The role of urban street in place identity and social interaction: A study of historical streets in Kuala Kangsar / Nurul Syazhira Abd Karim and Norhafizah Abdul Rahman

The identity of a place and encouraging social interaction in urban design are two significant factors of urban qualities that contribute to people's well-being, resilience, and sustainability. This paper explores the vital role of urban historical streets in Kuala Kangsar in shaping the identity of a place and fostering social interaction. The research focuses on the two historical streets of Jalan Laksama and Jalan Shahbandar. It examines the subtle interplay between physical settings and the collective experiences of local populations by evaluating their historical significance, architectural elements, and cultural heritage. The research employed qualitative methods using site observation and face-to-face interview phases for 25 respondents. The results found that street familiarity, social interaction, and building façade contributed to the place identity and social interaction. These findings will offer design ideas for creating urban spaces with a strong sense of place identity and fostering positive social interaction, thereby enhancing the quality of life and creating aesthetically pleasing environments for the urban community.