1. ELEMENTS OF NATURAL AND BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
Assignment 2A :
Case Study of the Rural, Suburban and Urban Context
Date : 1 November 2012
Student Names :
Yap Zhong Lin (0310557)
Yap Zhi Jun (0310738)
Toh Chee Cheng (0311122)
Valerie Joe C Arnesto (0304813)
Dipti Gya (0311390)
Tutor Name : Sujatavani Gunasagaran
Tutorial Time : 8am – 11am
Intake : July 2012
Institute : Taylors Lakeside Campus
1
2. ABSTRACT
This report investigates the understanding and definition of the
elements of natural and built environment in different development of the
three contexts; rural, suburban and urban. Then followed by a brief history
about the area we choose; Kuang, Kepong and KL Sentral. The discussion
then focuses on facilities, pathways and design of the railway stations.
2
3. CONTENT
NO CONTENT PAGE
1 ABSTRACT 2
2 CONTENT 3
3 INTRODUCTION 4
4 BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE PROJECT AREAS 5
i) KL CENTRAL 6
ii) KEPONG 9
iii) KUANG 12
5 INTRODUCTION OF RAILWAY STATION IN PROJECT AREAS 14
i) KL CENTRAL 15
ii) KEPONG 16
iii) KUANG 17
6 COMPARISON 20
a) DESIGN
TABLE OF COMPARISON IN DESIGN 21
FENCES 22
LIGHTINGS 23
DRAINAGE SYSTEM 24
SIGNBOARDS 25
BLIND WALKWAYS 26
b) FACILITIES
TABLE OF COMPARISON IN FACILITIES 27
BENCHES 28
PARKING LOTS 29
VENDING MACHINES 30
ATM MACHINES 31
c) PATHWAYS
TABLE OF COMPARISON IN PATHWAYS 32
BRIDGE 33
STAIRCASE 34
ESCALATOR 35
ELEVATOR 36
7 CONCLUSION 37
8 COLLECTION 38
9 REFERENCES 39
3
4. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to investigate the current state
development of the rural, suburban and urban areas of Federal Territory of
Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor.
By observing our site visit to Kuang, Kepong and KL Central by train,
this report describes about the facilities, pathways and design of the railway
station. The report then discusses further more into comparison of the
different train stop areas in development of the three contexts (rural,
suburban and urban).
Before the current train development system we have in Kuala Lumpur,
there were two stations that were already operational in the city. The first
railway station ever built in Kuala Lumpur was inaugurated in September
22, 1886 by the British called the Resident Station. Constructed of wood
and nipah palm roof, linking from Kuala Lumpur to Klang. However, the
Resident Station was soon demolished in 1910 after the construction of the
new and rebuilt Kuala Lumpur Station.
The Sultan Street Station was the second station constructed in 1892,
located in Tun Tan Cheng Lock Road. It was designed based on the
Resident Station and was stationed along the Pudu railway line. After the
opening of the Kuala Lumpur Station, the Sultan Street Station was
replaced by a smaller terminal station and as the years passes by, the
station was left isolated and demolished in 1960.
The development of the railway stations built around the Federal
Territory of Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor were significantly
influenced by the colonial and mughal architecture at an early age. There
are now about 115 railway stations around Malaysia, offering our city
connectivity, convenience and an international lifestyle.
4
7. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1138871&page=89
The blueprint of Kuala Lumpur Sentral began with the masterplan of a
“City-within-a-City” concept design by the renowned Japanese architecture,
Dr Kisho Kurokawa. He is responsible for this contemporary and
international concept of space, light and greenery. It has spacious plazas,
indoor courtyards, sidewalk cafés, shops, restaurants and pedestrian
walkways interspersed with landscaped green buffer zones, create a sense
of a harmonious existence, blending functionality with technology and
accessibility.
KL Sentral development comprises of 7 lots. Featuring a self-
contained city concept comprising of corporate office towers and business
suites, international hotels, luxurious condominium, a shopping mall and an
international exhibition, convention and entertainment centre. It is an
exclusive centre built around Malaysia’s largest transit hub, offering global
connectivity, excellent investment opportunities, business convenience and
an international lifestyle.
7
8. It is the first city in Malaysia to portray the new characteristic of a
global city, where work, live and play co-exist in a harmonic environment.
This prime 72-acre freehold commercial and residential environment is built
around a world class transportation hub.
Internal and external of KL Sentral
The KL Sentral Station which is named Lot H, is the center of the
development, where the state-of-the-art transportation hub for Kuala
Lumpur’s integrated rail transportation, seamlessly links all urban and
suburban residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Its infrastructure supports six rail networks which was completed in
December 2000, the KLIA Express Rail link, KLIA Transit, Rapid KL
(Putra), KTM Komuter, KTM Intercity and KL Monorail Services. Lot H also
offers job opportunities for small businesses to set up their business as
retail or food and beverage. Situated on 9.3 acres the main building has a
gross floor area of half a million sq ft.
8
10. Buildings surrounding Kepong area.
Kepong is one of the major townships in Kuala Lumpur. Situated in a
more suburban environment where housing areas are more populated than
commercial buildings due to the spreading concept of a balanced lifestyle.
Although there are shopping malls like Jusco, Carrefour, Tesco and Brem
Mall, majority of businesses are usually opened at small commercial blocks.
Especially during peak hours, Kepong will be congested with cars, lorries
and motorbikes. Which therefore causes air pollution and vehicle pollution
to the environment.
http://www.maleisure.com/frim_kepong.html
10
11. Graphically, Kepong is surrounded by 600 hectares of pristine forest
land. The onsite Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong
Metropolitan Park, Taman Rekreasi, and last but not least Desa Park City,
which is one of the highly-regarded hybrid projects in Kepong which has
drawn wide attention to the community.
Examples photo of Kepong KTM Station
There are two train stations on the commuter's Rawang-Seremban
route, namely the Kepong KTM station and Kepong Sentral KTM station.
Historically, Kepong is a largely ethnic town with no shortage of
economic activities. Its economic lens bear witness to the rubber plantation,
tin and quarry trades in the colonial days. The establishment of the nearby
Sungai Buloh and Rawang Industrial Zones has also contributed indirectly
to Kepong's growing economic status.
11
13. Photos of houses and shop lots in Kuang.
Kuang is a town in the Gombak district of Selangor, Malaysia. The
area is very rural, where houses are isolated from one another in a green
surrounding. There are only shop lots nearby the Kuang KTM Station, and
these small businesses are in a poor condition lot made from wall partition
and zinc roof. Most of the land in the area are own by Sime Darby, for
plantation, property and industrial purposes.Back in the day, Kuang has
one of the largest polo field in Asia. It was an important venue for polo
during the Commonweath Games in 1998.
Photos of roads and free parking lots in Kuang.
The roads in Kuang are very narrow and majority of the residents
there uses motorbikes as their primary transportation due to the size of the
pathway to their house once they get off the road and into the forest.
Therefore, cars are not able to get through and not recommended for
residents who are living there.
13
15. KL SENTRAL
Lines
Platforms
Rawang-Seremban and Sentul-Port Klang Line (KTM
Tracks: Komuter) (2001 to present)
2 island platforms (KTM Komuter)
North-South Line (KTM Intercity) (2001 to present)
4 (KTM Komuter) 1 island platform (KTM Intercity)
Kelana Jaya Line (RapidKL)
2 (KTM Intercity) 2 side platforms (Kelana Jaya Line)
KLIA Transit and KLIA Ekspres(Express Rail Link) (2002
3 (KTM Freight) 1 island platform (KLIA Ekspres) to present)
2 (Kelana Jaya Line) 1 island platform (KLIA Transit)
2 (KLIA Ekspres)
2 (KLIA Transit)
Owned by
Keretapi Tanah
Address Melayu, Rapid KL and
Connections ERL Private Limited
Brickfields, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Bus hub, monorail
Rail networks: station, food and
retail outlets, and
KLIA Express Rail Link KTM maintenance
depot.
KLIA Transit
RAPID KL (Putra)
KTM Komuter
KTM Intercity
KL Monorail Services 15
16. KEPONG KTM STATION
Address: Coordinate : 3°12′31″N 101°37′42″E
Stesen Komuter Kepong Commuter Lines: Rawang – Seremban Route
Station,
Platforms : 2 side platforms
Jalan Burung Garuda,
Tracks : 4
Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong,
52100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Car park : Available
Facilities :
Opened since : 1892 Ticket Counter
Ticket vending Machine
Operating hour : 6.15am – 9.30pm
Parking
Owner : Keretapi Tanah Melayu Touch n Go lane
Toilet
Surau
16
17. KUANG KTM STATION
Address:
Address: Coordinate: 3°15'29"N 101°33'17"E
Coordinate: 3°15'29"N 101°33'17"E
Stesen KTMB Kepong,
Stesen KTMB Kepong, Lines : Rawang –Seremban Route
Lines : Rawang –Seremban Route
Jalan Kuang Bulan 1 (Jln 32),
Jalan Kuang Bulan 1 (Jln 32), Platforms :: 2 side platforms
Platforms 2 side platforms
Taman Kepong,
Taman Kepong, Tracks : 2
Tracks : 2
52100Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.
52100 Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Car park : available
Car park : available
Facilities :
Facilities :
Ticket Counter
Ticket Counter
Operationg Hour : 6.30 am -- 9.15 pm
Operationg Hour : 6.30 am 9.15 pm Ticket vending Machine
Ticket vending Machine
Parking
Parking
Owner :: Keretapi Tanah Melayu
Owner Keretapi Tanah Melayu Touch n Go lane
Touch n Go lane
Toilet
Toilet
Surau
Surau
17
18. This is the KTM Seremban – Rawang route
map which show the three places that we visit - KL
Central (KA01), Kepong (KA06) and Kuang
(KA09). Below are the information about
relationship between these three KTM stations.
1. KL Central to Kepong - 21 minutes (RM1.30)
2. Kepong to Kuang - 16 minutes (RM1.50)
From KL Central to Kepong there are more tall
buildings however from Kepong to Kuang, number
of buildings decreases and more trees can be
seen. This showed that from urban area (KL
Central) slowly change to suburban area
(Kepong) and at last is the rural area (Kuang).
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19. POPULATION IN RAILWAY STATION
KL SENTRAL
KEPONG
KUANG
CONCLUSION
KL Sentral is the Malaysia’s largest transit hub. Thus, KL Sentral offered global
connectivity and flawlessly linking all urban and suburban residential, commercial and
industrial areas. However, with the growing population, KL Sentral continues to cater to
specific needs of its tenants, residents as well as other stakeholders especially to
enhance the parking facilities and increase provision for more.
Kepong area has a population of 360,000 approximately where Chinese population
exceeds 90%. Some suburbs have a degree of executive autonomy, and most have
lower population density than inner city neighborhoods. Suburbs first emerged on a large
scale in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of improved rail and road transport, which
led to an increase in commuting.
Population in Kuang area is 21,184 people. In Kuang, mostly found are farmlands
and wood areas. The quality of life in Kuang is actually quite low. People have to walk a
distance to a shop because it’s not systematic. Houses are built randomly unlike in
suburbs and urbs. Not much facilities are found in Kuang such as shopping centre, banks,
and hotels.
19
22. COMPARISON OF FENCES
KL SENTRAL
There aren’t any fences at KL
Sentral. But they replaced it with
glass door.
KEPONG
Wrought iron fences. They're
made of iron, these types of
fences are extremely durable.
KUANG
Chain link fences. Commercial
chain link fences provide a
secure boundary around your
commercial or industrial
property. These fences come in
a standard height of 6 feet, but
they can be built as high as 20
feet tall.
CONCLUSION
As result, KL Sentral is better than Kepong and Kuang’s railway station. It has better
environment. The glass doors are designed it’s to prevent the cooling air from air
conditioner flow out. In Kepong and Kuang stations, the sizes of the land are small. So
they only use fences to surround the railway stations. But the security system is weak.
22
23. COMPARISON OF LIGHTINGS
KL SENTRAL
KL Sentral provides more lights
and make the place look
brighter.
KEPONG
In Kepong, it is an open area. So
there are only few lights/ lamp
provided. But it is quite dim
during night time.
KUANG
In Kuang station, the lights are
really old and there are several
lights that are not working
anymore.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, KL Sentral is the best because it provided sufficient lights to the public
and KL Sentral has better facilities compare to Kepong and Kuang. Kepong and
Kuang stations are quite old and bad condition of facilities.
23
24. COMPARISON OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM
KL SENTRAL
Everything in KL Sentral is
designed and built nicely.
There’s no pipe leakage and the
drainage system are covered.
KEPONG
In Kepong, the drainage system
is sufficient. As it will not affect
floods in the station.
KUANG
Drainage system in Kuang is not
sufficient. And it’s not systematic
CONCLUSION
Again, KL Sentral is the best of all. Kepong and Kuang’s stations can be improved
more. For instance, Kepong can design better on the outside look where as the
drainage system should be covered to protect it. In Kuang’s station, drainage system
is not sufficient so they should increase the amount.
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25. COMPARISON OF SIGNBOARD
KL SENTRAL
Sufficient and detailed direction
provided. Easy to understand
and accurate.
KEPONG
Sufficient but no detailed
direction given. Not easy to be
seen.
KUANG
Insufficient and not detailed. It’s
hard to find direction (eg:
washroom)
CONCLUSION
Kepong and Kuang’s station should improve their signboards avaibility. Thus, they
have to make sure that it is sufficient and accurate information is given. KL Sentral did
a good job in providing direction for the public. They even provided several Customer
Service Counter.
25
26. COMPARISON OF BLIND WALKWAYS
KL SENTRAL
Blind walkways in KL Sentral can
be seen while the passengers
exit from the train. It is not
sufficient because they aren’t
any in other areas.
KEPONG
Kepong provided blind walkways
along the pedestrian bridge and
also the corridor. It’s quite
sufficient because the area is
small.
KUANG
In Kuang’s station, blind
walkways are also provided
although the place is small. But
it’s enough for the needy.
CONCLUSION
KL Sentral should increase the blind walkways as the station is the main center. It’s
always crowded and that’s the reason the needy needs it. In Kepong and Kuang,
theydid a good job. Although the area is small but they did not neglect the needies.
26
27. COMPARISON OF FACILITIES IN KL SENTRAL,
KEPONG AND KUANG
KL
NO FACILITIES KEPONG KUANG
SENTRAL
1 TOILET
2 SURAU
3 TICKET BOOTH
4 TOUCH & GO LANE
5 BENCH
6 TRASH BIN
7 FAN
8 AIR CONDITINER
9 PUBLIC PHONE
10 VENDING MACHINE
11 SHOP
12 PARKING LOT
13 ATM MACHINE
27
28. COMPARISON OF BENCHES
KL SENTRAL
1. Material
- Stainless steel
2. Quantity
- 7 to 10
KEPONG
1. Material
- Wood
2. Quantity
- 5 to 7
KUANG
1. Material
- Plastic and wood
2. Quantity
- 2 to 4
CONCLUSION
KL Sentral have the most quantity of benches and Kuang have the least quantity of
benches. Besides, benches in KL Sentral are higher quality compared with Kepong
and Kuang. KL Sentral is the highest population areas, so the benches are made
from stainless steel which is most expensive and long lasting. In my opinion, KL
Sentral should increase the number of benches so that more people can have a rest
while waiting for the train.
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29. COMPARISON OF PARKING LOTS
KL CENTRAL
KL SENTRAL
1. Material
Own parking lot is provided. The
parking area is large and is
- Stainless steel
storied. The parking rate is more
expensive.Quantityparking
2. Full day
RM40, one hour RM4.
- 7 to 10
Full 1 day parking: RM 40.00
• 1st Hour: RM 4.00
KEPONG
KEPONG
Full 1 day parking: RM 40.00
1. Material
Own Hour: RM 4.00
• 1st parking lot is provided. The
- Wood
parking area is medium in size
and 1 dayrood. TheRM 40.00
Full is on parking: parking rate
2. Quantity
is cheaper.
• 1st Hour: RM 4.00
- 5 to 7
KUANG
KUANG
1. Material
No parking is provided. Users
park their -own vehicles wood
Plastic and
everywhere without proper
2. Quantity
arrangement.
- 2 to 4
CONCLUSION
KL Central has large area of parking lots which and provided to workers, residents,of
sentral have the most quantity of benches are Kuang have the least quantity
benches. Besides, benchesvehicles safely. Kepong has smaller parkingwith Kepong
users and etc to park their in KL Central are higher quality compared area because
andpopulation in Kepong is less. Lastly, Kuang has no parking benches are parking
the Kuang. KL Central is the highest population areas, so the lot because made
from not needed in Kuang is most expensive and long lasting. In my opinion, KL of
lot is stainless steel which since the population is so low. In my opinion, the rate
Central should increase the number of benches people can pay lesser to have their
parking in KL Sentral should be reduced so that so that more people can park a rest
whileeverydayfor KL Sentral.
cars waiting in the train.
29
30. COMPARISON OF VENDING MACHINES
KL CENTRAL
KL SENTRAL
1. Material
KL Sentral provided drinks
vending machine which is cheap
- Stainless steel
and convenient for people to buy
drinks any Quantity
2. time at anywhere. KL
Sentral is a centre point for
- 7 to 10
interchange of railway station so
vending machines are needed
for waiting purpose.
KEPONG
Drinks vending machine is not available because it is not needed in
this area. Population is low.
KUANG
Drinks vending machine is not available because it is not needed in
this area. Population is low.
CONCLUSION
Among these three areas, only KL Sentral provided drinks vending machine because
the population in that area is very high. In my opinion, KL Sentral should add more
vending machines not only drinks but also foods to provide convenience for people to
buy drinks and foods to fill their stomach.
30
31. COMPARISON OF ATM MACHINES
KL CENTRAL
KL SENTRAL
1. Material
KL Sentral provided several ATM
machines for people tosteel
- Stainless get their
money easily especially for the
2. Quantity
workers. KL Sentral needs this
kind of facility because KL
Sentral is -a7 to 10
place which included
business activities. It is easier for
people to use when they need
money immediately.
KEPONG
ATM machine is not available because it is not needed in this area.
KUANG
ATM machine is not available because it is not needed in this area.
CONCLUSION
KL Sentral is the only place which provided ATM machine between these three
areas, KL Sentral, Kepong and Kuang. KL Sentral is a place not only for railway
purpose but also included business activities. However, for Kepong and Kuang they
only used as a KTM station. So, ATM machine is not needed in these two areas. In
my opinion, the number of ATM machines in KL Sentral should be increased so that
people can enjoy this service faster and easier.
31
32. COMPARISON OF PATHWAYS IN KL SENTRAL,
KEPONG AND KUANG
KL
NO PATHWAYS KEPONG KUANG
SENTRAL
1 BRIDGE
2 STAIRCASE
3 ELEVATOR
4 ESCALATOR
32
33. COMPARISON OF BRIDGE
KL SENTRAL
1. No bridge. Because KL Sentral has
few levels, and some of the places
were connected to allow people to
pass through. So it is not necessary
to have a bridge.
2. The picture shows the place which
allow people access from platform 3
to platform 4 .
KEPONG
1. Made of steel with ajiya roofing.
2. Ajiya roofing has lower budget.
3. To allow pedestrian cross over the
railway tracks.
KUANG
1. Made up of steel with PVC roofing.
2. The pedestrian Bridge is designed
with a better looking than the
Kepong one. This showed that
Kuang is slowly develop.
CONCLUSION
Every railway station must be designed with either a connected floor or bridge to allow people
to walk across the railway track. People are not allowed to walk on the railway tracks for their
safety. In my opinion, Kepong KTM station’s pedestrian bridge design should be upgraded
33
like the Kuang's KTM station’s pedestrian bridge design. Which is firmer.
34. COMPARISON OF STAIRCASE
KL SENTRAL
1. Stainless steel staircase
holder and pebble wash
flooring
2. Width : Longer
KEPONG
1. Stainless Steel staircase
holder and cement
flooring
2. Width : Medium
KUANG
1. Stainless Steel staircase
holder and pebble wash
flooring
2. Width : Shorter
CONCLUSION
Three of the places used Stainless Steel staircase holder to prevent rust. Pebble
wash flooring can prevent slippery and provide nice visuals. The width of the
staircase in KL Sentral is the longest because KL Sentral has the highest population.
While the width of the staircase in Kuang is the shortest as Kuang is the lesser
population area compare to KL Sentral. In my opinion, pebble wash flooring should 34
be apply on the Kepong KTM station staircase to provide nicer texture.
35. COMPARISON OF ELEVATOR
KL SENTRAL
1. Few lift were built in KL
Sentral, because there are
more population in KL
Sentral.
2. The space in the lift is wider.
3. People often use lift.
KEPONG
1. Only one elevator is built for
the KTM Station.
2. The space in the lift is not
wide.
3. The lift is seldom use by the
people.
KUANG
1. No elevator.
2. People with walking disabilities may not be able to ride on KTM.
CONCLUSION
In my opinion, every railway station must build elevators for the convenience of the people
with walking disabilities. Or else they would not use the KTM facilities. The KL Sentral
elevator is well designed. Finally, the KL Sentral and Kepong KTM station’s elevator should
be maintain from time to time to ensure it will function properly.
35
36. COMPARISON OF ESCALATOR
KL SENTRAL
1. Escalators were built
for the convenience of
people.
2. Because there are high
population in Kuala
Lumpur.
3. People would not have
to walk through the
long staircase.
KEPONG
1. No escalators.
2. Because they already had an elevator.
KUANG
1. No escalators.
2. Because the population in Kuang is very less. And people
seldom use the KTM.
CONCLUSION
Kuang is the least population area. So, seldom people will use the KTM as the people
there normally have their own business. They seldom go outside of Kuang. In my
opinion, escalators in KL Sentral should be maintain from time to time as I can see
the escalators will produce some shrill sound which are very irritating. Tourist and
Malaysia citizen will be benefited if the problem can be fixed.
36
37. CONCLUSION
People often define urban areas as land occupied by buildings and
other structures used for residences and industrial sites. Urban areas often
have some form of public transportation such as buses, subways, or trains
and have high population densities. Buildings are often closer together and
built higher than those in suburban or rural areas. Therefore, KL Sentral is
defined as urban area. For instance, there are many facilities provided to
the public in the stations as well as the surrounding. In KL Sentral, we can
seek LRT, Monorail and also KTM. Besides, there are also several shops
such as restaurants, banking, butik and others. There are also buses and
taxis provided at KL Sentral. These are the reason why the population is
high. It is really convenient place for the public especially for
transportations.
Suburban areas are those on the outskirts of cities. So Kepong is
considered as suburban area. Residents of suburban areas often commute
to the cities for work. Some suburban areas have commuter trains and
buses that shuttle people to the cities. Structures in suburban communities
are often lower and further apart than in cities. Though they have smaller
populations than cities, suburbs offer the same services including schools,
health care facilities and public works.
Furthermore, Kuang is the areas with large amount of land with lower
populations
than urban and suburban areas, Structures are far apart and some rural
communities share hospitals or schools. Farmlands are also usually found
in Kuang. However, most people in Kuang live in woodland forests, plains
and deserts which are examples of rural area which are examples of rural
area
37
39. REFERENCES
THE STAR ONLINE from
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.
asp?file=/2012/7/10/central/1151
8035&sec=central retrieved 29
October 2012
FMT NEWS from
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.co
m/category/nation/2012/10/08/
new-rail-stations-in-east-coast/
retrieved 29 October 2012
KUALA LUMPUR TRANSIT MAP from
http://www.malaysiaexpat.com/res
ources/transitmap/i/transit_map.p
df retrieved 29 October 2012
39
40. TIPTOP GLOBE from
http://www.tiptopglobe.com/city
?n=Kuang&p=21184#lat=0.241
70&lon=99.60205&zoom=6
retrieved 29 October 2012
KUALA LUMPUR SENTRAL from
http://www.klsentral.com.my/
retrieved 29 October 2012
The Big Book of Urban
Legends,Jan Harold
Brunvand (Author), Robert
LorenFleming (Author), Rob
ert F. Boyd (Author)
40