Evaluation of site layout using sustainable neighborhood principle: case studies in johor bahru, johor Malaysia

A good residential layout is a sustainable neighborhood layout. This means that a good neighborhood is a community which is developed in such a way that it is well balanced between the environment, economic and social. In this research, the existing layout of two selected sites Mutiara Rini and Taman Sri Pulai in Johor Bahru Johor Malaysia have been discussed and compared with the principles of the sustainable neighborhood as suggested by the UN-Habitat. The main objective of this research is to discuss the good and bad site layouts in selected subject areas. To reach the aim of the research, different housing estates in Johor Bahru and Skudai area were taken into consideration as the subject sites for this project. However, Mutiara Rini and Taman Sri Pulai were selected as subject sites. Desk study about the general profile of Mutiara Rini and Taman Sri Pulai has been done before the site visit. Following this, field trip to Mutiara Rini and Taman Sri Pulai was carried out. Both sites have been observed to evaluate their site layout. However, the finding of this research indicates that the first subject site which is Mutiara Rini has good accessibility but poor public transport system. Furthermore, streets in Mutiara Rini are not safe for pedestrians and cyclists. However, there are limited mixed land-use and mixed-use buildings. However, majority of the land or building in Mutiara Rini is only limited to one usage, which is for residential purposes. The public spaces in Mutiara Rini are not fully connected and integrated. On the other hand, in contrast to Mutiara Rini, Taman Sri Pulai has good accessibility and public transport system. In Term of housing, Terraced houses are the only type of housing in Taman Sri Pulai. At the same time, most of them are single-story which is leading to low-density areas. Furthermore, in term of public amenities, adequate public facilities and amenities are neighboring Taman Sri Pulai.