Fazlur Rahman

This chapter outlines aspects of the integration of vernacular architectural elements into affordable housing in the context of Johor Bahru. Analysis of local building traditions discussed in the chapter brings forth how vernacular architecture attributes quality to affordable housing. It highlights the design and functionality. This creates culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable urban environments. The research presents an argument that vernacular design principles, as a repository for sustainable urban regeneration, would help balance modern living needs. It also addresses pressing issues of urbanization and environmental sustainability. Social cohesion is another important factor. The chapter advocates reimagining affordable housing through the lens of vernacular imagination. This approach balances modern living needs with the preservation of cultural heritage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had extremely distressful consequences for the service-providing industries, especially in the sector of tourism. The world is showing a move towards the recovery stage; however, the process has observed a lag in recovery because of a gap in the literature on measuring the local economic impact of COVID-19 on the employability of urban tourism. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the economic impact of COVID-19 on the local market and other tourism-related services in Kochi Heritage City, Kerala. Quantitative research was performed based on stratified sampling with a questionnaire survey among 398 respondents. Data were analyzed descriptively to evaluate the impact and measure the significant difference statistically through a one-sample t-test and a one-way ANOVA. Findings revealed that employability from tourism-related services has observed an adverse impact of COVID-19 by a dip in the local economy in terms of earning reduction, whereas the impact on jobs and reduction in working hours were lopsided. Hence, in identifying the effect of COVID-19 on urban tourism and its sub-scaled classes, it contributes more effectively by intervening with recovery and supporting the local economy through a balanced allocation of financial assistance to the economic dip in Kochi.

Over the two decades Kochi, Kerala has experienced remarkable growth in the number of tourists, both domestic and international tourists increased to more than 30 percent between 1996-2016. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the long-term impact of participation and overtourism on the market dynamics of Fort-Kochi, as it became a popular tourist destination for its heritage values with a unique geographical location. Fort-Kochi located in the North-Western part of Kerala State in Kochi district is the main heritage tourist’s attraction. It is known for its natural and built heritage, and become a great attraction for international tourists who find the experience both exotic and heritage. Being more popular and being loved too much will become a challenge and which leads to overtourism. This research is trying to elaborate on the trend of mass-tourism and its impact on the economy of Fort-Kochi, as noticed a significant change in trends of tourist’s shopping. It is brought out the economic problem of inflation and displacement of traditional occupation due to the uncontrolled increases of tourism activities in the Fort-Kochi. Due to overtourism and impact of factory-made market leading to endangering line on traditional craftsmanship. It is being threatened with extinction, and the consequences will be catastrophic. It is projected that such a trend may have a significant impact on the local population of Fort-Kochi. This study is based on a survey of 25 local resident’s feedback, 50 shop-owners and craftsmen and 50 tourists about the trend of shopping, demand and supply and its impact on city dynamics.