V9(3):International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management & Applied Sciences & Technologies

Volume 9 Issue 3 (2018) ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642

http://TuEngr.com

ARCHITECTURE FOR HEALING: PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPATIAL AWARENESS TO EVOKE HEALING ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN REALM SECURITY PRINCIPLES IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR CUSTOM CHECKPOINTS RESIDENTS’ SATISFACTION ON MAJED SHARARAH PREFABRICATED PROJECT IN ADEN, YEMEN WINDOWS OPERATION FOR RESIDENTS’ THERMAL COMFORT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN MALAYSIA A REVIEW OF RATIONALE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA CONTEXTUAL PREDICTORS OF URBAN PARK UTILISATION AMONG MALAYSIAN ETHNIC GROUPS A STUDY ON MENTAL MAPPING: CASE OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

Cover photo is confirmatory analysis model of urban park utilization in relation to social cohesion, in a paper published in this issue, entitled CONTEXTUAL PREDICTORS OF URBAN PARK UTILISATION AMONG MALAYSIAN ETHNIC GROUPS,

by Jibril Danazimi Jibril and Hesham Omran Elfartas.

2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies http://TuEngr.com

International Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Ahmad Sanusi Hassan, PhD Professor UniversitiSains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

Executive Editor BoonsapWitchayangkoon, PhD Associate Professor Thammasat University, THAILAND

Editorial Board:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Gadi (University of Nottingham, UNITED KINGDOM) Professor Dr.Hitoshi YAMADA (Yokohama National University, JAPAN) Professor Dr. Chuen-Sheng Cheng (Yuan Ze University, TAIWAN ) Emeritus Professor Dr.Mikio SATOMURA (Shizuoka University, JAPAN) Professor Dr.Chuen-Sheng Cheng (Yuan Ze University, TAIWAN) Emeritus Professor Dr.Mike Jenks (Oxford Brookes University, UNITED KINGDOM ) Professor Dr.INyomanPujawan (SepuluhNopember Institute of Technology, INDONESIA) Professor Dr.Toshio YOSHII (EHIME University, JAPAN) Professor Dr.NevenDuić (University of Zagreb, CROATIA) Professor Dr.Dewan Muhammad Nuruzzaman (University Malaysia Pahang MALAYSIA) Professor Dr.Masato SAITOH (Saitama University, JAPAN)

Scientificand Technical Committee & Editorial Review Board on Engineering, Technologies and Applied Sciences:

Associate Prof. Dr. Paulo Cesar Lima Segantine (University of São Paulo, BRASIL) Associate Prof. Dr. Kurt B. Wurm (New Mexico State University, USA ) Associate Prof. Dr. Truong Vu Bang Giang (Vietnam National University, Hanoi, VIETNAM ) Associate Prof. Dr. Fatemeh Khozaei (Islamic Azad University Kerman Branch, IRAN) Associate Prof.Dr. Zoe D. Ziaka (International Hellenic University, GREECE ) Associate Prof.Dr.Junji SHIKATA (Yokohama National University, JAPAN) Assistant Prof.Dr.Akeel Noori Abdul Hameed (University of Sharjah, UAE) Dr. David Kuria (Kimathi University College of Technology, KENYA ) Dr. Mazran bin Ismail (Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA ) Dr. Salahaddin Yasin Baper (Salahaddin University - Hawler, IRAQ ) Dr. Foong Swee Yeok (Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA) Dr.Azusa FUKUSHIMA (Kobe Gakuin University, JAPAN) Yasser Arab (Ittihad Private University, SYRIA)

© 2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

:: International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies Volume 9 Issue 3 (2018) http://TuEngr.com

ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642

FEATURE PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES ARCHITECTURE FOR HEALING: PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPATIAL AWARENESS TO EVOKE HEALING ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN REALM

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SECURITY PRINCIPLES IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR 155 CUSTOM CHECKPOINTS RESIDENTS’ SATISFACTION ON MAJED SHARARAH PREFABRICATED PROJECT IN ADEN, YEMEN

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WINDOWS OPERATION FOR RESIDENTS’ THERMAL COMFORT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN MALAYSIA

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A REVIEW OF RATIONALE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA

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CONTEXTUAL PREDICTORS OF URBAN PARK UTILISATION AMONG MALAYSIAN ETHNIC GROUPS

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A STUDY ON MENTAL MAPPING: CASE OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

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Contacts & Offices: Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi Hassan (Editor-in-Chief), School of Housing, Building and Planning, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, 11800 Minden, Penang, MALAYSIA. Tel: +60-4-653-2835 Fax: +60-4-657 6523, Sanusi@usm.my Editor@TuEngr.com Associate Professor Dr. Boonsap Witchayangkoon (Executive Editor), Faculty of Engineering, THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY, Klong-Luang, Pathumtani, 12120, THAILAND. Tel: +66-2-5643005 Ext 3101. Fax: +66-2-5643022 DrBoonsap@gmail.com Postal Paid in MALAYSIA/THAILAND.

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DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2018.14 ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies http://TuEngr.com

ARCHITECTURE FOR HEALING: PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPATIAL AWARENESS TO EVOKE HEALING ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN REALM Muhammad Hishamuddin Zakaria a

a*

Ku Azhar Ku Hassan , and Mazran Ismail a

a

, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan , a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 19 January 2018 Received in revised form 08 May 2018 Accepted 14 May 2018 Available online 18 May 2018

Keywords: Architectural spatial quality; Phenomenology; Urban space; Materiality; Built Environment; Visual perception; Psychological perception; Spatial layout; Architectural design.

ABSTRACT

Architecture plays an important role to perceive and experience urban spaces for the positive feelings and participation of the urbanites through its sensations, contemplation and physical engagement. A lot of theories and possibilities in term of designing a healing environment through spatial awareness in a very challenging urban context where all kinds of social and environmental issues are gathered have been reviewed. Previous researches have been revised through to understand different theories and approaches to achieve healing sense through representation of architectural spatial quality.

Based on the study, exploration of all architectural elements and principles on the spatial quality have high tendency to stimulate the healing environment in a persona with the stimulation of five human senses with a thorough studies, order and translation into the tactile phenomenology of built These architectural elements will stimulate positive healing form. environment within the urban context while handling with the existing issues. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION This study focuses on the exploration of the perception on phenomenology, specifically spatial awareness. The concept of phenomenology is associated with any defined space that have physical substance; shape, colour, texture and joined together to perform an environment character, and activities that taking place on that space (Schaller, 2012). This perception on phenomenology entails aesthetic experience, where the relationship between users, objects, and their surroundings is immediate. On the other hand, it consist of a sense of feeling while we perceive a space is necessary, as this is the mediator between occupants and the world that can only be possible with it. *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel : +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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The objective of this study is to identify different ways to perceive and experience a space in order to enhance the quality of space for social interaction through sensations, contemplation, and physical engagement in the urban realm. This also will seek the few answers on the enhancement of spatial quality on giving healing sensation to the occupants.

These are the fundamentals

elements in a space for making architecture more than just a physical expression but a medium for meditation. Space awareness also can be eternally memorable regardless of its temporal and permanent conditions that have been applied on it.

User situations, conceptual meanings, materiality, and user experiences are analyzed in order to study architecture as an urban piece that can be adapted to a variety of situations. This journal seeks to provide medium for creating an intimate connection between human beings and architecture, hence triggering the human senses in a way that viewers cannot remain as pure spectators but must become players within the spaces.

The creation of an architecture built form could be perceived as

“temporary” with the users; however, experiences and memories will be metaphysically existed or “permanence” in users’ picturesque (Isaac, 2010).

In this study, the concept of phenomenology of spatial awareness is to describe the precise combination of colors, forms, materials, scale and textures that make architecture a complete piece of art for healing. The combination of these architectural elements will be essential for a space so that it can provide users with a memorable and valuable experience for a further healing environment.

2. Literature Review The following research material has been structured in a certain way that allows for a better understanding of the very different aspects explored during the research stage in perceiving the urban context to actually feeling a particular space within the environment. The scope of the study will be narrowed down from the vast topic to more specific field of the study. The literature review will be focused on theoretical study, the theoretical and philosophical bases from researchers that have been analyzed to build up this study.

2.1 THEORETICAL STUDY 2.1.1 PERCEIVING AND EXPERIENCING THE CITY. While dealing with a city, users are always expecting a great impression of a public space as a place where they can live, work, and play at the same time. A city should be enjoyable to the urbanites to certain extend they can cheer what they see and infill with curiosity and surprise elements so that experiencing its spaces will not become a dull routine. This creates a complex rationale for why certain people perceived a city differently, because they have found connections while navigating and experiencing these spaces within urban environment.

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According to (Pallasmaa, 2005) the users should encounter in architecture, as well in art, our “being in the world” in an intensified manner. This means that architecture should have the capability to create images and emotions in user minds as equally true as the actual encounters in life. The process of experiencing, remembering, and imagining any place in users minds should move them as by anything actually encountered if they have found genuine connections while dealing with any particular space . The city seems to be the main scenario where participative and interactive architectural spaces can dwell. Culture and society is the driving forces in designing a city’s pattern; social diversity entailing races, cultures, and genres have been constantly circulating around the city in order to express frequently changing of ideas, thoughts, and feelings. In the book “Art Space and the City”, Shields explains, “The city itself can be treated as a representation of the society which constructed and used it.” (Miles, 1997, p.14) 2.1.2 ARCHITECTURE AND INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIP Architecture should establish an individual relationship based on personal experiences that can be permanently bind with user’s intangible elements through own connection that will be transcended with user’s perceptual process. Kevin Lynch states that “Moving elements in a city, and in particular the people and their activities, are as important as the stationary physical parts. We are not simply observers of this spectacle, but ourselves a part of it, on the stage with the other participants.” (Lynch, 1960, p. 2) The city is the main place to experience an architecture as a form of symbolization of cultural, entertainment and knowledge, as well as a medium for encountering phenomenology of healing sensation. Due to that, architects have translated abstract-based concepts into tangible built form as a way of contemplation and experimentation within the public realm for the occupants. Current buildings, parks and streets have infused with elements of arts to gain interest and participation from the users.

Architecture should also focus on social relations to spontaneously invite the

occupants to perform and construct physical, architectural, urban and social meanings.

2.1.3 FEELING AND EXPERIENCING SPACE Perceptual process is an important mechanism in feeling and experiencing a space. Perceptual process is considered as an individual capacity for processing, ordering, and translating certain experiences through our senses: taste, sight, smell, sounds, and touch (Isaac, 2010).

The

perceptual process includes a sequence of steps that begins with the environment that leads to capture stimulus and an action in responding to that stimulus. Sensation that can be described as the immediate basic experiences that are generated by simple stimulus will be involved within the process of perceptions.

Meanwhile, visual perception is the reaction between user’s stimuli to

generate an internal representation of phenomena that occurring around occupant. This information is analyzed afterwards and goes to our memory.

Finally, interpretation and final representation of

a unique architecture character will be transformed into sensorial memory in persona’s mind.

Zumthor (2006, p. 25) explains that, the phenomenon of perception entails experiential sensations. Design work starts from a physical feeling, and the fact that someone has to feel the *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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essence of architecture deep inside one’s body for experiencing it. Experiencing architecture in a concrete way means to touch, see, hear and smell it. By experiencing architecture we have the opportunity to act and later interact with any space, and it is through interaction between the human body-mind and the physical elements of a building that we are able to feel architecture.

Touching a particular object or listening to certain natural music is one of variety responses during reaction with environment. These actions will produce sensational experimentation within a space and triggers the interaction between the space and users. Experiencing architecture means being able to feel light, shadows, colors, textures, and materials; which are all part of the complete process of perceiving architecture, and for this reason: “Architecture, more fully than other forms, engages all our sensory perceptions. The passage of time; light, shadow and transparency; color phenomena, texture, materials and detail all participate in the complete experience of architecture.”

(Holl et al., 1994, p. 41) 2.1.4 PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPACE FOR HEALING The space is not as simple as a defined form, but comprises of prime principles which have physical substance such as shape, texture, and color that merge together to form certain environment’s personality. This personality allows certain spaces, with similar or even matching purposes in accord with the unique cultural and environmental situations, to embody very diverse properties within which place they exist (Bachelard et al., 1994). Phenomenology engages the partiality concept to produce unique conversation between a space and elements surround it A space must inherit certain criteria in order to challenge the occupant before occupy it so that this type of spatial quality makes it atypical to certain average space. Due to this quality, the users must utilize their mental construct in dealing with challenging space so that they can have more opportunity in healing senses with this kind of built environment. Exercising the mind in this way is an important way to stay mentally sharp and healthy, while also giving a distraction to their ailment.

The language of forms in architecture also has a correlation to the feeling one obtains from the space. For an example, (Redstone, 1978) mentioned about natural environment has soft edges, without right angles. The architecture of healing must reinterpret and imitate the qualities of natural behavior into built form although right angles are endlessly been used on common architecture.

This is because, organic imitation on the space create no constrained than rectilinear space. The fluidity of organic space seems less detrimental and more eyes comforting.

The integration of all the senses helps complete the highest potential of an environment to allow for healing to emerge.

For example, the sound of moving water is one aspect of a space that

can elicit emotions for relaxation and tranquility. Thus, the architecture can integrate the water as an aspect of the design to allow for a healing environment to emerge.

Lighting design in

healthcare environments is a major factor in creating healing situations. It is proven that people who are surrounded by natural light are more productive and live healthier lives. When patients are sick, and surrounded by medical equipment and white walls, the last thing they need is a dark, stuffy room. These is why it is important for every room to have a window for natural light to come into 144

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and help create a healing environment for the patient (Tyson et al., 2002). indoors, it has many psychological benefits.

Also by bringing nature

Plants are soothing and restful. Plants represent life,

growth, and hope. They can provide interest and diversion.

Plants are used as a therapeutic tool.

3. Case Study 3.1 BAMBOO PLAYHOUSE Location

: Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Architects

: Eleena Jamil Architects

Characteristics : Public Pavilion

Figure 1: Overall perspective of Bamboo Playhouse.

Eleena Jamil Architects, Figure 1 uses bamboo as the main construction material for this pavilion as consider as very unusual for Malaysia to use this kind of sustainable material. This design explores the potential of bamboo to imitate the overall concept of playhouse and portrays the characteristics of ‘wakaf’, a vernacular structures found in Malaysia’s villages. This open structure pavilion is the repetition of raised square platform ‘wakaf’ that grouped together with multiple levels to form a united playful bamboo structures.

Figure 2: The scale model that shows the spatial configuration of the pavilion.

This structure is situated at the edge of the lake that offers various possibilities and opportunities for the users to design its uses and occupations.

Figure 2, this repetitive modular

pavilion consists of thirty-one identical square platforms, set on different height with each other in creating a playful playhouse. This pavilion is supported by the tree-like columns that raised from *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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the ground to support the roof of this structure.

3.2 ENABLING VILLAGE Location Architects

: 20 Lengkok Bahru, Redhill, Singapore : WOHA

Characteristics

: Community building

Enabling Village is the rejuvenation and adaptive project of reusing the masterplan of Bukit Merah Vocational Institute built in 1970s. contribute to the neighbouring users.

Before the re-development, the masterplan did not

Then, the reimages of this new masterplan take the

consideration of providing linkages to the neighbourhood by seamless connecting ramps, landings and elevators. This community building integrates various program for the communal uses such as work, training, retail and living lifestyle as well as connecting people with disabilities and the society.

Figure 3: The integration of architectural elements with the landscape.

This community building is targeted to provide and deliver a better holistically integrated environment with the architecture. The new main building is anchored with the main pond that functions as a beacon to draw the pedestrian flow through improved linkages. There is a timber terrace plastered over the main courtyard at the Playground, stepping and ramping down the amphitheater, Figure 3. Open spaces and resting area are merged very well with the design by making uses of the pocket spaces such as below the amphitheater, around the courtyard and garden.

The Enabling Village focuses on sustainability and sociability by promoting the learning, bonding and healing of people with varying abilities within a biophilic environment. This creates an inclusive space that enables and values everyone.

4. ANALYSIS The relationship between phenomenology of a space and healing factors will be describe further under data analysis from how a single element in a space can stimulate any healing senses through manipulation of design principles and approaches. The healing factors can be as tiny as an ant up to a prime element that can be observed directly. Manifestation of biomimetic architecture through space will be also discussed to promote healing senses. Both theoretical case studies will be 146

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studied and compared on how the consideration of design principles been derived onto the spatial quality to stimulate healing senses.

4.1 BAMBOO PLAYHOUSE The location of Bamboo Playhouse although not at the nucleus of the city, this structure still gives a significant impacts to the urbanites. Through the imitation of the ‘wakaf’, a vernacular typology for a resting place in the traditional villages, has evoked the nostalgic memories of the peaceful and calming village’s scenery.

The creation of these feelings are indirectly tied the

connection between persona with the architecture through reimaging and remembering specific local culture and certain society in persona’s mind. Using bamboo, an intricate structures from natural material as construction material, create a contrast against solid and bold of urban skyline.

This contrast creates specialty in persona picturesque of viewing a city through the space quality of Bamboo Playhouse.

Figure 4: Contrast against solid and bold of urban skyline.

The art of making this structure as a form of living shelter makes it ideal built elements to establish a connection with individual relationship, Figure 4. The repetition of modular system creates a series of memory lane in user’s mind through various opportunities. The interpretation of tangible things into abstract concept of built form defined the space as a form of art plus a structure.

This offers different possibilities for the user to understand the structure as a part of the experimentation process within the urban realm. The phenomenology of space happens without disruption within this shelter. Permeability of space and no obstruction of views create a direct dialogue with its surrounding context and freedom for the occupants to focus on views. Hence, this process creates a form of contemplation for the spectator to have indirect dialogue with architecture.

Furthermore, Bamboo Playhouse is designed with different height between each modular platform and a basket-like space is attached to some tree-inspired columns. The adaptation of different height platform or some spaces will activate the mind and physical part of the user. This will create a form of challenge for the occupant to occupy the space. This type of space makes it atypical area from average space. This challenging architecture giving the users an opportunity in term of mental construction while engaging with the built environment. The utilization of their mind will create an act of mind exercising. This form of activity is vital for them to be in mentally sharp and healthy mind to promote distraction from their stresses and ailments. *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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Figure 5: Split levels and different platform height evoke various emotions Moreover, the manifestation of the Bamboo Playhouse to portray the natural environment will have high tendency to support any healing reactions to occur in user’s mind, Figure 5. The imitation of tree through its columns and correlation with its setting allows the structure and its spaces to inherit various properties as similar as the existing culture and environmental situation it originated.

The biomimetic approach also gives the flavor to the ordinary space to be more unique

and stronger in character making. The setting for the structure is at the edge of the lake making the pavilion having a close relationship with the lake and engaging with the idea of partiality. This concept idea evolved a unique dialogue with the lake and natural surrounding as a unified architectural built form with its context.

4.2 ENABLING VILLAGE In contrast, the location of Enabling Village is sandwiched with various typology within urban context such as residential, institutional and educational buildings at Bukit Merah, Singapore. The existence of the complex neighbourhood establish the importance of this communal building to be functioned as the nucleus to the urbanites who living around its membrane. The building entails pathways to be acted as the connection between its neighbourhood. The easements given through manipulation of corridor space as an alternative for the urbanites to cross by provoke the sentiment of the commoners that certain building must remain within the building boundary itself.

This design approach not only proves its coexistence with neighboring context as well as to stimulate the perception among urbanites in perceiving urban life. The regularity in the participation with the architecture specifically urban space composes an image and emotion.

Hence, proper design of public space at the same time gives positive emotions in user’s emotions and minds while navigating through communal building.

These image and emotions erect a real

connection between users with urban context while experiencing this space. The uses of the indigenous plants for the landscape invent a relaxation ambiance for the corridor next to it as well as soften the rigid urban elements. The biodiversity and thematic environment for the landscape will have tendency to manipulate different perspective in human mind through the natural expression portrayed. This perspective will activate healing sense and kind of contemplation within 148

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urban context through indirect participation and communication between the users and space.

Figure 6: Indoor quality of Enabling Village.

On the other hand, permeability and transparency of the building envelope plays as vital element as major architecture built form in space quality making. Building envelope is the catalyst to the reaction between emotions, feeling and spaces to widen more possibilities to trigger stimulus so that healing process can happen. WOHA Architect taking a brilliant step and approach to infused its signature façade design to the building envelope of Enabling Village’s building. The permeable building façade elements will allow indoor space to have a direct interaction with the surrounding elements.

Figure 6, this will grant natural lights to penetrate, interesting shadows to

cast and nature sounds to emerge into the space. These ingredients will stimulate human senses within an inactive space and to certain extend evoke healing sensations. This ambiance is also allows human perception to create a mental mapping for the sensorial information to retain as a memory while experiencing the space.

Figure 7: Porosity in space planning and integration with landscape.

Figure 7, Porosity of Enabling Village building complex planning opens various perception to evolve. The pocket gardens and scattered smaller spaces infused together with garden become an interesting value to be celebrated in overall planning. The loose arrangement between each and certain spaces draws a line of activity to occur in between two points of locations. On the other hand, ramp that constructed to respond to natural building terrain and contour prepare construction of physical and emotional stimulation. The tilted surface of ramp will mobilize different emotions *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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perceived by users when go through inclined or declined surface. Inclined surface of the ramp for example can switch on the challenge mood while declined surface will exhilarates and provokes joy to the persona. The different in gravity will eventually affect the degree of acceleration on the potential movement of the user. Hence, the different surface and arrangement of spaces have important role in expressing it power of existence towards healing factor, Figure 8.

Figure 8: Appreciation of natural topography.

5. DISCUSSION Architecture projects should celebrate diverse culture, way of life, different capabilities and abilities of the urbanites through interpretation of ideas onto its space. By considering the key factors and needs of the occupants, different possibilities can be achieved and surrendered a good impression on spatial quality in urban realm. So, space quality within urban membrane should inherit an active participation of the user. However, none of the theoretical case studies show the qualities. The users can become a player in a space despite only a spectator. This spatial awareness can diminish a barrier to the occupants in expressing their changing state of mind, soul and feelings.

The static and inactive state of the occupant in the other hand, limit their capabilities in creating possibilities within a space to express their emotions and avoid healing process to take place.

When architecture and space integrate occupant consideration into its design palate, it connects the individual relationship with the space. Establishment on personal experience through spatial awareness can draw an individual relationship with the user although different people from all type of walks would occupy the space. In order to hit on the target, spatial quality can translate different kind of cultural and natural character into tangible built form. This masterpiece can add the flavor into spatial quality to enhance the process of healing in architecture.

Furthermore, a successful spatial quality must take into account in stimulating all human senses towards a healing environment through its envelope. A designer must creatively process, arrange and translate architecture elements as stimulus to stimulate these senses.

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The senses, as the

receptor will construct a visual and psychological perception in experiencing a space. In order to achieve this kind of spatial quality, architecture and nature must be seemed to be coexisted and its presence can be noticed and appreciated.

Figure 9: Materiality affected on healing environment One of the ways to construct this kind of phenomenology is by infusion of materiality, Figure 9. Materiality is one of the prime factors in this overall reaction and will be affected on healing environment.

Materials in indirect way can control the quality of spatial environment, circulate

movement, human comfort and other action in the space. So, powers of materials placement will be a part of criteria in creating a space and play a main factor in associating with healing environment.

For instance, the concept of natural environment can be imitated by arrangement of timber inside the space. This material gives nostalgic, warmth, soft and comforting vibes to the users. Steel in the other way can be associated with strength, stability and neatness.

Meanwhile, sand that is soft to

touch, but hard on our feet can stimulate user sense of touch by surrender a therapeutic value. This prove that when materials incorporate with a spatial program, it create a quality to embody a space’s vision towards healing environment within urban realm.

Other than that, the concept of openness, transparency and permeability determine the effectiveness of not usually though materials such as light, sky, water and greeneries to evoke certain healing response in built environment. This concept eventually can activate stimulus inside user mind and perpetual visioning about a space. The intention of building envelope as a barrier or protection from unwanted weather can be reinterpreted as a medium to allow direct interaction of this material with a space.

Multiplicity of materials, textures and shape of envelope create

different environment to the spaces as accordance to its surrounding. This quality of space will engage user’s mind in a playful manner due to its distraction casted in the space. Finally, spatial *Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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awareness by the appreciations of natural, material and users to enhance spatial quality will provide necessary catalyst for the occupants to achieve a healing state in their mind, soul and body.

6. CONCLUSION Phenomenology of spatial awareness is one of the solutions to stimulate healing environment in urban realm. Although healing is more involving psychological state in persona, with some alteration and articulated studies it can affect physical health also. In doing so, pragmatic studies must be conducted comprehensively to set a parameter for a space to follow in order to achieve ‘healing architecture’. ‘Healing architecture’ suggests redressing user’s problems and to invoke a sense of creating an environment, indoor and outdoor that physically healthy and psychologically appropriate for the occupant needs.

The more complex issues arise when the architecture itself

must incorporate with the serious problems within its context especially when dealing with urban realm.

Various stigma and views on the city sometimes limit the possibilities of architecture to be

the healer. Hence, spatial awareness highlight its importance to idealize ‘healing environment’ by considering perception towards experiencing the city itself, individual relationship in experiencing a space and expression of user’s feelings towards overall phenomenology of space for healing.

7. REFERENCES Bachelard, Gaston, Maria Jolas, and John R. Stilgoe. (1994) The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Print Holl, S., Pallasmaa, J., Pérez-Gómez, A. (1994). Questions of Perception.

Architecture. San Francisco: William Stout Publishers.

Phenomenology of

Isaac, Lara Adriana. (2010) “Art-chitecture”: Engaging the City and its Inhabitants. Greensboro Lynch, Kevin (1960). The City Image and Its Elements, The Image of the City, Cambridge: MIT Press Miles,M. (1997). Art, Space and the City. Public Art and Urban Futures. London and New York: Routledge.

Pallasmaa, J. (2005). Encounters. In MacKeith, P (Ed), Helsinki: Rakennustieto Oy. Redstone, Louis G. (1978). Hospital Design and Construction, Hospitals and Health Care Facilities, New York: McGraw-Hill Schaller, Brian. (2012) Architectural Healing Environments. Architecture Senior Theses, 64, New York: Syracuse University SURFACE

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M. Hishamuddin Zakaria, A. Sanusi Hassan, Ku Azhar Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

Tyson, G. A., Lambert, G., & Beattie, L. (2002). The Impact of Ward Design on The Behavior, Occupational Satisfaction and Well-Being of Psychiatric Nurses. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 11(2), 94-102.

Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres. Basel-Boston-Berlin: Birkhäuser – Publishers for Architecture.

Muhammad Hishamuddin Zakaria is a graduate student at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi bin Hassan teaches in Architecture Programme at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM). He obtained Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the University of Houston, Texas, USA. He was awarded a PhD degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. He was promoted to Associate Professor and later Full Professor. His research focuses on computer simulation on daylighting and thermal comforts, architectural history and theory, and housing in urban design. He is one of the nine regional writers involved in the preparation of Guideline: Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries: A Discussion Document, which was launched at The Earth/World Summit, Johannesburg in September 2002. At the university, he lectures in architecture courses related to urban design, studio, history, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and computer movie animation. He has integrated all these specialisations into his research, teaching, consultation and publications. He had designed several architectural projects such as mosque, USM guest house and a proposal for low-cost houses for fishermen community.

Datuk Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ku Azhar is a lecturer, architect and Chairman of Architectural Programme at the School of HBP. A member of Malaysian Board of Architect and Malaysian Insitute of Architect. A former lecturer at University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) and architect for various firms which include Hijjas Kasturi Associates and Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd. His interests include Tropical Design, Traditional House and Architectural Practise.

Dr. Mazran Ismail is a senior lecturer in Architecture at the School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia. He received his B.Sc (HBP) (Architecture), Bachelor of Architecture, M.Sc in Housing and Ph.D in Architecture (Energy Efficient Design) from USM. His main research interests are energy efficient design, green building, housing design, environmental design and thermal comfort studies in tropical building.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

*Corresponding author (M.H.Zakaria). Tel: +6013-2197899. E-mail: hishamzakaria93@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/141.pdf.

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DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2018.14 ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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SECURITY PRINCIPLES IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR CUSTOM CHECKPOINTS Adele Teo Yan Ni

a*

a

, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan , a

Ku Azhar Ku Hassan , and Mazran Ismail a

a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 15 January 2018 Received in revised form 10 April 2018 Accepted 19 April 2018 Available online 11 May 2018

Keywords: Built Environment; Secure Residential Environment; Architectural design; Facility Layout; Spatial layout; Crime Prevention

ABSTRACT

This study identifies building typologies which are suitable to be adapted in a development when security is paramount.

The study reviews books related to security in the built environment and then applies these principles into custom buildings in Malaysia.

Newman (1977) stated that a building should have clear distinction of areas which are influenced by the inhabitants, to have opportunity to survey the surrounding.

Healy (1983) argued that having a proper site layout of facility and his principle of Three Line of Defenses would ensure security in a building. Finally, Crouch et al (1999) stated that having communal areas and proper lighting would avoid crime. These total five principles can be implemented in institutional buildings to warrant security.

First is to have a clear distinction of public and private spaces. Second is to give the opportunity to survey the surroundings. Third is to have a proper site layout. Fourth is to implement the Three Line of Defenses as proposed by Healy (1983) and finally to ensure a facility to have adequate lighting.

It can be concluded that these approaches are derived from three elements: eradicating the fear in people, lessening the opportunities for offenders to act on a crime and an understanding of human psychology to create a boundary. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION In this paper, we explore the way design influences behaviors of people especially in criminal behavior. Around 1980s, new building typology was introduced (high rises) and it has caused certain buildings to record a higher case of crime. This sparked the minds of writers such as Jane Jacobs (1961) and Oscar Newman (1977) to identify the root of the problem.

We will discover

typologies which can improve security in a building compound without relying heavily on electronic solutions like CCTV surveillance and manpower. Jeffery (1976) stated “no means have *Corresponding authors (Adele Teo Yan Ni). Tel: +60-012 2735868 E-mail: adeleteo_92@hotmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/133.pdf.

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been found to change individual behavior without first changing the environment within which the behavior occurs.”

2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 DEFENSIBLE SPACE Newman (1972) examined the ways environment affects behavior of people. some building types have negative effects on their occupants.

He noticed that

He focused on the effects of

residential design on crime rates. He explained that a defensible space is a living residential environment which can be employed by inhabitants for the enhancement of their lives, while providing security for their families, neighbors, and friends. He argued that to achieve a secure environment, there are 4 elements of physical design to follow which are: •

A clear distinction of area which are influenced by the inhabitants.

•

Having windows looking out so that inhabitants can naturally survey their surroundings

•

To adopt a building outlook that blends into the surrounding to that the house does not stand out and becomes a target. Peculiar houses are perceived as a form of vulnerability and isolation making it an obvious target

•

To locate residential area adjacent to activities that do not impose threat

Newman emphasized that the hierarchy of spaces in an apartment complex is paramount to achieving safety in a neighborhood. Buffer zones such as public seating areas or parks in front of an apartment complex can create a safe zone.

He also believed that heavy pedestrian footpath creates

a sense of security by providing “eyes on street” which conforms with the new urbanist theories. He agrees with Jane Jacobs theory (1961) that tied together the relation between crime loss and the physical layout of a neighborhood.

2.2 DESIGN FOR SECURITY Healy (1983) set up general guidelines to follow when designing with security in mind. He argues that the physical factor (activities and nature of environment), sociopolitical (ethnic, economic, and political character), loss history (scale of loss experienced in the vicinity of area) and criminal activities in the area are to be considered during site selection. The site layout of a facility is important to design a secure compound rather to add manpower when the facility is complete because of its high operation cost.

The reduction of entry points into a facility and by

having all the building blocks closely together can contribute to a more secure compound as do introducing barriers in areas of the building layout to avoid unwanted pedestrian movement and theft. Alternatively, having an isolated secondary circulation (such as in underground interconnecting link between blocks) can also be implemented for the same reason.

Healy (1983) introduced what he called, The Three Lines of Defense, when designing for physical security. The first line of defense is the perimeter barriers and security towers. These barriers will create a psychological barrier for those who would innocently wonder in and at the 156

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

same time discourage those who have the intention of breaking in.

The second line of defense is

the building exterior. Large openings should be located above ground level and properly secured.

Potential entrances on all sides of the building, including the roof and underground access like sewerage system, should be identified. The final line of defense is interior control. This includes alarms, locks, lights, doors, patrols and etc.

2.3 DESIGN FOR SECURE RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS Crouch et al. (1999) looked at how design has the potential to reduce crime and improve community safety. They highlighted that when designing with security in mind, a building should be comfortable for occupants instead of relying heavily on hardware manufacturers or simplistic concepts of fortification. To create a physically secure space, the easiest way to achieve this could be by designing a vault; thick walls, small windows, and few entry points but it would not be comfortable for occupants because of the lack of natural lighting and the feeling of claustrophobia.

There are three categories that design elements can increase security which are external and communal areas, lighting, and entrances and windows.

2.3.1 EXTERNAL AND COMMUNAL AREAS Crouch et al. (1999) pointed that a clear indication of who is allowed where is important. This means that a distinct segregation of users in a space will contribute to overall safety. These borders are typically defined by barriers like fences or hedges between a public and private area.

However, grey areas exist in shared spaces or spaces that are not defined. Back lanes, alleys or left-over corners are examples of such spaces where it is unclear of who is allowed and not allowed to wander in. Design flaws such as left-over spaces when reduced can contribute to overall community safety.

2.3.2 LIGHTING As lighting is important in crime prevention, crimes that happen at night are committed when an opportunity is identified and done in the heat of the moment when the offenders are certain they can escape in the dark (Crouch et al., 1999). Good lightings, when applied together with other measures have an important role to reduce crimes and fear in people. There are three aspects of light which are studied by the authors which are the intensity of light, brightness of light and colour rendition.

2.3.3 ENTRANCES AND WINDOW There are three factors affecting the vulnerability of a door. They are, the location of the door, type and its components and the security device used.

Doors located at secluded areas such as at

the back of the house or the side, are more susceptible to crime. Besides location, other factors such as the level of external lighting, nature of surrounding landscape and the suitability of border that is installed.

Like doors, the location of the window affects their vulnerability. In the book, Design for *Corresponding authors (Adele Teo Yan Ni). Tel: +60-012 2735868 E-mail: adeleteo_92@hotmail.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/133.pdf.

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Secure Residential Environments, the authors state that over half of household burglaries involve entry through read windows. Besides windows, nearby balconies and boundary walls are also at risk. The window frame design and its glazing also play a part in building security. Windows with larger pane are more secure because they are harder to break than small windows and create much more noise (which attracts unwanted attention) when broken.

2.4 CRIME PREVENTION AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Plenty of crime takes place in certain places and the characteristic of those locations influences if crime does or does not happen there (Kitchen and Schneider, 2007). According to the authors, crime and the built environment are related in the following ways: •

Building characteristic influences opportunities to commit crime

•

Understanding the significance of manipulating built form to reduce or eliminate the opportunity to commit crime

•

The space must be publicly accepted, both collectively and individually

2.5 CRIME: IMPACTS OF URBAN DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT Santana et al. (2008) cited Esteves (1995), that there is an obvious difference between the number of crimes that happen in an urban setting and a rural setting. In an urban setting, a wider range of crime occurs because of there are more things to be stolen and sold in the city. This also happens because of the obvious disparity between the wealthy and the poor, and the city offers less social control and more anonymity which encourages criminal activity. Criminal research has confirmed that there are clear patterns that are obvious to crime, with concentrations of specific place and time. These areas are called “hotspots” and they are vulnerable places where crime is likely to happen frequently.

The proper use of urban design and space could help reduce the fear of crime which leads to a better quality of life.

The 2 nd generation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

(CPTED) has deduced crime prevention to four fundamental pillars: •

Territoriality

•

Natural vigilance

•

Community participation

•

Access control

Other studies show that green spaces like existing trees and grassy areas can reduce incidents of aggression and violent behavior in residents who live within the area especially in inner city social housing estates.

2.6 TERRORISM PREVENTION, PREPARDNESS AND RESPONSE IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT Then and Loosemore (2005) explored the risk managements, crisis management and business continuity management practices for buildings with terrorist risks. They concluded that in risk 158

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

management, there are four key steps which are identifying assets and vulnerabilities. These are divided into two types which are tangible (building, people, equiptment, etc.) and intangible (reputation, processes, knowledge, information, etc). Secondly, identifying risks by identifying potential source of threat in an organizations asset where its vulnerability can be exploited. Thirdly, assessing risk where the likelihood and consequences of each potential terrorist strategy is identified. Lastly, develop, implement and monitor countermeasures to minimize the risks identified.

3. METHODOLOGY This study is conducted by reviewing articles/books that discuss about the security aspects in the built environment.

We will discuss the idea of a custom complex in relation to each literature,

which concepts can be adopted and how it relates to a custom complex.

The custom complexes

that are studied include Padang Besar in Kedah, Wang Kelian in Perlis, Rantan Panjang and Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan.

4. DISCUSSION 4.1 PRINCIPLES IN DEFENSIBLE SPACE 4.1.1 PUBLIC PRIVATE SPACE SEGREGATION: A CLEAR DISTINCTION OF AREAS INFLUENCED BY THE INHABITANTS In Defensible Space (Newman, 1972) principles that can be applied are the segregation between public and private spaces. In terms of a customs check point, this principle can be translated into the segregation of people who have intention to cross the border to the neighboring country and people who are just visiting the area.

Most custom checkpoints in northern Malaysia

typically have a duty-free commercial zone that are attached together or nearby the checkpoint (Figures 1 and 2). These customs include Padang Besar, Wang Kelian (now abandoned), Rantau Panjang and even Pengkalan Kubor. Having the duty-free commercial zone creates an area which are saturated with people who have no intention to cross the border.

This creates opportunities for

offenders typically the ones who want to cross the border illegally to take the opportunity to hide amongst the visitors of the duty-free commercial zone.

Figure 1: Pengkalan Kubor Duty Free Zone

Figure 2: Pengkalan Kubor Immigration Complex

*Corresponding authors (Adele Teo Yan Ni). Tel: +60-012 2735868 E-mail: adeleteo_92@hotmail.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/133.pdf.

159

4.1.2 HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO SURVEY THE SURROUNDING In line with Jane Jacob’s (1961) “eye on the street” principle, Newman (1972) believes that by having a means to overlook a property, it would create a safe zone. Openings like windows and balconies create a visual link to the surrounding and would deter crime from happening. Having high visibility would make a criminal know that they are being watched as there is a higher change of him getting caught as argued by Crouch et al. (1999).

The custom at Wang Kelian (Figure 3 and 4) is only a gate which allows cars and pedestrian to cross. There are no high points which will allow a wider area to be watched over. This would encourage offenders to sneak across the border since it is known that surveillance is weak at this area.

Figure 3: Wang Kelian Custom

Figure 4: Wang Kelian Custom Checkpoint (Courtesy of Exploring-Malaysia.com)

4.2 PRINCIPLES IN DESIGN FOR SECURITY Healy (1983) gave principles of proper site layout of facility and his idea of The Three Line of Defense for when designing for physical security can be applied to an institutional complex.

4.2.1 PROPER SITE LAYOUT OF FACILITY Healy’s guideline (1983) to a proper site layout is by controlling the number of entry points into a complex.

By reducing the number of entrances, less manpower is needed to take care of

multiple entry points and this would contribute to a more secure compound. Also, it gives people less opportunity to sneak by one of these many entrances. By having the building blocks closer together also makes the complex less vulnerable to crime. Having the buildings closer would increase security effectiveness compared with the same number of manpower and a wider ground to cover.

Figure 5: Barrier Wall at Johor Premier Outlet 160

Figure 6: Fencing at Johor Premier Outlet

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

To illustrate this point, a commercial building will be used as reference. The Johor Premium Outlet (Figure 5) located in Johor has fencing at their back openings. This was done for security concerns and to prevent visitors from parking along the road to avoid paying for parking. This fencing in Figure 6 is an effort to reduce the number of entrances to the compound and reduce the number of manpower to secure the area.

4.2.2

THREE LINE OF DEFENSES

Healy believes that by creating a psychological barrier, it would deter random individual from wondering into the complex.

To achieve this, the complex can have perimeter barriers like

fencing or landscaping (although landscaping will not block individuals that have intention of coming in) and security towers. The second line of defense is the building exterior. This includes openings like windows and balconies and entrances to the facility.

Large openings should be

avoided or shifted out to the upper levels so that criminals would not easily break into the building.

Entrances of connection link could also be shifted to the upper levels for the same reason. Entrances at the roof and sewerage line should also be looked at. control which includes alarms, locks, and others.

Finally, the third line of defense is interior

For this paper, we would be focusing on how the

built form would affect security and not the mechanisms that can be adapted.

4.3 PRINCIPLES IN DESIGN FOR SECURE RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS We will look at two ideologies presented by Crouch et al. (1999) by focusing on the use of external and communal areas and lighting.

4.3.1 EXTERNAL AND COMMUNAL AREAS This point ties closely with Neuman’s public private segregation principle. The people who are allowed into a communal space should behave accordingly but in a private space, only those who are allowed can enter (Crouch et al., 1999). This would ensure security in an area.

A clear

barrier between the public and private space is defined in terms of a garden gate or the front door (for residential area). In terms of an institutional building, the barrier could be a fence or entrance fate to the facility strictly for authorized personals.

4.3.2 LIGHTING There are two elements that the authors argue affects crime in this chapter. Firstly, is the opportunity for offenders to escape in the dark and secondly, how lighting can reduce fear in people. In an example in the publication, the authors pointed out that in developments that have public lighting, pedestrian movements have flourished and even some housing development have evolved to being pedestrian only. This is proof that lighting has eradicated people’s fear of crime hence the increased movements.

According to Crouch et al. (1999), criminals generally prefer low lighting levels. An American lighting evaluation has obtained positive results linking positive crime reduction to behavior.

Public lighting increases safety, reduces fear and allows users to see better. *Corresponding authors (Adele Teo Yan Ni). Tel: +60-012 2735868 E-mail: adeleteo_92@hotmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/133.pdf.

161

5. ANALYSIS From the discussion above, the aspects of security in the built environment can be summarized into five key criteria.

•

Clear distinction of public and private spaces

•

Opportunity to survey the surroundings

•

Proper site layout

•

The Three Line of Defenses by Richard J. Healy

•

Lighting

Figure 7: Segregation of Border with Vegetation

Figure 8: Segregation of Border with Fencing

5.1.1 CLEAR DISTINCTION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES An institutional building like a custom complex would benefit in terms of security from having a separate circulation for visitors and people who want to cross the border. Issues such as human trafficking or criminals wishing to exit the country can be solved by having a proper distinction of who is allowed where. It would be ideal if the visitor have an entire different circulation than people who have intention of crossing the border.

This way, offenders have no opportunity to take

advantage of the situation and cross the border illegally.

Figures 7 and 8 show two examples of

how a barrier to define circulation.

5.1.2 OPPORTUNITY TO SURVEY THE SURROUNDINGS As discussed in the previous section, windows and balconies allow the surrounding areas to be watched over (Figure 9). When an offender is aware that that an area is being watched all the time, it would deter the crime from happening. Large openings should be located at the upper floor so that it cannot be broken easily. Balconies are entrances to a building, so it should be located on higher levels too, so it is not easily accessible from the outside.

Figure 9: Openings and Balconies as Spaces that Watch Over 5.1.3 PROPER SITE LAYOUT The two points highlighted under this principle are controlling the number of entrances and having the buildings to be closer to each other to ease surveillance. In the image above, Figure 10 Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail 162

has four entrances to a compound while Figure 11 has two entrances. The proposal in Figure 11 is easier to manage because less manpower is needed to guard the entrances and the possibilities for offenders to enter the compound are limited unlike in Figure 10. The distance between buildings also plays a part in building’s security. As can be seen from Figure 12, if a building is further apart from each other, more manpower is needed to keep an eye on the area. Figure 13 shows two building which are closer together and it will only require lesser manpower.

Figure 10: Facility with Multiple Entrances

Figure 11: Facility with Limited Entrances

5.1.4 THE THREE LINE OF DEFENSES BY RICHARD J. HEALY Fences and watch towers create a phycological barrier which deter innocent people from wondering through. As seen in Figure 14, structures like this would look intimidating. Large openings should be located at the upper floor so that it cannot be broken easily. Balconies are entrances to a building, so it should be located on higher levels too, so it is not easily accessible from the outside.

Figure 12: Facility with Large Surveillance Area.

5.1.5 LIGHTING

Figure 13: Facility with Limited Surveillance Area.

Figure 14: Facility with Fencing

With proper lighting, fear in people can be eradicated causing an area to be busier and lessen the opportunity for offenders to escape into the dark.

6. CONCLUSION This work has discussed many ways to incorporate security aspects in a building.

All these

approaches are derived from eradicating the fear in people and lessening the opportunities for offenders to act on a crime. Some approaches also use the understanding of human psychology to create a boundary between private and public spaces. These principles will be useful in buildings *Corresponding authors (Adele Teo Yan Ni). Tel: +60-012 2735868 E-mail: adeleteo_92@hotmail.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/133.pdf.

163

which require a secure compound but at the same time has a very busy public area like a land custom checkpoint.

Custom checkpoints typically have a duty-free zone attached to them, so these

approaches can be applied to a new custom complex to enforce security.

7. REFERENCES Crime and environment the Scottish experience. (1992). Scottish Geographical Magazine,108(1), 16-16. doi:10.1080/00369229218736846 Crouch, S., Shaftoe, H., & Fleming, R. (1999). Design for Secure Residential Environments.

Longman.

Healy, R. J. (1983). Design for security. Wiley.

Hill, C. (n.d.). Measuring Transnational Crime. Handbook of Transnational Crime & Justice, 47-64. doi:10.4135/9781412976183.n3 Jacobs, J. (1961). The death and life of great American Cities, 321-25.

Newman, O. (1977). Defensible space: people and design in the violent city. London: Architectural Press.

Schneider, R. H., & Kitchen, T. (2007). Crime prevention and the built environment. London: Routledge.

Then, S. K., & Loosemore, M. (2006). Terrorism prevention, preparedness, and response in built facilities. Facilities, 24(5/6), 157-176. doi:10.1108/02632770610665766.

Adele Teo Yan Ni is a graduate student at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi bin Hassan teaches in Architecture Programme at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM). He obtained Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the University of Houston, Texas, USA. He was awarded a PhD degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. He was promoted to Associate Professor and later Full Professor. His research focuses on computer simulation on daylighting and thermal comforts, architectural history and theory, and housing in urban design. He is one of the nine regional writers involved in the preparation of Guideline: Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries: A Discussion Document, which was launched at The Earth/World Summit, Johannesburg in September 2002. At the university, he lectures in architecture courses related to urban design, studio, history, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and computer movie animation. He has integrated all these specialisations into his research, teaching, consultation and publications. He had designed several architectural projects such as mosque, USM guest house and a proposal for low-cost houses for fishermen community.

Datuk Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ku Azhar is a lecturer, architect and Chairman of Architectural Programme at the School of HBP. A member of Malaysian Board of Architect and Malaysian Insitute of Architect. A former lecturer at University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) and architect for various firms which include Hijjas Kasturi Associates and Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd. His interests include Tropical Design, Traditional House and Architectural Practise.

Dr. Mazran Ismail is a senior lecturer in Architecture at the School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia. He received his B.Sc (HBP) (Architecture), Bachelor of Architecture, M.Sc in Housing and Ph.D in Architecture (Energy Efficient Design) from USM. His main research interests are energy efficient design, green building, housing design, environmental design and thermal comfort studies in tropical building.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

164

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2018.16 ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies http://TuEngr.com

RESIDENTS’ SATISFACTION ON MAJED SHARARAH PREFABRICATED PROJECT IN ADEN, YEMEN Lamia Mohammed Al-Shaibani a

a*

, and Nurwati Badarulzaman

a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 01 June 2018 Received in revised form 04 July 2018 Accepted 09 July 2018 Available online 12 July 2018

Keywords: Dwelling features; Structure quality; SPSS; Satisfaction criteria; Prefabrication building; Questionnaire survey.

ABSTRACT

Residents’ satisfaction studies have attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. It is used to indicate how products and services meet or exceed residents’ expectations or specified satisfaction goals.

This study examined the level of residents’ satisfaction towards the design and structure quality of a low cost prefabricated concrete residential project in Aden, Yemen. Data for the research was collected from a structured questionnaire administered through a simple random sampling technique.

The survey involved 132 respondents. A total of 120 from 132 questionnaires were successfully retrieved for analysis Data were analysed using descriptive yielding 91% response rate. statistics and cross tabulation in SPSS version 24 to determine the residents’ satisfaction by mean scores on a five-point Likert scale.

Study findings showed that dwelling features were rated slightly satisfactory by most residents of the project, while structure quality was rated unsatisfactory by most residents of the project. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION Satisfaction is defined as a feeling of happiness or pleasure achieved (Longman, 2003). With respect to housing studies, it refers to the feeling of contentment buyers receive in buying houses such that it fulfills their needs and wants. Conversely, dissatisfaction is the feeling that emerges when the performance is low compared with the standard quality or due to higher level of defect (Fauzi and Abidin, 2012). Residents’ satisfaction is a guide for potential planners, designers, developers, and policymakers who endeavor to provide housing facilities to different number of people (Ukoha and Beamish, 1997).

Prefabrication system is as an effective way for housing projects development around the world, besides it is considered an ideal solution to cover the housing demand due to its many *Corresponding authors (Lamia M. Al-Shaibani). Tel: +60182548574. E-mail: arch.lamya09@yahoo.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/165.pdf.

165

characteristics.

For example, it is quick in construction, has energy efficiency with low cost,

consumes less waste and has Eco-friendly buildings. The prefabricated construction was used in various types of residential constructions at the beginning of the 1980s to cover the demand for housing, especially for the low-income households with convenient repayment system sponsored by the public sector in Aden city, residents have never been asked if living in the prefabricated buildings provided them satisfaction. Thus, this research has chosen Majed Shararah residential project as a case study to find out the residents' satisfaction on dwelling features and structure quality of their apartments and aim to fill such paucity.

2. CASE STUDY Majed Shararah project is one of the bigger low cost government prefabricated projects that constructed after the independent in the south of Yemen in period of 1980 to 1983 for the low income households. It is located in Al-Mansoura district in Aden, Yemen.

It occupies an area of 4

Hectares, Figure 1.

Figure 1: Location of Majed Shararah Buildings Project.

Table 1: The Description of Building System and Its Components (MPWHO, 2017) Items Number of Floors General Structure of the Building External Walls Interior Walls Roofs Floors Windows Doors

Description 4 Floors Bearing walls of light prefabricated concrete blocks with prefabricated concrete ceilings Light prefabricated concrete blocks with 30 cm thickness Light prefabricated concrete blocks with 30 cm thickness and brick walls with 10 cm thickness Precast reinforced concrete slabs Local Mosaic tiles Wood and glass Compressed wood

This project consists of 24 residential buildings consisting of four floors and 192 apartments.

Each apartment consists of two bedrooms, hall, kitchen, bathroom, two balconies and store with a total area of 87.5 m2.

The delivery system is a prefabricated Hungarian system; it was constructed

from light concrete walls of volcanic slag (local material). Table 1 presents description of building system of Majed Shararah project and its components.

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail 166

This project was chosen as a case study, due to many reasons. Firstly, it is an example of the project that was introduced and built to cover the demand for housing especially for the low income households with convenient repayment system sponsored by the public sector. Secondly, the good conditions of the buildings, though they built since 24 years. Thirdly, it is a new trend for housing projects development around the world.

3. METHODOLOGY This research used quantitative methods to examine the extent of satisfaction levels of residents on the dwelling features and structure quality of their apartments in Majed Shararah project. The quantitative methods have been selected based on the common use of questionnaires in previous studies that investigated the satisfaction levels of residents such as (Ismail et al., 2015; Witchayangkoon et al., 2014).

3.1 QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

This study used a questionnaire that consisted of a series of questions (open-ended or

closed-ended questions). Total nineteen criteria on dwelling features were asked, including size of living room, size of bedrooms, size of kitchen, size of bathroom, bath and toilet facilities, size of veranda/balcony, rooms arrangement, number of electrical sockets, position of electrical sockets, natural lighting, ventilation, heat and internal temperature, types of finishing materials, safety of stairs, external appearance, density of house, privacy, satisfaction with current house, location of apartment. For structure quality, total thirteen criteria were asked, including leakage/water penetration through walls, uneven floors, poor installation of doors, poor installation of windows, leakage/water penetration through ceiling, cracking of wall, poor installation of tiles, peeling paint, power supply in a house, water supply in a house, drainage facilities, telephone communication, and internet communication. The satisfaction is derived from the five Likert scale questionnaire with ‘1’ for very dissatisfied, ‘2’ for dissatisfied, ‘3’ slightly satisfied, ‘4’ satisfied and, ‘5’ very satisfied.

The questionnaire in the research was distributed to 132 heads occupants by using simple random sampling to acquire more representatives of the population and avoid biases (Kish, 1949).

A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted with the respondents.

3.2 DATA ANALYSIS

The data collection in this study was analysed by using both the Statistical Package for Social

Science (SPSS, version 24) software, and Excel programs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Salleh, 2008) and cross tabulation.

4. DISCUSSION OF RESULT

The analysis is based on the results of 120 respondents who answered the questionnaire

successfully from the targeted 132 respondents. The remainder 12 respondents had declined to *Corresponding authors (Lamia M. Al-Shaibani). Tel: +60182548574. E-mail: arch.lamya09@yahoo.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/165.pdf.

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answer the questionnaire.

Table 2 the overall mean score for residents’ satisfaction on the

nineteen items of the design of dwelling features was 3.7, which indicates that the residents slightly satisfied with the overall design of dwelling features of their apartments in the project of Majed Shararah.

Table 2: Satisfaction on design of dwelling features

Items Size of Living Room Size of Bed Rooms Size of Kitchen Size of Bath Room Bath and Toilet Facilities Size of Veranda/Balcony Rooms Arrangement Number of Electrical Sockets Position of Electrical Sockets Natural Lighting Ventilation Heat & Internal Temperature Types of Finishing Materials Safety of Stairs External Appearance Density of House Privacy Satisfaction with Current House Location of Apartment

Satisfaction Level 3.94 3.87 3.32 3.39 3.32 3.74 3.78 3.78 3.84 3.91 4.00 3.63 3.33 3.29 3.56 3.58 3.66 3.88 4.05

Table 3 the overall mean score for residents’ satisfaction on the thirteen items of the structure quality of residential buildings was 2.8, which indicates that the residents dissatisfied with the overall structure quality of the prefabricated residential buildings.

Table 3: Satisfaction on structure quality Items Leakage/Water Penetration Through Walls Uneven Floors Poor Installation of Doors Poor Installation of Windows Leakage/Water Penetration Through Ceiling Cracking of Wall Poor Installation of Tiles Peeling Paint Power Supply in Your House Water Supply in Your House Drainage Facilities Telephone Communication Internet Communication

Satisfaction Level 2.40 3.00 2.87 2.89 2.27 2.68 2.79 2.65 2.85 3.17 2.92 3.34 2.94

From Tables 4, 5 and 6 the results indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between dwelling room’s arrangement with both of natural lighting, ventilation and heat, and internal temperature.

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Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

Table 4: Relation of Satisfaction between Rooms Arrangement * Natural Lighting

Rooms Arrangement Total

1 2 3 4 5

1 0% 100% 0% 0%

Natural Lighting 2 3 4 33.3% 15% 3.8% 0% 20% 19.2% 66.7% 65% 76.9% 0% 0% 0%

Total

5 0% 11.1% 33.3% 55.6%

5.8% 18.3% 67.5% 8.3% 100%

Table 5: Relation of Satisfaction between Rooms Arrangement * Ventilation

Rooms Arrangement Total

1 2 3 4 5

1 0% 100% 0% 0%

Ventilation 2 3 4 0% 25% 3.9% 0% 12.5% 20.8% 100% 62.5% 75.3% 0% 0% 0%

Total

5 0% 8.7% 47.8% 43.5%

5.9% 17.6% 68.1% 8.4% 100%

Table 6: Relation of Satisfaction between Rooms Arrangement * Heat and Internal Temperature

Rooms Arrangement Total

1 2 3 4 5

Heat and Internal Temperature 1 2 3 4 0% 0% 20% 2.5% 100% 22.2% 16% 17.5% 0% 77.8% 64% 70% 0% 0% 0% 10%

5 0% 0% 50% 50%

Total 5.8% 18.3% 67.5% 8.3% 100%

Table 7 the result indicated that there is not a significant negative relationship between current house and drainage facilities.

Table 8, the result indicated that there is not a significant positive

relationship between current house and leakage/water penetration through ceiling.

Table 7: Relation of Satisfaction between Current House * Drainage Facilities

Current House Total

1 2 3 4 5

1 0% 8.3% 12.5% 50% 29.2%

Drainage Facilities 2 3 4 0% 5% 0% 0% 5% 1.9% 31.6% 25% 18.5% 31.6% 55% 66.7% 36.8% 10% 13%

5 0% 0% 100% 0% 0%

Total 0.8% 3.4% 21.8% 54.6% 19.3% 100%

Table 8: Relation of Satisfaction between Current House * Leakage/Water Penetration through Ceiling Leakage/Water Penetration through Ceiling Total 1 2 3 4 5 1 0% 2.6% 0% 0% 0% 0.8% 2 84.6% 2.6% 0% 0% 0% 3.3% Current House 3 23.1% 34.2% 5.9% 12.5% 0% 21.7% 4 41% 42.1% 76.5% 79.2% 100% 55% 5 28.2% 18.4% 17.6% 8.3% 0% 19.2% Total 100% *Corresponding authors (Lamia M. Al-Shaibani). Tel: +60182548574. E-mail: arch.lamya09@yahoo.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/165.pdf.

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5. RESULT SUMMARY The results in table 2 indicate that 89.5% of the residents’ were slightly satisfied with most of the dwelling features of their apartments such as size of living room, size of bedrooms, size of kitchen, size of bathroom, bath and toilet facilities, size of veranda/balcony, rooms arrangement, number of electrical sockets, position of electrical sockets, natural lighting, heat and internal temperature, types of finishing materials, safety of stairs, external appearance, density of house and privacy, while that 10.5% of the residents were satisfied with ventilation and location of their apartments.

In contrast results in table 3 which indicate that 76.9% of the residents are dissatisfied with most of the structure quality of their apartments such as leakage/water penetration through walls, poor installation of doors, poor installation of windows, leakage/water penetration through ceiling, cracking of wall, poor installation of tiles, peeling paint, power supply, drainage facilities and internet communication.

In relation of satisfaction between rooms arrangement with both of natural lighting, ventilation and, heat and internal temperature in tables 4, 5 and 6 the results indicates that 76.9%, 75.3% and 70% of the residents respectively were satisfied with room’s arrangement, and also were satisfied with natural lighting, ventilation and heat and internal temperature.

In relation of satisfaction between current house with drainage facilities in table 7 the results indicated that 66.7% of the residents were satisfied with their current houses and its drainage facilities, as well, in relation of satisfaction between current house with leakage through ceiling in table 8 the results indicate that 79.2 % of the residents were satisfied with their current houses and leakage/water penetration through the ceiling.

6. CONCLUSION This study investigated residents’ satisfaction on one of the successful prefabricated residential projects in Aden city. A questionnaire survey was used to investigate satisfaction on dwelling feature and structure quality. The research has a total of 132 respondents. Nineteen criteria have been surveyed on dwelling feature and thirteen criteria on structure quality. The findings revealed that the project achieved a relatively small success with regards to the dwelling features while the findings revealed problems in the structural quality associated with poor non-maintenance of these buildings since its establishment in 1982. However, the residents generally still satisfied with their current apartments because they do not have another housing choice.

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The first author would like to thank Aden University, Yemen that funded the research under the Master scholarship. In addition to the special appreciation, to the Faculty of Engineering, Aden University represented by Professor Dr. Saleh Mubarak (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering), 170

Adele Teo Yan Ni, A. Sanusi Hassan a, Ku A. Ku Hassan, and M. Ismail

Assistant Professor Dr. Hassan Ali, Associate Professor. Dr. Mohammed Thabet, Lecturer Ahmed Al-Haddad and Arch. Marseel Khan for providing documents and information about the case study project (Majed Shararah Prefabricated Project), In addition to the special appreciation, goes to the team that helped in collecting the data of questionnaires (Arch. Hassem Algridi, Arch. Mohamed Bin Yahya, Mahmood Obaid, Arch. Marina Ahmed, Eng. Yaser Gurnah, Arch. Ishraq Ahmed, Arch. Mohannad Ali, Arch. Sahar Sameer, Arch. Ahlam Sheikh, Arch. Leqaa Abdou Alrhman, Rana Hadi and Salah Aldeen) from Aden, Yemen.

8. REFERENCES Fauzi, S. N. F. M., & Abidin, N. Z. (2012). The relationship of housing defects, occupants’ satisfaction and loyalty behavior in build-then-sell houses. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 62, 75-86.

Ismail, M., Termizi, N. H. A., & Hassan, A. S. (2015). Satisfaction and Perception of Occupants Towards Highrise Government Apartments Built Using Industrialized Building System in Putrajaya, Malaysia. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, and Applied Sciences and Technologies,6(3), 107-117.

Kish, L. (1949). A procedure for objective respondent selection within the household. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 44(247), 380-387.

Longman, D. (2003). Dictionary of Contemporary English; Eds: Fox, C; E; Murphy, M; Urban, R., and Marwick, K.C; Parson Education Limited; Edinburgh gate, Harlow, England. 2003.

MPWHO (2017). Ministry of Public Works and Highways Office (MPWHO). Office of Public Works and Roads.

Salleh, A. G. (2008). Neighbourhood factors in private low-cost housing in Malaysia. Habitat International, 32(4), 485-493.

Ukoha, O. M., & Beamish, J. O. (1997). Assessment of residents' satisfaction with public housing in Abuja, Nigeria. Habitat international, 21(4), 445-460.

Witchayangkoon, B., Sirimontree, S., Buddhawanna, S., Koonnarittipol, T., Chaninsathapat, T., & Waisurasingha, C. (2014). An after-stay satisfaction survey of residents living in prefabricated concrete structures in Thailand. International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies, V5(2), 87-94. http://tuengr.com/V05/0087.pdf Lamia Mohammed Al-Shaibani got her B.Sc. Architectural Engineering, University of Aden, Yemen, and Master of Science (Housing), from School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia.

Her research interests focus on how can produce better and affordable housing solutions in normal and emergency situation (Housing Studies).

Dr. Nurwati Badarulzaman is Associate Professor at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM). She obtained her B.Sc. Urban Studies & Environmental Planning, University of Wisconsin, USA, her Master degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. University, USA. She earned a PhD. (Employment Planning) from University of Sheffield, UK. Her research interests encompass Socio-economic planning, employment and creative city.

*Corresponding authors (Lamia M. Al-Shaibani). Tel: +60182548574. E-mail: arch.lamya09@yahoo.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/165.pdf.

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WINDOWS OPERATION FOR RESIDENTS’ THERMAL COMFORT IN NATURALLY VENTILATED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN MALAYSIA a

Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi , Noor Faisal Abas a

a*

, and Faizal Baharum

a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 12 January 2018 Received in revised form 16 July 2018 Accepted 19 July 2018 Available online 20 July 2018

Keywords: Natural ventilation; Indoor environment; Residential buildings; Solar radiation; Building orientation; Building geometry; Shading device.

ABSTRACT

Field environmental measurements were conducted for the indoor environment as well as the microclimate surrounding the building. Part of the indoor measurements was performed in two spaces for a full day with opened windows and another day with closed windows. One of the spaces’ facade is exposed to direct solar radiation while the other is shaded by a balcony.

The objective was to investigate the effect of windows operation on the indoor environment under the direct exposure to solar radiation. Results showed that opening windows helps to reduce the indoor operative temperature in space under direct solar radiation, whereas it causes an increase in space under shadings. Occupants must understand that windows operation is highly influenced by direct exposure to solar radiation.

Additionally, this indicates the importance of building orientation, geometry, shading devices and thermal insulation to avoid the effects of solar radiation and reduce the indoor temperature. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION As people spend most of their time in buildings, the indoor environment is needed to be more comfortable and healthy (Daghigh, 2015). According to ASHRAE, (2004), to be thermally comfortable means to be satisfied with the thermal environment. The last one is influenced by many factors that can be categorized into three groups, namely environmental factors, individual factors, and contributing factors (Nicol, 1993). The environmental factors include air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, and mean radiant temperature. These factors play primary role in the thermal comfort of the occupants.

In hot and humid climates, thermally discomfort conditions will occur if ineffective strategies are applied to reduce heat penetration into a building (Zain et al., 2007). Sunlight penetrating to *Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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173

buildings will increase the mean radiant temperature of building’s surfaces comparing to body temperature, thus results in the body heat gain causing discomfort conditions. In addition, a lot of energy will be required to flush out the penetrated heat in order to improve the thermal environment and provide comfortable conditions.

Natural ventilation is an attractive alternative that can provide and maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Air movement can influence the body heat loss to the surrounding environment by improving the convection and evaporation processes, which will result in improving the comfort level. Studies in hot-humid climate for naturally ventilated buildings indicate that with higher indoor air velocity, an increase in the comfort temperatures voted by respondents is observed (ASHRAE, 2004; Hooi et al., 2013). Additionally, moderate air velocity (>0.25 m/s)

in

the range 32-40°C reduce both thermal discomfort and skin moisture (Nicol, 2009). As a result, a study proposed the lower limit for air velocity for three ranges of operative temperature; 0.4 m/s for 24-27 °C, 0.41-0.8 m/s for 27-29 °C and >0.81 m/s for 29-31 °C (Cândido et al., 2011). In addition, natural ventilation helps to alleviate the associated problems with air-conditioned buildings and reducing energy consumption (Montazeri et al., 2010).

Operable windows and doors are the main sources of natural ventilation in buildings. In some cases, windows and doors together are needed to be opened to encourage and facilitate cross ventilation. According to Mishra & Ramgopal (2013), opening windows is one of the most favored adaptive techniques for people across countries, which can be attributed to its ease, effectiveness, and economy of use. Indraganti (2010a) stated that although windows opening behavior is more dependent on the indoor temperature (i.e. the direct environment of the subject), the percentage of using windows opening was increased with outdoor mean temperature until it reached 31–32 °C, then slowly decreased. As the outdoor mean temperature increased, the occupants’ modification was to close the windows, since opening windows would allow more heat to go in and increase the indoor temperature. Windows opening behavior was also influenced by several other factors including privacy, safety and security, suitability, sun penetration, etc. Inkarojrit and Paliaga, (2004) linked windows usage to the local zone and stated that it is highly correlated with indoor operative temperature.

In addition, Indraganti (2010a) also noted that the percentage of open windows was found to increase when occupants’ votes in thermal sensation scale move from slightly cool to slightly warm, while it remained stable at the maximum value when the votes are between slightly warm and warm. Furthermore, the proportion of open windows was highest in the morning and lowest at midday during the hot summers, while it stayed at the higher percentage throughout the day when the indoor temperature was around the skin temperature and humidity was relatively higher.

Similarly, he found the doors opening had same adaptive usage as windows. H. Zhang et al. (2007) found that the three most common reasons to open windows are “to feel cool”, “to feel more air movement” and “to let in fresh air”, while the primary reason to close windows was “to reduce outdoor noises”.

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Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi, Noor Faisal Abas, and Faizal Baharum

The use of open balcony doors was found to have the same role as windows opening. However, the percentage of open balcony doors (58%-86%) was higher than the open windows (37%-75%).

This can be explained by the privet space of the balcony compared to windows that in many cases were opened to the exterior of the building or into a public corridor (Indraganti, 2010a). Wafi (2012) found that thermal discomfort of students in their accommodations’ room occurred when the doors are closed. He related that to the lower airflow results from closing the doors, which are the only available way that permits cross ventilation through the room. Additionally, he found that the closing of the doors was due to privacy and/or security requirements.

It can be concluded that buildings’ windows operation is influenced by many factors, but mainly by the outdoor environmental conditions. Generally, occupants tend to open windows and possibly doors to allow natural ventilation. Once the outdoor air temperature increased, they usually tend to close windows. However, does this scenario work well under different exposure to direct solar radiation with the absence of thermal insulation in buildings’ envelope. This paper is to investigate the influence of direct solar radiation on buildings’ windows operation for providing comfortable indoor environment conditions in naturally ventilated residential buildings.

2. METHODOLOGY This paper is part of a study for the thermal comfort of residents in naturally ventilated high-rise residential buildings in Penang, Malaysia. A quantitative approach was selected using questionnaire survey on thermal comfort along with measurements of the environmental parameters. For this paper, only the data related to building’s windows are presented.

Measurements of the environmental parameters, namely Air temperature, Relative humidity, Air velocity, and Globe temperature were conducted to examine these parameters between indoor and outdoor microclimate environment, and between a space with external walls shaded from direct solar radiation (i.e. living area) and a space with external walls fully exposed to direct solar radiation (i.e. master bedroom). The measurements were performed using the following tools: 1. EXTECH Thermo-Hygro: to measure Air temperature and Relative humidity.

2. TESTO 415 Hotwire Anemometer: to measure Air velocity.

3. Globe thermometer: to measure Globe temperature.

4. SEKONIC ST-50 Hygrothermograph: to measure outdoor Air temperature and Relative humidity.

In addition, part of the thermal comfort assessment questionnaire was designed to investigate their daily use of windows opening on a scale represent the daily periods (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening, and night) as well as the people who never use windows opening.

2.1 CASE STUDY N-Park, a high-rise residential building, was selected for this study. Building’s layout (i.e. *Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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single loaded corridor type) can provide the optimum opportunity for cross natural ventilation and the orientation to north-south represents the recommended orientation in Malaysia. It is located on the east coast of the Penang Island, Malaysia. It consists of four blocks (Figure 1) and has a total number of 988 flats. Each flat has a built-up area of 700 sq. ft., and comprises a master bedroom, two children bedrooms, living room, kitchen and two bathrooms.

Figure 1: case study (a) Building’s blocks (source: Google Earth, 2015), (b) Part of the south elevation, (c) Block layout

2.2 DATA COLLECTION Measurements of the environmental parameters were conducted during February 2016, almost clear days, from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, with an interval of 1 hour. The measurements were taken from the middle of the space at 1.1 m above the floor according to (ISO 7726, 2001; ASHRAE, 2004) (Figure 2). Air temperature, Relative humidity, and Globe temperature were recorded directly from the instruments. Air velocity was recorded as the average of 3 minutes period (ISO 7726, 2001).

Mean radiant temperature and operative temperature were calculated also in accordance with (ISO 7726, 2001).

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Indoor measurements and outdoor measurements of the microclimate surrounding the building were performed on sunny and cloudy days with fully opened windows throughout the day. It was observed that Indoor air temperature followed outdoor air temperature with a difference not more 176

Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi, Noor Faisal Abas, and Faizal Baharum

than a half degree Celsius (Figure 3). It steadily rose up to reach the peak temperature at 4.00-5.00 pm and then decreased. The maximum and minimum indoor air temperatures were 32.8°C and 27.4°C respectively.

1.6°C.

Additionally, the maximum difference between sunny and cloudy days was

Figure 2: Data collection (a) location of measurement, (b) Master bedroom, (c) Living area 34

Temperature (C°)

33

Air temperature

32

Indoor -

31

Outdoor -

30 29

Indoor -

28 27

Outdoor -

26 25 Time

Figure 3: Indoor and outdoor Air temperature for sunny and cloudy days (9.00am to 9.00pm).

Similarly but with an adverse curve, Figure 4 shows that indoor relative humidity follows outdoor relative humidity, while the last one is generally higher with 3-5 %. It decreased rapidly from the highest point at morning to the lowest point around 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, especially in the sunny day. This can be attributed to the higher temperature during this time. The difference in relative humidity between sunny and cloudy days was 10-15% until 5.00 pm where they became equal. Additionally, it is clearly shown how relative humidity is influenced by the air temperature.

An increase in air temperature will result in a decrease in relative humidity and vice versa. Relative humidity describes the water vapor percentage in the air. As the air temperature increase, air expands and thus the spaces that hold water molecules increases. As a result, the relative humidity *Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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will decrease.

75

Relative Humidity

70 Humidity (%)

65

Indoor -

60 55

Outdoor -

50 45

Indoor -

40

Outdoor -

35 30 Time

Figure 4: Indoor and outdoor Relative Humidity for sunny and cloudy days (9.00am to 9.00pm).

On the other hand, air velocity fluctuates throughout the day as can be seen in Figure 5. It reached as high as 3.6 m/s and decreased to 0.6 m/s. Also, it can be seen how indoor air velocity follows outdoor air velocity in its increases and decreases. However, there is no specific pattern that can be generalized to describe the air velocity.

Generally, it can be said that indoor measurements have same patterns as outdoor measurements, which reflect that indoor conditions in naturally ventilated buildings follow almost exactly outdoor conditions. This also indicates the importance of personal behavior for opening or closing windows in controlling indoor conditions. These findings are in line with Raja et al. (2001) and Dhaka et al. (2015)who stated that indoor and outdoor temperatures are well correlated and that the rate of change of indoor temperature with outdoor temperature is consistent. Humphreys et al.

(2013) also indicated same results where the temperature within the building would correspond closely to the average outdoor temperature. Indraganti (2010) also stated that indoor environments followed outdoor conditions closely in naturally ventilated buildings.

4.0

Air Velocity (m/s)

3.5

Air Velocity

3.0

Indoor -

2.5

Outdoor -

2.0 1.5

Indoor -

1.0

Outdoor -

0.5 0.0 Time

Figure 5: Indoor and outdoor Air velocity for sunny and cloudy days (9.00am to 9.00pm).

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Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi, Noor Faisal Abas, and Faizal Baharum

Furthermore, an investigation was carried out on the daily use of buildings windows and how it may be influenced by the time periods of the day (i.e. morning, afternoon, evening and night). In addition, the possibility of not using windows opening for natural ventilation. The result is illustrated in Figure 6. Generally, it can be said that residents start their day with opening windows during the morning. It achieved the highest percentage throughout the day (i.e. 72.4%). This may be linked to their needs for fresh air, and since the ambient outdoor air temperature is low, it can provide a comfortable condition. As they move to the afternoon period, the percentage of using opened windows decreased to 56.2%. The highest air temperature throughout the day is recorded during this period (see Figure 3); thus, some residents tend to close windows in order to avoid the penetration of the hot outdoor air temperature to the indoor spaces and instead, they may rely on mechanical techniques to provide comfortable conditions.

During the evening, when air temperature decreases, the percentage of opening windows slightly increased to 62.9%. However, at night, it decreased again to 45.7%, which may be attributed to many reasons including security, insects, and privacy. In addition, 8.6% of respondents votes was never open the windows.

Windows Opening Respondents

80%

72.4% 56.2%

60%

62.9% 45.7%

40% 20% 0%

8.6% Morning

Noon

Evening

Night

Never

Figure 6: Daily usage of building windows.

Residents’ behavior to operate buildings’ windows reflects their dependency on outdoor air temperature. However, the role of direct exposure to solar radiation may affect this scenario. To investigate that, the operative temperature was calculated for the indoor environment to reflect the effect of both indoor air temperature and mean radiant temperature together. Figure 7 shows that operative temperature in the master bedroom was higher than the living area with a difference fluctuated between 0.6 C°- 2.0 C° for opened windows, whereas this difference increased up to 2.7 C° for closed windows. The maximum difference was during the afternoon period when the sun rays at the highest level. In addition, a steep increase in operative temperature with opened windows was observed, especially from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm when it reached the peak point, then followed by a steep decrease. However, with closed windows, the increase and decrease were roughly constant. The maximum operative temperature was with opened windows (i.e. 33.00 C° and 34.6 C° for the living area and the master bedroom respectively).

*Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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35

Temperature (C°)

34 33 32 31

Operative temperature Living area opened Master bedroom opened

30

Living area closed

29

Master bedroom closed

28

Time

Figure 7: Operative temperature at living area and master bedroom with opened and closed windows.

In the living area, although the operative temperature was lower with opened windows compared to closed windows during the morning with a difference up to 0.9 C°, it became higher during the afternoon period with a difference up to 1.1 C° at 5.00 pm. This can be attributed to the ability of the indoor temperature with opened windows to follow the outdoor temperature, which is higher during the afternoon as discussed earlier in indoor and outdoor air temperature. However, closing windows plays as a barrier for the hot outdoor temperature and keeps the indoor temperature lower.

In contrast, the operative temperature at the master bedroom was almost lower throughout the day with opened windows compared to closed windows, with a difference up to 1.3 C°. However, it became higher just for two hours (i.e. 4.00pm to 6.00 pm) when it reached the peak point. Closing windows in the master bedroom, which is exposed to direct solar radiation with the absence of thermal insulation, causes the heat to build up, thus increasing the operative temperature, whereas opening windows help to dissipate this heat.

It can be said that opening windows helps to reduce indoor temperature where space’s façade is exposed to direct solar radiation, whereas it causes an increase in indoor temperature where the façade is shaded from direct solar radiation. This shows the importance of shading devices to reduce the indoor temperature.

Relative humidity was almost equal in both living area and master bedroom with opened windows, while it slightly increased up to 4% with closed windows in the living area during the afternoon as shown in Figure 8. This can be linked to the higher indoor temperature in the master bedroom during this period, which caused relative humidity to be lower. The difference in relative humidity between opened and closed windows was due to the difference in outdoor humidity for the two days of the measurements. Furthermore, change in humidity throughout the day was steep with opened windows compared to steady change with closed windows.

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65

Relative Humidity

Humidity (%)

60

Living area opened

55

Master bedroom opened

50

Living area closed

45

Master bedroom closed

40 Time

Figure 8: Relative Humidity at living area and master bedroom with opened and closed windows.

Finally, air velocity at the living area was generally higher than the master bedroom with a difference fluctuates between 0.2 m/s and 0.6 m/s, see Figure 9. This is due to the large windows on both sides of the living area that increases the cross ventilation, whereas the door is the only way in the master bedroom that may enhance the cross ventilation. The lowest reading for air velocity was 0.2 m/s in the master bedroom while highest reading was 1.4 m/s in the living area. Closing windows in both spaces caused air velocity to be as low as 0.02 m/s, which in turns will affect people’s comfort.

1.6

Air Velocity

Air Velocity (m/s)

1.4

Living area opened

1.2 1.0

Master bedroom opened

0.8 0.6

Living area closed

0.4

Master bedroom closed

0.2 0.0 Time

Figure 9: Air velocity at living area and master bedroom with opened and closed windows.

4. CONCLUSION The objective of this paper was to investigate the influence of direct solar radiation on buildings’ windows operation for providing thermally comfortable conditions.

In buildings,

windows are the main source of natural ventilation, which can help to provide a comfortable environment and reduce the energy consumption associated with mechanical conditioning.

However, their operation must be controlled to achieve the optimum conditions. Windows in spaces without direct exposure to solar radiation may be opened as far as the outdoor temperature within an acceptable range.

However, they will be needed to be closed once the outdoor temperature

*Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/173.pdf.

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increases beyond this range, which is usually occured around the noontime.

On the other hand,

windows in spaces with direct exposure to solar radiation, especially with the absence of thermal insulation, are required to be opened most of the day to allow the heat penetrated into the indoor environment to be removed and dissipated to outside with the air movement. In addition, this indicates the importance of building orientation, building geometry, shading devices and thermal insulation to avoid the effects of solar radiation and reduce the indoor temperature.

5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Universiti Sains Malaysia and FRGS (203/PPBGN/6711516)

grant for providing the support and equipment to conduct this research.

6. REFERENCES

ASHRAE (2004) ANSI/ASHRAE STANDARD 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, Ashrae. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. doi: 10.1007/s11926-011-0203-9.

Cândido, C., Lamberts, R., de Dear, R., Bittencourt, L. and de Vecchi, R. (2011) ‘Towards a Brazilian standard for naturally ventilated buildings: guidelines for thermal and air movement acceptability’, Building Research & Information, 39(2), pp. 145–153. doi: 10.1080/09613218.2011.557858.

Daghigh, R. (2015) ‘Assessing the thermal comfort and ventilation in Malaysia and the surrounding regions’, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Elsevier, 48, pp. 681–691. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.017.

Dhaka, S., Mathur, J., Brager, G. and Honnekeri, A. (2015) ‘Assessment of thermal environmental conditions and quantification of thermal adaptation in naturally ventilated buildings in composite climate of India’, Building and Environment. Elsevier Ltd, 86, pp. 17–28. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.11.024.

Hooi, D., Toe, C. and Kubota, T. (2013) ‘Development of an adaptive thermal comfort equation for naturally ventilated buildings in hot – humid climates using ASHRAE RP-884 database Development of an adaptive thermal comfort equation for naturally ventilated buildings in hot – humid climates usin’, Frontiers of Architectural Research. Elsevier, 2(September 2016), pp.

278–291. doi: 10.1016/j.foar.2013.06.003.

Humphreys, M. A., Rijal, H. B. and Nicol, J. F. (2013) ‘Updating the adaptive relation between climate and comfort indoors; new insights and an extended database’, Building and Environment.

Elsevier Ltd, pp. 40–55. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2013.01.024.

Indraganti, M. (2010a) ‘Adaptive use of natural ventilation for thermal comfort in Indian apartments’, Building and Environment.

Elsevier Ltd, 45(6), pp.

1490–1507. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.12.013.

Indraganti, M. (2010b) ‘Thermal comfort in naturally ventilated apartments in summer: Findings from a field study in Hyderabad, India’, Applied Energy. Elsevier Ltd, 87(3), pp. 866–883. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2009.08.042.

Inkarojrit, V. and Paliaga, G. (2004) ‘Indoor climatic influences on the operation of windows in a naturally ventilated building’, 21th PLEA Conference, Eindhoven, The …, (September), pp. 19– 22.

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Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi, Noor Faisal Abas, and Faizal Baharum

ISO 7726 (2001) Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Instruments for measuring physical quantities. Second edi, Bs En Iso 7726:2001. Second edi. doi: 10.3403/02509505.

Mishra, A. K. and Ramgopal, M. (2013) ‘Field studies on human thermal comfort - An overview’, Building and Environment. Elsevier Ltd, pp. 94–106. doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2013.02.015.

Montazeri, H., Montazeri, F., Azizian, R. and Mostafavi, S. (2010) ‘Two-sided wind catcher performance evaluation using experimental, numerical and analytical modeling’, Renewable Energy, 35(7), pp. 1424–1435. doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2009.12.003.

Nicol (1993) Thermal Comfort - A Handbook for Field Studies Toward an Adaptive Model. UK: University of East London.

Nicol, J. F. (2009) ‘An analysis of some observations of thermal comfort in Roorkee, India and Baghdad, Iraq’, Annals of Human Biology. Taylor & Francis.

Raja, I. A., Nicol, J. F., McCartney, K. J. and Humphreys, M. A. (2001) ‘Thermal comfort: Use of controls in naturally ventilated buildings’, Energy and Buildings, 33(3), pp. 235–244. doi: 10.1016/S0378-7788(00)00087-6.

Wafi, S. R. S. (2012) Thermal Comfort of Students’ Accommodations in Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Ph.D. thesis. Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Zain, Z. M., Taib, M. N. and Baki, S. M. S. (2007) ‘Hot and humid climate: prospect for thermal comfort in residential building’, Desalination, 209(1–3), pp. 261–268. doi: 10.1016/j.desal.2007.04.036.

Zhang, H., Arens, E., Fard, S. A., Huizenga, C., Paliaga, G., Brager, G. and Zagreus, L. (2007) ‘Air movement preferences observed in office buildings.’, International journal of biometeorology, 51, pp. 349–360. doi: 10.1007/s00484-006-0079-y.

Zeyad Amin Abdo Saeed Al-Absi is a PhD candidate in the School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Saina Malaysia. He holds an M.Sc Degree in Building Technology from Universiti Saina Malaysia and B.Sc. in Architecture from Sana’a University.

Dr. Noor Faisal Abas is an Associate Professor in the Building Technology program at Universiti Saina Malaysia.

He holds a B.Sc. In Building Engineering, M.Sc in Building Technology and PhD in Building Material - cement and concrete from Universiti Saina Malaysia. His interests are Building Material and Construction Technology and, as well as other areas in the field of Building Services and Engineering.

Dr. Faizal Baharum graduated with B.Sc. (Hons) in Housing, Building & Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2003 and M.Sc in 2005. He obtained PhD (Mechanical Engineering) in 2012 from the University of Manchester, UK. His specialisation lies in the area of building energy simulation for present and future time, regional weather data analyses and building energy saving.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

*Corresponding authors (Noor Faisal Abas). Mobil: +604-6533170. E-mail: nfaisal@usm.my. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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A REVIEW OF RATIONALE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA Maidodo Adam Maiyaki a

a*

a

, Azizan Marzuki , Rahmat Ibn Azam Mustafa

a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 12 January 2018 Received in revised form 16 July 2018 Accepted 20 July 2018 Available online 23 July 2018

Keywords: Developing nations; Public awareness; Active community participation; Waste handling; waste collection cost; waste transportation; Trash management.

ABSTRACT

This paper undertakes a comprehensive review of the growing international literature on the community participation, regarding solid waste management. It examines a range of approaches and identifies the key attributes associated with effects of community involvement in urban solid waste management.

The authors critically evaluate worsening condition of urban solid waste management in developing nations particularly, Nigeria and suggest directions for future research attention.

The discussion provides valuable information and insights on the emergence of waste management and the need for community participation in developing nations including Nigeria. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION Developing countries are confronted with issues of solid waste management because of its attendant negative impacts on the general wellbeing and environmental safety in urban territories (Shukor et al., 2011). Hence, solid waste needs to be appropriately managed to rid the general wellbeing and environmental safety of its menace (Ogwueleka, 2009). Consequently, the management of solid waste keeps on being a noteworthy task and issues in urban territories all over the world, especially in the fast-developing urban communities and towns of the developing nations (Statistics, 1997).

For instance, cities in North Central Region, Nigeria, increase rapidly in

population and expansion of towns leading to a proportionate volume of solid waste generated, with its’ related human and environmental problems. On the whole, it will require initiative and necessary inputs in place to effectively kosher the effects of which Nigerian Government is still on the road test (Alhassan, 2012).

Therefore, the required initiative will be not only a huge amount of money and skills, but also appropriate organizational capacity and cooperation between numerous stakeholders in the private *Corresponding author (Maidodo Adam). E-mail: adammaidodo@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/185.pdf.

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and public sectors and the community to be properly managed (SchĂźbeler et al., 1996). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to look at the emergence of solid waste management and review the effects of community participation in solid waste management to have background information of the problems and the need for intervention, as indicated by various past researches.

2. THEORY OF UNDERPINNING Clifford Defee et al. (2010) found that any ideal research ought to be grounded in theory.

Likewise, Scott (2008) added that any study needs a preliminary approach.

Therefore, this study is

heavily informed by social capital theory and bottom-up approach. The social capital theory and the bottom up approach championed by Chambers (Field & Morse, 1985).

2.1 SOCIAL CAPITAL THEORETICAL APPROACH This refers to the institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and level of society’s social interactions, which make societies or communities work (Woolcock & Narayan, 2000). It is the just the sum of social institutions which underpin a society; it is the glue that holds them together. Social capital is more about the connections among individuals, social networks and the norms of mutuality and trustworthiness that arise from them (Ecclestone & Field, 2003). In the quest for solid waste management effectiveness, the whole discourse cannot be analyzed in isolation of community participation. Primacy should therefore not be given to the modern approaches, but also to what the community know, think and feel about the whole process. Knowledge, practices, and attitudes form part of their social worlds. Thomas-Hope (1998) postulates that community members are a social capital. Therefore, where a community has accumulated strong levels of social capital, it is possible with regards to environmental issue to reorganize the existing solid waste management system. This approach will bring about a transformation whereby there is a transfer from sole reliance on the public sector for solid waste management to a situation where the household also plays a crucial role.

2.2 BOTTOM UP THEORETICAL APPROACH This refers to the inclusion of the least regarded of the Society (Smith, 2008). This study adopts the same ideology and contextualizes it in the Solid Waste Management process in Nigeria.

The author added that, instead of imposing Waste Management on the community, there is a need to make them part of the program. Solid waste management, therefore, should not be left to the administrators alone, but a community issue.

2.3 TOP DOWN THEORETICAL APPROACH An in-depth understanding of the complex realities is a key factor to empowerment and collective action (Ndum, 2013). Therefore, getting the right resources to where they are needed most and ensuring those resources are embedded in a viable manner is a crucial issue with international development. An absence of comprehensive knowledge of the realities on the ground results to wasting of resources. Hence, the greatest failure of international development to this day (Ndum, 2013). It is worth noting that, while a lot of money allocated to developing countries 186

Maidodo Adam Maiyaki, Azizan Marzuki, Rahmat Ibn Azam Mustafa

projects, but there is nothing significant to show for it. This may be, because, of bureaucratic interventions by governments, foreign agencies or transnational conglomerates impose “top-down” solutions and fail to consider both needs and wishes of the bottom. Thus, Frankham (2009) opined that success and viability are much feasible if solutions to community issues are identified and rectified by community development remedies.

2.4 EMERGENCE OF URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Louis (2004); Morrissey and Browne (2004) lamented that, waste has been produced by people all through history.

When human settlements were sparse with a sufficient number of land waste

management was not an issue. However, with the rise of towns and cities, large number people began to come together in a relatively small area to make a living waste became a threat to human health and environmental safety (Ahmed & Ali, 2004). In other words, when the population densities in urbanized cities and per head waste generation increased, the space available for waste disposal decreased proportionately. Thus, solid waste management turned to be an issue of concern, dedicated sector for keeping cities clean, healthy and livable environment was established (Saeed et al., 2009).

Besides, the issue of waste management as a fundamental part of environmental control has plainly advanced because of the fast growing nature of urban environmental problems. This was apparently evident by narrations of following studies: (Bulkeley and Betsill, 2005; Cozens, 2002; Falkenmark et al., 2004; Neale, 1997; Palmer, 2002; Pierzynski et al., 2005; Simon, 2008), just to mention a few. It has also been stressed in Agenda 21, as a significant output of the UNCED Earth Summit (Weiss, 1992).

The author lamented, that poor management of waste has short and long term implications to the environment and human health.

Despite the growing awareness of the potential threat that poor handling of solid waste poses to both human health and the environmental safety, urban solid waste management has not been given proper attention in developing nations, e.g., North Central Region of Nigeria.

In contrast to the

developed world, cities in developing countries are still at the cross road towards planning and provision of a satisfactory urban solid waste management services for numbers of decades now.

According to (Schübeler et al., 1996) that, these may be as result of inability of the local authority failure in their responsibility, who are traditionally known to be sole responsible for waste collection and disposal once is put for collection. However, the author further blamed this on the numbers of factors prominent among them include Issue of identifying appropriate technique, poor governance, policy and implementation and lack of political will, leading inappropriate collection and disposal system, absence of community involvement, technical abilities, planning, awareness, willingness, positive attitude, and rural-urban migration.

Also natural growth because of the

quality of urban’s health care facility as identified by different studies(Ahmad et al., 2003), (Okot-Okumu, 2012), (Liman and Ngah, 2015). In fact, this is apparently evident in Nigeria, *Corresponding author (Maidodo Adam). E-mail: adammaidodo@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/185.pdf.

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considering what the country is experiencing as the world’s highest population growth rate which positioned her as the giant of Africa given its population size. The urban population growth is becoming speedier (3.5%than the usual National rate of (2.5%) particularly, North Central Region of Nigeria (Jha & Bawa, 2006).

Tukahirwa et al. (2010) argued that solid waste management is given low priority in developing countries because they are confronting other challenges termed to be more pressing such as high infant mortality, staggering rates of HIV/AIDS cases as well as difficulties in providing basic amenities such as potable water and reliable energy sources. Where solid waste management is a priority, transportation equipment is out of service or in need of serious repair or maintenance as well poor accessibility. If the waste is collected and transported, it usually ends up at improper waste disposal sites where it poses a hazard to the environment and human health (Katusiimeh, Mol, & Burger, 2012). Not only that, but also point to the relationship between governance and solid waste management.

Jerie and Tevera (2014) see urban solid waste disposal problems as

indicative of economic policy failures at either local government level or national governments.

Likewise, attributing the presence of inefficient solid waste management systems to poor revenue base, thereby, impeding significant investment in solid waste infrastructure and hampers maintenance of equipment.

Masocha (2012) identified administrative incapacity and institutional

weaknesses as one of the major factors accounting for poor solid waste management systems in most developing nation including, Nigeria.

However, this standpoint was refuted by Nunan and Satterthwaite (2001) who defensively argues that prolonged underinvestment is the primary factor that leads to deterioration of the quality of solid waste management systems. The repercussion of the above scenario is contamination issues of high scale, alongside the problem of meeting up with the acceptable levels of sanitation coverage, will require serious attention (Alhassan, 2012). As Nigeria's urban areas particularly, the north central region keep on increasing in population size and of course one should expect proportionate solid waste generation and its’ attendant human health and environmental safety issues.

Therefore, the management of these large volumes of waste been generated cannot be simply and cheaply managed. It will require not only a substantial amount of money and skills but also requires cooperation among numerous stakeholders in the private and public sectors including community to be adequately managed. Goulbourne (1998) also identified that citizen participation in the management of solid waste could have numerous benefits for municipal authorities regarding saving on collection and disposal costs.

2.5 CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION Community participation is defined differently by different people; it has no precise connotation. The assertion was premised on the fact that; every scholar describes community participation based on his perception. The community participation concept has different implications for various individuals.

Maidodo Adam Maiyaki, Azizan Marzuki, Rahmat Ibn Azam Mustafa 188

Hence, to understand community participation this paper will begin by exploring the notion and different classification of “community and participation” to trace their conceptual development so that, community participation can be right perceived and located. (Plummer, 1999; D. H. Smith & Zhao, 2016) Refer to the community as the whole population of a city; a section of the city; or an ethnic or social group within the city. It can also mean a group of people living in a particular geographical or administrative area, such as a neighborhood and who have access to and uses the same service (Mutungwa, 2016). Smith and Zhao (2016) view community in three different dimensions one, as a physical area, with its geographical boundaries, whose residents share common concerns such as traffic congestion, flooding or uncollected garbage. Two, as an institutional unit which refers to the lowest administrative unit which is part of the system of government, with legally defined jurisdiction, government departments, and representatives. This may be a ‘ward’ (India), a ‘baranguay’ (the Philippines), a ‘quartier’ or ‘barrio’ (Honduras) or ‘angwan’ (hausa) or ‘agirika’ (afo) ‘masyarakat’ (Malay). Three, as a social group which refers to the set of individuals of residents who identify themselves as a community, because of the social or cultural relationships among them. These social relationships form the basis for organization and leadership in that community. Gotame (2012) added that community comprises of people living together in some social organization and cohesion. Its member share in varying degrees of political, economic, social and cultural characteristic as well as interest.

The authors also see participation as a beautiful concept that varies with its application and definition. For some it is a matter of principle; for others, practice; but for others, is an end itself (Van de Klundert & Lardinois, 1995).

Christens et al. (2016) stated that participation is a

stereotype word like children use a Lego pieces. Like Lego pieces, the words fit arbitrarily together and support the most fanciful constructions. They have no content but do serve a function.

As these words are spate from any context, they are ideal for the manipulative purpose.

‘Participation` belongs to this category of the word. Usually, the term participation is modified with adjectives, resulting in terms such as community participation, citizen participation, people`s participation, public participation, popular participation, etc.

As such this study refers to

participation as ‘to have a share in`` or ‘take part in, `` thereby emphasizing the rights of individuals and the choices that they make to part-take.

Therefore, community participation can be defined as a process in which community members are involved at different stages and degrees of intensity in the project cycle with the objective to build the capacity of the community to maintain services created during the project after the facilitating organizations have left (Baud & Post, 2002). Kumar and Kumar (2002) added that Community participation could simply be some contribution or involvement by the community, for example, it can even be the separation of waste at the household level before public collection.

Tukahirwa et al. (2010) see community participation as an active process by which the community influences or plays a role in a development project to enhance their wellbeing or other values that they hold dear such as sanitary living conditions as the case may be regarding waste management. However, this study takes on the definition of Armitage and Hyma (1997) which *Corresponding author (Maidodo Adam). E-mail: adammaidodo@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/185.pdf.

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refer to community participation as a process by which communities act in reaction to public concerns, join voice to ear out their views about decisions that affect them and assume liability for changes to their community. This definition was found prudent to be adopted for this study because its meaning is in the context of this study.

A better appreciation of this definition was demonstrated in Figure 1. The following are challenges and perceptions whistled by past research: 1. A joint practice that comprises: reaching out, listening, counseling and teamwork with the public. Considering her has one among equals as a stakeholder that will participate and concur with the decision-making procedure (Chukwuemeka, Osisioma, Onwuka, & Ugwu, 2012; Nabegu & Mustapha, 2014; Okello, Beevers, Douven, & Leentvaar, 2009) just to mention a few.

2. Dissemination of information, incorporating communities in decision-making procedure, considering the view of the community and enable the community concerning the power to influence the decision process (Minn, Srisontisuk, & Laohasiriwong, 2010; O'Faircheallaigh, 2010).

Summarily, community participation explains any proceedings that begin with the provision of information, gathering, contributing or uniting the community concerning decision-making processes, illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure1: Concept of community participation (after Shukor et al., 2011).

2.6 THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA Community participation is perceived as a component that provides favored condition for effective urban solid waste management. There have been many case studies in developing nations in which community participation in urban solid waste management has been proven to assume an indispensable, in the accomplishment of the better services deliverance as identified by various studies viz: McKay, Mbanda, and Lawton (2015) in the study “Exploring the challenges facing the solid waste sector in Douala, Cameroon� found that community participation has been an effective means of addressing solid waste management in most developing nations. The United Nations likewise expressed that "community involvement have substantial potential to handle local solid waste 190

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collection (Schßbeler, 1996). Thomas-Hope (1998) also identified that citizen participation in the management of solid waste could have numerous benefits for municipal authorities regarding saving the cost of collection and disposal. It was quite evident in the study carried out by Rathi (2006) that demonstrated the need for community participation using the developed mathematical model to determine the net costs of each approach as follows: (a), Net cost with community participation is Rs. 1518(US$35). (b), Net cost with private-public; Rs. 1797 (US$41). (c), Net cost with only local authorities Rs. 1908(US$44). Thus, community participation in waste management is the cheapest among all based on the following: in Community participation approach, the expense is borne by waste generators while Public–Private Partnership (PPP) there is no provision to recoup the cost from waste generators. The cost of collection and transportation of waste management is much lower with community participation than with PPP since community participation waste is separated at the source, and only non-biodegradable and non-recyclable materials are transported to dumpsites. It lessens the number of containers to be provided for the waste storage and transportation trips. From the above, it was obviously evident that community participation approach to waste management seems to be a better option in the north central region of Nigeria like many cities in developing nations considering their various challenges whistled by numbers of studies above.

To crowd it, all community participation is entirely necessary because in any community everybody is a potential generator of waste and hence a donor to the problem. Thus, this usually turned out that the rate at which solid waste is generated is far greater than the capability to responsibly deal with by individual sector. Waste is produced by, and from various segments; residential, commercial, industry and others and in numerous cases the task of managing it is left to the government authorities to handle alone. Consequently, this circumstance requires all the stakeholders to join hands with the authorities in urban solid waste management service delivery in a bit to improves its environmental and human wellbeing potential adverse effects. The said stakeholders include; businesspeople, politicians, religious associations, government employees, men, ladies, learned,' ignorant, skilled, unskilled, the rich, poor people and a host of large and small gatherings. This is a situation where the community, all of the institution's voluntary organizations and corporate bodies incorporating NGOs and CBOs together with the local government participate in the SWM (Baud & Post, 2002).

Lastly, the more derivable advantage is that the urban poor could recycle a significant amount of the waste to produce pay for themselves aside saving the environment. Hence, the need to create a collaboration of the community sectors and public sectors is to have the capacity to achieve arrangements that are more feasible.

From the background information described above, it worth mentioning that Nigeria like most of developing nations studies on various aspect of urban solid waste management has been done.

However,

up to date gaps still subsist in the documentation of the appropriate urban solid waste

management, specifically, challenges of the absence of community participation in urban solid *Corresponding author (Maidodo Adam). E-mail: adammaidodo@gmail.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/185.pdf.

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waste management as a way out echoed by various studies above which this paper intends to establish the need.

2.7

SIGNIFICANT OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION A substantial literature has highlighted the importance of community participation in any

developmental projects which urban solid waste management cannot be an exception. The literature includes (Ahmed & Ali, 2004; Henry et al., 2006; Joseph, 2006; Rathi, 2006; Subash & Tnudp-iii, 2002; Tukahirwa et al., 2010; Visvanathan & Trankler, 2003). This is on account that; community participation is agreed to be an essential factor in community success.

Community participation is

seen beyond a requirement; rather it is a condition for success as identified by different studies, the communities that involved their citizens fully in the community developmental project generate more resources, grow more holistically and come out with a better result. Hence community participation is key to community success (Norman, 2000). It is a proven fact that community participation ensures success, once people are engaged in a project as partners it gives them a sense of ownership of the project leading to more sustained attention, effort, time on task and enhanced task mastery given rise to community success. Moreover, for anything to earn value it most be given a title of ownership. Hence, if any developmental project will be a title of ownership, it will earn it a value from the community and somewhat compels the community to do all needful to see to the success of the project, having the feeling that it is mine and for my good.

This makes them prompt to any change and afterward ready to maintain as well guarantee their supportability (Tacconi and Tisdell, 1992). Likewise, it proposed that participation can elevate the community by way of strengthening the as active local community, a feeling of worthiness and the endeavor of new activities (Oakley, 1991).

Lancaster (2002), in the study “importance of community participation in development project� see the following as importance of community participation: First, with the participation approach, any developmental project tend to be sustainable as communities themselves figure out how to adopt and rectify changes that come with it. Secondly, participation ensures the interest of the community concerned. Thirdly, it promotes self-respect and self-reliance among individuals, that is, they are enabled to acquire and do things independently. Fourthly, having known their local needs and nature of the project been accomplish, with the full participation, they can spread the new knowledge learned to different communities without stretch.

Fifth, participation enhances a feeling of possession among the community of equipment utilized in the project, aside, project itself. For instance, it will guarantee the security and up- keep of both the equipment and the project, like dispensary structures, water pumps and school structures, waste bins, dump sites, etc.

Sixth, this can permit two ways correspondence and subsequently, prompts participants to give new thoughts. Through two-way communication, the contentions and information can be conveyed successfully.

Therefore, community participation offers new reasoning and creative thoughts. Through the 192

Maidodo Adam Maiyaki, Azizan Marzuki, Rahmat Ibn Azam Mustafa

chances provided, the community will join voice to ear out their view, which, in a roundabout way to prepare the community to think creatively and turn out to be more imaginative. With the community involvement in planning and decision-making, the community will have the duty and feeling of proprietorship, as they, will feel that, they are part and parcel of the project. Finally, it is a way of enabling individuals as well as an approach to sustainable planning and development.

3. CONCLUSION

Urban solid waste management is turning into a more vexing issue in developing nations.

Conversely, the problem of urban solid waste management was further aggravated by several factors enumerated above.

But the community assumed to be the largest donors of the problem

should play a significant part in resolving the issue of urban solid waste management. Active community participation is central to success in urban solid waste management. Thus, community participation is much more than a requirement, but the condition for success.

Studies have

recorded that community that engrosses their citizens profoundly in the work of community development raise more resources, accomplish more outcomes, and develop in a more comprehensive and more valuable way.

Therefore, identification of effective factors of community participation can only be secondary to an extraordinary relationship.

These factors may affect the effectiveness of different

components. Community participation ought to be applied in attempts to integrate the community for the benefit and the purpose of accomplishment of the developmental project.

Despite the

challenges of urban solid waste management, it is visible, provided the best attempts can be made to encourage community participation in all planning, decision making and implementation of urban solid waste management.

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Maidodo Adam Maiyaki joined FPN after completing his ND in Urban Regional Planning. He received his Higher National Diploma Urban and Regional at Federal polytecthnic Nasarawa. He continued his PGD at Nasarawa State University Keffi, where he obtained his PGD in Environmental Resource Management. Subsequently, he continued his M.Sc. Environmental Resource Management at same University. Presently pursuing his PhD in Urban and Management.

Dr. Azizan Marzuki is Assistant Professor at USM. He earned his Ph.D. from Flinders University, Australia.

Prior, he has worked with the Federal Town and Country Planning Department. His area of specialization is in tourism and urban planning, but his research interest covers a wider area such as in tourism planning, urban and regional planning and public participation in decision making process.

Dr. Ramat Umar Mustapha joined the School of HBP Universiti Sains Malaysia, after completing his Master's degree at the Ohio State University, Columbus, U.S.A. He obtained his PhD at the Development and Project Planning Centre at the University of Bradford, U.K. He has been actively involved in research and consultancy books related to planning and development such as the Penang Rent Control Act Study (1993), the KL Squatter Study (1992) and the Ketengah Rural Growth Centre Study (1991). He co-authored the Pengenalan Perancangan Wilayah dan Desa (1990) and the Perumahan dan Proses Pembangunan (1991) books. Research interests include urban informal sectors, urban economics, rural and regional planning as well as other related development issues.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

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DOI: 10.14456/ITJEMAST.2018.19 ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies http://TuEngr.com

CONTEXTUAL PREDICTORS OF URBAN PARK UTILISATION AMONG MALAYSIAN ETHNIC GROUPS a

Jibril Danazimi Jibril and Hesham Omran Elfartas

b*

a

Department of Estate Management and Valuation, Faculty of Earth & Environmental Sciences. Bayero University, Kano. NIGERIA b Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Higher Institute of Science and Technology. Al-Khmos, LIBYA ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 09 January 2018 Received in revised form 16 July 2018 Accepted 20 July 2018 Available online 23 July 2018

Keywords: Multi-ethnicity; Public Spaces; Social interaction; Communities’ need; Social cohesion; Socialization; Natural space.

ABSTRACT

Social interaction among diverse ethnic groups motivates people within communities to visit urban parks inline to achieving social cohesion.

In Malaysia for example, different ethnic backgrounds spend their leisure time in urban parks, this is because the trend offer opportunities for social interaction among the users. The perception and requirement of attributes needed varies among the various ethnic groups that includes Malays, Chinese and Indians, this is to assured their full utilization of the parks. This study investigates the urban park attributes of the said three ethnics that encourage the utilization of urban park toward achieving social cohesion. Using survey questionnaire method a total of 274 respondents were sampled at Batu Pahat urban parks in Johor, Malaysia. Afterwards, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse and validate respondents’ perception of urban park utilization. The findings show that aesthetics, safety, lighting, maintenance and cleanliness of the urban parks are the determinant factors that attracted the users to utilise the parks and contribute to achieve a social cohesion. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION In urban centres, public spaces are considered as places with natural space for people to access and use (Balram and Dragicevic, 2005). Interestingly users play and host visitors from various social and economic backgrounds within a community enabling them to spend their leisure time and interact with one another.

Similarly, public spaces play a crucial role in supporting social

interactions between people in every society, providing social and psychological services to urban inhabitants thereby improving the quality of life. On the other hand, in spite of its significant roles *Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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197

played to the social interaction amongst the users, it however promotes multiculturalism among people of diverse social backgrounds. Hence the distribution of public spaces and the ease to access such spaces support the social functions in urban community (Barbosa et al., 2007). The significance of attraction to public spaces could be a good indicator of prospects of social contact among ethnic groups and neighbours that also contribute to make such places liveable and active (Golicnik and Ward Thompson, 2010). The quality of public spaces attracts people to utilize them and also promote socialization among the users.

The study aim is to investigate the relationship

between physical attributes and utilization of public spaces and its effects on social interaction and cohesion among users in multi-ethnic urban community in Malaysian towns. Thus, people frequently visit public spaces for social pleasure and also to engage in physical activities, which differ across societies. For instance, in Australia most people engage in passive activities in public spaces, as they prefer to be alone sometimes with one or two people. While in China, secluded fields and seating areas were not provided, this is because most Chinese parks have large number of users especially during the weekends (Buchecker, 2009). Nevertheless, Lipton (2004) observed that public space use is part of people’s daily life as it provides an avenue for them to exercise and interact with family members or friends.

Furthermore, public spaces provide relief from crowded and stressful urban routines (Chiesura, 2004; Sanesi et al., 2006) thereby enabling visitors tofulfil their social, psychological and physical body needs (Jules, 2008; Engel, 2002). According to Abu Bakar (2002) the British left three historical public parks when leaving Malaysia in the middle of 1957. These parks include; Lake Garden Park in Kuala Lumpur, Penang Botanical Garden in Penang and Taiping Lake Gardens.

Parallel to that, (Malek et al., 2012) asserted the importance of understanding the preferences, usage patterns and needs of Malaysian recreation undertakings in these public spaces. Thus, public space typology in the urban community depicts various user needs. Lynch (1984) noted that green wedges, greenbelts, parks, plazas and playfields contribute to the typology of urban public spaces.

In Malaysia, public spaces in urban centres exist in the form of parks, squares and playfields.

Interestingly, this research focuses on the properties and attributes of public spaces among three ethnic groups in order to promote social interaction and cohesion in Batu Pahat town, Malaysia.

The choice of the three ethnic groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians is to evaluate

their level of public spaces’ utilization and perception on the public spaces’ attributes that attract them to visit the urban parks. In addition, the factors effecting the utilization of public space in Malaysia within different cultural backgrounds were investigated.

2. RESEARCH BACKGROUND 2.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF URBAN PARK UTILIZATION Public spaces significantly promote interaction between the citizens from different multi-ethnic groups (Lofland, 1998; Fainstein, 2005). Proper utilisation of spaces can lead to more connections with urban park spaces and more opportunities for social interactions.

According to Peters et al.

(2010) all ethnic groups’ culturally feel the need to utilize public spaces for relaxation with a 198

J. Danazimi Jibril and H.Omran Elfartas

majority of users utilizing public space with their family members or friends.

Thus, people

frequently prefer to utilize public spaces in urban community where multi-ethnic groups can be found in order to communicate with others and create social interaction with friends and neighbours (Teig et al., 2009).

Urban public spaces are categorized based on the functions preferred by the urban community and how their leisure time is spent.

According to James et al. (2009) public spaces are perceived

as important parts of the neighbourhood that provide opportunities for residents to interact with the urban community. Urban parks and playgrounds fulfil a variety of social and psychological needs of the residents that often lead them to communicate in public spaces (Ngesan et al., 2013). In recent times, people seem scared to utilize public spaces in the evening and at night especially when they are unfamiliar with the place and feeling unsafe to interact with other people. Therefore, people need to be encouraged by providing attractive facilities and safety measures in public spaces.

Meanwhile, when public spaces become insufficient and unsatisfactory for community interaction, recreational significance of the public space should consider users from diverse background (Oguz, 2000).

2.2

SOCIAL INTERACTION IN URBAN PARK In sociology, public space provides an avenue for social and physical interactions in a

multi-ethnic society. Zhou and Rana (2012) stated that public space offers an opportunity for frequent social interactions among members of the community than other places in the urban centre.

In addition, frequent social interactions promote a sense of feeling and acceptance created among individuals and groups from diverse ethnic origin (Putnam, 2000). For social ties among members of a community to develop, people have to be able to meet to create relationshipsamong one another (Völker et al., 2007). Social interaction is an important experience in public space utilisation (Lawson and Liu, 2011) and it occurs within people in friendly or unfriendly ways (Easthope and McNamara, 2013).

Consequently, the level of social interaction in a public space is partly dependent upon how it is designed. Cattell et al., (2008) believe that any design that accommodates an array of activities provide an avenue for people from various socio-cultural background to socialize with one another.

The authors maintained that the more the series of activities a public space is provided with, the greater the chances for social interaction to take place among people from diverse backgrounds. For example, Demerath and Levinger (2003) and Hesham et al (2014) reported in their study that chaotic urban public spaces that have lots of activities taking place simultaneously attract more people due to the fact that many people visit and utilize the place. It also provides ease of movement from one activity to another for users’ comfort. By engaging in various activities in the public space, people spend their leisure time with others from diverse cultural backgrounds thereby building bond and trust (Swanwick et al., 2003; Huang, 2006; Völker et al., 2007).

2.3

THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL COHESION Social cohesion could be described as a resultant effect of interaction among people that

make them feel a sense of belonging to the community. However, Buckner (1988) conceptualized *Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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social cohesion as having three dimensions: first, as a sense of community, which implies the feeling of belonging to a certain group. Second, is the attraction with the neighbourhood- a force that persuades its inhabitants to continue to reside in it and third, is the social connection that is explained by the frequency of social ties among neighbours. In effect, social cohesion in a neighbourhood is created when a strong sense of belonging exists among members of the community.

According to Carr and Williams (1993), public spaces in urban centres have the ability of promoting a sense of community within the neighbourhood because they can provide avenues for people to interact with their neighbours in a safe and appealing setting. For example, Shannon et al (2008) reported that families, particularly children were provided with the opportunities to interact with one another in a safe setting and which encouraged them to work and learn from each other.

Similarly, East hope and McNamara (2013) found that public spaces and parks are the major locations for social interaction where people easily interact within the neighbourhood. Also, Nash and Christie (2003) noted that social cohesion implies that all social groups have the sense of freedom to use public spaces, free from attack and ensures safety of users. These are common features for effective social cohesion among visitors to public spaces.

2.4

SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC SPACE QUALITY Public space is one of the urban community's strategies used in promoting the quality of life of

the people (Chiesura, 2004). Shores and West (2010) noted that large public space with good environmental quality settings attracts more people than those with less environmental quality.

There is a correlation between urban comfort and the existence of good environmental quality (Gรณmez and Jabaloyes, 2001). The quality attribute of the public space environment enhances social interaction (Bedimo-Rung et al., 2005; Semenza, 2003). It also influences the type of social activities people would prefer to engage in which may increase or reduce their rate of visitation (Nordh and Ostby, 2013). Accordingly, Jorgensen et al., (2002) asserts that the quality of public space is significantin determining how residents utilise it. For example, un-kept environment and vandalism of some facilities in a public space could give the impression that it is potentially unsafe for users and thus may decrease the number of visitations (Coles and Bussey, 2000; Williams and Green, 2001; Barbosa et al., 2007). According to Bruse (2007), one of the important elements in urban planning is the promotion of quality of public space through the provision of facilities that will enhance social interaction and relaxation. For instance, provision of shady trees in the public spaces could encourage visitation during hot weather. Similarly, maintenance and cleanliness of a public space are some of the quality attributes that people look out for in making their visitation choice. Cranz (1982) has observed that lack of interest in public space maintenance as a major contributor to the decline in its utilisation.

3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 SITE BACKGROUND Interestingly, the study selected Batu Pahat town in Johor Bahru as a case study, being the second most developed State in Malaysian Penisular. Batu Pahat is 240 kilometres away from the J. Danazimi Jibril and H.Omran Elfartas 200

capital city Kuala Lumpur. The town has a population about 400,000 local residents (Kasmon et al., 2014). The town was made up of 37.08% Malays, 60.29% Chinese, and 3% Indians. Urban Park is the largest public space in Batu Pahat, which is visited by its local residents and other people from other parts of the Batu Pahat and beyond. The study selected urban park due to its unique features with two-lake and children playground. As shown in Figure 1, the park is located near the residential areas as well as the commercial areas, and it was selected also based on attributes such as the size, green density and design characteristics which represents elements of attraction to users.

Figure 1: Main districts in Land use map of Batu Pahat.

(Source: Majlis Perbandaran (Urban Planning Dept.) Batu Pahat)

3.2 MEASURE AND DIMENSIONS The phenomenon was measured through factors of social interaction, activities, quality attributes and attributes attraction. The social interaction factor was adopted and operationalized from Holland et al., (2007) and Wagner and Peters (2014). Social interaction refers to the engagement among diverse people and contact of these individual and group that generates unity and harmony in a community. Similarly, activity as a factor was espoused from Gehl and Gemzøe, (2001) and Lawson and Liu (2010) while the factor of attributes attraction was adopted from Basri, (2011) and Mazlina, (2011). Activities involve people’s participation in social and physical performances in outdoor spaces. Meanwhile, the attributes of attraction refer to people's perception and meanings given to different places in terms of its scenic beauty. Also, quality of public space attributes that refer to psychosocial benefits of the park was adopted from Tinsley et al. (2002).

Therefore, the influence of urban park attributes on interaction, attribute attraction and activities that lead to social cohesion as examined by this study, the following hypotheses were operationalized for evaluation. The conceptual relationship is thus presented in Figure 2.

H1. SIN positively influences SC. *Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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H2. QA positively influences SC. H3. AAT positively influences SC. H4. ACT positively influences SC. Where: SIN=Social interaction, ACT = Activities, QA= Quality Attribute, AAT =Attributes attraction, SC= Social cohesion and H= Hypothesis

Figure 2: Proposed Research Theoretical Framework.

3.3 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT AND DATA COLLECTION FROM PARTICIPANTS The study adopted quantitative survey method using surveys questionnaire as instrument to obtain information from participants.

A total number of 274sets of questionnaire forms

comprising of different sections were randomly distributed to elicit data from people who utilize the Urban Parks at different hours of the day particularly during weekends. First section consists of the demographic profile of the respondents and includes gender, age, ethnic background and occupation. The second section of the research instrument elicited data on how people utilize the urban park and those with whom they interact. The third section inquires about activities, particularly most attractive ones people engage in while utilising the urban park.

Finally, the

fourth section covers visitors’ perception on the quality of urban park attributes that attract them to utilize the available facilities. Thereafter, the study used Structural Equation Model (SEM (AMOS)) to analyse the data retrieved from the questionnaire forms and documented using SPSS software.

4. ANALYSIS AND RESULT Urban park model was developed based on the hypothetical framework by subjecting the variables measured to psychometric analysis using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as proposed

by Anderson and Gerbing (1992). Scholars have recommended a threshold for factor loading overriding the value of 0.5 with p-value 0.002has been considered acceptable (Hair et al., 1995).

The outcome values are shown in Table 1.

Accordingly, Nunnally (1967) recommended an

acceptable alpha of ≼0.50. However, considering the use of these scales for the first time in a new culture, the cut off value for the alpha coefficient was set at

0.60 for all the scales (self-developed

scales). The validity of factors that revealed the model fitness was established and data reliability of items whose path loading were also determined. It is observed that a normalized x2 for the determined model has a value of 1.773 (x2/df=1. 773, where df =356). The result is within the J. Danazimi Jibril and H.Omran Elfartas 202

recommended value of less than 3.0 for normalized x2 (Bagozzi and Yi; 1988) indicating a good outcome. Therefore, CFA was used to determine whether the number of factors and the loadings of measured items had conformed to what was expected. The loaded items that are weak on the hypothesized factors were deleted from the scale, thus resulting in a one-dimensional scale. Thus, the comparative fit index (CFI) recorded the value of 0.846, the Non-Normed Fit Index (NNFI) recorded 0.812, which aligned with the marginal recommended, and acceptable value of ≥ 0.8 (Chau and Hu, 2001). Next, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) with a fit value of 0.053, which reliably fits the threshold range of 0.08, this is recommended by Browne and Cudeck (1993) that indicates a strong fit. Overall, the output of this analysis indicates that the measurement model displays good degree of fit level and therefore acceptable as the model structure (Figure 3).

Table 1: Measurement variance analysis and reliabilities

Factors Social interaction Neighbour Friends from same ethnic Friends from different ethnic Stranger Family Activities Charting among same ethnic Charting among different ethnic Taking photo Exercise Picnic Recreational activities Leisure activities Attribute attraction Aesthetics Social activities Seating Quality of Track Water elements Tree Shades Quality attribute Maintenance Quality of trees Facilities Cleanliness Safety Size Quietness Harmony Social Cohesion Social cohesion 1 Social cohesion 2 Social cohesion 3

Estimates

T-values

0.58 0.41 0.61 0.39 0.27

5.364 Constrained 4.120 3.294 3.116

0.47 0.47 0.45 0.34 0.69 0.57 0.27

3.497 3.324 3.299 3.005 3.553 3.623 Constrained

0.72 0.52 0.64 0.55 0.64 0.57

Constrained 7.258 8.443 7.124 8.181 7.488

0.65 0.41 0.68 0.75 0.73 0.61 0.30 0.77

Constrained 5.739 9.327 10.20 10.05 8.541 4.372 9.693

0.20 0.29 0.33

Constrained 4.399 4.373

Cronbach’s Alphas 0.554

0.674

0.670

0.708

0.468

*Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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Figure 3: Confirmatory analysis model of urban park utilization in relation to social cohesion

Hypothesis

Table 2: Summary of the results structural model.

Hypothesized path

Path coefficient

Results

H1

SIN can positively influence social cohesion in urban park utilisation

0.24

Supported

H2

QA can positively influence social cohesion in urban park utilisation

0.60

Supported

H3

AAT can positively influence social cohesion in urban park utilisation

0.76

Supported

H4

ACT can positively influence social cohesion in urban park utilisation

0.80

Supported

5. DISCUSSION The measured factors of urban park utilization, which includes activities, social interaction, attributes attraction and quality attributes aimed towards achieving social cohesion exhibited different path loadings. The finding suggests that these factors influenced social cohesion on urban park utilization, which was accessed via the Hypotheses H1 to H4 as shown in Figure 2. Path loadings threshold as shown in Table 2 is above 0.2which is accepted as significant loading (Cohen, 1988, 1992a, 1992b). Overall, social activities and attributes’ attraction showed the strongest influence on urban park utilization to social cohesion. The SEM (AMOS) result output of the confirmatory model showed strong and reliable path loadings for the factors as presented in Figure 3. The result shows almost all measuring constructs of urban park utilization having path loadings that ranged from 0.24 to 0.80 on social cohesion. Urban park utilisation showed path loading of 0.80 on activities and 0.76 on attributes attraction. Thus, activities and attributes attraction had stronger path loadings compared to other factors on park utilization. It therefore implies that urban park utilisation effectively reflects activities that attract these multi-ethnic groups to utilise the urban park and promote social interaction while achieving cohesion when they engage in park 204

J. Danazimi Jibril and H.Omran Elfartas

activities. The hypotheses H1, H2, H3 and H4 were thus supported by this analysis. For instance, interactions among families and friends of the same ethnic group are improved when they perform activities together within the park. However, low attraction and participation is often witnessed as a result of non-availability of ethnic activities.

In addition, users indicated that water elements that include the two lakes and trees that are located in the urban park provide aesthetics, and are elements that attract them to the park.

Accordingly, people are attracted to sit under the trees as they move along the lake. It therefore serves as recreation point of attraction for relaxation and sharing of experiences among the urban park users. Furthermore, the urban park greenery aesthetically attracts other people to feel and associate with the natural environment. Thus, the quality of urban park attributes such as tree shades, shelters, security and safety, cleanliness, comfortable surroundings, park size, good and well-maintained facilities for physical activities influences the way people are attracted and utilize urban park.

The outcome affirms that the multi-ethnic community utilize urban park with preference to engage in various activities, thus a significant factor in influencing people to utilize urban park and promoting social cohesion among them. This finding is consistent with Goudarzi,(2013) who found that people are attracted to utilize public space based on available activities that support social interactions. This means that these activities allow them to interact with one another thereby ensuring social cohesion. In addition, this finding appears to also agree with Cradock et al (2009) who suggested that social cohesion increases with increase in the frequency of engagement in physical and social activities such as exercise, jogging, walking and football or other forms of activities in urban park. It means that the more attracted an individual is to a group the more he engages in activities with the group, also the higher the possibility for social cohesion to occur. In addition, the outcome aligns with Gilliland et al., (2010) which indicated that, the quality of park attributes are significant in attracting users to engage in urban park activities. It implies that urban park attributes influences people decision on urban park utilisation, which determines the occurrence of social cohesion among the users. In sum, it means that both activities and quality of attributes are significance in supporting multi-ethnic interaction and promoting social cohesion and satisfaction among people.

6. CONCLUSION This study discovered the nature of urban park utilization in Batu Pahat town Malaysia, this was designed to create a platform of social cohesion among the diverse ethnic cultures. Thus, to improve the quality of life and urban park visitation of the urban community members at leisure time, a proper utilization of urban park will be observed, by managing some essential facilities that will create a social cohesion among users from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Significantly, the study shows the effect of ethnic diversity in promoting urban park utilization is based on the common understanding among multi-ethnic groups. This was achieved from the *Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642. http://TUENGR.COM/V09/197.pdf.

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physical attributes and people’s interaction within the said urban park.

Findings reveal the

motives for utilizing public spaces among the three ethnic groups includes the need for socialization, quality of the public place, experiencing attractiveness and social interaction thereby generating social cohesion. Interestingly, urban park utilization encouraged exchange and sharing of life experiences, which led to a greater socialization among neighborhoods and friends. Social values through interacting with family and making new friends show users’ satisfaction in urban park engagements.

Urban park planning and maintenance should therefore account for

multi-ethnic communities’ needs, this should be done by providing essential and quality facilities that are parts of the key indicators in connecting people together.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank Bayero University, Kano Nigeria and TETFUND for supporting funds.

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Dr. Jibril Danazimi Jibril is associated with the Department of Estate Management and Valuation, Faculty of Earth & Environmental Sciences. Bayero University, Kano. NIGERIA. He obtained his PhD in Facilities Management, from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. His researches encompass Sustainability Management.

Dr. Hesham Omran Elfartas is teaching in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Higher Institute of Science and Technology. Al-Khmos, LIBYA. He earned his master degree in urban design. He obtained his PhD in Built Environment (Architecture), from University Technology Malaysia. His research areas are Cultural Studies, and Qualitative Analysis.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

*Corresponding author (H.O.Elfartas) Tel: +218 922783650 E-mail utmurbandesign@gmail.com. ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies.

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A STUDY ON MENTAL MAPPING: CASE OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG Muhammad Hilmi Mohamed Pauzi a

a*

Yasser Arab , and Muna Hanim Abdul Samad a

a

, Ahmad Sanusi Hassan , a

School of Housing, Building & Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ARTICLEINFO

Article history: Received 12 January 2018 Received in revised form 16 July 2018 Accepted 07 August 2018 Available online 10 August 2018

Keywords: Urban design element; Kevin Lynch Theory; Kevin Lynch’s elements; urban mapping; urban design planning.

ABSTRACT

George Town urban layout affected by the British military administration that still exists today. The urban design element of the government buildings in George Town creates an ideal environment for their purpose and relation from space to another space. This study carries out by approaches every detail of urban design element and their purpose by referring British administration concept model theory with historical background through observation and urban mapping by using geographic information system (GIS). A configuration of administration town is influenced by the seaside development and trading community through divide and rule ideology that introduced by British Administration.

Isolation of community in Penang during that times have pro and contra, which affected urban design planning in George Town, Penang. This study shows that British administration concept model has influenced the urban design and eventually affected the economy and social pattern of surrounding community in George Town, Penang and somehow created its attraction by fulfilling Kevin Lynch Urban Design Elements which are the path, nodes, edges, district, and landmarks. By having this pattern, designer or urban planner could understand a better the community behaviours and movements in the area. © 2018 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.

1. INTRODUCTION

The British possession on Penang in 1786, which ended the Kedah Sultanate control over

Penang, had started a colonial pattern of urban design. The government district in George Town as the case study is the best example of the pattern created by the British Administration back in 1786.

Design elements that to be identified are the path, edge, district, node and landmark based on Kevin Lynch Theory of Urban Design Elements. The study is to identify the concept that used by British Administration and how they had created design element to achieve their purpose in Penang Island during that days. George Town Government buildings coordinate all activities and form order to *Corresponding author (M. Hilmi Pauzi). E-mail: m_hilmi93@yahoo.com ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642 http://TUENGR.COM/V09/211.pdf https://doi.org/10.14456/itjemast.2018.xx

211

this island that becomes world trade hotspot during that times. The study discovers that most of the urban design formed by gridiron because of military administration familiar which grid-like formation in their war operation strategies. This gridiron concept has formed a special district to administrate the island both for commercial trade with a military base. Paths are connecting space to other functional spaces. British Administration also introduced "divide and rules" principle to monitor and organise various ethnic backgrounds in George Town governing their area independently. This principle creates these districts with a unique character within the town itself. A fortress becomes the popular landmark for the town.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS Understanding five design elements from Kevin Lynch’s urban design study is necessary before conducting the research methodology and analysis.

These urban elements are as the

followings (Lynch, 1960): Paths are the elements where people get to experience in the urban area when driving, walking, boating, driving and cycling. Special, unique or attractive building, rare elements of natural or artificial structures, all of these will strengthen the image of a specific path. Firstly, a path must be identifiable, and then have its continuity and usually connecting a functional space toward another functional space for a purpose. Moreover, paths with famous origins and locale have stronger identities and support to tie the city together. After the directional qualities are determined, the next step is to highlight is the scale characters and hierarchy of paths. Few nodes and landmarks are the easiest way to obtain it.

Edges are separation lines or boundaries of two or more different urban areas (Lynch, 1960).

The continuous flow and clear images are essential, but edges also play it roles in urban design.

Many edges should be described as unity than becoming separately barrier, and too far from another barrier, frequently paths like arterial road and seas always become the most effective orientation elements as well. Districts are specific urban areas sharing similar physical characteristics that can be visually and logically determined. This similarity can be the height, size, type or colour of the buildings, culture or activity of the urban area (Lynch, 1960). Various components and elements are visually recognized in a specific characteristic cluster that forming a strong contra effect.

Furthermore, a particular series of clues are required to produce an image of a whole district.

Nodes are a particular character of urban space, which the people always recall and mark as a place of activity in an urban area. Junctions of a path with a distinctive character for a concentration of activities commonly becomes nodes recognised by the observers. Nodes become places with a particular character of the specific urban area as value added places marking speciality of attraction to the place (Lynch, 1960). Observers commonly use landmarks as their point of interests for identifying a physical character of specific urban areas (Lynch, 1960). Landmarks are particular physical objects easily identified the important form of the place in comparison to the surrounding common and uniform character.

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M. Hilmi M. Pauzi, A. Sanusi Hassan, Y. Arab, and Muna H.A.Samad

2.2 BACKGROUND OF CASE STUDY

The study takes place in the Administrative Building Area, George Town. It is located at the

north and tip of Penang (Figure 1). The city had been ruled by British Administration back in 1786.

The colonial building is revitalised by a local council to maintain its history and earned UNESCO Heritage site. It was a hotspot for global tourism. The British Military Administration give enormous impact toward this urban town through gridiron concept and "divide and rules" principle.

The urban design elements formed continuously through both approaches by the British Military Administration.

Figure 1: Key Plan of George Town (Re-edit the site location from Google Maps ®) The range of the study will cover Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street) up to Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.

The site (Figure 2) can be accessible by any land transportation. The site has a design of colonial buildings that give a sense of vintage and nostalgic old times. Since it becomes a tourism hotspot, various commercial are established at there from food, product and services. The site is lively and frequently has the event held out by Government and Non-government Organization (NGO) across the country.

Figure 2: Boundary of the Case Study on Government Buildings, George Town, Penang.

Locale

(5.420941°N,

100.344860°E),

(5.416560°N,

100.341300°E),

(5.421053°N,

100.333343°E), (5.42332°N, 100.333148°E) covered up formed a boundary of cased study referring figure above. The study area is under commercial zone and green spaces based on the master plan.

Government Building, George Town is surrounded by seas, creating a majestic view and harmony toward the site. The commercial is operated in beautiful colonial buildings, and the green space as Padang Kota and Friendship Park become a place of gathering for the pedestrian. *Corresponding author (M. Hilmi Pauzi). E-mail: m_hilmi93@yahoo.com ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642 http://TUENGR.COM/V09/211.pdf https://doi.org/10.14456/itjemast.2018.xx

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3. METHODOLOGY The research carries out qualitative method referred from Kevin Lynch study who also used the same qualitative method in his research study. He acquired knowledge and study ton he urban design elements in three American cities, i.e. Los Angeles, Boston and Jersey City (Lynch, 1960).

This survey will acquire data through the ideal method surveying area and urban-mapping of the case study area. This research aims to get as much information and content of Government Buildings, George Town wholly and later on get a crystal clear understanding of all urban design elements consists of paths, nodes, edges, district and landmarks of the case study. The study has conducted a field survey and conducted at the site by identifying crucial point and social behaviour toward urban design. Visual understanding and verbal communication required for the specific unexpected behaviour of local or foreign visitors. The study takes up by foot and motorcycle during research carried out. The study also conducts an academic literature review on a previous successful author and their findings toward urban design elements. The study takes part in a library and public talk by a professional academician. It also consults with another researcher to strengthen the findings.

4. ANALYSIS OF URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

Figure 3: The site paths

(a) Lebuh Pantai

(b) Lebuh Light Figure 4: Primary road paths

(c) Lebuh Farquhar

4.1 PATHS Major paths of the site consist of Lebuh Light, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah and Lebuh Pantai (Figures 3 and 4). The minor paths are Jalan Muntri, and Penang St. 214

M. Hilmi M. Pauzi, A. Sanusi Hassan, Y. Arab, and Muna H.A.Samad

From Penang Bridge, the site

can be accessible from Pengkalan Weld originally from Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

Furthermore, from Gurney, the site can be accessible by Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. There a lot of subsidiary road in the site that connecting functional space one to another. Most of the paths are linear and grid-like designed by the British Administration. It also divided section in the urban city. Pedestrian walks can be identified along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah and Lebuh Light. The primary paths encounter with images and landmarks. However, a secondary road is quite cramping and hard to support by surrounding images due to the width of roads against the height of the surrounding buildings. The road quiet narrow while the building is very high and broad in scale compared to the road. Besides, not many landmarks consist of the secondary road.

4.2 DISTRICTS

Four districts are identified in the site that can be differentiated by it building the spatial arrangement (Figure 5). The building design and arrangement were different because the timeline when it was constructed and its function may vary.

The district has the iron grid design indicated

by red colour zone, which functions as a business area among the race that rule by British divide and rule policy. The second is the administrative building that for British officer rule Penang and acts as the military base located Fort Cornwallis. The third district also a colonial design building that also acts as the warehouse since Penang one of the main ports in that era. The last district is an educational hub, which consists of St. Xavier School and Convent Light Street.

Figure 5: The site district.

4.3 NODES

There are many nodes of the site, and they are located at the area around the roundabout at the

end of Weld Quay road, a seaside area near Padang Kota, space between Church and Friendship park near E&O Hotel (Figures 6 and 7). Most of the nodes are the place that collects people cause it comfortable spot and have excellent and unique characteristic. These nodes become social interaction as the pedestrian gathering as well rest their feet travelling around the heritage site. The nodes consist of open space, park and some landmarks. People gather here conducting different activities such as enjoying the landscape, photography, having snacks and some might playing some games at the nodes. Locals also take this advantage to sell snacks and drinks. Some provide services such as trishaw, and massage. *Corresponding author (M. Hilmi Pauzi). E-mail: m_hilmi93@yahoo.com Š2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642 http://TUENGR.COM/V09/211.pdf https://doi.org/10.14456/itjemast.2018.xx

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Figure 6: The site nodes

(a) St. George Church

(b) Friendship Park

(c) Padang Kota Lama

Figure 7: Important nodes

4.4 LANDMARKS The site has vast of landmarks, which are Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower at the entrance of the site from Weld Quay expressway and followed by Fort Cornwallis nearby the sea and Padang Kota beside it (Figures 8 and 9).

Series of landmark followed through the road, which

are Penang Town Hall, State Council and State Art Museum. Next, the landmark is the Penang High Court, which has a majestic colonial façade. Furthermore, to upward of the site there Eastern and Oriental Hotel, which also has a colonial design that catches the attention of local and international tourist. The area around the landmark is usually lively because of its strong image toward the path and sometimes functions as nodes for the pedestrian.

Figure 8: Site’s landmarks 216

M. Hilmi M. Pauzi, A. Sanusi Hassan, Y. Arab, and Muna H.A.Samad

Penang High Court

Queen Victoria Clock Tower

Fort Cornwallis

Figure 9: Important landmarks

4.5 EDGES

George Town located at Penang Island’s tip with the sea surrounding acts as natural edges while Beach Street divides the area from the seafront and port area as artificial edges. For other area, roads become the edges from a specific district to another district (Figure 16). The divide and rule system governed by ‘kapitan’ (captain) of each ethnic background of the trading community during the British era clarifies the boundary between district and edges.

Figure 10: Site edges

5. DISCUSSION The site around the government building, George Town is still changing and evolved for tourism and local comfort. Even the pathway keep amending to make the circulation less congested and convenient to visit.

5.1 PATH The roads are designed with proper hierarchy. Some path already changed from two ways into one lane for example Jalan Tun Syed Barakbah beside Padang Kota Lama. Some lanes in Lebuh Light also make some amendment from two ways into one way. The construction still going on to enlarge the road.

The Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah has well identified leading toward an upper side

of the island. There are a few landmarks along the path.

5.2 EDGES The site is with surrounding by sea (natural edges) and road along the port (artificial edges).

The edges are continuous and well-formed. The edges start at (5.423321°N, 100.333148°E) until (5.416580°N, 100.341300°E). *Corresponding author (M. Hilmi Pauzi). E-mail: m_hilmi93@yahoo.com ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642 http://TUENGR.COM/V09/211.pdf https://doi.org/10.14456/itjemast.2018.xx

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5.3 DISTRICT There are five districts in the case study area which forms a division of uniform road and building type. Once can visually observe that there are many similar road paths in this trading community areas but with different cultural contexts due to district particular ethnic background and religion. The district also has differentiation on the building function such as rice mill, Islamic centre, temples, and government building.

5.4 NODES There are a series of nodes located along the hotspot nearby the sea and landmarks. There are several open spaces at the site. These nodes have many hawkers and trishaw cyclists mingling in these urban spaces.

5.5 LANDMARKS George Town has landmarks that attract local and foreign tourist. There are landmarks at the site namely Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Fort Cornwallis, Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang Art Gallery, as well as St. George Church. Many landmarks are nearby the sea rather than at the inner part of the site.

6. CONCLUSION The study area on a mental mapping of the Government Buildings concludes that the area has moderately well planned. However, nowadays, the municipal authority has improved the urban path element. The authority also has revitalised the landmarks to make this place lively again. As years go by the layout plan of the study area for path and circulation needs to suit the latest technology and transport system. For the edges, the edges are well identified and continuous as attractive urban spaces by local and foreign tourists while travelling through the road. Districts are well-formed.

However, modernisation makes it similar to one and another. The different elements of every district are fading, and the unique culture among the communities already mingles together.

They

seem like one big community not more like old time which only specific ethnic background in every district.

Series of nodes along the hotspot provide quality urban spaces to people who are

gathering and having activities, boosting the local economy with appearances of visitors and tourists. The landmarks are under proper maintenance in a restored condition able to serve attraction for people to come.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors would like to express appreciation for the financial support under Research grant from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

8. REFERENCES Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of the City. Massachusetts: The MIT Press.

Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi & Che Yahaya, Shaiful Rizal. (2012). Architecture and Heritage Buildings in George Town, Penang. Penang: USM Press.

M. Hilmi M. Pauzi, A. Sanusi Hassan, Y. Arab, and Muna H.A.Samad 218

Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi. (2017). Amalan Tebus Guna Tanah, Reka Bentuk Bandar dan Seni Bina di Malaysia. Penang: USM Press.

Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi. (2001). Perancangan Rekabentuk Bandar Bukan Geometri. Journal of Housing, Building and Planning, 13, 89-104, Penang: USM Press.

Hassan, Ahmad Sanusi. (2009). The British Colonial ‘Divide and Rule’ Concept in Inner City of George Town. Penang: Its Influence to Irregular Layout of the Transport Access. International Journal of Transportation, Springer Science + Business Media LLC., 36(3), 309-324 Duany, Andres, Plater-Zyberk, Elizabeth & Speck, Jeff. (2010). Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream. 10th Ed. New York: North Point Press.

Hall, Peter. (2014). Cities of Tomorrow: An Intellectual History of Urban Planning and Design since 1880. 4th Ed. West Sussex: Blackwell Publishing.

Muhammad Hilmi Mohamed Pauzi is a graduate student at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM).

Professor Dr. Ahmad Sanusi bin Hassan teaches in Architecture Programme at the School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia (USM). He obtained Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the University of Houston, Texas, USA. He was awarded a PhD degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. He was promoted to Associate Professor and later Full Professor. His research focuses on computer simulation on daylighting and thermal comforts, architectural history and theory, and housing in urban design. He is one of the nine regional writers involved in the preparation of Guideline: Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries: A Discussion Document, which was launched at The Earth/World Summit, Johannesburg in September 2002. At the university, he lectures in architecture courses related to urban design, studio, history, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and computer movie animation. He has integrated all these specialisations into his research, teaching, consultation and publications. He had designed several architectural projects such as mosque, USM guest house and a proposal for low-cost houses for fishermen community.

Yasser Arab is a research assistant and currently pursuing his PhD in sustainable architecture on Resident’s Satisfaction and Sun Shading Model of Apartment Façade in Penang at school of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia. He teaches Studio for first year student and involved in supervising student of Master of architecture. He obtained his Master degree in Sustainable Architecture from Universiti Sains Malaysia, his research was related to natural lighting in Turkish Mosques. He got his bachelor of architecture from Ittihad Private University, Aleppo, SYRIA. He is registered Architect in the Syrian Engineers Union.

Dr. Muna Hanim Abdul Samad is Associate Professor in Engineering and Building Science at USM. She obtained a Diploma in Architecture from UTM and was then attached to the Public Works Department, Kuala Lumpur. She obtained a B.A. (Hons) Architecture and Post Graduate Diploma in Architecture from Manchester Polytechnic, UK. She then pursued her studies at UMIST and was awarded the Ph.D. Her areas of interest are architecture, fire safety and prevention in buildings, and Building Bye-Laws.

Note: The original work of this article was reviewed, accepted, and orally presented at the 3rd International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (ICWSAUD 2017), a joint conference with the 3rd International Conference on Engineering, Innovation and Technology (ICEIT 2017), held at Royale Ballroom at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel, Malaysia, during 13-15th November 2017.

*Corresponding author (M. Hilmi Pauzi). E-mail: m_hilmi93@yahoo.com ©2018 International Transaction Journal of Engineering, Management, & Applied Sciences & Technologies. Volume 9 No.3 ISSN 2228-9860 eISSN 1906-9642 http://TUENGR.COM/V09/211.pdf https://doi.org/10.14456/itjemast.2018.xx

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