Green space implementation at the frontage of terrace type housing: Case study in Taman Sinar Intan, Sungai Petani / Nurul Izzaty Zulkipli

A residential area would not feel complete without green space in the environment. Therefore, most countries have set the need for the allocation of open space in residential development projects as a guide for developers, and the space becomes a green space that will be used as an area for planting plants or landscape in accordance with various purposes. From residents’ perspective, the nearest place to hold a private green space starts within home as the official residence which is the outdoors either in front or back of the house according to the individual itself. Private green spaces in residential areas are generally known to affect the quality of human life but the use of green spaces in the house compound is sometimes not enough so the residents pick out the shoulder road space facing the house to continue widening the green space on idle land which is sometimes left flat without any trees. Therefore, the aim of the study is mainly to determine the implementation of green space at the frontage of each terrace house unit and understand further the land ownership that applicable for residents use in a terraced type residential area of Sungai Petani. The study classifies the condition and purpose of green space’s implementation at the frontage of each terrace type unit including the shoulder of the road that facing the house and analyse the residents’ understanding regarding land ownership that applicable to be used as private green space in front of the house compound. The methods used in this study are based on literature reviews, site observation and mapping and the findings may not suitable for different types of residences other than terraced type residences as the size of the open space allocated might varies. However, this study has potential to reflect the environmental identity or concept of green space in residential areas because of the residents’ behaviour in taking the opportunity to work on a semi-sufficient possible loose open space converted into green space as their personal engagement for sustainability.