Urban morphology and identity: The dock spaces of Melaka on the maritime silk road

Background: This research investigates the intricate relationship between historical docks and the urban development of Melaka, a significant maritime entrepot along the Maritime Silk Road. Focusing on the physical connections and urban morphological performance, this study explores how these docks have influenced the urban morphology and architectural typology of Melaka from its earliest settlement to the present. Method: Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that combines urban planning, architectural analysis, historical research, and extensive fieldwork, this research identifies key dock spaces along the Melaka River and examines their connections to the city's inland areas. Through historical mapping and analysis of lost docks and market spaces, as well as religious buildings, the study reveals the complex interactions between these maritime infrastructures and urban development. Result: The findings highlight numerous challenges in preserving these historical nodes, including issues related to modern urban integration and conservation. Conclusion: The research concludes with recommendations for the conservation and management of these historical sites, emphasizing their importance in preserving Melaka’s historic urban landscape. By safeguarding these cultural heritage nodes, Melaka can maintain its urban identity and continue to honor its rich maritime history. Novelty/Originality of this study: The development of a comprehensive and adaptive maritime heritage integration model in modern urban planning, which combines urban morphology, historical mapping, and socio-economic impact assessment, provides a multidimensional framework for urban planners to preserve and revitalize infrastructure nodes while accommodating contemporary urban development needs, thereby creating a balance between heritage preservation and urban progress

Enhancing city authenticity through humanitarian architecture: A synergy of design and identity, case study, Al-Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

Architecture acts as a facade to the world, in which one can understand the insides of the people, religion, culture, and much more about a city. Using humanitarian architecture as a guide for reconstructing, as well as the long-term impacts of the urban planning of a city in terms of sustainability and authenticity, this study answers the questions of how the City's character and identity can be maintained while providing quick assistance via humanitarian architecture. What are the challenges that prevent humanitarian architecture from enhancing cities' authenticity, and how can we overcome them? By examining Al-Diriyah project, this study aims to look into the complex relationship of humanitarian architecture with the branding and authenticity of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from the perspective of residents and non-residents. A blended qualitative and quantitive approach was applied as a comprehensive methodology to achieve the objectives. This study will help the application of humanitarian architecture for rebuilding countries in the East, highlighting authenticity and maintaining its cultural significance

Heritage and identity: The vernacular transformation of De Tjolomadoe

Background: This research paper focuses on the adaptive reuse of the De Tjolomadoe (Colomadu) heritage sugar factory within the field of vernacular architecture. Methods: Utilizing qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews, site observations, and archival analysis, it examines the preservation of industrial heritage through its integration into vernacular architectural practices, yielding insights for sustainable development. Findings: The De Tjolomadoe factory, a prominent Indonesian historical and cultural landmark, serves as a compelling case study in adaptive reuse, offering significant findings. Firstly, it illustrates how adaptive reuse effectively preserves cultural identity by seamlessly blending vernacular design elements and traditional building techniques, thereby maintaining a strong connection to its historical and cultural heritage. Secondly, the De Tjolomadoe case exemplifies adaptive reuse as a sustainable development strategy. By utilizing local resources and adhering to vernacular construction methods, the project minimizes environmental impact while generating economic and social benefits for the community. Community engagement emerges as a crucial factor in the success of adaptive reuse projects, as actively involving local communities ensures the authenticity and relevance of such initiatives. Moreover, the transformation of the De Tjolomadoe factory into a cultural destination underscores its substantial economic impact on the region. Similar adaptive reuse projects have the potential to boost tourism, stimulate local economies, and preserve cultural heritage. Conclusion: The lessons drawn from the De Tjolomadoe case offer practical insights and principles guiding future adaptive reuse endeavours, emphasizing cultural preservation, sustainability, community participation, and economic viability. Novelty/Originality of this article: These findings contribute to the growing knowledge base on the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage sites within the context of vernacular architecture, inspiring and informing initiatives aimed at revitalizing our industrial heritage for future generations

Renewing the old, creating the new: examining the strategies and results of urban conservation in Singapore and Shanghai

This paper explores the concept of authenticity in the conservation and renewal efforts in Singapore and Shanghai. Despite the past belief that demolishing or modifying historical buildings was acceptable for rapid urban development, the cities have recognized the value of preserving these buildings to maintain a sense of cultural heritage and authenticity. Through the analysis of typical conservation cases in both cities, the study examines the relevant strategies, methods, and results, and compares the changes and progress of conservation over time. The study finds that the conservation of historical buildings and districts can contribute to the authenticity and cultural identity of a city, fostering a sense of community and pride among residents. However, the concept of authenticity can be complex, and there may be debates over the appropriate level of restoration or modification required. Overall, the dissertation highlights the importance of balancing urban development and conservation and the evolving strategies towards people-based and coordinated development in both cities

Unearthing Al-Dirah's authentic charm: a case study for city branding in Riyadh

Al-Dirah, an old neighborhood in Riyadh, is an excellent illustration of Saudi tradition and history. It was built in 1824 and is widely known for its rich heritage and historical traits, with historic landmarks such as Al Masmak Fort, Al-Dirah Souk, Al-Mu'eiqilia Market, and Deera Square. It also had the major royal castle in Saudi Arabia's second state. It was a thriving economic neighborhood from the past until the present times. With all these values, Al-Dirah has the potential to represent the branding of Riyadh as the capital city. However, this district is facing challenges such as traffic, overpopulation, collapsing buildings, and maintenance issues which might impact the image of the neighborhood. This study aims to investigate the values and potentials of the Al-Dirah neighborhood as well as recent urban problems from the perspectives of residents and non-residents. It argues that having significant potential ranging from cultural, historical, and economic is not enough for developing the branding for the city without considering the perceptions of the residents. Their perceptions are important to create an image that can be potential for the city branding. Therefore, their role needs to be recognized. A mixed method both qualitative and quantitative approach was utilized for this study through online structured and open-ended questionnaires, supported by direct observations on the site. The findings reveal that although old neighborhoods are often associated with urban problems and poorly built environments, however, from residents’ perspectives, it has the potential for city branding, especially if it is supported by their cultural, historical, and economic values. While most of the studies related to city branding focus on the policies perspective from the top-down, this study gives another perspective which is from the community or bottom-up. This study supports the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to achieve a sustainable living environment, boost the economy through tourism, and strengthen national identity at the same time. This study enriches references about city branding for practitioners and policymakers

Navigating the tension between city branding and authenticity: a conceptual framework

oai:ojs2.journal-iasssf.com:article/20As cities around the world increasingly embrace branding as a means of promoting economic growth and attracting investment, there has been a growing tension between the desire to create a strong and recognizable city brand and the need to maintain a sense of authenticity and place identity. This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding this tension and proposes strategies for navigating it in the context of city branding. Drawing on existing literature and case studies of successful and unsuccessful city branding campaigns, the framework highlights the importance of balancing the desire for a strong city brand with the need to preserve a sense of authenticity and place identity. The framework suggests that city branding campaigns should be designed with careful consideration of local history, culture, and values, and should engage a diverse range of stakeholders in the branding process. Ultimately, the paper argues that successful city branding campaigns must strike a delicate balance between the desire for a strong and recognizable brand and the need to maintain a sense of authenticity and place identity

UNESCO world heritage branding: learning from some cases in Asia

UNESCO World Heritage listing is often misunderstood as branding to promote mass tourism or as a vehicle for economic development by a city or the state party. The reflection is aimed to shed light on the fundamental principles that underlie the listing and the integration of the World Heritage scheme with the Sustainable Development Policy. The reflection is done through the case study method of a specific real-life phenomenon in Asia to gain insights into complex and intricate situations and highlight the common misunderstanding through several cases. The study found the policy bias towards investment and tourism agenda and not towards the fulfilment of public welfare, often without ethics applying the top-down policy. The study also found evidence of irreversible damages to tangible and intangible aspects of cultural and natural heritage due to gentrification, commodification, decreasing carrying capacity, and loss of authenticity. The study aims to understand better the four pillars of integrating the World Heritage and Sustainable Development policy in achieving environmental sustainability, inclusive social development, inclusive economic development, and fostering peace and security

Adaptive reuse and authenticity: promoting urban conservation in Melaka's historic town

This study investigates the impact of adaptive reuse on the sense of place and urban conservation in Melaka's historic town, where heritage shophouses have been repurposed as F&B establishments. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect data from stakeholders, including local communities, to assess their perceptions of adaptive reuse works. The study found that adaptive reuse works had a positive impact on the sense of place and urban conservation in Melaka's historic town. However, the preservation and adaptation of these buildings must be done with proper community engagement to avoid alienating locals from their built environment. Discussions with stakeholders revealed that a holistic approach that considers both heritage preservation and community needs is crucial in promoting sustainable and inclusive urban conservation practices. The study concludes that adaptive reuse works on heritage shophouses as F&B establishments can contribute to sustainable urban conservation and promote an authentic city brand. Community engagement is crucial in preserving the character of these buildings and ensuring the inclusion of locals in their built environment. By incorporating community input, adaptive reuse works can promote a sense of place and belonging that contributes to the overall urban conservation and sustainability of the city. The adaptive reuse of heritage shophouses as F&B establishments is becoming increasingly popular, contributing to the area's status as a UNESCO World Heritage City. However, the preservation and adaptation of these buildings must be done in a way that reflects the local community's values and needs to avoid alienating them from their built environment. By prioritizing community engagement and consultation, adaptive reuse works can promote sustainable urban conservation practices, enhance the city's authenticity, and contribute to a sense of place and belonging for both locals and visitors