SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

Module

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC2224) (ARC61303)

Name

YONG YIH TYNG

Student ID

0312764

Tutor

NOR HAYATI HUSSAIN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Project Introduction

a. Abstract

b. Methodology

c. Literature Review - Cognitive Mapping

2. Site Background

a. Maps

b. History

c. Site Images

3. 3 Types of Mapping

a. Map 1

b. Map 2

c. Map 3 - Sketches

4. Mapping Comparison

a. Similarities

b. Differences

d. Observation and Statement

5. Discussion

6. Conclusion - City Improvement

7. Reference

Project Introduction

1. Project Introduction

a. Abstract

This project is carried out as a research project of an area with selected boundary within a city. An

investigation of the relationship between the place-making and people.

In this research project, the methods of space navigation and process of memory creation of an

individual is also being investigated. Memory or experience of a person towards a space can

become the main influence of how the place is being perceived by the same person, or sometimes

a trigger point to how a person recalled the place.

Every individuals navigate their direction between two points, usually with intention or intuitively.

This project is a research project between the internal psychological behavior of a person and the

decision making in a person that influence the choice of path and space preference.

Other than that, space quality is also one of the research area that is being highlighted in this

research in order to understand the desired quality and space and how streetscape design can

improve lifestyle of the users.

b. Methodology – Cognitive Mapping and Urban Planning

In this research project, there were several research methods has been carried out to collect the

required data.

In the primary method, we were required to collect two cognitive maps from a group of people

within a specific age range and gender. In order to understand their background in depth as to assist

a better research result, we were also required to record the interviewed conversations and

transform the information into tabulated data.

For this project, I have select female age range of 24 to 32 years old as my research prospects. One

prospect is a Malay housewife that stay around the site for around five years, Amalina, who is 32

years old; and a friend of mine, Melisa, a Chinese young lady, 24 years old, an undergraduate of

Communication Arts who has never been to the site.

During the research process, I have identify the boundary of the research project, namely a path

from Masjid Jamek Train Station towards MyDin that is situated at Jalan Masjid India, right after

Lorong Masjid India 4.

The prospects were required to draw a rough sketch of the place including the direction of how

they navigate the place via memory.

Other than that, in this project, we were also required to produce a cognitive map of on our own

as a research comparison between the prospects and our personal perception towards the place. As

an architecture student, I am trained to practice record drawings, observation and data analysis in

architectural method. Hence, the cognitive map produced by me will show a degree of architectural

practice.

Data collection in form of photography and online research are the secondary methods which were

also performed in this research project.

c. Literature Review

1. Human Sense of Direction and way-finding

“As we shall see, having a sense of direction has been

associated with an ability to discriminate fine-grained

environmental cues, a special sensory apparatus such as a

magnetic sense, memories of locations constituting a

cognitive map, strategies for learning a route, a schematic

representation of one’s past experiences in navigation and

orientation tasks, and the ability to mentally align one’s

current heading within an imagined frame of reference.”

Edward H. Cornell, A.S, and T. M, 2003, Human Sense of Direction and Wayfinding,

Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

2. Orientation

“A sense of direction is also derived from the perception

of known landmarks and landscape as we move to different

places”

Gibson 1979

“ The invariant relations between geographic features

—distributions of sites and boundaries of regions—

provide a spatial framework for positioning ourselves”

Golledge 1995

3. Cognitive Mapping

“Behavioral geographers consider cognitive maps to

be natural sources of information and preferences for

spatial choices.

Ga¨rling and Golledge 1999

“While sometimes thought of as a formal and

conventional enterprise,the mapping of the layout and

identity of environmental features is essentially symbolic

and selective, a process embedded in culture, communication,

and human purpose.”

Blaut 1991; Stea and Blaut 1996

“As a variable that differentiates individuals, self-rating

does not address how a person may have formed an

impression of their sense of direction. However, Kozlowski

and Bryant (1977) suggest that sense of direction is related

to the accuracy of cognitive maps. In this context,

cognitive maps were taken as mental representations that

preserved survey knowledge of a familiar environment.

Survey knowledge includes metric and relational information

about landmarks and paths; distances, bearings,

and the configuration of objects may be simultaneously

represented as if seen from a bird’s-eye view (Hart and

Moore 1973; Siegel and White 1975; Thorndyke and

Goldin 1983). Koslowski and Bryant (1977) established

moderate correlations (rs 0.49 to 0.51) between

self-ratings of sense of direction by college students and

the magnitude of their errors when pointing to known

buildings from an imagined vantage point on their campus”

Edward H. Cornell, A.S, and T. M, 2003, Human Sense of Direction and Wayfinding,

Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

4. Cognition the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding

through thought, experience, and the senses. https://www.google.com.my/#q=cognition+definition

5. Perception of Place

“These interpretations are consistent with the

notion that people’s assessment of their sense of

direction may be similar to other beliefs about

the self, a schematic representation of a

variety of incidents in autobiographical memory”

Bem 1972; Markus 1980

“People likely modify ideas about themselves as wayfinders after they cleverly calculate a

shortcut or after reflecting upon an episode of being lost. Many self-concepts are biased by recent

experiences (Markus and Nurius 1986; Klein and Loftus 1993), and the assessment of sense of

direction may unduly weigh those memories that are most easily retrieved. What might produce

memories of using one’s sense of direction? Sholl (1988) has suggested a cognitive process—that

people with a good sense of direction are good at imagining spatial relationships beyond their

immediate position and surround. In particular, Sholl’s data indicated that in contrast to students

with a poor sense of direction, students with a good sense of direction were more accurate at

pointing to landmarks when they had to assume a viewpoint that was misaligned with their Human

Sense of Direction and Wayfinding 401 forward facing. According to Sholl, sense of direction

reflects the ability to mentally coordinate egocentric and imagined frames of references. This

coordination would be important when updating one’s position in obscure environments, such as

when firefighters are in smoke- filled buildings or when ambulance drivers are between buildings

that do not afford views of the skyline

Edward H. Cornell, A.S, and T. M, 2003, Human Sense of Direction and Wayfinding,

Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

“ The question of space and place in geographical knowledge is ultimately not just about whether

the question of “where” matters in the way that “when” does in explaining “how” and even “why”

something happens. It is also about how it matters.”

in J. Agnew and D. Livingstone (eds.) Handbook of Geographical Knowledge.

London: Sage, 2011 (forthcoming)

Site Background

2. Site Background

a. Maps – Macro Map

Image retrieved from Google Map. From Masjid Jamek Train Station to MyDin.

b. History – Historical Building

The significant in the history of Masjid Jamek dated back 1909, when, the Mosque of Masjid

Jamek was officially opened by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah. This is a

mosque that dated 105 years and situated on the land previously a Malay cemetery. The Malay

cemetery was then relocated at Jalan Ampang to give way for the mosque construction. The

mosque was designed by Federated Malay States’ Public Works Department assistant architect

A.B. Hubback.

The significant of the site development can be seen as the staircase of the mosque slowly disappear.

The river transportation was replaced by the train line indicates the change of time and new

development at the area.

An old drawing of Masjid Jamek with the staircase used as a landing area for those arriving by sampan. - Photo used with permission of Malaysian

Institute of Architects (PAM). Image retrieved from http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/10/28/Fascinating-historical-find-

Construction-work-dredges-up-stairs-leading-to-Masjid-Jamek/

Moghul architecture: Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest mosque at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It was built in 1907 and

officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor on Dec 23, 1909. Image retrieved from

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/10/28/Fascinating-historical-find-Construction-work-dredges-up-stairs-leading-to-Masjid-

Jamek/

The disappearance of staircase indicates the changes of time and main transportation. Image retrieved from

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/10/28/Fascinating-historical-find-Construction-work-dredges-up-stairs-leading-to-Masjid-

Jamek/

c. Site Images

1. Main Nodes

2. Interesting Sites

Masjid Jamek train station

become the main gathering and

diversion place for people coming

from different direction.

Masjid Jamek Train Station.

Image took from site by Yong Yih Tyng.

Masjid Jamek Train Station.

Image took from site by Yong Yih Tyng.

Attractions around

Masjid Jamek

3. People

Bazaar at Masjid Jamek Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

The source of income for the local people. Part of the activities that support the overall economic

around the area. Most of the price labeled on the goods are cheaper, some goods are sold in bulk.

Circulation of People Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

One of the place that is opening into the street from the main road. This is one of the path that

used by people to travel from adjacent buildings blocks towards Masjid India. This is a crowded

path during Friday because it is situated between two Mosque: Majid Jamek and Masjid India.

Activity and People.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Activity and People. Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Masjid India.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Bazaar open in to a huge space. Pavement in front of Masjid India.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Bazar Masjid Jamek Entrance. A starting point of the stalls.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Food and Activity. 5Ft way has its own flexibility.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Food and Activity. Traditional food, traditional way.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Activity.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Activity. Shop selling gold jeweler. One of the attraction.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

5. Architecture

Architecture

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Architecture

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Architecture

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Architecture

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

6. Color and People

Color and People. A pop of vibrance.

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Color and People. A Pop of vibrancy among the street

Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Color and People Image took by Yong Yih Tyng

Types of Mapping

3. 3 Types of Mapping a. Map 1

Cognitive Map drew by Amalina. Path from Masjid Jamek Train Station to My DIN (SET A)

b. Map 2

Cognitive Map drew by Melisa. Path from Masjid Jamek Train Station to My DIN (SET B)

In Map 2, it is show that, the main elements that help Melisa to navigate the place are the train

station, OCBC bank, Masjid Jamek Mosque , Indian Gold and My Din itself.

c. Map 3

Cognitive Map drew by Me (Yih Tyng). Path from Masjid Jamek Train Station to My DIN

(SET C)

The junctions and stops is one of the components that influence Yih Tyng (me) space navigation.

Sketches of Junction and Architectural Element

Masjid Jamek. Sketched by Yih Tyng.

Masjid Jamek Architectural Elements. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Masjid Jamek Architectural Elements. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Masjid Jamek Sketch of Balloons. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Masjid Jamek Sense of Space. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Sketch of Junctions

Masjid Jamek Sense of Space. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Masjid Jamek Sense of Space. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Masjid Jamek Sense of Space. Sketched by Yih Tyng

Mapping Comparison

4. Mapping Comparison

a. Similarities

SET A SET B SET C

similarities

LRT Station LRT Station LRT Station

Masjid Jamek Mosque Masjid Jamek Mosque Masjid Jamek Mosque

Represent path by line Represent path by line Represent path by line

Table 1

The three sets of maps were compared for their similarities. It is found that there are two

repeating iconic buildings noted on the maps, mainly: the train station and the Masjid Jamek

Mosque. Masjid Jamek Mosque is appearing in three maps due to its historical value and famous

among the local and visitors.

Other than that, in all the maps, the path directions are represented by lines.

b. Differences

SET A SET B SET C

differences

Memory mainly drove by

daily needs

Memory drove by familiar

places

Memory drove by

observation

Methods of drawing focus on

iconic building or form

Method of drawing by

directions or paths

Method on drawing by

practice

Choice of Drawings are

Creative/ Spontaneous in

conveying message

Choice of Drawings show

unfamiliarity

Choice of Drawings

influenced by practice

Unskilled Drawing Unskilled Drawing Skilled Drawing

Focus on needs or preference Focus on direction Equal exploration of places,

focus more on junctions and

architectures

Use of solid lines Use of infirm lines Use of Solid lines

Table 2

The differences between the maps were also outlined and tabulated in table 2 as above.

c. Observation, Comparison and Statement:

1. Different profession led to different methods of space navigation

Statement: Amalina navigates the place differently from Melisa and Yih Tyng due to her

identity as a housewife, who practice her daily routine around the site.

Melisa, a student that travel by direction, could easily rely on a few basic landmarks

across the path.

Yih Tyng is an architectural student who drawn by the openness of junctions and

height of buildings.

2. Different needs of users led to different methods of space navigation

Statement: Amalina navigates the place differently from Melisa and Yih Tyng due to her

personal needs.

Melisa is new to the place. Her safety and site attractions are her main

considerations when she travel from train station towards MyDin. Melisa said she

is drawn to the place by the memory of Ikan Bakar as she travel pass the food court

because she is a food lover.

Yih Tyng is travelling through the space with the intention of data collection. Hence,

Yih Tyng is more likely to be drawn by the junctions of the road at where she can

collect data and take photos. The openness of the space and surrounding

architectures, landmarks and iconic buildings are the main attraction for Yih Tyng.

Tall buildings are the indications of main roads for Yih Tyng.

3. Different path routine of users led to different methods of space navigation

Statement: Amalina use the same path whenever pass through the place due to her routine.

She has been staying at the place for years.

Melisa and Yih Tyng navigate the space through the existing path and the

direction of human crowd.

5. Safety issue led to different methods of space navigation

Statement: Amalina, Melisa and Yih Tyng are less likely to use back ally as path due to

safety issue.

6. Pass experiences led to different method of space navigation

Statement: Amalina knew about the locations of most individual activities very well. Hence

she can travel faster from one point to another point than Melisa and Yih Tyng by

using shortcuts or avoid the human crowd.

Discussion

5. Discussion

Way finding

Way finding is the travel process of an individual from one point to another. During the

process of way finding, there are many elements that influence how an individual can travel from

one point to another. Each individual has own set of rules in way finding.

The factors of way finding, based on the research above, are, occupation and profession,

needs, routine, safety, site attraction, intention, experience and etc.

For example, given a space between point A (Masjid Jamek Train Station) to Point B

(MyDIN), Amalina, Melisa and I, we all have our own set of way-finding elements that guide us

to the destination.

Amalina is influenced by her needs, past experience or routine when travels around the site.

She is able to travel on the site safer than Melisa and Yih Tyng because she understand the site

issue better than both of them because of her past experiences. She will be able to avoid dangers

and use shortcuts which unknown by Melisa and I. Amalina goes to the site whenever she intends

to sought for beautiful baju kurung or other daily products. These are the elements that influences

her in her way finding around Masjid Jamek.

On another hand, this is not the same for Melisa and Yih Tyng as they are not as familiar

as Amalina towards the site.

Melisa and Yih Tyng have different occupations, hence they were also not sharing the same

group of way finding elements. Although there is occasionally an overlap of one or two way-

finding elements, they were not driven by the same thing around the site during movement. Melisa

like to solve problem in a simpler and direct way. Hence, she tends to have a set of way finding

elements that more direct and simpler, such as a tall building that can be seen from far. Hence,

direction and landmarks are more important for her. Occasionally, Melisa and Yih Tyng can share

the same landmarks because Yih Tyng is also attracted by by buildings in a slightly different

perspective from Melisa.

Formation of Nodes on Street, Streetscape Design

The openness of the junctions and juxtaposition of building are very important elements in

street scape design in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment.

How much the streetscape design is contributing the wellness of the street users can

influences the formation of nodes and the preference of people for the site. A space that is

complimentary the needs of the people definitely will become a place that is capable to hold people

a bit longer around that place. Hence by time, activity at a place will increases.

For example, the longer pedestrian walk way connects the Train Station to MyDin can

considered as human activities driver. People gather around the place selling food and goods,

because of the existing human density created by the train station. People came out from the train

station, slowly move into the path between the stalls, gathered and the diverse into other places

when it reaches the end of the Bazaar. The whole roll of stalls becomes a buffer zone for the

adjacent streets.

The gathering of people at a place can slowly contribute a significant density which can

then influences the local politics, social and economic of the place.

The openness of space at the end of the Bazaar can provides a new introduction space to

the pedestrian users. Walking through the street now become more interesting.

Conclusion

6. Conclusion - City Improvement

How can designer improve the life quality of people through streetscape design?

In conclusion, designers should always consider the possibility of streetscape

elements to be transformed to support the needs of the people. A degree of flexibility

design such as seating area can introduce a different experience to the pedestrian

users. A design that is inspiring at the same time functional, adaptable to all group

of people is surely a design that impacts.

Other than that, safety and openness of the street are also other important roles

to enhance the feeling of secure for the user.

Reference

7. Reference

Edward H. Cornell, A.S, and T. M, 2003, Human Sense of Direction and Wayfinding,

Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

Retrieved from http://www.psych.ualberta.ca/~ecornell/SOD-Ms.pdf

Stanley Milgram and Denise Jodelet “Psychological Maps of Paris” (1970)

Kevin Lynch “The City Image & Its Elements” (1960)

James J. Gibson “Theory of Affordances” (1979)

Robert Sommer “Personal Space: The Behavioral Basis for Design” (1969)

Guy Debord “Theory of the Derive” and “Preliminary Problems in Constructing a Situation”

(1958)

Online

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/10/28/Fascinating-historical-find-

Construction-work-dredges-up-stairs-leading-to-Masjid-Jamek/