In an attempt to enhance democratic governance, sustainable development goals (SDG), and Local Agenda 21 (LA21), the notion of public participation exercise (PPE) presents a range of possibilities. The PPE is observed as a method of solving the constraints faced by public parks in Malaysia, which in general suffer from two main challenges, namely (i) the underutilisation issue of public parks and (ii) the weakness of the present top-down development policy. Consequently, the objective of this study is to develop indicators for PPE in designing public parks in Malaysia. The method implemented in this study is an assessment of the construct, variable, and indicator adapted from Lazarsfeld’s scheme by conducting a document review of the Public Consultation Index (PCI), six sustainability assessment tools, namely LEED-ND, BREEAM, IDP, SITES V2, Green Mark-NRB, and GTI, and literature references. The variables and indicators were tabulated into the respective operational definition of the construct table and variables and measurement table. The findings include the identification of two main constructs, including public participation and public parks. Multiple variables were derived from each construct, including attributes of PPE in designing public parks in Malaysia, development stage, method of approach, type of public, and public parks design criteria. Subsequently, this study developed the fundamental basis for the PPE framework in designing public parks in Malaysia, which benefits the local development approach for public parks towards an integrated design framework.

Residential satisfaction plays a crucial role in gauging the quality of living in low-cost housing. In order to better understand the elements that affect residential satisfaction, this study examines the social interactions, design features, and planning policies in low-cost housing environments. The study utilizes a quantitative approach to assess the satisfaction levels of residents in low-cost housing, focusing on key variables such as user comfort, building services, and social cohesion. Data was collected from residents related to accessibility and proximity to urban facilities, had the greatest impact on resident satisfaction. The quality of construction materials, the availability of essential building services, the overall design of housing units were found to significantly influence both the comfort and safety of residents. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive planning that addresses both the physical infrastructure and social dynamics of low-cost housing to improve quality of life and resident satisfaction

This study investigates how perceived safety and interpersonal experiences in public space influence the comfort of walking in urban environments, using data from a recent survey conducted in Zagreb, Croatia. The survey collected 430 responses on walking comfort alongside perceived safety, reported conflicts with other space users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians), and demographic background. Results indicate a strong and statistically significant association between walking comfort and perceived safety, suggesting that individuals who feel safer are also more likely to report a higher comfort level when walking. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between unpleasant interactions with other space users and lower comfort levels. In contrast, demographic variables such as gender and the presence of children in the household showed no significant relationship. These findings highlight the critical role of perceived safety and social dynamics in shaping walkability. The results have implications for urban design and policy, reinforcing the need to prioritise pedestrian-friendly environments that foster physical safety and positive social interactions.

The design of public parks is a vital aspect of urban planning. To ensure that public parks are designed to cater to the needs and preferences of communities, it is important to consider public perception and participation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate people's perception of public participation in designing public parks in Malaysia. The questionnaire design is mainly derived from the theories of public awareness of public participation exercises in designing public parks in Malaysia. This study adopted quantitative survey questionnaire method. The respondents of the study are users of two public parks in Johor Bahru. In total, there were 383 data collected and analysed. The findings show that civil society in general has a collective interest in participating in public participation exercises in designing public parks in Malaysia.

The pandemic has certainly become a paradigm shift in multiple sectors and industries, including the built environment. Therefore, this chapter highlights one of the methods which was adopted during the pandemic in continuing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) practice without disregarding the site assessment due to the pandemic circumstances. This chapter is to discuss the potential of adopting 3D laser scanning and 3D photogrammetry in the making of a virtual site and building model for various purposes, including building inspections, virtual visits, and defect inspections. The case study of six projects is used to demonstrate the usage of the two methods: 1) 3D laser scanning, and 2) 3D photogrammetry. The results show the potential for the site and building assessment in adopting virtual advanced technologies pertaining to the post pandemic COVID-19 and various future circumstances and challenges in the field of the built environment.