LEGIBILITY OF REGENERATED ALLEYS AS SOCIAL SPACES: THE CASE OF KUALA LUMPUR COMMERCIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Alley regeneration has emerged as a crucial strategy for revitalising urban areas that are in decline. This study specifically examines how the legibility of regenerated alleys impacts user engagement and social interaction within the Bukit Bintang commercial district of Kuala Lumpur. It combines quantitative analysis with behavioural observations to assess both spatial functionality and user engagement. To achieve this, correlation and multinomial regression analyses were conducted based on on-site questionnaire surveys involving 695 respondents who had visited the regenerated alleys. Systematic physical and behavioural observations were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing issues, spatial functionality, and activity patterns within these alleys. The study revealed a moderate correlation between the legibility of an alley and the social interactions of its users. While visual elements positively affect social interaction, they show a lower standardised coefficient. In contrast, a clear structure demonstrates a much stronger relationship, indicated by a higher standardised coefficient. This finding strongly suggests that a clear structural layout has a significant impact on social interaction. By emphasising clear structural layouts alongside visually appealing elements, urban planners can create more engaging public spaces that effectively foster social interaction among users.