When we walk on sidewalks lined with trees, small benches, and orderly streets, we may not realize that all of these are the result of a concept called streetscape. This is not merely the appearance of a street, but the face of a city—a reflection of how humans live side by side with their environment.

Amid increasing challenges of urbanization and pollution, a research team from Universitas Sumatera Utara—Hilma Tamiami Fachrudin and Rahmi Karolina—along with Siti Hajar Binti Misnan from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia conducted an intriguing study. They examined how streetscape design in commercial areas can help create sustainable green cities. They did not view it only from an aesthetic standpoint, but also from social, ecological, and economic perspectives. From this study emerged an important conclusion: a city does not become a “green city” merely because it has many trees, but because its public spaces are designed with care toward humans and nature.

This cross-country research focused on case studies in two cities: Medan in Indonesia and Johor Bahru in Malaysia. These two major cities share similar economic and social characteristics, yet differ in their urban approaches. The research team explored commercial districts in both cities, interviewed residents, observed pedestrian behavior, and analyzed design elements such as green layouts, vehicle circulation, and social interactions in public spaces.

“The results are fascinating—In Medan, functional and ecological aspects played a major role in shaping streetscape quality. Safe, comfortable, and pedestrian-friendly roads became the primary factors influencing residents’ perception of the urban environment. Meanwhile, in Johor Bahru, social and economic aspects were more dominant. Public spaces that support commercial activities, social interaction, and a sense of safety were particularly appealing to the community,” explained Hilma Tamiami.

However, behind these differences, both cities converge at one point: a good streetscape design is one that makes people want to walk. In an era where cities move fast and vehicles dominate, encouraging people to walk may seem simple, but it is the essence of sustainability. By walking, people interact, the air becomes cleaner, and cities become more human-centered.

This research applied a quantitative approach using surveys and regression analysis to measure the influence of four main dimensions—functional, ecological, social, and economic—on urban environmental quality. Yet behind the numbers lies a broader narrative: how public space design can serve as a tool for reconciling modernity and sustainability.

The functional aspect, for example, is not merely about wide sidewalks; it is about ensuring that people feel safe and comfortable walking. Ecological elements are not only about planting trees but ensuring that vegetation absorbs heat, reduces temperatures, and supports natural rainwater systems. The social aspect concerns spaces for interaction—places where people can stop, talk, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the economic aspect ensures that the area remains vibrant and beneficial for businesses without compromising environmental balance.

“What makes this study stand out is how the researchers integrate perspectives from two countries to understand a shared vision: a green city rooted in Southeast Asian culture. In a tropical context, green cities do not mean imitating European models with large parks, but adapting to local climate and community behavior. In Medan, for example, natural shading from large trees is more effective than artificial canopies. In Johor Bahru, multifunctional public spaces that support both social and economic activities are more favored by residents,” explained Siti Hajar Binti Misnan when comparing conditions in Medan, Indonesia and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

This study also emphasizes the importance of community participation in city design. A successful public space is not solely the work of architects, but the collaboration of government, communities, and users. In Kesawan, Medan, for example, efforts to revitalize street spaces into new pedestrian areas have shown that people are willing to adapt when they are involved from the beginning. When communities feel a sense of ownership, they tend to preserve the space. From there, sustainability is no longer jargon but everyday practice.

More than a design study, this research serves as a social reflection: the city of the future is not measured by skyscraper height or mall size, but by how it treats its people. On shaded, welcoming streets, economies grow, communities thrive, and the environment breathes more freely.

The researchers concluded that the success of sustainable streetscape design depends on the city's ability to integrate the four main aspects in a balanced way. A city that focuses only on beauty without function will quickly decline; one that prioritizes economy without ecology will lose comfort; and one that emphasizes environment without social considerations will feel alien to its residents. This balance is the core of a green city—not just green in color, but green in mindset.

“Through this collaborative research, Universitas Sumatera Utara affirms the role of academics in shaping the future of cities. From campus halls emerge ideas that are not only presented at conferences but can serve as practical guidance for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. Amid rapid development that often neglects human space, this research serves as a reminder that a good city is not one that is large, but one that makes its people feel small yet meaningful,” concluded Hilma Tamiami.

At the end of this meaningful collaborative research report, the researchers wrote a simple yet powerful sentence: “Street design is life design.” Because streets are not merely traffic routes, but spaces where humans meet, interact, and build shared identity. In that perspective, every tree along the sidewalk, every park bench, every shade cast is not merely architectural detail but a symbol of a civilization that respects its environment. From Medan to Johor Bahru, the spirit remains the same: building cities that do not only stand, but breathe.