Defining the typologies of visual artist workspaces in urban context of Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

There is no fix solution to the given ideal spatial configuration of artists' workspace for both public and private purpose. In the case of the context of Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, the current emerging artists can only find affordable existing shop lot or room that they can rent for private working space where they were forced to fit in and adapt according to the existing layout. This may give negative effect to their overall performance in producing artworks. This scenario also limits the public to interact more with the artist. Defining the typologies of visual artist workspaces is crucial in order to determine the effective spatial configuration of visual art space for artist to interact with the public in local urban context. Thus, a methodology of identifying the local artist workspace typologies and relating it to the static activities pattern using space syntax analysis is carried out. To strengthen the findings, interview and literature review through case studies are carried out in order to identify the basic spatial requirement for the artist workspace. The findings suggest that overall design and architecture element of artist workspace is based on their art genre and it can influence the overall performance of the artist to produce and exhibit their artworks. Different types of visual art require different spatial configuration. The workspaces are not limited to the private use for the artist. It is also can be utilized for a commercial and social purpose even at public spaces such as plaza and street. As a result, the visual art becomes a medium for the artist to engage with the community.