How the phenomenon of the symbiosis relation between shops and stalls can be used in designing performing facility that represent the cultural identity of KL Chinatown?
Most visitors perceive KL Chinatown as a shopping and food heaven; stalls over stalls, but they don’t seem to know or care about the what culture shape KL Chinatown or what are the culture found in Chinatown.
Whenever you go Google the word “KL Chinatown”, the images showing are mostly the front gate and also picture full with stalls and vendors. The building behind it seems to lose its essence.
This study conducted to know what are the relationship between the shop lots and stalls, and what kind culture identity can be found between them.
Storage (Borrowed Space)
Stall are originally free-standing structure of thin timber column and tiled roof without walls, vendors doesn’t have a safe storage space. Therefore, vendors are renting safe storage space from the shop owners who are willing to.
Shelter (Shade; Temporariness vs Permanent)
As shop lots are made up of strong structure and able to handle strong lateral force. Stalls are surrounded by buildings that act as a barrier to filter most lateral force to keep stall safe from strong wind, rain and direct sunlight.
Stalls are just made up of timber as column supporting tiled roof, the illegal extension are supported by steel and canvas roof. Not rigid enough to withstand force and to run business
Expansion (Layering)
Up to 10% of stalls are the extension business from shoplots. Besides expansion from the shops, some stalls are also expanding towards 5-foot walkway to run their business.
Adding another layer on their business.
Boundary (Edges)
Clear boundary between shops and stalls. What is inside and outside are clearly demarcated to protect both from conflict.
Support (Connection)
The gutters are actually stuck in between the stalls and shops. Connecting join screwed to both column and temp structure to hold the gutter. Gutter has become a bridge connecting both individual.
Scenario study without vendors
Pedestrian serve its own function
More car accesses
More visibility provides better business opportunity for shoplots
More interaction between shoplots with the pedestrian
Will be less crowed as compared
Scenario study without shoplots
Not safe from wind, rain and sunlight
Lack of electric supply
Lack of storage (Space)