Redefining reading spaces typology for street children of Chow Kit

Abstract

This dissertation discussed a research in redefining the typology of the reading spaces for the children of urban in Chow Kit area, among the street children and the local children. Reading spaces shall be provided as a space not only for learning and teaching process, but also for socialize and gathering through reading activities. Children of Cho Kit have different opinion and perspective toward 'reading', which influenced by their different background lifestyle and the environment of learning spaces provided. Reading is one of the fundamental necessities in life, there are many poor and underprivileged urban children in Chow Kit who grow up in dysfunctional families where adult members possess minimum to no literacy skills. They are unable to experience the joy of being able to attend school and give themselves a chance at creating a better future. In relation to the encouragement and giving opportunities to these children, architecture plays its important role as to provide reading space with better environment based on the behaviour and the needs of these children, with according to their right as a children of this nation. Formal and informal reading spaces have to meets certain criteria, which is more fun to be used by the children and more children-oriented in safer condition, in order to improve the interest and chances towards education. Hence, a methodology of identify typology of reading spaces and relating it to the children of Chow Kit movement pattern and behaviour using scientific analysis of space syntax and case studies are carried out. Literature reviews and interviews are also being carried out as to strengthen the findings in order to identify the architectural elements that meets the needs of the children and enhancing the social environment in urban context.