The Sustainable City: The Characteristic Public Urban Green Space for Enhancing Community Social Sustainability in Baghdad

United Nations propounded the key to sustainable development, including the Environmental health and social well-being of society. In the city planning and development, public urban green open spaces provide opportunities for social and physical activities among the communities, which can contribute to mental and physical health in improving the social well-being of the community. Iraq is currently suffering from poor social activities, as many open spaces and parks are neglected and deficient. Therefore, there is a need to enhance residents’ social interaction in public urban green open spaces in order to improve the quality of social fabric in Baghdad City, through the perspective of the sustainable built environment approaches. The aim of this study is to determine the preferred characteristics of pocket parks for enhancing residents' social interaction based on their socio-demographic and investigate the relationship between the availability of quality pocket parks and residents' social interaction in Baghdad City. The study employed by executed the survey to the communities in Karkh district. Respondents (n=306) were selected in a single-random procedure to assess population attitudes towards a pocket park for social and physical activities. The results confirmed that a lack of outdoor daily social interaction in Baghdad City due to the inefficient nearby pocket parks. Thus, there is a need for efficient pocket parks designed to be provided. In this study, the characteristics of efficient pocket park design identified as providing suitable activities and elements, accessibility, well-design, proximity, safety and security, administration and maintenance in the pocket park design. This study contributes to the definitions of pocket parks and nearby open spaces by investigating these spaces' characteristics and benefits towards the social well-being of communities, in achieving the goal of a sustainable community in sustainable city development

Typology of Woodcarving Motifs in Johor Traditional Malay Houses

Johor traditional Malay houses are typically known for its Limas roof. However, apart from the significant roof, woodcarving motifs found in Johor traditional Malay houses also possess a distinct architectural heritage that can promote the identity of a region. Many woodcarving motifs are found and should be studied and managed to sustain the identity of a local region as part of heritage sustainable management. A study on typology of woodcarvings motifs is critically needed in order to avoid losing the authenticity of each state if not being preserved and documented. Johor traditional Malay houses are being demolished day by day before we get to know the typology of it’s woodcarving motifs. The objective of this paper is to identify the woodcarvings motifs found in Johor traditional Malay houses, reveal the typology and analyze the mostly used to be named as the identity of Johor woodcarving motif. Site visits were conducted to 60 traditional Malay houses around Johor in which the woodcarvings motifs were examined, photographed and documented. Interviews were also conducted with the house owners or occupants, and the wood carvers. The samples were analyzed, and the results were verified by experts. A total of 12 typologies derived from 13 motifs were discovered, drawn, coded and named. The pumpkin motif preceded the percentage of the analysis statistics of mostly used and was named as Labu Maya. The findings of this research suggest that the Labu Maya motif represents the identity of woodcarving motifs of Johor traditional Malay houses. From the analysis and discussion made, 12 typologies on Johor woodcarving motifs were revealed, named and documented. This research has shown the local authenticity, beautiful heritage that should be enhanced through managing the typology and sustaining the local identity as part of sustainable management. All these typologies are important for Johor architectural heritage, body of knowledge and also for tourism purposes

Re-Discovering the Ingenuity of Contemporary Malaysian Mosques’ Architecturral Characterisitic As One of the Prime Symbol of South-Asian Islamic Tourism Hub

To develop Malaysia into the most popular Islamic tourism hub in the world, it is important to identify and promote the uniqueness of Malaysia in terms of tourist spots, facilities and Muslim-friendly practices. Currently Malaysia faces tough competition with similar Islamic tourism hubs such as Turkey and the UAE. Staying ahead in this race requires efficient ‘Rebranding’ of the tourist spots and facilities. Malaysia’s tourism potential is enhanced by its rich cultural diversity. This is reflected by the wide range of architectural styles that contribute to Malaysia’s unique architecture. This is particularly evident in the country’s mosques which are constructed in various styles reflecting colonial, modernism and modern contemporary stylistic influences inspired by a number of ethnic subcultures, foreign influences, technology utilization, and the political environment. In this research, three contemporary mosques have been selected for investigation. Generally, the architectural styles of the modern mosque can be grouped into two categories. The first category contains the modern styles which emphasize the advancement in building technology and engineering (i.e. Masjid Tunku Mizan Zainal Abidin). The second category covers the Islamic influences found in countries including Turkey, the Middle East, and Northern Africa (i.e. Masjid Putra). This research will attempt to formulate framework to re-evaluate the classifications for these two categories, before suggesting how these distinctive features might encourage Islamic tourism in Malaysia.   Keyword: Tourism, Uniqueness, Contemporary Malaysian Mosque

The relevancy of mosque architecture in a multi-faith country: China as a case

INTRODUCTION ACCORDING to the survey by Pew Research Center for the level of religious diversity in 2010, China was defined as one of the most multi-faith countries all over the world. At present, data shows that some 20 to 40 million Muslims live in China for which the actual numbers are still difficult to obtain. They acknowledged that due to the different origins of Islam in China and the complexity of China’s modern national policy, various official and unofficial national identities1, 2. Interestingly, Chinese mosque architecture, whether historical or modern, reflects this diversity. This paper investigates the development history of mosque buildings in China3. The discussion on historical mosques continues to contemporary times, which presents diversified architectural styles for mosques in China. Especially, unlike the olden days, in the 21st century, modern architectural technology allows clients to choose from a variety of styles and materials when designing mosques to reflect specific versions of Islamic identity

Idea dan pemikiran seni bina Melayu moden Razin Mahmood

Pengadaptasian bahasa senibina luar ke dalam rekabentuk bangunan di Malaysia dilihat telah menjadi sebagai ancaman kepada pembangunan negara Malaysia sebagai sebuah negara yang kaya dengan warisan kebudayaan dan kesenian. Seawal tahun 1950-an, pelbagai usaha telah dijalankan bagi menzahirkan identiti senibina nasional yang dapat mencerminkan kekayaan nilai kebudayaan dan kesenian di Malaysia. Usaha ini disambut baik oleh pihak kerajaan dan juga arkitek pada ketika itu, di mana warisan kesenian Melayu tradisional telah sepakati sebagai asas pembangunan identiti seni bina nasional. Setelah hampir 70 tahun, perbahasan mengenai identiti senibina nasional ini masih lagi giat diwacanakan dan dibahaskan. Tempoh masa yang panjang ini telah melahirkan pelbagai reaksi, yang mana sebahagiannya melihat isu mengenai pembangunan identiti ini sebagai hanya isu kecil yang tidak perlu diambil berat di dalam aspek reka bentuk dan pembangunan. Senario ini terjadi disebabkan pemahaman konstruk identiti senibina nasional yang bersifat statik, sehingga membataskan pembangunan identiti hanya pada nilai rekabentuk fizikal bangunan sahaja. Pembangunan bahasa senibina Melayu moden telah dicadangkan sebagai salah satu jawapan kepada pembangunan identiti senibina nasional yang lebih holistik. Di dalam kajian ini, konsep dan pemikiran seni bina Melayu moden Arkitek Razin Mahmood telah didokumentasi. Kajian ini dilaksanakan melalui kaedah pendapat pakar, di mana sesi temubual telah dilaksanakan. Hasil dapatan kajian ini akan menyumbang kepada tipologi pemikiran senibina Melayu Moden di dalam usaha memberi jawapan kepada pembangunan identiti senibina nasional yang lebih komprehensif di Malaysia

Sustainable Development of The Historical City: Revitalization of Bukit Mertajam Through Hybrid Architecture Approach

The efforts of historical city revitalization align with the United Nations key sustainable developments in protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of hybrid architecture as an urban catalyst in revitalizing historical cities, as a mimetic between cultural identity preservation and modernization, as employed in the town of Bukit Mertajam. By intertwining diverse elements, hybridity creates "single entities constantly changing and evolving as one," attempting to revitalize the city rather than re-proposing a single concept or idea. Numerous historic towns experienced an urban decline as a result of urbanization, modernization, and rapid social and economic transformations. Indirectly, the gentrification of traditional businesses into boutique hotels and cafes led to the collapse of local businesses and cultures. Most gentrification projects prioritize tourists' interests over the local community. The loss of sense of belonging and the degradation of local identity caused by modernization and gentrification are unavoidable for the town to sustain. There is a lack of harmony in the current gentrification in terms of a balance between socio-economic development, the authenticity of the place, and community empowerment. The study is executed through surveys, where the revitalization of Bukit Mertajam through a hybrid architecture approach is explored. This research provides a fundamental parameter for adopting measures to improve future revitalization projects in socio-economic and cultural heritage support

Universal design and accessibility for people with disabilities in Masjid Negara, Malaysia

Malaysia to become seeks to become a fully developed country by 2020. Among nine central challenges demonstrated in the body of the “Vision 2020” is “the challenge of establishing a fully caring society” (WAWASAN 2020). Along with developed societies overcoming such dysfunctional built environments has become under consideration in Malaysia as well to remove barriers and provide equal access of people with disabilities (PWDS) to all public services. Notwithstanding practical steps taken, there are still dissatisfactions from the members of public toward public buildings which cause restriction in PWDS daily life. Previous studies has also raised claims against inaccessibility of mosque buildings as well. In order to realization of a barrier-free built environment for a huge portion of Malaysia population, this research aimed to investigate accessibility and usability of Malaysian mosques for PWDS. Masjid Negara was selected for the purpose of this study. The most recent revision of available Malaysian Standard of MS 1184:2014, “Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment - Code of Practice”, became the reference in this study. A comprehensive evaluation checklist was constructed for the purpose of a systematic observation including 162 checkpoints under 22 items of accessibility

The Contribution of Non-Malay Architects To The Development of National Architecture Identity in Malaysia

The idea of adapting Malay traditional architectural values has been gazetted as one of the resolutions for National Architecture Identity as presented in ‘Seminar Ke Arah Identiti Kebangsaan Dalam Seni Bina’ in 1981. The resolution heavily influenced the adaptation of traditional Malay architecture, motives, and artefact onto modern architecture as a form to inculcate a singular and united national identity. A lot of research and documentation on good and meaningful architecture embracing the ideals of National architecture identity through the worldview and perspectives of Malay scholars and architects have been documented through books, journals, magazines and extensively discussed during seminars, symposiums, and discourses. Ironically, the contributions of Non-Malay architects adapting Malay symbolism to enunciate or articulate national pride and identity, either due to policies or interest, are minimally discussed and highlighted. This publication attempted to document the contributions of non-Malay architects to the national architecture identity construct. It is crucial to shape future philosophies, theories, criticisms, and thoughts on the overall built environment in developing a comprehensive construct of national architectural identity that does not necessarily rely on ethnocentric criteria based on a single race dominance. The research allows us to expand and progress the local architecture narrative by including diverse voices and thoughts, especially of those who have contributed extensively in the eras of nation-building. This inclusive and diverse input will, in turn, inform and expand the discourse of national identity and unity

The relevancy of mosque architecture in a multi-faith country-China as a case study

Islam had entered the land of China around 1400 years ago, and since then, Chinese Muslims are one of the minority group there. From the Tang dynasty until the present time, various cultural and geopolitical factors have influenced and shaped the architecture of Chinese Muslims. This paper reviews the chronological phases of mosque architecture in mainland China to elaborate on the process of adaptation and localization of Muslim architecture from ancient until modern times. Through comparison and discussion, this paper points out the inducing factors of the existing problems and puts forward some suggestions on the transformation of the function of urban mosques under the background of modernizatio

The Contribution of Non-Malay Architects To The Development of National Architecture Identity in Malaysia

The idea of adapting Malay traditional architectural values has been gazetted as one of the resolutions for National Architecture Identity as presented in ‘Seminar Ke Arah Identiti Kebangsaan Dalam Seni Bina’ in 1981. The resolution heavily influenced the adaptation of traditional Malay architecture, motives, and artefact onto modern architecture as a form to inculcate a singular and united national identity. A lot of research and documentation on good and meaningful architecture embracing the ideals of National architecture identity through the worldview and perspectives of Malay scholars and architects have been documented through books, journals, magazines and extensively discussed during seminars, symposiums, and discourses. Ironically, the contributions of Non-Malay architects adapting Malay symbolism to enunciate or articulate national pride and identity, either due to policies or interest, are minimally discussed and highlighted. This publication attempted to document the contributions of non-Malay architects to the national architecture identity construct. It is crucial to shape future philosophies, theories, criticisms, and thoughts on the overall built environment in developing a comprehensive construct of national architectural identity that does not necessarily rely on ethnocentric criteria based on a single race dominance. The research allows us to expand and progress the local architecture narrative by including diverse voices and thoughts, especially of those who have contributed extensively in the eras of nation-building. This inclusive and diverse input will, in turn, inform and expand the discourse of national identity and unity