Exploring the Spatial Potential of Loose Space as Urban Pores in Tunjungan Street

Authors

  • Ribka Irena Kartowidjojo Petra Christian University
  • Liliany Sigit Arifin Petra Christian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9744/dimensi.53.1.1-12

Keywords:

Loose Space, urban porosity, urban canyon

Abstract

The phenomenon of urban canyons, characterized by narrow street corridors flanked by dense vertical building masses, has emerged in many city centers, including the Tunjungan (CBD) in Surabaya, resulting in a decline in environmental quality and pedestrian comfort. This study aims to explore the spatial potential of loose spaces, defined as remaining or underutilized urban spaces, as potential urban pores in the context of dense urban canyons. A descriptive qualitative approach was used through direct field observations and visual documentation. Six loose space locations along the Tunjungan corridor were selected and analyzed using six qualitative parameters derived from the theory of loose spaces and urban porosity, adapted to local conditions. The findings indicate that several loose spaces possess spatial characteristics that indicate ecological and social potential, particularly in relation to spatial openness and opportunities for social interaction. This study positions loose spaces as an initial spatial resource that can inform future urban strategies that help address urban canyon conditions in urban areas.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

References

Aliabadi, A., Clement, D., Moradi, M., & Lubitz, W. (2024). Flow and temperature dynamics in an urban canyon under a comprehensive set of wind directions, wind speeds, and thermal stability conditions | Request PDF. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-018-9606-8

Aureli, P. (2011). Aureli, Pier. (2011)—City As Political Form—Four Archetypes of Urban Transformation. Architectural Design. 81. 10.1002 Ad.1186. | PDF. https://www.scribd.com/document/746295088/Aureli-Pier-2011-City-as-Political-Form-Four-Archetypes-of-Urban-Transformation-Architectural-Design-81-10-1002-ad-1186

Aureli, P. (2015). Intangible and Concrete: Notes on Architecture and Abstraction - Journal #64. E-Flux. https://www.e-flux.com/journal/64/60845/intangible-and-concrete-notes-on-architecture-and-abstraction/

Bellido, R., Alvarez, F., & Sanchez, F. S. (2024). (PDF) Porosity and fragmentation of the block in the city core: A Nolli’s innovation perspective. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350934761_Porosity_and_fragmentation_of_the_block_in_the_city_core_a_Nolli s_innovation_perspective

Bowler, D. E., Buyung-Ali, L., Knight, T. M., & Pullin, A. S. (2010). Urban greening to cool towns and cities: A systematic review of the empirical evidence. Landscape and Urban Planning, 97(3), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2010.05.006

Castel’Branco, R., & Ricardo da Costa, A. (2024). From maximum urban porosity to city’s disaggregation: Evidence from the Portuguese case. Cities, 148, 104836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.104836

Covatta, A., & Ikalović, V. (2022). Urban Resilience: A Study of Leftover Spaces and Play in Dense City Fabric. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/20/13514

Franck, K., & Stevens, Q. (2006a). Loose Space: Possibility and Diversity in Urban Life. Routledge & CRC Press. https://www.routledge.com/Loose-Space-Possibility-and-Diversity-in-Urban-Life/Franck-Stevens/p/book/9780415701174

Franck, K., & Stevens, Q. (2006b). Loose Space: Possibility and Diversity in Urban Life. Routledge & CRC Press. https://www.routledge.com/Loose-Space-Possibility-and-Diversity-in-Urban-Life/Franck-Stevens/p/book/9780415701174

Franck, K., & Stevens, Q. (2007). (PDF) Tying down loose space. In ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291024631_Tying_down_loose_space

Garau, M., Badas, M. G., Ferrari, S., Seoni, A., & Querzoli, G. (2018). Turbulence and Air Exchange in a Two-Dimensional Urban Street Canyon Between Gable Roof Buildings. Boundary-Layer Meteorology, 167(1), 123–143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-017-0324-4

Jiang, B. (2008). The Flow Dimension and Capacity for Structuring Urban Street Networks. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications, 387(16–17), 4440–4452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physa.2008.02.047

Johnson, G. T., & Hunter, L. J. (1999). Some insights into typical urban canyon airflows. Atmospheric Environment, 33(24), 3991–3999. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(99)00164-8

Koch, R. (2024). (PDF) Loose Space: Possibility and Diversity in Urban Life - Edited by Karen A. Franck and Quentin Stevens: Book Reviews. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249470472_Loose_Space_Possibility_and_Diversity_in_Urban_Life_-_Edited_by_Karen_A_Franck_and_Quentin_Stevens_Book_Reviews

Lachir, A. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Urban Canyon Geometry on Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Case Study in Marrakech, Morocco. Environmental Science & Sustainable Development, 10(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.21625/essd.v10i1.1134

Lara-Hernandez, J., Melis, A., & Lehmann, S. (2019). Temporary Appropriation of Public Space As an Emergence Assemblage for the Future Urban Landscape: The Case of Mexico City. Future Cities and Environment, 5(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5334/fce.53

Latasa, I., & Laurenz, A. (2023). The Residual Spaces of Developmental Urbanism as Opportunity for Green Cities and Improvement of Human Wellbeing. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/12/4/764

Newell, J., Yee, T., Seymour, M., & Renteria, J. (2024). Green Alley Programs: Planning for a Sustainable Urban Infrastructure? | Request PDF. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2012.07.004

Oostrum, M. V. (2022). Appropriating public space: Transformations of public life and loose parts in urban villages. Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, 15(1), 84–105.

Panayiotou, A. (2016, April). (PDF) Urban Porosity: Portable Variable Concept or Urban Design Instrument. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345873972_Urban_Porosity_Portable_Variable_Concept_or_Urban_Design_Instrument

Pessôa, I. T. M., Taşan-Kok, T., & Altes, W. K. (2019). Brazilian urban porosity: Treat or threat? A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment, 4, 35–52.

Rakowska, A., Townsend, T., Wong, K., & Chan, K. (2014). (PDF) Impact of traffic volume and composition on the air quality and pedestrian exposure in urban street canyon. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265296059_Impact_of_traffic_volume_and_composition_on_the_air_quality_and_pedestrian_exposure_in_urban_street_canyon

Santamouris, M. (2015). Analyzing the heat island magnitude and characteristics in one hundred Asian and Australian cities and regions. Science of The Total Environment, 512–513, 582–598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.01.060

Shi, Z., Yang, J., Zhang, Y., Xiao, X., & Xia, J. C. (2022). Urban ventilation corridors and spatiotemporal divergence patterns of urban heat island intensity: A local climate zone perspective. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 29(49), 74394–74406. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-21037-9

Song, Y., Yang, R., Lu, H., Fernandez, J., & Wang, T. (2023). Why do we love the high line? A case study of understanding long-term user experiences of urban greenways. Computational Urban Science, 3(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43762-023-00093-y

Taylor, R. (2006). Reduction of Physiological Stress Using Fractal Art and Architecture | Request PDF. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249562733_Reduction_of_Physiological_Stress_Using_Fractal_Art_and_Architecture

Toudert, F., & Mayer, H. (2006). Numerical study on the effects of aspect ratio and orientation of an urban street canyon on outdoor thermal comfort in hot and dry climate. Building and Environment, 41(2), 94–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2005.01.013

Tunggadewi, R., & Sharfina, A. (2025). Adaptive Reuse and Community Participation in Urban Cultural Heritage:Comparative Study of Hetero Space in Semarang, Solo, and Banyumas | Research Database PPI Belanda. https://jurnal.ppibelanda.org/index.php/jppib/article/view/66

Downloads

Published

2026-02-24

How to Cite

Exploring the Spatial Potential of Loose Space as Urban Pores in Tunjungan Street. (2026). Dimensi Journal of Architecture and Built Environment, 53(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.9744/dimensi.53.1.1-12