Therapeutic intervention: using sensory gardens to enhance the quality of life for children with special needs

This study investigates the design and use of sensory gardens in two special schools by evaluating their functional zones and how they are utilized, especially by children with special educational needs, and the staff who care for them. Preliminary site studies were undertaken in fourteen sensory gardens around the UK, followed by more detailed data collection at two case -study sites. The research aim was to find out the behaviour settings and issues that are common in sensory gardens. The research data collection included in -depth interviews, observation and behaviour mapping, which was used in conjunction with affordance theory. Drawing on Moore and Cosco's methodology and approach (2007) in relation to inclusive parks, the findings from the data analysis discuss the researcher's main findings, based on the two case -study sensory gardens. There are two main findings: Firstly, the layout of the circulation network enables user behaviour and use of area. Continuous pathways that link the sensory garden to the site context, with easy access to the functional behaviour settings that are placed along it, have the highest number of users. Secondly, users spent a longer time in zones where sensory, rather than aesthetic value, were emphasised. These main findings have been translated by the researcher into a subset of design recommendations that will be applicable across the majority of sensory gardens, and will assist landscape architects when they are designing sensory gardens in the future

The Observation of Sensory Design in Open Spaces of University Campus under Hot-humid Climate

This paper aims to explore the current sensory design of open spaces surrounding educational buildings. Observation of sensory landscape variables is conducted to investigate the potential of supporting outdoor experience. The expected key findings include the functional design and the stimulated multi-senses in the presence of university campuses under a hot-humid climate. In recommendation, the conjunction of behavioural mapping and questionnaire surveys in future studies may lead to more findings of the interaction of users' behaviours and activities, as well as the correlations between sensory stimulation, environmental satisfaction, and outdoor experience.Keywords: Sensory stimulation; outdoor experience; open space; university campuseISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v5i13.204

Morphology of Street Vegetation along Pedestrian Walkways in Kuala Lumpur City Centre

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) has planted 100,000 trees along the main streets of the city centre through the National Economic Transformation Programme to make the city more liveable. This paper studies the reasons for its different establishments, and it determines the social and physical benefits to the pedestrian walkways through a further investigation regarding the morphological parameters used by the Landscape Department of KLCH. The outcomes indicated that the street vegetation morphology implemented is mainly to improve the social and physical condition of the pedestrian walkways, especially the safety of the pedestrians due to snatching and reckless crossings.Keywords: Street Vegetation; City Centre; Main Street; Pedestrian WalkwayseISSN: 2398-4287 © 2019. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v4i12.162

Green Pause in a City: Design elements of a pocket park in Kuala Lumpur

Pocket Park, a small-scale open urban green space valued as community assets, is introduced as an alternative for urban parks within limited space constraints. However, research on pocket parks, explicitly in Kuala Lumpur, is scarce compared to Western cities. This study looked into the design elements of Laman Tun Perak to investigate its significance to the urbanites. The objectives are to identify how the pocket park is utilised and determine its design elements. The design elements of a pocket park are connectivity and permeability, safety, comfort, and activities. Keywords: Design elements, Laman Tun Perak, Pocket Park, Urban Green Spaces eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Promotion of Inclusive Society through Therapeutic Sensory Stimulation Garden for the Intergenerational Society

 This paper introduces a joint program between the University of Malaya and Kuala Lumpur City Hall undertaking the Therapeutic Sensory Stimulation Garden at University of Malaya Medical Centre to promote an inclusive society through sensory therapy. Good universal design practices of sensory gardens visited in the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong highlighted. Outcomes showed that users’ engagement with the landscape features promotes positive developments in social behaviours. In contrary, it proved a weak partnership between practitioners, researchers, authorities and users as well as non-availability of design guidelines for these gardens. Both outcomes are a significant argument in the conclusion.© 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.Keywords: Inclusive society; intergenerational society; sensory garden; universal design

Review of Literature on Open Green Space for Positive Mental Health in the Low-Income Community

This paper examines favoured open green spaces that impacted low-income communities for mental health from previous studies. The selected previous studies were collected and filtered using the PRISMA method to identify the keywords. The expected findings included the standards of open green space that provide mental health benefits among low-income communities. In recommendation, the keyword need to be more specific for precise results, and the criteria discovered from the previous studies can guide the development of the new or current residential area for low-income communities to promote positive mental health

The Malaysian Garden Concept Design Branding: Whose Role is it Anyway?

Two decades ago, Malaysian leaders had expressed their desire to have a garden design concept that can represent Malaysia. This study explores the Malaysian Garden Concept (MGC) branding from the perspectives of experts recognized by the National Landscape Department (NLD). This study applies a qualitative research method, in which researchers have interviewed respondents using specific effective techniques. The MGC is meant for public parks and designed for all uses but has some significant issues. The finding found that intensive promotion, marketing, and advertising can help implement the concept of Malaysian Garden in the future. Keywords: Malaysian Garden; National Identity; Landscape Architecture; Concept Branding  eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6iSI4.291

Youth Perception on Climate Change and Sustainable Consumption

This paper reviews the awareness level of youth on climate change issues by exploring how youth views climate change and their reaction to it. The paper also explores the social dimensions of climate change and how to promote energy-saving behaviour. This paper adopted the PRISMA systematic review methodology in selecting research articles from two scientific web databases: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). 38 research papers were examined in-depth and categorised into three themes, youth and sustainable consumption; the impact of social media on youth’s awareness; and the role of support systems such as parents, educational institutions, and peers. From this review, we summarised that the youth have a relatively elevated level of knowledge regarding the climate change crisis due to the vast and readily available information from the internet and the increasingly popular social media platforms. Our findings suggest that future research should focus on surrounding support systems that can enhance youth motivation in combating climate change. Furthermore, providing knowledge and information on climate change alone is no longer sufficient; instead, the youth want to be informed of the actions they can immediately partake in

Youth Perception on Climate Change and Sustainable Consumption

This paper reviews the awareness level of youth on climate change issues by exploring how youth views climate change and their reaction to it. The paper also explores the social dimensions of climate change and how to promote energy-saving behaviour. This paper adopted the PRISMA systematic review methodology in selecting research articles from two scientific web databases: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). 38 research papers were examined in-depth and categorised into three themes, youth and sustainable consumption; the impact of social media on youth’s awareness; and the role of support systems such as parents, educational institutions, and peers. From this review, we summarised that the youth have a relatively elevated level of knowledge regarding the climate change crisis due to the vast and readily available information from the internet and the increasingly popular social media platforms. Our findings suggest that future research should focus on surrounding support systems that can enhance youth motivation in combating climate change. Furthermore, providing knowledge and information on climate change alone is no longer sufficient; instead, the youth want to be informed of the actions they can immediately partake in

Cognitive Restoration Design: A Psychological Intervention for Stress Mitigation in Neighbourhood Park

Numerous research studies have revealed the landscape’s positive effects on human health and well-being. While prior research underscores landscapes' positive impact on well-being, a gap still needs to be in comprehending their influence on psychological and cognitive aspects. This research focuses on how landscape attributes, specifically those seen in neighbourhood parks, may serve as a stress-relieving cognitive stimulus. In this study, we utilised qualitative research design by employing an in-depth expert interview method to explore what causes stress in urban communities and how specific landscape attributes can improve mental health and well-being. A total of 12 experts consisting of clinical psychologists, counsellors, neuropsychologists, therapists, landscape professionals and academia have consented to participate in this interview. The results illuminate a conceptual framework illustrating how psychological and cognitive landscape attributes can effectively promote cognitive restoration. The findings indicate that the design must be human centred as people are born with innate sense, intuition, and preference, all of which should be considered while designing for their psychological needs. Particularly to stimulate the cognitive part, providing landscape design elements that could inspire enthusiasm is important. This could encourage people to go to the park and interact with various stress-relieving landscape stimuli. Hence, designing for user comfort, safety, social interaction, and pleasurable experiences is critical for achieving cognitive restoration goals