Chap. 9 Shah Alam Future

Eco-Composite Porous Concrete for Sustainable Urban Drainage System

The rapid pace of development in Shah Alam has cause Ahmad et. Al (2019) emphasized on green technology and sustainable urban drainage system using eco-composite porous concrete where the author focuses on the element of eco composite porous concrete that can be used for managing stormwater quantity and quality. Ahmad et. al (2019) stated that the drain covers (slab) has been implemented in several areas with eco composite porous concrete that are used to mitigate flash flood, mosquito’s fertilization issue, and also the safety issue regarding the vandalism on the drainage cover occurrence. Nonetheless, Ahmad et. al (2019) limits the study to the drain covers rather than implementing the elements on the drain tunnels itself. Therefore, based on Ahmad et. al (2019) our study recommends using the eco composite in porous concrete in the tunnel structure of the drainage systems in order to mitigate flood measures successfully.

Reflective and Permeable Pavements

In another study regarding stormwater management, Li et. al (2013) emphasized on the use of reflective and permeable pavements as a potential practice for heat island mitigation and stormwater management where the author carried out investigation for the hydraulic and thermal performance of the pavements. Li et. al (2013) also stated that the permeable interlocking concrete pavers have the highest permeability which is adequate to drain rainwater without generation surface runoff and give lower surface temperatures that highly depends on availability of moisture near the surface layer and the evaporation rate that can carry light-duty traffic and certain heavy-duty vehicles. However, the study Li et. al (2013) showed is limited to the test in short term condition, not including the possible technique to sustain the proposed method for long-term usage. Hence, based on Li et. al (2013), our study recommends furthering the investigation for sustainability structure to ensure that the study be beneficial for a long-term usage.

Soundproofing Material and Shading Device to Reduce Noise

In terms of controlling noise, Lee (2017), stated that the effect of shading louvers and compact silencers as noise barriers in a ventilated double skin façade that benefits the indoor air quality and acoustical quality. Lee (2017) wrote that the ventilation potentials and acoustical performance using a double skin façade that composes of air cavity, two layers of glass, shading louvres and air vents that based on shading louver orientation, type, and surface material, and the percentage of air vent open surface area of a Double Skin Façade (DSF). However, the study specified on shading devices composition and material that buffers external noises despite of other important aspect such as soundproofing materials for the internal building. Hence, based on Lee (2017) our study recommends to includes other soundproofing material in internal design such as wall that can be associated with the improvised shading devices composition that are proven to reduce noise transmission through ventilation openings in naturally ventilated buildings.

In summary, our study proposes to implement the eco composite material that can be used to mitigate stormwater management in the urban area. Our study recommends furthering investigation in reflective and permeable pavements for long term usage to ensure the sustainability for stormwater management. Finally, our suggestion is to include soundproofing material for internal structure to be associated with shading devices for an efficient noise barrier that will improve the environmental issues in Shah Alam.

Liveability and Sustainable Neighbourhood from Residents’ Perspectives

TeukChinb, A. (2019) highlighted about livability and perceived values of sustainable neighborhood design based on Personal perceptions from residents and users of space are analyzed, a method of collecting public feedback and user experience and residents and users perceive livability through small differences in sustainable design elements. TeukChinb, A. (2019) stated that a significant number of the views of mixed and diverse income groups in New Town allow more people to have the ability to participate in civic and public spaces socially. Beside that, TeukChinb, A. (2019) said that the existence of a passable path is yet another much-loved design feature, walking allows for greater access to public and leisure services and public areas. As well as offering a convenient and healthy walking environment, quality aesthetics and architecture also help create an attractive environment for navigation. However, TeukChinb, A. (2019) limited is study to cover the neighbourhood security and urban change. Therefore, based on TeukChinb, A. (2019), our study recommends to obtain information and data on areas that are at risk of committing crimes or disturbances to residents whether in commercial and residential building areas, this is to avoid fear among residents. In order to ensure sustainable living, each area not only needs facilities but also in line with public safety for prosperous urban development.

Neighbourhood Walkability for Elders

Distefano et al. (2020, August 28) highlighted about consideration of the elderly in order to encourage and improve neighbourhood walkability, considering the influence of age-related declines and experience as road users. Distefano et al. (2020, August 28) stated that walkability as the extent to which the built environment supports and facilitates walking by providing pedestrian comfort and protection, linking people to a number of destinations within a reasonable amount of time and effort, and offering visual interest in journeys across the network and safety features that protect against falls and road hazards. However, Distefano et al. (2020, August 28) limited his study to mentioned about specific area for the elderly to travel from one area to another without interruption from vehicle traffic. Therefore, based on Distefano et al. (2020, August 28), our study recommends is to isolate pedestrian walkway and vehicle road to avoid being jammed as the movement factor of the elderly is limited.

Neighbourhood Urban Renewal

Huang et al. (2020, January 31) highlighted about to suggests multiple strategies and practical methods for neighbourhood urban renewal. Huang et al. (2020, January 31) stated that in the face of large population movements and serious pollution problems, the community will enhance its internal vibrancy by offering more green public open space and services, improving its waste circulation network and encouraging better access to various facilities. However, Huang et al. (2020, January 31), limited is study to identify the needs in each area whether it needs a commercial building, recreation area, learning center or not. Therefore, based on Huang et al. (2020, January 31) our study recommends to identify the proposal to meet the needs of a city such as green area, services and good accessibility because every cities has different needs and the research must be detailed by determining the population and history of the area.

In summary, our research proposes to collect data on areas at risk of crime or disturbance to residents, whether in commercial or residential areas , in order to avoid apprehension among residents. Apart from that, to bridge the quality of life and sustainability with the neighbourhood, our study suggests that two routes of vehicles and the elderly walkway be divided in order to avoid traffic jams, as the capacity factor for the elderly is limited. Lastly, based on Huang et al. (2020, January 31) that by offering more green public open space and services, improving its waste circulation network and encouraging better access to various facilities it will success to bring livability and sustainable to new environment that our study proposes needs of a city be determined by population and history.

Vertical planting system

In the first article, Baharudin et al. (2018) discussed on the feasibility of green commercial vertical system for climbing food plant in urban area in the paper, suggesting a new strategic of implementing planting and agriculture in the urban context to resolve on the issue of massive urban development and overpopulation leading to insufficient land used for planting. Baharudin et al. (2018) evaluate the potential of vertical farming systems and manufacturing of hydrophobic green material to support the advancement of this farming strategy. The study contributes to introduce more variable in developing vertical farming system which contributes to not only agriculture setting, but also how new technology blurs the boundary of industrial zoning. However, the paper has little discussion on how the architecture in urban setting play a role in bringing agriculture back into the urban context, contributing in a mutual benefit, but it focused on how agriculture adapts into urban setting through technology, where ironically the urban context originally belongs to the nature, but is later separated by human activities. Such as Shah Alam site were originally a palm oil plantation site, but later transformed into an administration, commercial and economics site. Throughout the paper, it has an utmost important core value, where farming is no longer only available at rural farm zone, but also in urban context. In contrary, adaptation of green commercial buildings in urban setting can be more flexible, bringing the rural natural elements back into urban setting through different technology and strategies. Therefore, based on Baharudin et al. (2018), our study recommends to imply vertical planting system inside green commercial building design.

Adaptive Re-use of Buildings

On the other hand, Love, P. Bullen, P. (2011) discussed on the factors that influence the adaptive re-use of buildings. Love and Bullen (2011) has the intention to focus on the initiatives to achieve sustainable buildings not only through new constructed development projects, but also through reusing or readapting old buildings into new context. Love and Bullen (2011) study on the main drivers and the barrier to adapt re-use buildings. It is found out that the main drivers of adapting re-use buildings revolve around lifecycle issues, government incentives and perceptions of buildings; while the barriers include increased maintenance costs, building regulations, inertia of development criteria and uncertainty associate with older building stock. Therefore, from the paper we can identify that the lifecycle of a building is very important when design a new building. A good sustainable building can be re-use to other purpose or adapt to the new context even though one day it would face problem of abandonment throughout the years. However, the paper has little discussion on criteria for new building design to achieve requirements for re-used buildings during the formative stage of design process. The paper brings out the issue instead of providing a good solution towards the issue. The paper has a good intention of bringing out the issue of adapting re-used buildings in new context as there are a lot of abandoned buildings that are either empty or will face the fate to be demolished for new construction project to fit in new urban context as the old buildings are sometime faced with negative perspective and regarded as being old fashion compared to the new buildings using higher technology. It is actually not very friendly to the environment to demolish buildings as there will be a lot of construction waste and consumption of materials. Therefore, based on study from Love and Bullen (2011) our study will propose solution to address the issue of building ageing during the formative design process.

Biophilic Store Design (BSD)

Next, Joye et al. (2010) study on the effect of urban retail greenery on consumer experience. It also discussed about concept of Biophilic Store Design (BSD) as design strategic to adapt green commercial building into urban context. The aim of this paper is to effectively proved that green retail design brings positive effect on consumer experience and that it is beneficial to apply this strategy for either developers, stakeholders and the environment. Joye et al. (2010) provide evidence of how urban greenery brings positive influence on human psychological and cognitive functioning. Therefore, it is very important for all parties to provide greenery in commercial design for the sake of human wellbeing. It also provides how BSD brings restorative effect for those implied in the commercial building. These evidence and studies are very effective in terms of adapting greenery within commercial building in urban context. However, the paper has little focus on variety of strategies when applying BSD. It only provides the basic overview on BSD and mostly about the benefits that come after applying this strategy. This minor point of view however will not influence good quality of this paper providing that Joye et al. (2010) successfully address the issue and provide solutions toward the issue of urban greenery through providing evidences and previous studies. Therefore, based on Joye et al. (2010), my study will implement the Biophilic Store Design (BSD) strategy that is very refreshing and beneficial to green commercial design in urban context.

In summary, our studies propose to implement vertical planting system in commercial building. The biophilic store design (BSD) based on Joye et al. (2010) will also be implement in our study. The fact that green commercial building brings positive effect to consumer’s wellbeing must be considered in all commercial building as it is proven that green buildings are not only for the natural environment but also for human that occupies the building. Lastly, our studies will address the issue of building ageing to increase the lifecycle of the designed building.

Catalyst for infrastructure development

(Fischer and Amekudzi 2011) highlighted on quality of life, sustainable civil infrastructure, and sustainable development for a strategic expanding choice. The author focused on sustainable development being the objective in civil infrastructure planning and policymaking that need to be understand for appropriate infrastructure solutions. (Fischer and Amekudzi 2011) stated that the role of quality of life (QOL) in civil infrastructure decision making provides an overview and critique of methodological approach and explains the significance of QOL in infrastructure planning for sustainable development. The results show that a new paradigm that views infrastructure development as part of a sociotechnical system be considered. Such a paradigm would encourage strategic infrastructure designs and policies that expand choice and achieve multiple objectives for sustainable development. However (Fischer and Amekudzi 2011) restrict his discussion mainly on wellbeing in relation for better infrastructure while neglecting the economic factors of a place which being the catalyst for a development. Therefore, based on (Fischer and Amekudzi 2011) discussion, we would suggest to include the main catalyst for a development and follow up with others factors as different country has different economic stability to achieve sustainable infrastructure.

Economy and Green Infrastructure

(Khoshnava et al. 2020) discussed on contribution of green infrastructure to the implementation of green economy in the context of sustainable development. The author explained that concurrence of opinion between infrastructure and economy, has the ability to integrate natural resources and environmental services into the national income and wealth account.

(Khoshnava et al. 2020) stated that the mutual effects of green infrastructure (GI) and green economy (GE) are not always clear thus the study aims to develop the influences of GI criteria into the implementation of GE in the context of sustainable development (SD) through using novel hybrid methods. The result show that the affordability and resource efficiency categories were found to empower green infrastructure for the implementation of green economy in the sustainable development (SD) context. However (Khoshnava et al. 2020) focused on mutual benefit of economic growth and green infrastructure without mentioning the comfort and standard of living in a city. Therefore, from (Khoshnava et al. 2020) discussion, we would recommend to include the welfare from the economic benefit and strategy in implementing green infrastructure to ensure the relationship between those criteria were balanced.

Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS)

(Hoang and Fenner 2016) discussed on the system interactions of stormwater management using sustainable urban drainage systems and green infrastructure. The author explores system interactions of stormwater management solutions using Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) and Green Infrastructure (GI) within the wider urban landscape. (Hoang and Fenner 2016) stated that a series of interdependencies between urban components relating to stormwater management are identified which include physical interdependency, geographical interdependency, cyber interdependency and logical interdependency. The author also mentioned that stormwater management using SuDS/GI are viewed according to their Hydrological, Ecological and the Built Environment functions during events up to the design rain (non-flood condition) and during controlled exceedance and uncontrolled inundation (flood condition). However, (Hoang and Fenner 2016) only focused their study on some independencies relation without technical solution for stormwater management using sustainable infrastructure per mentioned. Therefore, from (Hoang and Fenner 2016) discussion, we would suggest to include technical implementation and adaptation of Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) in solving the stormwater within a city.

In summary, our studies suggest a solution to adopt sustainable infrastructure in broader perspective meant for a city as it covers large scale in order to improve efficiency. Recommendations from the study is to conduct a survey on economic growth and perception survey on implementation of sustainable infrastructure to align both needs and benefit. Our study also will follow (Fischer and Amekudzi 2011) of the method defining quality of life (QOL) and considering sociotechnical system in structuring the implementation of sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainable Travel Behaviour

Hamidi & Zhao (2020) emphasized that, to shape sustainable travel behaviour; attitude, skills and access all matter. The authors employed statistical and GIS-based analyses to explore the associations between travel mode choice and mobility-related attitudes, skills, and opportunities to access transport mode. Hamidi & Zhao (2020) stated that the three dimensions of attitude, skills and access significantly explain individuals’ travel behaviour and their travel mode choice. Among the studied travel modes, cycling appears to be a competitive mode when the travel distances are within 5 km; individuals who have greater environmental awareness are more likely to travel by public transport or cycling if the physical conditions facilitate using these modes. Good access to public transport is likely to increase the usage of both cycling and public transport and reduce car use. However, Hamidi & Zhao (2020) does not include safety as one of the aspect to shape sustainable travel behaviour. Therefore, based on Hamidi & Zhao (2020), our study recommend to focus on the 3 aspects include that attitude, skills and access in an integrated manner to shape a sustainable public transportation environment besides adding on the aspect of safety. These aspects are taken into consideration to encourage people to ride public transportation rather than their own private vehicles.

Environmental and Natural Resource Implications of Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Systems

Bergesen et al. (2017), pointed up the environmental and natural resource implications of sustainable urban infrastructure systems where they deeply analyzed the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water use, metal consumption and land use of selected socio-technical systems in 84 cities by using hybrid life cycle assessment approach combined with scenarios. Bergesen et al. (2017), has proposed some of the scenario to each city and quantified their potentials in reducing the environmental and resource impacts. As a result, resource-efficient urban infrastructure and decarbonization of electricity coupled with strategic densification have a potential to mitigate resources and environmental footprints of growing cities. However, Bergesen et al. (2017), does not mention about the way to implement the strategies into real life that can be accepted by public. Therefore, our study recommended to look for the way that can successfully implement the strategies of resource-efficient urban infrastructure and decarbonization of electricity coupled with strategic densification in order to create a sustainable public transportation environment.

The path and time efficiency of residents’ trips

Yang et al. (2020), discussed about the path and time efficiency of residents’ trip of different purpose with different travel modes where they employed a circuity index to measure the path efficiency of residents› trips based on 2015 survey data in Guangzhou and investigate the relationship between the path efficiency and travel distance for different purposes of trip and different travel modes. Yang et al. (2020), stated that there is a complex and nonlinear relationship between the path efficiency and travel distance. In general, trips by non-motorized transport have a lower circuity index and higher path efficiency and higher time-efficiency. Yang et al. (2020) insist that to improve travel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions from transport, more efforts should be focused on the non-motorized travel environment and developing relevant policies to encourage more walking and cycling. However, Yang et al. (2020), does not include the detail of method to improve non-motorized travel environment that encourage more walking and cycling. Therefore, our study recommends to provide a better non-motorized travel environment at site which has lower circuity index and higher path efficiency and higher time-efficiency that could be favourable by the user at the site. At the same time, it can create a sustainable public transportation environment.

In summary, our study recommends to focus on the 3 aspects include that attitude, skills and access in an integrated manner in order to start with our sustainable city transportation design according to Hamidi & Zhao (2020). Besides, according to Bergesen et al. (2017) implement the strategies of resource-efficient urban infrastructure and decarbonization of electricity coupled with strategic densification. Lastly, according to Yang et al. (2020), to provide a better non-motorized travel environment which has lower circuity index and higher path efficiency and higher time-efficiency.