A STUDY OF HISTORIC QUARTER STREETSCAPES BASED ON TYPOLOGY OF TOURIST-ORIENTED ACTIVITY—A CASE STUDY OF GEORGE TOWN AND HANOI—

Abstract

This paper studies the streetscapes of George Town (Malaysia) and Hanoi (Vietnam) through typology classification of tourist-oriented activity in these historic cities. The typology classification is based on a combination of the following criteria to define the type of tourist-oriented activity, which is considered a factor in the transformation of historic quarters' streetscapes: business activity elements, primary target market, secondary target market, and additional services provided. The study then examines the sustainable planning strategies and streetscape guidelines of rapidly changing historic quarters in Asian countries caused primarily by tourism activities. Thus, it is necessary to determine the current condition of historic quarters' streetscapes through the view of tourism-oriented activities. This study has two objectives: (1) propose a unique typology composed of various business elements and current activities, and (2) identify the current condition of two streetscapes in historic quarters (George Town and Hanoi) according to this typology. Results revealed that there were both similarities and differences between George Town and Hanoi, as evidenced by the use of the proposed typology based on streetscape elements. Differences were found to be due to the application of the conservation methods, as well as implementation of policies related to each quarter's tourism economy. Both areas have been similarly impacted by tourism activities, which are considered the main factors for streetscape formation, directly reflected by current activity and façade elements.