PROVISION of A SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC SPACE: LEBIH COASTAL AREA in the AFTERMATH of RAMPANT ABRASIONS

Abstract

The study aims to examine sustainable uses of public spaces of Lebih's coastal line, in the aftermath of uncontrolled abrasion. It implements a qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a series of field observations, historical studies, and unstructured interviews. This study relates functions with spatial quality. While function is analysed based on social, economic and environmental roles accommodated by a public space, quality is assessed in terms of three conditions that a public space is expected to have, which are being responsive, democratic, and meaningful. Discussion over these two issues is based on the examination of both physical and non-physical attributes. The physical attribute is discussed in terms of spatial design and supporting facilities available to support the functions of Lebih as a public space, and the non-physical attribute is examined based on the capacity to be a responsive, democratic, and meaningful space to the public who uses it. This study alarmingly shows that abrasion has eroded Lebih coastal area to a level of 3.2% per year, which is equal to a 4m reduction annually. This condition directly influences the quality of Lebih Coast and consequently its capacity to accommodate the three inherent functions. The first two functions, to certain extents, remain well served, but the last one is feared to disappear along with the erosion of Lebih cost by continuous abrasion. This fear is especially underlined by the role of this coast as a buffer to protect the adjacent mainland and its associated ecosystem.