Place-making - a collaborative approach to urban regeneration in Malaysia

Place-making is a growing global trend that can be described as both a process and a philosophy. At its core, it puts people at the centre of urban decision making.  The ultimate goal is to create an authentic place that meets the needs and aspiration of the community. 

Butterworth Fringe Festival, photo courtesy of Think City

‘Think City’ is a community-based urban rejuvenation organization that has pioneered place making in Malaysia since 2009 and is rapidly expanding, launching a new office in Johor Bahru in 2016.   It is committed to creating sustainable and liveable cities and has partnered with a number of global agencies to help build local capacity. To help me understand more about place-making here in Malaysia, I met with Hamdan Majeed, Executive Director of ‘Think City’.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, one of the first buildings to be restored in Georgetown. Photo courtesy Vanessa Pilla

In 2008, UNESCO recognized Georgetown, Penang, as an exceptional example of the country’s multi-cultural history, architecture and traditions.  In recognition of the UNESCO determination, Khazanah Nasional Berhad (the investment arm of the Malaysian Government) initiated the George Town Transformation Programme (GTTP) and ‘Think City’ was born.  ‘Think City’ administered RM16.3mil of Federal funding to numerous programs that encouraged public participation in the rejuvenation process. This included, seed-funding projects that build on Georgetown’s heritage and identity such as mosques, temples, clan houses and public spaces within the World Heritage Site.  ‘Think City’ supported over 240 projects and its approach of building local capacity and bridging partnerships with government, landowners and the community has been key to its success in achieving positive urban outcomes.

Not surprisingly,  since the UNESCO determination, there has been an increase in service-based businesses operating in Georgetown. Dilapidated properties have been lovingly restored and converted to cafés, galleries and boutique hotels.   While ‘Think City’ played an important role in the initial projects, the newly opened Seven Terraces boutique hotel, restored by award-winning hoteliers Karl Steinberg and Christopher Ong, is an example of how private investment is now helping shape the future of this island state.  

Twelve months ago ‘Think City’ signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a world leader in place-making education.  Together they hope to further place-making efforts in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.   In 2014, ‘Think City’ moved beyond Georgetown and has launched a new funding program that covers projects in Butterworth (mainland Penang), Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.  Hamdan understands the importance of cities as Asia’s economy shifts and the region becomes urbanized.  Hamdan is passionate about Malaysia and about shifting the culture of development to one that builds local capacity, and empowers communities to act and be part of the changing economy.   

‘Think City’ is expanding and attracting young, enthusiastic staff who have moved back home to Malaysia after studying abroad.  The working culture is energetic and infectious and a positive glimpse of the future, as Malaysia moves closer to its goal of being an industrialised country by 2020.  

Lebuh Armenian located in the Heritage area of Georgetown is filled with old shophouses selling old and new treasures. 

A place for the Mall, after all!

There is no shortage of shopping malls in Asia. Every year it seems the malls are getting bigger and bolder with new attractions for the region's growing middle class. Take for instance, the 'Great Singapore Sale' which attracts thousands of international visitors annually. Is Malaysia the new Singapore? 

Personally, I am not a fan of being trapped in these privately owned spaces of consumption.  But I have recently moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where shopping malls are destinations and experiences in themselves. And in a city that averages 32 degrees, 80% humidity and has recently been clouded in a toxic haze, I’ve come to appreciate the mall.  

Malls have played a large role in the city’s evolution as a modern city catering to the shifting needs of a growing middle class.   In travel guides, KL has been described as a shopaholic’s dream, with no shortage of world-class shopping malls.  Shopping malls have been a success business model in Australia, U.S and Canada for the past 40 years  often being criticized (rightfully) for taking business away from small business found in suburban main-streets.    Shopping malls have evolved from a ‘box’ development into a ‘lifestyle’ development with residential, commercial and retail in one location creating destinations fostering social and cultural interactions. 

This model is most distinct in KL.  If I want to visit the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra or go to an Art Gallery, I would visit ‘Suria’, a high-end shopping mall in KL City Centre.  If I am looking for children’s activities, I could visit ‘Sunway Pyramid’ for a water theme park or ‘Setia City Mall’ for a more affordable option of kite flying, bike riding and rollerblading around the 10 acres of landscaped parkland surrounding the mall.  When looking for an artisan market or flea market I would go to ‘Jaya One’ or ‘Amcorp’ Mall respectively.  KL has challenged my ideals for high street shopping and has made me question my western prejudice.  Are shopping centres such as bad thing?  While there are definitely some bad examples that exclude people through poor design and price. There are some great examples where a place making philosophy is at the core of the development. 

‘Publika’ is a shopping mall located 10 minutes north of KL City Centre.  Surrounding the mall are residential and commercial buildings, small streets, public squares and playgrounds.   The anchor tenants include independent grocery store BIG, art galleries and performance spaces where talks, exhibitions and live international and local bands play. This property is filled with artist murals and hosts various events in The Square, including free films every Monday; handicraft markets each month and annual events such as the Coffee and Art Fringe, International Jazz and Comedy festivals.  Rents are also kept low to encourage new talents and local designers in pop-up shops.   As a result ‘Publika’ is providing a place for KL’s creative community and an example of how creating the right urban solution is about understanding the needs of your local place, both the environment and the people. 

With this new appreciation for shopping malls, I find myself hanging out in malls to shop for handicrafts and afternoon tea and I’m ok with that.

Coffee and Art Fringe, one of many festivals that take place at Publika

Public square at Publika

Monthly Artisan market 

Public Art and streetscape at Publika