Assessing Spatial Quality Through Refurbishment of Handicraft Market in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: Handicraft markets serve as vital components of urban environments, offering spaces that integrate historical, cultural, and economic functions within the community. Despite their significance, many of these markets are aging and require attention to maintain their relevance and functionality. A sustainability approach in maintaining the relevance of these types of building is by the method of refurbishing. This study aims to evaluate the spatial quality of handicraft markets by comparing a refurbished market with a non-refurbished counterpart, both of which contribute significantly to the tourism industry. The assessment was conducted based on a scoring method that focuses on two key aspects: urban accessibility and internal spatial quality. The category-based scoring method is employed as an analysis tool to systematically analyse and compare the selected markets, providing insights into how refurbishment impacts user experience, spatial performance, and overall market viability. The outcome of the study is expected to benefit the urban planners, architects and policymakers that would highlight the importance of strategic refurbishment as a potential method in sustainable urban development and cultural tourism growth.