Predominant urban design for types of pedestrian space zones in historical and non-historical areas

In urban settings, public spaces are vital for improving quality of life and deserve scholarly and professional attention. Identifying key pedestrian commercial streets is essential for sustainable urban planning in Malaysian cities. In Malaysia, the disregard for townscape quality has contributed to the erosion of character and identity in many cities. To tackle these issues, it is essential to analyse pedestrian zone patterns, identify obstacles to sustainable townscape development, and establish policies that encourage pedestrian-friendly designs. This study explores the predominant types of pedestrian commercial streets in Malaysia's historical and nonhistorical areas, focusing on their unique characteristics and challenges. This exploration helps in understanding the specific needs and potential improvements required for these zones to enhance a sustainable urban environment. This study explores Malaysia's pedestrian zones to understand their unique characteristics and challenges. The qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method is employed in this research. Five (5) diverse sites: Sungai Segget Johor Bahru, Melaka Jonker Street, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh Street Art, and Penang Street Art are conducted. This study identifies and compares different types of pedestrian zones in Malaysia’s historical and non-historical areas. Historical areas like Melaka, Ipoh and Penang are predominantly represented in semi-mall spaces concept, balancing heritage preservation with modern urban functionality. In contrast, non-historical areas like Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur can implement more flexible and modern urban design. Full mall spaces like Sungai Segget prioritise pedestrian safety and cultural activities, while transit mall spaces like Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur integrate transit routes with pedestrian walkways, promoting sustainable mobility and economic vitality. The study provides valuable insights into the design and functionality of pedestrian zones in different urban contexts, contributing to a deeper understanding of urban design practices, especially in historical and non-historical contexts. The findings can inform the policymakers to emphasize the balance between historical and non-historical areas. This study suggests further exploring innovative urban design strategies that can be applied to both historical and non-historical areas to enhance pedestrian experiences.