Improving Campus Sustainability and Resilience by Selecting Climate - Appropriate Plants

The purpose of this study is to determine the planting species in a campus environment and assess their suitability for enhancing the quality of life. The study area chosen for this research is the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Campus Bachok, Kelantan. The objectives of this study are to identify the functions of planting at campus area and to make the suggestions of right planting selection. Using mix methods approach, survey and expert interviews was used to collect data in order to address the objectives to the fullest extent possible. A total of 200 respondents, including both staff and students from the faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, took part in the survey. The results shows the thirteen (13) dominant of planting species located around the campus area which are Samanea saman (Rain tree), Salix babylonica (Chinese weeping willow), Terminalia Mantaly (Umbrella tree), Khaya senegalensis (Mohagany), Tabebuai rosea (Trumpet tree), Acacia mangium (Brown salwood), Hopea odorata (Merawan siput jantan), Filicium decipiens (Fern tree), Syzygium polyanthum (Salam tree), Plumeria Frangipani (Kemboja), Schizolobium parahyba (Yellow jacaranda), Ixora Javanica (Siantan), Monoon Longifolium (Mempisang). Results indicate that functions of planting such as a barrier between roads, provided shaded area and to prevent landslide on the shore of the lake

Exploring the impact of environmental factors on soundscape perception for sustainable and resilient urban environments

The impacts of global climate change are becoming increasingly alarming, highlighting the need for sustainable urbanism practices. The soundscape has been identified as crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Using an ergo-aesthetic framework, this research aims to investigate the impact of weather conditions and sound levels on soundscape perception in urban shopping streets. Data was collected through a soundscape survey (n = 411) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, based on the ISO12913-2 technical specification standards. The result from multivariate analysis of variance revealed that weather and sound level significantly influenced soundscape perception. Based on analysis of variance, a significant difference in perception was found between low and high levels of loudness, with high levels of loudness having a significantly higher perception. It is observed that users tend to have a stronger preference for an "appropriateness" soundscape in urban shopping streets during cloudy weather conditions based on multiple comparison analysis. The participants generally reported feeling acoustically comfortable with lower temperatures in cloudy weather, possibly due to the increased cloud coverage acting as a form of background noise absorber, thereby enhancing the perceived appropriateness of the soundscape. These findings contribute to understanding soundscapes in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments

Sensory Integration - Incorporate nature into child’s sensory integration therapy for sensory processing input: A case study in SRK Bukit Payung, Terengganu

This study investigates the number of special needs students and how a sensory garden can Incorporate nature into a child’s sensory integration therapy for sensory processing input. The case study was conducted at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Payong which offers specialized classes for students with special needs. The objectives of this study are to identify types of special needs students in this school and to provide or design an environment that incorporates natural elements as a therapeutic approach by engaging students in physical activities that facilitate the management of sensory input. Method used in this study are content analysis to understand sensory integration and sensory garden, semi structured interview identified the numbers of special needs students in this school. The outcomes of this study entail the identification of distinct types of special needs students present at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Payong This information serves as a foundation for developing learning spaces that are tailored to the specific needs of these students, thereby improving their focus and concentration in the classroom by providing a sensory garden. Additionally, the study introduces a sensory integration design that incorporates activities aimed at assisting children in mastering the more challenging learning tasks. Such activities contribute to the development of cognitive abilities, language skills, gross motor skills, and social interaction that is facilitated through the transfer of expert knowledge

Identification of Tropical Planting Selection for Sustainable Campus Design

Tropical planting plays a crucial role in sustainable campus design in Malaysia. Incorporating tropical planting into campus design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers numerous environmental benefits. This research aims to identify suitable tropical plant species for sustainable campus design. The selection of appropriate plant species plays a crucial role in creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing campus landscapes. The study employs an observational research approach to gather data on plant characteristics, growth patterns, ecological requirements, and overall sustainability. Data was collected at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus. The results revealed that selection criteria for plants were based on their adaptability to tropical climates, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance requirements, and positive ecological impact. This paper outlines the strength of tropical plantings selection for sustainable campus design based on native trees, shade trees, climbing plants and vines, ground covers, ornamental shrubs, and medicinal and aromatic plants. Some of the tropical plants such as mahogany, kapok tree, frangipani offer numerous benefits in sustainable campus design, contributing to climate resilience, water efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and a vibrant and healthy campus environment. Thus, this research will provide valuable insights for landscape architects, campus planners, and any related built environment professionals in developing sustainable campus designs in tropical regions

Patterns of streets connection for sustainable urban development in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia

Street network attributes, including street connectivity, street integration, and pedestrian accessibility, are closely interrelated concepts that play an important role in achieving the sustainable approach challenges facing all large cities throughout the world. However, the lack of awareness of sustainable development in both the city center and villages in the suburban area results in a low value of street connectivity, less direct route to the destination, and discouraging pedestrians from moving. This research aims to examine street connectivity and street integration patterns that form from street connections at existing streets in Kota Bharu Kelantan. DepthmapX software was used to analyze street connectivity and integrations to identify and compare the existing street influencing people to move from one destination to another in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The streets in the Kota Bharu, Kelantan city center area are chosen as the study site to investigate the street connectivity and integration values. Data analysis using DepthmapX software was performed after digitizing the map in AutoCAD software. Findings show that street connectivity and integration are of higher value when the streets are well connected to other streets in the main area and attraction area. The conclusions of this paper can help landscape architects and urban planners optimize the achievement of well-connected street networks that produce directness routes in short-distance destinations to develop a sustainable urban environment

Development of biomimicry application framework for sustainable design

Biomimicry is a design in the field of science which studies nature as a model and draws inspiration from it. In this light, nature’s design and processes are mimicked to solve problems facing humans and the world around them. This field presents enormous capabilities and potential for exciting future technologies. However, out of the three levels of biomimicry, only the organism level biomimicry has been widely applied as a tool to achieve a design solution. Thus, understanding biomimicry application and levels of mimicking are also crucial in promoting it. Developing a framework that connects the three levels of biomimicry is necessary to produce a sustainable design. Hence, this research proposes a framework that can guide the application of biomimicry to achieve sustainable design. This study adopted the KJ method, where the qualitative method is supported by a quantitative component, to identify the design elements has been inspired by or applied in biomimicry. The study also distributed a survey questionnaire involving 134 respondents. This method was employed to gauge the participant’s understanding and knowledge of biomimicry. The third method involved focus group discussions in conducting an expert validation of the proposed framework. The findings showed that the knowledge and understanding of biomimicry at the educational level are important in applying biomimicry in designs. Therefore, it is crucial to have a framework that guides designers in promoting and implementing biomimicry for a sustainable environment. Other than that, as more designs are inspired by nature, it may help facilitate the sustainable growth of towns and cities, sustain and enhance people’s well-being, and improve their quality of life

Review on Biomimicry levels

To design that inspire from nature, it should not only inspired or follow the form of the characteristic of nature itself. There three levels in Biomimicry, there are Organism Level, Behavior Level and Ecosystem Level. In order to create a design inspired or mimic the nature, these level need to follow and apply in design.However , the widespread and practicalapplication of biomimicry level as a design remains unrealized, commonly the design use biology as a shape which is only using organism level but this is not biomimetic , it has to have some biology in it. The aim of this study is to understand the levels of biomimicry. Content analysis is adopted to identify the level in biomimicry of recreation. The outcome of this study will enhance the understanding of Biomimicry Levels, in order to enhance conditions conducive to life

Improving Campus Sustainability and Resilience by Selecting Climate - Appropriate Plants

The purpose of this study is to determine the planting species in a campus environment and assess their suitability for enhancing the quality of life. The study area chosen for this research is the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Campus Bachok, Kelantan. The objectives of this study are to identify the functions of planting at campus area and to make the suggestions of right planting selection. Using mix methods approach, survey and expert interviews was used to collect data in order to address the objectives to the fullest extent possible. A total of 200 respondents, including both staff and students from the faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, took part in the survey. The results shows the thirteen (13) dominant of planting species located around the campus area which are Samanea saman (Rain tree), Salix babylonica (Chinese weeping willow), Terminalia Mantaly (Umbrella tree), Khaya senegalensis (Mohagany), Tabebuai rosea (Trumpet tree), Acacia mangium (Brown salwood), Hopea odorata (Merawan siput jantan), Filicium decipiens (Fern tree), Syzygium polyanthum (Salam tree), Plumeria Frangipani (Kemboja), Schizolobium parahyba (Yellow jacaranda), Ixora Javanica (Siantan), Monoon Longifolium (Mempisang). Results indicate that functions of planting such as a barrier between roads, provided shaded area and to prevent landslide on the shore of the lake

Biomimicry levels as design inspiration in design

The relationship between design and nature has been intertwined for the past 400 years. Throughout history, designers have adopted nature to build shapes, forms, and ornamentation without understanding nature's behavior biomimicry. Nature's behavior biomimicry is a method that applies solutions to human problems by analyzing natural designs, processes, and systems. This innovative method refers to nature as an inspiration to solve design challenges. The method is the new science that studies nature as a model and inspiration to imitate the design and process of solving human problems. However, there is a lack of widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design method; architecture commonly uses biology as a library of shapes, which is not biomimicry. Among the levels of biomimicry, the organism level is widely applied as a design tool to achieve a design solution. This paper reviews published research on the applications of biomimicry level, including its formative elements. Organism, behavior, and ecosystem level are mostly inspired or applied in the biomimicry concept. The content analysis was carried out to examine the published research articles on different perspectives of biomimicry and its application in design. The findings produce three levels of biomimicry that can serve as a regenerative design. There is a growing need for designs that work with nature to create a regenerative built environment, and designers can no longer ignore the relevance of bio-inspired theories and approaches to achieve a more sustainable future

Exploring the impact of environmental factors on soundscape perception for sustainable and resilient urban environments

The impacts of global climate change are becoming increasingly alarming, highlighting the need for sustainable urbanism practices. The soundscape has been identified as crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. Using an ergo-aesthetic framework, this research aims to investigate the impact of weather conditions and sound levels on soundscape perception in urban shopping streets. Data was collected through a soundscape survey (n = 411) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, based on the ISO12913-2 technical specification standards. The result from multivariate analysis of variance revealed that weather and sound level significantly influenced soundscape perception. Based on analysis of variance, a significant difference in perception was found between low and high levels of loudness, with high levels of loudness having a significantly higher perception. It is observed that users tend to have a stronger preference for an "appropriateness" soundscape in urban shopping streets during cloudy weather conditions based on multiple comparison analysis. The participants generally reported feeling acoustically comfortable with lower temperatures in cloudy weather, possibly due to the increased cloud coverage acting as a form of background noise absorber, thereby enhancing the perceived appropriateness of the soundscape. These findings contribute to understanding soundscapes in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments