Physical Attributes Significant in Preserving the Social Sustainability of the Traditional Malay Settlement

Abstract

A traditional settlement is defined by a colony in which physical attributes and its occupants retain their daily traditions and skills, as well as other cultural practices. However, due to urbanization and economic development, certain traditional settlements in Malaysia are currently undergoing tremendous changes. Hence, this paper identifies the physical attributes that are significant for the preservation of social sustainability in the traditional Malay settlement. In this research, a qualitative methodology was used to identify the characteristics of the traditional settlements in Kuala Terengganu. In this study, street pattern, housing boundaries and open spaces were identified to be significant as key characteristics for the preservation of social interaction in the three traditional settlements studied. Therefore, the study concluded that methods and selections of such physical characteristics and space typology are significant in order to maintain the social sustainability in traditional settlement communities.