Townscape revisited: unravelling the character of the historic townscape in Malaysia

Abstract

This book examines the concept of townscape in relation to urban design, clearly outlining the inter relationship between townscape and the other important concepts in urban design such as identity, image and sense of place. The subject dealt with includes the approach to conducting a townscape appraisal and the criteria used to examine the townscape quality, the physical components that constitute the townscape, the influence of human activities to the townscape qualities and the role of meanings in making the townscape memorable. Reference is made in various chapters to the historic townscape of the major cities in Malaysia in order to illustrate the qualities discussed. The aim of the book is to highlight the unique townscape qualities of these cities and how they influence the overall character of the cities. The book ends by highlighting the prospects and the threats to the historic townscape in keeping up with the pressures for development and rapid urbanisation rate. This book tries to instil an awareness of the value of the historic townscapes of Malaysia and to evoke a sense of pride of this urban heritage in order to safeguard them from further destruction in the future.