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THE APPLICATION OF GREEN NEIGHBOURHOOD
DESIGN IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CASE STUDY: THE BREEZEWAY, DESA PARKCITY, SENTUL-MANJALARA
ATHIRAH NAJIHAH BINTI ZAINAL
CENTRE OF STUDIES FOR TOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY OF ARCHITECHTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA PUNCAK ALAM
JULY 2016
CENTRE OF STUDIES FOR TOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNING FACULTY OF ARCHITECHTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA PUNCAK ALAM
JULY 2016
Hereby recommended Thesis submitted
By
ATHIRAH NAJIHAH BINTI ZAINAL
Title
THE APPLICATION OF GREEN NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CASE STUDY: THE BREEEWAY DESA PARKCITY, SENTUL-MANJALARA
Thesis Submitted in Partial of the Requirement for the Degree of Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (Hons.)
Supervisor : Prof Dr Dasimah bt Omar …………………… Coordinator : Mr. Mohd Zamreen Mohd Amin …………………... Head Centre of Studies : Dr. Siti Mazwin bt Kamaruddin ……………………
THE APPLICATION OF GREEN NEIGHBOURHOOD
DESIGN IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CASE STUDY: THE BREEZEWAY, DESA PARKCITY, SENTUL-MANJALARA
By
ATHIRAH NAJIHAH BT ZAINAL
CENTRE OF STUDIES FOR TOWN AND REGIONAL PLANNING
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA PUNCAK ALAM
JULY 2016
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
“In The Name of Allah S.W.T, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful”
Alhamdulillah, Praise be to Allah S.W.T for the blessed, this study is successfully
completed within the time. Sincere appreciation and gratitude is dedicated to my
beloved parents, Encik Zainal bin Arifin and Puan Zaidah binti Ishak and also to other
family members who always support and pray for my success the years. Next, a
million thankful dedicated to my supervisor, Prof Dr Dasimah bt Omar who has been
very kind, helpful and being so supportive during the period of this study. Millions of
thanks for sharing the knowledge and supervision throughout the session and may
Allah SWT only able to reply and reward it. Special thank and sincere appreciation
also goes to Head for Center of Town and Regional Planning Studies, Dr. Siti
Mazwin binti Kamaruddin and Thesis Coordinator, En Mohd Zamreen Mohd Amin
and to all lecturers of Town and Regional Planning Department, Faculty of
Architecture, Planning and Surveying UiTM Puncak Alam who have given me
guidance and support. High appreciation and millions of thanks goes to all my
beloved friends who have been supporting and helping me to successfully complete
this final study. Finally, thank you to all of you involved in assisting until the
completion of this final year study either directly or indirectly. May Allah SWT needed
or reply to all those good deeds.
ii
ABSTRACT
Environmental issues are serious challenge of the 21st century. Climate change and
rising energy prices bring the need to seriously consider the way cities designed. In
fact, cities now find themselves at the very centre of the “Green Revolution” as one of
the main components for achieving sustainability. As a result, several urban
initiatives are being put forward to make cities greener, healthier and more eco-
friendly. One of these is the concept of “Green neighbourhoods”, which is probably
the very first attempt to connect urban sustainability principles with micro-level
community planning. Green neighbourhoods are designated as such by using
various indicators well beyond traditional variables such as vegetation cover and the
size of parks. Green neighbourhoods are broadly defined as being moderately
dense, mixed-use, designed at a human scale, active and public transportation
oriented and literally “green”. The main emphasis is placed on sustainable
transportation and proximity to a diversity of services and amenities, in short, those
elements which make neighbourhoods liveable places to live, work and play. In green
neighbourhoods, the urban fabric allows for people to rely primarily on active and
public transportation. The first benefits of green neighbourhoods is the
environmental. As environmental awareness grows and people are seeking healthier
lifestyle, the creation of green neighbourhoods becomes a promising solution for the
city of the 21st century.
iii
LIST OF CONTENTS
Pages
Acknowledgement i
Abstract ii
List of Contents iii
List of Tables vi
List of Figures vii
List of Photos viii
List of Abbreviations x
List of Appendices xi
CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Problem Statements 2
1.3 Aim of Study 3
1.4 Objectives 3
1.5 Scopes of Study 4
1.6 Methodology 5
1.7 Significance of the Study 7
1.8 Study Background 8
1.9 Work Schedule 9
1.10 Conclusion 10
CHAPTER 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction 11
2.2 Neighbourhood 11
2.2.1 Definition of Neighbour 11
2.2.2 Definition of Neighbourhood 11
2.2.3 Types of Neighbourhood 14
2.3 Definition of Green 18
2.4 Green Neighbourhood 18
2.4.1 Definition of Green Neighbourhood 18
2.4.2 Basic Concept of Green Neighbourhood 21
iv
2.4.3 General Guidelines of Green Neighbourhood
Design
25
2.4.4 Importance of Green Neighbourhood Concept 34
2.5 Conclusion 35
CHAPTER 3.0 STUDY AREA
3.1 Introduction 36
3.2 Background of Sentul-Manjalara 37
3.3 Administration 38
3.4 Background of Study Area 40
3.4.2 Accessibility 44
3.4.2 Socio-economic on Sites and Surroundings 44
3.4.3 Facilities and Infrastructures 44
3.4.4 Landscape 45
3.4.5 Development Concept 46
3.4.6 Surrounding Landuse 46
3.5 Conclusion 47
CHAPTER 4.0 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction 48
4.2 Data Collection 49
4.2.1 Questionnaires 49
4.2.2 Observation Technique 50
4.2.2.1 Observation Analysis 50
4.3 Respondents’ Profile 64
4.4 Walkability and Connectivity 66
4.5 Safe Neighbourhood 69
4.6 Public Open Space 71
4.7 Green Network 73
4.8 Green Infrastructure 75
4.9 Mean Analysis 77
4.9.1 Overall Mean Analysis 78
4.9.2 Findings of Mean Analysis 81
4.10 Issues and Problems 87
4.11 Findings 87
4.12 Conclusion 90
v
CHAPTER 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction 91
5.2 General Proposal 92
5.2.1 Walkability and Connectivity 92
5.2.2 Safe Neighbourhood 96
5.3 Local Authorities 98
5.4 Conclusion 99
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Pages
Table 1. 1 : Work schedule 9
Table 3. 1 : Kuala Lumpur administrative area 39
Table 4. 1 : Respondents gender and age 64
Table 4. 2 : Occupation of respondents 65
Table 4. 3 : Period of living of respondents at the study area 65
Table 4. 4 : Walkability and connectivity 66
Table 4. 5 : Safe neighbourhood 69
Table 4. 6 : Public open space 71
Table 4. 7 : Green network 73
Table 4. 8 : Types of Green Infrastructure available at study area 75
Table 4. 9 : Green infrastructure 77
Table 4. 10 : Likert items 77
Table 4. 11 : Overall mean score analysis 78
Table 4. 12 : Scales of likert items 81
Table 4. 13 : Walkability and connectivity average mean score 81
Table 4. 14 : Safe neighbourhood average mean score 83
Table 4. 15 : Public open space average mean score 83
Table 4. 16 : Green network dimension average mean score 85
Table 4. 17 : Green infrastructure dimension mean score 86
Table 5. 1 : Example of checklist for local authorities and developers 99
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
Pages
Figure 1.1 : Methodology 5
Figure 3. 1 : Key Plan of Study Area 41
Figure 3. 2 : Kuala Lumpur Administrative Area 42
Figure 3. 3 : Study Area 43
Figure 4. 1 : Walkability Plan 52
Figure 4. 2 : Connectivity Plan 53
Figure 4. 3 : Safe environment plan 58
Figure 4. 4 : Public open space plan 60
Figure 4. 5 : Green network plan 62
Figure 4. 6 : Location of public open space 72
Figure 4. 7 : Location of public open space 80
viii
LIST OF PHOTOS
Pages
Photo 2. 1 : Example of rain water harvesting 29
Photo 2. 2 : Example of rain garden 30
Photo 2. 3 : Example of planter boxes 30
Photo 2. 4 : Example of permeable pavement 31
Photo 2. 5 : Example of green streets and alleys 31
Photo 2. 6 : Example of green parking 32
Photo 2. 7 : Example of green roof 32
Photo 2. 8 : Example tree canopy 33
Photo 3.1 : DBKL boundaries 39
Photo 4. 1 : Connected walkways 50
Photo 4. 2 : Pedestrian walkways in Desa Parkcity 51
Photo 4. 3 : Guardhouse The Breezeway, Desa Parkcity 54
Photo 4. 4 : See-through gate around The Breezeway, Desa
Parkcity
55
Photo 4. 5 : Transparent fencing at the park 55
Photo 4. 6 : CCTV located at the edge of gate 55
Photo 4. 7 : Fences design has visibility 56
Photo 4. 8 : Fences design has visibility 56
Photo 4. 9 : Example of signage 57
Photo 4. 10 : Public open space at study area 59
Photo 4. 11 : Green network at study area 61
Photo 4. 12 : Footpaths are well-maintained 65
Photo 4. 13: Pedestrian connected to commercial area 67
Photo 4. 14 : Pedestrian connected to housing area 68
Photo 4. 15 : Walkers and bikers can be seen through see-through
gate
70
Photo 4.16 : See through fences 70
Photo 4. 17: Residential is accessible by pedestrian walkways 74
Photo 4. 18: School is accessible by pedestrian walkways 74
Photo 4. 19 : Trees planted give safety and social benefit as well as
shading
75
Photo 4.20: Planter or tree boxes at the study area 76
Photo 4.21: Permeable pavement at car park lot 76
ix
Photo 4.22 : Connectivity of footpaths and walkways 82
Photo 4.23 : Pubic open space that is located within walking
distance
84
Photo 4.24 : Green network gives shade to the walkers 85
Photo 4.25 : Green network act as landscape and give image to the
study area
86
Photo 4.26 : Well-maintained green infrastructure on building wall
86
x
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
DBKL : Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
CPTED : Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
xi
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A : Observation Form
Appendix B : Survey Form
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Environmental issues are the main challenge of 21st century. Climate change and
rising energy prices bring the need to completely reconsider how cities are designed.
One of the main components to achieve sustainability is the implementation of
„Green Revolution‟ concept in the development of cities. To overcome the challenge,
several urban initiatives are being put forward to make cities greener, healthier and
more eco-friendly. One of the steps is the concept of „Green Neighbourhood‟ which is
probably the very first attempt to connect urban sustainability principles with micro-
level community planning (Jonathon, 2011).
Green neighbourhoods are designated as such by using various indicators well
beyond traditional variables such as vegetation shelter and the size of parks. Green
neighbourhoods are mostly defined as being moderately dense, mixed-use, designed
at a human scale, active and public transportation oriented and exactly “green”. The
main emphasis is placed on sustainable transportation and closeness to a diversity of
services and amenities, in short, those elements which make neighbourhoods
liveable places to live, work and play (Jonathon, 2011).
2
1.2 Problem Statements
The challenges that Malaysia facing in the new millennium is not only in providing
affordable housing for everyone, but also in providing good and quality housing and
facilities in order to sustain the environment where people can live and work in
harmony.
i. Environmental issues in housing context
From the perspective of housing development, environmental
concerns are focused on the provision on the provision of healthy,
safe, supportive living environment that is sustainable within the
natural environment. There is an emphasis on resource conservation
and pollution prevention, both in providing the built environment of
home and supporting the way people live within environment
(Jonathan, 2011).
ii. Urban sprawl and health
Urban sprawl causes decreasing of liveability, due to lack of
walkability or bike ability and increased traffic. Some housing
developments are not public facilities friendly as place located far from
the public transport location, and there are no complete streets where
sidewalks and bicycle accommodations are ample. People should
obtain their exercise naturally, walking and biking everywhere and
playing actively in the outdoors. Since in the edges of the most cities,
the abundant open space is fenced into back yards, people don‟t have
much of an opportunity to interact with nature‟s streams (Jonathan,
2011).
iii. Climate change and pollution
Cities will be strongly affected by changing weather patterns and are
not well protected against extreme weather events such as flooding.
Urban areas are responsible for the majority of all greenhouse gas
emissions, primarily from transportation, building heating or cooling
and industry. There has been a marked increase in fuel consumed for
urban transportation, leading to greater impact on the environment
and human health. Gains from the efficient engine technology and
3
emission controls have been offset by the increasing number of
vehicles, greater distances travelled and increasing vehicle size
(Jonathan, 2011).
iv. Lack of safety in neighbourhood area
Many of housing developments nowadays do not emphasize on the
safety issues of the neighbourhood area. Real safety should belong
everywhere. There are lack of programs that support families and
connect neighbours by building and protecting spaces and
opportunities where children can thrive and neighbours can promote
fellowship, solve problems, build trust and heal (Jonathan, 2011).
1.3 Aim of Study
The aim is to study the application of Green Neighbourhood design in housing
development.
1.4 Objectives
The objectives are:
i. To study the walkability and connectivity in neighbourhood area.
ii. To study the application of safe neighbourhood concept in
neighbourhood area.
iii. To identify the provision of public open space in neighbourhood
area.
iv. To identify the availability of green network in neighbourhood area.
v. To identify the provision of green infrastructure in neighbourhood
area.
4
1.5 Scopes of Study
i. Walkability and connectivity
This study will identify the provision of pedestrian walkways that
interconnected and accessible to all amenities and services, the walking
distance to the destination and amenities and the provision of public
transportation.
ii. Safe neighbourhood
Identify the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) in designing a green neighbourhood.
iii. Public open space
This study will identify the provision of public open space according to the
guideline and the location of the public open space.
iv. Green network
This study will identify the availability of planting strips and street trees and
the neighbourhood farming plot and home „green plots‟.
v. Green infrastructure
This study will identify the provision of green infrastructure through using
natural method such as permeable paver, roof top garden and others.
5
1.6 Methodology
The method of the study is categorised into theoretical and empirical aspects. Each
aspect contains several steps involved in the study process. The flow is:
Figure 1. 1 : Methodology
Define Problem Statement and
Issues
Formation of
aim, objectives and scopes of
study
Theoretical study
Data collection
Primary Data
Observation
Field study
Questionnaire
Secondary Data
Related journal or
article
From technical
department
Department report
Data analysis
Formation of proposal
Conclusion
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
6
First Stage: Identify the Problem Statement and Objectives
The first stage mainly concentrates on identifying the problem statement, the
objectives, significance, scope and limitations of the study. The idea for the problem
statement was taken from observations, recent media coverage.
Second Stage: Theoretical Research
The second stage is the theoretical review. In this stage, the study emphasizes on
gathering theories that are relevant to the study. The focus for this stage is to
understand the key issues mentioned in this study.
The relevant materials for the literature review are academic publications, books,
dissertations, journals, government agencies reports and publications. These
materials will assist in understanding the background of the study from various
perspectives.
Third Stage: Data Collection
There are two types of data which have been gathered to gain a better understanding
for this study. In order to achieve the first objective, the primary data will be collected
from respondents; meanwhile, the census and other data are gathered from the
relevant government agencies, including DBKL and others.
Primary Data
The primary data for the studies have been collected through field surveys, through
questionnaires given to the residents of study area. In order to achieve the
objectives, the list of questionnaires used for this interview is attached in Appendix.
The feedback of the questionnaires will provide a clearer picture of Green
Neighbourhood concept.
Secondary data
Secondary data for the studies are collected from related agencies such as Kuala
Lumpur City Hall and Perdana Park City. The secondary data is needed to support
the research.
Fourth Stage: Analysis and Findings
At this stage, the data and information collected from the third stage will be analyse
and selected to gather the relevant data for the study. In order to achieve the first
objectives of the study, three types of analysis will be performed: the Frequency
Analysis, Cross-Tabulation Analysis and Mean Analysis. On the other hand, in order
to achieve the objectives of the study, the data derived from the structured interviews
and open-ended questionnaires, the study utilized the quantifying method.
7
Fifth Stage: Suggestions, Recommendations and Conclusion
The outcome of the analysis will be used for a final discussion regarding to the
concept of Green Neighbourhood. Suggestions and recommendations from would
also be stated at this stage. The suggestions and recommendations are related to
the concept and the conclusion is to tie up the relationship between the problem
statement and objectives of the study.
1.7 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study is particularly important in the provision of housing that
emphasizes the environmental issues. The study outcome indirectly will be able to
give and clear understanding of the Green Neighbourhood concept in developing
housing neighbourhood. This is study is also important because it will provide
exposure and early predictions about ways to reduce the environmental issues that
arise.
8
1.8 Study Background
The Breezeway, Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur, covering 7.3 acres of prime freehold
land, is one of the fastest growing and best-selling master planned communities in
the nation. Located in the affluent north-western district of Kuala Lumpur, The
Breezway Desa Park City is a place where people live, work and play. Major
highways, such as the Damansara-Puchong Highway, the Middle Ring Road 2 and
the Penchala Link provide quick and convenient access to important destinations in
Kuala Lumpur and its surroundings.
According to the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, the study area is located in Sentul-
Manjalara. Sentul –Manjalara located near to Selangor boundaries. Menjalara will be
created as a new district center is located in the north of the proposed site and the
existing residential tenants Traditional Village is located in the eastern part. Existing
residential area is in Menjalara and Sentul developed around neighborhood centers
and mixed with large-scale industrial area (Perdana Park City, 2010).
The Breezeway, a landmark project of The Desa ParkCity TownCenter, offers a
secure, gated neighborhood in the midst of a hub. Imprinted with tranquil courtyards,
linear parks and recreational facilities. The site area is 7.3 acres and the main
development is a terraced housing 3 and 3 ½ storey and 25-storey condominium
developed for stratified. There are a total of 215 residential units consisting of 32
units was 3 ½ floors, 44 units and 139 units of 3-storey 25-storey apartment. In
addition, other components are covered parking, parking podium that houses the car
park and facilities for residents and open spaces (Perdana Park City, 2010).
9
1.9 Work Schedule
Table 1. 1 : Work schedule
MONTH MAY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 – JANUARY
2016 MARCH – JULY 2016
ITEMS WEEK
Synopsis of research Introduction Research Background Aim Objectives Scopes Methodology Significance of Study
TOPIC PRESENTATION
LITERATURE REVIEW Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Chapter 4 Chapter 5
FINAL
PRESENTATION
10
1.10 Conclusion
The environmental issues the world is facing require innovative solutions beyond
mere technological progress. Designing more sustainable cities, where walking,
cycling, skateboarding and public transportation become the main means of transport
in daily life is one of them. Green neighbourhoods are a step to take to achieve this
goal. Furthermore, as environmental awareness grows and people are seeking
healthier lifestyle, the creation of green neighbourhoods becomes a promising
solution for the city of the 21st century.
11
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter will review theories from articles, journal from websites and books. All
the relevant and related information are being reviewed and detailed as many as
possible in order to generate ideas of the study. The articles and books had been
reviewed could help in producing the questionnaire for survey to achieve the study
objectives. All the materials are related to the topic application of Green
Neighbourhood design in housing development. The first section of this chapter will
define the keywords of green, neighbour, neighbourhood unit, and green
neighbourhood. Next section will briefly explain about the guidelines to create a
green neighbourhood unit.
11
2.2 Neighbourhood
2.2.1 Definition of Neighbour
According to Oxford Dictionary, neighbours are referred to a person living near or
next door to the speaker or person. Neighbour also a person or place in relation to
the others near or next to it. Oxford Dictionary also defines a neighbour as any
person in need of one‟s help or kindness. In terms of language or etymology, came
from neighbouring Arab language, meaning people who live next door or neighbours
(Mustafa Haji Daud, 2010). In terms of terminology neighbours are the people who
live next to the house, next to the village, district and even greater than that of the
adjacent neighbouring countries. Neighbours also mean that members of the 40
houses that surround every corner of individual houses.
2.2.2 Definition of Neighbourhood
According to (The Young Neighbourhood, 2007), neighbourhood is defined as a
ultra-local communities of place. Most people naturally understand the meaning of
the neighbourhood by the shape of neighbourly interactions, mutual support,
gathering places and friendly and interactive environment. Meanwhile, “bad
neighbourhood” is defined in opposite way such as danger, anti-social interaction,
exclusiveness, separation and neglect. The Young Neighbourhood highlighted that
there are no consensus answer to the meaning of “neighbourhood” because it rich of
descriptions of combining a variety of physical and social characteristics. The policy
makers are dealing with the challenges to empower the local communities by
describing the meaning of neighbourhood, which they have to deal with a street of
100 people or a ward of 10,000 people. The article also emphasised that it is
necessary to understand the scales, characteristics, and the dynamics of the
neighbourhood to set a framework for targeted and effective action. Otherwise, policy
makers will run the public disappointment and policy failure. In some areas, even the
quasi-“natural” boundaries of geography or community already exist, the best policy
definition of neighbourhood still indefinable.
12
(Schwirian, 2012) has pointed out that the definitions of neighbourhood involve to
general component, which are physical and social. To be specifically, the basic
elements of a neighbourhood are people, place, interaction system, shared
identification and public symbols. After putting the elements together, Schiwirian
defined a neighbourhood as a population living in an identifiable section of a city
whose members are organised into general interaction network of formal and
informal bonds and express their common identification with the area in public
symbols. Differ from neighbourhood, a residential area has few or no patterned
relations among residents. Somehow, residential areas may become
neighbourhoods and neighbourhoods may become residential areas depends on the
viability and extent of the network of social relationships among residents.
Meanwhile, (Wilson, 2010) defined neighbourhood as a place where the daily
practice of live happens. Neighbourhoods are geographical units that are important to
people‟s lives, where people connect these living environments to their identity and
thus neighbourhoods become personally meaningful. Basically, neighbourhoods
create and form communities and the residents share the same experiences. Wilson
added neighbourhoods play such a big role in forming community and social
networks as it creates the background for people‟s life stories. They leave lasting
impressions on residents about what life is like and what social problems exist in a
living community. The sociological perspective of the concept of neighbourhood is
used to understand the crime in some places. The geography of the neighbourhood
provides framework within which to observe and analyse the problems that occur.
With a geographic framework, the neighbourhood becomes the focal point for
residents, business, visitors, and the government to take action and resolve problem
using immediate and practical solutions.
The United States Green Council‟s LEED (2010) defines a neighbourhood as an area
of houses, employment, retail and public places and their close environment that
residents and employees identify with in terms of social and economic attitudes,
lifestyles and institutions. Meanwhile, Jenks (2008) described a neighbourhood as
comprising both the physical and social elements representing themselves, who live
in particular area.
13
Clarence A. Perry’s Conception of the Neighbourhood Unit
Perry described the neighbourhood unit as that populated area which would require
and support an elementary school with an enrolment of between 1,000 and 1,200
pupils. This would mean a population of between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Developed
as a low density dwelling district with a population of 10 families per acre, the
neighbourhood unit would occupy about 160 acres and have a shape which would
render it unnecessary for any child to walk a distance of more than one-quarter mile
to school. About 10 per cent of the area would be allocated to recreation, and
through traffic arteries would be confined to the surrounding streets, internal streets
being limited to service access for residents of the neighbourhood. The unit would be
served by shopping facilities, churches, and a library, and a community centre, the
latter being located in conjunction with the school (Gallion, 2011).
Perry outlined six basic principles of good neighbourhood design. As may be
understood, these core principles were organised around several institutional, social
and physical design ideals (Gallion, 2011).
i- Major arterials and through traffic routes should not pass through residential
neighbourhoods. Instead these streets should provide boundaries of the
neighbourhood
ii- Interior street patterns should be designed and constructed through use of
cul-de-sacs, curved layout and light duty surfacing so as to encourage a
quiet, safe and low volume traffic movement and preservation of the
residential atmosphere
iii- The population of the neighbourhood should be that which is required to
support its elementary school.
iv- The neighbourhood focal point should be the elementary school centrally
located on a common or green, along with other institutions that have service
areas coincident with the neighbourhood boundaries.
v- The radius of the neighbourhood should be a maximum of one quarter mile
thus precluding a walk of more than that distance for any elementary school
child.
vi- Shopping districts should be sited at the edge of neighbourhoods preferably
at major street intersections.
14
2.2.3 Types of Neighbourhood
i. Traditional neighbourhood design
Traditional Neighbourhood Design (TND) is one of the concept of residential
neighbourhoods that is designed in small, early 20th century villages and
neighbourhoods. TND‟s design were considered by one or two family homes on
small lots, narrow front yards with front porches and gardens, detached garages
in backyard, walk able to the own greens or village squares. TND is said to
provide an alternative to weak subdivisions and suburban sprawl. This
neighbourhood concept also apply compact, pedestrian-oriented neighbourhoods
with mix of commercial and residential uses, variety types of housing and public
places where people have opportunities to socialize and involve in community
life. In contrast, most contemporary development is considered by coordination to
the automobile, separation of land uses and low concentrations. In TND design,
the automobile is still accommodated, with sufficient parking and well-organized
circulation, but it not damaging the landscape (Preiss & Shapiro, 2012).
In Malaysia, a village is called „Kampong‟. A „Kampong‟ located outside
constructed up areas and generally have around 100 houses. In some cases, a
„kampong‟ can have as few as 10 houses. Those houses usually made of hard
timber and wooden beams, and sit on timber or concrete stilts, are located close
to each other. Some „kampong‟ houses however are scattered and combined
with paddy fields, rubber smallholdings or palm oil plantations. In terms of
planning and development control, these houses are generally located on
agricultural land and therefore do not require planning permission (Suharto, n.d).
ii. Piecemeal development
According to Oxford Dictionary, development that occurs in a piecemeal way
normally exists in parts which add to the bigger development. In residential
development planning, this refers to houses which are developed in a piecemeal
way and adds to the existing clusters of neighbourhood development. In the
Canadian experience, such piecemeal development fits the description of small
scale residential construction on a vacant lot or a series of lots adjacent to
existing residential development (IBI Group, 2011). Such development can take
form of duplex, triplex or quadruplet on a single lot or single family houses or
townhouses on a number of lots. These provide potential buyers with a variety of
15
options, vitality, viability and access to existing facilities such as schools, parks
and emergency services.
With regard to the Malaysian circumstance, piecemeal residential developments
take the form of blocks or clusters of houses that are developed in stages on a
vacant land or a series of vacant lots, by different developers at different times.
Each stage of development takes place with proper planning approval and
conditions set by the local planning authority. In terms of location, piecemeal
developments take place within the city fringe or suburbs. The main reasons are
the ready market for the developments and the opportunity to utilize existing
facilities and amenities available within the existing adjacent or nearby
neighbourhood.
A significant amount of vacant land exists within urban residential zones in
Malaysia. Under the country‟s National Land Code (Government of Malaysia,
2010) local authorities cannot force landowners to develop such land, unless the
landowner wishes to do so. The majority of the land is owned either individually
or by developer companies. Such land is retained for various reasons including
for business speculation, as land banks for future development when the time
comes, or to be the land be developed as whole (Zulkarnain, 2011). When all the
majority of the land has been fully developed for residential use, the local
authority is required to allocate spaces for the provision of amenities.
The different between piecemeal developments with the general concept of infill
development is that it does not have the formal objectives of infill development,
which give attention to create a complete, well-functioning neighbourhood, and
with attention to the essential design element that fits the existing context, in
order to gain neighbourhood acceptance (Listokin, 2010). Piecemeal
development is not see as a desirable because it is considered as lacking the
overall planning of the neighbourhood. For example, by developing in a
piecemeal way, the entire neighbourhood is devoid of optimum provision of
amenities. However, it is argued that with a proper planning, piecemeal
development can still become a well-functioning residential development and
provide opportunities for residents to live close to existing amenities and
workplace as well as providing better support for local commercial establishment
(IBI Group, 2011).
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iii. Subdivision development
Most local ordinances define subdivision as the division of land into two or more
parcels, whether for immediate or future use (Shellharbour City Council, 2012). In
the case of residential subdivisions, it refers to the division of two or more
residential lots, permitting the construction of buildings as stipulated in the
building codes. Residential subdivision take a number of different forms, ranging
from large lot subdivisions (more than 4.0 ha), standard minimum sub division
(0.27 ha) (Austin, 2014), or small lot subdivisions (smaller than 450 sqm)
(Shellharbour City Council, 2014). People may be purchase the residential lots
from developers who sub-divide unimproved parcels of land into building lots, and
provide within-subdivision infrastructure (Thorsnes, 2010), including streets,
sewers and water lines (McDermott,2010).
Typical lot sizes for subdivision developments, however, vary between countries;
they range between minimum one-eighth of an acre for standard subdivision in
Malaysia to half acre lots in Australia. In terms of layout, standards subdivisions
usually involve sub-dividing a site with the primary goal of maximising the number
of lots of the minimum size according to local regulations (Pelchar, 2010).
However, it is often argued that such arrangements often disregard of the site‟s
original nature features.
In the case of Malaysia, subdivision developments are generally located within
suburban areas. In contrast to the western definition of subdivision generally
refers to lot parcels with buildings, residential subdivision in Malaysia typically
consists of vacant lot parcels with basic infrastructure such as road, sewerage,
drainage, water and electricity supply. Individual parcel owners or buyers are
responsible to build their dream houses according to their own designs. They are
also responsible to get all necessary documentations and approvals prior to
building the houses. A standard form of subdivision is represented by small of
measuring 20 meters by 30 meters or slightly smaller in areas of high
development pressures or of higher land prices. The major providers of
subdivision lots are the local authorities and individual landowners who subdivide
their land into small residential parcels and sell them individually (Pelchar, 2010).
The appeal of subdivision developments belongs to its low-density arrangements
that offer attractive, rural-style living and added privacy. In terms of general
building regulations, subdivision developments have a standard on the
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developable area that ensures adequate spacing between neighbouring structure
and access. A number of general regulations are regarded as similar between
countries, such flexible house designs and compliance with the standard building
and safety regulations. This form of developments must also comply with other
general regulations including lot size and layout, open space and infrastructure
and utility provision (Pelchar, 2010).
iv. Master-planned development
Master-planned development (MPDs) are defined as large scale integrated
housing developments on large tracts of undeveloped, suburban greenfield land,
with mixed housing types, landscape and recreational, commercial and service
facilities (ULI, 2010). It is developed based on „a mechanism of planning control
over an entire project site, underpinned by a particular vision for the completed
development‟ (Gwyther, 2010). Located on the growth frontier of city fringe, they
sometimes occur on renewal or infill sites, whose essential features include a
definable boundary and fairly uniform character, and with the provision of
physical and social infrastructure (Goodman & Doughlas, 2012).
In Malaysia, the development of master-planned developments did not begin until
the late 1990s, following rapid urbanization and a surge in demand for housing.
Such development is also called a new township development. It is usually built
by master developer on greenfield areas, including on ex-oil palm plantations.
The master developer advances the MPD in stages, based on pre-drawn master
plans of the respective local authorities. The overall size MPDs in Malaysia,
between 100 hectares and 500 hectares, is smaller in comparison to those in
Australia or the USA but the components are generally similar (Gwyther, 2010).
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2.3 Definition of Green
In science context, green is the term for any application of science, knowledge or
technology towards improving the relationship between human technology
involvement and the effect on environment and natural resources. Widely, it can
cover many different ranges of technology and human development (Andy Soos,
2011).In terms of living and working environment, green is simple approach of trying
to live harmony with nature (Fressco, 2013). To achieve that statement, Fressco said
it is necessary to start affecting change in renovating or building new neighbourhood
area or building. Lots of developers and organisations have laid the basic of green
approach to make the development greener. Resources on this earth is limited,
therefore managing their use is a must in order to preserve our quality life. Home,
car, manufactures are changing to “green”. Eco-friendly has becoming a trend.
Developments are now driving force for many consumers to buy “greener” and save
money (Guffey, 2011).
2.4 Green Neighbourhood
2.4.1 Definition of Green Neighbourhood
According to Town and Country Planning (2012), Green Neighbourhood is define as
a neighbourhood that is integrated planned with priority given to the protection and
use of natural resources, application of green technology, green and recycling
practices, which aim to preserve the environment, improving public health, safety and
general welfare of the inhabitants of the city. It is a neighbourhood unit that has a
variety of green consumption and has medium density, including variety range of
use, designed for men and prioritise pedestrian walk which covers sidewalks and
congested roads. The buildings are designed on the human scale and road design is
oriented to the need of pedestrians.
This neighbourhood has elements of „green‟, including the network of corridors and
green space planted with greenery along the way, including the planting of landscape
on lot or private space, including green roofs. The buildings are typically „green
building‟ in which construction is environmentally friendly. Infrastructure available in
this neighbourhood is as usual, for example of low-impact storm water management
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to the district energy system (Town and Country Planning, 2012).Green
Neighbourhoods are designated as such by using various indicators well beyond
traditional variables such as vegetation cover and the size of parks. Green
Neighbourhoods are broadly defined as being moderately dense, mixed-use,
designed at a human scale, active and public transportation oriented and literally
“green”. The main emphasis is placed on sustainable transportation and proximity to
a diversity of services and amenities, in short, those elements which make
neighbourhoods liveable places to live, work and play (Town and Country Planning,
2012).
Meanwhile, according to Jonathon (2011), green neighbourhoods are designated by
various indicators better that traditional variables such as vegetation cover and the
size parks. Jonathon defines Green Neighbourhoods as being moderate dense,
mixed-used, designed at human scale, active and public transportation oriented and
exactly “green”. Jonathon (2011) added, Green Neighbourhoods allow people to rely
primarily on active and public transportation in urban area. Variety of housing types
are offer and population is socially and economically mixed. Green Neighbourhoods
also include green infrastructure such as rain water recycling, green energy
production systems and green buildings. The most important indicator is sustainable
transportation and proximity to a diversity of services and amenities. These elements
make the neighbourhoods liveable places to work, live and play for the residents.
Green Neighbourhood concept gives benefit to the environmental. Research shown
that Green Neighbourhoods could reduce greenhouse emissions averagely by 30%
per person due to the clean means of transportation (Jonathon, 2011). Green
Neighbourhoods also improve health issues because the residents tend to be more
active by walking, cycling and less driving. However, green neighbourhood concept is
hard to be implemented in urban area. Location plays a big role in implementing this
concept. Area that far from commercial streets, employment centres and most
facilities and amenities is most likely to become green neighbourhood. But still,
actions can be taken to make place greener regardless of the location (Jonathan,
2011).
A first step taken to implement Green Neighbourhood is to build a hands-on process
to find creative ways to promote efficient transportation. Improvement of the public
realm, residential densification, introduction of new proximity services and the
organisation of local events and activities should be emphasised. Active and healthy
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neighbourhood such as Green Neighbourhood has proven in identifying safety issues
and fences to active transportation in the public realm an proposes design
improvement strategies.
Meanwhile, Jonathon (2011) highlighted that designing more sustainable cities,
where walking, cycling and public transportation become the main means of transport
in daily life is innovative solutions to face the environmental issues. He added, as the
environmental awareness grows, people are seeking healthier lifestyle green
neighbourhoods are promising solution for the problems. The aim of implementation
of Green Neighbourhood concept is to create low carbon society through application
of green technology, change of lifestyle and recycle in daily life.
According to Scottish Government (2010), a low carbon society will reduce the
amount of energy people need to use in homes, public buildings and others. It helps
to reduce levels of fuel poverty. Low carbon uses will improve public spaces and
improve public health by reducing traffic pollution, increasing active travel and
increasing forest cover, especially in and around urban areas. Tree planting, peat
land restoration and increasingly sustainable land use will also benefit the
biodiversity. Green Neighbourhood concept makes the development able to be
labelled as environmental friendly development. This aim can be implement in
developing green building. Karlenzig (2011) defines green building as process which
creates buildings and supporting infrastructure that minimizes the use of resources,
reduces harmful effects on environment and provides healthier environments for
people. Green building has become an increasingly popular method since modern
green building movement began early 1990s. It can be used as a method of
development for market rate and affordable developments as it includes variety of
factors, including increase the energy price, resource limitations, health concerns for
low income people and increase awareness of the integrated nature of the built and
natural environments. For residents, green housing can provide long-term cost
savings and offer a healthier and calmer indoor environment for residents. Somehow,
providing green building could be challenging to the housing developers as it has
higher initial investment costs, contractor capacity and access, added complexity,
local regulations and lack of understanding and awareness with green products,
systems and the development process (Bradshaw, 2010).
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Moreover, green neighbourhood concept is aimed to generate demand for the
concept of sustainable development in the property market. Robert (2010) defines
sustainable development as ability to ensure development meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of upcoming generations to meet their own
needs. In the environmental context, sustainable environment maintain a stable
resource base, avoiding over-exploitation of renewable resource system or
environmental sick functions, and reducing non-renewable resources only to the
extent that investment is made in sufficient replacements. This includes preservation
of biodiversity, atmospheric stability and other ecosystem functions According to
Javid (2010), the Smart Location and Linkage criteria characterises green
neighbourhood advancement as urban infill, brownfield redevelopment, or to a great
extent urban situated advancement. An intelligent and legitimate push to battle
unsustainable sprawl and Greenfield advancement, its pre-imperative could be risky
for a few activities that may not be genuinely urban but rather may not add to sprawl
either. He added, in different parts of neighbourhood development identified with
urban configuration, particular outline ideas that have picked up prevalence recently
have been distinguished as being supportable or green.
2.4.2 Basic Concept of Green Neighbourhood
According to Green Neighbourhood Guideline (2012) basic concepts of green
neighbourhood are:
i. Passive design of a neighbourhood unit
Passive design of a neighbourhood unit emphasise the balance of
development also surrounding that is can lead to high quality of life and safety
Passive design also can be implemented by creating green corridors and
continuous green network that allocate more green area in the
neighbourhood. Green network is greening up the neighbourhood and
improving, connecting, merging and spreading natural area (Park & Open
Space Information, n.d).
The green network offers an interconnected system of green space areas.
This includes provision for recreation and walkways or cycle ways.
Biodiversity and ecological value of waterways will be enhanced by providing
adjacent to waterways. Access to the green network might be at the front gate
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or at the back yard. The hedge or garden may connect with other neighbours
and the trees down the street might lead to a park which borders a stream.A
quality life can be enhanced through creating a continuous accessibility
through the provision of walking and cycling paths and implementation of
„walkability‟ concept. „Walkability‟ describes the environment as walking-
friendly. Factors that are related to the network include multiple routes,
shortest distance, slope, presence sidewalks, bike lanes and bike paths, the
amount of motorized vehicle traffic, pavement and sidewalk quality.
Most sustainable and active forms of transport can be attained from walking
ad cycling. Many of our daily trips are short and can be walked or cycled. A
walk able environment is significant to support good public transport because
all public transport users are pedestrians at the beginning and end of their
trips. The potential catchment of public transport services can be increased
by creating neighbourhoods that are easy and safe to walk in. Therefore, the
walking and cycling network should be primary to the design of
neighbourhoods (NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 2011).
In developing a green neighbourhood unit, mixed-use development is seek to
create pedestrian friendly environments with a variety of uses that enable the
residents to live, work, play and shop in one place. Mixed-use development
and multi-use building include several different uses that work together and
share infrastructure, utilities and public amenities. Compared to single use
development, mixed-use development has higher in density. There are three
types of mixed use buildings which are:
a) Vertical mixed use buildings
Vertical mixed use buildings are combination of different uses
within the same building. Generally, the lower floor of the building
utilize by commercial meanwhile residential located above part of
the building.
b) Horizontal mixed-use site
Horizontal mixed use site is defined as single-use buildings on
area parcels in a range of land uses within one planned
development project.
c) Mixed-use walk able areas
Mixed-use walk able areas combine vertical and horizontal mix
uses in an area within an approximately 10 minute walking
distance to central activities.
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Generally, using mixed-use development and multi-use buildings is more
efficient of land use and infrastructure. In this concept, retail use and
residential uses share parking facilities because peak hour parking do not
overlap significantly. Residents living in apartments above retail
establishments help reduce potential for vandalism because for all intents and
purposes there are no off-hours. Encourage the integration of natural
elements with traditional technologies such as rainwater harvesting system at
home that only involve low costs and many benefits is also one of the concept
of creating passive design of a neighbourhood unit.
Rainwater harvesting is a technology used to collect and store rainwater from
rooftops, land surfaces or rock catchments. It usually use techniques like jars
and pots as well as engineered techniques. This technology is significant for
the application of rainwater as water resources and has few negative
environmental impacts compared to other technologies for water resources
development. Rainwater can be used for many purposes because it relatively
clean and quality is acceptable.
Next is, encourage passive building design through the use of natural
elements such as solar lighting and wind direction. Passive design is a design
used in building architecture to minimise energy consumption and thermal
performance of building elements. The aim of using passive design is to fully
eliminate fossil fuel-based energy consumption and to maintain resident
comfort at all times. Even though the aim may not be achieved, using passive
design approach to the fullest degree possible will lower building energy use
(Passive Design Toolkit,2010). For example, a home‟s orientation, elevation,
room layout, materials and surrounding outdoor landscaping are all contribute
to the passive solar design. It incorporates the use of windows, walls and floor
to collect, store and distribute solar energy in the form of heat. (US
Department of Energy, 2011).
ii. Implementing the concept practices Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R)
In a green neighbourhood, it not only refers to methods of managing waste,
but also refers to how a resource or element that can be recycled or reused
so that the life cycle of the resource or element can be fully utilised. Reduce,
reuse and recycle is a concept that people starting to apply in everyday life.
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This concept is use to maintain sustainable life. The concept of reduce is use
to remain productive by reducing the intake of energy and materials.
Meanwhile the concept of reuse is applied reinventing items after using it and
avoiding additional waste by all means necessary. In other words, one item
can be used more than once. Recycling is the process of turning items that
has been used into a valuable resource.
Even though the process includes many steps, but it begins with taking items
such as cans, glass, newspapers or plastics to a recycle bin. If people often
take part in this practice, the easier the entire process will be to conserve the
world. This affluence will create a higher demand for recycled products and
will be more incentive for large companies and corporations to use and buy
recycled products, making the entire process more successful and free. The
idea of reduce, reuse, recycle are just the beginning in preserving the
environment, but extremely essential in ensuring the success of conservation.
iii. Implementation of green technology
Green technology is defined as a product or equipment systems that are less
polluting conserve energy and natural resources and is able to promote the
resources that can be renewed. Somehow the technology is costly to run and
do not enough to meet the needs of 2015 consumption. JPBD has been
encouraging the use of green technologies to support the development of
green neighbourhood.
According to Brill, A. (2012), in simple word, green technology means the
technology which is environmentally friendly, developed and used in such a
way and does not disturb the environment and conserves natural resources.
Green technology also referred as environmental technology and clean
technology. The purpose of this technology is to reduce global warming and
greenhouse effect. In general, it also states less harm to human, animal, and
plant health, as well as damage to the world.
Example of green technology includes solar energy, wind energy, ocean
energy, energy conservation and others. With the help of technology,
pollution can be reduced and improve the cleanliness as well as helping the
environment immediate recoup from pollution.
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2.4.3 General Guidelines of Green Neighbourhood Design
Department of Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia (2012) have come
out with general guidelines of green neighbourhood that includes elements of a green
neighbourhood unit. The elements include:
i. Walkability and connectivity
Network walkway comprehensive and sustainable should be made available
from residential to public facilities, the focal point of community and service,
transit facilities and recreational areas. Connectivity on the neighbourhood
scale is about connectivity within neighbourhoods. It is about the paths and
connections from building to building, from lot to lot, and from block to block
Ease walkways need to be supported with green rope and security elements,
as well as comply with barrier-free design for use by persons with disabilities
(PWDs). The walkway is necessary to ensure that a sustainable system with
the existing road network and which is being planned in the future. In addition,
the layout of facilities and public services in a green neighbourhood to be
within walking distance of 400 meters (Town and Country Planning
Peninsular Malaysia, 2012).
ii. Creating a transit facility in the near distance
The provision of transit systems is one of the essential requirements in
encouraging people to use public transport, thus can reduce the use of
private vehicles. Facilities near the transit system and close to the
neighbourhood, it would be easy for the public to use. It must be planned as a
whole, easily accessible to the population and supported by facilities such as
the itinerary, the waiting area comfortable and practical for all groups, and is
designed to limit the maximum time to wait for 15 minutes to connect the
neighbourhood with the internal destination to another neighbourhood (Town
and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia, 2012)
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iii. Green network
Green network system starting at the front of the housing so that the planting
of trees along the roadside and extensive network of green spaces such as
parks and public spaces. The green networks must be connected from the
green infrastructure and open space that together form an integrated and
multi-functional network. Other than that, the neighbourhood can be created
as an alternative to food safety as well as other social benefits (Town and
Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia, 2012).
According to Inverclyde Local Development Plan (2014), green network must
include the green and blue element of the natural and build environments.
The connection should provide benefits without being connected. Green
elements include parks, woodlands, trees, play spaces, allotments,
community growing space playing fields, gardens and others. Meanwhile blue
elements include rivers, wetlands, ponds, lakes and others.
iv. Mixed-use development
Green neighbourhood offers a variety of homes for all groups, institutions,
shops, offices, business, community and recreational facilities to the people to
carry out daily activities (Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia,
2012).
According to Jacobs (2009), uses can be mixed horizontally in adjacent
buildings or vertically in the same building, as long as the uses are well
integrated. An example of vertical mixed-use would be apartments occupying
the upper floors of a building that has retail on the ground floor. An office
building adjacent to restaurants and shops sharing a parking lot with
interconnected entrances is an example of a horizontally combined mixed-use
project.
Jacobs added that the mixed use of development could give benefit to the
public and environment. To the public, it can increase housing, employment,
business and investment choice, bringing together and integrating different
land uses and activities, making them readily accessible in one location, the
creation of interesting and vibrant streets through the diversification of
activities and more efficient use of public infrastructure.
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Meanwhile for the environment, mixed use development is more efficient use
of land and reduced car dependency and opportunity to incorporate new
environmentally sensitive „green‟ technologies.
v. High density
Medium and high density are strongly encouraged in a green neighbourhood,
to exploit land resources, save room for the provision of infrastructure and
utilities as it can be shared with other neighbourhoods, in addition to support
facilities and public transport transit system in order to ensure development
the feasible. Thus, the low density is not suitable for implementation in a
green neighbourhood as it was not feasible for the provision of public
transport, services, etc. The proposed gross density in a neighbourhood
green is between 30 to 500 people per hectare (12 to 202 persons per acre)
(Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia, 2012).
vi. Neighbourhoods safe environment
Use 'crime prevention through environmental design' during the planning and
designing of green neighbourhood to reduce crime. Diane Zahm (2007)
explained that the basis of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) is that proper design and effective use of the built environment can
decrease the incidence and fear of crime. This in turn leads to increases in
the quality of life. Neighbourhood safe environment is one in which the
residents has the freedom to pursue daily activities without feeling fear. In
Green Neighbourhood, neighbourhood safe environment achieved through
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
In contrast to the approach of addressing crime concerns by implementing
visually affronting security or target hardening measures such as locks, hard
barriers, security gates, security patrols and others, CPTED promotes high
quality and visually pleasing solutions as first responses that aim to enhance
the legitimate use of space. CPTED can be applied without interfering with
the normal use of the space. It is easy to apply and can be economical to
implement, especially if it is done early at the planning and design stages of a
project. There are four principles of CPTED which are natural surveillance
natural access control, territorial reinforcement, maintenance and
management (Diane Zahm, 2007).
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Legibility is a design that allow people easily know where they are and how to
get to where there are going. At the study area, the built environment are
designed, detailed and managed to make them legible for residents,
especially the pedestrians. Territoriality is a design strategy that realises that
physical design can create or extend a sphere of influence so that users
develop a sense of proprietorship or territoriality. Territorial means showing
that the community “owns” the neighbourhood. In success of CPTED, the
sense of “ownership” of the public realm and other parts of the built
environment must be achieved. Therefore it is important for the individual of
the community to care about the place, how they are and what happens in
them. Thus, management of the public and private space is important to
create the sense of “ownership”.
vii. Application of green technology in building construction and infrastructure
facilities preparation
All buildings constructed to meet the requirements and are encouraged to
seek certification Green Building Index (GBI) or other building rating system.
The application of green technology in the construction of buildings and
infrastructure facilities could reduce environmental pollution through carbon
reduction. In addition, energy can also be used more efficiently by using
green technology (Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia, 2012).
Green infrastructure is cost effective, strong approach in managing weather
impacts in the same time could provide community benefits. In urban areas,
storm water runoff is major cause of water pollution. When the rain falls on
roofs, streets or parking lots in cities, the water cannot soak into the ground.
The storm water normally carries trash, bacteria, heavy metals and other
pollutants from urban landscape. This scenario can cause erosion and
flooding in urban streams, damaging habitat, property and infrastructure.
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Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils and other elements to restore
some of the natural processes required to manage water and healthier urban
environments. There are few examples of green infrastructures that can be
installed such as rain water harvesting, rain garden, planter boxes, permeable
pavements, green streets and alleys, green parking, green roofs, urban tree
canopy and others.
a. Rain water harvesting
Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainfall for later usage.
When designed appropriately, they slow and decrease runoff and
provide a source of water. This practice could be particularly valuable
in dry regions, where it could reduce demands on increasingly limited
water supplies.
Photo 2. 1 : Example of rain water harvesting Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
b. Rain garden
Rain gardens are adaptable features that can be installed in almost
any unpaved space. Also known as bio retention, or bio infiltration,
cells, they are thin, vegetated basins that collect and absorb runoff
from rooftops, sidewalks, and streets.
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Photo 2. 2 : Example of rain garden Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
c. Planter boxes
Planter boxes are urban rain gardens with vertical walls and either
open or closed bottoms. They collect and absorb runoff from
sidewalks, parking lots, and streets and are ideal for space-limited
sites in dense urban areas and as a streetscaping element.
Photo 2. 3 : Example of planter boxes Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
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d. Permeable pavements
Permeable pavements infiltrate, treat, or store rainwater where it
falls. They can be made of pervious concrete, permeable tar, or
permeable interlocking pavers. This practice could be particularly cost
effective where land values are high and flooding is a problem.
Photo 2. 4 : Example of permeable pavement Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
e. Green streets and alleys
Green streets and alleys are created by mixing green infrastructure
elements into their design to store, permeate, and evapotranspire
storm water. Permeable pavement, bio swales, planter boxes, and
trees are among the elements that can be knit into street or alley
design.
Photo 2. 5 : Example of green streets and alleys Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
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f. Green parking
Many green infrastructure elements can be effortlessly integrated into
parking lot designs. Permeable pavements can be installed in sections
of a lot and rain gardens and bio swales can be included in medians
and along the parking lot perimeter. Benefits include modifying the
urban heat island and a more walk able built environment.
Photo 2. 6 : Example of green parking Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
g. Green roofs
Green roofs are covered with growing plants and vegetation that
enable rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration of stored water. They
are particularly cost-effective in dense urban areas where land values
are high and on large industrial or office buildings where storm water
management costs are likely to be high.
Photo 2. 7 : Example of green roof
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h. Urban tree canopy
Trees decrease and slow storm water by intercepting precipitation in
their leaves and branches. Many cities have set tree canopy goals to
restore some of the benefits of trees that were lost when the areas
were developed. Homeowners, businesses, and community groups
can participate in planting and maintaining trees throughout the urban
environment.
Photo 2. 8 : Example tree canopy Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
viii. Selection and site planning neighbourhoods green
Site selection and planning of the best green neighbourhood is extremely
important, especially during the assessment made green neighbourhood.
Step-by-step selection and site planning green neighbourhood (Town and
Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia, 2012).
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ix. Green community network
Encourage the establishment of networks of community involvement and
interaction in the process of design and planning through community and
social media discourse (Town and Country Planning Peninsular Malaysia,
2012).
According to Green Communities Canada (2008), green community is
community-based and totally non-profit environmental organizations that
achieve environmental results by organizing community partnerships and
giving practical services and advice. The communities work to create
ecologically sustainable world by helping to conserve resources, prevent
pollution, and protect and enhancing natural ecological processes. The
community develops its own mix of programs and services, based on local
needs, priorities, opportunities, inspiration and initiative.
2.4.4 Importance of Green Neighbourhood Concept
In Green Neighbourhoods, the urban fabric allows for people to rely primarily on
active and public transportation. The housing stock offers a variety of house types
and population is socially and economically mixed. Green neighbourhoods can also
include green infrastructure such as green buildings, rainwater recycling and green
energy production systems (Jonathan, 2011).
The first benefits of Green Neighbourhoods are environmental. Research has shown
that Green Neighbourhoods reduce greenhouse emissions by 20 to 40% per person
primarily because of the use of clean means of transportation. Green
Neighbourhoods also contribute to the enhancement of public health issues, such as
obesity, because their residents tend to be more active and drive less. Green
Neighbourhood initiatives are by the way often used to develop a culture of active
transportation, especially among children, in communities (Jonathan, 2011).
Green neighbourhoods, however, are rarely built from scratch. In fact, location plays
a central role. Inner city neighbourhoods, which are a short distance away from
commercial streets, employment centres and most amenities, are much more likely
to become green neighbourhoods than those in low-density car-reliant suburbs. But
still, actions can be taken to make a place genuinely “greener” regardless of the
location (Jonathan, 2011).
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2.5 Conclusion
According to the article, books, report and others document has briefly mention
meaning of neighbourhood, green, and green neighbourhood. All the element will be
guide and review to do a research and data collection at the site area. The article will
be reviewed and compared with the local situation to make sure the sustainability of
the article. This research will study about the application of Green Neighbourhood
design in housing development in The Breezeway, Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur.
This research contains five chapters that will analyse the topic and will define the
problem statement and follow the main objective.
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CHAPTER 3
STUDY AREA
3.1 Introduction
Case study is a research methodology that focuses on understanding the dynamics
present in a management situation. There are many definitions of case research and
these definitions encompass a wide range of definitional components. A case study,
however, is compatible with many data sources, and therefore hard to posit in a
system of strategies. In case studies several data sources are used.
In this chapter, a study area is chosen. The selection of the study area is determined
based on the criteria and potential areas to carry out the studies that have been
identified. All research needs to be analysed in the study area to obtain the
necessary data and information. The study area for this chapter is The Breezeway,
Desa Park City. The Breezeway is one of the developments of Desa Park City.
Details about the study area such as the background, accessibility, facilities and
amenities, landscape, administration and others will be included in this chapter.
Further discussion will explain more details on that area and this study will assist in
providing an initial overview to the users as well as the information required to
perform the analysis and recommendations.
37
3.2 Background of Sentul-Manjalara
The zone is defined in the north by the boundary of Kuala Lumpur which separates
the City from the town of Batu Caves, Selangor. The Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway
forms the eastern boundary of the zone while the New Klang Valley Expressway
demarcates the southern boundary. The population in 2000 was 297,595 and is
projected to be 445,000 by 2020. The employment in 2000 was 83,829 and is
projected to grow to 211,717 over the next 20 years (Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020,
2015).
To the north the terrain is generally level and crossed by Sungai Kemunsing and
Sungai Jinjang. This area comprises established residential areas at Menjalara and
Sentul which are developed around the neighbourhood centres of Kepong, Taman
Mastiara and Segambut and are intermixed with large industrial areas and estates.
The industrial areas are mainly located in the north of the zone at Kepong, Jinjang
and Segambut and are contiguous with the industrial estates in Batu Caves (Kuala
Lumpur City Plan 2020, 2015).
The Malay Reservation Areas of Selayang and Gombak and the traditional village of
Segambut, Sri Delima, Batu Muda and Kampong Melayu FRI shall be improved to
include the upgrading of infrastructure, community facilities and utilities. The
development plans for the new villages at Jinjang North and Jinjang South shall
include measures to redevelop the dilapidated industrial areas and upgrade the
infrastructure, community facilities and utilities in the residential areas (Kuala Lumpur
City Plan 2020, 2015).
38
3.3 Administration
The administration for The Breezeway, Desa Park City is known as ‘Majlis
Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur’ (DBKL). During British Colonial times and early
independence, Kuala Lumpur had been the capital of the country as well as the state
of Selangor. On April 1961, the name changed into Kuala Lumpur Suruhanjaya Ibu
Kota. Kuala Lumpur later achieved city status in 1 February 1972, Kuala Lumpur
became a Federal Territory. Kuala Lumpur ceased to be capital of Selangor in 1978
after the city of Shah Alam was declared as the new state capital. (Kuala Lumpur City
Plan 2020, 2015)
Kuala Lumpur was administered by a corporation sole called the Persuruhjaya Ibu
Kota from April 1961 until it was awarded city status in 1 February 1972, after which
executive power was transferred to the Datuk Bandar. Executive power lies with the
mayor in the city hall, who is appointed for three years by the Federal Territories
Minister. This system of appointing the mayor has been in place ever since the local
government elections were suspended in 1970. On May 1990, Kuala Lumpur
celebrated 100 years of local council. The new Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur flag
and anthem were introduced. (Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, 2015)
The City of Kuala Lumpur shares boundaries with several local authorities in
Selangor. The local authorities’ areas include Petaling Jaya (Under Petaling Jaya
City Council), Subang Jaya (under Subang Jaya Municipal Council), Ampang (under
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council), Selayang (under Selayang Municipal Council) and
Kajang (under Kajang Municipal Council).
39
The administration area of Kuala Lumpur is divided into six areas which are:
Table 3. 1 : Kuala Lumpur Administrative Area
Division Areas
Damansara-Penchala
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Bangsar, Bukit
Damansara, Bukit Kiara, Damansara
Town Centre, Kerinchi, Bangsar South,
Mont Kiara, Sri Hartamas
Bukit Jail-Seputeh Pantai Baharu, Kuchai Lama, Taman
OUG, Taman Desa
Sentul-Manjalara Bandar Manjalara, Kepong, Jinjang,
Segambut, Sentul
City Center Brickfields, Bukit Bintang, Chow Kit,
Kampong Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Pudu
Wangsa Maju-Maluri Ampang, Kampong Datuk Keramat,
Setiawangsa, Wangsa Maju, Kampong
Photo 3. 1 : DBKL Boundaries
40
Pandan, Maluri
Bandar Tun Razak-Sg Besi
Miharja, Cheras, Bandar Tun Razak,
Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Bandar Tasik
Selatan, Sri Petaling, Bukit Jalil, Sungai
Besi
Sources: Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020
3.4 Background of Study Area
Desa Park City located in Mukim Batu, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Development of Desa Park City has begun since year 2001. Total area for
development of Desa Park City is 440 acre. Since the area of the development is too
big, Desa Park City is divided into 19 sub area of development, such as Nadia, Safa,
Adiva, Zenia, Southlake, Adora, The Westside One, The Westside Two, Levenue,
Casaman, Amelia, The Mansions, The Ridgewood, Davinia , and The Breezeway.
The Breezeway is chosen for the study area as it has few characteristics of The
Green Neighbourhood (Perdana Park City, 2010).
According to the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020, the study area is located in Sentul-
Manjalara. Sentul –Manjalara located near to Selangor boundaries. Menjalara will be
created as a new district center is located in the north of the proposed site and the
existing residential tenants Traditional Village is located in the eastern part. Existing
residential area is in Menjalara and Sentul developed around neighbourhood centres
and mixed with large-scale industrial area (Perdana Park City, 2010).
The Breezeway, a landmark project of The Desa ParkCity TownCenter, offers a
secure, gated neighborhood in the midst of a hub. Imprinted with tranquil courtyards,
linear parks and recreational facilities. The site area is 7.3 acres and the main
development is a terraced housing 3 and 3 ½ storey and 25-storey condominium
developed for stratified. There are a total of 215 residential units consisting of 32
units was 3 ½ floors, 44 units and 139 units of 3-storey 25-storey apartment. In
addition, other components are covered parking, parking podium that houses the car
park and facilities for residents and open spaces (Perdana Park City, 2010).
The apartment building is located at the north of the site so that the height of
apartment buildings can look harmonious with the height of buildings to be developed
on the site of commercial plots in the northern part of the site. 3 ½ terraced
residential buildings and 3 floors in place in the south to balance the school building
will be erected on a site adjacent to the proposed site (Perdana Park City, 2010).
41
Figure 3. 1 : Key Plan of Study Area
42
Figure 3. 2 : Kuala Lumpur Administrative Area
43
Figure 3. 3 : Study Area
44
3.4.1 Accessibility
Accessibility of the study area is good because it is located close to the Damansara -
Puchong in the west, the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR 2) in the north. Both road or
highway leading to the site is connected via Persiaran Residen, The Resident
Commissioner (Desa ParkCity), Jalan Burung Hantu, Persiaran Dato Shamsuddin
Naim and Jalan Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong (Perdana Park City,2010).
The study area is in the area of rapid development in a planned and developed
residential and quite far from the congestion of development. The accessibility of the
proposed site with major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Kepong and
Sungai Buloh around is easy because it is located in a strategic area.
The study area is located not far from public facilities and utilities available as the
distance from the facility near Taman Bukit Maluri and commercial centre of Desa
Park City is approximately 1 to 3 kilometres (Perdana Park City,2010).
3.4.2 Socio-economic On Sites and Surroundings
Most of the Desa Park City is a settlement and commercial area which serves to
accommodate the needs of the population. Most of the residents of the Desa Park
City work or conduct business activities in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and nearby
(Perdana Park City,2010).
3.4.3 Facilities and Infrastructures
Provision of basic facilities is for use by residents only stratified terrace and
apartments only. Among the facilities available at the convenience of the building is
the clubhouse, management offices, locker rooms, multipurpose hall, swimming pool
and children's playground. Estimated total floor area of building this facility is
approximately 33,000 square feet (Perdana Park City, 2010).
In total, the provision of open space or green was 34.57%, consisting of a central
open space, recreational areas around residential buildings stratified, soft
landscaped areas and green belts 2 meter area along the border of the study area
(Perdana Park City, 2010).
There are reserves for Syabas to put a water tank at the location proposed is higher
than other regions located at the southern base to supply water to the entire
development Desa Park City. Based on the number of residential units, an estimated
total water demand is 71,000 gallons (322.772 liters) a day. Water supply is obtained
45
from existing Syabas tank in the south east of the study area (Perdana Park City,
2010).
Other facilities are includes:
i. Vehicle entrance with guardhouse, separate in / out lanes for residents and
visitors, and boom gates monitored by CCTV cameras
ii. Residents' vehicle access control system with transponders
iii. Visitor access / exit control management system at guardhouse
iv. Perimeter security with quality welded mesh fencing monitored by CCTV
camera, video motion detection and perimeter intruder detection system
linked to a computerized alarm handling system
v. Gen-set power supply to security systems
vi. Multi-storey car park levels and staircases monitored by CCTV camera
vii. Intercom system from residential units to guardhouse
viii. Individual home alarm system provided to all units
ix. Round-the-clock manned guardhouse, security control room and patrolling
x. Condominium lift lobbies at multi-storey car park levels and facility deck
secured with card access system and CCTV camera
xi. Condominium ground floor entrance lobby with visitor access / exit control
management system
xii. Condominium drop-off area monitored by CCTV cameras
3.4.4 Landscape
The concept is based on the concept of landscape 'Breezeway' which is based on
sound and visual experience that is unique and illustrated with autumn leaves and
trees that waved classified as:
i. 'Green finger' refers to nature and inspired by the 'grass mound and
undulating terrain with trees fragrance.
ii. Area routes are designed with contrasting elements and flexible. The route is
designed with a combination of semi-hard and semi-soft to facilitate the
movement of users and residents who will occupy the proposed site. Several
types are available along the route pavilion to provide shade from the hot and
wet. The Pavilion is designed to use the element iron, stone, wood and water.
These elements reflect modern features combined with the natural elements
of the design concept of 'Breezeways' (Perdana Park City, 2010).
46
3.4.5 Development Concept
Concept development and design is based on the concept of security and privacy for
each residential unit and create a residential development that has its own identity, a
harmonious environment for quality living. Only one entry and exit is provided to
minimize traffic and safety. This concept can increase the level of security, privacy
level and creating a sense of belonging among residents in the area. Target group of
the population is made up of young people who want a residence close to the city
centre or commercial (Perdana Park City, 2010).
3.4.6 Surrounding Land use
i. North
Is a commercial district and part of the residential plots are still vacant. The
two plots are separated by roads and irrigation systems that connect both
lakes in the area of Desa ParkCity `development '. Generally, the northern
part of study area is the main commercial area of `DesaParkcity 'which has
yet to be developed (Perdana Park City, 2010).
ii. South
The school site is in an area of about 10.0 acres and a kindergarten site
bordering the study area. Schools and kindergartens site is part of the
services provided by the developer or owner for the use of residents in Desa
Park City (Perdana Park City, 2010).
iii. West
The area is still vacant and undeveloped. It was the site for the construction of
commercial plots as well as lake areas that have been prepared and used for
recreational activities by the residents of Desa Park City (Perdana Park City,
2010).
iv. East
Is a residential area known as `Parkcity HillSide '. It is a low density
residential area which generally represents areas detached and semi-
detached homes. It is also known by the housing sector B, Sector C Sector
Sector D and E (Perdana Park City, 2010).
47
3.5 Conclusion
This chapter is important to expand and explain more detail about the research. A
case study also gives an overview about the research. This chapter explain the
background of the study area and some details such as the administration,
landscape, surroundings area and others. A survey will be conducted at this study
area for the Chapter 4.
48
CHAPTER 4
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
After the data has been collected, the next stage is analysis. Data analysis is the
most important stage in this study. It is a process of developing answers to the
objectives through examination and interpretation of data. Data analysis is essential
for understanding results from primary data and secondary data (Statistics Canada,
2008). The characteristics of data may be described and explored by illustration
graphs and charts, doing cross tabulations and calculating means and standard
deviations. More analysis would build on these initial findings, looking for patterns
and relationships in the data by performing multiple regressions, or an analysis of
variance (Lacey, 2009). For this study, primary data are obtained through survey
conducted in the study area. The primary data are obtained through observation and
questionnaires survey. The data obtained then is presented in tabular form to make
the information and data are easy to understand. In addition, this chapter will also
discuss the result of the analysis of tabular data. It is very important to produce a
result that can shape the proposals more effective and relevant. Furthermore,
through the data collection and analysis, problems and issues of the study area can
be identified. Overall, this analysis can basis for developing the proposals and
improvements of green neighbourhoods design in housing development.
49
4.2 Data Collection
4.2.1 Questionnaires
A questionnaire is simply a method or a toll for collecting information for the study.
Questionnaire must have definite purpose that is related to the objectives of the
research, and it needs to be cleared from the outset how the findings will be used.
The questionnaires for this study consist of two sections of parts. Part A of the
questionnaire required the respondents to provide broad information about them.
Part B was related to the main scope of the study which is walkability and
connectivity, public open space, green network and green infrastructure. A copy of
questionnaire is shown in Appendix A.
The questionnaire contained close-ended questions and were constructed using
Likert scale. For the purpose of statistical analysis, numbers were assigned to each
anchor. The anchors used in Part B : Very unsatisfied (=1), Unsatisfied (=2), Neutral
(=3), Satisfied (=4) and Very Satisfied (=5).
For this study, the number of respondents is specified by the population in The
Breezeway, Desa Parkcity sampling formula. The sample is calculated by the formula
and normally the basic number of samples is 90% and 10% confidence interval is the
standard error.
Total population= Number of houses x Household number
= 246 x 3.5 = 861
861
1 + (860)(0.1)² 𝑛 =
𝑁
1 + (𝑁)(𝑒)²
=
n = Number of samples
N = Total population
e = Sample decision 10% which 0.1 (with
level confidence of 90%)
= 90 respondents
50
4.2.2 Observations Technique
Observation method is carried out to see, appreciate and experience the real
atmosphere of the study area and its surroundings. The main reason is to get the
latest information, detailed and clear about the study area. To support this
observation method, some pictures were taken in the study area as supporting
evidence.
4.2.2.1 Observation analysis
i- Walkability and connectivity
The observation on walkability and connectivity covered the connection and
accessibility of the pedestrian network to the amenities, services, bus stop
and transit system. Overall, pedestrian network is interconnected and
accessible to all amenities and services such as central park, commercial
area, waterfront area, school and others. The walkways are supported with
green rope and security elements as well as comply with barrier-free design
for disable person.
Photo 4. 1 : Connected walkways
51
Photo 4. 2 : Pedestrian walkways in Desa Parkcity
Destination of amenities such as central park and commercial area are within
400 meter walking distance. Somehow other amenities such as private school
and medical centre are located 600 meter (6 minute walking) from the study
area. The nearest transit station at the study area is 9.9 kilometres which is
Sungai Buloh KTM Station. There is no bus stop provided at the study area,
only school bus available to pick up students at Desa Parkcity International
School.
52
MAP WALKABILITY
Figure 4. 1: Walkability Plan
Figure 4. 2 : Connectivity Plan
53
MAP CONNECTIVITY
54
ii- Neighbourhood Safe Environment
Neighbourhood safe environment observation covered the natural access
control, natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement and maintenance and
management. Natural access control doors, fences, shrubs and other
physical elements that control access and minimize entry into the
neighbourhood area. At the study area, the entrance is monitor with
guardhouse, with separate lanes for residents and visitors. The gates are
monitored by CCTV. The condominium lobby also monitored by CCTV. The
neighbourhood area is protected with see-through gate and monitored by
CCTV at each edge. Natural access control also has been applied by
providing personal residence with front and back doors that clearly visible and
well lit. Other than housing, the park also designed with transparent fencing
around the perimeter, and one large opening in the gate for entry.
Photo 4. 3 : Guardhouse The Breezeway, Desa Parkcity
55
`
Photo 4. 4 : See-through gate around The Breezeway, Desa Parkcity
Photo 4. 5 : Transparent fencing at the park
Photo 4. 6 : CCTV located at the edge of gate
56
Natural surveillance is provision opportunities to see and to be seen. Overall,
at the study area, the landscaping generally uniformly shaped and tree
canopies also starting 8 feet and above. The fencing also allow people to see
in. although the fences are built for privacy, the design is not tall and has
some visibility. Other than that, the windows of the houses are not blocked
and can look out on streets and alleys. It provides good surveillance for the
neighbourhood during the day. Moreover, the street lights are well spaced
and in working order. Street lights are placed at the alleys, along the
walkways, parking areas and park.
Photo 4. 8 : Fences design has visibility
Photo 4. 7 : Fences design has visibility
57
Last but not least, the territorial reinforcement or defensible space. Territorial
means showing that the community “owns” the neighbourhood. At the study
area, this element is implemented by creating flower gardens, maintained
plants in traffic circles and the architecture itself. In the study area, the
institutional architecture respects the neighbourhood identity, since the study
area has its own private school. The signage also well maintained and has
the value of arts as well as the landscaping which ways to express.
Photo 4. 9 : Example of signage
58
SAFE ENVIRONMENT MAP
Figure 4. 3 : Safe environment plan
59
iii- Public Open Space
Perdana Park City Sdn. Bhd. provided about 34% of open space. Around the
study area, there are central park, The Waterfront, private garden and
children‟s playground provided. The central park located at the edge of
neighbourhood and shared with adjacent neighbourhood. The open spaces
are well maintained and attractive. It is also located within walking distance
and equipped with enough facilities.
Photo 4. 10 :Public open space at study area
60
Map public openspace
Figure 4. 4: Public open space map
61
iv- Green Network
Overall, green network started at the front of the housing and along the
roadside and extensive network of green spaces such as parks and public
spaces. At the study area, the green network creates connections and path
for people to access the neighbourhood. There are planting strips and street
trees along the walkways. The green network connected the natural habitat
and waterway with landscape or garden. Other than that, all buildings in the
neighbourhood area is connected and accessible by pedestrians. Along the
pedestrian, trees planted could give safety, social benefits, good landscape,
image as well as shade to the walkers.
Photo 4. 11 : Green network at study area
62
GREEN NETWORK PLAN
Figure 4. 5 : Green network plan
63
v- Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure could give benefits to the environmental and social.
Component elements of green infrastructure include parks, private gardens,
agricultural fields, hedges, trees, woodland, green roofs, green walls, rivers
and ponds. The term covers all land containing these features, regardless of its
ownership, condition or size. At the study area, there are several types of green
infrastructure that has been installed. First is a green roof. Growing media and
vegetation are covered the roof top of condominium at the study area. The
green roofs enable rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration of stored water.
Second green infrastructure is green streets and alleys. Green streets and alleys
are implemented by the provision of planter boxes and trees along the street.
Planter boxes also have been installed on the condominium building that can
give benefits on green infrastructure as well as the image. Third, permeable
pavements. Permeable pavements are installed along the walkways which act
as a storage rainwater where it falls. Last but not least is urban tree canopy.
Urban tree canopy are created along the roadside of the neighbourhood area.
Trees reduce and slow storm water by intercepting precipitation in their leaves
and branches. At the study area, big trees are planted and create shade and
canopy that could give many benefits to the walkers.
Photo 4. 11 : Big trees create shade and
canopy
Photo 4. 11 : Green infrastructure
64
4.3 Respondents’ profile
4.3.1 Respondents’ Gender and Age
Table 4.1 below shows the overall total of respondent in The Breezeway, Desa
Parckcity. The total respondents are 90.
Table 4. 1 Respondents gender and age
Gender Age
Total % <20 years
21-30 years
31-40 years
41-50 years
51 and above
Male 0 4 13 17 4 38 42.2
Female 3 8 19 17 5 52 57.8
TOTAL 3 12 32 34 9 90 100.0
The analysis shows that female respondents are more than male respondents. The
number of the female respondents (57.8%) is closed to the male (42.2%) with the
total 52 female and 38 for male. Based on the table, the dominated gender among
the respondents is female. Based on the collated questionnaires, over half of the
population is composed of female respondents while 42.2% are males. This shows
that there are mostly female who have interest in participating in research studies.
The table above also shows the age range of the respondents. 37.8% of the
respondents were 41-50 years old, showing that most of them were already
considered as adult. 35.6% of the respondents were 31-40 years old. 13.3%
respondents were between 21-30 years old. Respondents‟ aged 51 years old and
above is 10% of the total respondents. On the other hand, 3.3% of the respondents
are below 20 years status. The apparent diversity of the maturity of respondents
reflects several implications in the study‟s findings.
65
4.3.2 Occupation
Occupation of the respondents at the study area were divided into three which are
students, employed and non-employed.
Table 4. 2 : Occupation of respondents Types of occupation Frequency (%)
Student 8 8.9
Employed 56 62.2
Non-employed 26 28.9
Total 90 100.0
Table 4.2 above shows the types of occupation of the respondents. 62.2% of the total
respondents, which is the dominated response is employed. There is only 28.9%
respondents are non-employed from the ninety respondents. As the table was
interpreted, there is little percentage of respondents who are student.
4.3.3 Period of Living at the Neighbourhood Area
Table 4. 3 : Period of living of respondents at the study area
Period of living Frequency (%)
<2 years 12 13.3
3-5 years 46 51.1
6 years and above 32 35.6
Total 90 100.0
The Table 4.3 above shows the distribution of the respondents in terms of their length
of living at The Breezeway, Desa Parckcity. Herein, it shows that 51.1% of the
respondents are staying at the neighbourhood about 3-5 years and 35.6% are staying
at the neighbourhood about 6 years and above and 13.3% are living below two years.
The result indicates that the majority of the respondents are already familiar with the
neighbourhood area.
66
4.4 Walkability and Connectivity
Table 4.4 below shows the level of satisfaction of the walkability and the connectivity
of the neighbourhood area. The walkability and connectivity element are divided into
five questions. The respondents were asked about the level of satisfaction of
adequate and maintenance of local pavements, footpaths and public right of way,
encouragement of more walking and cycling, connectivity of the pedestrian walkways
to the facilities, distance of public transportation and pedestrian network supporting
transit system.
Table 4. 4 : Walkability and connectivity
Level of satisfaction
Adequate walkways %
Encourage walking &
cycling %
Walkways continuously
connected
%
Neutral 0 0 1 1.10 2 2.2
Satisfied 35 38.9 42 46.7 64 71.1
Very
Satisfied 55 61.1 47 52.2 24 26.7
Total 90 100 90 100 90 100
Level of satisfaction
Location of public
transporta-tion
%
Transit system
supported with
walkways
%
Very
unsatisfied 37 41.1 16 17.8
Unsatisfied 53 58.9 73 81.1
Neutral 0 0 1 1.1
Total 90 100 90 100
The Table 4.4 above provide the distribution of the satisfaction of respondents
regarding the walkability and connectivity of the study area. The outcome from the
collected data is, majority of the respondents, which is 61.1% are very satisfied with
the provision and maintenance of the local pavements, footpaths and public right of
way. Other 38.9% of the respondents agreed to the statement. In this regard, the
respondents from the study area have revealed that strong agreement and
agreement to the given statements.
67
Analysis also found that majority of the respondents very satisfied with the
encouragement of more walking cycling. 52.2% of the respondents very satisfied that
local pavements, footpaths and public right of ways encourage them to more walking
and cycling. Other huge number of respondents (46.7%) also satisfied with the
statement. Only one respondent come out with natural feeling about the
encouragement of the walking and cycling at the neighbourhood area.
Next distribution is about the connectivity of the footpaths and pedestrian walkways
to the facilities such as open space, shops and others. From the analysis, 71.1% of
the respondents satisfied and other 26.7% very satisfied with the connectivity of
footpaths and pedestrian walkways. The footpaths and pedestrian walkways at the
study area are continuously connecting houses and the facilities. Another 2.2% of
respondents feel natural about the connectivity.
Photo 4.12 : Footpaths are well-maintained
Photo 4. 13: Pedestrian connected to commercial area
68
Other than that is distribution of location of the public transportation such as KTM and
buses. From the analysis of the data, unsatisfied feelings dominated the result.
59.9% of the respondent unsatisfied and other 41.1% respondents very unsatisfied
with the location the public transport that is far from the neighbourhood. The location
of the KTM and buses should be within walking distance (10-15 minutes). The
respondents feel more unsatisfied when there are no public buses provided at the
neighbourhood.
Last but not least for the walkability and connectivity is transit system is supported by
pedestrian network and feeder services. 81.1% of the respondents are unsatisfied
with the statement and other 17.8% are very unsatisfied. Since the location of the
public transportation such as KTM and buses is not within walking distance, there are
no supported pedestrian network and feeder services to the transit system.
The overall analysis found that majority of the respondents expressed satisfaction
with the walkability and connectivity of the neighbourhood area. It shows that the
element of walkability and connectivity of Green Neighbourhood is well implemented
at the study area. Somehow parties concerned should revalue the needs of public
transportation at the study area. Providing a good public transportation system is vital
necessary and could increase the implementation of Green Neighbourhood design at
the study area.
Photo 4. 14 : Pedestrian connected to housing area
69
4.5 Safe Neighbourhood
Table 4.5 below shows the satisfaction of the safety of the neighbourhood. Analysis
of safe neighbourhood element is conducted to value the level of satisfaction of crime
prevention through environmental design at the study area. Safe neighbourhood
element is divided into the questions. The respondents were asked about the
existence of crime, safety to walk alone especially during night and abilities to see
and to be seen by people from their home.
Table 4. 5 : Safe neighbourhood
Level of satisfaction
Free from crime
%
Safe to walk alone
%
Walkers & bikers can be easily seen
%
Disagreed 1 1.1 1 1.1 3 3.3
Neutral 19 21.1 39 43.3 30 33.3
Agreed 61 67.8 40 44.4 51 56.7
Very agreed 9 10.0 10 11.1 6 6.7
Total 90 100.0 90 100.0 90 100.0
Table 4.5 shows the distribution of level of satisfaction regarding the safe
neighbourhood element. Based on analysis, 67.8% of the respondents agreed that
the neighbourhood free from crime. 21.1% of the respondents feel natural about the
statement and 10% very agree. Only one respondent does not agree that the
neighbourhood area is free from crime. Next is safety while walking alone especially
during the night. From the distributed questionnaires, 44.4% of the respondents
agreed and 11.1% of the respondents very agreed that it is safe to walk alone around
the neighbourhood area especially at night. Somehow, there is huge number of the
respondents which is 43.3% of them feel natural about the statement, and only one
person disagreed. Last but not least, the ability to see and to be seen the walkers
and bikers from respondents‟ home. From the analysis, majority of the respondents
agreed that walkers and bikers can be seen from their house. 33.3% of the
respondents feel natural about the statement. While other 3.3% respondents
disagreed. From the overall analysis, majority of the respondents agreed that the
neighbourhood has safe environment. The neighbourhood has proper design and
effective use of the built environment where the walkers and bikers can be seen by
the residents from their house and safe to walk alone to anywhere. This design can
decrease the incidence and fear of crime.
70
Photo 4. 15 : Walkers and bikers can be seen through see-through gate
Photo 4.16 : See through fences
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4.6 Public Open Space
Table 4.6 shows that the level of satisfaction on provision of public open space within
walking distances (10-15minutes).
Table 4. 6 Public open space
Level of satisfaction Frequency %
Neutral 1 1.1
Satisfied 35 38.9
Very Satisfied 54 60.0
Total 90 100.0
From the analysis, it shows that majority of the respondents are very satisfied on the
location of the public open space. The majority number dominated 60% of the
respondents. Other 38.9% just satisfied with the within walking distance public open
space, and only one respondent answered natural with the statement. From the
overall analysis of the location of public open space, more than half of the
respondents satisfied with the distance of the public open space. Public open space
is very important element of creating a Green Neighbourhood area. The location
should be within walking distance which about 10 to 15 minutes from house and
located at the edge of neighbourhood and shared with adjacent neighbourhood. It is
good that the residents can access the public open space by walking where the
healthy life can be promoted.
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Map location of public open space
Figure 4. 6 Location of public open space
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4.7 Green Network
Table 4.7 shows the distribution of green network element at the study area. The
elements were divided into four questions which are accessibility of buildings by
pedestrians, trees planted along the roadside gives safety as well as social benefits
to the street walker and trees planted give landscape and image as well as shade.
Table 4. 7 : Green network
Level of satisfaction
Buildings accessible
by walkways
%
Trees planted
give safety
%
Trees planted
give landscape & image
%
Agreed 49 54.4 55 61.2 36 40.0
Very
agreed 41 45.6 35 38.9
54 60.0
Total 90 100.0 90 100.0 90 100.0
Level of satisfaction
Trees give shade %
Agreed 28 31.1
Very
agreed
62 68.9
Total 90 100.0
From the analysis, 54.4% of the respondents agreed and the rest is very agreed that
all buildings can be accessible by pedestrian walkways. There are no other choices
chosen by the respondents. This shows that all the respondents totally agree to the
statement. Regarding to the statement that says trees planted along the roadside
gives safety as well as other social benefits to the street walkers, majority of 61.2%
respondents agreed. Other 38.9% respondents very agreed that trees give safety
and benefits to them. It shows that the statement is totally agreed by the
respondents.
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Photo 4. 17: Residential is accessible by pedestrian walkways
Photo 4. 18: School is accessible by pedestrian walkways
Next is the landscape and image created by the trees planted along the streets. 60%
of the respondents very agreed to the statement, while the other 40% expressed that
they agreed. Overall, all the respondents agreed, that the trees planted along the
roadside give a good landscape and image to the neighbourhood. Last but not least,
68.9% of the respondents very agreed to the statement that trees give shade for
sidewalks in the neighbourhood. Other 31.1% respondents answered agreed to the
statement. To be concluding, all of the respondents agreed that trees planted give
shade to the walkers.
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Photo 4.19 : Trees planted give safety and social benefit as well as shading
Overall, implementing green network to the neighbourhood area could give 100%
satisfaction and create 100% agreement to the respondents. The green network
element is fully implemented to the study area. From the analysis, it can be
concluded that the neighbourhood can be created as an alternative to safety as well
as other social benefits.
4.8 Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is the last element in this Green Neighbourhood study. There
are two questions of green infrastructure which are types of green infrastructure
installed at the respondents‟ house and its maintenance.
Table 4. 8 : Types of Green Infrastructure available at study area
Green infrastructure Frequency %
Rain Garden 30 15.08
Permeable pavement 29 14.57
Planter/ tree boxes 83 41.71
Roof top garden 57 28.64
Total 199 100.00
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Table 4.8 shows the types of green infrastructure that available at the study area.
The answer is multiple responses from the respondents. Based on the analysis, the
highest green infrastructure that has been installed at the study area is planter or tree
boxes with percentage of 41.71%. According to the respondents, the planter or tree
boxes are located in front of their houses and it also act as landscape. The lowest
green infrastructure that has been installed at the study area is permeable pavement
with the percentage of 14.57%. Permeable pavement is mostly installed at the car
park lot.
Photo 4.20: Planter or tree boxes at the study area
Photo 4.21: Permeable pavement at car park lot
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Table 4. 9 : Green infrastructure Level of satisfaction Frequency %
Satisfied 47 52.2
Very satisfied 43 47.8
Total 90 100.0
Table 4.8 shows the level of the satisfaction of the maintenance of green
infrastructure. Overall, analysis shows that all the respondents satisfied with the
maintenance of the green infrastructure. 52.2% of the respondents answered that
they satisfied while other 47.8% answered very satisfied. There are no respondents
answered other than satisfied and very satisfied
4.9 Mean Analysis
A Likert scale is composed of a series of four or more likert items that represent
similar questions combined into a single composite score or variable. The analysis
used to measure the average of the data and to summarise the data is mean
analysis. There are five likert items that have been measured which linked to the
scale in deliver of satisfaction of the respondents to the neighbourhood design.
Table 4. 10 : Likert items 1 2 3 4 5
Very
unsatisfied
Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very satisfied
Based on the likert items that have been stated in the table above, there are 14
parameters that will be analysed to indicate the average satisfaction of the
respondents towards the neighbourhood design. These 14 parameters are classified
into five dimensions which is walkability and connectivity, safe neighbourhood, public
open space, green network and green infrastructure.
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4.9.1 Overall Mean Analysis
Table 4. 11 : Overall mean score analysis
Dimension Parameter Mean score
Average score
Walkability and
connectivity
Adequate and sufficiently maintained
local pavements, footpaths and
public right of way.
4.61
3.36
Local pavements, footpaths and
public right of way encourage more
walking and cycling.
4.51
Footpaths or pedestrian walkways
are continuously connected. 4.24
Public transportations are within
easy walking distance (10-15
minutes).
1.59
Transit system is supported by
pedestrian network and feeder
services.
1.83
Safe
neighbourhood
Neighbourhood area is free from
crime. 3.87
3.73 Safe to walk alone especially at
night. 3.66
Walkers and bikers can be easily
seen from homes. 3.67
Public open space Park is within easy walking distance
(10-15 minutes). 4.59 4.59
Green network
All buildings can be accessible by
pedestrians. 4.46
4.54
Trees planted along the roadside
gives safety and other social benefits
to the street user.
4.39
Trees planted along the roadside
give good landscape and image to
the neighbourhood.
4.60
Trees give shade for sidewalks in the
neighbourhood. 4.69
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Green
infrastructure
Green infrastructures are well
maintained. 4.48 4.48
Table 4.10 shows the overall mean score of the respondents towards the dimension
of walkability and connectivity, safe neighbourhood, public open space, green
network and green infrastructure.
Based on the result, it shows that public open space has the highest mean score with
an average of 4.59. The result reflects the high satisfactory level of the respondents
on the location of the public open space. This is based on the collected data which is
most of the respondents feel very satisfied with the location of the public open space
within the walking distance from their house. The public open space also can be
accessed by pedestrian walkways. Location of public open space is shown on Figure
4.7. The second highest overall mean is green network with the average mean score
of 4.54. The rank is followed by the green infrastructure dimension with the average
mean score 4.48, safe neighbourhood dimension with the average mean score of
3.73.
Based on the table, the lowest average mean score on the dimension is walkability
and connectivity dimension with the average mean of 3.36. The result shows the
reflect on the neutral satisfactory level towards the walkability and connectivity of the
neighbourhood design. The neutral satisfactory level is due to the location of public
transportations such as KTM and buses not within walking distance. The location of
the public transportation is 9km from the neighbourhood area and the nearest is KTM
Sungai Buloh. The neighbourhood area also does not provided with buses of feeder
services. Respondents feel that the neighbourhood need public transportation in the
neighbourhood area and to the outside neighbourhood area. The situation affected
the satisfactory level of the respondents towards neighbourhood design.
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Figure 4. 7 : Location of public open space
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4.9.2 Findings of Mean Analysis
The findings of the mean analysis are based on the analysis made from the
neighbourhood design questionnaire survey. The level of satisfaction of the
respondents towards neighbourhood design is rated and coded based on the likert
item which has five scales. The data is coded as follows.
Table 4. 12 : Scales of likert items
1 2 3 4 5
Very
unsatisfied
Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very satisfied
a. Walkability and connectivity dimension
Table 4. 13 : Walkability and connectivity average mean score
Parameter Mean Average
score
Adequate and sufficiently maintained local pavements,
footpaths and public right of way. 4.61
3.36
Local pavements, footpaths and public right of way
encourage more walking and cycling. 4.51
Footpaths or pedestrian walkways are continuously
connected. 4.24
Public transportations are within easy walking distance (10-
15 minutes). 1.59
Transit system is supported by pedestrian network and
feeder services. 1.83
Table 4.13 shows the mean score for the dimension of walkability and
connectivity. Based on the Table 4.10, walkability and connectivity dimension
has the lowest average mean score which is 3.36 compared to other
dimensions. The neutral satisfactory level is affected by the low mean score
of location of public transportation and transit system. Both parameters have
low satisfactory level of respondents. Others parameter shows high
satisfactory level of respondents as the majority of the respondents answered
very satisfied with the adequacy and sufficiency maintenance of the local
pavements, footpaths and public right of way. Majority of the respondents
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also very agreed that local pavements, footpaths and public right of way
encourage them to more walking and cycling at the neighbourhood area.
Meanwhile, for the connectivity of the footpaths and pedestrian walkways,
majority of the respondents agreed that it is continuously connected. This
satisfaction level is showed by the mean score which has high satisfaction
level. Somehow, parameters for public transportation and transit system
recorded low satisfactory level of respondents. This is due to the location of
the nearest public transportation which is 9km from the neighbourhood area.
Respondents feel that the location is quite far for them to use every day. The
public transportation should be provided within their walking distance.
Furthermore, the transit system at the neighbourhood area is not supported
by feeder services such as buses. There are no bus stops provided at the
neighbourhood area. These situations have led to the low satisfactory level of
respondents towards public transportation and transit system
Photo 4.22: Connectivity of footpaths and walkways
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b. Safe neighbourhood dimension
Table 4. 14 : Safe neighbourhood average mean score
Parameter Mean Average
score
Neighbourhood area is free from crime. 3.87
3.73 Safe to walk alone especially at night. 3.66
Walkers and bikers can be easily seen from homes. 3.67
As indicated in the Table 4.14 above, safe neighbourhood recorded an
average mean score of 3.73. This reflects neutral satisfactory level of
respondents towards the safe neighbourhood dimension. Respondents do not
feel satisfied neither unsatisfied regarding the safe neighbourhood. They feel
neutral or average. Even majority of the respondents answered they were
satisfied that the neighbourhood area is free from crime, there are still big
number of the respondents feel neutral to the parameter statement. Same
goes to the safety of the residents to walk alone especially at night and
walkers and bikers can be easily seen from homes. The mean score recorded
reflects the neutral satisfactory level of respondents. Respondents feel that
the safety of the neighbourhood area does not reached high satisfactory level
yet and it is not very safe to the residents to walk alone especially at night
even though walkers and bikers can be easily seen from homes.
c. Public open space dimension
Table 4. 15 : Public open space average mean score
Parameter Mean Average
score
Park is within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes). 4.59 4.59
Based on Table 4.15, public open space dimension recorded 4.59 average
mean score which reflects high satisfactory level for the residents. Majority of
the respondents very satisfied to the location of the public open space. The
public open space located within walking distance which approximately takes
only 10 to 15 minutes from respondents‟ house. The public open space also
located in the middle of the neighbourhood. The respondents feel that the
strategic location increases the ease of use of the public open space.
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Photo 4.23: Pubic open space that is located within walking distance
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d. Green network dimension
Table 4. 16 : Green network dimension average mean score
Parameter Mean Average
score
All buildings can be accessible by pedestrians. 4.46
4.54
Trees planted along the roadside gives safety and other
social benefits to the street user. 4.39
Trees planted along the roadside give good landscape and
image to the neighbourhood. 4.60
Based on the Table 4.16, green network dimension recorded average mean
score of 4.54. The average mean score proves the high level satisfactory
level of respondents towards the green network provided at the study area.
The respondents feel satisfied with the accessibility of all building by
pedestrian walkway. All building at the study area is connected and
accessible by pedestrian walkway which could ease the movement of the
walkers at the study area. Besides that, respondents also satisfied with the
trees planted along the roadside. They feel that the trees planted could give
safety and other social benefits to the street user. This reflects through the
high satisfactory level of mean score. Furthermore, respondents also find that
the trees planted along the roadside give good landscape and image to the
neighbourhood. The mean score recorded for this parameter is high
satisfactory level of respondents. Overall, respondents are very satisfied with
the green network at the neighbourhood area.
Photo 4.24: Green network gives shade to the walkers
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Photo 4.25 : Green network act as landscape and give image to the study area
e. Green infrastructure dimension
Table 4. 17 : Green infrastructure dimension mean score
As shown in the Table 4.17 is the average mean score of the respondents
based on the green infrastructure dimension. The average mean score
recorded is 4.48. This reflects high satisfactory level of the respondent
towards the maintenance of the green infrastructure at the neighbourhood
area. Respondents feel that green infrastructures at the neighbourhood are
well maintained.
Parameter Mean Average
score
Green infrastructures are well maintained. 4.48 4.48
Photo 4.26: Well-maintained green infrastructure on building wall
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4.10 Issues and Problems
From the analysis that has been made, there are some issues arise at the
neighbourhood area:
i- Location of public transportation
Providing a good service of public transportation is very important to the
concept of Green Neighbourhood. From the analysis, it was found that the
location of nearest public transportation such as KTM is 9.9 kilometres
from the neighbourhood area, and it takes approximately 15 minutes
driving to arrive at the KTM. The location of the public transportation
should be within 10 minutes walking distance from the neighbourhood
area. This situation might give difficulty to the residents to take public
transportation as their mode transportation.
ii- Provision of public buses
From the observation, it was found that there is no provision of public
buses at the study area. There is no bus stop provided at the study area,
only school bus available to pick up students at Desa Parkcity
International School. For Green Neighbourhood concept, provision of
transit system is one of the essential requirements in encouraging people
to use public transportation.
4.11 Findings
From the data collection and observation made, there are few findings based on the
application of Green Neighbourhood design in housing development at The
Breezeway, Desa Parkcity.
i- Walkability and connectivity
Connectivity on the neighbourhood scale is about
connectivity within neighbourhoods. It is about the paths and connections
from building to building, from lot to lot, and from block to block. Study area
has high level of walkability and connectivity. All the amenities and services
are connected and accessible with pedestrian walkways. The walkways also
supported with green rope and security elements. The location of the
amenities and services also are within walking distance. The distance is
within 400 meter to 600 meter from the housing area. It means that it takes
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residents to walk about 4 minutes to 6 minutes to the amenities and services
such as commercial area, parks and others. Somehow, the location nearest
public transit is 9.9 kilometres from the study area and there is no public
buses provided. This problem will give difficulties to the residents to go out
from the neighbourhood area. Well-connected neighbourhoods have a host of
advantages for residents and for the greater community.
ii- Neighbourhood safe environment
Neighbourhood safe environment is one in which the residents has the
freedom to pursue daily activities without feeling fear. In Green
Neighbourhood, neighbourhood safe environment achieved through Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED is defined as
multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behaviour through
environmental design. Overall, at the study area, CPTED is applied by
providing guardhouse, fencing, landscaping and territorial reinforcement. The
neighbourhood were designed with surveillance idea. The public spaces were
designed to facilitate and encourage legitimate community and individual
activities. The sightlines for example low bushes or fencing and see-through
gates are implemented in the neighbourhood concept. It was designed to
avoid „blind spots‟ where the opportunity to be seen and to see can be
increased. The fences allow people to see in and have some visibility. It
provides good surveillance for the neighbourhood during the day.
Next is legibility of the study area. Legibility is a design that allow people
easily know where they are and how to get to where there are going. At the
study area, the built environment are designed, detailed and managed to
make them legible for residents, especially the pedestrians. The roads are
supported with directions and signage to services and building names. The
signage also in skilful, creative and balanced so that people can easily
understand and at the same time located in logical places for example near
building entries and street intersections. Territoriality is a design strategy that
realises that physical design can create or extend a sphere of influence so
that users develop a sense of proprietorship or territoriality. Territorial means
showing that the community “owns” the neighbourhood. At the study area,
built and landscaping features like planting, pedestrian shelter, and signage
are creatively used to define desired movement areas and delineate borders.
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“Territory” at the study area also established by created not more than an
enter buildings or private areas especially housing area. The effect would not
create doubt or confusion or deny appropriate privacy or security.
In success of CPTED, the sense of “ownership” of the public realm and other
parts of the built environment must be achieved. Therefore it is important for
the individual of the community to care about the place, how they are and
what happens in them. Thus, management of the public and private space is
important to create the sense of “ownership”.
iii- Public open space
Nowadays, all of which must be submitted to the local authorities to allocate
at least 10% of the area of public open space of the overall development. For
the study area, the total area of open space provided is 34%. This means that
the provision of public open space is enough for the housing development.
The location of the public open space also within walking distance from the
housing area. The open space can be accessed by walking or cycling.
iv- Green network
Overall at the study area, the green networks are connected from the green
infrastructure and open space that together form an integrated and multi-
functional network. The green network at the neighbourhood area includes
„green‟ and „blue‟ features of the natural. The green features at the study area
include parks, trees, playing field and others. While the blue features at the
study area is the lake that located in the middle of the neighbourhood area.
The connection of the features provides benefits to the residents and other
habitats. As mentioned in the analysis earlier, the trees planted along the
roadside gives safety as well as other social benefits to the street walkers. It
gives shades to the walkers. Other than that, it could create landscape and
image to the neighbourhood.
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v- Green infrastructure
There are few green infrastructures that have been installed at the study area.
Based on the observation, there are roof top garden, permeable pavement,
planter or tree boxes and rain garden at the study area. Roof top garden is
located on top of the apartment building. The garden is planted with colourful
flowers and green plants. Permeable pavement at the study is installed to
decrease surface runoff rates. Permeable pavement at the study area is mostly
installed at parking lots and sidewalks. Next is planter or tree boxes. The planter
or tree boxes not only act as green infrastructure, it can also be landscape or
image at the study area. Mostly planter located on the apartment building and
along the streets.
4.12 Conclusion
Conclusion that can be made is the study area complied almost all the design
characteristics of Green Neighbourhood. Somehow some of the characteristics such
as safety of walkers and bikers is not satisfying for the residents. Overall, the design
of the neighbourhood is comply with the Green Neighbourhood concept.
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CHAPTER 5
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
With the analysis at the study area, it is easy to identify issues and problems relating
to the application of Green Neighbourhood design. This is important to determine the
design of Green Neighbourhood in housing design. This chapter aims to present
some suggestions to solve the problem. Implementing Green Neighbourhood design
is important in housing development because it could emphasize the environmental
issues. Unfortunately, application of Green Neighbourhood design in housing
development does not get appropriate attention from local authorities and developers
itself. When issues and problems have been identified at the pervious chapter, the
next step is to create effective backup plan to overcome existing issues at the study
area. This proposal refers based on the observation and analysis to be put forward
and based on the goals and objectives.
5. 2 General proposal
Green Neighbourhood concept is very important to adopt healthy lifestyles and more
sustainable, create a harmonious and safe settlement; reduce the effects of global
climate change, reducing the carbon footprint and others. Therefore, the important
agenda should focus on the overall development of Green Neighbourhood concept in
housing development present and future.
5.2.1 Walkability and connectivity
Neighbourhood structures shall be designed to reduce dependency on the use of
motor vehicles for carrying out daily activities. This is because motor vehicles are
major contributors to carbon emissions. Walkability and connectivity must be able to
encourage local residents walk to their daily activities. The basic design of the user
hierarchy is to give priority to pedestrians.
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a. Transit facilities
More efficient transit systems in the area of high-density, multi-centred
development area along the main road, and the provision of centralized parking
to encourage use of public transport. At the study area, there are no bus stop
provided and the distance between nearest transit station and the neighbourhood
area is 9.9 km which is Sungai Buloh KTM Station.
To create more efficient Green Neighbourhood design, a bus stop must be
provided within five minutes walking distance or within 400 meter from housing
area. For the movement internally of a neighbourhood, feeder bus is used and
supported by the bus stop. For the movement to the regional level could be
supported by the provision of bus, tram and rail station such as light rail transit
system, monorail, commuter train or MRT.
Meanwhile, transit station must be provided within ten minutes walking distance
and around 800 meters from the housing area. Whatever the transit system that
is close within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance shall be designed taking into
account the time limits which are comfortable and practical to wait no more than
15 minutes.
Photo 5. 1 : Proposed transit system at the study area
Source : Google, 2016
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b. Upgrading pedestrian walkways and cycleway
To create a pedestrian and cycling paths comfortable and secure, integrated
traffic management aspects should be implemented to give priority to pedestrians
and cyclists with strategies such as provide bicycle parking space, road design
elements that reduce the vehicle speed is high, limit the provision of car parking
space and to set the speed limit in residential areas is 25-30km / h as
recommended by the Public Works Department (PWD) for security purposes.
Current pedestrian walkways and cycle ways can be upgrading with more
landscape that can give shading to the users for the purpose of convenience.
Shading can be obtained by planting big trees along the pedestrian walkways.
Bicycle parking space also must be providing for the residents.
Photo 5. 2 : Proposed bus shelter with green roof Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
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Photo 5. 4 : Proposed pedestrian walkways that include 'green' and 'blue' elements Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
Photo 5. 3 : Proposed pedestrian walkways Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
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Photo 5. 6 : Proposed cycleway at the study area
Photo 5. 5 : Proposed bicycle parking space that implement green element Source: www.pinterest.com
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5.2.2 Safe neighbourhood
a. Increase safety to walkers and bikers
Safety of the walkers and bikers are very important especially at night. From the
analysis, the outcome was the neighbourhood area is not very safe to go on
walks alone especially during the night and walkers and bikers in the
neighbourhood is less can be easily seen by people in their home.
To overcome this issue, building in the centre of the neighbourhood should be
facing towards the road and encouraged to be built to the border route
pedestrians on the streets, which means zero setbacks. In situations where there
is a building that is not built to the border route pedestrians at the roadside, at
least 80% of the buildings constructed to shift the boundaries of the road and the
building should be no more than 25 feet. 25 foot space shall be used as a public
space such as a courtyard. Other than that, at least 60% of the building's facade
is a clear mirror which is between 3 to 8 feet from the foot of the building so that
walkers can be seen from inside the building.
Photo 5. 7: Proposed houses with clear mirror and facing streets Source : www.pinterest.com, 2016
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5.3 Local Authorities
The effectiveness of the Green Neighbourhood concept should initially adopt the role
of local authorities in housing development projects. Local authorities should enforce
that every housing development implement the concept of Green Neighbourhood or
at least the characteristics of Green Neighbourhood. Each project that is sent to local
authorities must be screened to implement this concept.
In addition, for every housing development to be approved, the local authorities
should provide a checklist for developers before they sent the planning permission to
the OSC. The checklist should include requirements for the development of green
neighbourhoods such as pedestrian’s paths, planting landscaping, provision of
facilities and others. If the developer does not comply with the requirements that
have been set, the application will be rejected.
For local authorities, a checklist should be provided for the assistant planner to
examine each application of housing projects that have been sent to local authorities.
Same as the developers, the checklist should contain requirements of Green
Neighbourhood concept. Every requirement that has been complied by the
developer, a mark should be given. For example, if the provision of public open
space is enough for a Green Neighbourhood concept, 3 marks should be given. If the
public open space is not enough, 1 mark is given. The total of the mark will be the
guide for the local authorities to accept or reject the application.
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Table 5. 1 : Example of checklist for local authorities and developers
List to be followed in neighbourhood design Marks
1 2 3
Total
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5.4 Conclusions
This proposal is based on the goals to tackle the existing problems in the study area.
Tasks in ensuring the implementation of Green Neighbourhood concept should not
be placed on the shoulders of developers solely. Local authorities must play their
respective roles in the overcome of the environmental issues. With the provision of
standards and guidelines by the local authority, the Green Neighbourhood design
can be implemented into every development of housing.
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APPENDIX A
INVENTORY SURVEY (OBSERVATION ON SITE)
BASIC CONCEPT OF GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN
YES NO MARK NOTES
1. WALKABILITY AND CONNECTIVITY
a. Pedestrian network is interconnected and accessible to all amenities and services.
1 2 3 4 5
b. Apply Universal Design/Barrier-free design
1 2 3 4 5
c. Destination and amenities are within walking distance (400m)
1 2 3 4 5
d. Provide route options, for efficient internal movements and between adjacent neighbourhoods.
1 2 3 4 5
e. Bus stop located within 5 minutes walking distance.
1 2 3 4 5
f. Transit station within 10 minutes walking distance
1 2 3 4 5
g. Transit system to be supported by pedestrian network and feeder services
1 2 3 4 5
2. SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD (CPTED)
a. Natural access control - doors, fences, shrubs, and other physical elements
1 2 3 4 5
b. Natural surveillance - provide opportunities to see and be seen
1 2 3 4 5
c. Territorial reinforcement - fences, pavement treatment, art, signs, good maintenance and landscaping are ways to express
1 2 3 4 5
ownership.
d. Maintenance and management - neighbourhood’s sense of ‘pride of place’ and territorial reinforcement
1 2 3 4 5
3. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
a. Availability of public open space 1 2 3 4 5
b. Urban Park located at the edge of neighbourhood and shared with adjacent neighbourhood.
1 2 3 4 5
a. Provide 10% public open space. 1 2 3 4 5
4. GREEN NETWORK
a. Planting strips and street trees. 1 2 3 4 5
b. Connecting the natural habitat and waterway with landscape or garden.
1 2 3 4 5
c. Neighbourhood farming plot. 1 2 3 4 5
d. Home ‘green plots’ 1 2 3 4 5
e. Buildings facing streets and street-oriented.
1 2 3 4 5
f. All buildings to be accessible by pedestrians
1 2 3 4 5
5. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
a. Roof top garden 1 2 3 4 5
b. Permeable paver 1 2 3 4 5
c. Renewable energy ( eg: Installation of solar, day lighting, LED lamp)
1 2 3 4 5
d. Rain water harvesting 1 2 3 4 5
e. Rain garden and bio-retention 1 2 3 4 5
*note – 1=very bad, 2=bad, 3=neutral 4=good, 5=very good
APPENDIX B
I am, final year student of Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM)
Shah Alam. I am conducting a survey for my research subject on application of Green Neighbourhood
design in housing development in Desa Park City. Thank you for your cooperation and all information
given is for academic purposes only.
( Saya pelajar tahun akhir dari jurusan Perancangan Bandar dan Wilayah Universiti Teknologi Mara
(UiTM), Shah Alam. Saya sedang menjalankan kaji selidik untuk subjek research mengenai aplikasi
Kejiranan Hijau di dalam pembangunan perumahan. Terima kasih atas kerjasama yang diberikan dan
semua informasi adalah untuk akademik sahaja)
PART A: DEMOGRAPHY (PART A: DEMOGRAFI)
1. Gender :
( Jantina ):
2. Age/Umur:
3. Occupation/
4. How long you lived in Desa Park City ?/Berapa lama anda menetap di Desa Park City?
STUDY ON THE APPLICATION OF GREEN NEIGHBOURHOOD DESIGN IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CASE STUDY: DESA PARK CITY
Serial no:
Female/Perempuan
Male/Lelaki
31-40 years/31-40 tahun
21-30 years/21-30 tahun
41-50 years/41-50 tahun
51 and above/ 51 dan keatas
<20 years/<20 tahun
Student/pelajar
Non-employed/tidak bekerja
Employed/ bekerja
Others/ Lain-lain
( pekerjaan):
< 2 years/ < 2 tahun
3-5 years/ 3-5 tahun
6 and above/ 6 dan keatas
PART B
Please indicate your level of satisfaction of the neighbourhood design.
Sila nyatakan tahap kepuasan anda terhadap reka bentuk kejiranan
1 = Very unsatisfied / Sangat tidak berpuas hati
2 = Unsatisfied / Tidak berpuas hati
3 = Neutral / Sederhana
4 = Satisfied / Berpuas hati
5 = Very satisfied / Sangat berpuas hati
What do you think about the walkability and connectivity of the neighbourhood area?
Apa yang anda fikir tentang keupayaan berjalan kaki dan hubungan kawasan kejiranan?
WALKABILITY AND CONNECTVITY 1 2 3 4 5
5. Local pavements, footpaths and public rights of way adequate and sufficiently well maintained. Laluan penjalan kaki dan hak jalan orang awam mencukupi dan diselenggara dengan baik.
6. Local pavements, footpaths and public rights of way encourage more walking and cycling. Laluan penjalan kaki dan hak jalan orang awam menggalakkan lebih ramai berjalan kaki dan berbasikal.
7. Footpaths or pedestrian walkways are continuously connected to the facilities such as open space, shops and others. Laluan penjalan kaki sentiasa bersambung dengan kemudahan seperti kawasan lapang, kedai-kedai dan lain-lain.
8. The public transportations such as KTM and buses are within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes). Pengangkutan awam seperti KTM dan bas berada dalam jarak berjalan kaki yang mudah (10-15 minit).
9. Transit system is supported by pedestrian network and feeder services. sistem Transit disokong oleh rangkaian pejalan kaki dan perkhidmatan bas pengantara.
What do you think about the safety of the neighbourhood area?
Apa yang anda fikir tentang keselamatan kawasan kejiranan?
SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD 1 2 3 4 5
10. The neighbourhood area is free from crime. Kawasan kejiranan bebas daripada jenayah.
11. It is safe to go on walks alone especially during the
night.
Ia adalah selamat untuk pergi berjalan bersendirian
terutama pada waktu malam
12. Walkers and bikers on the streets in the neighbourhood can be easily seen by people in their
Serial Number :
homes. Pejalan kaki dan penunggang di jalan-jalan di kawasan
kejiranan yang boleh dilihat dengan mudah oleh orang-
orang di rumah mereka.
What do you think about the public open space of the neighbourhood area?
Apa yang anda fikir tentang ruang terbuka orang ramai di kawasan kejiranan?
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE 1 2 3 4 5
13. The park is within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes) from your house. Taman terletak dalam jarak berjalan kaki (10-15 minit) dari rumah anda.
What do you think about the green network of the neighbourhood area?
Apa yang anda fikir tentang rangkaian hijau kawasan kejiranan?
GREEN NETWORK 1 2 3 4 5
14. All buildings can be accessible by pedestrians. Semua bangunan boleh diakses oleh pejalan kaki.
15. Trees planted along the roadside gives safety as well as other social benefits to the street walker. Pokok ditanam di sepanjang tepi jalan memberikan keselamatan serta faedah sosial lain kepada penjalan kaki.
16. Trees planted along the roadside give a good landscape and image to the neighbourhood. Pokok yang ditanam di sepanjang jalan memberi landskap dan imej yang baik untuk kejiranan.
17. Trees give shade for sidewalks in the neighbourhood. Pokok memberi teduhan untuk laluan penjalan kaki di kawasan kejiranan.
What do you think about the green infrastructure of the neighbourhood area?
Apa yang anda fikir mengenai infrastruktur hijau kawasan kejiranan?
18. Which of the following green infrastructure practices have been installed in your house?
(Check all that apply)
Yang manakah antara amalan infrastruktur hijau berikut telah dipasang di rumah anda?
(Semak semua yang berkenaan)
Rain garden / Taman hujan
Permeable pavement/ Turapan telap
Planter or tree boxes/ Penanam atau pokok kotak
Vegetated swale/ Swale tumbuh-tumbuhan
Roof top garden/ Taman atas bumbung
None of the above/ Tiada di atas
GREEN INFRASRTUCTURE 1 2 3 4 5
19. Green infrastructures are well maintained in this
neighbourhood area.
Infrastruktur hijau di kejiranan ini di jaga dengan baik.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uhN3SMm15AH4jsemyG_QlaN1_WdX3U7DjaXc6SQlO
JA/viewform