Abstract. Covid-19 pandemic reminds us repeatedly of the need to keep clean such as washing hands. This shows that the presence of water in the midst of human activities is important. This article examines what if the element of water is presented naturally in the between human activities: its psychological effects and design. The study was conducted by raising and describing the conditions of settlements in Indonesia which are still in direct contact with the water element and the benefits provided by its existence. Furthermore, the right design to make these water facilities actually have a better impact on the quality of human life will be studied by giving examples of related and similar facilities. These facilities are considered adequate supported by visitor opinions and scientific approach in supporting the prevention of Covid-19 transmission through physical distancing. Studies show that facilities that provide direct access for visitors in contact with water have a better impact and are more attractive to visitors in addition to other existing features.

1. Introduction

The Covid 19 pandemic teaches us new lifestyles, one of which is hand washing [1]. Water is provided in the form of faucets and sinks to support new lifestyles. This fitting is put not only indoors (bathroom, kitchen), but also outdoors, which is something new for those who have never witnessed irrigation flowing along settlement. In the past (and can still be seen today in the villages), the characteristics of settlements were also shaped by irrigation flows which are a source of life support:

producing food, the main consumption material, sanitary. Everyone can access water easily, quickly and freely. Triggered by this past environmental character of rural area and the spread of COVID-19 that can be prevented with the help of water, this paper discusses how presenting water flow in the middle of the city, especially in the neighborhood, can shape a better life for the community.

Furthermore, it also discusses the local wisdom about water flow in the past.

The investigation focuses on past living and environmental conditions associated with the existence of irrigation, and assesses the benefits of these conditions and their possible applications in the present. In final observation, there will be a better perspective on development and maintenance from an early age related to the presence of water in human activities.

2. Methods

This research is qualitative. The description of living conditions and past environmental conditions is studied through literature studies using narrative and visual data (photos, images/sketches, videos).

(15)

The human and health values of the presence of water in the built environment are assessed through theories and supported by observations (health aspects, behavior, etc.). The atmosphere and opinions of people who visited the Cheonggyecheon river is observed and taken as the object of study. The Cheonggyecheon River was chosen as the object study as it offers the example of the realization of the existence of water (river) in the built environment. The river passes through the center of Seoul and is visited by the public regularly. This condition allows the Cheonggyecheon River to be studied to find the factors that attract visitors and how it affects visitors’ life quality. In addition, the existence of the Cheonggyecheon river in the past has a similar character with rivers in Indonesia in general. There are settlements along the banks of the river. This opens the possibility that a similar application of the Cheonggyecheon River’s features into river restoration projects in Indonesia.

These observations were made through video recordings obtained on the Youtube platform containing documentation of various visitor activities and their opinions on the psychic effects obtained from activities on the river [2]. Observations are intended to support the theory studied why the presence of water in the center of human activities plays an important role. The character of the river design will be scientifically revealed from an architectural and psychological point of view.

3. Discussion

The environment for human activities consists of natural and man-made. In the past, nature dominated the man-made (Figure 1). The dominant natural elements consist of trees, soil, rocks, water and others.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 1. Examples where water is close to human activities (public transportation).

The existence of irrigation as shown in the picture above is related to occupation in the area:

farming. At the same time, irrigation becomes a facility for other needs: recreation and hygiene.

Scientifically, water, in considerable quantities and features, has factors that can affect a person's psychological condition when existx in the center of a human activity environment [3].

Irrigation as a mode of recreation was a common thing to children and everyone in the past.

Irrigation also could easily be reached by walking and riding bikes. In addition, before restrooms/toilets in the dwelling became common and formed a new lifestyle, irrigation could be found in front of or near settlement. Irrigation became public space since bathing or washing activities in the irrigation often occured in groups. Children played and swam together while mothers were washing. There social interactions occured: conveying, listening, feeling the presence of other humans, laughing, and so on. A cycle that can strengthen a person's psychological condition as every human wants and needs the company of others. People need a group of other people to make them feel connected to a community [4]. People commonly attempt to influence others' emotions and improve others' well-being [5].

(16)

Generally, today the element of water such as a swimming pool, fish pond, etc can only be facilitated by the majority of wealthy people. This is driven by various backgrounds: what is acknowledged/understood about the effect of water in terms of beliefs and culture, what is understood in social life (pride), and others [6]. In addition, the current pandemic condition makes people rethink about the relationship between humans and the environment. Moreover, social restrictions with the health protocol of maintaining a distance cause a reduction in social interaction between communities [7]. However, the community's need for a good and healthy environment is still significantly needed.

One of them is the management of a harmonious and balanced spatial plan, especially in open spaces [7].

Public open space in urban areas consists of green spaces filled with vegetation to support ecological, socio-cultural and architectural benefits. In addition to green spaces, public open spaces also consist of non-green spaces in the form of hardened spaces and blue spaces such as rivers, lakes, and areas designated as retention basins [8]. This explains that the presence of water in the environment has a certain power in shaping society. The presence of water, more than imagined, also has a psychological effect [3]. Then it can be understood why marine tourism objects are important sites. This shows that water in the center of human activities is an important factor for maintaining human health, in this case, in the form of psychological health. But what kind of water facilities can make this happen?

This study examines the Cheonggyecheon river which represents the symbol of the water element in the midst of human activities (Figure 2). The Cheonggyecheon River has been undergone a restoration to make the way it is now [9]-[10].

(a) (b)

Figure 2. Cheonggyecheon at night (a) and at day (b).

This river runs through the center of Seoul (Figure 3, 4). This river is deliberately made so that humans can have direct contact and feel its existence. As design and facilities provided, this river shows an attention to the planning process in order to produce an adaptive and responsive area design for various activities, functions and users, as well as recreational [11]. This is important to achieve optimal and efficient use of space for the city community as a whole [11]. The recreational public space used can improve the quality of the environment for both the river and its people [11].

(17)

Figure 3. Chenggyecheon River (bold red line).

Figure 4. Cheonggyecheon river in city mockup.

This river has the following characteristics:

Figure 5 Architectural and natural aspects of Cheonggyecheon river.

(18)

Interviews conducted to visitors revealed that the river is able to bring a sense of calm and relaxation, in which these terms are psychological impacts [12]. From the study, the natural and architectural features of the river have the following psychological effects:

3.1. Large pedestrian area

Large and wide pedestrian areas get more privacy. The wide distance also makes it possible to apply

“physical distancing” health protocols when related to the current pandemic [13]–[14]-[15]. Bigger pedestrians provide greater benefits such as more space for pedestrians and creates an attractive walking environment [16].

3.2. Barrier

There is a rock composition that forms the boundary of the river area. This gives the impression of security and coverage for visitors. These boundaries give rise to a sense of territory and control over the area.

3.3. Low and translucent water

Low and translucent water gives confidence in moving because of the absence of anxiety because of uncontrolled conditions: drowning, wild animals. The translucent water also gives the eye and brain an opportunity to drift along with the flow of water and explore the animals that swim and pass by the riverbed, thus distracting the mind from the current situation. This becomes an “escape”, a benefit when someone is in a chaotic and uneasy state of mind [3].

3.4. Seats that reach the water

As explained above, involving water as a medium and element of activity (swimming, foot soak, feeding fish) can take the mind off the current situation. The condition of the seat (a ladder that also functions as a seat) also provides an option for visitors to be able to sit with a straight or long posture.

and to express the emotions they want fredomly. This is because certain sitting positions have certain psychological effects as well: upright postures give the effect of readiness and seriousness, non- straight postures (long/bent) give the impression of being relaxed, and so on [17]-[18]. The features of seating allow visitors for adjusting the distance from other visitors: close, slightly far, or far away.

3.5. A “friendly” and dirt-free side trail

The river bank which is emphasized by the pavement (concrete) forms a visually curved line. This curved line gives an approachable psychological effect [19], entertaining, physically stimulating, graceful, and, to a degree, unstable. It is the opposite of a straight line which gives a stiff effect [20].

Because of the effects given, this place creates a pleasant impression and different surprises for each segment. The soil-free area makes this area not easy to get dirty.

3.6. Open view and easy access

Feeling not isolated is also an important factor that is part of the character of the Cheonggyecheon river. Even though it is surrounded by skyscrapers, the river area can still clearly present the sky. This condition has an effect on the sense of freedom for visitors which is a characteristic of open space facilities.

3.7. Non-isolated area (can get out of line at any time)

This sense of freedom is also formed from the proximity of the river to other public facilities (shops, offices, apartments). Since this river is integrated into many of these public spaces, this river does not stand alone and is given access in/out. Thus, visitors can change locations at any time. The visitors do not feel insecure and anxious about encountering dangers in the middle on their way to reach the exit.

3.8. Bridges as focal point and other supporting features

(19)

There are bridges not only connecting the two sides of the river in certain areas, but also as a focal point and provide wider access to explore both sides of the river. The existence of supporting elements make this place interesting: sculpture, music, food stalls and others, which are arranged at points so that the comfort and tranquility of visitors in exploring the river is not disturbed.

3.9. Free entry

Everyone can enjoy the existence of this water element and also not create an exclusive impression because the entry access is free. This condition makes this river friendly for anyone. This free of charge also applies to using the sitting area. Food vendors are well regulated so the visitors are nor

‘forced’ to buy the food before sitting near their kiosk.

In other cases, a variety of activities are presented through pool facilities that are made adjacent to the river path. The shape and character of the pool can be varied according to culture and safety.

Figure 6a shows a pool facility which can only be used for adult’s bathing, while figure 6b shows a pool facility that can also be used for swimming because of its rectangular shape. Considering the safety of early age users, it is better to make a shallow public pool. Adult visitors can use the pool for bathing in a sitting position. These features are not fully relying on the natural flow of the main river water as the water source. The amount of water should be managed so that the height remains in a shallow position and flow is stable. To create these conditions, the pump can be used between the artificial river/pond and the main river. This system is used on the Cheonggyecheon river [2].

(a) (b)

Figure 6. Example of a pond with water from a river.

4. Conclusions

The community settlement has now been kept away from water sources or facilities. Exclusively, people need to provide other costs to enjoy water as a source of recreation and healing especially non- wealthy people. The existence of free water facilities flowing through the city or the settlement should be a consideration to provide access to recreation and healing.

Rivers are water elements found in many cities and countries. However, the rivers are not optimally utilized for a better quality of community life. These instances can provide broader insight for practitioners, government and the community on how to improve the quality of life for communities, villages and cities, by utilizing rivers and designing facilities. The facilities should be responsive to river scenarios as recreation and healing functions

The effective and efficient use of public spaces are closely related to their mutability and adaptability in relation to changing needs of citizens, environmental disasters and emergency pandemics [21]. In this context, COVID-19 outbreak represents an opportunity to rethink places and spaces to allow for more livable cities for all, expanding their use in a healthy way [21].

(20)

The further research is to determine water elements in the center of human activities, both villages and cities. As described in the Quran about water elements, whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will enter him/her into paradises where rivers flow under him/her, they remain in it.

References

[1] Mal D K and Mukherjee B 2020 Educational Motivation and Legislative Approaches for Safe and Effective Hand Washes and Hand Rubs in Hand Health Care During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Asia Pac. J. Public Health 32(8) 495–6

[2] Seok J. 4 Angles-Ten Years After the Restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Achievements [Internet] 2015. 4 Angles. South Korea: Arirang TvN; [cited 2021 Jul 8].

Available from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACYrDQXX0yU&list=TLPQMTgwOTIwMjF6CfWb0pdx pw&index=5

[3] Suarna I K 2020 Efek Psikologi Manipulasi Elemen Air dalam Desain Interior – Studi Kasus : Fitur Air Jatuh Dengan Pengaturan Rendah Planner Insight : Urban and Regional Planning Journal 2(2) 030–5

[4] Shapior L E 2017 Overcoming Depression: 44 Therapeutic Activities to Bring Happiness and Fulﬁllment Back into Your Life (Norwalk, CT, USA: Between Sessions Resources) p 113 [5] Zaki J 2020 Integrating Empathy and Interpersonal Emotion Regulation Annu Rev Psychol

71(1) 517–40

[6] Chiarenza N, Haug A, and Müller U, editors 2020 9. Water and Urban Structures in the Narrative Worlds of Courtly Novels − Aesthetic and Symbolic Functions. In: The Power of Urban Water [Internet] De Gruyter [cited 2021 Jul 12]. p 143–56. Available from:

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110677065-009/html

[7] Assidiq H, Anwar M, and Bachril S N 2020 Pemenuhan Ruang Terbuka Hijau: Perlindungan Hak Atas Lingkungan Hidup yang Baik Bagi Masyarakat Perkotaan Pasca Covid-19. In:

Tantangan untuk Keilmuan Hukum dan Sosial ResearchGate p. 143–71.

[8] Caesarina H M, Rahmani D R 2020 Persepsi Masyarakat Lokal Terhadap Ruang Terbuka Hijau Pada Kota Berbasis Sungai ES 16(3) 373.

[9] Lee I K 2006 Cheong Gye Cheon Restoration Project [Internet] Seoul Metropolitan

Government Available from:

https://seoulsolution.kr/sites/default/files/policy/%5BEN%5DCheong%20Gye%20Cheon%20R estoration%20Project.pdf

[10] Kim M, Gim T H,and Sung J S 2017 Applying the Concept of Perceived Restoration to the Case of Cheonggyecheon Stream Park in Seoul, Korea Sustainability 9(8) 1368

[11] Wardhani D K, Yudono A, and Priambada C K 2010 Spatial Urban Design Pada Area Sempadan Sungai (Penerapan GIS Dalam Urban Design) LW ii(4) 36–46

[12] Botha B, Mostert K, and Jacobs M. 2019 Exploring indicators of subjective well-being for first- year university students Journal of Psychology in Africa 29(5) 480–90

[13] Chen S, Yang J, Yang W, Wang C, and Bärnighausen 2020 T. COVID-19 control in China during mass population movements at New Year The Lancet 395(10226) 764–6.

[14] Fong M W, Gao H, Wong J Y, Xiao J, Shiu E Y C, Ryu S, et al 2020 Nonpharmaceutical Measures for Pandemic Influenza in Nonhealthcare Settings—Social Distancing Measures Emerg Infect Dis 26(5) 976–84.

[15] Mohammadi A, Chowdhury M T U, Yang S, Park P Y 2021 Developing Levels of Pedestrian Physical Distancing During A Pandemic Safety Science 134 105066

[16] Department of Transportation State of Hawaii 2013 Hawaii Pedestrian Toolbox: A Guide for Planning, Design, Operations, and Education to Enhance Pedestrian Travel in Hawaii [Internet] State of Hawaii: Department of Transportation State of Hawaii [cited 2021 Jul 12]. p 444. Available from: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2013/07/Pedest-Tbox-Hawaii- Pedestrian-Toolbox-Low-Res.pdf

(21)

[17] Long J 2020 Slouching and Feeling Slumped: How Posture Can Affect Your Mental Health Total Wellness 1 6

[18] Peper E, Lin I M, Harvey R, and Perez J 2017 How Posture Affects Memory Recall and Mood.

Biofeedback 45(2) 36–41

[19] Ruta N, Mastandrea S, Penacchio O, Lamaddalena S, Bove G 2019 A comparison between preference judgments of curvature and sharpness in architectural façades Architectural Science Review 62(2) 171–81.

[20] Ocvirk O G, editor 2013 Art fundamentals: theory and practice 12th ed New York, NY:

McGraw-Hill p 323.

[21] Sepe M 2021 Covid-19 Pandemic and Public Spaces: Improving Quality and Flexibility fFor Healthier Places. Urban Des Int 26(2) 159–73

Table of contents

Table of contents

Preface

Sustainable Built Environment

Volume 881 2021

Previous issue Next issue

Accepted papers received: 04 October 2021 Published online: 12 November 2021

! "

Extended Preface

Peer review declaration

Rebuilding sustainable place through the embodied image of the peranakan

chinese house: Study of Kidang Mas in Lasem, Indonesia through Juhani Pallasmaa's perspective

Analysis of key criteria and requirements in implementing green procurement for green construction projects in Malaysia

Classroom concept as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic: An antivirus

built-environment approach

Coping with environmental challenges: COVID-19 screening station design with standard operation procedure in Thailand

Rethinking sustainability during WFH: A survey on living environment quality and energy use

Study of signage design and information content for The Namtok Sai Khao National Park

Collaboration settlement improvement program: Case study Kampung Tematik, Semarang

Adapting to environmental challenges: The impact of COVID-19 on

shophouses courtyard space and gathering (George Town heritage city, Penang)

Exploring the built-environment: heritage trails, values and perceptions

The 'sense of place' and the environmental context of Ar-Rahman Mosque

architecture

Improving the built environment performance through facility management practices: The opportunities and challenges

Sustainable housing as an approach to adaptive built environment to COVID- 19 (case study: Keudah walk-up flat in Banda Aceh)

An overview of Prevention through Design (PtD): The architect's role in the lifecycle of building safety performance

Evaluating the integration of research-based internship with sustainable environmental thinking

Sustainable functions of Kolong of Pekon Hujung traditional house in west Lampung Indonesia

Assessing cooling energy of insulated building built in tropical country

Redesigning space layout by considering thermal comfort and prevention of

COVID-19 transmission in campus building

Overview on built environment planning: Residential overhang factors in malaysia affordable housing

Parametric study of expanded metal shading toward Daylight Glare Possibility (DGP) optimization

Economic challenges: Conceptual framework on factors affecting construction cost during COVID-19 pandemic in malaysia

Conceptual framework of resource-based cost allocation at procurement phase for onshore fabrication oil and gas projects

Adaptation to study environmental challenges: COVID-19 and new norms

Assessment of indoor thermal environment of Aceh house based on WBGT index

Conceptualization of cultural sustainability for elderly Pondok Village (EPV)

Implementation of a floating system as a form of environmental adaptation in Kuala Bubon Village, West Aceh

Sustainability concept as climate change adaptation in the vernacular house in Aceh

A Preliminary-study of environment evaluation (Case study: Houses in Aceh Province, Indonesia)

Evaluation of air quality and thermal comfort in classroom

An evaluation of indoor thermal environment in fisherman housing in West Sumatera

Communal space patterns in tsunami aid housing for creating public open space after COVID-19 (case study: Gampong Tibang, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)

Bustanussalatin Park characteristics as an image shaper of Banda Aceh City

Evaluation of air quality in office rooms (case study: the rector's office building of Syiah Kuala University)

Houses amid COVID-19: Environmental challenges and design adaptation

Rearrangement of green open space along Krueng Aceh based on sustainable urban riverfront

Study of comfort level pedestrian roads in The Historical Area of Peunayong, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Green structure and green technology in preserving traditional architecture of Rumoh Aceh

Building-integrated agriculture's role in supporting urban food cycle

Built environment and water: Toward a better quality of life

Challenges in maintaining facilities in elderly Pondok Village environment

Investigating the potential of water supply system for environmental sustainability

Understanding Aceh's contemporary architecture: Neuheun Mandiri Housing, in the hills of Aceh Besar coastal village

The thermal phenomena of Aceh tradisional house due to changes inform spatial planning, building materials and constructure structures

The Effect of Plants on Extensive Green Roofs in Urban Heat Island Mitigation Efforts in Humid Tropical Cities

Potential and limitation of AI system in building services and control management system

The Umah Pitu Ruang concept: Environmental adaptation and the Covid-19 pandemic

Adaptive reuse of old houses as coffee shop: Environmental and spatial aspects

Threshold space for prevention and control of COVID-19 exposed environment

Hybrid system strategy on double skin façade to optimize thermal performance on research building

A study on the design strategies of Fish Landing Jetty Complexes in Malaysia to enhance the efficiency of the building

The emerging green destination: An empirical study of Phatthalung's value- based identity

Evaluation of spatial comfort on vernacular architecture in Aceh Besar District as a form of local wisdom in adapting surrounding environment

The assesment of thermal comfort of sustainable modifying Rumoh Aceh in hot humid climate

Environmentally Friendly Planning

Sustainable waste management distribution in traditional marketplace during pandemic COVID-19. Case study: Pasar Al-Mahirah, Banda Aceh city, Indonesia

A preliminary Study on The Use of PET Bottle Waste as The Green Roof Drainage Layer for Thermal Insulator

Evaluation of coastal area development sustainability of Banda Aceh post recovery

The impact of regional development towards the well-being of rural community

A framework for incorporating the global environment of rural community

The implication of street network design for walkability: A review

Prospects of contemplative urban park from expert perspectives

A child-friendly design for sustainable urban environment: a case study of Malang city parks

Dimensions of rural web as factors influencing farmer's adoption of sustainable agricultural practices: A review

Environmentally friendly private cities in Indonesia and Malaysia

Regulatory function of spatial structure on Ujung Pancu area, Aceh

Redefining the role of green open space through the challenge of COVID-19 (Case study: Blang Padang, Banda Aceh)