Seyed Mohammad Mousavi

This paper examines various design solutions for the urban regeneration of buffer zone areas in the context of cultural heritage sites. Although buffer zones play an essential role in protecting the values of core zones, due to the implementation of legislative limitations and local construction regulations, they suffer from a decline in urban growth. This study aims to suggest a variety of design solutions to regenerate the context of buffer zone areas after a critical study and analysis of their urban setting. The study area is in Kampung Jawa (KJ), situated in the historical city of Melaka, Malaysia. This study adopted a qualitative method to explore and survey the study area. The required data was collected through observation, questionnaire, interviews with stakeholders as well as available documents and statistics about the area. After analysing the data and based on the principles and design rationales derived from precedent studies, suggestions and recommendations for the revitalization of the site were developed in the form of design proposals. The study concludes that five important factors, including the sense of place, optimum land utilization, compatibility with the neighbouring districts, appropriate circulation network, and safeguarding imageability and identity of the site, are among the most vital factors for revival and regeneration of deprived buffer zone areas.