RESIDENT PERCEPTIONS BASED KUTA’S SENSE OF PLACE IN THREE TYPOLOGIES OF SETTLEMENT

Kuta has three settlements typologies, they are historical, internal development, and tourist areas. This paper aims to describe the resident perceptions based Kuta's sense of place living in these settlements. The research methodology used is a survey with a questionnaire and field observation techniques. The research variables used are three components, they are physical attributes, activities, and conceptions. The results revealed that the natural conditions in the form of beautiful beaches and colonial heritage still have a huge contribution to create a sense of place in Kuta. The activities of Kuta residents as commuters to Denpasar are the main characteristics in this city. However, on weekends most residents spend time in their own city. The majority resident conception of Kuta is as a tourism and a resort city. The paper showed that Kuta's urban identity as a historical city is currently supported by physical artifacts from the royal and colonial times merely. The activities and perceptions of the residents who live in Kuta are not related to or supporting the formation of this identity. In order to maintain Kuta's sense of place, there are at least two aspects which need to be considered in the arrangement of Kuta, they are the revitalization of the city and the development of Transit Oriented Development.