Chap.7 MIMWA

Feasibility of Low Impact Development

The rapid urbanization of Shah Alam has been the main cause of the flash floods the city experiences, and in Misni and Shafuddin’s study (2017) they seek to understand the depth of the problem and discuss environmental Low Impact Development techniques (LID) by utilizing landscaping by studying Section 13. Three design solutions were proposed by the authors (Misni & Shafuddin, 2017), which were a rain garden, rainwater harvesting, and vegetated swales. These design approaches were used to design a proposed masterplan with sufficient absorbance potential, to help combat flash floods, and provide proper drainage, and is estimated to decrease water runoff by as much as %7.9. However, the study (Misni & Shafuddin, 2017) lacks data regarding the cost plans and feasibility of applying the LID strategies to section 13 and the rest of Shah Alam, based on predictions and estimates from the study’s findings. Based on this study (Misni & Shafuddin, 2017) our suggestion is to look at budgets and compare to previous implications of LID around Malaysia in order to properly estimate those two criteria, and to find a case study to test out if the results match the data mentioned in the study regarding the decrease of the flood likelihood.

Cost-efficiency and Regional Suitability for Low Impact Development

In another study discussing the implementation of LID techniques in Malaysia to avoid and mitigate flooding issues (Pour et al., 2020), the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of the techniques. The study (Pour et al., 2020) found that LID can be a cost-effective solution to the regional issue of flash flooding, with permeable pavement being most effective for short-term heavy rainfall, and bioretention cells and storage layers being more suitable for longer periods of exposure. These LID techniques help control unexpected randomizing factors, that are caused by climatic issues, and are best used when integrated into existing infrastructure in the area. However, while this study (Pour et al., 2020) shows data about countries’ implementation and results from using LID techniques, it does not compare the type of LID technique used for each type of region, and propose which technique would work best for it. Therefore, based on Pour et al.’s study (2020), our suggestion is to add this data, as to compare what countries used as their main effective LID technique, and what neighbouring countries with similar conditions may use.

Green Infrastructure and Grey Infrastructure Hybrid System as Urban Drainage Resilience Enhancement

A study was done in China to improve data and analytics regarding urban drainage systems’ efficiency in relation to the main causes of flooding (Dong et al., 2017). The researchers challenged other existing studies, by pointing out their inconsideration of irregular disturbances to the urban drainage systems, such as climate change and urbanization. This study (Dong et al., 2017) proposes a hybrid solution that uses green infrastructure and grey infrastructure, in particular green roofs, permeable pavement, and water storage tanks. The study shows that, when taking possible random factors into consideration, %20 of the total area studied would equate to %30 increase of urban drainage resilience for green roofs, %33 for permeable pavement, and 4 water storage tanks would equate to %17 improvement. However, although effective, costs of these solutions are linear with the total area using them, which means if the city were to seek peak improvement, it would be more costly than minor introductions of these hybrid systems. As for Shah Alam, it would be a good investment to apply these hybrid systems around the city, what with Shah Alam being the state capital of Selangor, and having sufficient funding to kickstart this process. However, the study (Dong et al., 2017) showed sufficient data regarding these specific infrastructural components, it is lacking better long-term data and more information regarding other possible infrastructural innovations that would have a similar or even better results in enhancing urban drainage resilience. Therefore, based on Dong et al.’s study (2017), our suggestion is that this study can be used as a baseline for further research, with the plan of testing out the methods mentioned in a longer time frame, and looking into more ways to combine different strategies instead of just those aforementioned ones.

Early Flood Warning Systems for Flash Flood Prevention

Another study (Omar et al., 2020) highlighted the design of mobile-based decision support for early flood warning system, where the authors indicate that to minimize loss of life and economic losses, a detailed and comprehensive decision-making tool is necessary for both flood control planning and emergency service operations. The study (Omar et al., 2020) stated that design for mobile based decision support of Flood Early Warning System (FEWS). It (Omar et al., 2020) outlined four research objectives: firstly, critical criteria for flood risk assessment will be identified, and the second step will involve develop measurement model for relative flood risk using Geographic Information System (GIS), Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) and data mining technique. In the third objective, the holistic architectural design is developed by incorporating the communication technology and other related ICT requirements for the mobile decision support. The fourth objective is to validate the mathematical model and architectural design. However, Omar et al. (2020) only limited to the design of mobile early flood warning system. Therefore, based on the lacking data in the reviewed study (Omar et al., 2020) our study recommends to explore people’s awareness on flood prevention and advance prevention preparations, rather than depending on technology without being prepared.

Geospatial Approach to Detecting Leaks in Water Distribution Networks

A study was done in Shah Alam to develop a new geospatial approach to detect leaks in water distribution networks (Aburawe et al., 2017). The study (Aburawe et al., 2017) refers to ongoing extensive research work to develop a new geospatial approach to detect leaks in water distribution networks, and reviews a summary for field data collection procedures and modeling analysis within the field case study that has been done to validate the approach referred to. However, the study (Aburawe et al., 2017) only used one system which is SCADA system in this geospatial approach to obtain the real-time data. Our suggestion based on this study (Aburawe et al., 2017) is that it can be used as a baseline for further research, with the plan of using different types of system, other than geospatial leak detection SCADA system, to look into more accurate data and evaluate the proper approach that is most suitable and efficient.

In summary, our study proposes to implement green and grey infrastructure hybrid solutions to the site of our project. Our study recommends comparing costs of LID implications around Malaysia, and to find whether predictions made are accurate or not. Our suggestion is also to compare LID findings from several countries in the region to accurately compare the different longevities of them to Malaysia’s. And finally, our study recommends green and grey infrastructure hybrid systems are studied further and more systems are tested out. Our study also proposes to use warning and detection systems for floods in Shah Alam. Our study recommends raising awareness among people regarding floods in preparation for them. Our suggestion is also to use different types of systems in attempt to detect leaks and malfunctions in piping systems.

Park-and-Ride Facilities and Public Perception

The study conducted by Ibrahim et al. (2020) discusses the use of Park-and-Ride (P&R) facilities in Putrajaya, and how the public users are affected by different factors relating to them. Results of the study (Ibrahim et al., 2020) show that trust makes for the majority of the reason why people use the P&R facilities, while physical factors come in second place in comparison. The results also show that unlike predicted, the reliance on P&R system is not difficult for users, however what makes it not more common of a practice for the users is their uncertainty about the conditions of the facilities, and the attitude shown by P&R providers, in addition to a more frequent schedule for the services of P&R facilities, which might increase the likelihood of using them. However, the study (Ibrahim et al., 2020) lacks a look into the specific factors that could change the users’ perceptibility to rely on P&R facilities through trust, if campaigns were conducted to advertise the facilities. Our suggestion based on the review of the study (Ibrahim et al., 2020) is to study the social and cultural factors that can encourage people to accept using P&R facilities as a common behaviour instead of its current reputation as a minority in the solution options for transportation-related issues in Malaysia.

Influence of Accessibility and Circulation in Commercial Complex on PWDs

Hashim et. Al (2012) states that people with disabilities may face challenges in buildings due to physical barriers. The first section highlights the perceptions of different types of people with different disabilities towards the accessibility and ease of circulation in four commercial complexes in Malaysia while second section shows that firstly, PWDs mostly highlights and stressed on the importance of having proper signages at the proper locations in commercial complexes. Second, the furniture placements in these complexes as to not limit and complicate PWDs circulation. Third, the lighting in commercial complexes which will help with visual communications to the PWDs. However, Hashim et al. (2012) only evaluated very few perceptions from the people with disabilities, producing very few numbers of physical barriers that restrict their accessibility and movement in commercial buildings. Therefore, based on Hashim et al. (2012), my study recommends that more in-depth evaluations towards physical barriers should be carried out to further ensure comfort of PWDs.

Vehicular Traffic Noise Prediction and Propagation Modelling Using Neural Networks and Geospatial Information System

The authors (Ahmed & Pradhan, 2019) propose a neural network (NN) model to predict and simulate the propagation of vehicular traffic noise in a dense residential area at the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The model comprises of two main simulation steps, where the prediction of vehicular traffic noise are done by using NN and the simulation of the propagation of traffic noise emission using a mathematical model (Ahmed & Pradhan, 2019). However, the authors (Ahmed & Pradhan, 2019) only evaluated the measurement during the weekend. Therefore, based on Ahmed and Pradhan’s study (2019), my study recommends that the simulations should be carried out during weekdays to further ensure the accuracy of the proposed method because the data can be encouraged and productive during weekdays, as it is the time of working hours for the citizens where the roads are heavily used.

Pedestrian Mobility Indicators for Urban Streets

The study (Shekari et al., 2019) highlights exploring effective micro-level items for evaluating inclusive walking facilities on urban streets in Johor Bahru. The study (Shekari et al., 2019) introduces pedestrian mobility indicators using advanced design guidelines, existing literature, and expert interviews. These indicators are evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to find underlying patterns. However, Shekari et al. (2019) have their study conducted on one particular institution in one particular area, making it harder to determine the accuracy and effectiveness of the research. Therefore, based on (Shekari et al., 2019) our study recommends a wider range of places covered on different times that might have the similar pedestrian conflict.

Vehicular Growth Rate in Relation to Road System Developments in Malaysia

A study (Abdelfatah et al., 2015) was conducted to measure the correlation and relationship between the number of vehicles in Malaysia and the road development rates. The study (Abdelfatah et al., 2015) revealed an inconsistency, which deems the vehicular growth rate unsustainable, mainly due to an increase in the private cars motorcycles, while the rate of increase for buses is very small. The percentages for passenger cars and motorcycles are continuously increasing, while the percentage of buses is slightly dropping down. This makes it a negative indication regarding the traffic growth in Malaysia. The trends for the rate of vehicles per capita, unit GDP, and unit length of the road network have been discussed. Most of the trends indicate that the current growth trends of traffic in Malaysia are unsustainable. However, although the authors investigate the reasons behind the inconsistency (Abdelfatah et al., 2015), they fail to find out the reason behind people not being familiar with public transportation systems. Based on the study (Abdelfatah et al., 2015) I would suggest improving the study results and scope by tackling that point, as well as figuring out how to encourage the public to use public transportation more frequently.

In summary, our study proposes to implement P&R system around our project site in Shah Alam, to decrease the amount of traffic jams experienced by people in the area. Our study recommends to look further into the social aspect that motivates people to rely more on P&R facilities in Malaysia. Additionally, our study proposes to implement good methods to improve the circulations of human and vehicles into the urban design of my project. Our study recommends to conduct perception survey using structural equation modelling technique and extend them to include the outer urban area of a neighborhood. Additionally, our study will follow Ahmed and Pradhan’s (2019) two implementation of simulation steps to predict the vehicular traffic noise in Shah Alam. And finally, our study supports Shekari et al.’s (2019) approaches of management for evaluating inclusive walking facilities on urban streets. Another proposal is to implement well-served procedures, methods, laws, and awareness of public transportation in Shah Alam. Our study recommends to improving the study results and scope by tackling that point, as well as figuring out how to encourage the public to use public transportation more frequently.

(Joensuu et al., 2020) highlighted about circular economy practices in the built environment where the author focus is to retain the value of resources and to prevent the usage of new materials and production of wastage while not only by recycling and reusing but primarily reducing the need for resources. Teitelbaum et al., (2020) study about membrane-assisted radiant cooling for expanding thermal comfort zones globally without air conditioning where Thermal radiation exchange between occupants and surfaces in the built environment can augment thermal comfort. Assefa & Ambler(2017) highlighted about life cycle consideration of repurposing buildings where the author investigates and compares the potential life cycle environmental impacts of building repurposing through reuse of structures and demolition scenarios followed by new construction involving an existing library tower.

Based on the authors’ research, there are three approaches for the adoption of circular economy in the built environment which is management for sustainable cities, urban services and consumer practices aligned with circular economy and cleaner production and construction. The review also suggests a new concept of urban-rural symbiosis as a potential approach for resource recovery in integrated urban waste, water and energy systems. Teitelbaum et al., (2020) mention that the lack of widespread commercial adoption of radiant-cooling technologies is due to two widely held views. First is the low temperature required for radiant cooling in humid environment will form condensation? Another view is that cold surfaces will still cool adjacent air via convection, limiting overall radiant-cooling effectiveness. The works directly challenges both of the view and provided proof-of-concept solutions examined for a transient thermal-comfort scenario. The results show that thermal comfort was achieved for %79 of the test subject and the pavilion operated successfully without any observed condensation on exposed surfaces. Assefa & Ambler(2017) used the Athena Eco Calculator for Commercial Assemblies in analysis of life cycle stages of resources extraction and construction; maintenance, repair, and replacement of building assemblies; and disposal. Repurposing scenarios showed a potential reduction between 20 and %41 in six of the seven environmental impact categories assessed. Global Warming Potential and Fossil Fuel Consumption which are closely correlated show an avoided impact of 33 and %34 respectively as a result of the decision to go for repurposing after selective deconstruction rather than complete demolition and new construction.

However, (Joensuu et al., 2020) research is conducted in China and Europe where the usage of materials and construction method could differ due to availability of natural resources and climate. However, Teitelbaum et al., (2020) research is limited to outdoor radiant-cooling pavilion. However, the materials and construction method is limited the library.

Therefore, Based on (Joensuu et al., 2020) my research will focus on how Shah Alam can benefit from the three approaches for the adoption of circular economy used by the author. My study would recommend using the low-density polyethylene membrane at the site in Shah Alam to reduce the need for air-conditioning for the building to achieve thermal comfort. My study recommends to use the Athena Eco Calculator for Commercial Assemblies to assess another buildings that is reaching end of life to be repurposed into a new building.

In summary, my study purpose is to minimize the utilization of resources to reduce environmental impact and increase the building sustainability. Based Joensuu et al., (2020) three approaches for the adoption of circular economy which aim to minimize the use of new resources. Furthermore, Teitelbaum et al., (2020) study is to achieve thermal comfort without the use of air-conditioners also lean towards the minimization of resource utilization. Based on Assefa & Ambler (2017) research, by using the Athena Eco Calculator for Commercial Assemblies can help assess the efficiency of repurposing a building which could allow for existing materials to be salvaged.