Placemaking in Batu Pahat marketplace

Abstract

Placemaking is a concept and an overarching thought process that helps in the development of neighbourhoods in a city. It has a role in bringing people together to reach the ideas and share similar passions to create an important place. Bandar Penggaram old town was once a happening town as it is the business and administration center. However, it is now facing issues of population outflow, aging population and degradation of the township development due to the lack of appreciation of the local population towards the town. The public spaces in the town are not under proper planning and maintenance. This has led to circumstances of people especially the young generation abandoning them. The aim of this research is to identify the potential roles of Batu Pahat Marketplace and the methods that are able to enhance placemaking qualities in Bandar Penggaram. The research study had then outlined two placemaking frameworks for urban planning and the public market as the solution to remedy the current issues faced in the town. The frameworks basically covered planning and design considerations in 4 aspects, including access and linkage, sociability, uses and activity, and also comfort and image for a place. These aspects are suggested to improve the accessibility, foster social interaction, build and support local economy and promote a sense of comfort for the local community. Literature review was undertaken to obtain a comprehensive understanding of both placemaking concepts and public markets. Case studies on successful public markets in other countries are conducted by analyzing the placemaking qualities that were applied in these public markets. The findings are also obtained from a field survey, interviews and an online questionnaire survey for a more reliable result. In short, the research proposed the placemaking approach as the intervention to revitalize this old town.