Site planning: a contextual Islamic paradigm for urban planning

Hj. Mohd. Noor, Norzailawati and Ahmad, Nadzrah and Asmawi, M. Zainora and Khir Sabir, Nurul Syahirah and Mahamod, Lukman Hakim (2025) Site planning: a contextual Islamic paradigm for urban planning. International Islamic Thought East and South-East Asia, Kuala Lumpur. ISBN 978-629-97301-4-9

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Abstract

Site planning is a crucial aspect of urban planning, and it has been studied and developed for centuries. However, as the world progresses, new approaches and perspectives have emerged to cater to the needs of the modern world. One of these perspectives is based on the Islamic context, which provides a unique set of principles and guidelines for site planning. The book “Site Planning: A Contextual Islamic Paradigm For Urban Planning” explores this perspective in-depth, offering insights and practical advice on how to incorporate Islamic principles into site planning. This book is a must-read for planners, architects, and urban designers who are looking for new perspectives on on-site planning and urban development. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of Islamic site planning and their practical application in contemporary urban contexts. The future of our cities and of rural development depends on the actions of today. Therefore, an understanding of site planning principles in urban planning is essential for urban and rural development in Malaysia. The knowledge and technicalities contained in site planning will assist urban planners in ensuring good development in the future. Despite this conventional planning, we hear that development sometimes fails. The reason is varied and it sometimes forces us to review the implementation and the existing theories and relate them to Islamic Principles. We know and agree that Islam is a perfect religion and has taught us a very comprehensive lesson and guidance in this life. Therefore, this book purposely discusses the site planning aspects and its theory and implementation that are in line with Islamic principles. The main idea of this book is to be a guide in the exposition of site planning knowledge and technical references for those who are involved in any physical development of planning and urban or even rural areas. There are Seven (7) chapters consisting of a comprehensive aspect of site planning and how all these components, elements, and implementation will relate and in line with Islamic principles. The related surah in the Qur’an and hadith will be added to see the significance of the existing theories and implementation of on-site planning. The general approach for this book is mostly based on the authors’ combined experience in handling physical projects and teaching. The additional experience through observation and assessment of students’ ability to adapt the knowledge will be one of the guiding sources when we produce this book. The structure of the book consists of six main chapters that include various segments of the site planning guide in line with Islamic principles. Chapter One: The Islamic principles of site planning are discussed on the tie point between both principles. It will make us understand how good site planning principles will be in line with basic Islamic principles. Chapter Two: Elements of Site Planning in the Context of Islam explains the development elements involved in site planning. These comprise social, physical, and environmental impacts. These elements are significant in determining the strengths and the weaknesses of the site and for sure the Islamic paradigm is important in ensuring that all the elements will be in line and ensure the sustainability of the development. Chapter Three: Islamic approaches in the site planning process consist of stages of tasks that we need to go through to get a good final result. It consists of identifying a site, data collection and finally designing the layout with the desired concept of development. Chapter Four: The Fairness of Site Planning Analysis shows us the various categories of analysis that are involved in site planning. The possible types of analysis perhaps will be able to suit the aspects covered in each development. Meanwhile, Chapter Five: The Islamic site planning and design led us to understand the process of constructing a development layout and master plan. The detailed bubble diagram and concept are guided in this chapter. The Aspect of Site Planning focuses on the three main areas: economic, physical and social. A detailed explanation that relates to Islamic principles for each aspect will bring the readers to another level of understanding of how significant this aspect is in line with the value of Islam in any development Finally, Chapter Six: The Islamic Urban Planning Worldview gives a conclusion for this guidebook on how the Islamic context shifted the paradigm in site planning practice through the values and fairness that exist in all the countries around the globe. The need for the latest guide in urban planning practice is urgent since we face so many challenges in this era of modernisation. The tendency of wrongdoing in the practice seems to require good faith and Iman to ensure the sustainability and the resiliency of future development. This book will provide good guidance with embedding the latest approach and knowledge in handling the recent situation with the development environment. Climate change and urbanisation require a good urban planning approach to sustain and ensure the earth is safe for all humankind. Starting from knowing the site until the design process for the development, the stakeholders play an important role in every stage. The relationship between the Creator, the environment and humans should be taken care of. A strong relationship adapted to the concepts and ideas will guarantee the development output is able to satisfy and protect the earth. The Islamic approach and the value can be seen in the development of sustainability and the resiliency of building structures as well as in environmental, social and other aspects. Specifically, site planning is known as the starting point of how planners, architects and landscape architects plan for building design, landscaping design and further planning of development. The process incurred in the site planning will create an opportunity for these stakeholders to understand what, which, where and to whom they should be concerned. Whether the size is small or bigger, the site planning will guide us on how to optimise the site for the best output at the end.

Item Type:	Book
Subjects:	BPG Islamic geography BPG Islamic geography > BPG113 Environmental ethics/responsibility. Sustainable living. H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD101 Land use Q Science > Q Science (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Urban & Regional Planning Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
Depositing User:	Dr Norzailawati Mohd Noor
Date Deposited:	25 Sep 2025 14:58
Last Modified:	25 Sep 2025 14:58
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123308

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