Evaluating the Spatial Planning Intervention for Better Cities Post-Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Cities play a significant role in ensuring sustainable economic growth, directly impacting the quality of livelihood among their inhabitants. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a substantial impact on the changes in the city function that have changed the way people interact in cities. Spatial planning interventions have the potential to be pursued post-pandemic because some spaces have become abandoned, underutilised, or have changed their purpose due to the pandemic. In line with this, the present study aims to discuss the issues that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to cities and evaluate how spatial planning interventions would build back better cities post-pandemic. The data was collected using the qualitative research approach via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Five representatives from five countries within the Asia Pacific (Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore) were gathered to select the interviewees. Four interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams due to travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, while one was conducted face-to-face (Malaysia). Subsequently, a hybrid Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving eight participants was conducted to verify and validate the information gathered. Data collected was later analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Key findings revealed that the spatial planning intervention includes the adaptive reuse of space, zoning modification, smart city, 15-minute city and natural resources preservation and conservation. The interventions can also be part of the response, mitigation, and preparedness strategy for future pandemic attacks. In addition, it contributes to adaptive and disaster-resilient cities that can support sustainable development.