PROJECT 2 Taylor's University: THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM

1. Bachelorof Science (Honours)in Architecture
Theories of Architecture & Urbanism(ARC 61303)
Project 2
ComparativeEssayAnalysis
Selected Streets
Rua Dos Mercadores, Macau & JalanBesarKlang
Name: Eric Lo Yann Shin
Student ID: 0324922
Tutor: Mr. Nicholas Ng

2. Contents
1.0 ProjectIntroduction
2.0 Background
2.1 Asian Street Case Study: Rua Dos Mercadores, Macau
2.2 LocalStreet Site Analysis: JalanBesar, Klang
3.0 Analysis
3.1 ContactPoint 1
3.2 ContactPoint 2
3.3 ContactPoint 3
3.4 ContactPoint 4
4.0 Conclusion
5.0 References

3. 1.0 ProjectIntroduction
Urbanization is a process whereby towns transformed naturally and their societies become
more urban. Urbanization happens as the result of outdoor activities and a number of the
physical conditions that influence them to a varying degree and multiple ways (Gehl, 2011,
p.9). Urban spaces seeking economic opportunities and improving their living conditions,
especially in the developing countries. This is because urban areas have most of the facilities
and employment corridors provided to make when exterior conditions more favourable (Gehl,
2011, p.9).
This comparative analysis essay is inspired by the potential of the comparative imagination
but, mindful of the comparative methods based on the Jan Gehl’s “Life between buildings”,
which focuses of the three types of outdoor activities: necessary activities, optional activities,
and social activities (Gehl, 2011,p.9), in order to review the quality of outdoor spaces in Rua
Dos Mercadores, Macau and Jalan Besar, Klang.
Figure 1: Diagram showing relationship between quality of physical environment and
occurrence of outdoor activities (Source: Jan Gehl’s Life Betwee n Buildings, p.13).
Urban spaces are regarded as centres of opportunities for meetings and daily activities in the
public spaces of a city or residential area enable one to be among, to see, and to hear others,
to experience other people functioning in various situations (Gehl, 2011,p.15). In urban areas
the residents live, work and interact within their confined physical environment, matching up

4. with the prospect of contact forms. The concept of varying degrees of contact intensity is the
basis of the following simplified outline of various contact forms ( Gehl,2011,p.15).
Figure 2: Diagram of the scale of contact forms (Gehl, 2011, p.15)
With basic understanding of the diagram above, the interpretation of the information of the
social environment is easier, in which that we are informed by the possible opportunities to
meet, see, and hear.

5. 2.0Background
2.1Asian Street Case Study: Rua Dos Mercadores, Macau
The development of Macau Peninsula has historically centered and expanded from Rua Dos
Mercadores, also called as Main Street or Macau Street. It was known as “Camp Street”
because back then in the Ming and Qing dynasty stationed their troops near Sam Kai Vui Kun
to protect themselves against pirates and overtaking of additional territory from the
Portuguese.
Primitive urban development in Macao followed the models of two civilisations coming into
contact with each other for the first time: the eastern and the western. In order to promote
social life, constitutes one of the principal socio-economic structures of humanity, and varies
according to models of civilisation.
Morphology
1834
Rua dos Mercadores
was formed from the
Rua Dereita(the first
main street) which acts
as the major spine for
the growth of Macau’s
urban form.
1889
Small lanes were
efficiently planned
and constructed.Roa
dos Mercadores then
extended down South
west while being
interconnected with
the new lanes
1952
Streets around Rua dos
Mercadores were more
structured.The street
borders Rua Central,
which acts as a center
of business,handicraft
and service industries
for local Chinese
community
2010
The main commercial
hub has shifted up north
to Avenida de Horta e
Costa. Rua dos
Mercadores still
functions as commercial
center with local
businesses selling
mainly food, medicine
and traditional herbs
Figure 3: Morphology diagram (Source:ProjectPartA, case study on Asian streets.

6. 2.2Local Street Site Analysis: Jalan Besar, Klang
The Local Street being analized is Jalan Besar, Klang. Jalan Besar is located at the South
Klang, known as one of the old town in Klang, as it was established as an early trading town
when the town was a bustling mining town. Jalan Stesen is lined with shophouses on both
side of the street that thrives with mix-used development, which varies from commercial to
residential to institutional.
Klang is considered to have the longest history marked here, dating back to before
Parameswara first founded Malacca in 1400. Klang’s history goes back to at least 2,000 years
and the river that flows through the town, Klang River, has been known to be the export route
of tin mined from the interior since ancient times.
Morphology
1800
Origin of Klang
started along the
Klang river as the
river is needed
for transportation
and basic needs
1961
Federal Highway
promotes a
higher usage of
vehicles. Some
old buildings are
built into higher
commercial
buildings
1901
Desire to control
Klang for tin mining
led to the Klang War
and most of the
settlements are
destroyed
1991
Booming
industrialization and
Federal highway
promotes a higher
usage of vehicles.
Figure 4: Morphology diagram (Source: Studio V Project 1, site analysis)

7. 3.0Analysis
Ros dos Mercadores, Macau
Jalan Besar, Klang
Figure 5: Site context& contactpoint (Source: ProjectPartA, case study on Asian streets.
Contact point 1- de Sau Paulo
Contact point 2- Calcuda Do Amparo
Contact point 3- 13 street
Contact point 4- Tv. Do Sorlano
Figure 6: Site context (source studio V,
project 1, Site analysis)
Contact point 1- Post Laju Klang
Lama
Contact point 2-
Contact point 3-
Contact point 4-
1
23

8. 3.1 Contact Point 1
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close frienship:
Friends coming out from a shop
Chance:
Tourist asking for directions from locals or
assistance in taking photo
Passive:
Series of different shop offer pedestrian an insight
Acquaintances:
Shop dweller maintaining contact with each other
Figure 7: Ruin of St. Paul’s (source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/randomwire/5485295597)
Contact Point 1
De Sau Paulo
Contact Intensity
Low to moderate
Recreational and social activities occurs in a finely
interwoven pattern makes the place attractive
Activities
Necessary:
Business activities
Optional:
Leisure activities (sight-seeing,photo taking, shopping,
food hunting)
Social:
Interaction with tourist
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
An opportunity to be with others in a relaxed and
undemanding way.

9. Contact Point 1
Figure 8: Post Laju Klang Lama (source: http://www.iuzira.com/2018/08/pos-laju-
versi-pejabat-pos-laju.html)
Contact Point 1
Post Laju Klang Lama
Contact Intensity
High
The only post office in Klang, where
majority of the dwellers in Klang will
come because of its service.
Activities
Necessary:
Multi-related services
Optional:
Waiting spot for people
Social:
Interaction between customers, locals
and workers
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
Publicly accessible space to the people.
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close friendship:
Meeting friends inside the post office, waiting for
someone
Chance:
Interaction between workers and customers
Passive:
Visual contact between people walking across
the street and people waiting at the pavement
Acquaintances:
Meeting between locals, workers and staff

10. Comparative Analysis
Landmark at midpoint
Contact point 1: De Sau Paulo & Post Laju Klang Lama
A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that
stands out from its near environment and is often visible from long distances. But remarkable
landmark is capable of clarifying the order of cities. Most of them glorify the streets by
drawing people into the cities; they do this by calling attention to the fact that they are
different from their neighbours, and important because they are different (Jacob,1989,p.384).
De Sau Paulo and Post Laju Klang Lama is located at the centre in its macro sit context,
which by default become a landmark at their respective streets. They don’t share a similar
typology, however, De Sau Paulo is popular for its significant historical and cultural value
toward its context, its religious built form and features is highly recognisable by not only the
locals but also tourists around the world. The Post Laju Klang Lama is a public utility
building because of its multi-related services. Since it is the only post office in Klang, it
draws all the local people to this place which simply suggest the possibility of maintaining
already established contacts. Unlike De Sau Paulo, whereby a high rate of passive contact
among tourists is being taken place in that streets.
In terms of outdoor activities, De Sau Paulo has more necessary activities compared to Post
Laju Klang Lama. The optional and social activities in De Sau Paulo is greater, business are
set up along the streets providing people colourful and attractive stimulation for action
(Gehl,2011,p.21), in contrast to Pos Laju Klang Lama, which is poor in experiences and dull
due to the which can scarcely avoid being poor in experiences and thus dull due to less in the
three types of activities.
To conclude the point above, although both are regarded as a landmark, there is a distinct
difference in the aspect of contact point. The people in De Sau Paulo tends to hang around
there for longer due to the stimulating experience, however, low-intensity contact is also a
situation from which other forms of contact can grow (Gehl,2011, p.19). There is a need for
stimulation at Pos Laju Klang Lama due to the unfavourable settings. But high intensity of
contact point contributed by the fact that the locals are maintaining established contacts. A
summary of observations and investigations shows that people and human activity are the
greatest object of attention and interest (Gehl,2011,p.29)

11. 3.2 Contact Point 2
Figure: (source: https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/street-art-macao/)
Contact Point 2
Calcuda Do Amparo
Contact Intensity
Poor
People attracted to the graffiti on walls
which lead them to a hidden alley with
creativities
Activities
Necessary:
Business activities
Optional:
Leisure activities
Social:
Passer-by, waiter serving customers
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
Human activities attract otherpeople.
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close friendship:
Outing and gathering
Chance:
Waiter introducing food to customer
Passive:
Passer-by
Acquaintances:
Greetings among shop owner

12. Contact Point 2
Figure: In-between passage from Jalan Besar to the back alley (source: Eric Lo)
Contact Point 2
In-between passage from Jalan
Besar to Back alley
Contact Intensity
Poor
Shortcut route to the back alley
Activities
Necessary:
Side entrance to shop houses
Optional:
Resting and talking point
Social:
Passer-by (worker, shop owner,
customer)
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
Opportunity to be with others in a
relaxed and undemanding way
due to narrow passage.
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close friendship:
Friend using the alleyway to the back alley
Chance:
Giving way to a strangerdue to narrow walkway
Passive:
Passer-by
Acquaintances:
Greetings among shop owner, workers and locals

13. Comparative Analysis
Alleyway
Contact point 2: Calcuda Do Amparo & in-between passage from Jalan Besar to back alley
Alley is a narrow passage behind or between buildings. They are often neglected due to its
biases reputation; crime hot spot, garbage and seeming accumulations of junk. However, the
alley can be an interesting meeting point for people.
In Jalan Besar, the in-between passage has a distinctive identity because it is used as a
shortcuts and access points for the people. The contact intensity of the alley in relatively low
due to the undeserved perception of danger, people tend to avoid using the alley as a means
of transitional space, plus the lack of graffiti would not be able to attract as much people
compared to Calcuda Do Amparo. The possibility of meeting neighbours and co-workers
often in connection with daily comings and goings implies a valuable opportunity to establish
and later maintain acquaintances in a relaxed and undemanding way (Gehl, 2011,p.19).
Hence, only passive contact will happen occasionally, but high intensity of contact can be
found in this narrow passage.
In the case of Calcuda Do Amparo, the murals and artwork were so detailed, unique and
colourful and they included paintings of human faces, animals, words, phrases and other
unique and interesting designs in so many vivid and bright colours, giving out a uniquely
stimulating experience. However, Jan Gehl argues that “Inevitably, life between buildings is
richer, more stimulating, and more rewarding than any combination of architectural ideas” (
Gehl,2011,p.22). It seems to be true because human activity are more relevant and intriguing
to look at in a long run in comparison with graffiti. But having graffiti in along the alley
would break the perception of danger because visually it welcomes all the ages group user
which provokes a sense of curiosity and interest to explore more.
A summary of observations and investigations shows that people and human activity are the
greatest object of attention and interest ( Gehl,2011,p.29). Therefore, the character of the
activities in a place plays an important role in creating a successful street because it influence
the opportunities of contact point. 1362

14. 3.3 Contact Point 3
Figure: 5 foot Walkway of Ruas das Esralagens street, Macasu. (source google map 2018)
Contact Point 3
5-foot walkway of Ruas das Esralagens
Contact Intensity
Moderate
Intersection point of 3 streets serves a
transition space for people
Activities
Necessary:
Business activities
Optional:
No optional activities
Social:
Shop owners and local community
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
Modest level of passive contact due to less
optional activities
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close friendship:
Friends coming out from a shop
Chance:
Business negotiation between vendorand customer
Passive:
The series of different shop offer pedestrian an insight
Acquaintances:
Shop dweller maintaining established contact

15. Contact Point 3
Figure: 5-footwalkway atthe corner ofthe shoplot, (source: EricLo)
Contact Point 3
5-foot walkway at the corner of the shoplot
Contact Intensity
High
Loyal customer, local and visitor often travel from nearby
parking facilities to Seng Huat Bak Ku Teh by passing
through this walkway.
Activities
Necessary:
Business activities
Optional:
Waiting and resting point
Social:
Shop owners, local community, Passer-by (worker, shop
owner, customer)
Human Behaviour Pattern
Activity Pattern
Functional:
A possible startingpointforcontactat otherlevels
Recreational:
Interaction Pattern
Close friendship:
Friends coming out from a shop
Chance:
Business negotiation between vendorand
customer
Passive:
The series of different shop offer pedestrian
an insight
Acquaintances:
Shop dweller maintaining established contact

16. Comparative Analysis
5-foot walkway
Contact point 3: 5-foot walkway of Ruas das Esralagens & 5-foot walkway at the corner of
the shoplot, Jalan Besar
The two streets contact points are meant to be primary forms of circulatory routes which
possess a clear boundary that isolates the public space (5-foot walkway and road) and the
privately-owned shophouses. However, it still promote some visual connectivity between the
public and private spaces. Along the walkway of Ruas das Esralagens, informal shades are
provided across the pedestrian walkway. Majority of the shading devices are unintended and
inconsistent, as a result, it is far less effective in comparison to 5-foot walkway at the corner of
the shoplot, Jalan Besar. With the open-to-one side pathway both established in Ruas das
Esralagens and Jalan Besar, the activity that is happening at the walkway provide opportunity
from people at the adjacent streets or walkway to see, the life on the sidewalk in front of the
cafe is the prime attraction (Gehl, 2011,p.27). Thus, it allows more stopping opportunities
along the path as it evokes curiosity of the pedestrians, therefore establishing “a direct
relationship to other people and to the surrounding social environment” (Gehl, 2011, p.28),
especially amongst the locals and visitors visiting the streets.
The two streets have very similar feature in terms of the scale and proportion. The main
differences between these two streets is the activities which has a direct influence on the contact
point. Modest level of passive contact due to less optional activities in Ruas das Esralagens,
the possibilities related to the low-intensity contact forms offered in public spaces perhaps can
best be described by the situation that exists if they are lacking (Gehl, 2011, p.17). Utilizing
the walkway as a primary form of circulatory route, it sharpen the boundaries between isolation
and contact.
Resonated with the discussion by Gehl, the likelihood of outdoor and social activity is highly
correlated to the quality of the outdoor space. In Klang, the arid climate with unbearable
amount of sunlight shining overhead discourages the occurrence of activities within the
outdoor setting as it brings discomfort to the human body. The five-foot walkway of Jalan
Besar provides ample shade from sun and cooler ambience as well as safety from the
vehicular traffic – resulting in a higher quality of space as compared to the partially-shaded
outdoor spaces along Escolta St which doesn’t keep the user avoid from vehicular traffic and
climatic elements. Hence, there is a greater tendency for pedestrians to have necessary
activities and gather in the five-foot walkway, potentially forming higher intensity of chance
contact instead of the passive contact common in city streets.