Framing of space and place: an insight into George Town World Heritage Site, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

In architecture and urban design, the meaning, interpretations, identities, and uses of space and place are contentious topics. By framing space, which becomes a mechanism for the authorised group to manage power, it is possible to programme users’ activities regarding how to occupy space and location. This paper examines the construction of space and place in an urban, multicultural, and postcolonial World Heritage City. The qualitative research takes place at the George Town World Heritage Site (WHS) in Malaysia, specifically the ‘Street of Harmony’. The study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between the World Heritage city and its local communities through field observations and semi-structured interviews with the communities. Policy (heritage and conservation and education), community-based, tourism, heritage, and politics are the identified frames. The street is portrayed in a number of ways, including the way in which a person’s daily activities are framed by the confines of their home. Understanding this contributes to the future practicable and nondisruptive practice of urban regeneration, resulting in a resilient and sustainable community.