Placemaking in maritime infrastructure: A framework for socio-spatial sustainability in coastal environments

Aishah Faudina Ervianti (Bandung Institute of Technology)
Widiyani Widiyani (Bandung Institute of Technology)
Widjaja Martokusumo (Bandung Institute of Technology)

ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur
Vol 11 No 3 (2026): ARTEKS : Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur | July 2026 ~ September 2026

Indonesian coastal fishing ports serve not only as essential productive infrastructure but also as vital socio-cultural environments. Nevertheless, their planning and design have largely been dominated by technocratic approaches, frequently leading to fragmented spatial organization, restricted accessibility, and the exclusion of community-based activities from the built environment. This research investigates Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara (PPN) Karangantu with the objective of formulating a placemaking-oriented design model that holistically incorporates ecological, social, and cultural considerations. Adopting a study-by-design methodology, empirical data collected through field observations, behavioral mapping, and stakeholder interviews were systematically examined using thematic coding and subsequently translated into six socio-spatial variables. These variables were then organized according to the 5P framework (People, Process, Product, Program) to transform community aspirations and local needs into comprehensive design criteria and strategic planning interventions. The findings indicate that the operational routines of fishermen, circulation patterns, and informal socio-spatial practices fundamentally influence spatial demands, particularly regarding the proximity of docking facilities, the openness of market spaces, and the temporal flexibility of spatial utilization. Although the existing spatial configuration emphasizes operational efficiency, it inadequately accommodates social interaction and collective activities, thereby generating underutilized and residual spaces. In response, the proposed design model converts these socio-spatial characteristics into phased and participatory implementation strategies encompassing preparation, development, and maintenance, thereby fostering adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable port development. This study advances architectural knowledge by operationalizing placemaking as an applicable design framework for maritime infrastructure while providing a transferable model for context-sensitive and responsive coastal architectural design.