KKKH 4284: PERANCANGAN BANDAR LESTARI

TASK 7

URBAN RENEWAL

Question:
Kajang has transformed itself from a small old town to a big modern town by designing and
developing new township such as Bandar Baru Bangi and Bandar Seri Putra as well as
extending its CBD (central business district) such as extension to Sungai Chua. However, its
centre is inadequately transformed and most of its residences are working in Kuala
Lumpur and other external areas. Write your vision and plan for Kajang to transform its town
centre and to be a self-reliance town. You may use sketches to enhance your vision and plan.

Vision of New Kajang

1) Sustainable and Green City
2) Stimulate a more effective economic growth
3) Upgrade and improve the social needs of the local community

Urban Renewal Planning for New Kajang

a) Mixed-Use Development
The planning involved established the new area of commercial or industrial. By
established the new area of commercial and industrial in Kajang, we can attract the
residences to working in Kajang. So, Kajang town should provide more employment
opportunities to residences so that the residences do not have to working in Kuala
Lumpur. New area can be developed by mixed-used development concept. With the
application of mixed-use development, which combines residential uses, commercial
uses and offices, traffic congestion is reduced at a significant level which enables
people to live, work, play and shop in one place within walkable distance. Besides
that, with the incorporation of new sustainable public transportation system, green
development and pedestrian friendly concept, we believe it helps in strengthening the
economic base of a city. So, the residents do not have to working in Kuala Lumpur.

b) Naked Street Shared Spaces

The concept of naked street creates a completely open and even surface on which
motorists and pedestrians negotiated with each other by eye contact. Thus, shared
spaces is seen as more than just a way to design street but about reclaiming the public

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space from the domination of cars and achieving better balance between the streets
social and movement roles. The objectives of compact city as Kajang is to encourage
the mix-land use by that means we need to create pedestrian and bicycle friendly
environment. So that people will encourage to feel comfortable in walking or cycling,
and realizing that using private vehicle in Kajang is not effective. We believed that
Naked Street Shared Spaces concept can be the solution for reducing private vehicles
in Kajang.

c) Sustainable Transportation System

To be a self-reliance city, Kajang must have good and efficient public transport
systems. Our proposed concept for Kajang sustainable urban renewal transportation
system includes:
i.

To prevent the traffic congestion in Kajang, we have planned to provide the

exclusive lanes for public transport which the bus or taxi will be separate with
private cars and make it becomes more efficient public transport that capable
to load more passengers, more efficient travel time and punctual therefore
meets the social needs of local community.

ii.

Then to minimize the environmental impact due to motorized, the tramline

system which travel internally in Kajang was introduced. This tramline system
is utilizing the electric energy as power of movement while the electricity
generation is from hydrogen fuel cell and biomass. Both sources of electric are
renewable energy and cause harmless impact to environment, thus it is
advisable solution for power supply of public transport.

iii.

Bicycle renting system could provide many benefits to Kajang city centre.
They offer convenient mobility for many types of urban trips, promote healthy
lifestyle and reducing private vehicles in the city centre. Furthermore, by
reducing private vehicles, it can help with reducing traffic congestion and
accidents, road and limited parking facility problem and reducing air pollution.

iv.

Provide a multi storey parking at a suitable location therefore people can park
their vehicles at an affordable and reasonable price outside of the city centre.
Public transportation such as bus, shuttle bus, taxis and public bicycles should
be provided outside or at walking distance from the building.

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d) Masjid Centred Concept

We proposed Masjid Jamek Kajang to develop its function to cover wider range of
activities. The new proposed mosque shall serves as a place where Muslims can come
together for prayer as well as a centre for information, education and dispute
settlement. Masjid Jamek Kajang will be surrounded with new business centre and
residential areas so that it will stimulate a more effective economic growth.

e) Application of Renewable Energy in the City

The construction of the new buildings and houses in new Kajang city will use the
energy efficiency concept as in EU practices:

Large windows to let in sufficient daylight, high ceiling for better air
circulation and optimized layout to make the best use of available space.

Situate the house to take advantage of prevailing breezes. Not only these
breezes valuable for cross-ventilation in the house, but they can make
screened-in rooms and porches more comfortable.

Installation of solar panel in every new building constructed.

f) Improving the environmental quality

Most of the existing natural forest will be reserved in Kajang after the renewal
development. From the well planned building orientation and reserved places for
plantation, it is believe that air quality and atmosphere condition in Kajang are
satisfactory. Besides that, together with the utilization of renewable energy and high
technology for transport system which able to have zero emission of greenhouse
gases, this will effectively ensure environment quality in Kajang is in good condition.
However, environmental quality is not only about air quality, on the same water and
land quality also need to be taken into consideration. Thus high technology and
engineered method should apply on solid waste management and water resources as
well, to ensure good quality and minimum impact to water and land. Besides that, to
give a new life for Kajang city, more plantations need to be plant along the road and
street.

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g) River Beautification
At river reserve area (along Sg. Chua), we propose to construct pedestrian side
walk with railing (where it is necessary for safety purpose) using River Front
Development guideline. The Riverfront Development has reclaims the banks of the
Sungai Langat, making the entire stretch of river publicly accessible. This project
provides five kilometres of uninterrupted pedestrian promenade on each bank and
public direct access to the water. The Sungai Langat Riverfront development will
enhance the distinctive character of Kajang, significantly improving the quality of life
for residents and enhancing Kajangs value as a destination for new employers,
institutions, investment, education opportunities, and tourism.
River cruise could also be provided for people to enjoy bot riding, possibly
with similar concept that have been implemented in Sungai Melaka. However, the
awareness to feel responsible for the sustainability of the river from the local
community is very important to ensure that the development achieved its intended
purposes. Trees and shrubs will be planted along the river to provide shade, clean air
and beautify the surrounding. The new development will include a row of shop lot
facing the river and the famous Satay Kajang will be relocated here. There will be
other local restaurants serving foods as the community enjoy the surrounding
environment.

h) Water Quality and Drainage

Storm water runoff is excess precipitation that flows into water bodies and
local storm sewer systems largely due to the prevalence of hard surfaces, such as
impervious concrete. It is a large quantity of water that would ordinarily be absorbed
into the ground in the natural environment. Storm water runoff collects pollutants,
chemicals and debris as it flows over paved surfaces and into water bodies. It also
causes erosion, decreases groundwater recharge and alters aquatic environments. By
practicing rain water harvesting system for every house and offices, the storm water
can be used for flushing toilets and watering plant.There will be no open channelled
drainage in the proposed development. For landscaping purposes, swale or Mulden
Rigolen system will be used throughout the new development of Kajang where the
rainwater is channelled into the grassed-over hollow.

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The water seeps into the gravel-filled underground storage basin beneath.
Furthermore, rain garden is also proposed to be constructed at the intersection of
every swale. A rain garden is a garden which takes advantage of rainfall and
storm water runoff in its design with selected types of plants. Usually, it is a small
garden which is designed to withstand the extremes of moisture and concentrations of
nutrients, particularly. Nitrogen and Phosphorus that are usually found in storm water
runoff. Rain gardens are sited ideally close to the source of the runoff and serve to
slow the velocity of storm water as it travels downhill, giving the storm water more
time to infiltrate and less opportunity to gain momentum and erosive power.

i) Air Quality
Reducing air pollution will improve the quality of life for everyone. Reducing
air pollution often means using less fuel and energy which indirectly save money. The
main source of pollution in the Kajang city centre is from road traffic. By using public
transportations, sustainable house system and providing more green areas, it could
help in improving the state of air quality in Kajang city centre.
Contrary to popular belief, indoor air quality can actually be more polluted
than outdoors. Pollutants range from toxins, such as asbestos and formaldehyde found
in building materials to allergens such as mold, mildew, fungus, bacteria, and dust
mites. The negative effects of these pollutants may cause health problems upon initial
exposure or even many years later. However, there are several measures that can be
taken to improve the indoor air quality:
i.

Choose ventilation system that removes dirt, dust, moisture, humidity, and
pollutants.

ii.

Select materials, such as those without formaldehyde, limit offgassing, have minimal or no toxic properties and do not shed dust or fibre.

iii.

Use the exhaust fan over the stove to remove gases like carbon monoxide.

iv.

Use fans in the bathroom to remove water vapours that

can cause molds to grow.

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Conclusion
We believe that if our proposed plan for Kajang is successfully implemented, Kajang
will be the first city in Malaysia that implements Local Agenda 21 as a whole. Our hope is
for Kajang to also develop into one of the tourist destination due to the river beautification
and riverfront development. Besides that, we believe that the city could serve as an eye
opener for other new developments in Malaysia while educating the people in the importance
of sustainable living.
NUR IMANI BINTI YUSOFF CHEAH (A135792)

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