows outsiders to look into the eatery space and when it's crowded it
sparks attraction-interest, “People and human activity are the greatest object of attraction
and interest” (Gehl, 2011, p.29)
Figure 3.1.4 Plan showing the location of Restaurant
2233 and the direction of traffic of the junction.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.1.5 View towards Restaurant 2233, the junction
road and the parking space opposite it.
Junction Road
11

On the contrary, during the period of crowdedness and despite its large corner shop space,
Restaurant 2233 allows close interaction among customers as they would be encouraged
to share tables, hence creating opportunities for close contact. This suggests an apparent,
an intimate social dimension with frequent interactions during the daytime.
“It is generally true that people and human activities attract other people. People are
attracted to people” (Gehl, 2011, p.23) as both the eateries attracts people as a place for
necessary activity to occur, which is eating then leads to social activities in which the
gathering of people gentrifies the atmosphere that leads to ‘people attracts people’ causing
increase in contact intensity and chance of contact. In addition to that with a strategic
location of the eateries at the corner of a junction, it creates a point of focus creating
“attraction-interest” from pedestrians, “being able to see other people in action, constituted
the area’s main attraction” (Gehl, 2011, p.29).
Figure 3.1.8 View of the interior of Restaurant 2233 showing the crowd and quality of space.
Act of sharing table among customers during
overcrowdedness, creating opportunities for close
contact.
Figure 3.1.7 Pho Quynh Operates 24-hour as a
gathering spot for people after the late night bars
closes.
Figure 3.1.6 The busy nightlife of Pham Ngu Lao with
many bars and contact intensity is high.
node and high level of social activity in the late midnight. As the atmosphere is cooler at
night, it invites people to mingle, socialize, relax and enjoy the midnight snacks. In such
environment, chance and passive contacts prevails simultaneously whereby the activity is
generated by a balance of local and tourist
12

3.2 Utilization Of Alleyways
An alleyway from Pham Ngu Lao St. and another between Jalan Besar and Jalan
Sulaiman, adjacent from Jalan Tukang is compared - these two share similarities of utilising
alleyway for eateries and gathering of people. With the hustle and bustle happening at the
shop frontages, public and open spaces and transition spaces, the alleyways are often just
an alternative passageway and place of waste disposal, both the street of different cultural
backgrounds use alleyway to encourage contacts and consistent flow of people.
Entering upon the narrow alleyway of Pham Ngu Lao St. which sits between two shoplot,
appears to be cramped with hawker stalls and setup of dining tables and chairs but
however the quiet atmosphere and interesting quality of space which is different from the
busy main street acts as a resort for locals to come and escape from the happening main
streets. In addition, tall surrounding buildings provides additional shade from sun resulting
in a comfortable environment for staying at the alleyway for activities, thus increasing
intensity of social and optional activities.
Figure 3.2.1 The humble entrance to the narrow
alleyway food stalls that sits between to buildings
Figure 3.2.2 The food stalls set up along the alleyway
that creates opportunity for chance of contact.
3.2.3 Section view of the relationship between the physical quality of space, type of activities and type of contacts.
14

Alleyway as informal public space increases the activities occurred and creates a higher
contact intensity between people “the many little glimpses of people can nevertheless have
a certain attraction” (Gehl, 2011, p.127). Subsequently, these activities promote more social
activities and increases the contact intensity at the alleyway. Thus, its evident that the
utilization of alleyways for eateries by the two streets have influenced the frequency and
intensity of contact, making the alleyway more alive and vibrant. With the addition of local
food culture and unique dining experience, it sparkles interest in people and making it an
attracting feature.
On the other hand, the alleyway between Jalan Besar and Jalan Sulaiman, situated
between the back of two rows of shophouse is much wider and vehicles are able to pass
through it. The quality of space is more open with minimal shading, thus the food stalls are
normally the back part of the shoplot that opens up to the alleyway with some dining tables
and chairs spilling out. Locals tend to come here for necessary activity which is enjoying
the cheap local delight while some come for optional activities like chit-chatting and chilling
by the alleyway.
Figure 3.2.4 Quality of space is more open with minimal
shading from surrounding buildings.
Figure 3.2.5 Back part of the shophouse that opens up to the
alleyway with some dining tables and chairs spilling out.
Figure 3.2.6 Alleyway food stalls of Kajang with wider walkway
and vehicles are seen parking in it.
Figure 3.2.7 Sketched section of the alleyway eateries and its
set up and usage.
(Wong, 2019)
Food Stall at the
back of the shophouse.
Alleyway
Table with umbrella to
provide extra shading.
Food
preparation
15

3.3 Public Transitional Space
The sidewalks of Pham Ngu Lao St. and the five-foot walkway along Jalan Tukang-Jalan
Mendaling are compared where both similarly are the primary forms of circulatory routes
which poses a clear boundary that isolates the public and private realm which in this case,
the public walkway and the privately owned shoplot. Along these transitional spaces, they
are also improvised into functional spaces, by extending the function of active shopfront
into the walkways.
The sidewalks of Pham Ngu Lao St. are wide and open, which allows pedestrians to be
able to walk freely and at ease making the walk more experiential and unobstructed.The
sidewalks are wide enough for motorcycles to park in and it is a common behavior pattern
in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. To enhance the outdoor quality of the environment,
greeneries are provided along the sidewalk that sets the edge between vehicular and
pedestrian pathway. The tall trees also increases the comfort level by providing cooling
effect to the sidewalk which encourage people to gather and wait for transportation. The
surrounding tall buildings provides good shade at all time of the day to the sidewalks, thus
outdoor activity and interaction is encouraged.
On the other hand, the five-foot walkway along Jalan Reko-Jalan Tukang-Jalan Mendaling
are much narrower and is semi-open and covered, where the movement of pedestrian
along the walkway is limited to transition and not for standing and waiting as it might
obstruct the flow of walkway for other pedestrians. On the physical quality aspect, the
Figure 3.3.1 View towards the sidewalk and annotations on the
characteristic that affects the quality of space, comfort level
and behavior patterns.
Tall trees
improves
comfort level of
pedestrian.
Wide and open
pedestrian
sidewalk.
Motorcycles
parking into the
sidewalks
17

It is very common to see some vendors set up stalls along the sidewalks of Pham Ngu Lao
St. and some shops extends their function out till the sidewalks by providing some chairs to
invite people to sit and some restaurants have their hawker stalls outside their shop which
may results in people gathering and enliven the frontage of the shop as “people attracts
people”. Being a tourist orientated street, it is very important for the shops to attract
pedestrians to visit them thus, the act of extending the function to sidewalks encourages
optional and social activity which increases the chance and intensity of contact of locals
and tourist.
shade provided by the covered walkway increases the comfort level of pedestrian while
walking along it. However, in the afternoon when the outdoor temperature is hotter, the
five-foot walkway is not well shaded from the sunlight. Thus the likelihood of outdoor
activities and people walking at the walkway is lower due to the discomfort caused by the
heat which results in unlikelihood of optional and social activity to occur.
Figure 3.3.3 Five-foot walkway does not get sufficient
shading from sunlight, thus lesser people use the
walkway.
Figure 3.3.2 Narrow, semi-open and covered, where the
movement of pedestrian along the walkway is limited to
transition and not for standing and waiting.
Figure 3.3.4 Section showing the extended functions of the shop to the sidewalk and the relationship of physical quality of
space to pedestrians.
(Wong, 2019)
18

The transition spaces from both street have different characteristic of built and quality of
space which impacts on the likelihood of occurrence of activity and chance of contacts. It is
evident that the human scale and scope of sense are affected differently in both streets that
subsequently also influences the comfort level. Evidently in Pham Ngu Lao St. ,the trees
and tall buildings provides extra shading and comfort, improving the likelihood of outdoor
activity as compared to the shaded five-foot walkways of Kajang. However the narrow
walkways have a more intimate path-space relationship which increase the chance of
contacts as compared the more wide and open sidewalks. The active and extended
frontage from both streets generates interest to pedestrians, “The opportunity to see, hear
and meet others can also be shown to be one of the most important attractions in
pedestrian streets” (Gehl, 2011, p.28)
Similarly, some shops along Jalan Tukang-Jalan Mendaling also strategize their business
expansion by spilling hawker stalls, dining tables and chairs, goods and equipments onto
the walkways which serves as an informal introduction to the shop when pedestrians walks
past. These path-space relationships established on both streets, allows more stopping
opportunities along the path as it evokes curiosity of the pedestrians, establishing “a direct
relationship to other people and to the surrounding social environment” (Gehl, 2011, p.28)
which results in opportunity for chance contact among the locals and visitors, With the
extended function narrowing the already narrow walkway, this intimate scale which is a
more personalized and individual passable space whereby the distance between a person
to another is within ‘arms-reach’ has an edge in the chance of contact.
Figure 3.3.5 The extended function to the five-foot walkway
allows more stopping opportunities along the path as it evokes
curiosity of the pedestrians
Figure 3.3.6 The intimate scale of the five foot way is
more personalized and the distance between a person
to another is within ‘arms-reach’ has an edge in the
chance of contact.
19

3.4 Shaded Seating Area
For shaded seating area, Saigon Central Park Edge is compared to Wisma CTL Bus Stop
where these two part of the streets act as the main shaded seating area for public to come
relax, chill and interact in an outdoor environment. The outdoor quality of space is important
as it encourages people to come and the comfort level determines how long they would
stay and the frequency of contact. On the physical aspect, types and number of seatings
provided determines sitting comfort and opportunities. Range of different activities also
depends on the scale of the environment and the contact intensity is affected by the type of
activity and the attractions.
At Saigon Central Park Edge of Pham Ngu Lao St. ,the whole park stretches along the
whole street opposite the commercial shop lots which also acts as the green lung of the
city. At the park’s edge, where the analysis is focused on, has a high density in number of
trees with variety of different high and species providing the seating area, ample and good
shading coverage, which means good comfort level and good quality of space which
attracts people to come. High density of trees around also provides good landscape
scenery and is an attraction itself that interest people to come. On the physical quality
aspect, the at the park edge there are planter box along the street separating the sidewalk
and park which acts as secondary seatings for people who usually just want to have a short
rest. At the park side, locals bring along their own tables and chairs to host their own
gatherings and is a established behavior pattern in the street. Optional and Social activities
occurs frequently in this big, open and well shaded public realm. Passive contacts also may
occur when locals and tourist walks past each other.
Figure 3.4.1 View towards the park with landscape scenery.
Figure 3.4.2 Behavior pattern of locals having gathering by the park.
Tall trees providing
good comfort level.
Planter box as
secondary seating..
Locals bring their own table
and chairs for gathering.
Optional and Social
Activities occurs here.
21

Outdoor quality of space and comfort level plays an important role in attracting people, as
evident in Saigon Central Park Edge, the big space, good landscape scenery and dense
trees contributes to higher contact intensity and likelihood of more more activities carried
out. Wisma CTL Bus Stop functions as a smaller scale shaded seating area and is also a
transitional waiting space for public transport with people mainly attracted to the shade and
the bus stop and planter box seatings. People tend to be more dispersed around the
Saigon Central Park Edge as the environmental scale is broad as compared to Wisma CTL
Bus Stop which is more concentrated due to smaller scale resulting in a higher possibility of
established contact. Both contact point establish high social activity and contact intensity
which reflects their main function as a shaded seating area.
On the other hand, at Wisma CTL Bus Stop of Jalan Besar, besides functioning as a bus
stop, people rest and gather here, it the only shaded seating area across the street with
two tall trees providing shade and cooling effect. The planter box of the trees act as the
secondary seating when the bus stop is overcrowded and when there's no space to sit
people tend to just stand under the shade. Optional and social activity tends to occur at a
high intensity as people do not merely just come and rest and wait for public
transportation, but some also gather here with friends and acquaintances.
Figure 3.4.3 Section of Saigon Central park Edge showing the relationship between the outdoor and physical quality of space,
type of contacts and activities.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.4.5 Functioning not just a bus stop but also a
place for social interaction and a comfortable resting spot.
Figure 3.4.4 View showing people gathering near the bus
stop under the shade
Tall trees providing good comfort level
and attracting people to gather under it.
Optional and social
activity occurring.
Planter box as
secondary seatings.
22

3.5 Entrance as Node
The Entrance of Sense Market is compared to Entrance of Plaza Metro Kajang. The both
contact point similarly act as a transitional space upon arriving and departing the mall
which itself has its own physical and outdoor quality of space that attracts people. The two
shopping complex is a major attraction in respective streets, and its entrances draw
inference in forming an outdoor node, implying varying levels of social interaction to occur
as they receive a constant flow of people.
Entrance of Sense Market of Pham Ngu Lao St. has an interesting built environment with a
wide entrance and steps that leads down to an underground complex. Before descending
down the stairs, the bus stop located at the ground level together with a large open
communal space accommodates necessary, optional and social activity with high intensity
of contact and human interaction.Descending down the wide steps which also acts as
secondary seatings for people to rest and opportunity for social activities. Upon entering
into the indoor market, the planter box outside the entry acts as secondary seating with a
good view of surrounding activities. The entire space is covered over with a roofing that
provides shade and a semi-outdoor experience that is an interesting quality of space that
attracts people to mingle around the entrance thus the increase in contact intensity and
frequency.
Figure 3.5.3 Section of Entrance of Sense Market showing the relationship between the outdoor and physical quality of space,
type of contacts and activities.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.5.1 Entrance of Sense Market
Figure 3.5.2 The outdoor communal space for social
events outside the entrance.
Wide steps as
secondary seatings.
Roofing to provide shade
and good comfort level
Planter box as
secondary seating.
Large open communal space accommodates
necessary, optional and social activity.
24

According to Gehl model’s for good physical environments in streets, a good balance of
necessary and optional activities will give rise to positive social activities and thus result in
better urban environment, which both entrances is able to accommodate. It is evident that
both spaces provide different scale of experiences that attracts people in its own way which
also compromise the importance of quality of space, attractions and comfort level. The
leveling at the Entrance of Sense Market is a good example of flexibility of functioning as
steps and seatings provides people a good scale of option to choose where they can sit.
The well planned physical dimension and scale makes it a very interesting and attractive
space for people to come and socialise. While as for the Entrance of Plaza Metro, its
attraction depends on its vibrancy provided by the setup stalls and its contrasting building
typology as to the surrounding is an attraction by itself which is a very basic attraction as
compared to Entrance of Sense Market.
For the Entrance of Metro Plaza, upon arrival, the double volume of the entrance pose a
welcoming space and the sidewalks occupied by setup stalls along it gives vibrancy to the
space, attracting people to come and stroll across the sidewalks. Planter box at the side of
the complex acts as secondary seatings and waiting space for public transportations, and
a behavior pattern of gatherings occurring here due to the shades provided by the height of
the complex, giving a moderate comfort level. A moderate level of necessary ,optional and
social activity occur here due to its physical built environment providing a unique semi-
outdoor attraction in Kajang as it is a different typology as compared to regular
shophouses.
Figure 3.5.4 The setup stalls along the entrance that
brings vibrancy and attraction to pedestrian and
vehicular.
(Wong, 2019)
Figure 3.5.5 Behavior pattern of gatherings occurring
here due to the shades provided by the height of the
complex, giving a moderate comfort level.
(Wong, 2019)
Planter box as secondary
seating and waiting space
for public transportation.
Double volume of the
entrance pose a welcoming
gesture.
Setup stalls add vibrancy and
attracts people to come.
25

4.0 CONCLUSION
Both Pham Ngu Lao St. and Jalan Tukang-Mendaling have similarities in type of contact
points but different approach of the street planning and purposes of the street function
which is shaped by the built environment and outdoor quality of space, as social patterns
and street cultures are results of the way public spaces are designed as were discussed
and elaborated.
Based on the Thesis Statement, Pham Ngu Lao St. perceives pedestrian street as primary
element in urban planning towards tourism, where leisure and the well-being to socialize
are perceived as the core values of lifestyle while Jalan Tukang - Jalan Mendaling focus on
elements to accommodate the localization of Kajang which is directed towards the service
and commerce function of the city which cause the action of lingering to be much more
diminishing. In the aspect of contact intensity, Pham Ngu Lao observes a higher intensity of
social interaction among locals and also tourist, however Jalan Tukang-Jalan Mendaling
observe a moderate intensity of social interaction intensity due to its service orientated and
transient character.
As mentioned by Gehl, “such extension of opportunities for outdoor stays exactly where
everyday activities take place will almost without exception be a valuable contribution to a
given function and to life between buildings in the building project, in the neighbourhood,
and in the city” (Gehl, 2011, p.197), he emphasizes the significance of vibrancy and
liveliness within an urban context where the people inhabiting the place. Hence, it is critical
to acknowledge these contact points along the urban streets as these points generate
dynamism and life between building within a city.
27

5.0 REFERENCES
Books:
1. Gehl, J. and Koch, J. (2011). Life between buildings. Washington, DC: Island Press.
2. Gibert, M. and Peyvel, E. (2016). Unpacking the figure of the backpacking
neighbourhood Phạm Ngũ Lão in the making of Hồ Chí Minh city. South East Asia
Research, 24(4), pp.510-531.
3. Nguyen, T., Samsura, D., van der Krabben, E. and Le, A. (2016). Saigon-Ho Chi
Minh City. Cities, 50, pp.16-27.
Online Sources:
1. Asia Tour Advisor. (2019). “Hem”, the beauty of no rule - Asia Tour Advisor. [online]
Retrieved: https://www.asiatouradvisor.com/blog/vietnam/hem-beauty-no-rule/
[Accessed 18 April 2019].
2. Google Maps. (2019). Pham Ngu Lao. [online] Retrieved:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pham+Ngu+Lao,+District+1,+Ho+Chi+Minh+Cit
y,+Vietnam/@10.7665831,106.6875504,69a,35y,67.56h,69.12t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!
3m4!1s0x31752f3d87380ea7:0xb328b961e4443930!8m2!3d10.7658855!4d106.690
8105 [Accessed 18 April 2019].
3. Gurnett, D. (2019). History_Old Saigon Station. [online] Railways In Vietnam.com.
Retrieved: http://www.railwaysinvietnam.com/oldsaigon.html [Accessed 24 April
2019].
4. TripAdvisor. (2019). Pho Quynh, Ho Chi Minh City - 323 Pham Ngu Lao - Restaurant
Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - TripAdvisor. [online] Retrieved:
https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Restaurant_Review-g293925-d2492572-Reviews-P
ho_Quynh-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html [Accessed 24 April 2019].
5. Cover Story: Preserving the old while embracing the new. (2015). Retrieved from
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/cover-story-preserving-old-while-embracing
-new
6. Kajang. (2010). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kajang
7. Kajang Town. (2008). Retrieved from
https://kajangtown.blogspot.com/2008/04/kajang-town.html
28

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