Spatial Planning Of Muslim Cemeteries: A Focus On Sustainable Design Practice

Abstract

This study examines the standard procedure involved in terms of spatial planning and design at three case studies namely Section 9 Muslim Cemetery, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Cemetery or also well-known as Radhatul Sakinah Memorial Park and Taman Selatan Muslim Cemetery. The research is focused on sustainable design practice for the provision of amenities at those cemeteries, which emphasises the inclusion of people not only as a visitor but as well as the users of such place. The development of burial infrastructure for Muslim cemeteries has begun to shift in recent years from its conventional style into a memorial park concept. This emerging trend signifies a momentous change for Malay-Muslim cemeteries in terms of its creation and meanings. However, this transition should be analysed before it can be translated into Cemeteries and Crematoria Planning Guideline (CCPG) draft for future development. Recorded site observation of cemetery area has been employed as a mean of data collection and interpreted by conducting a spatial analysis across the case studies. The spatial analysis entails the assessment of form and function based on sustainable design principles. The finding exhibits layout of Muslim cemeteries requires some modifications to be in line with sustainable design practice. This article concludes by providing recommendations that will help to align the current spatial planning of Muslim cemeteries with sustainable design practice.