THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM

PROJECT PART 2:
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ESSAY
QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG
JALAN STESEN, KLANG

LIM ZHAO YIN 0329356

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE

TUTOR: MR NICHOLAS NG
Table of Content

1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Introduction to Project 1
1.1 Introduction to Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong 2-3
1.2 Introduction to Jalan Stesen, Klang 4-5

2.0 Contact Points 6

2.1 Contact Points in Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong 7-9
2.2 Contact Points in Jalan Stesen, Klang 10-11

3.0 Comparative Analysis Essay 12

3.1 Comparison of Context and Urban Typology 12-13
3.2 Comparison of Contact Points 14-15

4.0 Conclusion 16

5.0 References 17
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Introduction to Project
This essay aims to deliver a comparative analysis between a given case study and a local site research.
The two streets given were Queen’s Road Central of Hong Kong and Jalan Stesen of Klang respectively.
The analysis revolves around the similarities and dissimilarities of the two, that are examined based on
the pattern of social activities, outdoor spatial quality and the type of ‘contact points,’ in respective to Jan
Gehl’s methodology.

1
1.2 Introduction to Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Located in the northern coast of Hong Kong Island, spanning from Central to Sheung Wan lies the street
of Queen’s Road Central. The street was one of the first few emerging roads to be constructed by the
British Colony in the 1980s.

Before 1842, the first part of Queen’s Road was built by the Royal Engineers and was the first section to
the hub of the island activity, causing the island into a state of development. Through nearly a century of
expansion and development by the effort of locals and foreign pre-eminence, Queen’s Road today is the
icon of the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong and has been developed into a tourism hotspot and
commercialized area – a transition space for locals and visitors. The growth in the urban context of
Queen’s Road Central may be observed with reference to the diagrams and images below.

Diagram 1.2.1: Figure ground diagrams of Queen’s Road Central in the years of 1845, 1945 and 2016 respectively.

Figure 1.2.1: Queen’s Road Central in 1900. Image source: Figure 1.2.2: Eagle eye’s view of Queen’s Road Central in 2016.
Hong Kong Library Multimedia Information System Image source: Google Earth

The figure ground diagrams show the expansion of urban fabric where rapid development took place,
whereas the given images show how modernization took over in terms of architecture and urbanism.
Traditional architectural styles are also replaced with modern high rise and commercial blocks that have
flooded the urban context of Queen’s Road Central.

2
 Figure 1.2.3: Perspective view through Queen’s Road Central
Image source: Google Maps

Diagram 1.2.2: Common street profile of main road of Diagram 1.2.3: Site plan of Queen’s Road Central
Queen’s Road Central

With reference to Figure 1.2.3, the building typology in Queen’s Road Central are mainly mid to high rise
buildings due to limited space and high pricing of land within the urban context of Hong Kong. It is practical
for buildings to be built upwards to maximize revenue for each square meter of land used.

The linear configuration of blocks also creates a good sense of enclosure and a linear space suitable for
pedestrian activities that contributes to the increase in popularity of tourism in the street.

3
1.3 Introduction to Jalan Stesen, Klang

Diagram 1.3.1: Figure ground diagram of Klang Diagram 1.3.2: Site Plan of Klang

In the beginning, Klang prospered from tin-mining and transportation activities along its river, causing
Klang to undergo a state of development. The Chinese community was brought in by the British and local
Malay authorities to work in the tin mines. Further to the early 1980s, the establishment of the railway
station caused a transition in urban population, where non-locals and the Indian community began to set
foot in Klang. Building blocks began to spread further away from the river, resulting in an expansion of
urban fabric.

The change in demographics due to the increase of population of non-locals had created competition to
the existing community of Klang, thus driving them out from Klang in search of better job opportunities.
Klang is now populated with elderlies and is in a neglected state due to the absence of the younger
generation and efforts to revitalize the town.

Figure 1.3.1: Perspective view of Jalan Stesen showing mixture of architectural styles.

Most of the shophouses still retain its traditional architectural features as part of the heritage conservation
efforts made by the government. Hence, a mixture of old and new blocks can be seen along the street.

4
 The shophouse is made of a linear
typology where it is accessible from both
sides.
Traditionally, the ground floor was used for
business purposes whilst the first floor was
used as a residential space.

Figure 1.3.2. Features of a traditional shophouse.

Image credit: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Figure 1.3.2: Eagle eye’s view of Jalan

Stesen, Klang. Image source: Google Earth

Diagram 1.3.3: Street profile of Jalan Stesen Diagram 1.3.4: Site Plan of Jalan Stesen

The shophouses are 2 to 5 stories in height. With reference to Figure 1.3.2, the buildings are larger in
scale towards the southern east as they were further developed. The frontages of the shophouses are
recessed on ground level, resulting in a five-foot walkway that allows pedestrian flow. Jalan Stesen is a
car-scale street.

5
2.0 Contact Points
According to Jan Gehl, ‘contact points’ are a significant aspect to create ‘life’ between buildings. Contact
points are public spaces within urban walls that allow social interaction and activities to occur, where both
are combined to make living spaces in the cities and residential areas more meaningful and attractive.

Jan Gehl also mentions of 3 distinctive forms of human activities that occurs at contact points, which are:

i. necessary activities, that is defined as “activities that one is compiled to participate due to one’s
obligations such as occupation or education”

ii. optional activities, that is defined as “activities that are conducted at the whim of one’s leisure or
when certain conditions of time and place are met;” and

iii. social activities, that is defined as “activities in which its activation is dependent on the presence of
human interaction in a public space any time anywhere.”

6
2.1 Contact Points in Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

1 Hillside Escalator

2 Li Yuen Street

H Queen’s
Hong Kong

Pottinger Street
(Stone slab street)

Broad walk

Diagram 1.2.3: Site plan of Queen’s Road Central

1. Hillside Escalator

It is the longest covered outdoor escalator

system in the world lined with restaurants, bar
and shops. This medium intensity contact point
provides a shaded route that links the Central to
Mid-Levels district. The spaces below the
escalator also acts as a secondary shading spot
that becomes a resting point for restaurants and
cafes. Asides from pedestrian use, the route also
acts a tourism hotspot as it spans to the distance
of 800m, suitable for sight-seeing within the
urban walls. The linear configuration of the
Figure 2.1.1: Hillside escalator.
confined space along the route also creates an
Image source: TripAdvisor opportunity for social interactions to occur. For
examples, tourists would stop to ask the locals
for directions and acquaintances that are walking
along the same route may initiate conversation.

7
2. Li Yuen Street

Figure 2.1.2: Li Yuen Street.

Image source: Wiwasta Hong Kong

Li Yuen street acts a shortcut between Queen’s Road Central to Dex Voeux Road Central. The good
sense of enclosure provides a platform for business opportunities and social interaction to occur. This is
a medium intensity contact point. The variety in goods displayed upfront creates a stimulating visual
experience that draws the attention of the passerby to stop and attend to the stalls. Social interaction
occurs between customers and stall owners when trading of goods, or between neighbors when initiating
conversation.

3. H Queen’s Hong Kong

Figure 2.1.3: H Queen’s Hong Kong mural art.

Image source: Q E3

H Queen’s Hong Kong is a design company that specializes in public art and exhibitions. The adjacent
ground level wall of the building facing the main road is painted with a mural collaborated with local artists.
This is a low intensity contact point as pedestrians and tourists stop to take pictures of the artwork. Its
interesting façade also creates a distinctive trademark that is easy to be recognized by the locals, hence
it is easy a gathering or meeting point.

8
4. Pottinger Street (Stone slab street)

Figure 2.1.4: Pottinger Street

Image source: TripAdvisor

Pottinger street is paved entirely with uneven granite stone step to cater to its walkability on a steep
hillside area. It is a medium contact point as there are vendors and stalls located in between the blocks.
Like Li Yuen street, the Pottinger street also provides a variety of goods that draws the attention of
pedestrians. It is also a tourism hotspot due to its unique stalls on granite pavement feature.

5. Broad walk

Figure 2.1.3: Broad walk

Image source: Gettyimages

Located between the junction of Queen’s Road Central and D’ Auguilar Street, the broad walk is one of
the busiest pedestrian traffic and highest intensity contact point in Central. The large open spaces
create an opportunity for resting and stopping, before entering the stores or before crossing the street.
The wide space also allows people to gather and thus, social interaction would occur. Tourists may also
stop within the large crowd to ask for directions thus initiative conversation with the locals. However,
high passive contact may occur as most users are perceived as strangers by one another.

9
.2 .2 Contact Points in Jalan Stesen, Klang

1 Klang KTM Station

2 Chong Kok Kopitiam

3 5foot Walkway

4 The Royal Gallery

Diagram 1.3.4: Site Plan of Jalan Stesen

1. Klang KTM Station

Figure 2.2.1: Klang KTM Station

Image credits: Rudy Irawan

The KTM station is located at the junction of Jalan Besar and Jalan Stesen and is the main option of
transport in and out of Klang. It is a high intensity contact point during peak hours where it is used by
white collars and students to go to or back from work or school. The passive contact is high as most
people are strangers amongst one another, when waiting for the train. The landmark acts a meeting point
for friends or acquaintances, thus creating a closer relationship between one another. As there are no
traffic lights, the frontages of the KTM station also acts a stopping for pedestrian before crossing the
junction.

10
2. Chong Kok Kopitiam

Figure 2.2.2 Chong Kok Kopitiam. Image credits: Rudy Irawan

This 77-years-old-Kopitiam is one the most well-known eateries in Klang that serves classic breakfast –
eggs and toast. This is a high intensity contact point for all groups, regardless of age or race, tourists or
locals due to its high popularity. During peak hours where the store is packed, high chance contact occurs
as customers must share tables. This creates an opportunity to interact with strangers thus creating a
livelier atmosphere for dining. Relationships between friends and family is also strengthened when dining
together.

3. 5foot Walkway

5foot walkways are seen all around the site. This is a low
contact point with a high passive contact as the shaded path
only provides an alternative route for pedestrians to reach a
certain destination without having to communicate with
strangers. However, active storefronts that display their
goods creates a stopping point for passerby, then creates an
opportunity for chance contact to occur.
Figure 2.2.3: 5foot walkway along Jalan Stesen 1

4. The Royal Gallery

Also known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, this historical

landmark acts a medium intensity contact point as it mainly
draws the attention of tourists or non-locals. The gallery
contains the history and heritage of the Sultanate of
Selangor. Chance contact occurs when workers are
delivering information to the visitors. Tourists are also able to
interact and share the information amongst one another,
Figure 2.2.4: The Royal Galley. further strengthening relationships in acquaintances.
Image source: SimplyNorma

11
3.0 Comparative Analysis Essay
3.1 Comparison of Context and Urban Typology

Diagram 1.2.3: Site plan of Queen’s Road Central Diagram 1.3.2: Site Plan of Klang

The urban design of the Queen’s Road Central and Klang are similar in terms of a deformed grid pattern.
The blocks are placed in a linear configuration with linear spaces that creates an emphasis on enclosure
and pedestrian walkability. Both consists of main routes with sub-routes or back alleys that creates
shortcuts throughout the urban fabric.

Both sites hold significant historical value where Queen’s Road is the icon of the British Crown Colony of
Hong Kong, and Jalan Stesen as a part of the remaining heritage shophouses in Klang. The two streets
consist of mainly commercial blocks yet are different in terms of architectural styles as one chose to
remain its historical identity, where the other was forced to adapt to its context due to high pricing of land.

The two sites given are also tourism hotspots, yet they differ in terms of preference. In Queen’s Road
Central, tourists are drawn by the high-rise urban scape and the modern architectural elements adapted
into their design. Most of the activities done include sight-seeing and shopping. Klang, on the other hand,
emphasizes on the significance of the local culture and the efforts in conserving old heritage buildings.

Figure 3.1.1 Traditional façade of Figure 3.1.2 Modern façades of commercial

heritage shophouses in Klang high-rise in Queen’s Road Central

12
Though both sites are located within Asian context, there is a difference in climate between the two sites.
Hong Kong’s climate is subtropical as it is breezier and cooler within the months of November to February.
In Malaysia, however, is constant with the tropical climate where it is hot and humid all year long with
unpredictable heavy rain. Hence, the buildings are designed as such also in response to their respective
climates.

Diagram 3.1.1: Shading in Queen’s Road Central Figure 2.1.4: Pottinger Street. Image source: TripAdvisor

The mid to high-rise buildings create a good sense of enclosure that creates shade in between. The linear
configuration of blocks also allows cross ventilation to occur, thus achieving thermal comfort level within
the space. Hence, this is the reason why stalls can open in outdoor spaces with minor overhangs and
least response to climate.

Diagram 3.1.2: Shading in Jalan Stesen Figure 3.1.3 Dining under 5foot walkway.
Image source: Rudy Irawan

In comparison, the low buildings within Klang are unable to provide shade for the space in between.
Hence, in response to the tropical climate, the ground floor is recessed inwards to provide temporary
shading instead. Shophouses owners take the opportunity to expand their businesses along the 5foot
walkway, and some chose to set up their stalls underneath the space as well. This, however, obstructs
the pedestrian flow along the shaded route, forcing them back into the sun.
1946

13
3.2 Comparison of Contact Points

Figure 2.1.1: Hillside escalator. Image source: TripAdvisor Figure 2.2.3: 5foot walkway along Jalan Stesen 1

In response to heavy pedestrianized streets, the necessary activity would be walking. Hence, shaded
routes are catered for pedestrian comfort and ease. As shown in the figures above, both routes are
adjacent to commercial blocks and spaces and are situated along a linear configuration for permeable
walkability. However, the hillside escalator provides a hierarchy of views that frames different
perspectives of the urban context, and a secondary shaded pathway below catered for resting, thus
creating various stopping points along the route. In terms of function, the escalator only acts a link
between two points.

Comparatively, the 5foot walkway can be found along the frontages of heritage shophouses that links all
of them together under one covered route. It also creates a more direct access to the commercial spaces
as they are located along the sides of the walkway. This creates stopping points for users to enter the
shops to look at goods. Pedestrians also have the option to not use the 5foot walkway as there is a
secondary pavement located on the other side. The spatial experience is less confining compared to the
hillside escalator.

Though both contact points cater for the same user group and have the similar necessary activities, their
functions and optional activities differ.

14
 Figure 2.1.4: Pottinger Street. Figure 2.1.3: H Queen’s Hong Kong mural art. Figure 2.2.4: The Royal Galley.
Image source: TripAdvisor Image source: Q E3 Image source: SimplyNorma

Tourism activities are also optional activities, that include shopping, sightseeing and photography. In
Queen’s Road Central, pedestrians can go shopping as the street is full of commercial outlets and stalls
hidden in almost every corner. Sightseeing and photography are also made easier as the tourists’
hotspots and nodes can be found along the linear route. In Klang, however, heritage buildings, historical
museums and other landmarks are scattered around the site which creates a disorganized movement
pattern around the site.

Figure 2.1.3: Broad walk. Image source: Gettyimages Figure 2.2.1: Klang KTM Station. Image credits: Rudy Irawan

The broad walk and the large active frontages of the railway station are similar in terms of contact point
intensity, as both are in the busiest junctions in their respective sites. The broad walk acts as intersection
point for pedestrians along Queen’s Road Central and D’ Auguilar Street, whereas the station acts a
transition point between users coming into and going out from Klang. The two contact points acts as a
transitional space for different user groups and have the similar optional activities. Optional activities
include gathering of friend or acquaintances, stopping before crossing the street; whilst social activities
include interaction between local and tourists/non-locals, asking for direction or to initiate conversation.

15
4.0 Conclusion

Both Queen’s Road Central and Jalan Stesen are heavily pedestrianized and have the similar aspects of
being a commercialized area and a tourist hotspot. However, the difference in context has influenced the
urban fabric and typologies of buildings within the sites.

Queen’s Road Central has adopted to a modernized and compact lifestyle with mid-rise and high-rise
buildings and allows more public spaces in between the blocks along the street. This creates more
stopping points giving opportunities for more social activities to occur. Having said so, the flooding of
large-scale buildings has resulted in a strong hardscape within the street. In Jalan Stesen, social activities
are limited to only a few effective contact points, given example Chong Kok Kopitiam, due to the lack of
open space owing to undesirable climates.

It is to be suggested that the implementation of greeneries and softscape can help soften the boundaries
along Queen’s Road Central making the urban context more environmentally friendly. It can also create
more shading area within the context of Jalan Stesen, resulting in more resting and gathering areas thus
may be able increase social activities, making the town livelier in efforts to rejuvenate the town.

Hence, this highlights the importance of urban planning in relation to context as well as the relationship
between life and buildings, as the physical environment does play a significant role in sustaining urban
life.

16
5.0 References

• 1945 Map of Hong Kong & Kowloon. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://gwulo.com/node/38765#19/22.28313/114.15140/Map_by_ESRI-1945_HK Kln-
Markers/100
• Citylife HK Street Map. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://web.archive.org/web/20090105214028/http://www.citylifehk.com/citylife/eng/hist
ory_0607.jsp
• Gehl, J., & Koch, J. (2011). Life between buildings: Using public space. Washington, DC: Island
Press.
• Lim, Patricia Pui Huen (2002). Discovering Hong Kong's Cultural Heritage: Hong Kong Island
and Kowloon. Oxford University Press. p. 10. ISBN 9780195927238.
• Queen's, H. (n.d.). H QUEEN'S - AN ICON OF URBAN AESTHETICS. Retrieved from
http://www.hqueens.com.hk/html/eng/about.shtml#0
• Wiltshire, T. (2003). Old Hong Kong. Hong Kong: FormAsia Books.

17