Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment

FACTORS CAUSING CONSTRUCTION WASTE: A CASE STUDY IN ACEH BESAR REGENCY

Hafnidar A Rani — 2024-08-05

Construction waste poses significant losses in terms of material, time, and finances, stemming from various direct and indirect activities. To address this issue effectively, it is imperative to identify the root causes of construction waste. This study aims to ascertain the factors contributing to construction waste and determine the most dominant causes thereof. The research problem revolves around identifying the factors causing construction waste and pinpointing the primary contributors to this issue. The study seeks to shed light on the factors influencing construction waste, with a particular focus on the Santriwati Dayah Darul Muttaqin Dormitory Development Project in Aceh Besar Regency. The factors examined in this research include waiting time, materials, human resources, construction implementation, management, design and documentation, residuals, and external factors. The analytical methods employed comprise correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and descriptive analysis. The findings of the descriptive analysis revealed that construction waste primarily arises from issues related to materials, construction implementation, and management in the aforementioned project. Among these factors, management emerged as the most dominant. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing construction waste in Aceh Besar Regency, contributing to the development of targeted strategies for waste reduction and improved project efficiency.

CATHOLIC IDENTITY IN SCHOOL LANDSCAPE DESIGN SYURADIKARA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, ENDE NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR, INDONESIA

Akuilino Valdimir Laki — 2024-08-05

The Catholic school serves as a vital educational institution shaping graduates to benefit society. However, Syuradikara, a Catholic high school in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, lacks an optimized landscape design reflecting its Catholic identity and supporting learning activities. This research aims to evaluate Syuradikara's implementation of Catholic identity in its landscape design and provide recommendations for improvement. Using qualitative methods including observation and interviews, the study focuses on five principles of Catholic identity, understanding of God, relationship with Him, and spatial hierarchy in the church. Findings reveal shortcomings in utilizing outdoor space for learning activities and incorporating Catholic symbolism in the landscape design. Recommendations include aligning landscape design with church spatial hierarchy, integrating Catholic symbolism appropriately, fostering students' holistic understanding of God, and enhancing their relationship with Him through imagination, knowledge, and action. By addressing these aspects, Syuradikara can evolve into a Catholic high school that not only imparts academic knowledge but also nurtures faithful individuals beneficial to both the nation and society.

DYNAMICS IN HARMONIOUS HUMAN-NATURE URBAN ECOSYSTEM MODEL FOR ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY: A REVIEW

Yuting WU — 2024-08-05

In the face of growing urbanization, conflicts between human activities and the natural environment have resulted in increasingly evident problems, such as ecological degradation, excessive resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. These issues pose a growing threat to the achievement of global sustainable development goals. This study is part of a larger study to create a liveable and sustainable urban environment. It aims to develop an urban ecosystem model for promoting harmony with nature by analyzing the latest literature research from 2019 to 2023 using the Systematic Literature Review method . This paper elucidates the newest research developments in urban design, urban ecosystems, and the pursuit of enhanced synergy harmonious humans with nature. Subsequently, from the cross-analysis method it presents a synthesized model proposing a harmonious human-nature ecosystem for urban design. This model advocates the cultivation of human natural identity, providing a framework to adapt, modify, and preserve the urban environment in harmony with nature. Such an approach is expected to enhance urban vitality, which is harmonious between humans and nature while maintaining ecological functions and biodiversity and ensuring efficiency, equity, socio-cultural, and aesthetic values. This study contributes to identifying, understanding, and resolving ecological imbalances arising from urbanization. The results are expected to benefit authorities in maintaining a healthy standard of living in rapidly urbanizing areas. Future research will combine methods such as field investigations and design practices to further refine this urban design proposal, providing support and guidance for a more comprehensive sustainable urban environmental development.

THE HERITAGE CULTURE RESTORATION TO ENGAGE IN BIO-CULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION

Salina Mohamed Ali — 2024-08-05

The ecology and cultural legacy of a community define its potential for development. Combining philosophy and thinking fosters the preservation of historical sites, environmental protection, and the capacity to display the diversity of bio-cultures.. This case study is directed towards the issues of the state government, the fishermen's market organization, and fishing villages. It is also possible to identify this through reasonable issues that fall under the environmental, social, and physical challenges groups. This article discussed the economic circumstances in Kuala Kedah and offered cultural insights. The cultural heritage and ecology retreat, which fosters a feeling of place and promotes the sustainability of a heritage culture town, brought attention to the significance of this article. # The main goals of this study are to look into the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the relationship between local identity, legacy, and the economic revival of Seberang Kota through inventory and analysis.The findings and information from the inventory and analysis are combined to identify possible areas for environmental preservation and cultural enhancement. The final half of the article included some design guidance that is essential for anticipating the rules for organising and carrying out this research. To support sustainable living opportunities for the local population and the preservation of the surrounding environment for tourists, which will entice them to participate in environmental and cultural activities, this article offers a plan for preserving and enhancing Seberang Kota's distinctive character and identity as a cultural heritage village.

PRIVATE SECTOR-LED DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING PROVISION – THE CASE OF SOUTH TANGERANG, INDONESIA

Surya Tarigan — 2024-08-05

In the last few decades, South Tangerang City has transformed into a supporting city for Jakarta. It has become a popular choice for professionals working in Jakarta who are looking for a more affordable and environmentally friendly residential option. The private sector has been a dominant actor in the housing construction in South Tangerang. The private sector constructs the vast majority of new housing, which is aimed at middle and upper-income households. The massive development of the private sector in many townships such as Bintaro, Alam Sutera, and BSD City has resulted in South Tangerang having good infrastructure of international standard. However, the private sector's massive land ownership causes significant problems for South Tangerang's city development. The study investigates the phenomenon through in-depth interviews with housing stakeholders, including local governments, private developers, and academics in South Tangerang. Land prices in Indonesia have caused affordability issues in South Tangerang. The study investigates how and at what cost this model of private-sector-led development affects housing provision in South Tangerang. This private-sector-led development may have contributed to the problem of rising land prices, making affordable housing difficult to build. Since 2013, no subsidized housing has been built in the South Tangerang area by a private developer because the land price makes it unfeasible. Besides, local government intervention is also limited because the cost of acquiring land for infrastructure and housing development has become expensive. It raised the question of whether this development model, which has made the private sector the sole determinant of housing prices, can be sustained in the future.

CHARACTERIZATION OF SEWAGE SLUDGE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN ENVIRONMENTS: ASSESSING HEAVY METAL ENRICHMENT, THERMAL DECOMPOSITION, AND PYROLYSIS BEHAVIOR

Mohd Syazwan Mohd Ghazali — 2024-08-05

Rapid urbanisation and population growth have led to a surge in sewage sludge (SS) generation, posing environmental challenges due to its complex composition, particularly heavy metal content. This study investigates heavy metal analysis, thermal decomposition behaviour, and slow pyrolysis of SS to address these concerns. SS samples were collected from a sewage treatment plant and analysed for heavy metals using ICP-OES. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) clarified thermal decomposition behaviour, while slow pyrolysis experiments at varying temperatures provided insights into product yields. Results revealed significant concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in SS, with pyrolysis temperatures between 450°C and 600°C ensuring complete conversion of volatile matter. Slow pyrolysis predominantly yielded biochar, indicating limited suitability for bio-oil production. Additionally, pyrolysis enriched biochar with heavy metals while decreasing cobalt concentration, highlighting complex mechanisms in heavy metal redistribution. This research contributes to understanding heavy metal behaviour and thermal conversion dynamics in sewage sludge, informing sustainable waste management strategies for mitigating environmental impacts.

HERITAGE AND INNOVATION: REDEFINING KUALA LUMPUR'S FASHION IDENTITY THROUGH CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION

HUI GUO — 2024-08-05

In the wake of accelerated globalization, the fashion industry has transcended regional confines, evolving into a notably internationalized domain. This investigation delves into the collaborative endeavours between international fashion brands and local Malaysian designers, particularly within Kuala Lumpur—a city characterized by diverse cultural influences- as a pivotal arena for amalgamating cultural heritage with contemporary design aesthetics. The inquiry focuses on utilizing cultural heritage elements, such as batik, within these collaborations to foster design innovation while examining the repercussions of such alliances on brand localization strategies and market positioning. Employing a case study approach, the study reveals results in three dimensions: cultural heritage preservation, brand awareness enhancement, and commercial sustainability. These instances underscore the pragmatic integration of cultural heritage into modern fashion, highlighting the significant role these partnerships play in bolstering the international visibility of local brands and preserving traditional craftsmanship. The study's findings underscore the transformative potential inherent in cross-cultural collaborations, nurturing cultural ingenuity and reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's identity as a cosmopolitan nexus. Furthermore, the investigation proffers strategic recommendations tailored to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia, emphasizing their integral role in promoting sustainable economic, social, and cultural growth through intercultural cooperation. The research emphasizes the efficacy of integrating cultural heritage into contemporary fashion to yield distinctively enriched products, thereby augmenting the global competitiveness of local brands. These findings have significant implications for enhancing the global competitiveness of local brands, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable economic growth, with Kuala Lumpur playing a crucial role in this process.

DISTANCE MEASUREMENTS BASED ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE INDICATORS CHARACTERISTICS AFFECTING PURCHASING DECISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NORTHERN STATES OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

MUHAMAD HILMI MOHAMAD @ MASRI — 2024-08-05

The research is aimed at distance measurements based on road infrastructure indicators characteristics affecting the purchasing decision of affordable housing in northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. The objectives of this research are to measure road infrastructure indicators relating to distance and affordable housing and to analyse the relationship between road infrastructure indicators on distance and affordable housing. Structural Equation Modelling was utilized in this research for analysis and findings whilst discussions conducted on significant level measurement based on each indicator. The significance of the research is to help everyday commuters in making better decision-making processes to purchase affordable houses that they are comfortable with in their daily travels. Affordable houses at a closer rate therefore can contribute significant positive effects on pollution emissions by private vehicles travelling long distances daily thus achieving greener results.

PERSPECTIVES OF SENSORY GOALS IN THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE: A REVIEW

Nuraimi Amalina Abu Bakar — 2024-08-05

Sensory elements play a crucial role in therapeutic landscapes, which influence individual health status in potentially positive or negative ways. The aim of this article is to explore the notion of this sensory element in therapeutic landscape that has been studied in the existing literature from 2000 to 2023 through SCOPUS database. Review of literature consisted four (4) phases which were identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. Then, the synthesis focused specifically on perspectives of sensory goals formed that are related to various aspects of human health and well-being. The perspectives of related literature were collected and discussed. In summary, sensory goals are divided into four (4) aspects of well-being. Accordingly, physiological health was observed as the most important thing to achieve during sensory experience in therapeutic landscape. Followed by psychological health, social interaction, and finally socio-ecological relationships. Through this process, it is clear that creating an environment should consider and cater to the users’ specific sensory goals for different targeted populations based on their unique profiles and therapeutic needs in order to optimize the outcome possibilities.

PUBLIC PERCEPTION REGARDING SUSTAINABILITY IN ARCHITECTURE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF CHALLENGES AND DEMANDS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN TEHRAN

masoume taraz — 2024-08-05

In the rapidly urbanising world, the challenges of global warming, climate change, increased atmospheric pollutants, and the depletion of natural resources make the return to sustainability principles imperative for all. Since architecture is directly related to human life, the adoption of sustainable architectural principles requires serious effort. However, this necessitates awareness among all stakeholders involved in construction and housing such as designers, builders, policy makers, and users. This research investigates general awareness of sustainable architecture principles, focusing on residents of residential buildings in Tehran as the beneficiary of this industry. Using qualitative research methodology, purposive sampling was employed to select residents from various parts of the city. 12 residents of Tehran were asked to participate in an interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed, with thematic analysis being the primary method of data analysis. The study identified five main themes from the interview results: understanding and principles of sustainable architecture, practical implementation and examples, personal impact and engagement, recognition and global perspective, and challenges and solutions. Despite existing challenges in the application of sustainability, participants in this research fundamentally prioritise sustainability and emphasise factors such as environmental preservation, resource optimization, and resilience against natural disasters. The findings suggest a growing trend in global understanding and awareness of sustainable architecture but emphasise the need for further action and education. This article contributes valuable efforts towards increasing public awareness and promoting sustainable architectural projects in urban environments, providing strategies for enhancing awareness and improving sustainable architectural projects for professionals and researchers.

UNVEILING VISITORS’ DELIGHT IN MANGROVE POINT PARK AS AN ECOTOURISM SPOT: AN ANALYSIS OF ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES SATISFACTION

SHAIBATUL ' ISLAMIAH CHE MAN — 2024-08-05

Mangrove Point Park in the Klang Islands Mangrove Forest Reserve stands as a testament to eco-tourism’s rejuvenating power. Once threatened by development, these mangroves have found a new life through the Selangor Maritime Gateway project. Since its opening in March 2023, the park has become a popular eco-tourism spot, offering various activities. This research aims to assess visitors’ satisfaction towards the existing activities and facilities at the site through a blend of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The study utilizes site inventory, observation, and a questionnaire survey to comprehensively evaluate the park’s offerings. It seeks to seamlessly incorporate the research's overarching objectives, which are (1) to identify the key activities and facilities currently provided, (2) to evaluate the expectation and performance gap in promoting the ecotourism industry, and (3) to examine visitors' satisfaction with the facilities and activities at Mangrove Point Park. The results of this study confirm that visitors are mostly dissatisfied with the provided activities and facilities, mainly on comfort and safety aspects, indicating the need for action to achieve higher visitors’ satisfaction.

EXPLORING THE RESTORATIVE SPACES OF BIOPHILIC CAMPUS LANDSCAPES IN MITIGATING STUDENT STRESS

Sharifah Khalizah Syed Othman Thani — 2024-08-05

Stress and mental illness among university students have reached alarming levels in recent times, leading to undesirable behaviours such as substance abuse, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of biophilic and restorative landscapes in campus design. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements like plants, water, and natural light both indoors and outdoors, which can positively impact individuals’ mental health. This research focused on Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, selecting five study locations: Tasik Alam Bina, Tasik Denai Cadamba, Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak, the Alam Bina Amphitheater, and the residential college Vista. The study examined how these locations with a biophilic design influenced people’s well-being. The study showed that environments with a highly biophilic design can indeed enhance people’s mental well-being. Tasik Alam Bina, with its water presence and natural environment, emerges as a key location for restorative use, bringing serenity to the landscape architecture students of UiTM Puncak Alam. This study highlights that adopting biophilic designs creates supportive environments for students and enhances their mental health on campuse.

THE PERSPECTIVE OF STUDENTS AND GRADUATES ON THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION IN THE MALAYSIAN CONTEXT

alice ismail — 2024-08-05

Architectural education is essential to produce the profession of the architect responsible for creating a quality environment in the 21st Century. Therefore, architecture education should be holistic, addressing the needs of architecture graduates with six attributes: ethics and spirituality, leadership skills, national identity, language skills, thinking skills, and knowledge to meet the needs of the industry and the current market in parallel with the requirements of the national policy. However, not many past studies have been provided on architectural education in Malaysia, from the students' perspectives to hold on to the profession of an architect. Most past studies focus only on pedagogical methods of learning and evaluation of architectural studios, the application of technology in architectural education, the element of entrepreneurship in architectural education, and the importance of sustainability values in the architectural curriculum. Therefore, this study aims to identify architecture students' perspectives in private and public universities and outline proposals to improve the current architecture education curriculum to produce better architecture graduates. The methodology used involves a combination of quantitative research. The scope of study is focused only on architectural programmes subject to LAM (Malaysia Architect Council) Part I and II recognition. The findings underline the need for quality teaching and learning, emphasizing generic skills to produce graduates with high marketability values in the 21st Century.

ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Siti Akhtar Mahayuddin — 2024-08-05

This study investigates the knowledge and practices of waste management among secondary school students. A survey was conducted among 258 students from a secondary school in the Perak Tengah District who were given questionnaires each to complete which included items to assess students' understanding of the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) as well as their actual implementation of these practices. However, after screening all the questionnaire forms, 233 forms were analysed and 25 forms were found to be incomplete. due to unanswered questions. The level of knowledge and practices were identified by ternary partitions (low/moderate/high) of the mean score. The partitioning value was determined by the five-point scale, with the highest value being 5.00, and it is divided into three levels: low (mean=1.00-2.33), medium (mean=2.34-3.67), and high (mean=3.68-5.00). Results indicate a high level of awareness and comprehension of 3R concepts among the students with an overall mean of 3.9, which demonstrates strong knowledge in this regard. This study reveals that a significant number of the students actively engage in recycling efforts and adopt good practices of waste management in their daily lives with an overall mean of 3.7. However, areas for improvement were identified, particularly in terms of reducing and reusing materials. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing education and awareness initiatives to promote environmentally responsible behaviours among the younger generation. Improving waste management can be achieved by incorporating lessons on responsible consumption and production (SDG No. 12) into the curriculum. This approach encourages students to adopt waste-reducing practices.

BIOPHILIC ARCHITECTURE AND SPATIAL PERCEPTION: THE CASE OF GEOFFREY BAWA’S KEY WORKS AND THE PAM CENTRE, A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Ahmad Zharif Ahmad Zahir — 2024-08-05

The three main design parameters noted in the applications of biophilic architecture, Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature of the Space are key design principles that focus on the integral relationship between the natural and the built environment. This study explores the application of these primary Biophilic design principles in Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture focusing on the indispensable aspects of both; architectural design (the craft) and user experience (the psychological and the social well-being), measured through aspect of spatial perception. As this study aims to benefit the discourse of Malaysian Architecture, it will bring forth the corollaries between Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture and the newly retrofitted Centre of Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). Geoffrey Bawa is noted as the internationally recognised leading architect practicing Biophilic design. In this research there are three key questions that have been addressed; (1) What roles do these three primary Biophilic design principles play in architecture? (2) How do they then engender a concrete sense of a cohesive and natural-feeling environment to the general user in the PAM Centre? (3) How effective is the Biophilic design applied in the PAM Centre in nurturing close-knit connection with Nature for its users, compared to other architecture of equivalent typology, namely public building. This study is driven by qualitative methodologies, covering document analysis, precedent study, and a comprehensive case study of the PAM Centre. This case study involves a comparative analysis of the Biophilic design principles specifically drawn from architectures of Geoffrey Bawa and their applications in the PAM Centre. The findings reveal a deep understanding of three (3) main pillars of the Biophilic design and their effective integration as already manifested by Geoffrey Bawa, which enhances the natural ambiance and connectivity to nature within building and built environment. In conclusion, the research demonstrates Bawa’s Biophilic design principles which is evident in the architecture of PAM Centre successfully creating environments that are both natural and supportive of human well-being.