The document provides a comparative analysis of two streets - Jalan Sulaiman and Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz in Kajang, Malaysia and Samcheongdong Street in Seoul, South Korea. It analyzes factors like alleys, outdoor seating, built edges, paths and walkways based on Jan Gehl's theory of urban design. The alley in Samcheongdong Street is found to be more attractive due to its larger size, transparency and direction towards strong cultural destinations. Outdoor seating in both streets is deemed uncomfortable as pedestrians are exposed to surrounding traffic. Overall, the analysis examines how physical design influences human activity and comfort in public spaces.

1. Theories of Architecture and Urbanism (ARC61303)
Assignment 2 : Comparative Essay
Jalan Sulaiman, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, Kajang, Malaysia
Samcheongdong-gil, Seoul, South Korea
CARMEN CHAN SHEN WEN
0326485
TUTOR : DR. ILLIA

2. Table of Contents
Foreword
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Comparative Analysis
2.1 Alley as an Attraction
2.2 Quality of Outdoor Seating
2.3 Built Edges as Lingering Zones
2.4 Live Paths as Transitional Zones
2.5 Walkway as a Place to Stop
3.0 Conclusion
4.0 References

3. Foreword
In Jan Gehl’s Life Between Buildings, findings show that people and human activity are the
greatest attraction. (Gehl, 2011, p.29) It focuses on the quality of outdoor activities affected by
essential factors related to physical planning, particularly the planning of outdoor, public spaces.
This paper looks into the life between buildings in Samcheongdong Street, Seoul, South Korea
and Jalan Sulaiman and Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz in Kajang, Malaysia. This paper draws a
comparison analysis on both streets, using Jan Gehl’s theory as the reference base. It first
observes the activities and the interaction between public space and pedestrian. Then, it classifies
the details of planning of outdoor spaces from both sides and then further analyse its attention to
detail to conveying that experience to its pedestrians, based on its understanding of the human
behaviour and needs. From here, it is analysed that the outdoor spaces are influenced by factors
that include the treatment of alleys, treatment of edges and paths, quality of outdoor seatings and
treatment of walkways. Hence, this comparison studies the connection between the effect of these
physical spaces and the comfort and activity behaviour of pedestrians.

4. Jalan Sulaiman and part of Jalan Tun Abdul
Aziz share the same stretch of road. As one
enters this road, one will be greeted with
modern visual landmarks, such as the grand
scale, curvaceous Plaza Metro Kajang and
strikingly contract KFC fast food chain
restaurant, as well as the Medan Sate and
Wisma Kwan Siew Choo.
Towards the other half of this stretch is flanked
with steady rows of shophouses. The details of
the shophouses here show that it has seen the
choices and movements made by the lives of
people who once or is walking this street
("Singapore Shophouses", n.d.). One can
notice the development of the shophouses by
looking deeper into its historical layers built on
their facades.
Hence, looking at the overall, the more modern
landmarks have made a bold statement to the
site, marking a distinct border between the
modern and the traditional commercial
standards of built form.
The general activities circulating this site is
mainly services that serve everyday needs of
the locals, whether young or old. The activities
in the building have something for everyone.
Adding to the vibrant composition of the site is
the concentration of vehicular traffic, be it
motorcycles or cars. They enhance the hustle
and bustle of the overall site.
Overall, the stretch of street in Jalan Sulaiman
and Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz feels expected and
mundane. It is a site locals will not remember
specially but it is as familiar as one who will call
it home.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Street 1 :
Jalan Sulaiman, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, Kajang, Malaysia
Figure 1.1.1 : Land usage of Jalan Sulaiman and Jalan
Tun Abdul Aziz (coloured region). The layers represent
the various uses of the shophouses along this street.
(Isonometric diagram by Lee and Chan)

5. Morphology development studies of Jalan Sulaiman and Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz
1920s - when the street unites
Figure 1.1.2 shows development stage in 1920s.
During the anti Japanese war, state performances
and magazine publications were the popular forms
of expression. There was an advancement in
infrastructure when three new schools were erected
as a symbol of resilience against the Japanese.
1960s - when the street forms an
individual community
Figure 1.1.3 shows the post war anti colonial
movement in 1960s. This causes a resettlement to
the other side of the river, leading to a new set of
community institutions.
1980s - when the street boasts
hierarchy
Figure 1.1.4 shows development stage when the
New Economic Policy was introduced in the 1980s.
Administration and political opportunities
implemented an improved structure to organise the
site. Social hierarchy was also reorganised when
the rich towkays relocated to Kuala Lumpur, making
way for a new community called the new
commercial middle class.
2000s - when the street revives to
remember
Figure 1.1.5 shows clear organisation and zoning in
the 2000s. There is a clear border between the
administration, the residential and the commercial.
As an effort to appreciate the life of Kajang,
construction of new facilities such as modern rail
system - MRT and cultural destinations such as the
temple were introduced to awareness to bring
people to Kajang,
Legend :
Jalan Sulaiman, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz
(Figure ground diagram by Chan)

6. Samcheongdong Street is a vibrant street
designed to interact with pedestrians, whether
local or tourist. It currently flanked with
galleries, cafes, and attractive storefronts.
Some of which were housed in preserved
hanoks, a nod to their way of celebrating their
cultural history of urban growth ("SEOUL
Diaries: Things To Do in
SAMCHEONG-DONG", 2016) .
Before this street became a visual art tourist
hub, it was used to be a home for royal and
political engagements. This street is a reflection
of the authoritative influences and aftermaths.
One such example is the hanok which
struggled by liberation then acknowledgement
by the people today.
The current condition of the street makes a
distinct differentiation between the public and
the private, the commercial dominating the
street, while the more private dwellings
blending in with the surroundings to avoid
contact with strangers. This allows the
pedestrians to clearly read its urbanscape.
However the variety of the land use, the built
form is in consistency, which does not
overwhelm the users.
Overall, the street of Samcheongdong is one
that constantly entertains and brings new
attractions to both locals and tourists. It is a
place for possibilities of new friendships or
strengthening friendships.
1.2 Street 2 :
Samcheongdong Street
Figure 1.2.1 : Land usage of Samcheongdong Street
(coloured region). (Land use diagram by Lock and
Khoo)

7. Morphology development studies of Samcheongdong Street
1390s - when the street boasts
hierarchy
Figure 1.2.2 shows that this street existed way back
in the 1390s during the Joseon Dynasty. It was
home to the royal family and aristocrats.
1900s - when the street adapts
Figure 1.2.3 shows that in the 1900s during the fall
of Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese occupation, this
street saw the need for increased social and
commercial activities. With this, the huge land
circulating this street divided itself into small
residential areas housing these needs.
1930s - when the street liberates itself
Figure 1.2.4 shows when the Japanese surrendered
later in the 1930s, the traditional Hanok houses
were erected as a symbol of freedom. Here, one
can notice this street is almost filled with Hanoks on
both sides.
1990s - when the street loses its identity
Figure 1.2.5 shows that the Hanoks gradually
disappeared in 1990s to make way for a new
development of landscape, allowing the
construction of houses intended for multi families
under one roof each.
2000s - when the street revives to
remember
Figure 1.2.6 shows the modern thinking of 2000s,
when it saw the importance of appreciating history.
Hence, efforts to bring back Hanok and cultural art
were implemented heavily on this street, attracting
the younger generation to be aware of its history.
Figure ground diagram by Lock and Khoo

8. Overall, the morphological development of both
streets showed similar pattern of characteristics
and behavior which are influenced by the major
phases or events in their respective history.
This includes patterns affected by political,
authoritative control and also by the responses
by the locals who either unite, adapt, or
segregate depending on the events that
occured at that tie.
It can be analysed that the bigger form of figure
grounds on both streets mean an introduction
of modern landmarks. They have potential to
concentrate nodes to attract the pedestrians.
The organisation and consistent patterns of
figure ground is also analysed that the people
are aware of their intention on the design of
spaces.
Therefore, the response from this behaviour is
evident that it is influenced by the awareness of
the people, hence influencing the treatment of
the public spaces seen currently on these
streets.
Figure 1.3 shows an extract study of
different figure ground patterns
betweenJalan Sulaiman and
Samcheongdong street. (Figure
ground diagram by Chan)

9. 2.1 Alley as an Attraction
At Shoplot 23, 26 Jalan Sulaiman and Swarovski shop, Samcheongdong Street
Alleys provide alternative paths to circulate the site. In both streets, utilising its permeability,
alleys provide a different set of opportunities for optional and social activities (Gehl, 2011, p.12).
They are potential attractions for people depending the attractive views, the walking experience
and robustness.
Both alleys are similar by orienting to strong views. The alley in between Shoplot 23 and 26 in
Jalan Sulaiman leads one to another block of shophouses at Jalan Raja Haroun, with a tall
multipurpose office building closing at the end of the view line. Whereas the alley in
Samcheongdong Street leads one through the winding enclosure of an alley to the landmark,
which is the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. The views provided by both alleys are not closing
the view directly ahead of the pedestrian and not hindering the sight of landmark ahead. With this
positive providence of view, the pedestrians are able to efficiently utilise these alleys to navigate
themselves to get to their respective destinations. (Bentley, 1985, p.53)
The walking experience in the alley in Jalan Sulaiman is less comfortable than in
Samcheongdong Street. This observation is classified by factors such as width of paths and
textures of pavements and surfaces. Along Jalan Sulaiman, the alley has slightly elevated
walkways lining the sides of the shophouse, with vehicular traffic running in the middle. This forces
the pedestrian to walk in linear form. It is so narrow (650mm wide) that one can no longer stay and
meet to talk (Gehl, 2011, p.134). An abrupt change in pavement texture informs the pedestrian
instantly to walk cautiously along its path. It also disrupts the walking experience as it is not unified
with the other textures of pavements in the street. The pavement is built with porcelain tiles which
can be slippery when wet due to rain, hence, cause discomfort and risk in walking. (Gehl, 2011, p.
135).
In the alley next to Swarovski shop, the path is similarly leveled to the adjacent paths along the
vehicular traffic. The shape of the path is not in linear form, but in a winding form shaped by the
orientation and configuration of the buildings around them. Hence, the pedestrian has more
freedom to walk along the bigger width of this alley, without any disturbances by physical
obstacles affected by the design of the path.
The path of this alley is also similar in texture to the path near the vehicular traffic. Therefore, it
creates an undefined, flexible boundary between the public vehicular road and the more private
pedestrian friendly path. (Gehl, 2011, p.116)
Figure 2.1.1 : Alley leads to Jalan Raja
Haroun. (Sketch by Chan)
Figure 2.1.2 : Traditional details of Bukchon Hanok Village
create contrast with the modern buildings in the alley,
making a strong view point. (Sketch by Chan)

10. The alleys in both streets provide different level of robustness. The narrow pathway in between
the shophouses 23 and 26 of Jalan Sulaiman limits the pedestrian to only necessary walking. This
limited experience is also influenced by the lack of transparency in the side urban walls of the
shoplots, which have sealed built windows. Hence, the attractive features of this alley is narrowed
down to preferable shortcut, direct and occasionally looking out for traffic. (Gehl, 2011, p.137)
The bigger walking space of the alley next to Swarovski encourages the pedestrian to linger and
savour longer. Such optional activities include buying drinks and enjoying the view of the mountain
scenery, while gradually embarking up this alternative pathway to the traditional Bukchon Hanok
Village. The transparency in this alley is also inviting, with its ‘grand’ and interesting opening as an
entrance to a different experience of walking to the cultural destination. Passer-bys who are from
the pathways along the traffic are able to see and hear the activities occurring in this alleys easily
(Gehl, 2011, p.113).
Overall, the alley in Samcheongdong is more attractive than the alley in Jalan Sulaiman. This is
because the alley in Samcheongdong is directed to a stronger destination, therefore curating more
variety of experiences catered to a pedestrian’s entertainment and leisure.
Figure 2.1.3 : Difference in levels
of paths (Jalan Sulaiman) (Section diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.1.4 : Similar level
of paths (Samcheongdong Street) (Section diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.1.5 : The narrow path forces
one to walk in a strict linear route. (Plan
diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.1.6 : The winding path encourages one to
walk freely in whichever direction one wishes.
(Plan diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.1.7 : Missing windows along the side of the
walls that discourage transparency and activities for
contact. (Picture taken on courtesy of Google Street
View 2019)
Figure 2.1.8 : Open and transparent storefront encourage
variety of activity choices for the pedestrians. (Picture taken
on courtesy of Google Street View 2019)

11. 2.2 Quality of Outdoor Seating
At Wisma Kwan Siew Choo, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz, Smoothie King, Samcheongdong Street
In both streets, the demand for seating furniture is observed near vehicular traffic. The purpose of
seatings are also an attempt to compliment the business adjacent to their respective placement.
Attention to detail in strategic designing of seatings is evident in its placement, types used and
views.
Sitting experiences in both streets are proven uncomfortable. This is due to the placement of
seatings, which appear’ floating’ in the middle of a public space. The pedestrians’ backs are not
protected (Gehl, 2011, p.157). Traffic revolves around the pedestrians actively, with pedestrian
traffic at their rear or side, and the vehicular traffic directly in front of them (Gehl, 2011, p.157).
Therefore, the pedestrians feel vulnerable and exposed, turning the overall sitting experience into
a temporary one.
On the other hand, the arrangement of the seatings in both streets are in strict linearity. The
pedestrians at the end of the benches can swivel easily in their position to engage each other in
conversation, at the same time can have the choice to not talk to one another. (Bentley, 1985,
p.74)
Furthermore, the different types of seatings are identified to explain its suitability in
surrounding context (Gehl, 2011, p.157). At Wisma Kwan Siew Choo, secondary seating is
provided in the form of planter boxes. However, the edge of the planter box is improper for a
comfortable sitting position, causing the sitting experience to be brief.
The palm trees on the planter boxes create a contrast to the surrounding context, which is the
rigid and monotonous, repetitive form. The planter boxes become a visual marker, but without a
clear purpose that does not belong to any adjacent buildings. (Gehl, 2011, p.157). Hence, since
the seatings are situated so close to the edge of traffic, pedestrians utilise these planter boxes to
wait, turning the environment into a pickup, drop-off spot, a node. (Gehl, 2011, p.161)
Figure 2.2.1 shows how the choice of placement is not suitable as traffic is still circulating around the seatings.
The linear arrangement of seatings allow one to swivel in its sitting position to talk to another. (Plan diagram by
Chan)
Legends :
Traffic
Linear arrangement
Swivel movement
Seating
Points of contact
Smoothie
King
Wisma
Kwan
Siew
Choo
Figure 2.2.2 : At Wisma Kwan Siew Choo, the curvaceous, more flexible line elements from the palm trees do not suit
their direct surroundings, which is a more rigid, monotonous form of element. (Picture taken on courtesy of Google
Street View 2019)

12. Primary seating at Smoothie King is provided in the form of benches. These seatings are designed
to compliment the context in terms of colour, similar to the colours of the building directly behind
them. The benches come in interesting shapes, inviting the pedestrians to have fun with their
drinks while sitting comfortably on them. Therefore, unlike the seatings in Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz,
the benches are placed purposefully, as if they are owned by the building, supporting its purpose
of business.
Besides, the seatings at Wisma Kwan Siew Choo display weaker visual permeability compared
to the seatings at Smoothie King. The seatings at Wisma Kwan Siew Choo are oriented towards
the facade of Plaza Metro Kajang. This facade is perceived as low in richness in detail, due to its
overly plain, monotonous appearance and yet, at a grand scale, blocking out potential views of the
richness from other adjacent buildings within the viewer’s eye. Its lack of frontage transparency,
which is the glass window, is heavily blurred and reflected. This gives a sense of negative
overwhelming feeling for the sitter if he or she were to remain at the seating for a longer duration.
(Bentley, 1985, p.91)
Unlike Wisma Kwan Siew Choo, the seatings at Smoothie King are oriented to face a row of
shophouses with rich frontage appearances. Here, the visual appropriateness of the shophouses
allow the pedestrians to interpret and appreciate the surrounding context easily, merely by where
they sit (Bentley, 1985, p.77).
The richness in appearance of the shops are supported by its clear transparency in frontage which
exposes to the pedestrians to the activities and goods displayed within the shops (Bentley, 1985,
p.91).
Overall, although placement is not strategic, the seatings at Smoothie King is more efficient as
they are oriented to more positive views and choices of sitting positions and interactions from just
the way the pedestrians sit. This shows that the position of sitting relies more on a passive range
of interactions, such as observing people or display from afar and talking within one’s comfort
zone.
Figure 2.2.3 : At Smoothie King, seatings share the same shade of brown as the shop adjacent behind it,
making it seem the seatings belong to the shop. (Picture taken on courtesy of Google Street View 2019)
Figure 2.2.4 : Level of visual permeability influenced by the transparency of the facade which is directly ahead
of one’s view line, will affect one’s duration of sitting at the same spot. (Section diagram by Chan)
Wisma Kwan Siew Choo Smoothie King

13. 2.3 Built Edges as Lingering Zones
Along Plaza Metro Kajang in Jalan Sulaiman and Prime Minister’s Official Residence, Samcheongdong
In this analysis point, only one type of edge is the focus, to research the efficiency of a built in
edge that is one with the building. This shows if the thought in detail for the comfort of the
pedestrian to linger has successful results. The protection is provided, but there is still a good view
of activities (Gehl, 2011, p.151).
The edges by both buildings are similar in terms of design and form. The pedestrians would
operate optional activities, to sit and stand on the built in edge structures, or standalone furniture
available along the edge of both buildings. This shows that the built in edges are successful in
attracting pedestrians to linger. Therefore, this encourages growth of activities or business
spreading towards the public spaces beyond both the edges. (Gehl, 2011, p.150)
Figure 2.3.1 : The design of the built edges encourage a variety of optional activities on the public space. (Sketch
layering diagram by Chan)
Activity layer 1 : Sitting
Activity layer 2 :
Standing and leaning
Plaza Metro Kajang Prime Minister’s Official Residence
Plaza Metro Kajang Prime Minister’s Official Residence

14. Protective
barrier 1
Protective
barrier 2
Edge
Protective
barrier 1
Prime Minister’s Official
Residence
Edge
Protective
barrier 2b
Plaza Metro Kajang
Figure 2.3.5 shows that the
shrub barrier forces one
(orange) to move only to the
front of the sitter (red) to
talk.(Plan diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.3.4 : How layers of barriers in different
forms protect the pedestrian from unnecessary
view in both streets. (Section diagram by Chan)
The edges are also designed to provide comfort and security, however, in different methods.
Both edges are reinforced with different barrier features to hinder the pedestrian from the direct
view line. For Plaza Metro Kajang along Jalan Sulaiman, the protection barrier is cars lining the
edge (Bentley, 1985, p.71) while the public space next to the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in
Samcheongdong is secured by the people walking along the wide pedestrian path (protective
barrier 1).
The mentioned protective barriers lining the edges are also supported by devices that shield the
back or above the people. In Plaza Metro Kajang, a modern colonnade entrance (protective
barrier 2a) and individual promotional booths (protective barrier 2b) are implemented as a
half-shading devices to protect the pedestrians lingering directly below and next to it from the sun.
This allows the pedestrian to observe the activity around oneself while being unobserved (Gehl,
2011, p.151). Whereas for the edge along the Prime Minister’s Official Residence, the pedestrians’
backs are protected by the softscape of shrubs (protective barrier 2). This cause other people to
meet the sitting pedestrian only in front, allowing the pedestrian to be alert and react (Gehl, 2011,
p.147).
Overall, the built edges on both streets produce similar results depending on the aspects of the
environment. The built edges manage to orient the pedestrians to linger and engage in its
intention, whether commercial or social.
Figure 2.3.2 shows vehicles as a protection barrier
(red) for the pavement (orange) of Plaza Metro
Kajang. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View
2019)
Protective
barrier 2a
Figure 2.3.3 shows moving pedestrians (red) as protective
barrier ‘protecting’ the sitting pedestrians (orange) at the
public space next to Prime Minister’s Official Residence.

15. 2.4 Live Paths as Transitional Zones
Along Medan Sate, Jalan Sulaiman, Jalan Tun Abdul Aziz and Ji Sun Cafe, Samcheongdong
In this analysis, it is analysed that the pedestrians themselves define the path. The path for both
streets is seen as an attractive layer in similar layers of lanes. The public roads being the most
public lane with contact with strangers as the most exterior layer, followed by the middle layer
which is the pedestrian circulation lane with more contact with acquaintances and friends, lastly by
the most inner layer, which is a fully open upper deck (Ji Sun Cafe) or semi-enclosed (Medan
Sate) semi-public space (Gehl, 2011, p.49).
In this analysis, the circulation lane will be the focus of study that acts as a transitional zone. It is a
central zone and buffer layer in between the exterior and interior layer.
The circulation lane has the most constant contact frequency. In the analysis, both streets are
observed with pedestrians walking in both ways, creating possible relationships. This has shown
that the pedestrians themselves are the attraction. Their mundane optional activity of walking and
talking as they move along the circulation lane create a lively edge to bring in more people into the
eateries (Gehl, 2011, p.23).
Furthermore, the attractive factor of the live path is also supported with edges as vertical
buffering barriers. Both streets have designed their buffers differently. The circulation lane is
protected by columns, whereas the pedestrian lane is lined with wayside ginkgo trees but on the
other side a small garden platform.
Medan Sate -
Circulation lane -
5 foot
walkways
Ji Sun Cafe -
Circulation Lane -
Pavement and
pocket park
Eatery - Semi public Circulation
Lane
Vehicular
traffic -
Public road
Figure 2.4.1 : Circulation lane as a transitional live path between the public and the semi public.
(Section diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.4.2 : Column as built buffer (Medan
Sate)
(Section diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.4.3 : Tree as natural buffer (Ji Sun Cafe)
(Section diagram by Chan)

16. The design factor of the buffer barriers are observed to enhance the transitional experience. They
create soft edges lining the transitional zone while encouraging involvement and curiousity due to
its visual permeability from outside (Vliet, 2014, p.1) The transitional edge in Medan Sate is very
direct. It brings the pedestrian instantly from the shaded circulation lane right into the food court.
Whereas for Ji Sun Cafe, it can be that the soft edge layers create a bigger narrative for an
entrance. Firstly, it utilises trees to attract pedestrians from public roads, then into the second layer
of soft edges which is the garden at the same level as the circulation lane. This creates a better
flow between the indoor Ji Sun Cafe and the outdoor amenity lane, where the activities of drinking
and reading can also pour out from within the cafe towards outdoors to the little garden (Gehl,
2011, p.187).
Overall, both paths are efficiently defined by the live features, which is the pedestrians. They are
perceived as channels by the observers but as an inviting penetrable barrier to transit pedestrians
from the busy vehicular road to the comforting interior of a public eatery. (Lynch, 1960, p.41)
Figure 2.4.4 shows how intense the live paths transit one from the public main road to the semi
public eatery. (Isonometric diagram by Chan)
Medan Sate
- direct transition with simple gesture
Ji Sun Cafe
- more dramatic transition with
detailed gesture

17. Like the locals, the walkways are not understood as width of space, but a certain space (Izumida,
2005, p.4). The walkways are channels for the pedestrians to move along while observing the
image of the street (Lynch, 1960, p.41). The walkways analysed here do not have elements that
directly obstruct walkability but elements define and enliven the public space.
The lively pedestrian walkway is achieved by the structure of the shops which achieve similar
results in both streets. At ground floor, commercial uses spill out towards the front in the form of
display of goods. These structure is efficient in benefiting from interacting the people in the public
walkways (Bentley, 1985, p.167). Here, they encourage people to stop and walk while window
shopping, making the walkways lively (Gehl, 2011, p.77).
The duration of stay for both streets are also similar in nature. The first factor that influence this
is the transparency of shop fronts. Observations show the issue with a few shophouses - with
glass fronts vacant types, and those shielded by sun shades along Jalan Sulaiman display the
fewest stops (Gehl, 2011, p.28).
Whereas some of shops along the elevated walkway in Samcheongdong display blank retaining
walls directly at eye level of the pedestrians. At first impression, this boring facade will force the
pedestrians to keep walking instead of stopping.
PRIVATE
PUBLIC
2.5 Walkway as a Place to Stop
Along Five foot Walkways through Shophouses at Jalan Sulaiman and Elevated Walkway, Samcheongdong
Samcheongdong Jalan Sulaiman
Figure 2.5.1 : Similar structure of a shop in both streets (Section diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.5.2 : Blind facades (grayscale) keep the pedestrians away.
(Photo collage by Chan, photo courtesy of Khoo)
Figure 2.5.3 : Retaining walls are blank facades at first impression due to its position at eye level.
(Photo courtesy of Google Street View 2019)
Translucent glass
fronts
Sun
shade
Vacant/closed
storefront

18. This has resulted in these building examples not ‘giving’ back to the public space, making the
space not suitable for pausing and occasionally inhibiting contact between pedestrian and shop
owner (Gehl, 2011, p.26), thus potentially not boosting business opportunities (Davies, n.d.,
p.90).
The other factor is the difference in levels. The elevated walkway in Samcheongdong is more
uncomfortable to walk through compared to the five-foot walkways along Jalan Sulaiman.
In Jalan Sulaiman, the level is consistent along the five-foot walkways, making it easy to walk
through without disturbances. Whereas in Samcheongdong, one end of the walkway is a ramp,
which is a more preferable to lead pedestrians up and down, whether by foot, or wheels. However,
on the other end of the walkway is staircases. Additionally, throughout the walkway, most of the
shops require one to embark up a long flight of staircases to enter shops. The frequent variation of
levels affect comfort in the experience of walking right at the beginning (Gehl, 2011, p.145).
Overall, the five foot walkway in Jalan Sulaiman has better walkability at this contact point. This
emphasises on the comfort of walking by ensuring the paths are at similar levels instead of varying
ones, which obstruct potential attractive views at eye level and convenience of entering a shop.
Figure 2.5.4 : Level is consistent along the row of shophouses in Jalan Sulaiman, ideal for comfortable walking.
(Elevation diagram by Chan)
Figure 2.5.5 shows an extraction of elements that compare between uncomfortable and comfortable experiences
throughout the lane in Samcheongdong. It is shown that a bigger percentage of uncomfortable elements that
include steep staircases and blank facades make this a lane that does not encourage one to ‘pause’ and enjoy
one’s surroundings. (Isonometric layering diagram by Chan)
Elements that
discourage pause
and forces
continuous, hurried
walking
Elements that
encourage walking
while pausing
Overall proportion
between
uncomfortable
walking and
comfortable walking

19. 3.0 Conclusion
Throughout this comparative analysis, the design of outdoor public spaces in both streets stressed
on the reliance on two legibility, the paths - alleys and walkways, and edges - lively or built in.
These legibility display the overall importance to create the impression of the street, because it
influence the quality of spaces for pedestrians to either stay and enjoy or keep walking by.
It is also evident that designing legibility requires a relationship with the designing of details. This
is shown in the attempt to create successful, attractive spaces for pedestrians to stay. The
demands for comfort and security result in the providence of public seating, sun shading and soft,
permeable edges.
It is analysed that with the implementation of these details influence the resulting experience of
optional activities. From the aspect of the individual experience with the public outdoor space
itself, the details have more success with the position of sitting and standing due to it being on a
similar level, rather than the movement of walking due to varying levels or width of paths.
However, the movement of walking has a winning point from the perspective of the individual
observing the outdoor space from afar due to design of edges.
Besides designing for optional activities, the design process also involves the need for contact. It
is analysed that the pedestrians has a wide variety of contacts, from interacting with shop owners,
to friends and family members, to strangers in the form of passengers in cars. It is analysed that
the pedestrians themselves can explore with the choice of engaging another person in contact or
not, and this is influenced by the design of the public space to either encourage or inhibit the
choice of contact.
From this, the interdependent relationship between legibility, detail and pedestrian behaviour is
essential because it affects the attraction and flexibility of the public space, either from personal
experience to stay at that space to merely observing the vibrancy of the place.
Therefore, the ability to assemble these elements together and to appreciate the nature of this
interdependent relationship is essential to create a good outdoor public space, which, in turn, will
compose the sense of place of the overall street.

20. 4.0 References
Books
Bentley, I. (1985). Responsive Environments. Routledge.
Davies, L. Urban Design Copendium.
Gehl, J. (2011). Life between buildings.
Lynch, K. (1960). Image of the City. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.
Journals
Izumida, H. (2005). Kaki Lima or Five Foot Walkways as Contesting Space between European
and Asian Values.
Vliet, H. (2014). Restorative Biophilic Design.
Websites
북촌. Retrieved from http://hanok.seoul.go.kr/front/kor/town/town01.do
SEOUL Diaries: Things To Do in SAMCHEONG-DONG. (2016). Retrieved from
https://missuety.com/seoul-diaries-things-to-do-in-samcheongdong/
Singapore Shophouses. Retrieved from https://roots.sg/learn/stories/singapore-shophouses/story