A TOD's ability to function as a social hub depends on its public areas and how thoughtful its designs are.
Imagine connectivity, convenience, walkability and the hustle and bustle of life right outside your doorstep. Features like these are becoming more and more common as the real estate sector evolves. Intersections are replaced with parks while roads are replaced with pavements lined with restaurants and cafes among other shops to attract foot traffic. It would certainly be a wonderful place to live, so where are our integrated transit-oriented developments (TODs)?
Notable TODs in Kuala Lumpur include KL Sentral, Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) and Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC). The stark contrast between the oldest TOD and the newest TODs is evident, though both are revolutionary for their respective times. KL Sentral was built in 2001 and has been an integral part of Malaysia’s connectivity, hosting taxi and bus stands, the light rail transit (LRT), the Keretapi Tanah Malaya (KTM), the monorail and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Express (KLIA Express). The district is walkable, connecting multiple malls and offices with plenty of car parks available. Serviced residences and hotels were built within the space as well, sealing the deal of KL Sentral being a TOD.
As for TRX, the district comprises three distinct plots of residential towers, office blocks, a shopping mall and a variety of cultural and recreational amenities. It is also one of the interchange stations that connects two MRT lines in Malaysia, linking commuters to nearly 70 stations throughout the Klang Valley. Additionally, the location of the site is on the subterranean Smart Tunnel that enables drivers to avoid surface roads and emerge on major thoroughfares such as DUKE 3 (Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway), SPE (Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway) and MEX (Maju Expressway).
BBCC is another TOD that involves residential, commercial, retail, office and hotel components. Hosting one of the nation's largest shopping malls, it is connected to both the LRT and monorail lines at the Hang Tuah interchange.
Inclusion in official plans
TODs have become ideal in Malaysia’s increasingly urbanising landscape. Most official government plans include this type of development. The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the Draft National Physical Plan 4 and the National Urbanisation Policy 2 include building more TODs. The ideas of sustainability, climate change resilience, enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure and living in a clean environment all come under the TOD umbrella.
Development in Malaysia prior to the TOD movement frequently produced isolated neighbourhoods. Dependence on cars caused people to withdraw into their private havens, breaking up the natural interactions that used to flourish in walkable communities. What is particularly harmful is this social isolation exists in a nation renowned for its diverse cultural heritage. The ties that have historically bound Malaysian society together have become weaker as community spaces have kept dropping.
TODs go beyond physical proximity. Emphasising walkable neighbourhoods fosters a feeling of community. Imagine locals running into each other while strolling along beautifully designed walkways, grabbing coffee at neighbourhood cafes or travelling to and from work. In sharp contrast to the isolation that is frequently felt in suburbs where cars are the primary mode of transportation, this promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging.
A TOD's ability to function as a social hub depends on its public areas and how thoughtful its designs are. These developments centre around parks, plazas and community centres like TRX does. They give locals a chance to get together, mingle and take part in activities. Children's playgrounds, comfortable seating areas and locations set aside for community events all contribute to a strong sense of shared ownership and community spirit.
Safer environments
Perimeter safety is given priority in well-designed TODs. People live in a safer environment, especially the elderly and children thanks to traffic calming policies, well-lit walkways, and a decreased dependency on cars. In addition to encouraging residents to explore their surroundings with comfort, this builds social bonds by fostering a sense of security.
Notwithstanding their undeniable potential as social central districts, TODs still face obstacles. Collaboration and efficient planning among communities, authorities and developers are essential. Success depends on integrating new TODs with existing communities, guaranteeing fair access to public transportation and instilling a sense of ownership in locals.
Such developments represent a major change toward a more socially and sustainably connected future for Malaysian cities. In comparison to conventional urban planning, TODs present a strong case for reducing car usage, building a sense of community and developing lively social hubs. Prioritising thoughtfully planned TODs will be essential as Malaysia continues to urbanise to create not only sustainable cities but also vibrant social hubs that encourage a feeling of connection and belonging.
An increase in TODs in Malaysia is indicative of a change in urban planning strategy toward one that is more human-centric. TODs offer a glimpse into a better future where lively social hubs lie at the centre of our cities, fostering connection and well-being for everyone. This is achieved by placing a priority on walkability, fostering diversity and nurturing a sense of community. Malaysia is creating more than just developments as it embraces TODs because it is also creating a society that is livelier and more interconnected.
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