Design Ideals Journal

PREFACE

2025-12-14T07:28:21+08:00

PREFACE

EDITORIAL

2025-12-14T08:34:03+08:00

EDITORIAL

TABLE OF CONTENT

2025-12-14T08:40:12+08:00

TABLE OF CONTENT

SEMAI FOREST CULTURAL VILLAGE: CULTURAL ECOTOURISM CENTRE FOR ORANG ASAL SEMAI IN CAMERON HIGHLAND, PAHANG

2025-12-14T10:26:57+08:00

This study presents research on the development of a cultural ecotourism centre for Orang Asal Semai located in Cameron Highland, Pahang, Malaysia. The study aims to promote ecotourism while promoting and preserving the Orang Asal Semai’s culture. The Semai clan, is a native indigenous group in Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed cultural ecotourism centre will serve as the main hub for community development and growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. In return, the centre offers visitors immersive and unforgettable experience such as building traditional crafts, storytelling, trekking, medicine and herbs making, and educational workshops. It is a place for visitors to dwell themselves in the Semai way of life. This initiative is supported by the participation of the Semai people in Cameron Highlands, ensuring the community hands on involvement, leading to the planning, management, and the operation of the cultural centre. By nurturing this cross-cultural exchange, this project improves the preservation of the Semai culture while serves as a model for Orang Asal led ecotourism.

REVIVING ISLAMIC CIVILISATION PARK AT PULAU WAN MAN, TERENGGANU

2025-12-14T10:32:59+08:00

The paper explores the idea and concept of Islamic civilisation and the Islamic Garden, and their implementation in landscape architectural design in the Malaysian context. This project explores how the Islamic Garden design concept can be integrated within landscape design for a diverse society without neglecting the local culture, values, and place identity. Deeply rooted in the symbolic, cultural, and theological foundations of Islamic civilisation, Islamic Gardens have historically represented more than aesthetic beauty. They embody spiritual meaning, philosophical depth, and a connection to nature and divine creation. With origins dating back to the 7th century through the Persian Garden, Islamic Gardens evolved across regions and cultures, adapting to local environmental and social contexts. However, modern landscape practices often overlook these traditional elements. This project investigates how Islamic Garden principles can be revitalised and implemented in contemporary landscape design, particularly in public park and spaces in Pulau Wan Man, Terengganu. The project embeds cultural identity, religious values, and environmental planning that co-exist in the design of landscape spaces. Ultimately, the study emphasises the importance of preserving Islamic heritage through landscape design that reflects both traditional principles and modern needs, ensuring the enduring relevance of Islamic Gardens in diverse urban and cultural contexts.

SUSTAINABLE WATERFRONT LANDSCAPE TO REVITALISE THE COASTAL HERITAGE OF TELUK SENGAT, KOTA TINGGI, JOHOR

2025-12-14T10:41:25+08:00

The coastal heritage of Teluk Sengat in Kota Tinggi, Johor represents a complex intersection between natural ecosystems, cultural legacy, and human settlement patterns. As a historic port town situated along the Johor River, Teluk Sengat holds tangible and intangible heritage values that have evolved under pressures from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and unsustainable development. This study analyses the landscape character, environmental vulnerabilities, and socio-economic challenges of the area to propose a holistic, resilient design solution. A combination of qualitative methods including site inventory, stakeholder interviews, and literature reviews were used to inform the design strategies. By integrating heritage conservation, ecotourism infrastructure, and climate-sensitive planning, the project aims to regenerate the coastal identity of Teluk Sengat while supporting local communities and preserving biodiversity. The final proposal envisions a sustainable waterfront landscape that enhances cultural continuity, ecological resilience, and economic viability.

WOMEN RECHARGE: TRAINING AND ECONOMIC SANCTUARY FOR SINGLE MOTHERS IN TUMPAT, KELANTAN

2025-12-14T10:47:43+08:00

This paper focuses into the pivotal role of helping single mothers to grow not only emotionally but also in economic aspect. Single mothers represent a growing but marginalised group both in urban and rural area of Malaysia. Single mothers often face dual responsibilities as caregiver and breadwinner. Hence, this paper explores the architectural aspect which envisioned “training and economic sanctuary” in order to help single mother grow and give them a better chance to sustain their life. One of the main interest is to recognise the growing presence of women in micro businesses particularly in Kelantan, which emphasise on Batik

and tailoring. However, a combination of modern entrepreneurship is needed which lead to the presence of digital training aligned with current modernisation. These activities encourage both the growth of single mothers and empower the area of Tumpat, Kelantan as main hub for Batik production.

ASIAN TRADE AND CULTURAL VILLAGE: BUILDING UNITY THROUGH HERITAGE, TRADE, AND CULTURE

2025-12-14T10:52:01+08:00

As Asia takes centre stage in global economic development, preserving a shared cultural identity in the built environment becomes essential. Modernism should not erase the distinctive architectural language and heritage that bind the region together. This project demonstrates Asian architecture through the integration of shared components from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries. Key elements include

water, local vegetation, open spaces, and courtyards, combined with contemporary facilities such as exhibition halls, an auditorium, and craft showcase spaces. The chosen site, currently abandoned, is transformed into an active urban place that strengthens its surrounding context. Findings show that embedding shared architectural components creates an authentic Asian atmosphere while meeting functional needs. The study recommends architecture as both a physical and cultural construct, where tangible elements and intangible activities together define identity. This project exemplifies how architectural intervention can foster Asian identity and celebrate shared values across the region.

ARUNIKA: THE ENHANCEMENT OF KAED COURTYARDS THROUGH MULTI-MOTION DESIGN FOR WELLNESS AND LEISURE

2025-12-14T11:01:45+08:00

Courtyards in the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED) at IIUM serve as transitional and communal spaces that enhance interaction, comfort, and identity within academic environments. However, the KAED courtyards are currently underutilised, offering limited inclusivity, comfort, and spatial character. This project aims to transform the KAED Courtyard (Gallery) and KAED Courtyard (Café) into vibrant, climate-responsive, and multifunctional hubs that reflect the faculty’s creative spirit and foster community engagement. A multidisciplinary methodology, including site analysis, user observation, precedent studies, design development, and cost evaluation had guided the formulation of the “Multi-Motion” concept. The proposed design introduces interactive gathering zones, varied seating arrangements, greenery, and water features to enhance comfort, inclusivity, and environmental responsiveness, while prioritising cost-effective materials and solutions. This approach upgrades the KAED Courtyards into dynamic, sustainable, and financially feasible community spaces.

A SPACE OF ENGAGEMENT: PROPOSING ENHANCEMENT OF COURTYARDS IN KULLIYYAH OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, IIUM

2025-12-14T11:09:47+08:00

The proposed enhancement of the two KAED Courtyards at the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (IIUM) focuses on transforming underutilised outdoor areas into meaningful and engaging spaces for the campus community. The objectives are to strengthen the identity of KAED, create inclusive gathering spaces, maximize the use of open areas, and promote environmentally responsive design. The proposal emphasizes multifunctionality, sustainability, and community engagement, envisioning the courtyards as vibrant and adaptable hubs that support academic, social, and cultural activities while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the faculty. Beyond aesthetic and functional improvement, the project serves as a pedagogical platform where students can apply sustainable and community-oriented design approaches, reinforcing IIUM’s mission to integrate knowledge, faith, and practice within the built environment.

SOCIOLOGICAL IMPACT IN PUBLIC TOILET DESIGN: CASE STUDY OF KAED MALAY HERITAGE LIVING LAB

2025-12-14T11:17:57+08:00

Human interaction in public spaces is influenced by both environment and culture. Public toilets, however, often fall short in meeting user needs due to poor facilities and lack of proper amenities. In the Malay cultural context, Adat plays an important role in shaping social behaviour and shared practices, which can guide more context-sensitive design. This project explores the sociological and cultural dimensions of public toilet design with a focus on human factors. The objectives are: (1) to identify design criteria for public toilets, (2) to examine contextual impacts on user behaviour, and (3) to develop a 3D model for restroom of

Rumah Kutai. The study employs literature review, case studies, and site observations within the KAED Malay Heritage Living Lab, IIUM. Findings are expected to highlight culturally rooted design criteria and demonstrate how traditional values can be integrated with functional requirements to create inclusive, responsive, and sustainable public toilet facilities.

HEALING INDEPENDENT ELDERLY VILLAGE IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

2025-12-14T11:24:26+08:00

As Malaysia’s ageing population continues to rise, many elderly individuals particularly in Kota Kinabalu face challenges such as loneliness, declining health and inadequate care environments. Existing facilities often lack cultural sensitivity, emotional warmth, and proper support for independence, leading to isolation and loss of dignity. This thesis proposes a new architectural response through the design of Walai Healing Elderly Village, inspired by traditional Sabahan house typologies such as the Rumah Bajau, Rumah Dusun Lotud, and Rumah Panjang Rungus. The proposal integrates universal design standards, passive environmental

strategies, and healing landscapes to promote autonomy, cultural belonging, and social connection. The aim is to create a healing environment that enhances well-being by embracing the cultural familiarity, nature, and the community living.

REVIVING SOULS: ENHANCING LAMAN KAED AS COMMUNAL PUBLIC SPACES IN UNIVERSITY

2025-12-14T11:32:10+08:00

Laman KAED at the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), IIUM, has the potential to serve as a central hub for interaction, creativity, and spiritual reflection. However, the space is currently underutilised, and lacking in vibrancy, inclusivity, and functional character. This project aims to revive and transform Laman KAED into a multifunctional, sustainable, and Shariah-compliant environment that reflect the faculty’s identity and fosters community engagement. A collaborative methodology, including site assessment, user observation, precedent review, design development, and cost assessment guides the proposal toward a holistic intervention. The design introduces paved walkways for improved circulation, kiosks as income-generating elements, and a stage to support academic and social activities. Together, these innovations emphasise harmony between nature, humanity, and divine principles while creating a meaningful, inclusive, and financially viable space. The outcome positions “Revive” as a purposeful, dynamic, and sustainable transformation that restores both the physical and symbolic value of Laman KAED. By integrating passive systems, multifunctional structures, and biophilic design, the space evolves into a living environment that adapts to changing academic and social needs while nurturing creativity, interaction, and well-being. Grounded in Islamic values, the project aspires to deliver long-lasting academic, social, and spiritual benefits, establishing Laman KAED as an iconic landmark that strengthens communityidentity and belonging.

HOT SPRING LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS TOURISM AT FELDA RESIDENCE SUNGKAI, PERAK

2025-12-14T11:37:37+08:00

Hot springs are natural geothermal phenomena that offer recreational and therapeutic benefits. The project investigates the potentials and proposes hot spring landscapes as community-based oriented areas for rehabilitation and enjoyment. The methodology combines site observations, field surveys, and secondary data analysis to examine existing conditions and support relevant findings. Through precedent studies, the paper explores design strategies that optimise hot spring landscapes for sustainable tourism and local engagement. The findings reveal that the site possesses strong potential to function as a rehabilitation and therapeutic centre, enriched by its natural surroundings. Beyond the hot spring itself, the integration of nature trails and environmental education opportunities enhances its value as a holistic healing environment. The design proposal therefore emphasises not only the therapeutic effects of mineral-rich waters but also the creation of diverse public healing spaces that harmonise conservation goals with community well-being. By incorporating health tourism elements and prioritising sustainable practices, this study contributes to future development models that position hot springs as balanced destinations for both environmental protection and human wellness.

ABADI: SAFEGUARDING THE RICH FABRICS OF MALAY ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH A CEREMONIAL ENTRANCE OF IIUM MALAY ENCLAVE

2025-12-14T11:43:57+08:00

This article presents a project on “ceremonial entrance” for the existing Malay Enclave, also called the Malay Heritage Living Lab, at International Islamic University Malaysia. The proposed project incorporates a lookout platform, an entrance archway, bridge guardrails, and landscape works. The main objective of this inventive design proposal is to elevate the Malay Heritage Living Lab, infusing it with captivating elements that are not only safeguarding the rich fabric of traditional Malay architectural heritage but also function as a guiding light to both local and international audiences. In essence, the design concept Abadi, stands as a testament to the legacy of bygone eras, offering an immersive experience that effortlessly intertwines the delicate strands of traditional Malay architecture and the quintessential elements inherent to a traditional village setting. To accomplish this vision, an elaborate and systematic approach was carefully developed. This entailed the selection of case studies, each dedicated to exploring a unique aspect of the proposed design: the structure, the passageway, and, importantly, the platform. Throughout this

process, the research team explored extensively into the venture of identifying characteristics that delineate each design element. This encompassed a thorough examination of materials, installation techniques, and a thoughtful choice of hues, all of which were scrutinised with great attention to detail, tailored precisely to the context and specific needs of the project. As the project takes shape, it would be supported by a set of core conceptions that encapsulate its essence and goals, with Rumah Kutai (Kutai House) being particularly prominent context to the proposed project. The notion of Abadi, means eternal, everlasting, or immortal, would serve as guiding principles, ensuring that the design remains rooted in the Malay cultural origins and continues to respect and celebrate the vibrant heritage it strives to preserve and promote. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary undertaking promises to be an extraordinary blend of knowledge, creativity, and appreciation for Malay heritage in the contemporary context.