MAJ - Malaysia Architectural Journal

Biocentrism in Urban Planning: Reimagining Neighbourhood Development with Life at the Centre

Pashmeena Ghom — 2025-06-22

The concept of biocentrism is intrinsic in all living entities and the interconnectedness of life and consciousness with the universe. It has profound implications on urban planning and neighbourhood development in the contemporary scenario. The article delves into the fundamentals of biocentrism and contrasts it with the principles of neighbourhood development. Biocentric perspectives on urban planning and development leads to the rise of biocentric people and nature centric strategies that prioritize environmental ethics, animal rights, and the holistic interdependence of the life forms. It explores existing frameworks for neighbourhood development, highlighting both their commonalities and differences. Further, it emphasis how biocentrism can be integrated into these models. Through multiple case studies, it exemplifies a practical application and outcomes of such biocentric strategies. Concluding, chart shows the prospective trajectory for biocentric neighbourhood development, advocating for a more inclusive, sustainable, and life-affirming urban future.

Southeast Asian Vernacular Settlement and Its Architectural Transformation: Tenganan Pegeringsingan in Bali as a Case Study

I Nyoman Gede Maha Putra — 2025-06-22

From the colonial era onward, Western observers have held romanticized notions of Southeast Asia as part of the East. As a consequence, Southeast Asian vernacular villages, possessing a strong sense of cultural identity and convenient accessibility, are currently transforming into tourist attractions. From an economic standpoint, tourism is beneficial, but it also has other effects, such as changing the village's architecture and landscape design. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the architectural and spatial changes that took place in Bali's Tenganan Pegeringsingan Village and how the locals interpret these developments. We use qualitative research methods such as archival analysis, building and architectural surveys, and qualitative interviews to study pre-change conditions, compare them to current conditions, and ascertain how the community accepts or rejects the changes that have taken place. Furthermore, the difficulties of preserving its identity will also be discussed. The study's findings describe the difficulties and resiliency tactics of villages with deep cultural ties in the face of external variables affecting their internal process of knowledge transfer. The research will conclude by outlining how a Southeast Asian traditional settlement has changed in the era of global capital, namely tourism, and what creative endeavours can fulfil its current and future needs without sacrificing its identity.

Ragamala Architecture: Architecture of Melodic Garlands

Zarrin Tasnim — 2025-06-23

Excluding limited exemptions, the mainstream architecture of Bangladesh is now lost into oblivion. The current architecture is ensuing, the aesthetic of the Western-hemisphere, blind folded, negating the necessity of the Eastern-hemisphere, precisely tropical Dhaka, Bangladesh, portraying high air temperatures and torrential rainfall. The architecture of Bengal, partial India and Bangladesh has affluent architectural history rooted in its culture, religion, and heritage. Traveling back to the centuries in search for insights, the author stumbled upon Ragamala and Bangla Ragamala Paintings, traditional Indian and Bengali paintings, depicting musical modes. Traveling forward to the present, this study quests for a climate receptive core elements that the contemporary architecture could embrace upholding the culture and heritage of Bengal. Conducting literature review and field survey from ancient to modern and contemporary architecture of Indian subcontinent, Bengal and Pavilion models including Ragamala and Bangla Ragamala paintings, this research finds some fundamental features that could work magic in present Dhaka. This research terminates at the framework of designing buildings with extended roof protecting from scorching-sun and torrential-rain, higher plinth, and bare minimum or almost no wall allowing soothing-breeze on a lush-green and water-based landscape could be climate responsive solution for this region. This research culminates quoting Gautama Siddhartha during his nirvana, “Architect, you shall not build your house again,”. This research is not abandoning building architecture like Buddhist Metaphor, rather restating the metaphor, Architect, you shall build, merely break the walls of your house, almost. This research usher an inception of a novel era of architecture towards a sustainable city evolving from the core building models of indigenous essence.

‘Vastu Shastra’- An Important Aspect Of Culture And Heritage In The Design And Planning Of Sustainable Cities

Sulakshana Bhanushali — 2025-06-15

The UN Brundtland Commission first defined sustainability, in the year 1987, as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, by endeavours and initiatives towards the preservation of a particular resource, natural or otherwise. In recent times, preservation of Cultural Heritage and in particular, Architectural Cultural Heritage has come into light as an important aspect of planning for cities of the future. ‘Smart cities’ in particular, foray into the technological and digital aspects of city infrastructure. The traditional Indian Knowledge System of ‘Vastu-Shastra’ has been ignored in this context, where western philosophies and theories in planning and design have become a popular norm. This paper will highlight the ancient wisdom of ‘Vastu-Shastra’ as Architectural Cultural Heritage of the Indian sub-continent and the need for its cognizance as an important aspect in the design and planning of sustainable cities. It will examine the four pillars of sustainability from the lens of the of ‘Vastu-Shastra’ and try to establish its contribution to the future of cities in the context of ‘Sustainable Development Goals’, citing through historical examples of city/town planning, and highlighting the various practices of sustainability embedded as culture and heritage. Thereby, one can see that ‘Vastu-Shastra’ is, by its application through historical times in planning and design in the Indian sub-continent as well as the South-east Asian region and therefore, by virtue of preservation of environment through diligent use of climate and regional response, has a strong connection to the historical and cultural aspect of the society. This makes it an integral part of the ACH of the Indian sub-continent and South-east Asian region and an important consideration for the future cities from the sustainability aspect as well as cultural heritage.

Heritage, Innovation, and Sustainability: Discourse from Sragi, Pekalongan, Indonesia

Agus S. Ekomadyo — 2025-06-15

This article addresses heritage issues within the context of sustainability, highlighting the integration of efforts to preserve the past with considerations for the future. In Indonesia, several industrial heritage sites, which remain active and serve as repositories of societal history and knowledge, are currently under threat due to political and economic pressures. Despite its efforts to survive, the Sragi Sugar Factory continues to hold economic value and generates a multiplier effect on the surrounding communities. Several incremental initiatives have been trying to revitalize several heritage buildings with new functions, but these innovations have not yet received comprehensive policy protection. Here, heritages are seen as a representation of the social struggle to maintain the historical values of the societies. The sustainability transition approach encourages an economic perspective that is more pro-innovation rather than a transactional neo-classical perspective, enabling heritage sites to be valued and considered through various incentives and empowerment programs as long-term investments.

How Cameroonian Cultural Heritage is Rich but Neglected: A Critical Analysis of the Roles and Responsibilities of Various Stakeholders

. Mipo Tchinkou Edith Flaure — 2025-06-15

Heritage is what a country inherits from its past, both in material and immaterial forms, such as artistic creations, ancient civilizations, monuments, and natural reserves. In architecture, heritage shows the human achievements that mark a period, a culture, or an event, and help pass on history and identity to future generations. It is an important way of expressing the history and identity of a people. Cameroon has a rich and diverse heritage, including archaeological (the Shum Laka site that is over 30,000 years old), architectural, intangible, and cultural landscapes that are spread across different regions. Two of these sites are recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO: the Dja Faunal Reserve (DFR) and the Sangha Trinational. To preserve this valuable legacy, it is essential to start with a thorough identification of the Cameroonian heritage catalog. This study should evaluate the current condition of each site, monument, artistic and architectural work, and define appropriate measures to increase their visibility and value. This involves finding accurate methods for conservation, restoration, and maintenance that ensure proper valorization and transmission to future generations. Then, it will be important to think of ways to raise awareness and appreciation of Cameroonian heritage among communities and populations to encourage better valorization. The goal of valorizing this heritage is to make the historical narrative available and thus promote Cameroonian culture, both locally and globally.

Symbiotic Ideology in Historical Layering: Sustainable Development of Linhai City in Urbanisation

Yixuan Yang — 2025-06-24

The intensification of urbanisation poses new challenges to sustainable urban development. This paper firstly points out that the urban development of Linhai City, China, is characterised by a clear historical stratification in space, and then introduces the theory of symbiosis as a perspective for studying sustainable urban development. While using historical layering as a framework to connect time and space in order to study the use of symbiosis in the development of Linhai in different historical periods. The article will specifically analyse the cultural space, material space, and social space of Linhai’s ancient city area, old city area, Dayang new city, and Lingang new city, aiming to reveal the plurality and complexity of city’s development in the historical process. Its diverse urban layout not only adapts to the local conditions and respects the natural and historical heritage, but meets the needs of modern society, demonstrating the overall value and specific application of the concept of symbiosis in urban design. The article concludes by presenting the current problems of Linhai’s urban development and the guiding role of symbiosis ideology in solving the problems, which will provide a theoretical and practical reference for the sustainable development of Linhai and similar cities, as well as a new way of thinking for future research on sustainable development in China.

The Iconic Of River Of Life

Mohd Nur Ihsan Ishak — 2025-06-15

Iconic projects, such as the River of Life, Pintasan Saloma, Kuala Lumpur Gantry, Urban Place Making, Heritage Walk, Urban Back Lane, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, and KL Street Beatification, are significant construction or development endeavours with symbolic significance, extraordinary design, innovation, or cultural impact. These projects, often serving as landmarks or representations of a city, region, or concept, are notable for their architectural uniqueness, historical importance, or ability to capture public attention and admiration. Therefore, efficient and persistent maintenance plans are crucial. Iconic projects in big cities contribute to the country's financial, political, and cultural success. Facility management involves a team of professionals, including architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors, and should incorporate thorough planning into daily building operation. The Klang riverfront, a significant natural treasure in Greater Kuala Lumpur, is undergoing restoration to become a major city. The restoration aims to educate people and in still a sense of ownership in the city while preserving its heritage. The goal of Kuala Lumpur's waterfront renovation is to maintain its history while also redefining this desirable area. The River of Life will weave together diverse waterfront areas, strengthening the identity of the area as the historical, physical, and social entities of Kuala Lumpur. The river is home to historical structures such as Merdeka Square, and Masjid Jamek, symbolizing the initiation of Kuala Lumpur. The River of Life offers stunning views of the City Center, making it the most unique KL river corridor. The restoration has beautified the river, reinvigorating its social and cultural legacy, ecology, and environmental consciousness. The project has received numerous accolades, including the 2014 ISOCARP Awards, the 2015 Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards, the 2015 Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards, and the 2021 LivCOM Awards in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Rethinking Liveable Heritage: From the Experts’ Perspectives

Nur Rasyiqah Abu Hassan — 2025-06-15

Initiatives to prepare policies for achieving liveable cities have improved the economic outcomes of cities - including Kuala Lumpur - and, ideally, provide them with optimal living conditions. The uniqueness of historical evidence and elements is often neglected in liveable policy initiatives, making the idea of heritage as part of liveability secondary to such interests. The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 has incorporated liveable city indicators into its city planning policies, but there is little extant research on the relationship between the two concepts because ‘liveable heritage’ is not a common phrase. This paper explains why the concept of liveability is challenging, complex and contested, especially in city design. Subsequently, a constructivist approach was employed to explore the question of whose interests were defined in the Plan, and by whom, from the perspective of heritage value. This was undertaken through 44 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders who had engaged in conservation work in Kuala Lumpur. The paper then provides a conceptualisation of liveability and heritage by those who perceive its intrinsic value.

Experimental Study on The Relationship Between The Reflections From Surrounding Performers and Acoustic Properties

Hitomi Yatani — 2025-06-15

Concert halls, which are ubiquitous in cities, provide a venue for live music performances that are beloved by the public. However, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has led to restrictions on live music performances in concert halls. One such restriction requires performers on stage to maintain a certain distance from one another. This is because the droplets that are emitted by performers when performing musical instruments have been identified as a potential source of COVID-19 infection. To minimize the risk of infection, it has been recommended that wind instrument performers maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from one another, and that string instrument performers maintain a distance of 1.5 meters. However, adhering to these distances can make it challenging for performers to play their instruments. Previous studies have suggested that such challenges may affect the ability of performers to hear themselves and others on stage, but the specific causes of these difficulties have yet to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study is to clarify the effects of different distances between performers on acoustic properties and auditory perception. Specifically, a sound field was created in an anechoic chamber using acoustic panels that simulated performers, and the impulse responses and acoustic properties were measured by varying the distance between these panels. In addition, subjective evaluation experiments were conducted using the measurement results. The study found that changes in the distance between performers affect not only auditory perception but also the acoustic properties of the sound field. These effects arise from reflections from surrounding performers at different distances and the absorption of sound by performers. The findings of this study will contribute to the creation of a more comfortable environment for performers.

Impact of Implementing Biophilic Design Principle on High-Rise Buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Public Perception.

Abd Muluk Abd Manan — 2025-06-15

This study investigates the impact of implementing biophilic design principles in high-rise buildings on public perception in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Biophilic design, which seeks to integrate nature and natural elements into the built environment, has gained significant attention due to its potential benefits for human well-being and environmental sustainability. However, its application and influence on public perception in high-rise buildings remain understudied. To address this research gap, a mixed-methods approach is employed. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to explore the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence related to biophilic design and public perception. Subsequently, surveys are administered to a sample of residents, tenants, and visitors of high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur. The surveys capture demographic information and include Likert scale questions and open-ended inquiries to assess participants' perceptions of biophilic design elements, such as access to natural light, green spaces, indoor plants, and views of nature. Additionally, semi- structured interviews are conducted with key stakeholders involved in the design, construction, and management of high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur. These interviews aim to gather insights into the decision-making processes and challenges encountered when implementing biophilic design principles. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the impact of biophilic design implementation on public perception in high-rise buildings. By examining the perceptions of residents, tenants, visitors, and key stakeholders, the research aims to identify the perceived benefits and challenges associated with biophilic design elements. The study's results will inform architects, urban planners, and developers about the potential advantages of incorporating biophilic design in high-rise buildings and its influence on public satisfaction, well-being, and sustainability in the context of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Making Invisible Monuments Visible

Gita Balakrishnan — 2025-06-15

A monument is defined as a historically significant building commemorating a person/event. This perpetuates social injustice since monuments thus defined often record the history of a privileged minority. Common people could not access the palaces, forts and religious structures that we today list as monuments. Architecture must be equal in its narration of history. We know in detail how royalty lived, prayed, won wars, relaxed and were laid to rest. However, the principles and techniques of construction that we learn from grand edifices are not typically employed in the construction for the majority. In our veneration of monuments, we need to dig deeper to study the homes of the forgotten many, the structures that they built and interacted with on a daily basis. These ‘invisible monuments’ tell the story of the commons giving us a glimpse into their lives, their context and their history. Their native intelligence resulted in “living museums” of their craftsmanship. After all, the epitome of human civilisation - the Indus Valley - was not a luxurious abode of one but a fine example of architecture and town planning where over 5 million people thrived. A survey to establish people’s notion of monuments along with the learnings from the first author’s four extensive expeditions totalling over 2500 km on foot across the country titled - Walk for Arcause - Kolkata to Delhi, Kolkata to Dhaka, Konark to Bhubaneswar and Chennai to Bangalore have established the urgent need for documentation of vernacular and traditional practices through collective action. Clear possible action points will be elucidated as replicable models to create open-source repositories of these invaluable invisible monuments.

Thick Crust City: Kuala Lumpur

Lim Teng Ngiom — 2025-06-15

The Kueh Lapis or, Layered Cake provides the metaphor for the hypothesis of the thick crust city. The hypothesis suggests that the meaningful city is one that is built up from layers of its past. The layers reveal themselves at the present moment, frozen in time. The layers are mainly physical encrustation that the city inherits from the past. Metaphysical layers could be deduced, or speculated from the physical layers, such as the forms of life that once existed for each layer. It is like excavating the layers to find the underlying evidence of the past and their meanings to complete the narrative of the present. Richness of experience, fulfilment of the senses and opportunities for creativity are part of what makes a thick crust city other than the physical make-up of the city. Time is a factor for the make-up of the thick crust city. Highly-planned new cities need time to become a thick crust city as the city needs changes as one layer is built over another and different forms of life need to inhabit the city over time. A thick crust city requires diversity in activities, cultures and people of different tribes, coming together to provide richness in diversity, prompting high-density interactions. The feed-back loops between different people enhances creativity and tolerance, as well as knowledge. Cities of endearment are thick crust cities and the major cities of the world, which are much spoken about are thick crust cities. Kuala Lumpur is such a city and the paper provides the contents that support the suggestion.

By Rail and Mail: Understanding the Significance of Colonial Architecture for Mass Transport and Communication in The Philippines

Caryn Paredes-Santillan — 2025-06-15

All over the world, mass transport and mass communication systems are the backbone of societal development. In the Philippines, during the turn of the century, the archipelagic landscape was challenging for the colonial government to manage. Thus, establishing efficient systems for transporting goods and people was fundamental to nation-building. Manila’s first post office was established in 1783, becoming Branch No. 31 of the Spanish Postal System. During the American colonial period, city planner Daniel Burnham earmarked a choice spot near the banks of the Pasig River as the site of the Manila Central Post Office Building. On the other hand, the Ferrocarril de Manila a Dagupan was inaugurated by the Spanish colonial government in 1892. The American colonial government further expanded the railway lines. Thus, colonial transport and communications served as the fountainhead of the growth of the national economy and supported commercial agriculture and other industries. This paper seeks to understand the significance of colonial architecture in the Philippines, built specifically for mass transport and communication. This will undertake a formal and spatial study of select structures and propose rubrics to determine their significance. Ultimately, a holistic understanding of their significance is hoped to aid conservation.