Georgetown Urbanism

TROPICAL CITIES
TALES OF 3 CITIES
Instructor: Dr Sucharita Srirangam
Team members:
Chia Cheng Wei
Iche Dunstan Omari
Ivan Ling Chyi Rui
Kooi Yong Kai
0322091
0323347
0313583
0323512
Lee Xiang Loon

Lee Zu Jing
Lim Joe Onn
Lo Jia Woei
Pua Kai Jing
0322090
0325706
0318679
0318585
0313995
GEORGETOWN
Capital of Penang
Population 500,000
One of Malaysias oldest cities
Location of Georgetown, Penang

in Peninsular Malaysia
Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism
HISTORY
Founded by Sir Francis Light in 1786
Expansion from Fort Cornwallis, first

permanent built structure of Georgetown
Urban morphology
climatic design
BUFFER
ZONE
CORE
ZONE
Georgetown is shaped by its interaction with the rest of the world
Early Shophouse Style 1800 1850s

Early Transitional Style 1840 1900s
Early Straits Eclectic Style 1890 1920s
Late Straits Eclectic Style 1920 1940s
Neo-Classical Style - Early 20th century

Art Deco Style 1930 1950s
Early Modern Style - Post war
HERITAGE
eclectic
diverse
fusion
tangible
intangible
TOURISM
income
places to explore
job opportunities
for locals
Roles of Organization
Established by the Penang State Government in April 2010 to spearhead efforts

to ensure that George Town's legacy will not be lost.
Major Objectives
Identify, Protect & Preserve Built Form of Heritage Sites
Create a culturally engaging atmosphere
Successfully implement sustainable tourism
Vision
The convergence of an
intelligent and sustainable
heritage city that belongs to
Penang, Malaysia and all
humanity.
Idealized vs Reality
CASE STUDIES
No.1: LEBUH CHULIA
No.2: CLAN JETTIES
No.3: JALAN MASJID

KAPITAN KELING
Lebuh Chulia
Identify, Protect &
Preserve Built Form of
Heritage Sites
Identify, Protect & Preserve Built Form of Heritage Sites // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism
One of the oldest streets in George Town
Stretches across both UNESCO Heritage Buildings

Category I and II zones
Acquired the name by 1798
Was extended in the late 19th century following

extensive land reclamation that results in Chulia Street
Ghaut
The epicentre of budget accommodation in George

Town today
Shophouses on the left side carry odd-number address

and even-number address on the right
Photo source: George Town World Heritage Incorporated
Architecture of a Shophouse
The dominant building type within the Core Zone of

George Town is shophouses
Shophouses can be traced to the Chinese immigrants

from southern coastal provinces of China
Knowledge and methods of building construction

adapted to Malaysian urban shophouses
Blending the influences from the Dutch, Malay and

British with own culture to create a unique
architecture
Photo source: http://nosurplus.blogspot.my/
Typical Urban Shophouses in George Town

1.
Covered five-foot walkways at ground floor level faade
2.
Opulent ornamentation on the faade by the use of Chinese and European motifs
3.
Profusion of use of tiles, stucco, and timber as materials for construction
4.
Shoplot at ground level with storage, backyard, and central air-well for ventilation
5.
Bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen at first floor level, capped by a jack roof
1840 1850
Under British ruling, connected walkways to the street

edges became restricted
The guideline was that the measurements had to be at

least five foot wide, hence the name five-foot way
Raffles verandah-way regulation was applied since 18th

century to provide pedestrians with a walkway
indented into the building ground floor
Verandah-way to maintain unity and provide an

additional room
Five-foot way was semi-closed with bamboo screens

to reduce the radiation of the roads from entering the
shophouse
Flat faade and minimal ornamentation
Shuttered windows
Built using masonry
Air-well
Air-well
Five-foot
way
Typical Early Transitional Style shophouse section
Five-foot way
Air Wells
area below
Recessed
the first floor of the
building that is
designed as public
space.
Diagram visualising the effects of radiation screens
shophouse buildings
Long
with two pitched roofs or
more, separated the
pitches with an air well, to
allow ventilation and
cooling of the spaces
below.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated

(GTWHI)
1950 onwards
Influenced by trends from Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier

and Mies Van der Rohe
Built with reason, form by character and aesthetic

quality
Abstract relationship of solid surfaces
Design moved away from craftsmanship but local

influences maintained to form unique modern style
Large, clean cut openings and usage of glass windows
Built using reinforced concrete
Early Transitional Style (1840 1850)
Two storeys building

Introduction of five-foot way
Flat-faade
Minimal ornamentation
Radiation screens
Masonry
Early Modern Style (1950 onwards)
Three or more storeys building

Motivated and simple modernist design
Design moved away from craftsmanship
Local influences still used but
transformed into a unique modern style
Reinforced concrete
Chulia Street looking from the Love Lane junction
Urban Morphological of Chulia Street
Morphology of Chulia Street physical change and the evolution of the way of life brought upon by
modernisation
Tram tracks have been sealed and Chulia Street has become a busy vehicular passageway connecting Jalan
Penang to Beach Street
Modernisation has unavoidably impacted the streetscape character. Roadside parking and modern utilities
make up part of the visual character of Chulia Street
Cultural Context On Site From Various Architectural Designs

Cultural effects of traditional architecture
Traditional buildings have divisional usage for either housing or
commercial purposes
Division of private and public spacing
Patterns and orientation of applications of various usage

and occupancy
Creation of topology of geometrical local network of

function
Reflection of local site contents and attributes
Monumental represent of origin influences, significance

and importance
Cultural effects of modern/contemporary architecture
The discard and reject of traditional materials usage , exclusion
of cultural contents and celebration of modern industrial
methods
Concentrated pattern of applications
Simplicity of spacing and circulation
Ease of accessibility and function
Introduction of a new concept and class-less influence

(Top) Chulia Street in the past
(Bottom) New buildings and usage in Chulia Street today
Construction Of Modern Contemporary Building
Original traditional buildings in Chulia Street have

attributes of historical influences and social order
formed by historic events that creates cultural progress
of many terms
Construction and introduction of a modern building
design may change the point of view and experience of
a person in the terms of site elements
A visible shift of buildings original attributes
Disrupts the significance and identity of a traditional
shophouse
Traditional (Low density)
Modern (High density)
Depreciation of Traditional Shophouses in Modern Buildings
Some shophouses in Chulia Street had been affected

by damages from arson, urban decay and during
World War 2
Local site content has been shifted due to the
erection of modern and contemporary buildings
instead of rebuilding and restoring the original
buildings
Elements of Chulia Street were affected by such
buildings due to caused inconveniences and shift in
economic and circulation of the site
Affects the livelihood of the inhabitants
Construction of new buildings also makes the site
adapting to a more commercial economy instead of
creating a more socio-economical atmosphere for the
inhabitants to inherit their past generations heritage
Hence, creating inconveniences for the locals in their
daily commuting around the area also affecting the
behaviour of the inhabitants
(Top) Modern hotels constructed in between a row of
traditional buildings and symbolise tourism
(Bottom) A row of abandoned shophouses due to loss
by effects of new modern businesses
7 modern buildings built among traditional shophouses
Heat released to surroundings due to active cooling systems
Special Area Plan (SAP) is a

plan prepared for the
George Town World
Heritage Site (GTWHS) to
guide and control
development within the
area. The SAP shall acts as a
conservation management
plan for GTWHS.
George Town World Heritage

Incorporated (GTWHI)
Photo source: onlypenang.com
Five-foot Way Streetscape Introduction Into Urban Fabric

Importance of five-foot way in shophouses
Traditional shophouses with semi-public/private transitional
zone on both sides of Chulia Street as a:
Partially enclosed space between shop and street
Continuity for human circulation and movement with

shelter from rain
Sunshade space to ground floor
Multi-functional space for roadside small traders
Important feature for urban culture life
Strong urban image
Destruction of five-foot way due to modernisation
Contemporary development destroys pedestrian

walkway connectivity
Intimacy character of the traditional streetscape
destroyed by provision of roads
Cultural and historical significance of a Chinese
shophouse are impacted
No longer acting as shelter for heat and rain
Lack of Five-foot Ways In Modern Buildings
Development of Chulia Street leads to users using

automobiles to travel rather than by foot even for short
distances
Due to lack of provision of five-foot ways in modern
buildings
Other forms of pedestrian facilities available but not
comprehensive to link up with others to form a
workable system
Contributes to the lack of communal harmony and
social integrity among the residents of Chulia Street
(Top) Sketch
visualizing the
comparison of
the existence of
five-foot ways in
buildings
(Bottom) Fivefoot ways in the
past and now
New Styles of Facades In Modern Buildings
Bizarre and striking colours

Lost of historical character of shophouse
Not having a design uniformity among shophouses
Attract attention for businesses (bright colours and huge
signage)
Newer and taller buildings acting as a landmark
No longer unique and recognizable while also not representing George Town
Height of Infill and New Buildings

Special Area Plan (SAP)s Permitted Height
guideline says:
Height of compatible infill

development is dependent on the
height of the lower adjacent
building.
New infill buildings did not strictly follow

the guidelines
Hotels and corporate office buildings along
Chulia Street such as the Asas Dunia
building
Promote tourism rather than considering
the needs of locals and urban density
increases in these infill
(Top) Asas Dunia office building in Chulia Street

(Bottom) Permitted height of infill buildings
Building Sustainability and Elements

Special Area Plan (SAP)s Permitted Height
guideline says:
Air-well shall be
maintained as part of the design
with flexible roof to allow day
lighting and natural ventilation.
Old buildings had the capability for natural ventilation
Newer buildings lack such feature and were

not following the guidelines
Covering or removing the air well, and
usage of zinc roof
Removal of rear courtyards
Heavily depending on electronic and
mechanical ventilation
Hot air stays in the building
Affecting the sustainability and the
surrounding buildings and its elements
Newer buildings in some cases affect the capabilities of the surrounding buildings
Discontinuity along the street of Lebuh Chulia
Preserved
shophouses
New, modern
shophouse
Preserved
shophouses
Newly built shophouses fail to comply with Special Area Plan (SAP) guidelines
Majority of new infill shophouses do not retain the original features of a Early Transitional Style implemented
by the British, local authority and GTWHI upon rebuilt.
Clan Jetties
To successfully
implement sustainable
tourism
To successfully implement sustainable tourism // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism
Waterfront society
House on stilts
Ong
Lim
Lee Tan
Mixed
clan
Yeoh
Peng
Aun
Koay
Chew
Land
Road
Houses
Sea
Sea
Temple
The jetties were established at a time when Penang's maritime trade was booming. Chinese
immigrants who came to Penang in the early 19th century worked at the docks as coolies and
boat operators ferrying passengers.
Passive design implemented. Gaps between wood planks

allow sea breeze into the houses.
What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is an industry committed to
making a low impact on the environment and local
culture, while helping to generate future
employment for local people.
The positive of sustainable tourism is to ensure that
development is a positive experience for local
people; tourism companies; and tourists
themselves.
Source: World Tourism Organization
Activities
Originally
Currently
Water taxis
Tourism
Trading
Fishing
Transportation of goods
Festivals
Koay Jetty
Destroyed by fire!
Mangrove swamp
Sacrificed for low cost flats!
Originally
Currently
9 jetties
6 jetties remain
Mangrove swamp present
Low-cost flats built, destroying green areas
Houses cater specific clans
Houses converted into shops catering tourists
Population consists of all ages
Senior citizens remain as youngsters move to cities
Trading oriented, each jetty had its own niche and

function
Tourism oriented, social sustainability lost
Communities expand naturally
Low-cost flats create conflict in place making
Create a Culturally
Engaging Atmosphere
Create a culturally engaging atmosphere // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism
JALAN MASJID
KAPITAN KELING
JALAN MASJID
KAPITAN KELING
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling was

historically, rich and varied
interactions between communities of
different origins, cultural traditions
and faiths.
Used to be the very edge of town,

bordered by Light street, Beach street
and Chulia street. Now names Jalan
Masjid Kapitan Keling, names after
the Indian Muslim mosque along it, is
one of the George Town UNESCO
World Heritage Site core zone.
Street wears a European character,

followed by Chinese and Indian
Muslim, Which are clearly separated
by the religious sites on site.
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF ST GEORGE (1818)

GODDESS OF MERCY TEMPLE (1835)
SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE (1833)
KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE (1801)
KUAN YIN ENCLAVE

Retail of prayer paraphernalia, idols and
charms.
Chinese vegetarian restaurants.
Activities supporting the temple and its
users.
MASJID KAPITAN KELING AND

GOLD BAZAAR ENCLAVE
Activities relating to gold
and gem trade.
Indian Muslim
restaurants.
Activities supporting the
mosque and the Muslim
community services.
LITTLE INDIA
South and Northern Indian Restaurants.

Textiles and related trade.
Workers accommodation.
Cultural products and services.
KONGSI ENCLAVE
Activities supporting the temple and its
users.
Residential or Commercial with
Residential.
Compatible arts and culture related
activities.
LEBUH ACHEH MOSQUE ENCLAVE

Activities supporting the mosque and
the Muslim community, preferably Haj
related.
SPECIAL ZONE
Zone with highest concentration of OUVs and
Category 1 buildings within the WHS. Area
warrants strictest form of land use
Source: George Town Special Area Plan
MATRIX OF NONPERMISSIBLE
ACTIVITIES
Special zones have no exceptions for any nonpermissible activities.
However, a budget hotel exists on site.
OPEN SPACE AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN
SHARED STREETS
To make streets pedestrian priority, and to provide adequate public open spaces and connectivity for the comfort of all non private- vehicle user.
Streets as shared spaces. Practices,

performances and rituals create
richness of the culturally eclectic
landscape of the historic
settlements.
Temporary public use of the street
should be maintained and
encouraged.
Tua Peh Kong

15th Day of 1st Chinese
New Year
Chingay
Giant Flag Carrying in
December
End Point
Series of parks and public open spaces

are proposed in addition to existing
public open spaces. These proposed
network of public open spaces are
interconnected via a landscaped
pedestrian network.
Well maintained parks and landscaped
elements are essential for the livelihood
and liveability of George Town. The park
offers the residences a space of
recreation and leisure, as well as helping
to maintain ecological balance and
reduce pollution.
EXISTING GREEN/ PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Intro nodes
connectivity.
Lebuh Carnarvon and Jalan

Masjid Kapitan Keling, with high
volume vehicles, are proposed as
tree lined streets with sidewalks
for the pdestrian,. As of the
printing of this document, the
planting of trees on the median
Lebuh Carnarvon has been
completed.
Pedestrian Priority lanes are built
to have streets that promote a
safe, comfortable, convenient
and barrier free connectivity for
all road users with primary
consideration for pedestrian.
Hence, it creates a more safer

and comfortable walkways for
the tourist and local citizen to
carry out activities.
Proposals have been suggested
to make all roads one way except
for Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh
Light.
Tree Lined
Pedestrian Priority
Streets
Pedestrian Priority
Streets
Two way road
CHULIA STREET MUNTRI

STREET BACK LANE (NEW)
LEBUH CARNARVON
JALAN PINTAL TALI
(UPGRADE)
LORONG PASAR LORONG

CHULIA BACK LANE
(UPGRADE)
LINE CLEAR NASI KANDAR

BACKLANES WITH ACTIVITIES
Upgrading and revitalisation of back lanes for pedestrian
use, or even commercial use where applicable
Community
layer
Chinese temple
Chinese community
Hotel
Indian temple
Indian-Muslim community
Mosque
Muslim community
Junctions
Chinese temple
Chinese community
Hotel
Indian temple
Indian-muslim community
Mosque
Muslim community
Public space
To increase green public
open space in the city.
Chinese temple
Chinese community
Hotel
Indian temple
Mosque
Muslim community
Pedestrian
walkway
To have streets that
promote a safe,
comfortable, convenient
and barrier free
connectivity for all road
users.
Chinese temple
Chinese community
Hotel
Indian temple
Mosque
Muslim community
Nodes
Chinese temple
Chinese community
Hotel
Indian temple
Mosque
Muslim community
Conclusion // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism
conclusion
Heritage is to be
preserved and
unaffected by
economical needs.
The previous
mistakes done to
Georgetowns
urbanscape have to
be fixed before it is
too late.
references
IMAGES
Ahad Z., & Chan, B. (2015, July 7). The Chinese tourists in high spirits at Chew Jetty in Weld Quay. Retrieved from The Star Newspaper July 7, 2015
Blandon, A. (n.d.) Clan Jetties along Weld Quay, Penang. Retrieved from
http://soultravelers3.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5502a950788330176175498bb970c-pi
Chan, R. (n.d.). Retrived from http://www.ronniechanphoto.com/featured/featured-article/itemlist/tag/pre%20wedding
Chng, K.K. (n.d.). Sketches of Georgetown, Penang.
Chong, F.G. (n.d.). Artworks. Retrieved from www.deviantart.com
Chong, F. G. (n.d.). Whats the Plan? Retrieved from https://www.behance.net/gallery/26792187/Whats-the-plan-Penang-(Short-comic)
Druys (2014, September 22). Retrieved from https://marriedtoourbackpacks.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/penang-malaysia/
Gaffney, J. (2015, February 18). Retrieved from https://asiatextilejourney.wordpress.com/
Goon, T. (n.d.). Panorama. Retrieved from https://www.behance.net/gallery/925954/PANORAMIC-PENANG
Lam, C. (2013, August). Retrieved from http://connie-stillbelieve.blogspot.my/2013/08/georgetown-penang-street-art-mural.html

Liew, C. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.deviantart.com/art/Penang-Clan-Jetties-309331285
Lim, R. (2014, Febuary 17). Brightly-lit Lee Jetty. Retrieved from https://penangtapestry.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/hean-boo-thean101.jpg
Nostalgic Malaya (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438467713694943275/
Ong, S. (2015, February 5). Retrieved from http://www.penangstory.net.my/mino-content-paperong.html
Shloke. (2012, September 1). Retrieved from
http://s426.photobucket.com/user/myshloke2/media/Penang%20August%202012/BLOG_0196.jpg.html
Tan, L. (2014, February 12). Retrieved from http://lewistanblogger.blogspot.my/2014/02/12.html
Tan, R. (2015, August 19). Penang Mural Defaced. Retrieved from http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/08/19/mural-in-penang-defaced/
Teh, E. (2016, July). Retrieved from http://penangmonthly.com/tag/clan-jetties/
The Star. (July, 2015). Retrieved from http://www.pulaupinang.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/chew-jetty-the-star.jpeg
Tye, T. (2013, February 6). Retrieved from http://www.penang-traveltips.com/sri-saujana-macallum-street-ghaut.htm

Water Taxis (March, 2011). Retrieved from http://www.pulaupinang.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/water-taxi-in-Penang-resurface.jpg
Zen, J. (2014, February 13). Chew Jetty. Retrieved from http://2.bp.blogspot.com/zvru0zGO754/Uv3Qq7S164I/AAAAAAAA1qo/xN4DCHlAp10/s1600/19+Chew+Jetty+Temple+Pai+Ti+Kong+Jade+Emperorr+Festival+Penang100.jpg
DOCUMENTS
AJM Planning and Urban Design Group (2011). George Town, Historic Cities of Straits of Malacca: Draft Special Area Plan. Georgetown,
Penang: AJM
Den Teuling, M.J. (2009). Rebirth of the Malacca Shophouse: A typological research: Traditional Values in a Contemporary World. Retrieved
from Delft University of Technology Repository.
Effect of Culture on Architectural Expression. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-168644
George Town Special Area Plan. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2016, from http://www.gtwhi.com.my/resource/importantdocuments/george-town-special-area-plan.html
Georgetown Attractions (n.d.). Clan Jetties in Penang. Retrieved from http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/clan-jetties.html
Guidelines for the Conservation Areas & Heritage Buildings. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2016, from
http://penangshophouse.com.my/?page_id=106
Modernity in tradition: Reflections on building design and technology in the Asian vernacular. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263514000715
Penang Travel Guide (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.penang-discovery.com/attraction/clan_jetties/

The Traditional Elements and Modern Architectural Design. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.scientific.net/AMR.243249.6562
Tourism Ministry of Penang (2009, August 21). Chew Jetty A Stroll Down a Living Heritage Community. Retrieved from
http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/what-to-see/attractions/chew-jetty.html
World Tourism Organization (n.d.). Defining Sustainable Tourism. Retrieved from http://www.gdrc.org/uem/eco-tour/sustour-define.html
Yeang, K. (1987). The Tropical Verandah City. Petaling Jaya, Selangor: Longman

Georgetown Urbanism

Încărcat de

Informații document

Descriere originală:

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Georgetown Urbanism

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

TROPICAL CITIES

Lee Xiang Loon

Location of Georgetown, Penang

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Expansion from Fort Cornwallis, first

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Georgetown is shaped by its interaction with the rest of the world

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Early Shophouse Style 1800 1850s

Neo-Classical Style - Early 20th century

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Established by the Penang State Government in April 2010 to spearhead efforts

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

No.2: CLAN JETTIES

Introduction // Ideas & Theories in Urbanism

No.3: JALAN MASJID

One of the oldest streets in George Town

Stretches across both UNESCO Heritage Buildings

Acquired the name by 1798

Was extended in the late 19th century following

The epicentre of budget accommodation in George

Shophouses on the left side carry odd-number address

Photo source: George Town World Heritage Incorporated

The dominant building type within the Core Zone of

Shophouses can be traced to the Chinese immigrants

Knowledge and methods of building construction

Blending the influences from the Dutch, Malay and

Photo source: http://nosurplus.blogspot.my/

Typical Urban Shophouses in George Town

Covered five-foot walkways at ground floor level faade

Profusion of use of tiles, stucco, and timber as materials for construction

Under British ruling, connected walkways to the street

The guideline was that the measurements had to be at

Raffles verandah-way regulation was applied since 18th

Verandah-way to maintain unity and provide an

Five-foot way was semi-closed with bamboo screens

Flat faade and minimal ornamentation

Built using masonry

Typical Early Transitional Style shophouse section

George Town World Heritage Incorporated

Influenced by trends from Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier

Built with reason, form by character and aesthetic

Abstract relationship of solid surfaces

Design moved away from craftsmanship but local

Large, clean cut openings and usage of glass windows

Built using reinforced concrete

Early Transitional Style (1840 1850)

Two storeys building

Early Modern Style (1950 onwards)

Three or more storeys building