Human-Centered Design Approach to the Batanghari River Boundary as a Waterfront City in Jambi City

Abstract

The riparian area of the Batanghari River in Kasang Subdistrict, Jambi City, does not yet comply with the provisions of the Regulation of the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (Permen PUPR) No. 28 of 2015 concerning river borderlines. This is evidenced by the inadequate public facilities and their designation as a flood-prone area in the Spatial Plan (RTRW) of Jambi City 2013–2033. Studies on riverfront development have been widely conducted in major cities in Indonesia, such as Pontianak, focusing on river revitalization as public space, strengthening city identity, and improving environmental quality (Palupi S. et al., 2023). However, research on riparian areas in medium-sized cities such as Jambi remains limited, particularly in flood-prone riverfront areas. This indicates a gap that needs to be addressed through this study. This research seeks to achieve more optimal design outcomes by integrating a human-centered design (HCD) approach, which emphasizes user needs, comfort, and sustainability. This study also aims to identify site problems and potentials, determine the appropriate waterfront typology, and provide design recommendations using a qualitative descriptive method based on LaGro’s (2008) framework, which includes inventory, analysis, synthesis, HCD, and conceptual design. The results show that the site’s flat topography and direct hydrological flow make it prone to flooding, yet diverse community activities demonstrate potential for redevelopment. This study identifies the recreational waterfront typology with the concept of “Kasang Waterfront,” consisting of four functional zones: public (3.6 ha), green (0.3 ha), recreational (1.2 ha), and commercial (1.3 ha).