Title:
VISUAL CHANGES IN THE KESAWAN HISTORIC AREA OF MEDAN CITY BEFORE AND AFTER REVITALIZATION AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Authors:
Nabilah Khoirina, N.Vinky Rahman, and Achmad Delianur Nasution

Abstract:
Kesawan is a pivotal historic district in Medan City, essential to its identity and the advancement of urban tourism. Recent revitalization programs (2021–2026) were implemented to enhance environmental quality while safeguarding its colonial architectural heritage. This study aims to analyze the visual transformation of the Kesawan Historic District following revitalization and examine its subsequent implications for tourist attraction. Employing a qualitative descriptive-comparative approach, data were gathered through systematic field observations, comparative visual documentation between 2020 and 2026, and semi-structured interviews with ten tourists and an architectural expert. The data were analyzed using a coding process to identify dominant thematic patterns. The findings indicate that the revitalization program significantly bolstered the area's visual integrity by reorganizing corridors, controlling visual clutter—most notably through the implementation of integrated underground utility systems (SJUT)—and enhancing public spaces. Coding analysis revealed that "visual atmosphere" emerged as the primary driver of attractiveness, with the highest frequency of occurrence (107 mentions), followed by the physical presence of heritage buildings (57 mentions). The enhanced visual quality effectively serves as a dynamic "stage setting" that fosters social interactions and urban events, thereby solidifying Kesawan’s image as a premier heritage tourism destination. This study concludes that the long-term sustainability of the district's appeal hinges on maintaining a meticulous balance between urban modernization and the preservation of its authentic historic visual character.

Keywords:
Regional visuals; historic areas; urban revitalization; tourist attraction; Kesawan Medan City.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9330

Date of Publication: 30-06-2026