Journal of Urban Culture Research

Journal Policies

JUCR Staff — 2025-12-04

Art as an Urban Lifeline: Mental Well-Being in Times of Crisis and Conflict

Bussakorn Binson — 2025-12-04

Creative City Making as a Theoretical Research Practice by Using Soft Systems Methodology

Salfitrie Maryunani — 2025-12-04

This study proposes a novel conceptual framework for creative city development that integrates cultural and economic perspectives, moving beyond the traditional singular focus of existing literature. It identifies three core variables – culture, creativity, and the creative economy – within a balanced model. Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a structuring tool, the framework conceptualizes these interrelations within a complex urban system. Its originality is demonstrated through a design for application in Bandung, Indonesia, an underexplored context, providing a foundation for empirical validation. The paper concludes with actionable activities for implementation, offering a comprehensive tool for integrated diagnosis and planning by researchers and policymakers.

From Urban Space to Everyday Place: Appropriation of Public Leisure Areas in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Marcos Guimarães (Guimaraes) — 2025-12-04

The dramatic changes occurred in the organization of cities reverberate in the very individual and interpersonal levels of spatial relationships. This essay approaches the public space by transposing fundamental concepts identified among the urban cultural system to the everyday experience of particular places. This transposition gives an insight into the comprehension of the built environment by exploring links between scales. The referential frame adopted is the set of discourses by Soja (2000) on the post-metropolis. The study cases, two contrasted leisure areas situated in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, are potential spots for the cultural and spatial appropriation of people. They are examined within the city context by means of a more specific literature as well as an empirical research based on ethnographic observational methods. The experiment provides the application of global concepts in very concrete places, where a sharply connection with the processes of urban restructuring is evidenced.

Examining the Social and Cultural Implications of Philippine Folk Dance to College of Arts and Sciences (Cas) Students in One State University in the Philippines

John Michael D. Aquino — 2025-12-04

The researcher aims to examine the social and cultural implications of Philippine Folk Dance to students in particular to their perceptions, attitudes, and how it affects the identity of the Filipinos. This study employed a phenomenological research design and purposive sampling in choosing the participant based on the given criteria. Semi-structured interviews was utilized and employed validated interview guide from the field expert and pilot testing. Thematic analysis was used in analyzing the data. The results revealed that the perception of the students profound admiration for the meaning, purpose, and beauty of traditional dances. Also emphasized are the value of cultural heritage preservation and the contribution of folk dancing to the development of Filipino pride, patriotism, and a feeling of identity. Additionally, Strong feelings of appreciation, pride, uniqueness, expressions, cultural ties, and engagement for their personal development. Moreover, folk dance has a significant effect on students' social and cultural identities.

Consumer Preferences for African Prints across Age Groups in Southwest Nigeria

Adebayo Abiodun Adeloye — 2025-12-04

This study examined the perceptions and preferences of African print consumers across different age groups in Southwest Nigeria. The study examined the relationship between cultural, social, and economic factors shaping consumer choices of African print fabric usage. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating a quantitative online survey with qualitative focus group discussion. The research instruments were validated through expert review, pilot testing, and reliability analysis, yielding a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.86, which confirmed strong internal consistency. A sample size of 384 was determined using an online sample size calculator. The online questionnaire was distributed across the six states of the region which yielded responses from 384 consumers. Participants from all age groups and states were represented but younger and more digitally active respondents were more represented due to the mode of data collection. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores, were used to summarise socio-demographic patterns and address the objectives while the Kruskal–Wallis H test was used for the inferential statistics to test the hypotheses. The qualitative data gathered during the focus groups discussion provided deeper context to the statistical findings. The study revealed that African prints have positive perception across all age groups in Nigeria. It was also discovered that although African prints are perceived as suitable for all age groups, preferences for design features vary by age. The study revealed among others, that the younger generation prefer to use African prints for hybrid fashion, that is, combining it with other modern fabrics while the older generation prefer the primitive method of styling the fabric. The study recommends that African print designers adopt a user-centred design approach, tailoring styles to age-specific preferences while promoting the cross-generational appeal of African prints.

Musical Analysis of Chanting Melodies in the Teochew Chinese Yoga Tantra Ritual in Thailand

Rachan Sornchai — 2025-12-04

This study explores the musical elements of the Dharma Sankhita chants in the Mahayana Teochew Chinese Yoga Tantra ritual at Kak Hang Niam Huk Lim Monastery, Bangkok, Thailand. It examines the ritual’s background and musical analysis. Practiced by both Teochew and Cantonese Chinese, the ritual known in Teochew as “Bang Iem Kao” is a profound act of filial piety and ancestor veneration, rooted in the Eight Cardinal Virtues of Chinese ethics. The ceremony is held to dedicate merit to deceased ancestors and preserve cultural traditions. It can be performed at both family and community levels, encouraging intergenerational participation and solidarity. The ritual typically takes place during the seventh lunar month and includes mournful, intense chanting in harmony with the meanings of sacred mantras. The chants are categorized into four rhythmic groups: Jang, Jiu, Gi, and Bung, each with distinct tempos. This musical tradition reflects the deep spiritual beliefs and rich cultural heritage of the Teochew Chinese community.

An Initial Report on the Search for the Missing Gamelan Heritage of the Sumenep Palace, Madura, East Java-Indonesia

Aris Setiawan — 2025-12-04

This research endeavors to locate the long-lost heirloom gamelan from the Sumenep Palace. Since the abolition of aristocratic status in 1883, the Sumenep Palace has lost political and economic legitimacy. To maintain the luxurious lifestyle of the aristocratic court, valuable items, including gamelans, were sold. The heirloom gamelans in the Sumenep Palace are believed to have been gifts from the Mataram Palace, often exchanged during various events, such as marriages. Employing an investigative ethnographic approach, this study gathered data through in-depth interviews with cultural practitioners, palace descendants, and private collectors; direct observation of remaining artifacts; and analysis of historical documents and archival records. As a result, the Gamelan Kyai Mega Remeng, over 200 years old, was discovered in the possession of a Chinese descendant, strongly suspected to be one of the missing gamelans from the Sumenep Palace. The gamelan's discovery tells a narrative of the harmonious relationship between the Sumenep Palace and Islamic Mataram in Java, extending beyond conflicts such as war, violence, and betrayal.

Can Creative Hubs Contribute Towards Creative City Development? Case of Hin Bus Depot, Penang, Malaysia

Suet Leng Khoo — 2025-12-04

As cities shift their economic base towards culture and creativity, the emergence of creative hubs to catalyze local creative industries is acknowledged as a viable urban development strategy. In Malaysia, the concept is not new. In George Town, Penang, a sterling example is Hin Bus Depot which is a once-abandoned bus depot that reinvented itself to become a successful creative community hub. The ways upon which Hin contributes towards creative city development warrants documentation. Through qualitative techniques and a longitudinal timeframe, this paper unpacks Hin’s role by revisiting its evolving functionalities, forms, and meanings as it thrives, and responds to changes. Findings indicate that Hin is an organically self-gentrified creative hub that managed to stimulate socio-economic growth within the hub, and also its surrounding neighborhood. The findings further implicate creative hub concepts, policy and practice as George Town aspires to be a sustainable and inclusive creative city.

Transnational History and ASEAN’s Young Scholars in Regional Connectivity: Perspectives from Mainland Southeast Asia

Liem Vu Duc — 2025-12-04

Past legacies profoundly shape contemporary relationships between ASEAN’s countries. Unfortunately, voices of history do not always generate a healthy motivation for regional connectivity, but recall painful images of warfare and conflict between polities that developed into present-day Southeast Asian nation-states. Such histories can be seen in ongoing disputes over the South China Sea, or at a temple on the Thai-Cambodian border. Taking countries in mainland Southeast Asia as a case study, this paper explores the role history education and Southeast Asian studies play in managing past legacy and facilitating the ASEAN Community with a particular focus on the integration of regional young scholars. It argues that ASEAN’s connection cannot be achieved unless a sense of sharing history and culture is built up among its citizens and the pioneering responsibility falls to a new scholarly generation who are the future key players in bridging that river of mistrust and hostility.

Interpreting Literary Heritage: “Lilit Phra Law” Through Dance as Part of Heritage Interpretation for the 21st Century

Naraphong Charassri — 2025-12-04

This article explores how literary heritage can be reinterpreted through creative dance to sustain its relevance in the 21st century. It derives from a dissertation-length study entitled “Interpreting Literary Heritage: Lilit Phra Law through Dance as Part of Heritage Interpretation for the 21st Century.” The research employed six methods: literature review, personal experiential analysis, field studies, media exploration, symposium discussions, and structured interviews. Data collection was conducted in Thailand from March 2004 to April 2024, involving performing arts professionals, music and drama academics, senior practitioners from the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture, and both Thai and international audiences. The findings propose a conceptual model for adapting dance from literary sources as a form of heritage interpretation, demonstrating how creative dance can contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of Thai performing arts within a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

The Impact of K-Pop on Thai Popular Music: A Study of Cross-Cultural Communication & Influence

Chananya Piratanatsakul — 2025-12-04

This study examines K-Pop's influence on Thai popular music, focusing on cross-cultural communication and its impact on the Thai music industry. Using a mixed-methods approach including content analysis, interviews with industry professionals, and a consumer survey, this study investigate changes in musical style, production, marketing, and audience reception. The findings reveal significant K-Pop-influenced shifts in Thai pop music, encompassing musical composition, visual aesthetics, artist development, and fan engagement. The study argues this phenomenon represents a complex interplay of cultural adaptation and localization rather than mere imitation, reflecting broader cultural globalization trends. The study provides insights into the negotiation between global influences and local cultural contexts in the music industry, contributing to understanding cross-cultural communication and cultural flows in Southeast Asia. Our research highlights the need for a nuanced approach to studying cultural influence in an interconnected global media landscape.

Exploring National Identity Through Modern Monumental and Decorative Tapestry of Kazakhstan

Baurzhan Doszhanov — 2025-12-04

In the context of technical and global transformations, art persists in articulating national identity. The aim of this study is to analyze in depth the art of monumental decorative tapestry in Kazakhstan, with a focus on its contribution to the search for a new paradigm and national identity in contemporary visual arts. Methods of analyzing and comparing artistic works of tapestry artists of contemporary Kazakhstan were used. This research analyses chosen works and their impact on the cultural environment, demonstrating that current monumental and decorative tapestries in Kazakhstan serve not merely as aesthetic objects but also actively contribute to the formation of collective identity. The findings indicate that these tapestries maintain cultural memory by incorporating traditional motifs, nomadic symbols, and historical narratives, while simultaneously reinterpreting them through contemporary artistic expressions. By doing so, artists cultivate pride in national heritage, encourage discourse on Kazakhstan’s shifting identity, and establish tapestry art as a medium that connects the past and present while enhancing the worldwide conversation on cultural sustainability. This study advances academic comprehension of art's function in modern society by examining the use of massive and decorative tapestries in the search for national identity.

Memory and Pride through Photographic Collage Arts: The Art Within - Collage Me Proud

Pornrak Chowvanayotin — 2025-12-04

This article presents The Art Within - Collage Me Proud, an inclusive art initiative in Thailand involving undergraduate art students and persons with Down syndrome. Originating from photographic documentation of traditional Thai performance, the project developed into a participatory collage-making process that encouraged self-expression, co-creation, and shared memory. Through visual storytelling, participants selected meaningful photographs and transformed them into personal artworks with support from students and parents. Findings reveal consistently positive outcomes: participants reported pride, joy, and confidence; caregivers observed improved social interaction and wellbeing; and students demonstrated enhanced empathy, communication, and critical awareness of art’s role in society. Data were collected through evaluation forms, reflective interviews, and visual documentation. The project demonstrates how art operates not only as aesthetic production but also as dialogical and participatory practice. Situated in a Thai cultural context, it contributes to broader discussions on socially engaged art, inclusive education, and cultural sustainability in Southeast Asia.

Analytical Approach to Find Effective Factors On Users' Attachment to Public Spaces (Case Study: Khayyam Street, Qazvin)

Maryam Chakhchian — 2025-12-04

Different physical, social, activity and meaning aspects define public spaces as a social space. Several studies argue the relations between those main aspects and users’ attachment to such spaces. In this regard, this study tries to evaluate the significance of the relations between those four mentioned aspects in a selected public space based on the citizens' choice as a successful and desirable urban space. Data have been analyzed by SPSS software and the results indicate all of mentioned dimensions have a positive significance correlation users’ attachment to the place. Although, the result of path analysis shows activity aspect has an indirect effect on users’ attachment to the place the regression analysis result shows activity aspect has no significant effect on place attachment (P value> 0.05). In contrast, social aspect of the place which affected by other aspects, mainly by activity aspect; has the highest score (T=11.680). In addition, users’ attachment degree depends on the physical potential of space during time and involving to the place activities. In this regard, three indicators: aesthetic values, variety of activity and time play key role in formation of the users’ attachment in the public spaces.

The Battle Spirit: The Cultural Essence of Buddhist Temple Murals in Northeast Thailand

Ya-liang Chang — 2025-12-04

The murals found in Buddhist temples across Thailand play a significant role in the country's social fabric and are integral to the safeguarding efforts of Thailand's intangible cultural heritage. The research aims to explore the essence of murals in 24 Buddhist temples in Isan, delving into the principles guiding their creation. The author explores the intrinsic meanings embedded in these murals and deconstructs the cultural essence of Isan through a qualitative study. The investigation reveals the core essence of Isan's murals as the “battle spirit,” intricately woven across individual, societal, and national levels. Serving as conduits for Buddhist teachings on an individual scale, these murals reflect moral struggles between good and evil. Societally, they mirror diverse ethnic cultures, fortifying identity in a “battle of consciousness.” Nationally, they exemplify Intangible Cultural Heritage, contributing to soft power competition. From an international standpoint, they are integral to the ongoing global “battle” for cultural heritage.

Nature Contained – A Practice-led Art Project: Within the Principles of Ikebana and on the Nature of Harmony

Cherie Chai Tze Lo — 2025-12-04

This research redefines unity between art, design and urban architecture, and wellbeing as an active reconciliation and conscious construction. The findings resonate with contemporary creative practices prioritizing audience engagement. A practice-led and process driven design/art project, it explores the notion of harmony through the Japanese Zen of Ikebana (flower arrangement) and Chasitsu (Tea room). Situated in Bangkok, the process incorporates cross-cultural interactions between Thai business life and Japanese meditative traditions. The methodology re-traces Ikebana flowers into static lines of a steel sculpture. Placed within a furniture design showroom’s internal courtyard, the installation is activated dialogically through a survey that probes the harmony between buildings and people. The findings reveal that the living sculpture of a tree or a large-scale flower arrangement enhances better wellbeing in the urban dweller. A dialectal interplay between the rapid pace of life operating commercial spaces contrasts with a fundamental human longing for something timeless and natural beyond business and the ephemeral.

New Generation of Sangkhalok Figurines

Chanakarn Semachai — 2025-12-04

This research on the New Generation of Sangkhalok Figurines aims to investigate the history and craftsmanship of Sangkhalok production, highlighting its distinctive features to guide future developments. It seeks to collect contemporary concepts that resonate with today's audience by engaging the younger generation to establish set guidelines for creating figurines of the new generation. The study employs participatory learning theory, involving a group of Generation Z participants aged 8-15 from three schools. These participants designed figurines based on their ideas, which were then evaluated by experts to determine the best design principles. The refined designs are being incorporated into the local production process in preserving cultural significance, resulting in the creation of New Generation Sangkhalok figurines. These contemporary art pieces are deeply rooted in traditional wisdom, yet they also mirror contemporary lifestyles. They captivate the imagination of Gen Z, innocence, and artistic sensibilities.

Local Material Practice as a Collective Spatial System in a Craft Neighborhood

Resza Riskiyanto — 2025-12-04

This article demonstrates how spatial production occurs within local material practices as socially and spatially structured phenomenon. Discourses in local material practice often emphasized the repetitive production processes as cultural expressions; however, the spatial dimension of these practices remains under-explored. Understanding how space is produced and utilized in the process of making 'gerabah' as one of the original Indonesian pottery crafts in Yogyakarta provides new insight into the ecological, social, and technological systems that sustain local communities. This research is important to bridge the knowledge between cultural production studies and spatial analysis within the context of local craft industries. The main objective explores how local craftspeople organize and utilize space throughout the stages of material transformation, and how these spatial practices reflect, sustain, and shape collective systems of production and cultural identity. Based on data collected through field observation and semi-structured interview among craftsmen in Kasongan Village, this study employs spatial reading as an analytical approach to understand how space is produced. The result suggests that by analyzing the interrelations between spatial layers, such as production zones, organizational structures, and dynamic operational patterns may reveal the underlying logic of spatial organization embedded in traditional craft environments.