The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

CHAPTER 3

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

Lim Jie Xiang 1002059697

3.1 Introduction

3.1.1 Problem Statement

3.1.2 Aim & Objective

3.1.3 Significant & Scope of research

3.2 LiteratureReview

3.2.1 How Community Center Function in Town

3.2.2 Specific Characteristic of Sub Urban Fabric

3.3 Methodology

3.3.1 Literature Review

3.3.2 Fieldwork Observation

3.3.3 Case Studies

3.3.3.1 The Buzz.ar Community Center

3.3.3.2 Community Center of Baishadao Financial Town

3.4 Findings

3.4.1 Fieldwork Observation

3.4.2 Case Study

3.5 Discussion

3.6 Conclusion

Tanjong Malim: Revitalize, Redevelop, Restore.

School of Architecture & Built Environment, UCSI University

3.7 Acknowledgement

3.8 Appendix

3.9 References

3.1 INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the concept of community hubs has gained popularity as a means to bring people together and create a space for social interaction and community development. A community hub can be defined as a physical or virtual space that provides resources, services, and programs to support the needs of the local community. These hubs often serve as a focal point for social and cultural activities, as well as a platform for knowledge transfer and skills development. (SFA, 2022)

With a population of about 100,000, Tanjung Malim is a town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and active neighbourhood. The town has seen significant economic growth, primarily due to the automotive and education industries, both of which have undergone significant change in recent years. Students, business owners, and locals live in the town along with a wide variety of other people. It has a lot of potential for community hubs, which could provide a venue for locals to learn new skills and share their own.

By giving people access to resources, knowledge, and training opportunities, community hubs can act as a platform for the dissemination of knowledge. They can make it easier for people, groups, and organisations to share information and ideas. Community hubs in Tanjung Malim can give residents access to materials and educational opportunities in fields like entrepreneurship, agriculture, and technology. Community hubs can also encourage the community's development of skills and talents. They can offer chances for people to pick up new abilities like language, computer literacy, or handicrafts.

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

3.1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The challenge found when creating a community hub is the importance of shared identities founded in a particular community. For many of the users, an emotional and symbolic bond with the community center grew, which encouraged program participation and facilitated connections with other people who felt the same way. (Colistra, C., Bixler, R. D., & Schmalz, D. L. ,2019)

Moreover, the needs of each community will make a difference in terms of the design approach of a community center. In order to create spaces that are inclusive and accessible, responsive design takes into account the needs and preferences of various users, including those who have disabilities or come from different cultural backgrounds. (Sheryl Tubbs, 2012)

3.1.2 AIM & OBJECTIVE

This report aims to explore the design to fullfill the function of community hub building typology as a knowledge transfer institute for the locals of Tanjung Malim. The objective of the research is to investigate the specific characteristics of sub-urban fabrics in relation to facilitating Tanjung Malim, and explore the case studies on behalf of how community centers work in other towns.

3.1.3 SIGNIFICANT & SCOPE OF RESEARCH

People in Tanjung Malim hardly can have a community & social activity to integrate among the locals due to lack of community space provided. Also, the lack of integration between UPSI and the locals businesses is the problem of graduate students flowing outside of the towns and towards the big cities has lead to the lack of job opportunities provided inside the town itself. Due to this problem founded in Tanjung Malim, a significant study on community center to this town is needed.

3.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

3.2.1 HOW COMMUNITY CENTERS FUNCTION IN TOWNS

According to SFA, community centers can benefit small towns in a variety of ways. Although they frequently experience economic downturns, small towns frequently benefit from factors like clean air, little traffic, low crime rates, and a slower pace. Many small towns are investing in community recreation centers to reenergize their communities, boost their economies, and enhance the health of their citizens. Tanjung Malim can be also considered as a small town, the characteristic of the function design of a community center inside this article can be mainly used in the case of Tanjung Malim.

Source: Community centers don’t look how they used to (2022)

A community center can serve as a hub for community activities, bringing people together for events, classes, and other social gatherings. Other than this, it can offer recreational opportunities. Community centers can provide access to fitness equipment, sports courts, and other recreational facilities that may not be available elsewhere in the town. Also, it has the role in promoting economic development. Community centers can serve as a venue for local

Figure 3.1 Aerial view of Wallace Emerson Community Center

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, and they can also attract new businesses to the area.

Moreover, community centers help to promote health and wellness by offering fitness classes, wellness programs, and other healthrelated activities, community centers can help residents improve their physical and mental health. Therefore, it helps in supporting youth development. Community centers can offer after-school programs, tutoring services, and other activities that help young people develop skills and stay engaged in positive activities. Lastly, fostering community pride: A well-run community center can help residents feel proud of their town and create a sense of belonging and community spirit. (J. (2022, August 9). Community Center - The Benefits for Small Towns)

3.2.2 SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SUB URBAN FABRIC

With an overview of urban fabrics and their significance in the design and planning of cities. After that, the authors go over their methodology, which consists of four steps: data preprocessing, building footprint clustering, characterization of urban fabrics, and spatial analysis. They use a case study from Nantes, France, to illustrate how well their approach works at describing urban fabrics. Based on the spatial arrangement of building footprints, the authors demonstrate that their method can successfully identify and divide various types of urban fabrics, such as compact, dispersed, and mixed fabrics. They also show how their approach may be able to shed light on the connection between urban structures and functions like residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Onepotentiallimitation ofthestudy is thatit focuses on acasestudy in Nantes, France, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other citiesorregions. Additionally, the method relies on the accuracy and completeness of building footprint data, which may not always be available or reliable.

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

In conclusion, by suggesting a system to categorise urban fabrics based on building footprints, Rachid Hamaina, Thomas Leduc, and Guillaume Moreau's article "Towards Urban Fabrics Characterization Based on Buildings Footprints" makes a significant contribution to the field of urban planning and design. By revealing details about the spatial patterns of urban fabrics and their connections to urban functions, the method has the potential to influence urban planning and design choices. To test the method's applicability and generalizability in various contexts, however, more study is required. (Hamaina, R., Leduc, T., & Moreau, G. (2021). Towards Urban Fabrics Characterization Based on Buildings Footprints. International Journal of Geo-Information, 10(2), 101.)

3.3 METHODOLOGY

In this research approach, qualitative research was used. By using qualitative research, it gives information that will help on the understanding and learning of the concept and function of the community center to an area, along with the design approach changes of community hub in each different towns. The methods used to conduct the research include a few literature review, some case studies, and study findings.

3.3.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is an objective summary and evaluation of the body of research on a particular subject or field. It includes locating, analysing, and synthesising relevant work, which can include academic papers, books, reports, and other data sources. A literature review's goals include giving a thorough overview of the body of knowledge already available on a subject, pointing out knowledge gaps, and highlighting potential areas for further study. Additionally, it can assist in creating a theoretical framework for the elements of community hub approach, ensuring that it is original and adds to the body of knowledge already in existence.

3.3.2 FIELDWORK OBSERVATION

In this research, fieldwork observation was done to analysis the urban fabric typology around the townscape of Tanjung Malim. Identify the placement of different building typology and the needs of people around the proposed site by using some observation criteria which include site context, existing human activities, and also accessibility and circulation.

3.3.3 CASE STUDIES

3.3.3.1

THE BUZZ.AR COMMUNITY CENTER

Shah Alam is renowned for its cutting-edge infrastructure, abundant greenery, and historical sites. While the buzz.ar community center is sustainable community center located in Shah Alam, Malaysia. It was designed by Eleena Jamil Architect and completed in 2019. As it is one of the community center located in Malaysia, there might have some similarity between community hub that is yet to be proposed inside Tanjung Malim. So, it is a suitable case study to study for this research.

Figure 3.2 The Buzz.Ar Community Center Source: Archdaily (2021)

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

3.3.3.2 COMMUNITY CENTER OF BAISHADAO FINANCIAL TOWN

3.3 Community Center of Baishadao

Source: Archdaily (2022)

The community center of Baishadao Financial Town is located in the suburb of Shenyang. With the project architect which is URBANUS decide to design the entire project that mainly has 50,000 sqm rather than a regular community center, it catch the eye of how the designer plans to combine existing urban fabric with the brand new community area as a case study of this research.

3.4 FINDINGS

3.4.1 FIELDWORK OBSERVATION

Figure 3.4 Tanjung Malim Old Town Location Plan

Source: Lim Jie Xiang

Figure

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

Site Context

Old vernicular houses and shophouses all around the town of Tanjung Malim. Only TM building (4-5 storey) is consider as high rise building at the particular site. Sungai Bernam as the natural border between Perak and Selangor.

Figure 3.4.1 Tanjung Malim building typology

Source: Lim Jie Xiang

Existing Human Activities

Restaurants & grocery can be seen all over the townscapes. With UPSI located near the townscape, a lot of students hanging around at the old town to have a gathering inside the eatery and restaurant. Locals’ businessman having their daily routine in their own shophouses. No entertainment space in this area as people rather go to KL for entertainment leisure activities with a ride of 45 min from Tanjung Malim. People will have activities towards nature far from the town area. Pasar Malam is one of the crowded times in the town as people from KL are willing to come for the food in Tanjung Malim.

Accessibility & Circulation

Figure 3.4.1 Location of Public Transportation

Source: Lim Jie Xiang

KTM station & bus station are just around the townscape, make it easier for the locals to have transportation moving to other states.

3.4.2 CASE STUDIES

The Buzz. Ar Baishadao Financial Town

Location and Surrounding Context

Shah Alam, neighbourhood and eco sustain area

Shenyang new financial town with botanic garden area Program and Usage spaces for social and cultural activities, as well as offices for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based groups. The main hall is a flexible space that can be used for a variety of events, from performances and exhibitions to workshops and conferences.

A greenhouse was used as the focal point of all initiatives to draw tourists and new businesses. The community center's activities, such as its gallery, exhibition centre, conference centre, library, etc., best depict the town's intended way of life in the future.

Target Users

People who stay around the neighbourhood area Businessman and people around the neighbourhood

Interesting Features about both community center

The Buzz.ar : The structure has passive cooling techniques, a natural ventilation system, and a rainwater harvesting system as part of its environmentally friendly design. Additionally, recycled materials are used in the design, and whenever possible, local resources are used.

Baishadao Financial Town: Interior programmes are intended to be displayed on the facade. The first scenario is a long library with reading tables along the windows, one of three community scenarios presented here. In the long winter nights, this library would shine light onto the street. Second, a multipurpose

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

community building with a large window that frames its interior activities. A reception area with a tiny greenhouse garden comes in third. The street wall will be constructed from the three venues.

3.5 DISCUSSION

After looking at the comparison of what the urban fabric can effects on the purpose and design of a community center in different area. Tanjung Malim demographic will affect on how the community hub design area because a community hub's success can also be influenced by the demographics of the surrounding area. The community hub can serve a wide range of inclusive purposes if the urban fabric represents a diverse range of ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Also, local businesses and other facilities close to the community hub can attract visitors and promote a sense of life and community. The presence of a community hub can also be helpful for nearby businesses because it may increase visitor numbers and offer chances for partnership and support.

Last but not least, the preset of UPSI can provide the community center to have a knowledge transfer space design specially Tanjung Malim. With the help of having community hub, the locals will have more chance to intergrate their daily life, businesses, industry, etc with the local university students and researchers and have a chance to upgrade their living qualities and incomes.

3.6 CONCLUSION

This chapter has concluded on how community hub can enhance the quality lifestyle of an area. By having community hub in Tanjung Malim town area, income and lifestyle is not the only two that is getting benefits from it but also the relationship between the locals and the UPSI researchers. By having a harmony and strong relationship on every individuals of an area, problems founded within the community area can be solve easily.

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

During the research, it has also reflected on how a different townscape urban fabric are able to decide on what the function and spaces having inside the community hub in that particular area. In other words, a suitable space provided in a community hub can largely enhance the quality of a community.

3.7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my grateful to my lecturers, Ms. Intan and Dr. Taki, which is the instructor of this course of Architecture Inquiries of UCSI University, give me a chance to learn about the potential of how a community hubs can works on Tanjung Malim and the other area. Without their helps, I wouldn’t have able to accomplish the task and also able to learn a new skills in report writings.

3.8

APPENDIX

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XzhF_kPkf27PzK_8SmT 2RkBv7H_1M5RM?usp=sharing

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

3.9 REFERENCES

J. (2022, August 9). Community Center - The Benefits for Small Towns | SFA. Sports Facilities Companies. https://sportsfacilities.com/community-center-benefitssmall-town/

Hamaina, R., Leduc, T., & Moreau, G. (2012). Towards Urban Fabrics Characterization Based on Buildings Footprints. Springer EBooks,327–346. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3642-29063-3_18

Caballero, P. (2021, October 6). The Buzz.ar Community Center / Eleena Jamil Architect. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/914221/the-buzr-communitycenter-eleena-jamilarchitect?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab

The Salvation Army Kroc Center. (2023, March 7). Quincy - The Salvation Army Kroc Center. Quincy - the Salvation Army Kroc Center. https://www.krocquincy.org/

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

A. (2022a, January 25). The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc

Corps Community Center. Architechnics | Architects | Engineers | Interior Designers.

https://www.architechnicsinc.com/our-work/kroccommunity-center/

Tubbs, Sheryl, "Designing A Complete Community Center: Responsive Design in a Rural Setting" (2012).Capstone Collection. 2534.

https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/2534

Community Center. (2016, April 9). Standards of LIFE.

https://standardsoflife.org/standards/newdemocracy/mlr/community/community-center/

Newman, P., Kosonen, L., & Kenworthy, J. (2016). Theory of urban fabrics: planning the walking, transit/public transport and automobile/motor car cities for reduced car dependency. Town Planning Review, 87(4), 429–458. https://doi.org/10.3828/tpr.2016.28

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

Jumpsix. (2022, January 26). What Makes A New Community Center

Beneficial | SFA. Sports Facilities Companies.

https://sportsfacilities.com/why-a-community-center-isbeneficial-for-your-community/ Chen, C. (2022). Community Center of Baishadao Financial Town / URBANUS. ArchDaily.

https://www.archdaily.com/977734/community-center-ofbaishadao-financial-town-urbanus

Colistra, C., Bixler, R. D., & Schmalz, D. L. (2019). Exploring factors that contribute to relationship building in a community center. Journal of Leisure Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2018.1542527

Jones, M., Kimberlee, R., Deave, T., & Evans, S. (2013). The Role of Community Centre-based Arts, Leisure and Social Activities in Promoting Adult Well-being and Healthy Lifestyles. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(5), 1948–1962.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10051948

The Potential of a Community Hub as Knowledge Transfer Institute for The Locals of Tanjung Malim

APPENDIX

Research Aim: to explore the design to fullfill the function of community hub building typology as a knowledge transfer institute for the locals of Tanjung Malim

Objective 1: explore the design to fullfill the function of community hub building typology as a knowledge transfer institute for the locals of Tanjung Malim

Method:

Literature Review

Data Analysis Approach:

Content Analysis

Literature Review:

Objective 2: istoinvestigate the specific characteristics of sub-urban fabrics in relation to facilitating Tanjung Malim

Method: Field Observations

Data Analysis Approach: Descriptive Analysis

Objective 3: explore the case studies on behalf of how community centers work in other towns

Method: Case Studies

Data Analysis Approach: Descriptive Analysis

3.2.1 HOWCOMMUNITY CENTERS FUNCTION IN TOWNS

3.2.2 SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SUB URBAN FABRIC

Observation

Criteria

Precedence Criteria

- The Buzz.ar

Community center - Community Center of Baishadao

Financial Town

- Site Context - Existing Human Activities

- Accessibility & Circulation

- Location & Surrounding Context

- Program & Usage

- Target Users

- Interesting Features

Tanjong Malim: Revitalize, Redevelop, Restore. ©2021 School of Architecture & Built Environment, UCSI University

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