GARDEN CITY THEORY
P U T R A J AYA
b y
c it y
e b e n e z e r
Ebenezer Howard 1850 - 1928
h o w ar d
The Garden City Theory introduced by Ebenezer Howard has been seen adopted in two well-known cities, Letchworth and Welwyn. The ideas of this theory has been recorded in the book published in 1902; Garden Cities of To-morrow. One key point introduced was translated into The Three Magnets diagram stating the importance of town-country relationship which is able to preserve big chances of employment and public spirit with a sense of being close to forests and meadows. It also aims to reintegrate people with the countryside; to bring human society and the beauty of nature together. Quoted from the theorists himself, “always preserving a belt of country� around cities emphasized the prominence of having nature around and within man. Having said that, development must not alter the natural land and consideration towards hierarchy of services, essential components of community and zoning principles. It opts to create a sense of community and harboring relationships between human beings by enhancing them with good planning and design that promotes sociability. The Garden City style has a few interesting characteristics namely, having public recreational grounds within easy access by all people, radial development to avoid a scattered form, contextual emphasis, ample greeneries (trees to be planted along roads and back of building plot), consideration of natural lighting, large use of cul-de-sac and having a focal point similarly to the Coronation Fountain at Parkway in Welwyn. Together they generate uniformity in which elements of man and nature come together as a whole. Some notable features in Welwyn Garden City also includes facilities to cater for all, parklands and woodlands within close proximities, provision of pathways for pedestrians to walk around to fully enjoy the views and develop interest to explore further and a clear division between formal and informal spaces. This resulted in a development of the site that emits an untouched, natural feel. This theory was selected prior to the chosen site in order to draw the similarities between the ideas of this theory and the ideas adopted in Putrajaya. Also, this selection intends to improve Putrajaya which was already a sought after Garden City and to look into the improvised decisions that could make Putrajaya a better Garden City which respects the theory. The application of theory is specifically towards Precint 4.
Welwyn Garden City
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m alay s ia
Putrajaya is one of the largest integrated urban development project in the history of Malaysia that combines development of government institutions, commercial, residential, public amenities and infrastructure. It aims to have a well-planned administrative center with modern facilities and technology to enhance government efficiency and productivity. The planning of Putrajaya was based on the Garden City Concept with some considerations that include, preservation of natural topography (lands are connected using bridges which mitigates land reclaim) and minimal earth cut and fill works. The main features of this green city includes large open spaces designated as green open spaces (37 percent of the land), man-made lake and wetlands to create waterfronts, clear zoning of administrative (55 percent), commercial, public (32 percent) and peripheral (13 percent comprising of mix housing types catering for all to promote social integration) precints, a 4.2 kilometer long boulevard which formed the spine of the city that is directly adopted from the theory, quality and modern public amenities with easy accessibility via walking and recreation spaces. The city planning also allows focal points to form which is one of the key features of a garden city. About 11 parks are found in this city which suggests the importance of nature to be around man. In conclusion, this caring city successfully creates a sense of community and belonging which encompasses both man and nature as a whole.
PRECINT 4 (EXISTING) 6
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AXIAL & FOCUS focus
ZONING government commercial public
2 1
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3 4
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existing facilities provided limited and dominated government buildings.
are by
axial planning that could be improved that results from the linear street running directly from the Prime Minister’s Office towards the PICC together with the circulating roads creates a central focus at Dataran Gemilang.
9
BUILDING HEIGHT low medium high
LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Dataran Gemilang Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar & Wilayah Kementerian Komunikasi & Multimedia Malaysia Kementerian Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat Parking Jabatan Peguam Negara Commercial Parking
buildings occupying the right centric side blocks natural lighting from showering the western side.
RADIATING PLAN radiating plan that is only well defined on one side due to utilization of land only on the half centric.
SECTION PATHS vehicular (primary) vehicular (secondary) pedestrian
GREENERIES ample trees decorating along the roads; vast unused natural lands still able to provide opportunities for development.
accessibility is rather promising with enough roads for both vehicles and human but however, human paths could be amplified in order the respect the theory efficiently. however, the cul-de-sac was not properly utilized.
PRECINT 4 (PROPOSED) 14
ZONING
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government commercial public residential
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21
11
17
12 13
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central part of the town is dominated by governmental building as a formal response whereas the surrounding are occupied by informal spaces. residential spaces are incorporated to generate affection as well as provide programs that cater for all.
AXIAL & FOCUS focus the axial plan was redefined clearer by introducing paths into existing conditions to create emphasis on the central focus as how the focus on the Coronation Fountain at Parkway of Welwyn Garden City.
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BUILDING HEIGHT low medium high
LEGEND 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Government Government Government Government Residential 1 (High-rise) Residential 2 (High-rise)
SECTION
16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
Park 1 Commercial 1 Commercial 2 Park 2 Residential 3 (Landed) Park 3
consideration of building height in relation with natural lighting and views whereby high rise buildings are mainly on the western side. medium height buildings around which enable unobstructed views from the central towards the lake as well as generating a clear hierarchy.
GREENERIES upon developing unused lands, minimal tress are removed but replaced. pocket of spaces are used to green-up the site and parks are added around the site with close proximity to allow human society and the beauty of nature to be together. more trees are added along roads which also defines the public and private spaces.
RADIATING PLAN new buildings and paths introduced to the site allow a more defined radial/concentric development which is adopted from the theory to allow a planning to avoid the scattered form.
PATHS vehicular (primary) vehicular (secondary) pedestrian cul-de-sac was utilized efficiently with introduction of buildings around it. existing pedestrian pathways are also used effectively with introduction of parks that are easy to access and short distances.