Pearl Gateway: Integration of public art at Penang Bridge, Pulau Pinang/ Noor Syahira Ahmad Nordin

Gateways are entry points that heralds into a new area with a positive image. Today, gateways are seen as an important location that represent the city's image. Great opportunity exists in the compound of gateways in the terms of taking advantage of the strategic location and surrounding elements, thus Public Art is seen as a purposeful tool to reap the benefits in this project. However, the emergence of Public Art in Malaysia is still a new topic and a slow progress of movement doesn't help either. This project discusses a final comprehensive design studio for the integration of Public Art at Penang Bridge, Pulau Pinang. The issues major issues are at the underpasss area whom are facing major issues of crime and suicide jumpers affected the image of Pulau Pinang. The Penang Bridge has been facing the issues since early days even with a tight security by Pulau Pinang Marine Department towards the bridge. As to encounter the issues, this project aims to present the design proposal that integrates Public Art both local and new for Penang Bridge to create a sense of welcoming as well as a conducive space for strong existing activities. The project begins with a preparatory study that is by stages of that includes literature review, inventory analysis and synthesis that will finally lead to design implementation to solve the issues. The findings of the project suggest that public art is an intangible subject and can be manipulated to solve concerning issues but establish an image at the site.