July 2011- It's nice going back and see some of the places we like and how it has developed along the years. Plaza Hartamas and Mont Kiara has certainly increased in population and traffic count, but the charm is still there. Here are some pics of our day around the area.
Typical Streetscape environment
View from our apartment towards the streetscape and commercial lots above plaza hartamas. These strata commercial lots 'gives back' the street level and pedestrain realm of a traditional shophouse environment to the site. Below is a shopping mall, MSCP and M&E services. Though within itself, the public realm seems to be well connected but with the rest of the context is somewhat disconnected. However, there is an attempt here to link to the opposite development via a pedestrian bridge.
Another neighbourhood nearby.
in between blocks, tenants take advantage to capitalize on the potential of the public realm
double height 5 ft walkway creates better volume and brighter interiors.
A scale model of the development across the street in the sales office nearby. The owners shall be getting their keys soon and we'll see it being populated very fast.
Level 3 entrance to the hartamas shopping centre from the 'roof' streetscape.
Pedestrian bridge which connects the 2 development
more streetscape, and in the background, our neighbouring tower block
Perhaps one of the highest floor area ratio or plot ratio development in the world, here are some pictures of Dubai Marina, almost fully developed with mixed use program and quite community centric. Served by a highway nearby, the Dubai Marina has a rather pedestrian friendly environment, especially for car-oriented town such as Dubai. 
