Yin-Yang urban toolkit: balancing heritage and modernity in Alor Setar through AI and QR-based pedestrian infrastructure

This research explores the development of an interactive urban toolkit that integrates artificial intelligence (AI), geographic information systems (GIS), and QR code-based interfaces to guide sustainable urban planning, heritage-rich cities with a focus on Pekan Cina, Alor Setar, Kedah. Inspired by the Yin & Yang zoning concept, the toolkit enables urban designers to balance traditional cultural preservation (Yin) with the dynamic demands of tourism and modernisation (Yang). The proposed model generates sustainable urban layouts by simulating inputs such as noise tolerance, pedestrian density, vehicle flow, and cultural activity zones. In parallel, it introduces AI-enhanced pedestrian pathways embedded with QR code features designed to enrich user experiences, promote walkability, and encourage cultural engagement. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach by merging spatial analysis, community mapping, and AI prototyping to validate the toolkit. Findings suggest that the model effectively enhances social sustainability by promoting local identity, reducing spatial conflicts, and supporting inclusive urban design. This study provides a scalable, tech-driven framework to guide other small cities in integrating heritage preservation with smart urban growth.