Developing automated code compliance checking systems is becoming increasingly complex—to the extent of challenging the implementation of these systems. This paper addresses the need to develop an automated system that prioritises user accessibility. Accordingly, the study aims to develop a system through a semi-automated rule translation process and the utilisation of BIM models in native file format. A total of 256 fire safety clauses in Malaysian regulations were translated through logic-based approaches (classification technique, decomposition through semantic mark-up method, and interview method), which further assisted in identifying the necessary BIM properties. A visual programming language was then utilised to demonstrate the proof-of-concept prototype. The classification technique and semantic mark-up method were established and structured in this study by developing a framework and flowchart to provide specific guidelines for formalizing the clauses. The semi-automated translation process encouraged the participation of relevant regulatory experts and provided more user accessibility compared to existing studies. This study also offered more practicality for designers to employ the system by utilizing native BIM model data representation. High mean scores ranging from 4.09 to 4.96 were obtained for the validation process, which affirmed the feasibility of the BIM-based Automated System for Malaysian Code Compliance Checking (BIMSMACC) to assist designers.

In sustainable building designs, daylight is considered as an alternative source of light to artificial lighting. Daylight is an energy-free and efficient-cost lighting source. Natural light is the best source for light due to its good quality, which matches the visual response of the human eyes. Daylight positively affects people by providing a sense of liveliness and brightness in the living space. The positive impact of daylight on the building occupants’ visual comfort, health and performance is well recognized. However, daylight is not widely utilized to supplement artificial lighting, because there is a lack of information and tools to evaluate daylighting and potentials for energy savings. The efficient utilization of natural lighting will not only affect the interior environment and the occupants’ health and performance but also has a direct impact on the building energy performance. Therefore, this paper reviews and discusses the effects of daylighting on the building energy performance mainly in schools and office buildings. This includes lighting energy performance, total energy consumption, cooling load. The methods, which are used to estimate the possible reduction in total energy consumption, are also reviewed in this research paper. Previous studies revealed that a clear reduction can be obtained in the energy consumed by electric lighting, as well as in the total energy end-use when a suitable lighting control system is applied to utilize the available natural light.

The quality of the indoor environment, including the lighting conditions, is crucial in classrooms as it directly affects students’ learning performance and productivity. Natural light is the best light source for visual comfort, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. Malaysia is in a tropical region and has abundant daylight availability that could meet the required lighting during the day. However, in Malaysian schools, electric lights are frequently switched on during classes in the daytime; hence, daylighting is not efficiently utilised. This study investigates the daylighting performance in classrooms in a national high school in Penang, Malaysia. Fieldwork was conducted by measuring incident illumination levels inside selected classrooms in the Teluk Kumbar High School. The results show that average illumination levels were between 400 lux to 1000 lux, more than enough in most classrooms because of the relatively large windows with clear glass. The average daylight ratios recorded in the classrooms were between 6.4 and 9.2%, which may result in glare problems. Simulations were conducted using Design-Builder to further evaluate the annual daylighting performance including Daylight Autonomy (DA), Annual Sun Exposure (ASE) and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). Based on the findings, it is recommended to use shading devices or replace the glazing type to improve daylighting performance for visual comfort. Proper design and selection of windows in schools can significantly improve indoor lighting quality for students and reduce solar heat gain.

Nowadays, there is a growing awareness of energy consumption and its impact on the economy and global emission. There are many reasons that make energy conservation in buildings a critical issue throughout the world, such as limitation of energy recourses, the rapid increase in energy cost, environmental problems and saving energy for the next generations. Artificial lighting systems are a major consumer of electricity in buildings, particularly in educational and office buildings and beside that significantly contribute to building cooling load. Furthermore, artificial lighting does not necessarily provide the required quality of illumination. Daylight, if properly integrated with artificial lighting, can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve lighting quality. Integration of daylight with artificial lighting requires the use of proper lighting control system. This paper’s main objective is to estimate the potential energy savings due to the integration of daylight with artificial lighting in classrooms in a tropical climate. The impact of different window design parameters, including window area, and glazing type, on lighting and energy consumption, is investigated through a parametric analysis. Energy Plus software is used for this analysis because of its availability, validity and accuracy. Results show that there is a great potential to reduce total energy consumption and substantial energy savings in electricity consumed artificial lighting systems can be obtained when daylight and artificial lighting are properly integrated. In Particular, results revealed that lighting energy consumption can be reduced by 28% to 40% and 10% to 18% in total energy consumption. It is recommended to consider the efficient integration of daylight with electric lighting by proper window design and using proper lighting control system at early design stage because this can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption in schools.

This study explores the sustainability of Islamic decorative arts by examining the symbolic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of botanical decorations in Makkah’s architectural heritage. Grounded in Carl Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious and Lamya Al-Faruqi’s philosophy of Tawhid, the research uncovers the profound psychological and spiritual meanings embedded in these motifs. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study integrates symbolic analysis, cultural interpretation, and historical documentation, supported by digital design tools, to assess the relevance of these decorations in contemporary urban contexts. Findings reveal that botanical motifs, such as palm trees and pinecones, reflect universal archetypes of resilience and growth while symbolising divine unity through abstraction and harmony. The research highlights their integral role in architectural structures and their potential in cultural tourism and educational initiatives. However, challenges such as urbanisation necessitate urgent documentation and innovative preservation strategies. This study offers valuable insights into sustaining Makkah’s architectural identity by bridging psychological and philosophical perspectives. Its recommendations align with Saudi Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals, advocating for the revival and integration of these motifs into modern urban design to ensure the continued appreciation and recognition of Makkan architectural heritage.

In Oman's hot-arid climate, school buildings often experience elevated indoor temperatures due to inefficient building envelope designs, resulting in a heavy reliance on air conditioning systems and high energy consumption. To address this issue, this study aims to evaluate indoor air temperature in typical Omani school buildings and determine how modifications to key envelope components, such as walls, roofs, and glazing, can improve indoor temperature conditions and enhance thermal comfort. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining field measurements with computer simulation. Indoor temperature and relative humidity were monitored in selected classrooms, while DesignBuilder software was used to model existing conditions and test alternative envelope configurations. This integrated method is appropriate for quantifying the thermal performance of building envelopes under realistic climatic and operational settings. Results showed that baseline classrooms reached average indoor temperatures of 33 °C in summer and 24.5 °C in winter, exceeding recommended comfort limits during hot periods. The most effective design alternative reduced indoor temperature by up to 2.3 °C and increased the number of hours within the comfort range by 29%. The study concludes that optimizing wall insulation, roof composition, and glazing selection can significantly improve indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency in Omani schools, providing practical design guidance for future educational buildings in hot-arid climates.