SPATIAL RECONFIGURATION THROUGH EDIBLE URBAN FARMING: DESIGNING SOCIAL INTERACTION SPACES IN VERTICAL URBAN KAMPONG

Abstract

A city is inseparable from the presence of settlements, as residential environments are fundamental to the formation of urban areas. In cities, settlements vary in form, commonly divided into formal and informal types. Urban kampong are a form of informal settlement whose existence, though sometimes seen as a challenge to urban order, is a natural and enduring component of the city. One essential element within these settlements is the availability of social interaction spaces—places where residents can engage in daily encounters and strengthen community ties. In Kampung Kunir vertical housing, however, such spaces are either absent or underutilized. Several potential areas exist, but they remain as residual spaces with no clear function or value to the community. This initiative seeks to revitalize those neglected spaces by introducing edible gardens through vegetable planting. By transforming passive spaces into productive, interactive areas, the program not only enhances spatial quality but also fosters social engagement among residents. This community engagement effort—driven by interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture and economic management—provides multidimensional benefits. It empowers residents socially, improves spatial utilization, and contributes to small-scale urban sustainability. Ultimately, it reflects a human-centered approach to designing inclusive, responsive urban environments within dense residential settings.