Journal of Architecture, Planning and Construction Management

EDITORIAL

Prof. Ar Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian — 2026-07-01

Dear All,

Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Journal of Architecture, Planning and Construction Management (JAPCM), Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design is one the official journals of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), under IIUM Press. It embarked in 2011 and is dedicated to the publication of original articles on the specialized fields of Architecture, Planning, Landscape Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Building Technology and Engineering, Applied Arts and Design, Construction Management and those related to the Built Environment. JAPCM is also the ardent forum for the reports of research that bridged the Built Environment and the Islamic worldview.

Prof. Ar. Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian Editor-in-Chief

HOUSING CONDITION AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SATISFACTION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Oluwasegun James — 2026-06-30

Many researchers have studied residential adequacy in Nigeria, but most focus on informal settlements or government housing. Few empirical studies compare housing quality across demographic groups in various urban districts. This study examines housing conditions and neighborhood satisfaction among residents in Mushin, Lagos State. The main aim is to explore the relationship between housing quality and neighborhood satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey of Mushin residents used structured questionnaires to assess their views on their buildings and neighborhood environment. Data collection included field observations and documentary review. A random sample of 176 households was selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that most residential properties require significant repairs due to owners' and tenants' reluctance to invest in maintenance. Factors such as waste management, visual appeal, interpersonal behavior, and perceived safety at night were key determinants of neighborhood satisfaction. Importantly, there was a strong, statistically significant correlation between housing quality and neighborhood satisfaction.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Sunday Odediran — 2026-06-30

The construction industry is a significant contributor to economic development but also a major source of environmental degradation due to high level of resource consumption and carbon emissions. Sustainable construction, which utilizes eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled concrete, recycled steel and recycled plastic, is crucial for mitigating these impacts. However, its adoption in Nigeria faces significant challenges. This study therefore assessed the factors influencing the adoption of eco-friendly materials for sustainable construction in Lagos, Nigeria. With a quantitative research approach, a well-structured questionnaire was administered on 174 firms and a total of 66 copies of the questionnaire were returned by respondents from 8 consulting firms, 39 contracting firms, 5 consortium firms, and 14 government ministries, departments and agencies located in Lagos. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean score, analysis of variance and factor analysis. The findings revealed that the primary factors motivating adoption are waste reduction, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased pollution, while the main inhibiting factors are a lack of expertise and technical capacity, limited technical guidelines, and limited training and awareness. The study concludes that eco-friendly materials are being adopted for sustainable construction but the level of adoption in Lagos is being hindered by a significant number of technical and institutional barriers. It recommends the need to develop strategies for enhanced technical capacity building, clear policies guidelines, and stronger government incentive schemes to foster a more sustainable practices in construction sector.

ASSESSING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMER-HERDER CONFLICTS (PHLCS) IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY IN THE OKE-OGUN, NIGERIA

Anthony Owolabi — 2026-06-30

Lately, there has been an upsurge in different forms of violent conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study focuses on Farmer-herder land conflict (FHLC) in Oke-Ogun, Nigeria, identifying and examining factors influencing farmer-herder land conflicts (FHLCs). Using both primary and secondary data, the study employed descriptive statistical analysis. Findings revealed that politics was the primary factor influencing FHLC (70.66%) in the Oke-Ogun Region OOR. Findings further identified that farming was subsistence-based (70.0%) and the predominant land use, with a Rate of Influencing Index (RII) of 4.50, while herding was mainly for prestige and commercial purposes, with 6.8% participation and an RII of 3.55. The remaining 23.2% of the respondents engaged in other land-use activities. The mean farm size was 488 hectares, and the average herd size was 460 cattle. The study has shown that farmer-herder land conflict is common in the study area. The conflict has the potential to affect the livelihoods of both the farmers and the herders. Thus, the government's weakness in leaving land administration and land conflict resolution to community leaders and individual families requires urgent attention. Apart from this, the conflict should be promptly and adequately managed through a conflict resolution method or procedure acceptable to all parties to prevent favouritism and marginalisation of any party, and to allow peace between the concerned parties.

SUSTAINABLE ROOFTOP GARDEN FOR MITIGATING URBAN HEAT ISLAND (UHI) IN KLANG VALLEY

Batrisyia Adilah Gani — 2026-06-30

The rapid urbanisation in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, has exacerbated the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, leading to elevated temperatures, poor air quality, and reduced livability. Rooftop gardens have emerged as a sustainable solution, utilising unused vertical spaces to reintroduce greenery into dense urban areas. This research investigates the effectiveness of rooftop gardens in mitigating UHI through environmental field monitoring and expert interviews. The case study is conducted on one rooftop at a Shopping Centre in the Klang Valley, comparing microclimatic conditions between densely and less-vegetated rooftop areas. The findings indicated significant reductions in air temperature and more stable relative humidity in vegetated areas. Interviews with industry professionals further revealed key environmental and design considerations, implementation challenges, and potential solutions to support wider adoption. This study concludes that rooftop gardens are an effective and multifunctional tool for sustainable urban development in tropical regions such as the Klang Valley.

CLASSROOM AESTHETIC AND STUDENT OUTCOMES: IMPACTS ON WELL-BEING AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MALAYSIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Nur Syazwani Selihin — 2026-06-30

The physical and aesthetic design qualities of classrooms significantly influence students’ psychological well-being, motivation, and academic performance. While international research consistently demonstrates that spatial layout, lighting, colour schemes, and ergonomic furniture influence learning outcomes, limited studies have contextualised these findings within Malaysian public institutions. This paper examines the relationship between classroom aesthetics and student experiences at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam. A qualitative approach was adopted, employing semi-structured interviews with 60 students across four faculties. Data were analysed thematically to capture perceptions of how the classroom environment affects concentration, engagement, and emotional well-being. Findings indicate that classroom aesthetics play a pivotal role in enhancing students’ concentration, motivation, and emotional state, where 75% of participants highlighting the positive influence of well-lit, ventilated, and ergonomically furnished spaces. The study underscores how thoughtful classroom design acts not only as a physical attribute but also as a psychological enabler student well-being and improves learning outcomes. These findings bridge current realities with forward-looking design imperatives, offering evidence-based guidance for higher education facilities planning in Malaysia.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INSIGHTS INTO TERRACE HOUSE RETROFIT PRACTICES: A CASE IN PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA

Siti Aishah Ramli — 2026-06-30

Existing residential buildings contribute to significant energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Malaysia – dominant with the landed residential building were constructed under past building codes with limited attention to energy efficiency. Retrofitting this stock represents both a pressing challenge and a golden opportunity to promote national decarbonization efforts. However, retrofitting practices are often ad hoc and complicated, influenced by homeowners’ physical extensions rather than environmental considerations. This research addresses the gap by exploring the retrofit practices of Malaysian terrace houses through an ethnographic, visual case observation approach. Fieldwork was conducted across four sites in Petaling Jaya, where alterations were systematically documented using field notes, sketches, photographs and video taking. These observations were supported by documentary analysis of existing retrofit policies and guidelines. Cases were classified according to scales of intervention – minor, intermediate, major and complete, reflecting both local authority definitions and practices observed in situ. The study uncovered widespread informal interventions, which were primarily motivated by functionality, privacy and cultural preferences rather than energy performance. The findings underscore the limitations of current retrofit policies, which remain advisory rather than mandatory, and highlight the need for frameworks that account for socio-cultural practices and homeowner decision-making. By adopting an ethnographic lens, this study demonstrates how retrofit strategies can be made more socially grounded, practical, and widely adopted, ultimately bridging global low-carbon ambitions with local housing realities.

ADAPTIVE HOUSING PLANNING STRATEGIES FOR STRENGTHENING URBAN POOR COMMUNITIES IN POST-PANDEMIC CITIES

Hedieh Takhmiri — 2026-07-01

This paper examines the role of adaptive housing planning strategies in strengthening the resilience of urban poor communities in the post-pandemic era. The study highlights how planning approaches to adaptive housing can mitigate vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19 and support more equitable urban development. Synthesizing recent literature, the review emphasizes participatory governance, sustainable design integration, and innovative policy and financing mechanisms tailored to urban poor populations. Using resilience frameworks—including Holling’s Resilience Theory, the Adaptive Capacity Framework, and the Social-Ecological Systems approach, the paper illustrates how adaptive housing operates at the intersection of physical infrastructure, socio-economic conditions, and environmental systems. Findings indicate that adaptive housing planning not only addresses immediate post-pandemic housing needs but also lays the foundation for long-term resilience, inclusivity, and improved quality of life. The paper concludes with a call for stronger collaboration among policymakers, urban planners, and researchers to scale context-sensitive adaptive housing strategies within broader resilience and poverty alleviation agendas.

MAPPING DAYLIGHTING ZONES IN NIGERIA USING EMPIRICAL DATA AND CLIMATE MODELLING

Abubakar Salisu — 2026-07-01

This study investigates the relationship between the widely used Koppen-Trewatha-Horn (KTH) climate classification system of Nigeria and daylighting performance. It assesses the suitability of existing climate zones for assessing daylighting effectiveness through Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM) in test classrooms at 24 locations across the country. Data analysis using both supervised (Chi-square goodness-of-fit) and unsupervised (hierarchical clustering) statistical tests reveals a marked difference between the traditional climate zones and the empirically derived daylighting zones. The research provides new, evidence-based daytime zone maps for Nigeria using daylighting metrics such as Daylight Autonomy (DA), Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), and Daylight Uniformity Index (DAUI). The results indicate that the best-fit daylighting zones do not align with the conventional climate zone limits, suggesting that expert daylighting classification schemes should be employed in architectural design practices. The research forms the basis for the design of Nigerian and other tropical region-specific daylighting design guidelines.

THE ROLE OF IMAGEABILITY IN STRENGTHENING PLACE ATTACHMENT IN UPGRADED ALLEYS: A SURVEY-BASED STUDY IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT OF KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

Hammou Harizi — 2026-07-01

This quantitative study investigates the correlation between imageability and place attachment, specifically in the context of urban alley regeneration in Kuala Lumpur. Although the alleys of Southeast Asian cities are increasingly being transformed into livable public spaces, few studies have investigated the visual and spatial characteristics that shape users’ attachments to place. A quantitative survey approach was utilized to evaluate user perceptions of five upgraded alleys in Bukit Bintang. A total of 695 participants were assessed with a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to examine the impact of perceived imageability on place attachment. Findings indicate that place imageability attributes, including distinctiveness, visual clarity, and legibility, significantly predict place attachment levels. Specifically, legibility significantly influences both emotional and functional user attachment to a space, while perceived distinctiveness strongly correlates with emotional attachment. Using empirical methods to validate how imageability shapes place attachment in reimagined micro-public spaces, this study advances the theoretical debate in urban planning and design related to the quality of public spaces from physical and emotional perspectives. Additionally, the findings support policymakers in developing urban regeneration policies that transcend the physical aspect of place within the dense urban context of the Global South.

IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT-INDUCED DISPLACEMENT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF MAKKAH RESIDENTS, SAUDI ARABIA

Majrashi Abdurahman Abdulaziz M — 2026-07-01

In the 21st century, the provision of urban infrastructure and services to meet growing needs and aspirations has intensified displacement, particularly in informal settlements. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly Makkah, is undergoing massive urban development projects cutting across informal settlements, which have displaced several households. The study explored the impacts of development-induced displacement on households displaced from Jabal Al-Sherasheef due to urban development and the expansion of Masjid Al-Haram. It is underpinned by the Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction (IRR) framework. A case study design was employed to collect data from 415 displaced persons and 10 in-depth interviews. Data collected were subjected to both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential tests (paired t-test). Findings demonstrate that there exists a statistically significant difference before and after displacement in the socio-economic parameters such as family type, tenure type, household size, income, expenditure, and access to services. Interpreted in line with the Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction (IRR) framework, the findings imply that the Haram expansion and supporting infrastructural projects have impacted the displaced people both in terms of socio-cultural relations as well as economic well-being. There was a significant decrease in the size of displaced households and monthly income after displacement. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the monthly expenditure after displacement. Similarly, qualitative insights indicate disruption of social structure and reduced access to services. The findings suggest that despite resettlement to formally planned areas of Makkah, the displaced persons still experience material and non-material loss and declining socio-economic well-being. The contribution of the study is to empirically operationalise the Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction framework within the context of urban Makkah. The study recommends that policy and decision-makers integrate livelihood restoration and support, social network preservation and improved access to services into resettlement planning policies, strategies and implementation to overcome the long-term impact of development-induced displacement.

EXPLORING SPACE ADAPTABILITY AND MULTI-FUNCTIONALITY IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR COMPLEX FOR TARABA STATE

Pius Lawan Kodei — 2026-07-01

This research focuses on the design and construction of a multi-functional international trade fair complex for Taraba State, Nigeria, with an emphasis on spatial adaptability. This research focuses on the design and construction of a multi-functional international trade fair complex for Taraba State, Nigeria, with an emphasis on spatial adaptability. The existing state-owned trade fair facility in Jalingo lacks the necessary infrastructure to support multiple functions year-round effectively. The study aims to propose a design solution for a versatile trade fair complex capable of accommodating diverse activities and responding to changing space requirements. A mixed-method research design approach was adopted, employing case studies, structured observation checklists, and architectural design tools, including AutoCAD, as instruments for data collection. Results are presented using tables, plates, frequency distributions, percentages, and architectural design drawings to illustrate spatial allocation, functional relationships, and design outcomes. Findings revealed that 50% of the facilities at the current state-owned Jalingo trade fair complex were either unavailable or inadequate. The proposed Jalingo International Trade Fair Complex was designed to incorporate 18 key functional components, totaling 47 usable facilities, including exhibition halls, open fairgrounds, parking lots, cultural pavilions, offices, and service areas. The results further indicate that the most extensively used spaces are the parking area (44,400m²), exhibition halls (40,950m²), and open fairground (14,250m²), while the eatery service unit, internet cafe, and information desk areas occupied the least spatial allocation with 39m², 40.56m², and 59.40m² respectively. In conclusion, the proposed design offers a sustainable framework for improving facility utilization and enhancing the socio-economic value of trade fair infrastructures in the State of Taraba. Therefore, it is recommended that implementing this project, either through state initiatives or public-private partnerships, will create direct and indirect employment opportunities and enhance Taraba State’s internally generated revenue base.

SOCIO-TECHNOLOGICAL PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE SMART CITIES: A DEMATEL ANALYSIS OF IoT CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC RESPONSES

Mohd Hisyam Jahimi — 2026-07-01

Smart cities are widely promoted as a response to urbanisation pressures, with the Internet of Things (IoT) providing the core enabling technology. IoT adoption at the city scale involves coupled technical, organisational, and financial challenges that are rarely studied as a connected system. This study applies the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, grounded in a socio-technical systems perspective, to model the perceived causal relationships among five recurring IoT challenges (interoperability, scalability, data analytics, data security and privacy, and financial constraints) and five widely proposed strategic responses (standardisation of IoT protocols, microservices-oriented architecture, edge computing, data-protection regulation, and public–private partnerships). Twenty-five purposively selected experts engaged in IoT-enabled smart city projects in Malaysia provided the influence judgments analysed here. The analysis identifies data security and privacy as the dominant perceived causal driver among the challenges, financial constraints as the most prominent receiving challenge, and the standardisation of IoT protocols as the strategy with the strongest net influence and the broadest perceived reach across the challenges. Rather than asserting universal causal claims, the study provides a context-specific, expert-based prioritisation framework for Malaysian smart city implementation, with implications for how policymakers, urban planners, and technology providers sequence interventions in resource-constrained settings.

ALIGNING CURATORIAL INTENT WITH PERCEPTION-BASED NAVIGATION: SOM AND ISOVIST APPROACHES IN EXHIBITION DESIGN

Sajid I Awal — 2026-07-01

Designing intuitive indoor exhibition spaces requires aligning the intended narrative sequence with visitors' spontaneous movement. Evaluating this alignment before construction remains a challenge in architectural planning. This research presents a computational framework to assess spatial layouts by comparing planned exhibition routes with simulated visitor behaviour. The study employs two complementary computational approaches within a temporary indoor exhibition context: the Self-Organising Map (SOM) and Isovist-based agent simulation. The SOM algorithm generates an optimised sequence of exhibit nodes, representing the intended visitor route, while the Isovist simulation predicts movement based on spatial geometry, visibility, and obstacle avoidance. An image-based, pixel-level comparison using OpenCV quantifies the overlap between SOM-generated paths and Isovist trajectories, revealing areas of alignment and divergence. Results show partial overlap, indicating that while SOM captures structured circulation, natural visitor movement is more adaptive and variable. The methodology highlights spatial inefficiencies and navigational bottlenecks, providing architects and planners with a diagnostic tool to optimise exhibition layouts, enhance circulation, and ensure key points of interest are naturally discoverable.

KEY FACTORS TO COMMUNITY-BASED MELIPONICULTURE SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN MALAYSIA’S ONE VILLAGE ONE PRODUCT (OVOP) FRAMEWORK

Nor Muhammad Hafidzul — 2026-07-10

Limited product branding, weak marketing capability, and management constraints have contributed to mixed outcomes in the implementation of Malaysia’s One Village One Product (OVOP) strategy, particularly for community-based initiatives in rural areas. This study aims to identify strategies that can enhance the long-term sustainability and viability of community-based meliponiculture (stingless beekeeping) within the OVOP framework. The research focuses on Kampung Sedili Kecil, Johor, where meliponiculture has been developed as a local economic activity. A quantitative research approach was adopted, involving fifteen active participants through structured questionnaires, with data analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, including mean score analysis and ranking. The findings indicate that strong local leadership, consistent support from government agencies, and effective product branding are key drivers of program success, while limited access to financing, inadequate management skills, and insufficient infrastructure remain significant barriers. The study highlights the importance of capacity building, improved market access, and participatory governance as critical strategies to strengthen the sustainability of community-based meliponiculture, contributing to rural economic development and environmental stewardship in Malaysia.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH: SOCIAL SUPPORT AND WELL-BEING SERVICES

K.C Sangita — 2026-07-10

This study examines the mental health and well-being of students at a South Korean university, using private universities as a case study. The research aims to identify common stressors affecting students, assess their awareness and utilization of mental health support services, and propose strategies to enhance student well-being. A quantitative research approach was employed, and data were collected through an online structured survey distributed to 200 students from various academic departments, of which 163 valid responses were analyzed. The survey consisted of closed-ended questions designed to assess perceived stress levels, common stress factors, coping strategies, and awareness and use of university-based mental health services. The findings reveal moderate to low levels of emotional well-being among many students and highlight academic pressure as a major source of stress. Despite the availability of mental health services, utilization remains limited due to lack of awareness and cultural stigma. The study recommends increasing mental health literacy, improving the visibility and accessibility of counseling services, and implementing proactive well-being initiatives. Faculty engagement and peer-led support programs are also suggested to foster a supportive campus culture. By focusing on private universities, this study contributes to the broader discourse on student mental health and supports the adoption of a whole-institution approach to promoting mental health and well-being in higher education.

TOURIST PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIOURS TOWARDS CONSERVATION FEES: EVIDENCE FROM TIOMAN ISLAND

Nur Adena Mahadzir — 2026-07-10

Tourism in natural areas can harm wildlife and the environment therefore conservation fees are an important way to support protection efforts. However, many tourists are lacking awareness or doubt the value of these fees, which makes their implementation challenging. Thus, the study aims to examine tourists’ perceptions and behaviours regarding conservation fees with Tioman Island as a case study. Using a quantitative approach, 170 questionnaire responses from the tourists were analysed via SPSS. Results show most tourists lacked clarity on how these fees are used. While some expressed willingness to pay more when outcomes were visible, others remained uncertain. Findings highlight the need for clearer communication and transparency to strengthen trust, promote responsible tourism, and support ecotourism sustainability.