1. KAMPUNG PULAI
SITE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
YEW JEY YEE 0327708
RAEMI SAFRI 0328385
NICHOLAS WONG YEW KHUNG 0328559
CHONG XIAN JUN 0332605
ONG HUEY CHYI 0326649
NG JING YUAN 0331472
2. “What better way to read
the landscape than by
walking through it?”
-Linda Lappin
6. 4
HISTORY OF SITE
600 years ago, the Chinese fleeing
from the political turmoil in China
flocked to Pulai to mine gold.
The deities that they brought from
China were gathered and enshrined in
Shui Yue temple.
In 20th century, the villagers pivoted from
gold dredging activities to rice cultivation for
livelihood due to the diminishing return.
The imposition of martial law in 1948 forces
the villagers to move out from Kampung
Pulai, who later moved back in 1960.
The censer brought by the Chinese 600 years ago. The deity enshrined in the temple. The people working in paddy field. The volunteers rebuilt their temple after return.
7. 5
In the 60-70s, the villagers of Pulai live in a very self-sufficient
way by planting crops and breeding livestock. Nonetheless,
they are still reliant on the external sources for salt.
In the 80s, the government acquired the land
in the village forcefully for gold mining. The
environment was devastated.
The conversion from rice cultivation to rubber
tapping followed as a consequence.
SITE ANALYSIS AND
VIC DESIGN PROJECT
The views in Pulai in 1978. The lake left by gold mining activities. The paddy fields are replaced with rubber plantations.
10. 8
SUN ORIENTATION & CLIMATE
28 °C
30 °C 30 °C
31 °C
30 °C 30 °C 30 °C 30 °C
29 °C 29 °C
28 °C 28 °C
22 °C 22 °C
23 °C
24 °C
25 °C 25 °C
24 °C
25 °C
24 °C 24 °C 24 °C
23 °C
Precipitation Mean daily maximum Hot days Mean daily minimum
Cold nights Wind speed
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17.5 °C
20 °C
22.5 °C
25 °C
27.5 °C
30 °C
32.5 °C
35 °C
0 mm
50 mm
100 mm
150 mm
200 mm
0 >1 >5 >12km/h
ENE
E
ESE
SE
SSE
S
SSW
SW
WSW
W
WNW
0
500
SUN PATH of KAMPUNG PULAI
- September to December is when Kampung Pulai has the most
rainfall. Kampung Pulai has experienced flooding multiple times
due to heavy rain, that is around that time of the year.
- VIC should be able to handle heavy rain as well as possible flood
from the river and lake.
- The majority of the wind comes from the North-East and the
South. The Zi Xia cave located on the North-West blocks the wind
from that area into the site.
- The majority of the year, Kampung Pulai experiences very hot
days, therefore the VIC should utilise the wind to achieve thermal
comfort for the user.
Flooding in December 2014, a factor to consider when designing the
VIC
11. 9
CONTOUR
9
The settlement snuggles in the valley among the limestone
mountains as these are gold-bearing areas. The geographical
factors have resulted in the isolated nature of the village.
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1
2
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CONTOUR SECTION
N
12. 10
VEGETATION
Rubber Plantation
Sugar Cane
RUBBER PLANTATION
After the discontinuation of gold mining,
the locals starts turning to rubber tree
plantations as a major means of survival.
SUGAR CANE PLANTATION
Besides rubber plantation, other
commercial plantations are seen in the
village to subsist their living. For instance,
the field behind the houses is used to
plant sugar cane.
WILD GROWTH
Mixture of rubber plantations and forest
around the Zi Xia Cave. A smaller mine-
pit lake nestles in the wooded land.N
1
1
1 2
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3
3
13. 11
NEIGHBOURING CONTEXT
Residential Religious
Public buildings/facilities
Agricultural
Commercial - Industrial
Commercial - Recreational
Commercial - Retail/Restaurant
The public buildings and possible gathering place are clustered at
the same point with the religious building, Shui Yue Temple, that
gravitates the activities around it, making it a node.
While the public square is located at the corner of the site, compared
to the residential area that’s easily accessed by the main road, the
local communities would still gather here, making it a common
space for the villagers.
Shui Yue Temple - Religious
Community Hall - Public facility Retail Shop - Commercial Residential House
Bar - Recreational Gazebo - Public facilities
N
14. 12
CIRCULATION
VEHICULAR CIRCULATIONKAMPUNG PULAI CIRCULATION
Vehicular Circulation
Pedestrian Circulation
Primary Circulation
Secondary Circulation
Tertiary Circulation
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2 3
3
ACCESSIBILITY
- The space in front of the temple is where most
people park their cars and gather. It acts as the
main node of the village due to its proximity to the
temple, community hall, bar, and gazebos.
USAGE OF ROADS
- The main road is used to get around Gua
Musang.
- The secondary road is the way to enter the plaza
of Kampung Pulai. However, due to the size of
the roads, the vehicular traffic into the plaza is
restricted.
- The tertiary road, used by rubber farmers to get
to rubber plantations and villagers to Zi Xia cave,
is connected via two bridges at different ends
allowing only motorcycles to cross.
Primary circulation, just a
single lane road
Secondary circulation, 1
way road
Secondary circulation,
public square
Tertiary circulation, the rocky
narrow roads renders it
unsuitable for vehicles
N
15. 13
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
Primary Circulation
Secondary Circulation
Tertiary Circulation
- Main road has very little pedestrian circulation, only used to get around bridge,
shops and Kampung Pulai. Lack of shaded walkways prevent major usage of main
road sidewalk.
- Most common pedestrian path is around Kampung Pulai centre, getting around
the shops and the temple.
- The moderately used pedestrian path is used by tourists to get to Zi Xia cave and
the farmers to the rubber plantation.
- The usage of pedestrian circulation reflects the density of human activity. As the
human activity increases, the rate of use of pedestrian circulation increases.
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Bridge connecting primary and
secondary circulation
Bridge providing connection to
the main road - tertiary circulation
Road leading to the public square
Path of secondary circulation
leading to Zi Xia cave
Path along rubber plantation
N
16. 14
NOISE & ACTIVITIES
HUMAN ACTIVITY ZONES
Level of Activity
High Low
RUBBER PLANTATION
The rubber plantation is the main source of income
to the villagers of Kampung Pulai. It creates an active
zone where the local rubber farmers are gravitated to.
However, it’s active only in the early morning when the
workers come to rubber tapping, thus having a relatively
low level of activity.
1
1
2
2
3
3
MAIN NODE
With the main public spaces, and possible gathering
spots with public infrastructures clustered at a same
place, it becomes a main node that the residents around
the area gathers at.
HISTORICAL SITE
With one historical site (Shui Yue Temple) being clustered
together with the other public building giving easier
access to local residents, and one being isolated (Zi Xia
Cave) with a 10 minute walk from the main node that
attracts the tourists more than the locals.
N
17. 15
NOISE HOTSPOTSACTIVITY NODES
High Noise Level
Noise is generated from the temple during festivals such as the birth of
Guan Yin and a lower level from the bar and karaoke at night.
The places of religious significance
and main public spaces act as the
main nodes for activities, mostly
functioning as tourist attractions.
1 2
3
2
3
1
N
N
20. 18
SITE SECTION
SECTION A - A’ View from river
SECTION B - B’ Cutting through community hall and gazebo
SECTION C -C’ Longitudinal section cut of entire site
21. 19
MICROCLIMATE
SHADOW STUDYSUN AND WIND
NOON - 12PM
MORNING - 9AM
SUMMER SOLSTICE - JUNE 21 EQUINOX - SEPTEMBER 21 WINTER SOLSTICE - DECEMBER 21
EVENING - 6PM
WIND ANALYSIS
- Majority of wind comes from North-east and South-west
- Ventilation across the micro site is very open through public areas.
- Openly public buildings such as the community hall, gazebos and parts of the bar
allow for a continuous flow of wind in and out of the micro site.
- Potential VIC site should allow wind flow from both directions. The river site has no
large solid obstacles that block the wind from the VIC.
SUN ANALYSIS
- Very sunny, no large structures to block the sun.
- Shading is done via vegetation and the buildings
22. 20
NEIGHBOURING CONTEXT
Gathering spots
VIC Site
Gazebo
The bridge has a rustic and old look
to it similar to the houses, which
can create an interesting spatial
experience leading to the VIC
All the structures around the site are clustered around the public square,
encouraging interaction with each other, promoting a sense of community.
The VIC could potentially serve as another gathering spot, allowing villagers and
visitors to interact with each other, while also providing a place to rest.
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
The gazebos are relatively new and
are heavily Chinese-influenced,
highlighting the identity of the Pulai
People as well as resembling the
temple.
The main gathering spots in the micro site is the bar and the Ji Fu Tang
Community Hall. They have a very rustic, village like look to it that resembles
the homes of the Pulai people.
23. 21
VEGETATION
- The site is filled with vegetation, wild flora spreads where there is less human activity,
which is most likely due to lack of maintenance.
- Some potted plants are used to set up boundaries for buildings as well as provide
some shade to the user.
- The VIC site is overcrowded with vegetation, with the vegetation even eating the
pathway. VIC should avoid interaction between the user and the flora or allow for the
flora to be easily maintained (gardener)
1 2
2
5
5
6
6
4
4
7
7
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3
3
1
Bamboo plantations provide shade and cools down the area,
while also acting as an aesthetic decoration to the site
Flowering shrubs added as a decoration
to the site
Weeds and tall grass left untamed along the river site, which can be an eyesore. The
vegetation should be trimmed to cleared to make way for the VIC
Untamed growth
along the river
Agave plant, serving
as a decoration
Shade provided by
aged tree
24. 22
CIRCULATION
ACCESSIBILITY
- For both vehicular and pedestrian circulation, they enter the micro site via
the secondary roads that are connected to the main road.
- Only path to the rubber plantation, Zi Xia Cave and possible site for VIC is
a small bridge that is strong enough to carry motorbike. (Tertiary circulation)
- Visitors will access river site by walking across the bridge from plaza,
arriving the site only after visiting Shui Yue Temple.
- The bridge connecting the village and river site is unstable and seemingly
dangerous. Although walking across it provides a unique spatial experience,
it may be a turn-off for the visitors.
2
2
3
3
11
1
Public square, serving as the primary circulation area and gathering spot
Public square, teeming with gathering spots and breathtaking views, encouraging
activities and circulation around the area
Bridge providing
access to river site
Rocky path of river site, unsuitable for
vehicular circulation
25. 23
ACTIVITIES
Community Hall
Bar
Gazebos
Public Toilet
JI FU TANG Community Hall
- Located at the public square, the easy accessibility and utility spaces in the hall
encourages the users to use the space during events, especially during The Birth of
Guan Yin festival.
BAR (drinking culture)
- In contrast to the public gazebos on the side, the bar in between indicates a more
private usage intended for meetings and a more private gatherings on site.
- Acts as a recreational space where the villagers gather and drink, suggesting
a drinking culture among the villagers which is not uncommon within Chinese
communities in Malaysia
GAZEBOS (Chinese chess)
- During festivals and on normal days too, people gather at this place as a shared
space between the communities.
- One of the gazebos has a built in Chinese chess board that encourages chess
playing, simulating the interactions between people.
PUBLIC TOILET
- With its location that does not interrupt the activity density, the placement of a
public toilet is beneficial to the main gathering spot of the village
Preparations for celebrations at the
community hall
Preparation of food and decoration at the
public square
Gathering of villagers at the temple
adjacent to the community hall
Celebrations at the public square
overlooking the Zhi Xia cave
26. 24
VIEWS
VIEWS FROM SITE
1
1
2
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3
3
4
4
5
5
Positive views of the lake and Zi
Xia cave, with the views slightly
obscured by the weeds and tall
grass flanking the path.
Clear unobscured view with the potential to be a great view without weeds
and tall grass.
Negative view of untamed,
overgrown vegetation and muddy
river water.
While most of the view is
obstructed by the tall grass, the
views of the scenic mountains
makes up for it.
A clear and wide view of the site,
with an unobscured view of the
path leading to the lake.Positive Views
Negative Views
27. 25
VIEWS TO SITE
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FROM ZI XIA CAVE
A clear view of the building
site, accompanied by a bird’s
eye view of Kampung Pulai
A clear and wide view of the
site, people can see the path
leading to the building site.
The weeds are overcrowded
and covered up the pathway
to the site
The untamed weeds obscure
views to the pathway and the site,
decreasing visibility to the river site.
- A pattern can be observed from the diagrams
above, with all the negative views coming from the
village itself.
- While flanked with a beautiful scenery, the untamed
tall grass proves to be an eyesore and should be
cleared to provide a net positive view from the village.
Minimal visibility to the
building site, obscured by the
untamed, overgrown grass.
Could potentially be a good
view due to the scenery
A clear and wide view of the
site, with an unobscured view
of the path leading to the
building site
Positive Views
Negative Views
28. 26
VIEWS
VIEWS THROUGH SITE
1
1
2
2
- Unobstructed views from both
sides, with a beautifully framed
landscape of Zi Xia cave from the
public square.
- From Zi Xia cave, a bird’s eye view
of Kampung Pulai can be seen
-Theuntamed,overgrownvegetation
is a cause for concern, and the
view’s would be improved with the
clearance of such vegetation
Clear, unobstructed views along the
path, however there is no significant
landmark or scenery in sight,
diminishing the value of the view
30. 28
STRENGTHS
- Open area in front of the community hall allows
for a very good view to the VIC.
- Circulation is very open, easy access to everywhere.
- Entrance to the other side, via bridge or river
creates unique spatial experience.
- Site is placed on an open space, allowing
for construction without obliterating the current
buildings, preserving historical buildings and culture
of the place.
- The site lines up as an axis with the temple, river,
lake and Zi Xia cave.
31. 29
WEAKNESSES
- Bridge might be unstable and make some tourists
and visitors feel unsafe, should make another path
or better bridge.
- The circulation is very open, and not direct, due to
the main space in front of the community hall, this
allows for ease of access to everywhere.
- Too much vegetation that blocks possible views.
- Proximity to the river leads to potential deposits of
rubbish into the VIC.
- Isolation from the main land can lead to difficulties
for maintenance.
32. 30
OPPORTUNITIES
- Different tides of the river can be implemented in
the design concept.
- Position of the river could be used as an entry
point to the VIC.
- The view through the VIC lines up with the temple,
river, lake and the Zi Xia cave, all the historical /
monumental places in the site.
- Revive the functionality of the water bodies, lake
and river.
- The overcrowding vegetation can create a spatial
experience that is reminisces the past of Kampung
Pulai.
33. 31
THREATS
- Noise and air pollution from the Temple during
festivals could negatively affect the VIC’s function.
- Pests in the tall grass could potentially spread
infectious diseases.
- Possible flooding due to closeness to river and
yearly heavy rain of Kampung Pulai.
- If not maintained properly, the wild vegetation
could end up swallowing the VIC.
- Lack of security for the VIC as it is separated from
the Kampung Pulai square and is open to the forest.
- Difficulty in terms of delivering goods and supplies
due to the only entry being the small bridge.
