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Ismail Said

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia - UTM, Dept of Landscape Architecture, Department Member

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Ismail Said is an associate professor at Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment since 1993. He teaches a broad range of subjects including landscape ecology, planting technology, fundamental design studio, urban design studio, research methodology and final comprehensive design studio. He has been teaching at the university since 1985. He also taught landscape architecture at King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in 1991 to 1993 and did his sabbatical at School of Environmental Design, National University Singapore in 2002. His research areas are children’s environment, urban greening and ecosystem services, and wood carving. He has published more than 120 papers in journals and conference proceedings, 5 books on materials of landscape architecture and architecture and an article on Woodcarving in Malay Architecture, Encyclopedia of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine in Non-Western Cultures 2008, Springer.In postgraduate studies, he has produced 20 PhD graduates and 12 masters graduates, all in research-mode curriculum. Currently, he is supervising 14 PhD and one master students studying a variety of topics including children’s environment, ecosystem services, urban greening and planning, urban morphology and wood carving.

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Papers by Ismail Said

Homeschool Journey's Affordances in Children's Performances within Rural Environment

Asian Journal of Behavioural Studies, 2018

The study investigated children’s performances during homeschool journey in a rural environment t... more The study investigated children’s performances during homeschool journey in a rural environment through their actualized affordances at a village in Johor, Malaysia. The study was conducted with fifty-four middle childhood children through drawings, interviews and participant observation. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Children engaged more with natural elements rather than manmade elements and positively perceived, utilized and shaped the affordances. Therefore there is evidence to suggest that children recognized homeschool journey as their play spaces allowing them to interact with nature and developed their physical, social and cognitive skills, especially for children with high independent mobility.Keywords: Children performances; natural environment; independent mobility; homeschool journeyeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-N...

Zaha Hadid Strategy Of Design

The deconstructivist thoughts of the early 1980s architecture were carried out by architects who ... more The deconstructivist thoughts of the early 1980s architecture were carried out by architects who believe in change, possibility, and limitlessness. Their rebellion to what is conventional has fundamentally contributed in formulating the 21 st century architecture where one of the key differences between them and others is the methodology of design. This paper addresses Zaha Hadid's strategy as a significant pioneer in this movement who has large followership around the world from among architects and designers. A qualitative study is conducted using content analysis for her accessible texts and videos as a reliable source of data. Hadid's sequential procedures of design imply that she perceives architecture as an art which could be sufficiently employed to fulfill the requirements of a good architecture and clientele.

Meaning of Home-School Route as A Child-Friendly Environment for Less Privileged Children in old City Zone of Makassar

Home school journey is part of the daily routine of children in many Indonesian towns and cities.... more Home school journey is part of the daily routine of children in many Indonesian towns and cities. The environment and its elements of the journey play an important role in promoting children’s active play. In the past two decades, many urban centers have been identified as unsuitable for children’s home school journey due to issues relating to high urban density and traffic congestion. As a result, many children are denied the opportunity to experience the outdoor environment while going to their school. Their everyday life is centered at two places which are their home and school for their safety and comfort. Therefore, this study examines the meaning of home-school route as a child-friendly environment from the perspectives of less privileged children in old city. The study observed 40 children, aged 9 to 11, from low income families that walked to their schools in the old city zone of Makassar, Indonesia. Data on children’s activities and their perceptual responses on the street ...

A Review of Decision-making Models in Developed Countries towards Enhancing the Quality of Built Heritage Assets in Developing Countries

Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 2018

Worldwide population is rapidly growing economically and politically. Hence, countries have chall... more Worldwide population is rapidly growing economically and politically. Hence, countries have challenges of conserving its heritage properties. However, the rapid development is emerging, ignoring the existing architectural relic on the assets. Thereby fading away historical value and loss of asset’s identity. Lack of optimum reuse decision-making and less application of the available models contributed to such phenomenon, particularly in developing countries. Consequently, this study aimed at appraising the models adopted in developed countries by reviewing 9 Journal articles from year 1999 to 2017. As a result, Europe and USA were found to have the practice of conserving their built assets.

Method to Elicit Local Wisdom in Perceiving the Transformation of Historical Living Environment

Review of Urbanism and Architectural Studies, 2012

The study aim is to develop method of rebuilding identity study based by eliciting residents' opi... more The study aim is to develop method of rebuilding identity study based by eliciting residents' opinions on the historical riverside settlement in Palembang pertaining to the changing morphology of the city form. The objectives of this study include(1) literature review on analysis method on urban form transformationand people perception on urban and social transformation and (2) developing research method to the rebuilding identity study. This paper answers the question of what method can be used to analyze the identity of Palembang riverside settlement based on the change of locals' perceptions on urban and social transformation. By comparing the previous studies on the aspects ofthe identity, the result shows thatby triangulating the previous method from urban morphology and people perception study is the proper method for rebuilding identity of riverside settlement. Paper concludes that the interdependency betweenurban morphology and people-place emotional bonding is a partof local wisdom that generates the identity of historical living environment.

Perceived Restorative Benefits of Obudu Mountain Landscape, Nigeria

Jurnal Teknologi, 2015

Specific natural environments evoke restorative potentials for the amelioration of stress necessa... more Specific natural environments evoke restorative potentials for the amelioration of stress necessary for human wellbeing. However, studies focusing on the evaluation of this phenomenon have covered mainly forests, wilderness and urban landscape features, while mountain landscape features have not been adequately explored. This study examined the perception of individuals regarding the benefits of contact with the features of a mountain landscape environment in relation to human wellbeing. A direct rating scale questionnaire was administered to 200 respondents drawn from a population of lecturers and students. Overall findings suggest that the multi-stimulus Obudu mountain landscape environment possesses the potential to enhance wellbeing through excitement, calmness and stress relief. This finding will inform policy makers and landscape architects in decision-making concerning the development of mountain landscape environments and provision of landscape features for specific environm...

Spatial Transactions and Vernacular Architecture of a Nupe Community in Central Nigeria

Jurnal Teknologi, 2015

Vernacular architecture has been a subject of interest by scholars in different fields, views and... more Vernacular architecture has been a subject of interest by scholars in different fields, views and perspectives. Some of such studies are on material, climate, morphology cultural behaviour and spatial needs of the people. The inclination of this research is on cultural behaviour and the use of space. This is because people’s cultural behaviour forms the foundation of vernacular architecture. However, most scholarly interests are focused on major ethnic groups with little interest on the minority ethnic group such as the Nupe ethnic group in Nigeria. Culture differs and so do the behaviour and the spatial needs of people. For a sustainable development to be attained, architecture needs to be tailored towards the cultural needs of the people. This study, therefore, embarked upon an ethnographic study to determine the basic domestic architectural spatial needs of the Nupe people, which entailed and eight months stay with the local people. The process of data elicitation included beh...

Conservation Challenges of Heritage Building Reuse in Nigeria: A review of decision-making models

Asian Journal of Environment-Behaviour Studies, 2018

African countries including Nigeria are enriched with heritage properties embraced with legacy an... more African countries including Nigeria are enriched with heritage properties embraced with legacy and architectural values depicting a sense of identity. They deserve to be conserved for future generations. However, the properties are continuously ignored and destroyed due to redundancy and injudicious decision. Hence, this paper aimed at reviewing decision-making models adopted mostly in developed countries for possible suitability in developing countries. Meta-analysis was conducted where eight decision-making models were deduced. The practical implications and limitations of the models were acknowledged. The findings were appropriately reviewed and harmonized to suit and enhance optimum quality of conserving heritage assets in developing countries.

Familiarity Factors of Street Features in Pedestrian Wayfindings

International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 2018

From an origin point to a destination point, good wayfinding process requires familiar recognitio... more From an origin point to a destination point, good wayfinding process requires familiar recognition on the street environment. However, the unclear reasons of identifying street features to determine a route to the destination influences a pedestrian to select the wrong turn, walk in longer distance, and lost his direction. This paper aims to identify the factors that influence pedestrian familiarity, familiar or unfamiliar, in people wayfinding. Two hundred questionnaires were collected in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia. Quotations from 30 interviews were used to triangulate the findings. Factor analysis available in IBM SPSS version 21 was used in exploring the familiarity factors for wayfinding. The finding suggests three factors influenced pedestrian to familiar with the street environment, which the factors are characteristic, attraction, and interest of street features. While, the duplication design of street features, error in defining the position of street features and form si...

Neighbourhood Open space As Cultural Heritage Value in Multi-ethnic Community of South-West Nigeria

Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, Feb 15, 2015

Neighbourhood open space such as market square (Oja), plays significant roles in the lives of the... more Neighbourhood open space such as market square (Oja), plays significant roles in the lives of the rural residents in every continent in which SouthWest region of Nigeria is not an exceptional. This study aimed at exploringthe interpretations of this peculiar open spacein the context of socio-cultural background of its occupants.The study is underpinned by "place meaning" and "symbolic cultural value" theories. The methodology adoptedinvolved a quantitative approach, using survey questionnaires as instrument. The results revealed as significant difference in the ethnic residents' perception associating with cultural heritage value. This is an indicationthat both ethnics cherish their past history, events, and indigenous heritage which market square in their neighbourhood symbolises. This is a recommended tool for allied professionals in built environment in formulation of design decision.

Outdoor Environments as Children’s Play Spaces: Playground Affordances

Play, Recreation, Health and Well Being, 2015

Play in outdoor environment is crucial for children's healthy development and learning because it... more Play in outdoor environment is crucial for children's healthy development and learning because it creates meaningful, enduring environmental connections and increases children's performances. However, the extent of children's engagement in outdoor play and the way they can learn through play is strongly influenced by the physical and social contacts with the outdoor environments. However, the design of children's outdoor environment commonly did not

Knowledge Integration between Planning and Landscape Architecture in Contributing to a Better Open Space

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

This research investigates the process and matters concern in planning for open space in urban re... more This research investigates the process and matters concern in planning for open space in urban residential area. In Malaysia, for developing a residential neighbourhood, urban planner will prepare a layout plan that applies government policies. However, the roles of a landscape architect only take places once the layout approved which has resulted to inappropriate zoning for open space in neighbourhood area. Hence, the open space is not fully utilised by the residents. Therefore, this paper explores the connections between urban planner and landscape architect in planning for open space in the residential neighbourhood.

Role of Conceptualisation as a Catalyst in Capturing Urban Issues within the Studio Learning Environment

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

This study focuses on the role of conceptualisation in capturing the urban issues within the stud... more This study focuses on the role of conceptualisation in capturing the urban issues within the studio tutorial learning environment in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Essentially, it looks into how the conceptualisation process during design facilitates students' problem solving ability in dealing with tasks in hand. Evidences of this come from students' dynamic cognitive interactions with knowledge and experience as transpired through the studio environment. The study provides insight into the interactive role of experience as a key factor in facilitating design conceptualisation process and the course enables students to harness relevant problem-solving skills.

Effect of Public Space on Knowledge Sharing

This study investigates the role of the public space in the development of knowledge sharing amon... more This study investigates the role of the public space in the development of knowledge sharing among the residents of Cyberjaya (science city) Malaysia. Thus, Cyberjaya Malaysia was selected as the study area based on its concept as a technological city that footholds on knowledge sharing towards it knowledge based development. The study adopted validated measuring tools and developed a theoretical framework that link public space utilization with the knowledge sharing determinant factors. Survey questionnaires were administered on the residents in the study area and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to validate the research framework. The finding indicated that public space utilization demonstrated significant influence on knowledge sharing.

Meaning of a public place: a story of Padang Pahlawan

This paper makes a case on how the existence of padang, a public place which is commonly found in... more This paper makes a case on how the existence of padang, a public place which is commonly found in most historic cities in Malaysia, develops place meaning and place attachment amongst residents. Using mixed method approach and reviews of literature across urban design and environmental psychology disciplines, a framework for the understanding the psychological dimensions of residents' interactions with padang is demonstrated. The primary data was obtained from face-to-face interview (n=44) and surveys (n=165) with users of Padang Pahlawan, a demolished padang in Melaka city, Malaysia. The findings show (a) three processes and levels of place meaning; (b) the association between place meaning and place attachment; and (c) how changes of place changed people's perception and meaning to particular places. The findings suggest that residents developed deep attachments to Padang Pahlawan however change of physical character and discontinuity of place experiences have altered its meaning. This study provides substantial aspects of people-environment relationship and has important implications to the task of place creation.

Commuters’ Perception of Legibility and Complexity with Respect to Path Choice in Central Business District of Kuala Lumpur

is a member of Green Innovation Research Group in UTM. He is interested in walking behavior and p... more is a member of Green Innovation Research Group in UTM. He is interested in walking behavior and path choice of pedestrians in the urban setting. Also CBD related studies, commuters' behavior, health and walking and the specification of built environment are in his top list of interest and academic activities. He has been working as the teaching assistant as well. Dr.Ismail Said is an associate professor and departmental head of Department of Landscape Architecture at Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He has been teaching at the university since 1985. He also had taught landscape architecture at King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in 1991 to 1993 and did his sabbatical at School of Environmental Design, National University Singapore in 2002. His major research area is children behavior with outdoor environments including investigation on garden as restorative milieu in healthcare setting.

The Dynamic of Cultural Expression of Ethnicity on Palembang’s Riverside Urban Structure

This study investigates the expression of ethnic cultural activities on Palembang's riverside urb... more This study investigates the expression of ethnic cultural activities on Palembang's riverside urban structure from 1700s to 2000s. Its objectives are: (1) to understand the cultures of Chinese, Arabian and Native Malay-Palembang in perspective of their daily activities; (2) to investigate how their living environments accommodate the activities; and (3) to differentiate the physical spatial order of riverside settlement between the three ethnics. This study answers a research question of how those cultures are reflected in the Palembang urban structure. From literature review, the study explores the history and culture of the three ethnics. The figure ground analysis and field observation are conducted to examine the urban structure of the ethnics' settlements. The interview strengthens the analysis to obtain the cultural expression of each ethnic in their living environments. It is found that each ethnic expressed their social culture on their living environment and reflected it in form of building and spatial order, the use of open space, and accessibility to the Musi River and towards the land. The dynamics that influenced the expressions are social culture values and change in transportation network.

Art of Woodcarving in Timber Mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand

Woodcarving in vernacular timber mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand is a manife... more Woodcarving in vernacular timber mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand is a manifestation of a craftsman's idea into a piece of timber. It is a craft that is generated and nurtured from careful observation by the Malay craftsman towards the surrounding landscape elements particularly of plant forms. The manifestation is always in abstraction, symbolizing the plant feature or geometry into three types of architectural components, namely, structural, elemental and ornament. Cengal timber is the favorite hardwood species for carving which is carved either in relief or perforated manner. The significant effect of woodcarving in the mosque is that it enhances beauty and introduces symbolism to the vernacular architecture of the Pattani region. Although the skills of this craft are fast diminishing in the present Malay society, its revival could be generated through informing the public about the beauty of the craft.

Young Children Selections of the Physical Elements in the Preschool Environment

The camera is a tool which can give young children an opportunity to express their thoughts and p... more The camera is a tool which can give young children an opportunity to express their thoughts and provide adults with a tangible evidence of their preferences. This study is to explore young children thoughts and preferences of their preschool environment through words and photographs. Eighteen young children of age four and five was given a camera to take pictures of their preschool in pairs. Children were interviewed on their photographs selection and their conversation was recorded. Results show there are differences and similarities on the children preferences on the physical elements in the preschool environment.

Methods for Evaluating Responses of Children with Outdoor Environments

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

Articles on children's environment during the past 26 years provide valuable insights into method... more Articles on children's environment during the past 26 years provide valuable insights into methods of evaluating outdoor environments. The paper presents a review of twenty studies on methods applied to elicit data of children's interaction in the environments. Generally, the methods can be categorized into two major types: visual and structured. The former comprises of behavioural mapping, photographing and observation which can be considered as qualitative. The structured method includes questionnaire, structured interviews and instruments which can be viewed as quantitative. Combining the visual and structured methods allow a researcher to construct the validity and reliability of the research design.

Homeschool Journey's Affordances in Children's Performances within Rural Environment

Asian Journal of Behavioural Studies, 2018

The study investigated children’s performances during homeschool journey in a rural environment t... more The study investigated children’s performances during homeschool journey in a rural environment through their actualized affordances at a village in Johor, Malaysia. The study was conducted with fifty-four middle childhood children through drawings, interviews and participant observation. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Children engaged more with natural elements rather than manmade elements and positively perceived, utilized and shaped the affordances. Therefore there is evidence to suggest that children recognized homeschool journey as their play spaces allowing them to interact with nature and developed their physical, social and cognitive skills, especially for children with high independent mobility.Keywords: Children performances; natural environment; independent mobility; homeschool journeyeISSN 2398-4295 © 2018. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-N...

Zaha Hadid Strategy Of Design

The deconstructivist thoughts of the early 1980s architecture were carried out by architects who ... more The deconstructivist thoughts of the early 1980s architecture were carried out by architects who believe in change, possibility, and limitlessness. Their rebellion to what is conventional has fundamentally contributed in formulating the 21 st century architecture where one of the key differences between them and others is the methodology of design. This paper addresses Zaha Hadid's strategy as a significant pioneer in this movement who has large followership around the world from among architects and designers. A qualitative study is conducted using content analysis for her accessible texts and videos as a reliable source of data. Hadid's sequential procedures of design imply that she perceives architecture as an art which could be sufficiently employed to fulfill the requirements of a good architecture and clientele.

Meaning of Home-School Route as A Child-Friendly Environment for Less Privileged Children in old City Zone of Makassar

Home school journey is part of the daily routine of children in many Indonesian towns and cities.... more Home school journey is part of the daily routine of children in many Indonesian towns and cities. The environment and its elements of the journey play an important role in promoting children’s active play. In the past two decades, many urban centers have been identified as unsuitable for children’s home school journey due to issues relating to high urban density and traffic congestion. As a result, many children are denied the opportunity to experience the outdoor environment while going to their school. Their everyday life is centered at two places which are their home and school for their safety and comfort. Therefore, this study examines the meaning of home-school route as a child-friendly environment from the perspectives of less privileged children in old city. The study observed 40 children, aged 9 to 11, from low income families that walked to their schools in the old city zone of Makassar, Indonesia. Data on children’s activities and their perceptual responses on the street ...

A Review of Decision-making Models in Developed Countries towards Enhancing the Quality of Built Heritage Assets in Developing Countries

Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 2018

Worldwide population is rapidly growing economically and politically. Hence, countries have chall... more Worldwide population is rapidly growing economically and politically. Hence, countries have challenges of conserving its heritage properties. However, the rapid development is emerging, ignoring the existing architectural relic on the assets. Thereby fading away historical value and loss of asset’s identity. Lack of optimum reuse decision-making and less application of the available models contributed to such phenomenon, particularly in developing countries. Consequently, this study aimed at appraising the models adopted in developed countries by reviewing 9 Journal articles from year 1999 to 2017. As a result, Europe and USA were found to have the practice of conserving their built assets.

Method to Elicit Local Wisdom in Perceiving the Transformation of Historical Living Environment

Review of Urbanism and Architectural Studies, 2012

The study aim is to develop method of rebuilding identity study based by eliciting residents' opi... more The study aim is to develop method of rebuilding identity study based by eliciting residents' opinions on the historical riverside settlement in Palembang pertaining to the changing morphology of the city form. The objectives of this study include(1) literature review on analysis method on urban form transformationand people perception on urban and social transformation and (2) developing research method to the rebuilding identity study. This paper answers the question of what method can be used to analyze the identity of Palembang riverside settlement based on the change of locals' perceptions on urban and social transformation. By comparing the previous studies on the aspects ofthe identity, the result shows thatby triangulating the previous method from urban morphology and people perception study is the proper method for rebuilding identity of riverside settlement. Paper concludes that the interdependency betweenurban morphology and people-place emotional bonding is a partof local wisdom that generates the identity of historical living environment.

Perceived Restorative Benefits of Obudu Mountain Landscape, Nigeria

Jurnal Teknologi, 2015

Specific natural environments evoke restorative potentials for the amelioration of stress necessa... more Specific natural environments evoke restorative potentials for the amelioration of stress necessary for human wellbeing. However, studies focusing on the evaluation of this phenomenon have covered mainly forests, wilderness and urban landscape features, while mountain landscape features have not been adequately explored. This study examined the perception of individuals regarding the benefits of contact with the features of a mountain landscape environment in relation to human wellbeing. A direct rating scale questionnaire was administered to 200 respondents drawn from a population of lecturers and students. Overall findings suggest that the multi-stimulus Obudu mountain landscape environment possesses the potential to enhance wellbeing through excitement, calmness and stress relief. This finding will inform policy makers and landscape architects in decision-making concerning the development of mountain landscape environments and provision of landscape features for specific environm...

Spatial Transactions and Vernacular Architecture of a Nupe Community in Central Nigeria

Jurnal Teknologi, 2015

Vernacular architecture has been a subject of interest by scholars in different fields, views and... more Vernacular architecture has been a subject of interest by scholars in different fields, views and perspectives. Some of such studies are on material, climate, morphology cultural behaviour and spatial needs of the people. The inclination of this research is on cultural behaviour and the use of space. This is because people’s cultural behaviour forms the foundation of vernacular architecture. However, most scholarly interests are focused on major ethnic groups with little interest on the minority ethnic group such as the Nupe ethnic group in Nigeria. Culture differs and so do the behaviour and the spatial needs of people. For a sustainable development to be attained, architecture needs to be tailored towards the cultural needs of the people. This study, therefore, embarked upon an ethnographic study to determine the basic domestic architectural spatial needs of the Nupe people, which entailed and eight months stay with the local people. The process of data elicitation included beh...

Conservation Challenges of Heritage Building Reuse in Nigeria: A review of decision-making models

Asian Journal of Environment-Behaviour Studies, 2018

African countries including Nigeria are enriched with heritage properties embraced with legacy an... more African countries including Nigeria are enriched with heritage properties embraced with legacy and architectural values depicting a sense of identity. They deserve to be conserved for future generations. However, the properties are continuously ignored and destroyed due to redundancy and injudicious decision. Hence, this paper aimed at reviewing decision-making models adopted mostly in developed countries for possible suitability in developing countries. Meta-analysis was conducted where eight decision-making models were deduced. The practical implications and limitations of the models were acknowledged. The findings were appropriately reviewed and harmonized to suit and enhance optimum quality of conserving heritage assets in developing countries.

Familiarity Factors of Street Features in Pedestrian Wayfindings

International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 2018

From an origin point to a destination point, good wayfinding process requires familiar recognitio... more From an origin point to a destination point, good wayfinding process requires familiar recognition on the street environment. However, the unclear reasons of identifying street features to determine a route to the destination influences a pedestrian to select the wrong turn, walk in longer distance, and lost his direction. This paper aims to identify the factors that influence pedestrian familiarity, familiar or unfamiliar, in people wayfinding. Two hundred questionnaires were collected in Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia. Quotations from 30 interviews were used to triangulate the findings. Factor analysis available in IBM SPSS version 21 was used in exploring the familiarity factors for wayfinding. The finding suggests three factors influenced pedestrian to familiar with the street environment, which the factors are characteristic, attraction, and interest of street features. While, the duplication design of street features, error in defining the position of street features and form si...

Neighbourhood Open space As Cultural Heritage Value in Multi-ethnic Community of South-West Nigeria

Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, Feb 15, 2015

Neighbourhood open space such as market square (Oja), plays significant roles in the lives of the... more Neighbourhood open space such as market square (Oja), plays significant roles in the lives of the rural residents in every continent in which SouthWest region of Nigeria is not an exceptional. This study aimed at exploringthe interpretations of this peculiar open spacein the context of socio-cultural background of its occupants.The study is underpinned by "place meaning" and "symbolic cultural value" theories. The methodology adoptedinvolved a quantitative approach, using survey questionnaires as instrument. The results revealed as significant difference in the ethnic residents' perception associating with cultural heritage value. This is an indicationthat both ethnics cherish their past history, events, and indigenous heritage which market square in their neighbourhood symbolises. This is a recommended tool for allied professionals in built environment in formulation of design decision.

Outdoor Environments as Children’s Play Spaces: Playground Affordances

Play, Recreation, Health and Well Being, 2015

Play in outdoor environment is crucial for children's healthy development and learning because it... more Play in outdoor environment is crucial for children's healthy development and learning because it creates meaningful, enduring environmental connections and increases children's performances. However, the extent of children's engagement in outdoor play and the way they can learn through play is strongly influenced by the physical and social contacts with the outdoor environments. However, the design of children's outdoor environment commonly did not

Knowledge Integration between Planning and Landscape Architecture in Contributing to a Better Open Space

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

This research investigates the process and matters concern in planning for open space in urban re... more This research investigates the process and matters concern in planning for open space in urban residential area. In Malaysia, for developing a residential neighbourhood, urban planner will prepare a layout plan that applies government policies. However, the roles of a landscape architect only take places once the layout approved which has resulted to inappropriate zoning for open space in neighbourhood area. Hence, the open space is not fully utilised by the residents. Therefore, this paper explores the connections between urban planner and landscape architect in planning for open space in the residential neighbourhood.

Role of Conceptualisation as a Catalyst in Capturing Urban Issues within the Studio Learning Environment

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

This study focuses on the role of conceptualisation in capturing the urban issues within the stud... more This study focuses on the role of conceptualisation in capturing the urban issues within the studio tutorial learning environment in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Essentially, it looks into how the conceptualisation process during design facilitates students' problem solving ability in dealing with tasks in hand. Evidences of this come from students' dynamic cognitive interactions with knowledge and experience as transpired through the studio environment. The study provides insight into the interactive role of experience as a key factor in facilitating design conceptualisation process and the course enables students to harness relevant problem-solving skills.

Effect of Public Space on Knowledge Sharing

This study investigates the role of the public space in the development of knowledge sharing amon... more This study investigates the role of the public space in the development of knowledge sharing among the residents of Cyberjaya (science city) Malaysia. Thus, Cyberjaya Malaysia was selected as the study area based on its concept as a technological city that footholds on knowledge sharing towards it knowledge based development. The study adopted validated measuring tools and developed a theoretical framework that link public space utilization with the knowledge sharing determinant factors. Survey questionnaires were administered on the residents in the study area and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to validate the research framework. The finding indicated that public space utilization demonstrated significant influence on knowledge sharing.

Meaning of a public place: a story of Padang Pahlawan

This paper makes a case on how the existence of padang, a public place which is commonly found in... more This paper makes a case on how the existence of padang, a public place which is commonly found in most historic cities in Malaysia, develops place meaning and place attachment amongst residents. Using mixed method approach and reviews of literature across urban design and environmental psychology disciplines, a framework for the understanding the psychological dimensions of residents' interactions with padang is demonstrated. The primary data was obtained from face-to-face interview (n=44) and surveys (n=165) with users of Padang Pahlawan, a demolished padang in Melaka city, Malaysia. The findings show (a) three processes and levels of place meaning; (b) the association between place meaning and place attachment; and (c) how changes of place changed people's perception and meaning to particular places. The findings suggest that residents developed deep attachments to Padang Pahlawan however change of physical character and discontinuity of place experiences have altered its meaning. This study provides substantial aspects of people-environment relationship and has important implications to the task of place creation.

Commuters’ Perception of Legibility and Complexity with Respect to Path Choice in Central Business District of Kuala Lumpur

is a member of Green Innovation Research Group in UTM. He is interested in walking behavior and p... more is a member of Green Innovation Research Group in UTM. He is interested in walking behavior and path choice of pedestrians in the urban setting. Also CBD related studies, commuters' behavior, health and walking and the specification of built environment are in his top list of interest and academic activities. He has been working as the teaching assistant as well. Dr.Ismail Said is an associate professor and departmental head of Department of Landscape Architecture at Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. He has been teaching at the university since 1985. He also had taught landscape architecture at King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia in 1991 to 1993 and did his sabbatical at School of Environmental Design, National University Singapore in 2002. His major research area is children behavior with outdoor environments including investigation on garden as restorative milieu in healthcare setting.

The Dynamic of Cultural Expression of Ethnicity on Palembang’s Riverside Urban Structure

This study investigates the expression of ethnic cultural activities on Palembang's riverside urb... more This study investigates the expression of ethnic cultural activities on Palembang's riverside urban structure from 1700s to 2000s. Its objectives are: (1) to understand the cultures of Chinese, Arabian and Native Malay-Palembang in perspective of their daily activities; (2) to investigate how their living environments accommodate the activities; and (3) to differentiate the physical spatial order of riverside settlement between the three ethnics. This study answers a research question of how those cultures are reflected in the Palembang urban structure. From literature review, the study explores the history and culture of the three ethnics. The figure ground analysis and field observation are conducted to examine the urban structure of the ethnics' settlements. The interview strengthens the analysis to obtain the cultural expression of each ethnic in their living environments. It is found that each ethnic expressed their social culture on their living environment and reflected it in form of building and spatial order, the use of open space, and accessibility to the Musi River and towards the land. The dynamics that influenced the expressions are social culture values and change in transportation network.

Art of Woodcarving in Timber Mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand

Woodcarving in vernacular timber mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand is a manife... more Woodcarving in vernacular timber mosques of Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand is a manifestation of a craftsman's idea into a piece of timber. It is a craft that is generated and nurtured from careful observation by the Malay craftsman towards the surrounding landscape elements particularly of plant forms. The manifestation is always in abstraction, symbolizing the plant feature or geometry into three types of architectural components, namely, structural, elemental and ornament. Cengal timber is the favorite hardwood species for carving which is carved either in relief or perforated manner. The significant effect of woodcarving in the mosque is that it enhances beauty and introduces symbolism to the vernacular architecture of the Pattani region. Although the skills of this craft are fast diminishing in the present Malay society, its revival could be generated through informing the public about the beauty of the craft.

Young Children Selections of the Physical Elements in the Preschool Environment

The camera is a tool which can give young children an opportunity to express their thoughts and p... more The camera is a tool which can give young children an opportunity to express their thoughts and provide adults with a tangible evidence of their preferences. This study is to explore young children thoughts and preferences of their preschool environment through words and photographs. Eighteen young children of age four and five was given a camera to take pictures of their preschool in pairs. Children were interviewed on their photographs selection and their conversation was recorded. Results show there are differences and similarities on the children preferences on the physical elements in the preschool environment.

Methods for Evaluating Responses of Children with Outdoor Environments

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

Articles on children's environment during the past 26 years provide valuable insights into method... more Articles on children's environment during the past 26 years provide valuable insights into methods of evaluating outdoor environments. The paper presents a review of twenty studies on methods applied to elicit data of children's interaction in the environments. Generally, the methods can be categorized into two major types: visual and structured. The former comprises of behavioural mapping, photographing and observation which can be considered as qualitative. The structured method includes questionnaire, structured interviews and instruments which can be viewed as quantitative. Combining the visual and structured methods allow a researcher to construct the validity and reliability of the research design.