OUTDOOR SPACE

AS INTEGRAL
COMPONENT IN
HOME MAKING :

A CASE STUDY OF
LOW-COST HOUSING
IN BANGSAR

BAGS 6207 : ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH 1

Adeeb bin Zulkifli [BVH160016]

Faculty of Built Environment,
University of Malaya

Supervisor: Mr. Asrul Mahjuddin Ressang

Coordinator: Dr. Nazli Che Din

22nd December 2017

 Introduction

Background

• Minimum dwelling space of low-cost housing forces life of its residents to spill outdoors
• However, outdoor space provided is always in bad condition and its role is often abused for other purpose
• This affects the process of home making among the low-cost residents

RESEARCH'TOPIC

LITERATURE'REVIEW

IDENTIFY'RESEARCH'PROBLEM

RESEARCH'AIM:
To'study'the'usage'of'outdoor'spaces'at'lowFcost'housing'that'can'contribute'to'the'wellbeing'of'the'residents'

Research'Question'1: Research'Question'2: Research'Question'3:

What'is'the'relationship'between' How'do'the'residents'perceive' How'effective'does'outdoor'
the'provision'of'outdoor'space' the'provision'of'outdoor'space'at' space'contribute'to'home'making'
and'home'making'at'lowFcost' lowFcost'housing? at'lowFcost'housing?
housing?

Research'Objective'1: Research'Objective'2: Research'Objective'3:

To'identify'the'attributes'of'home'
making'at'lowFcost'housing
To'study'about'the'residents’'
usage'of'outdoor'spaces'at'their'
home
To'promote'outdoor'spaces'as'
an'integral'component'in'home'
making'at'lowFcost'housing
THEORETICAL
STAGE

Research'Method'1: Research'Method'2: Research'Method'3:

Literature'Review Systematic'Observation SemiFstructured'Interview

FIELD'OBSERVATION

Site'1 Site'2 Site'3

QUALITATIVE
METHODOLOGICAL
STAGE

DATA'COLLECTION'F ANALYSIS

VALIDATION
QUALITATIVE +'INTERPRETATION

COMPARATIVE'ANALYSIS:
EVALUATE'&'COMPARISON
ANALYSIS' STAGE

RESEARCH'OUTPUT:
CONCLUSION'&'RECOMMENDATION

FINAL'THESIS
OUTPUT'STAGE
 Literature Review

”Low-cost housing was constructed to

relocate and solve the squatter settlements
issues in urban areas…” ” Social interactions between residents
promote social sustainability, one of the
- Aziz, 200; EPU, 1065 key important thing that contributes to
sense of attachment to a place. “

- Mee, (2007)
Low-cost Housing in Malaysia

“Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR), a Home making in Low-cost

programme that was introduced by the
Government has helped to curb the need
to provide an affordable housing for the
lower income group in urban areas.”
- Malaysia Plan
Outdoor Space in Low-cost
Housing
”…spatial standard and economic
efficiency has limited outdoor space near
the home areas and the differences of flats
configurations will affect the pattern of
children appropriation of the outdoor
space .”
- Azhan et al., (2010)
Housing
“People relate to places with meaning and
significance and act in ways that reflect
their bondage and linkage with place by
ways of appropriation, attachment and
identity .”
- Werner, et al., (1985)
”Outdoor spaces are especially essential in
low cost housing due to the presumption
that the demography of its dwellers is
those with limited financial ability to have
options in terms of entertainment
mobility.”

- Azhan et al., (2011)

 housing?
Research'Objective'1:
To'identify'the'attributes'of'home'
making'at'lowFcost'housing
Research'Objective'2:
To'study'about'the'residents’'
usage'of'outdoor'spaces'at'their'
home
Methodology
Research'Objective'3:
To'promote'outdoor'spaces'as'
an'integral'component'in'home'
making'at'lowFcost'housing
THEORETICAL
STAGE

Research'Method'1: Research'Method'2: Research'Method'3:

Literature'Review Systematic'Observation SemiFstructured'Interview

FIELD'OBSERVATION

Site'1 Site'2 Site'3

QUALITATIVE
METHODOLOGICAL
STAGE

DATA'COLLECTION'F ANALYSIS

VALIDATION
QUALITATIVE +'INTERPRETATION

Systematic Observation Semi-structured Interview

COMPARATIVE'ANALYSIS:
EVALUATE'&'COMPARISON
ANALYSIS' STAGE

• Behaviours of the residents of each site
are recorded and mapped by researcher
CONCLUSION'&'RECOMMENDATION
at four predetermined time periods;
morning (9am to 10am), afternoon (2pm
to 3pm), evening (5pm to 6pm) and at
night (9pm to 10pm), covering all seven
days of a week.
• Checklist formulated from the literature
reviews is used during the field
observation. Behaviours of the residents
observed are categorized as social and
non-social activities
• Conducted with random residents with
RESEARCH'OUTPUT:
various profiling found at outdoor space of
each site, done during the predetermined
time periods to obtain the perceptual data
FINAL'THESIS
of the residents.
OUTPUT'STAGE
• Has a set of predetermined questions
which the researcher devised based on the
three attributes to home making which are
appropriation, attachment and identity.
• However, researcher is free to move the
conversation in any direction of interest
that may come up.
• The questions are altered to easy
comprehendible terms considering the
residents’ knowledge preparedness.
 Research Area

• Bangsar is famous for its affluent

Site  1  -­‐ Flat  S ri  Pahang
neighbourhood located at the outskirts of
Kuala Lumpur. It is a part of Lembah Pantai
parliamentary constituency .

• Selected sites shows the presence of low

income neighbourhoods in the midst of urban
area.

Site  3  – Apartment  Putra  Ria

• Essential to study how these socioeconomically
underprivileged communities define home
through the selected subject matter which is
outdoor space.

Site  2  – Apartment  A bdullah  Hukum

 Research Findings

Observation through Checklist

Flat Sri Pahang Apartment Abdullah Hukum Apartment Putra Ria

Image

Site Plan

Outdoor
Space
 Research Findings

Observation through Checklist

Flat Sri Pahang Apartment Abdullah Hukum Apartment Putra Ria

• Facilities provided includes playground, multifunction

outdoor courts and a gazebo
• Facilities provided includes playground, multifunction
• Facilities provided includes playground, multifunction • Several benches provided at playground for comfort
outdoor courts and a gazebo
outdoor courts and several gazebos of residents
• Several bench provided at playground for comfort of
Function • No bench provided for comfort of residents • Outdoor space in between blocks is used for parking
residents
• At times, the road adjacent to outdoor space is lots
• Outdoor space is passed through by residents to get
transformed to function space . E.g. wedding. • At times, the outdoor spaces located in between
from drop off area to the lift lobby
blocks are transformed to function space . E.g.
wedding.

• Location of outdoor space has made it possible for

social interaction between residents • Location of outdoor space has made it possible for • Outdoor spaces are segregated throughout the whole
Location
• Outdoor space, when empty will be used to travel to social interaction between residents development. There is no centralised one.
opposite blocks by residents

• No dustbin provided, hence very dirty. Residents • Dustbin provided, however refuse chamber nearby • Dustbin is not provided, hence very dirty at all
Cleanliness
seem okay with the poor environment creates an eyesore and foul smell outdoor spaces

• Outdoor space is gated with several entrances

• Playground is open , while outdoor court is fenced
• Gazebo provides surveillance form parents hanging • Playground is gated, while outdoor court is not
• Gazebo provides surveillance for the children from
out there • Gazebo provides surveillance for the children from
Safety parents hanging out there
• Road surrounding the outdoor space tends to get parents hanging out there
• Segregated outdoor spaces are linked by vehicular
busy at times and dangerous for kids to cross without • Outdoor space is safe , free from vehicular intervention
circulation. Dangerous for kids without surveillance
supervision

• Playground has been vandalised and some play • Playground has recently been refurbished, hence the • Playground is in decent condition. Outdoor court
Aesthetic
structures are not functioning and are dangerous condition is still good and visually pleasing serves its function, less on aesthetics

• Vibrant. People tend to greet each other when they • Vibrant. People tend to greet each other when they
• Vibrant. People tend to greet each other when they bump into each other bump into each other
Social
bump into each other • When in use, a lot of activities happening, especially in • Location of outdoor space has made it possible for
the evening social interaction between residents

• Very sunny and warm at times because less shady • Well shaded with shady trees and residential blocks,
• Well shaded with shady trees, possible to use outdoor
trees planted possible to use outdoor space even if the weather is
Environment space even if the weather is hot
• Regardless of poor environment, residents still utilise hot
• Nice environment due to well-maintained facilities
the outdoor space provided • Poor environment due to rubbish
 Research Findings

Site Respondent Details

Age: 62
Interview Analysis R1
Gender: Male
Occupation: Retiree
Duration of Stay: 30 years
Marital Status: Married with kids
Residency: Permanent
• Conducted with random residents with S1
various profiling found at outdoor space of Age: 43
each site, done during the predetermined Gender: Female
Occupation: Housewife
R2
time periods to obtain the perceptual data Duration of Stay: 20 years
of the residents. Marital Status: Married with kids
Residency: Permanent

Age: 38
Gender: Female
Occupation: Housewife
R3
Duration of Stay: 13 years
Marital Status: Married with kids
Residency: Permanent
S2
Age: 67
Gender: Male
Occupation: Not working
R4
Duration of Stay: 5 years
Marital Status: Married with kids
Residency: Permanent

Age: 35
Gender: Male
Occupation: Admin clerk
R5
Duration of Stay: 5 years
Marital Status: married with kids
Residency: Renting
S3
Age: 12
Gender: Male
Occupation: Student
R6
Duration of Stay: 6 years
Marital Status: Single
Residency: Permanent
 Research Findings

Interview Analysis

No. Question Site Answer Keyword No. Question Site Answer Keyword
Yes Yes
Playing carom and checkers Due to nice neighbourhood
Chit chat Don’t want to move out
S1 S1
Yes Yes
Looking after kids at playground Due to good community spirit
Chit chat Want to move out if can afford
Do you frequently use the Frequency Do you feel proud being a resident
1 Yes Neutral
outdoor space provided? Usage 6 here? Have you ever thought of moving Identity
S2 Looking after kids playing Want to move out if can afford
Yes to other places? S2 Neutral
Sometimes Want to go back to kampong but inconvenient
Looking after kids at playground No
S3
Yes Only renting so will move out one day
Play with friends S3
Neutral
No But prefer not to move out due to friends
Due to bad condition, however appreciate the gazebo Good
No Know each other, Malay majority and strong community
S1
Due to bad condition, not well shaded, no protection, no spirit
bench, however appreciate the gazebo and patrolling S1 Good
guard Know each other
Are you satisfied with the Yes There’s community welfare group
2 Satisfaction
outdoor space provided? Nice playground and well maintained Manage event together (wedding etc.)
S2
Neutral Moderate
Enjoy the gazebo but no facilities for elderly Don’t really communicate with each other
Yes Prejudice towards immigrants
But location is not at centre to all blocks, unfair Is the neighbourhood good? How is
S3 7 S2 Moderate Attachment
Yes your relationship with your neighbours?
But a bit dirty Don’t really communicate with each other
Prejudice at immigrants at first but better after spend time
• Refurbish/ repair playground
with them
• Provide dustbin
• Repair playground Not really
S1
• Redesign layout for protection People minding their own business
• Provide bench and dustbin People tend to stay inside because prejudice towards
In your opinion, what can be
• Plant more trees S3 immigrants
3 done to improve the outdoor Improvement
• Install fence at court for protection Not really
space? S2
• Add facilities for elderly Parents won’t let play outside if no company because of
• Provide dustbin prejudice towards immigrants
• Install fencing at playground for safety Yes
S3
• Provide dustbin Due to small house and can mingle with other residents
• Bigger space to play S1 Yes
Yes
S1 Due to hassle to go to park outside and can mingle with
As a resident here, do you Yes other residents
feel responsible to take care Yes Maybe
4 S2 Appropriation In your opinion, do you think outdoor
and maintain the outdoor Yes
8 space can contribute to the wellbeing Plenty of residents working during daytime Wellbeing
space provided? No S2 No light at night
S3 and joy of living here?
Maybe Yes
Yes
Allows people to communicate
Due to nice neighbourhood and feels like family Maybe
S1
Yes
Allows for social interaction
Due to nice neighbourhood S3
Yes
Yes
Can play with friends, more enjoyable
Do you enjoy living here? Due to great location
5 S2 Attachment
Why? Not really
Prefer kampong life but starting to feel okay
Not really
Due to less time spent interacting with neighbours
S3
Yes
Because of friends and near to Mid Valley

Outdoor Space Configuration
• U-shaped block provides visual surveillance
and security,
• Near location and centralised outdoor space
promotes convenience and more usage
• Outdoor space that is connected to main
human circulation provides room for
accidental interaction that promotes familiarity
among residents
• Well fenced spaces provide more safety
• Well shaded trees and bench provision
provide user comfort
Discussion
Home Making through
Outdoor Space Usage Outdoor Space
Appropriation of outdoor space at low-cost
housing provides room for social interaction to
Who happen
• Well used by kids, stay-at-home adults and
elderly, as there is no working commitment
• Kids presence dictated by adults supervision
• There’s prejudice towards immigrants and
concerns for safety
• Teenagers are least active due to study Social interaction in return build familiarity and
commitments and preferences trust among the residents which is vital in creating
a cohesive neighbourhood
What
• Combination of both social and retreat
activities at outdoor space shows that
A cohesive neighbourhood creates attachment to
residents tend to appropriate these outdoor
a place by instilling sense of belonging
space to cater the spill over activities that are
not favourable to be happening at their house
When
These transactional process eventually contributes
to home making at low-cost housing
• Almost all the time when the weather and
commitments permit
 Conclusion

• Based on findings from this study and supporting

literatures, it was determined that outdoor space plays
an integral role in fostering social engagement between
residents in the process of home making .

• Regardless of how bad the condition of the outdoor

space provided at low-cost housing, residents would
appropriate it as it is one of the means that contribute to
the wellbeing of their life in a low-cost housing

• Hence, the attributes needed to be considered in

designing outdoor space at low-cost housing should be
stressed on.

• With these observations in mind, local authority and

designers should lead the transformation of the design
of outdoor space so that home making process at low
cost housing could happen and quality of life could be
achieved.

• It is aspired that the identification of the attributes would

be able to formulate hypotheses in understanding how
low-income residents at low-cost housing manage to
cope with living and the possibility of them to use
outdoor space in the process of home making .
Thank you