Sustainability Based Public Open Space Planning Strategy for the Kalibesar Area (Coastal Diversion Channel Segment)

Abstract

Planning public open spaces in historic waterfront areas requires balancing contemporary urban needs with hydrological functions, ecological sustainability, urban connectivity, and cultural heritage conservation. The Kalibesar Area, particularly the Coastal Diversion Channel Segment in Jakarta's Old Town, represents a historic maritime landscape that has undergone continuous transformation from a canal to market land and back into a canal. Despite its historical significance, the area currently faces fragmented spatial conditions, limited public space, inadequate pedestrian connectivity, and environmental challenges associated with the coastal climate. This study aims to formulate a sustainable public open space planning strategy for the Kalibesar Area through an urban architecture and urban design perspective. A qualitative descriptive case study approach was employed using field observations, interviews, visual documentation, historical analysis, spatial analysis, and design strategy development. The analysis focused on three dimensions: urban spatial connectivity, ecological sustainability through blue-green infrastructure, and socio-cultural sustainability. The findings suggest that the area should be developed as an integrated waterfront public space system linking the canal, pedestrian promenades, green infrastructure, historic buildings, and public activity spaces. The proposed "Reviving the Maritime" concept reactivates the area's maritime identity through context-sensitive urban design interventions. This study contributes to sustainable waterfront planning by demonstrating how historic waterfronts can function as integrated public spaces that simultaneously strengthen environmental quality, urban connectivity, cultural heritage preservation, and place identity.