Zhixi Wang’s research while affiliated with Hainan Normal University and other places

Since COVID-19 emerged in Asia, the function of urban public facilities has been adapted to adapt to the pandemic conditions. This article discusses the use of public facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, Japan, and Egypt using responses obtained from a questionnaire. The data retrieved were analyzed using the T-test statistical method and descriptive analysis. The results showed that the intensity of public facilities usage was reduced after community activities were restricted. Moreover, the decision to use the facilities tended to be based on the implementation of health protocols regardless of the distance from their homes. This is evident from the number of visits to modern shopping places rather than traditional markets to fulfill daily needs despite the longer distance and this indicates the focus on security and comfort. Information technology was also considered quite helpful in handling the pandemic as well as the latest information related to the development of the pandemic obtained quite easily from print media, announcements in several public facilities, and easily accessible websites.

Traditional settlements are part of the urban context of every country, especially tourism-oriented cities such as Yogyakarta (Indonesia) and Kyoto (Japan). The design strategy and regulations have a more significant and complex portion involving cultural heritage buildings and settlement networks that shape the city's morphology. Pontocho and Kotagede are cultural areas with unique characteristics, such as the existence of narrow allies called Roji (in Japanese) and 'Jalan rukunan'. This research aims to understand the role of alleyways between two traditional settlements that form urban identities. The descriptive-qualitative research method uses depth map software to display the observed area coverage through connectivity and visibility. The results found in this research can manifest both locations' characters in tangible and intangible aspects. The existence of a historic alley that forms the morphology of historic settlements will keep its existence considered because it is a continuity network that creates a serial vision for observers, tourists, and also the local community. Spatial dialogue studies through serial vision theory in historic alleys are expected to provide renewal to considerations of revitalizing heritage settlements, especially in Asian countries.