The significant role of traditional market in an urban context. study area: Pekan Rabu, Alor Setar and Kedai Payang, Kuala Terengganu

Abstract

As an important device for a social and urban activity, traditional market, since remote times continuously until now, has been the main socialization place in historical town. Traditional market spaces are vibrant places as it is not merely act as a selling center but also act as a stage for social interactions which enhance communication among humans. A sense of place is evidence in traditional market because it has its own products, own ways of marketing and own architecture that creates its own local identity and locale culture. These unique characteristics of trading style environment have become part of cultural identity of the Malaysian people. The aim of the study is to investigate and to see how far the role of traditional market as a unique social environment can support the concerns as well as to promote back the traditional market places as a unique trading place and its significance by referring to Malay traditional town. Despite these unique attributes, it is observed that these traditional markets have been losing their significance and morphological features as it engulfed by modern shopping center which has taken over its central place function. The study focuses on the contextual relationship and interaction between people and the built environment to emphasize this significant ambience and the role of traditional market spaces and activities in the current urban design approach. The study is considered the history, place and cultural significance in the context of Malay traditional town with particular reference to Alor Setar and Kuala Terengganu.