Journal of Urban Culture Research

Journal Policies

JUCR Staff — 2024-07-07

Cultural Sustainability, Uniqueness and the Power of Productive Living Heritage in Cirebon, Indonesia

Eko Nursanty — 2024-10-06

Sustainability is intricately linked to culture, people and place. When exploring heritage cities, visitors encounter a range of possibilities, from preserving historical sites to embracing living heritage and transitioning into modern heritage cities. The value of a historic city extends beyond its history and authenticity; it relies on its ability to fulfill specific functions and cater to visitors' desires. This study focuses on the authenticity of Cirebon, Indonesia, particularly its old historic center comprising four palaces and the Trusmi cultural village. Cirebon, strategically located in West Java, serves as a vital link between Jakarta and Surabaya. In 2022, its population reached 346,348 residents, with a density of 9,194 individuals per square kilometer. Using qualitative methods, the research uncovers two intertwining narratives that shape the city's unique and sustainable identity. It emphasizes that preserving Cirebon's distinctive sense of place, through nurturing cultural assets, is essential for a vibrant living heritage, ultimately enhancing the city's competitiveness in the contemporary era.

Chinese Traditional Paper-Folding Practices as a Social Aesthetic of Baan Saan Community Art, Phuket Old Town: A Case Study

Nicha Tovankasame — 2024-07-07

This research utilizes an anthropological lens to examine the understanding of social aesthetics within a local market community with an unique traditional heritage. The data for this research was collected during a series of workshops aimed at creating community art in the Baan Saan Community of Phuket, Thailand. The artists and community leaders at first proposed graffiti and wall paintings, which are often found in modern South-East Asian tourist hotspots. However, the community members chose instead to conduct a workshop on traditional methods of folding joss paper. The joss paper is contextualized in this merchant community where the aesthetic value of exchange and Hokkien-Chinese cosmology are commemorated. The research found that the material in everyday life could initiate social aestheticism when it is elevated to an artistic state in the process of the workshop. Thereafter, the social relations of community members are strengthened through the engagement with the traditional material and artistic process.

Key Indicators for Effective Implementation of Smart City Standards in Indonesia During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Four Cities

Tampubolon Biatna Dulbert — 2024-07-07

Resources management owned by smart cities in Indonesia must be effective and efficient because the concept of urban development is based on information technology principles application. To ensure the environment is safe for human health is necessary to apply standards. SNI ISO 37122 implementation has affected the effectiveness of health protocols. Indicators in the standard are arranged to detect the COVID-19 control spread and prevention. The linkage of indicators and health protocols resulted in the indicators scoring that affected the pandemic spread. The indicator's data is obtained from personal authority guided by a questionnaire. This research contains evidence of the smart city policy of the pandemic spreading in cities. Effected indicators are decided involving the expert's judgment. Jakarta is one leading cities that has implemented the indicators and has the lowest pandemic ferocity, as proven by its low IFR and CFR values. This research might be a guide for policymakers to adopt.

Discovering Previously Overlooked Sets of Piano Compositions in 24 Major and Minor Keys by Four Russian Composers at the Turn of the 20th Century

Eri Nakagawa — 2024-07-07

At the turn of the 20th century, Russian composers Felix Blumenfeld, Anton Arensky, César Cui, and Reinhold Glière crafted sets of piano character pieces, notably the 24 Preludes op. 17 (1892), 24 Morceaux caractéristiques op. 36 (1894), 25 Préludes op. 64 (1903), and 25 Preludes op. 30 (published in 1906 - 1908), respectively. Blumenfeld mirrors the tonal organization of Chopin’s 24 Preludes, op. 28, while Arensky and Glière draw inspiration from Johann Sebastian Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier. Cui innovatively differs from Chopin’s scheme by sequencing minor key works before relative major ones. Both Cui and Glière’s sets encompass 25 preludes, concluding with an additional piece in C major. Each collection exhibits distinct traits, harmonizing Western Romantic tradition with Russian nationalistic elements. This exploration provides insights into tonal structures, influences, and cyclic performances, spotlighting the distinctive character of these lesser-known yet captivating piano compositions.

Predicted Metaverse Impacts on Architectural Heritage Conservation & Building Reuse Sustainability

Mohamed Elbelkasy — 2024-07-07

This article delves into the multifaceted effects of Metaverse technology on the conservation and repurposing of heritage sites. It seeks to answer pivotal questions: Can the creation of heritage zones in the Metaverse enhance or impede the sustainability of conservation efforts? Does Metaverse offer a conducive platform for documentation and experimentation, preserving the integrity of real-world sites? Through a meticulously crafted three-step methodology, the study explores the theoretical implications of Metaverse technology on heritage conservation, conducts a rigorous analytical assessment of its impact, and validates its findings via stakeholder surveys. By uncovering both positive and negative ramifications, the research not only illuminates the complexities but also proposes actionable guidelines for optimizing the integration of historical sites into virtual realms. This serves as an invaluable resource for stakeholders navigating the intricate intersection of cutting-edge technology and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring informed decision-making and sustainable conservation practices.

Musical Instruments from Recycled Materials: A Case Study of Uthen Pialor

Vich Boonrod — 2024-07-07

This research article focuses on two objectives: examining the design concepts and construction techniques of musical instruments made from recycled materials by Uthen Pialor and exploring the materials used and their associated benefits. The researcher utilized a case study research design, conducting qualitative research through semi-structured interviews. The interviews covered three key aspects: design concepts, construction techniques, materials used, and benefits derived from using recycled materials. Findings revealed innovative design concepts, prioritizing sturdy recycled materials and integrating natural elements. Uthen Pialor successfully created 15 instruments across four types using everyday materials. Benefits included addressing instrument scarcity, increasing waste material value, environmental contributions, improved accessibility, streamlined production, reduced costs, and applicability in teaching and learning. These findings demonstrate social benefits and potential for future instrument development.

Local Content and Placemaking in Small and Medium-Sized Towns (SMSTs): A Tale of Two Cities in South Korea

Dongsuk Huh — 2024-07-07

This study aims to explore the process of sustainable placemaking in small and medium-sized towns utilizing local cultural resources and examine the characteristics of their local content. A qualitative analysis is conducted on two cases, namely, Gongju and Buyeo in South Korea, which are experiencing depopulation and regional shrinkage. These two cases emphasise the local content and placeness that can be subjectively experienced in small towns and villages instead of focusing on the creation of large-scale landmarks and iconic artefacts. By highlighting connectivity and unified storytelling amongst various places in their neighborhoods, these cases were able to stimulate the cultural and geographical imaginations of their visitors and revitalise their local culture and host community networks.

The Development of Sustainability for Tonkori Performance of the Ainu People in Northern Japan

Kumkom Pornprasit — 2024-07-07

The Ainu are the indigenous people of the northern region of Japan which is adjacent to the Russian border. An important Ainu musical instrument is the Tonkori, a wooden 5-string instrument played for entertainment purposes. The current Tonkori music is considered to be introduced by Sakhalin Ainu, one of the sub-ethnic groups of Ainu who migrated to Hokkaido prefecture after WWII. An effort to reduce inequality as well as to make their culture sustainable among the Ainu people is the followings: (1) Promoting the establishment of university research centers; (2) organizing workshops and musical performances in museums and recital halls; (3) offering short but intensive 3-year Tonkori courses for classes of four students each; (4) endorsing the establishment of a national registry of ancient musical instruments; (5) endorsing the establishment of Ainu culture study programs in secondary schools. The research findings reveal that the Ainu people based their sustainable cultural preservation efforts on the two principles of raising social awareness about Tonkori music and enhancing mutual cooperation for the related tasks.

Collective Memory, Urban Regeneration and Conservation of Historical Sites – ChaharBagh Street, Isfahan City, Iran

Mehdi HaghighatBin — 2024-07-07

This study aims to present a regeneration process for historical spaces based on the notion of collective memory. We argue for the necessity of simultaneously studying conservation and rehabilitation policies for restoring and continuing the collective memory of historical spaces. This approach can effectively preserve and shape the collective memory of historical spaces by focusing on preservation and valuing the landscape as a major key between place and humans. The historical ChaharBagh Avenue from the Safavid era in Isfahan serves as a case study. Over time, the social and cultural significance and value of ChaharBagh Avenue as a historical public space and collective memory is diminishing due to inconsistent renewal policies. The study employs a qualitative approach, including field studies and interviews with 32 citizens of Isfahan, to suggest a model for sustainable regeneration and conservation of historical urban sites based on collective memory.

Translated English Food Articles for a Bilingual Magazine in the Urban Context of Chiang Mai

Wiriya Inphen — 2024-07-07

The study aims to explore the ways in which translated food articles in a bilingual magazine are translated from Thai into English. The research question is: What are the ways in which translators translate food articles from Thai into English and to what extent, in the urban context of Chiang Mai? The source material of the research consists of food articles from the 2019 Spoon & Fork Magazine. Through the concept of rewriting in the systems, the study compares source-text and target-text paragraphs to discover the ways in which translators treat source-text social and cultural elements that are specific to the Thai source texts, such as foods, activities, locations and so on into the English versions. The findings illustrate that the English translations appear as rewriting and are largely shorter than the original versions. The translators retain social and cultural elements considered major while, at the same time condensing others seen as minor in the narratives. From the systems point of view, this may result from the constraints, such as target readership and the convention of the text genre.

Historical Narratives of the Eight Akan Clan Systems Using Museum Theater: The Case of Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, Ghana

Emmanuel Jewel Peprah Mensah — 2024-07-07

There have been several calls from diverse stakeholders in the museum sector in Ghana for creative programs that enliven the cultural objects in a museum’s holding. This study aimed at exploring the use of museum theatre as an intervention to enhance the museum experience of visitors at the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, a popular museum in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. We produced The Linguist Staff, an interactive drama to present the historical narratives of the eight Akan clan systems. The study was carried out using arts-based research under the qualitative approach with observer-as-participant and semi-structured interviews as data collection tools. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Our findings revealed that museum theatre could potentially improve learning while enhancing the understanding of museum objects. The study contends that museum theatre when used tactfully by museum management could be a very useful intervention in increasing visitors’ experience and engagement.

Exploring the Use of Idealistic Concepts and Symbolic Interpretation to Enhance the Urban Context for People with Disabilities in an Installation Art Exhibition of Urban ThisAbility

Torpong Limlunjakorn — 2024-07-07

This article explores the design approach of the art installation titled "Urban ThisAbility" which received funding from Bangkok Design Week 2023 and created by artists Torpong Limlunjakorn, Pornrak Chowvanayotin and Arnun Chantan. This project aims to raise awareness about ideal urban environments that accommodate people with disabilities. The artworks are created within the constraints of the installation venue to effectively convey this message. It also explores the cognitive processes involved in creating spatial and symbolic interpretations using grid concepts, reflective elements, and luminous emitting, drawing from relevant literature. The art installation was crafted through a comprehensive process to foster contemporary artistic awareness. The “Urban ThisAbility” project garnered positive feedback for its artistic merits and successful dissemination of awareness about urban mobility challenges for people with disabilities. Additionally, the responses from individuals with disabilities towards this work were insightful. This article seeks to be a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts of installation art and symbolic interpretation, providing a foundation for future studies in this field.

Krung Curatorial Practice and Creative Sustainability for Ethnic Music of Mountainous Villagers in Nan Province

Pornprapit Phoasavadi — 2024-07-07

The objective of this project is to explore the collaborative methods in preserving the wealth of krung, one of musical resources in Nan province. The curatorial and collaborative methods engaged with the process of developing plans together with artisans, testing the model with stakeholders, adapting to learn the lessons and mistakes in the field, and to implement a longitudinal activity to integrate cultural and biological ecology. Active agents are the only two instrument makers in the village who possess local wisdom of plant identification, wood cutting, forest hiking. Stakeholders are the local administration of the village, local organization of water management, district administration, educational personnel, and high school students and teachers. The model included meetings, forest survey, collaborative design for a workshop, an instrument making workshop by backward design thinking process, musical instrument design and a student presentation.

Textile Art from Mixed-Media on the Struggles of Kayayie in Ghana

Buami Edem Kwami — 2024-07-07

Kayayie is the name of a leading portering activity by young Ghanian girls making a living assisting people in transporting their goods from crowded market spaces and bus stations. These girls are under stress and the challenges being on the street. This study employed mixed-media and textile art with a studio-based design approach to effectively carry out the project highlighting their plight. The motivation is to showcase their struggles with their loads in making a living. It was revealed that accommodations remained a major problem facing these female porters as they tend to sleep in front of kiosks, lorry stations or other places along the street. Due to this, some are raped and give birth to fatherless children as they become single parents at a tender age. The creation of textile art pieces serves as a skill-based trade to generate income for their well-being and promote creative artistic development. The artistic process incorporates various techniques, including applique (both sewing and gluing), yarn doodling and others Further experiments of the various adhesives reveal that some adhesives such as super glue, super adhesive glue, fevicol SH has a very high cohesion bond with the materials and dries faster thereby improving production, while some adhesives do not bond well with certain materials.

Media Art Community Festival Based on Local Culture in Indonesia: An Ethno-pedagogy Perspective

Jeong Ok Jeon — 2024-07-07

This study reviews the Indonesian government-led Festival Komunitas Seni Media (FKSM) or Media Art Community Festival in English from an ethno-pedagogical perspective to uncover its strategies for enhancing local cultural values. Using descriptive and historical approaches, data were collected through literature studies, participatory observation, document studies, and personal reflection, and analyzed thematically. The findings are: First, FKSM provides artists with opportunities to learn about the local host city’s culture as their creative inspiration (value of locality). Second, FKSM facilitates knowledge sharing between curators and local management for future festivals (value of continuity). Third, FKSM promotes inclusiveness by selecting host cities where media art is relatively new (value of equality). Fourth, FKSM embodies "gotong royong" (value of mutual cooperation) by collaborating with participants from diverse backgrounds. These values are embedded in the informal teaching and learning of local culture through FKSM activities.

Open Source Art Performance Phase 1: Inclusive Design and Implementation of an Open Source Online Art Archive in Thailand

Natthaphon Chaiworawat — 2024-07-07

Open Source Art Performance (OSAP) was established in 2019 to bridge the gap between contemporary art and culture for the people of Thailand. The project aims to create an open-source online archive of art and cultural information that can be used for educational purposes. In the first phase, OSAP utilized documentary research, quantitative research, participatory action research, and archival digitization as the research methodologies to collaborate with four artists, two educational institutes, two art institutes, and two local communities to gather primary data from the artists' work, academic forums, and public events. The collected data was then transformed into an online art archive using a user-friendly website called "https://www.osartperformance.org," which follows the Inclusive Design concept. OSAP organized ten participatory activities in the first phase to encourage public engagement with contemporary art and culture. These events were attended by 1,076 people, both online and offline. The website collected 71 archives, and Google Analytics data from 2020-2021 showed 210,183 social engagement approaches. Overall, this article portrays the successful initiative process of OSAP phase 1 which focuses on creating a website by using the concept idea of inclusive design, which strives to provide a platform for artistic and cultural expression that is accessible to all. The project's collaborative approach ensures that the archive reflects the diversity of contemporary art and culture in Thailand.

Digital Interactions and Audience Dynamics: Analyzing YouTube's Role in Indonesian Performance Arts

Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang — 2024-07-07

This study draws on the framework of mediatization to analyze how YouTube, as a digital entity, facilitates and transforms audience relations and participation in performances. It employs a literature review to explore the intricate dynamics of audience interaction and performative presence on YouTube within the Indonesian context. The findings from engagement metrics powerfully suggest interaction that exceeds traditional audience participation, signaling a shift towards more immersive and interactive consumption of performance arts. The results underline a shift in audience roles from passive receivers to active participants empowered by the mediatization process with YouTube. This transformation strongly impacts cultural production as more artists cater to content that reaches their digital audience. Digital platforms, including YouTube, can reshape cultural norms and performance practices, especially within the panorama of global and local cultural dynamics.

Assessing the Niger Delta Residents’ Awareness on Socio-Culture Effect of Wetland Loss

Faith Danjuma — 2024-07-07

The degradation of Niger Delta ecosystem is due to activities such as crude oil exploitation, agricultural activities, urbanization among others that affects the socio-culture impact of its dwellers. The study's aim was to assess the Niger Delta residents’ awareness on socio-culture effect of wetlands loss. This paper engaged the exploration of literature reviews, the randomly selection of communities in three Niger Delta states which includes Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta state and a questionnaire was utilized with 150 participants. The findings demonstrated that less awareness on the effect of wetland loss has impacted the residents. Also industrial activities have affected the wetlands and the health status of the dwellers where the loss of these wetlands have caused destruction as in flooding which had displaced many dwellers. Effective monitoring and enforcement of existing and new policies on conservation of these wetlands should be prioritized. Consequently there should be increased sensitization and awareness in the communities on environmental protection and conservation.

The Vital Role of Art Therapy in Enriching Urban Senior Lives: A Call to Action

Bussakorn Binson — 2024-07-07