MATARAM, Sept 5 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Mataram (Unram) successfully organized a two-day workshop titled “Urban Appraisal of Architecture and Streets in Mataram Denoting its Urban Vitality: Examining Placemaking and Placeness,” on 2nd and 3rd September 2024. The workshop brought together students, academics, and urban planners to explore the complex relationship between architecture, streets, and social behaviors within urban neighborhoods in Mataram. The participants delved into the concept of urban vitality, a key element in urban studies first introduced by Jane Jacobs, focusing on how the physical and social environments interact to create a lively, sustainable urban atmosphere.
The workshop was warmly welcomed by Dr. Rini Srikus Saptaningtyas, the Head of the Department of Architecture at Unram. She expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing how workshops like these offer valuable insights into urban design and planning for the region. “We are excited to collaborate with UTM on this workshop, which brings both theoretical and practical knowledge to our students and researchers. Understanding the urban vitality of Mataram will help shape the future of our city’s development,” she said.
Dr. Ismail Said, a retired professor from UTM, and a team of interdisciplinary experts led a workshop that allowed participants to engage in fieldwork. By observing how people interact with the urban spaces they live in, participants gained a deeper understanding of the concept of “person-environment fit.” This concept, important in urban design, environmental psychology, and human geography, was examined through real-life examples in Mataram’s neighborhoods. The workshop allowed participants to explore how architectural forms, spatial layouts, and even the color schemes of buildings and streets influenced residents’ social interactions and mobility, providing new insights into urban identity.
The workshop focused on assessing how public spaces contribute to the city’s vibrancy through observational studies and urban sketching. The collaboration between UTM and Unram was crucial for the workshop’s success, as it combined diverse perspectives and expertise. Senior lecturers from UTM’s Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture—Dr. Tengku Intan Suraya Tengku Aziz, Ts. Dr. Mohammad Ezzad Abu Bakar, Dr. Janatun Naim Yusof, Dr. Nurzuliza Jamirsah, and academic flexible scheme lecturer Dr. Rohana Mohd Firdaus—along with Unram lecturers, facilitated the sessions, fostering a productive exchange of ideas among participants. The workshop encouraged participants to critically explore how architecture and urban design can improve urban residents’ quality of life, effectively merging academic theory with practical, field-based observation. Dr. Tengku Intan Suraya mentioned, “The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to witness how academic concepts apply in real-world settings, offering participants an invaluable experience in comprehending urban vitality.”
Before the workshop, participants conducted preliminary research by reading key academic papers on urban vitality, place identity, and social behaviour. During the event, they worked in groups to present their findings, supported by field observations and sketches of Mataram’s urban landscape. This process helped participants answer important research questions about how architecture, streetscapes, and public spaces contribute to the overall identity of urban neighbourhoods and foster a cohesive sense of place.
As urban areas across Southeast Asia continue to face challenges related to rapid urbanization, social cohesion, and sustainability, the workshop in Mataram demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to urban planning. The Urban Appraisal of Architecture and Streets in Mataram workshop provided valuable insights into how cities can create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities by bringing together diverse perspectives and focusing on hands-on learning. The event not only strengthened the academic collaboration between UTM and Unram but also contributed to ongoing discussions on sustainable urban development in the region.
Authors: Dr. Janatun Naim Yusof, Dr. Tengku Intan Suraya Tengku Aziz, Dr. Mohammad Ezzad Abu Bakar, Dr. Nurzuliza Jamirsah & Dr. Rohana Mohd Firdaus