KAKI LIMA #03

NEW KAKI LIMA

I am pleased to observe how creativity in urban space design is shaping the future of our cities, particularly through urban renewal projects in shopping and business districts such as Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tun Perak, and the vibrant streets surrounding Pasar Seni.

The traditional kaki lima—the iconic five-foot way beneath old shophouses—once served as a shaded walkway, a social corridor, and a space where commerce and community mingled. Today, many of these heritage arcades are fading with time. In their place, a new interpretation of kaki lima is emerging, reimagined for the needs of modern urban life.

Unlike the narrow, functional five-foot ways of the past, the new kaki lima are often two or three times wider, designed to handle larger crowds and heavier pedestrian flows. Glass-and-steel canopies extend seamlessly from shopfronts, while cantilevered roofs create continuity and protection from rain and sun. Some developments even incorporate additional rows of kiosks and food stalls along the edge, transforming walkways into lively retail corridors.

This evolution is not merely architectural but also commercial ingenuity. The widened pedestrian paths serve as funnels, drawing shoppers from the busy streets into cafes, boutiques, and convenience stores. They balance comfort, accessibility, and commerce—turning what was once only a passageway into a curated urban experience.

In essence, the kaki lima has been reborn: from a utilitarian strip of shaded walkway into a modern urban stage where business, leisure, and culture converge. It is a reminder that while our cities must modernize, they can still pay homage to traditions—keeping the spirit of the old alive in new forms.