Determinants of livable streets in Malaysia: A study of physical attributes of two streets in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

Urban Planners have stressed the important role of street physical attributes for enhancing livability and activity in the area. The purpose of this study is to identify physical attributes of streetscapes that influence street livability. Previous studies focused mainly on traffic management as a major determinant of street livability. Studies that address people’s perception of street physical attributes as influencing street livability tend to separate. This study is an empirical examination of people’s perception of the physical attributes of Kuala Lumpur streetscapes. Structured observations and a questionnaire survey were used to identify determinants of street livability in two multi-functional streets located in the inner part of Kuala Lumpur. On the basis of literature review and observation of the studied areas, 14 physical attributes of street were identified and evaluated. Findings show that provision of facilities like paving, maintenance, parking space and traffic calming techniques contribute to street livability in Kuala Lumpur streetscapes. Indeed, the result of this study is recommended to Malaysian practitioners and policymakers. This result indicates the most significant factors that need to pay attention to meet human needs in designing livable spaces in Kuala Lumpur City Center.