Melody of Chukai, retrofitting Chukai Urban Waterfront as an inclusive public space through integrated ecosystem reclamation of Kemaman, Terengganu / Nurul Hasanah Che Azis

Nowadays, concerns for creating a public space for community by considering environmental management is a critical importance to the future growth of cities throughout the world. Some of the urban areas located along river corridors, lakes and coastal waterways are of greater concern as human migration to these areas have increased over the last several decades. Water acts as the natural edges that separated to different places where both are very contrast in landscape setting. Urban watercourses have a close relationship with urban development, such as significant connectivity, ecological values and recreational opportunities Unfortunately, development of urban waterfronts is not given much attention many cities m Malaysia. Rapid developments in Malaysia usually are lack of environmental awareness. Ecosystem importance has been neglected. People and authorities cannot see the importance of symbiosis between human and ecosystem. The spirit of the place is rarely seen in today's landscape setting. The tourists and local residents themselves cannot feel the genius loci. Thus, this thesis focuses on strategies of reclaiming back the degraded ecosystem and preserve them in form of urban park that focuses on lively spaces at the riverfront to create an active exciting public space.