Journal of Architecture, Planning and Construction Management
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RESIDENTS’ CRIME EXPERIENCE AND SAFETY PERCEPTIONS IN GATED AND NON-GATED LOW MIDDLE INCOME COMMUNITIES IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Get PDFProperty crimes in residential areas has become a concerning issue in Malaysia. Environmental design based crime prevention theories such as Defensible Space, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and 2nd generation CPTED recommend to construct gates and fences as target hardening measures in the residential areas to prevent crimes. However, these concepts have generated several issues, including the safe environment they offer. Thus, this paper aims at examining the safety perception of the residents in gated and guarded vis-â-vis non-gated and guarded communities. Two low middle income housing communities – a gated and guarded community (GC) and a non-gated and guarded community (NGC) were chosen for the study. Relationship between residents’ crime experiences and perception of safety were studied in both communities and it was found that crime rates are higher in the GC than in the NGC and this indicates that GCs are not safer than NGCs. Based on the findings, the study comes up with several recommendations in order to enhance safety perceptions of low-middle income apartment communities in Kuala Lumpur
Contextual Integration in waterfront development
Get PDFThe relationship between waterfronts and water in the establishment of many cities is a known fact. Issues as to why many waterfront developments do not respond to their water are often raised. This thesis examines the response of waterfront development towards its water, in particular the urban rivers. This is measured through the level of contextual integration in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur to identify the reasons why this situation exists. The research employed the qualitative method using a case study approach. It involved several techniques, which include morphological study, field observations (visual survey, direct observation, activity mapping), focus groups and in-depth interviews. The theoretical framework was based on the Integrative Theory of Urban Design, which has five main principles comprising ‘good form’, ‘legibility’, ‘vitality’, ‘comfort’ and ‘meaning’ from which thirteen attributes were extracted. The research found a mix of levels in the contextual integration of the KL waterfront for all attributes evaluated. Five attributes that affect the level of contextual integration the most are the ‘direct access’, ‘physical character of urban river’, ‘seating’, ‘development that addresses urban river’ and ‘shade’. This study inferred that the other related attributes borrowed from other public spaces are vital to achieve the response of waterfronts development towards the urban river. However, the evaluation criteria have to be suited to the local context. Twenty-one factors were identified that affect the level of contextual integration. Three recurring factors in seven out of the thirteen attributes evaluated are ‘the existence of highway’, ‘fenced private property till the edge of the river’ and ‘building built abutting the river edge’. It also gathered that the contextual integration between the waterfront and the urban river can only be achieved with the interrelation of the physical and functional dimensions. Eight key reasons were established as to why the waterfront is not contextually integrated with the urban river, which are i) lack of planning – policies, laws, guidelines, master plan, ii) limitation of funds, iii) condition of the river, vi) introduction of other transportation systems, v) lack of coordinated management, vi) political will, vii) lack of awareness and viii) market demand. These findings helped to explain the gap in many queries and assumptions concerning this issue from the perspective of a city centre in an emerging Asian country.
University of Nottingham, United Kingdo
Tawhid and its Implications for Islamic Architecture
Get PDFThis paper discusses the Islamic notion of tawhid (the Oneness of Allah) and its implications for Islamic architecture. The paper is divided into two major parts. Firstly, the meaning and significance of tawhid, as a cornerstone of the Islamic belief system, is presented. Secondly, tawhid’s most important implications for perceiving, creating and using Islamic architecture are explained. The paper seeks to enhance the awareness, both of the professionals and general readership, as to the centrality of the role of the concept of tawhid in correctly conceptualizing and practicing Islamic architecture. The nature of the paper, along with its content, methodology and conclusions, is conceptual and philosophical, rather than empirical. The paper concludes that Islamic architecture is an architecture that embodies the message of Islam. It both facilitates Muslims’ realization of the Islamic purpose and its divine principles on earth, and promotes a lifestyle generated by such a philosophy and principles. The implications of tawhid for Islamic architecture are ideological, rather than technical. Such is the profundity of the influence the concept of tawhid exerts on Islamic architecture – and on Islamic culture and civilization, in general – that it gives the latter its conspicuous soul and identity. Without the effect of tawhid, no architecture deserves to be dubbed ‘Islamic’
Book Review - Tourism And Development In The Developing World
No full textThe central aim of the book is to present an introductory text that explores the relationship between tourism and development in the developing countries against the background that tourism is widely regarded as an effective contributor to socio-economic development in these countries. It is well-known that the relationship between tourism and development is a debatable issue. Starting with this dictum, the book provides an introduction to the tourism-development process. Focusing mostly on developing countries and drawing on contemporary case studies, the authors of the book have raised many questions about the role tourism in development and highlight the dilemmas faced by destinations seeking to achieve development through tourism
Area Of Productivity Improvement In The Nigerian Construction Industry
No full textThis paper discusses the areas where productivity improvements are required in the Nigerian construction industry. The questionnaire used for the study was adopted from the research of Arditi and Mochtar (2000) with additional questions on the factors influencing productivity and the actions thought necessary to improve productivity in the Nigerian construction industry. A combination of judgmental and snowballing (both non probability) sampling techniques were used for the study. The reason for this is that, the combination gives a strong semblance of probability sampling technique and this advantage makes it possible to make conclusive inference based on the findings of the research. The questionnaire for the study was distributed among construction contractors and design professionals that were located within the Lagos Island axis of Lagos state. Sixty-four (64) questionnaires were retrieved out of the one hundred and eighty (180) that were distributed to the respondents and this gives a total of 35.6% retrieval. The results of the research show that productivity improvement is mostly required in the Nigerian construction industry in four categories which are communication, management, computer utilization and labour. It was also discovered that most Nigerian contractors and designers are not willing to contribute funds to support programmes aimed at improving construction productivity. However, they were willing to serve as members of groups that would identify productivity problems and attend construction productivity conferences and meetings
The Impacts of Coastal Reclamation to the Quality of Life of Tanjung Tokong Community, Penang
Get PDFMany studies had shown that coastal area serves the economic functions including supporting aquaculture activities, tourism, transportation, mining, communication and facilitating navigation. These activities resulted in rapid population growth within the coastal areas. A coastal reclamation becomes one of the solutions to overcome the growing population in the coastal area. However, coastal reclamation might have positive and negative impacts to the employment and income of the existing community who are depending on the economic resources of the coastal areas. This paper presents the impacts of coastal reclamation to the community in Tanjung Tokong, Penang which focuses on the aspects of employment and income. It draws literatures from various local and international publications and also from government reports and publications. The data were collected through questionnaire survey and interview. Additionally, the survey questionnaire was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The results show that there are changes in type of profession and difference in mean of salary before and after the reclamation, however statistically there is no significant difference. The findings also suggested that only a minority community involve in profession shifting. As a result, it is recommended that community should take advantage from the coastal reclamation development in terms of tourism and employment provided by the developer as coastal area has a unique character
As Assessment of Local Authority Performance in Delivering Their Services: Case Study of Ipoh City Council
No full textThe trend towards a friendlier and efficient delivery of services found to be lacking in the local authorities. Therefore, a series of issues pertaining local authority performances has driven a need to further studies in order to improve their current service delivery. This paper examines the functions and its service delivery performed by Ipoh City Council in the state of Perak. Indeed, exploring the factors influencing the local authorities’ performances in its practice is relevant in assessing the quality of services given by the local authorities. The local authorities deal with the general public level directly and their performances are important in giving positive public perception to the overall government structure. Local government plays an important role to promote economic growth and creating job opportunities locally. In most developing countries, improving the quality of government delivery system is quite challenging, but effective government delivery systems are crucial in achieving the people’s satisfaction level.
This study derives from the literature review, and issues affecting the levels of customer satisfaction towards the services rendered by the local authority highlighted. A total of 250 respondents randomly selected to participate in the Ipoh City Council questionnaires survey. The survey was to assess the level of effectiveness and efficiency service delivery performed by Local Authorities in Ipoh. Issue identified were the lack of transparency, delays in services, lack of customer service courtesy and unaccountable practices that obstructs governmental effectiveness and creates numerous complaints among public and respondents. Hence several recommendations proposed in providing improvement in local authority delivery services
SPATIAL MAPPING OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVE INDEX IN PULAU HUJUNG AND PULAU TENGAH, JOHOR
Get PDFThis paper addresses the necessity of sea spatial mapping for valuable natural resources of the island ecosystem in Pulau Hujung and Pulau Tengah, Johor. These islands are located in Johor Marine Park, rich with a diversity of marine life, resources, valuable ecosystems, and historical and cultural values. As an environmental asset considered as Environmental Sensitive Areas (ESA), the spatial mapping of its different zonal uses by using the Environmental Sensitive Index (ESI) is crucial in planning and managing natural resources within protected areas. By integrating the data of ESAs into the GIS application via the ESI, the generation of its outcome of digital mapping is easier to understand and applicable in managing the planning of the islands. The indices of ESI comprise of biological and human resources, and shoreline classification. Besides, the research refers to international guidance, namely the IUCN Guideline 2008 where the requirements of ESA protection were clearly stated. The results of the spatial mapping demonstrate that the islands could be categorised as preservation zone, habitat protection zone, general use zone, and buffer zone, in which each of these sea zonal use reflects both its characteristics and importance. The division of clear zones helps the relevant authorities to manage and monitor this special area so that these natural resources, marine life, and ecosystems can be sustained as the natural heritage of the nation. In a conclusion, it is evident that the spatial sea zonal use map is very significant and may benefit many stakeholders involved in planning and managing the waters of the eastern part of Johor.
 
Book Review: Eco-city Planning - Policies, Practice and Design
Get PDFEco-city is an environmentally sustainable city in managing the limited natural resources for existing and future generations. Its primary aim is to minimize the damages to the eco-system while maximizing benefits to the human population. Some of the notable targets to achieve eco-city include: reducing pollution, limiting environmental damages, preserving open and green spaces, utilizing renewable energy, conserving energy consumption, maintaining water bodies and so on. However, it is highly challenging to attain eco-city status especially in developing economies as population and demand for infrastructure and facilities has been growing steadily in urban areas