Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia

Islamic Built Environment
in Public Open Spaces in

Malaysia

NORLIZA MOHD ISA

First Printing 2022
Copyright Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 2022
©Norliza Mohd Isa
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia
Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
ISBN 978-967-18368-x-x

All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Published in Malaysia by
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA
81310, UTM JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR, MALAYSIA
[email protected]

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 2

Islamic Built Environment
in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia

2022 Edition

Editorial Team
Dr. Norliza binti Mohd Isa
Amirul Naim bin Mohd Sani
Nurul Balqis binti Zainurin
Muhammad Nadzir bin Zainal Abidin
A’mila Syazwina binti Mohd Nizam

Proof-reader
Prof. Dr. Hasanuddin bin Lamit

Cover Designer & Typesetter
Dr. Norliza binti Mohd Isa
Amirul Naim bin Mohd Sani

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 3

Content

Preface 6
Foreword 7
Acknowledgment 8
Introduction 10

Tolerance 12
Natural Environment 26
Religious Identity 40
Order 52
Social Need and Human Comfort 66
Economic 82
Intellectual and Knowledge 96
Element of Jannah 112
Safety 126
Hygiene 140

References 151



Preface

The term ‘Islamic’ is so synonymous from one to another all ‘Islamic built environment' when interpreted in Malaysia brings
over the world and very popular in Malaysia. This compatibility much more unique complications. This is because Malaysia is a
is likely seen as a 'branding' or label, and it is so strategic to country where Islam is practiced as the official religion, embraced
Malaysia that has been striving for a long time to establish itself by many people in the society (61.3%) but also has a composition
as a Muslim country with a developed nation status of heterogeneous community that practices religious freedom.
Data collected from the Malaysia: Department of Statistics (2010)
When the name of Islam is linked to other phrases such as found that the Buddhist faith stood at 19.8% followed by
‘Islamic Architecture’, ‘Islamic Fashion’, and ‘Islamic Music’ and Christianity at 9.2%, Hindus at 6.3%, and others 3.4%. Hence, the
various other terms that came together with the word 'Islamic', it adaptation of ’Islamic built environment’ in Malaysia should be
is an effort to bring forth religious element and the sanctity of different from the implementation done in other Islamic countries
Islam through other mediums as well. The same motive applies that has practically total Muslim population or those countries with
when the Islamic environment and development is mentioned. It overwhelming majority of Muslim community such as the Arab
translates into an atmosphere and environment that is built countries, Africa, and the Middle East.
based on Islam. Therefore, the understanding of the true
meaning of the term ‘Islamic built environment' is very This book tied and justified the connection between ‘Islamic built
important. This is to ensure that the concept of ‘Islamic’ being environment' and public open spaces in tourism attractions places
absorbed into the development in Malaysia is not tainted due to in Malaysia by the function of public space as public properties
misinterpretation and contextual incongruence. and shared to accommodate all Malaysian society as a user
without racial and religious boundaries.

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 6

Foreword

Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Ismail Congratulations to the author for the publication of this
Ph.D, FASc, CEng., FIChemE book, a researcher from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with
Vice-Chancellor great support from the research team. Hopefully, her
enthusiasm as a writer for her academic work will continue
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to shine and will produce more quality works in future.

This book titled “Islamic Built Environment in Public Open
Spaces in Malaysia” successfully shared the ideas of ‘Islamic
built environment’ quality in public open spaces at tourism
attraction places in line with Malaysian context. It is
congruent with the nature of Malaysian heterogeneous
society and with the concept of Islamic moderation as part
of human progress. The outcome from this research
hopefully will be beneficial and will guide Malaysian
administrators and professionals in built environment and
tourism industries to generate a better and more
appropriate process of understanding an Islamic built
environment in Muslim countries, particularly with regard
public spaces.

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 7

Acknowledgment

The study was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (KPT) and
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and supported by Islamic Tourism Centre
Malaysia (ITC).

Funder:
UTM RESEARCH UNIVERSITY GRANT (GUP)
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia

Collaborator:
Islamic Tourism Centre
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 8

Islamic Built Environment in Public Spaces and Tourism Attractions 9

Introduction

This book analyzed the ‘Islamic built environment’ quality in ‘Islamic built environment’ is a “situation or setting that
public and tourism attraction open spaces in Malaysia. The encompasses the combination of created elements (spaces,
research hold that the adaptation of true Islamic concept is most places and structures) with the implementation of Islamic
crucial in an open spaces that being the focus of public attraction ideology to serve human needs and values. The concept
and tourism assets. Generally, people will assume an Islamic considers the suitability of people's lifestyle (both Muslim and
built environment is related to the mosque, Arabic calligraphy non-Muslim) by symbolizing spiritually and physically the
from holy scriptures, geometrical ornaments, palm trees, and essence of Islam” (Mousthapa, 1979; Khurshid, 1989; Spahic,
other elements that showcase Islam or Arabic influence in which 2002; Kamali, 2006; Sarkawi, 2011; Zen, 2011; Mohd Isa, 2015).
only Muslims own the space. However, in the perspective of
Islam, public spaces is about giving comfort, convenience, There are ten indicators which make a public space obtains the
invitation, and accessibility. It is a space where any community implementation of Islamic built environment, which comprises
can feel relaxed, developing economic growth, and secure. of (1)Tolerance, (2) Natural environment, (3) Social Need and
Human Comfort, (4) Religious identity, (5) Order, (6)
From the language standpoint, the term 'Islamic built Economic, (7) Intellectual and knowledge, (Hygiene), (9)
environment' brings to mind the development or environment Elements of Jannah, and (10) Safety. Several famous public
that is built (not naturally) encompassing the scope of planning, spaces are being compared and analyzed to highlight its Islamic
architecture and landscape that are Islamic in character. implementation and uniqueness.

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 10



Tolerance

Bertolak Ansur / ‫برتولق انسور‬

The ability or willingness to bring spirit of tolerance and liberty
among community. Spaces that can be shared together without
causing discomfort and ethnocentric feelings.

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 12

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 13

KLCC Park

Public Spaces in KLCC Park provide
wide-open spaces in which local society
with multi-racial backgrounds and tourists
able to utilize the area freely and
conveniently. These reflect the tolerance
in Islam’s perspective in which different
people experience harmony and
openness

KLCC Park at the Petronas TowersMalaysia, on Flickr 14

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia

Pintu Gerbang
Kota Ismail Petra

Amid the open spaces, the gateway
highlighted as the dominant landmarks of
the area among local people. Open spaces
and seating are provided to allow people to
conduct activities conveniently and get to
spend their time doing outdoor activities

Dataran Rehal Food truck on Gramho

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 15

Dataran Rehal, on Tripadvisor

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 16

Dataran
Masjid Zahir

The water fountain tower is a landmark for
the comunity of Alor Setar. It serves as a
highlight in wide-open spaces of Dataran
Masjid Zahir function to attract everyone to
the place

Aerial Photo of Masjid Zahir Alor SetarSaidyysia, on Youtube

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 17

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 18

The Stadhuys,Shahrul Nizam on Petai.net

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 19

The Stadhuys
Malacca

Stadhuys Malacca gives a sense of
welcoming and easy accessibility for the
foreigners to roam around freely. Mutual
interaction between foreigners and local
vendors shows harmony and universality

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 20

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 21

Laman Mahkota

During nighttime, the lighting brightens up
the public area that attracts people coming
to the place. The water fountain and crown
replica becomes prominent and a spot
attraction for visitors to take pictures and as
a gathering place among the community

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 22

Laman Seni 7
Seksyen 7

2D street art emits vibrancy to the backlane
or alley of the shop lots. It encourages the
local community to stroll around enjoying
the creative arts. It is where people could
interact with public spaces and share spaces
with multiracial society with the same
intention to take pictures and mesmerize
the arts surrounding them

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 23

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 24

KLCC ParkWeb page Healthy KL: Running in KLCC Park

Natural
Environment

Bersekitaran Semula Jadi / ‫ڤرسكيترن سمولا جادي‬

Spaces which being emphasized and embedded with the
aspect of natural environment in between the
built environment

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 26

KLCC Park

Lush tree plants across the park
integrate with the beautiful lake creating
a natural environment. Big shaded trees
shaded the pathway for public use and
makes the environment soft appearance
from its rigidness

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 27

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 28

Street Art in
Georgetown

The public spaces have big shaded
trees alongside the main road and
in between shop lots to give shade
and feel the natural environment
in the hustle and bustle of a busy
town

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 29

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 30

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 31

Moroccan Pavilion
Putrajaya

Retain on its Moroccan Islamic
concept design, date trees that
depict the middle east environment
are applied to elevate the elements
of the Moroccan concept design. It
emits peace and beauty to the
surrounding, which is becoming the
spot attraction of the local
community to take pictures and
mesmerize the place

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 32

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 33

The Stadhuys
Malacca

With nature and man-made
incorporated, the surrounding can
achieve balance where it is
comfortable and convenient for
public to enjoy spending outdoor

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 34

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 35

Laman Mahkota

The water fountain emits sound of rippling
water and lightens up the area during
nighttime. The local community is
enjoying spending their night activity
viewing Laman Mahkota while enjoying
the sound and view of riplling waters in
which brought them closer to nature and
calm

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 36

Dataran
Masjid Zahir

Trees and greeneries planted around the
parameter of the square, to soften the
appearance of the rigid hardscape. Thus, the
setting of man-made and nature incorporated
makes it comfortable for people to hang
around in the area

Alor Setar signageLMspencer on shutterstock

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 37

Dataran Masjid Zahir Alor [email protected] on picuki.com

Iftar at Dataran Alor SetarWeb page mukrizmahathirfc.bogspot

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 38



Religious
Identity

Identiti Agama / ‫ايدينتيتي اڬام‬

Religious identity that suit to local culture. Not typically
emulating an Arabic image or a mosque

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 40

KLCC Park

The overall setting of the landscape
surrounds Masjid Al-Syakirin and the
KLCC building behind it exceptionally
makes the park well-blended,
synchronized and beautifully well-
crafted built environment

Image by Peter Rowley on Flickr Image taken from The Thrifty Traveller

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 41

Image taken from The Thrifty Traveller

Image taken from The Thrifty Traveller

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 42

Aerial Photo towards Masjid Zahir Alor SetarTeo on cavinteo.blogspot.com

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 43

Dataran Masjid Zahir

People comfortably sits on the curb
edges of the water fountains as they
could interact and view closely to the
rippling water. Car parks provide to
accommodate visitors’ transport, so it is
easy to access to the area

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 44

Moroccan Pavilion
Putrajaya

Middle east architecture has
a strong Islamic image
which can be easily
recognized by the visitors.
Moroccan Architecture
which heavily showcases on
geometry, florals and
Arabic calligraphy that
reflects the Islam Identity

Photos inside Moroccan Pavilion taken fby Illa Shanahila from illashahanila.blogspot.com 45

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia

Photos inside Moroccan Pavilion taken fby Illa Shanahila from illashahanila.blogspot.com

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 46

Pintu Gerbang Kota Ismail Petralensahati12.blogspot.com Pintu Gerbang Kota Ismail Petralensahati12.blogspot.com

Pintu Gerbang
Kota Ismail Petra

The gateway of Kota Ismail Petra clearly emphasizes
the symbol and identity of Islam elements in which
represents the Quran sculpture on the pillars, and the
gateway has written scriptures taken from the Quran.
The columns carved with intricate floral ornaments as
representing the Malay culture in which meets the
Islamic elements

Pintu Gerbang Kota Ismail Petralensahati12.blogspot.com

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 47

Pintu Gerbang Kota Ismail PetraRimba on Flickr

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 48

Laman Mahkota taken from flickriver.com

Laman Mahkota

The crown replica is mesmerized and
attracts many people to come to the palace
in which showcase the Islamic majestic
image part of Istana Sultan Johor front yard

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 49

Symbolic monument at Serene Garden taken by Shah
Said from shascorner.com

Serene Square at night taken by Chongkian from Wikimedia.org View towards Istana Bukit Serene entrance taken by
Shah Said from shascorner.com

Islamic Built Environment in Public Open Spaces in Malaysia 50