Spatial Design Considerations for a Sustainable Electric Vehicle Hub in Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian Context

Authors

  • Muhammad Haziq Yahya Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
  • Azri Ibrahim Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
  • Muhammad Yasin Ramadhan Zahari Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
  • Dzul Fadli Asraf Dzul-Kifli Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
  • Abdul Qayyum Zainul CERTH Real Estate, 7252 Olaya St, Al-Yasmin, Tamkeen Tower, 44th Floor, Riyadh 13325-2573, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v23i1.6831

Keywords:

Electric Vehicles, Spatial design, Networks, System, Sustainable

Abstract

Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Malaysia lacks proper spatial planning that ignores the complex multi-scalar relationships that integrate EV elements into the existing urban fabric. The objective of this study is to generate spatial design approaches for EV hubs that are efficient, effective and intra-operable with transport systems within the broader public and private sectors. As EV uptake continues to grow, there is a serious deficit of critical pre-conditions especially with respect to the effective deployment of a range of EV related facilities such as charging stations, battery swapping systems, and maintenance facilities which are critical and central to the achievement of the successful transition to electric mobility. The research establishes the spatial parameters required to enable the establishment of economically and environmentally sustainable EV hubs considering the Return of Investment (ROI), the support of the public sector and the partnership of the private sector. Looking at various components of the EV, the study also suggests how tackling the issues of spatial design can help remove some of the significant barriers to infrastructure and encourage the widespread use of EV technologies. Also, evaluation of spatial designs and integration of the EV system with other systems for the user experience of the EV users and the ICE users is conducted. Finally, this study hopes to lessen the ecological impact of EVs by integrating green building concepts and sustainable energy

Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Haziq Yahya , Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

    Muhammad Haziq Yahya is working on his Master of Architecture at the Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. His area of research is autonomous urbanism, which focuses on the integration of technology, mobility, and urban development planning from the perspective of advanced design thinking. Given his interest in architecture as well as civilization’s forward-looking spatial planning, he hopes to assist in the development of adaptable and resilient cities. His focus areas include holistic approaches toward sustainability and design in urban settings, mobility, and the evolution of urban spaces. He can be reached through his email at aziqyhya@gmail.com.

  • Azri Ibrahim, Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

    Azri Ibrahim is a lecturer at the Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part II) and a Master of Architecture (Advanced Architectural Design) from Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom. His academic background emphasizes architecture as a critical, experimental, and research-driven discipline that encourages speculative and forward-thinking design approaches. He has built a diverse professional background through roles in architectural firms, a design & build company, and later as Design & Planning Manager at the property developer Tropicana Corporation Berhad, where he contributed to establishing the company’s architectural design guidelines. His expertise spans master planning, theme parks, commercial spaces, mixed-use developments, landed housing, and primarily high-rise residential projects. He can be reached at a.ibrahim@uitm.edu.my.

  • Muhammad Yasin Ramadhan Zahari, Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

    Muhammad Yasin Ramadhan Zahari holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and currently serves as a lecturer in Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Although new to academia, he brings extensive professional experience from numerous architectural projects both in Malaysia and internationally. His primary research focuses on architectural materials, reflecting a deep interest in the intersection between design and technology. Known for his strong grasp of architectural theory, innovative design strategies, and effective project management, his work showcases a blend of technical knowledge and creative leadership. He can be reached through his email at yasin@uitm.edu.my

  • Dzul Fadli Asraf Dzul-Kifli, Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

    Dzul Fadli Asraf Dzul-Kifli is a lecturer in Centre of Studies for Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. His main research activity is on creative spaces and learning spaces. His expertise also covers building utilization and condition assessment. He can be reached through his email at dzulfadli@uitm.edu.my

  • Abdul Qayyum Zainul, CERTH Real Estate, 7252 Olaya St, Al-Yasmin, Tamkeen Tower, 44th Floor, Riyadh 13325-2573, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Abdul Qayyum Zainul is a Development Manager at ERTH Real Estate, 7252 Olaya St, Al-Yasmin, Tamkeen Tower, 44th Floor, Riyadh 13325-2573, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, a leading developer based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over a decade of experience in architecture and the built environment, he plays a key role in delivering high-end hospitality projects, mixed-use developments, and large-scale urban masterplans that aim to create meaningful and impactful contributions to the cityscape. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Architecture from The University of Auckland, 34 Princes Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. He is a licensed architect and a registered member of the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) and the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE). He can be contacted at abdulqayyum.zainul@erth.sa.

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Published

01-01-2026

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2026): Built Environment Journal

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Haziq Yahya , Azri Ibrahim, Muhammad Yasin Ramadhan Zahari, Dzul Fadli Asraf Dzul-Kifli, Abdul Qayyum Zainul

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How to Cite

Spatial Design Considerations for a Sustainable Electric Vehicle Hub in Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian Context. (2026). Built Environment Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v23i1.6831

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