Staff Directory


Abdul Razak Bin Sapian

Academic Qualifications

  • Ph.D in Architecture - Doctor of Philosophy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
  • Bachelor in Hons. - Bachelor Degree, University of Dundee
  • Bachelor in Architecture - Bachelor Degree, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Matriculation - Certificate, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Abdul Razak Bin Sapian (Prof. Ar. Dr.)

Professor
IIUM Gombak Campus

KULLIYYAH OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN


arazaks@iium.edu.my
5259


Expert Profile


Ar. Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian is a Professor at Department of Architecture, Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design. Currently he is the Dean at Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, IIUM. He graduated his first degree in Housing Building & Planning (Hons.), USM in 1993, majoring in Architecture and graduated his Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Dundee, UK in 1995. In 2003 he obtained his Ph.D. in Architecture from UTM. Professionally he is a registered Professional Architect with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM A/A 154) and Corporate Member of Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM M 2089). His areas of specialization are environmental engineering (natural ventilation & thermal comfort, energy and passive design strategy), Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) and housing (High and low rise residential building).
He has published more than 50 articles in reputable international (ISI and Scopus) and local refereed journal as well as presented in many national and international seminars. He also published a numbers of book in the area of his interest such as in architecture, conservation and heritage. Active in research with novelty ideas and product has lead him in participation and won several awards at university, national and international level research exposition such as in IRIIE (IIUM Research, Invention and Innovation Exhibition), ITEX (International Invention and Technology Exhibition), and SIIF (Seoul International Invention Fair). Currently he is also conducting few researches on his area of specialization, among others are as follows; CFD Investigation on the Potential of Solar Induced Ventilation in Enhancing the Stack Ventilation Performance for Hot and Humid Climate. Thermal Performance of Green Wall in Tropical Climate and Possibility of Using Ventilated Facade in Reducing the Indoor Air Temperature of Malaysian Building. In term of supervision, he has and in progress supervising more than 20 postgraduate and more than 50 undergraduate students in IIUM and also outside IIUM as external supervisory committee.
Being a registered professional architect, he is actively involved in related consultancy under the university business arm. Even prior to his appointment as IIUM academic staff in 1989, he has served few public and private organization such as CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia) and Architect firms until he successfully setting up his on private practice namely Dr. Abdul Razak Architect. Currently he is involved with the development of IIUM teaching hospital in Kuantan, few Endowment fund Mahallah projects namely Mahallah Syeikh Humaid and LTAT and preparing comprehensive Bako peninsular master plan for Sarawak government. Other consultancy project that he is involved covers residential, commercials and institutional projects either for private and public clients. Because of his vast experience in academic and practice, he was and currently appointed as Committee, Advisor and Board Member as well as External Examiner in many universities and school of architecture locally and internationally such as university of Punjab, University of Kyoto, UCSI, City U, Geomatica College, USM, UKM, UPM, UTM, USIM and UiTM. In Lembaga Architect Malaysia, he is also one of the accreditation committee members for part 1 and part 2 Architecture programme. Working closely with Standard Malaysia and SIRIM as Technical and Working Group committee since 1999 has given him an opportunity to contribute and develop more than 25 Malaysian Standards that related to energy efficient such as MS 1525:2001/2007/2014 Code of Practice on Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Buildings.


Area of Specialisation


  • Engineering Tech ~ Applied Sciences And Technologies ~ Urban Planning ~ Planning of Construction (Including Commercial Building, Community Planning, Construction Open Building, Development Models, Environmental Sustainable Habitat, Industrial Building, Seaport and Airport, Residential, Residential and Public Building, Road, Bridge and Highway, Spatial and Physical Planning, Urban Renewal, Integrated Construction,Intelligent Building, Land Reclamation and Land Readjustment, Dam and Irrigation Systems)
  • Engineering Tech ~ Applied Sciences And Technologies ~ Landscape Architecture and Planning ~ Landscape Ecology - Sustainable and ecological planning and design of land and building
  • Engineering Tech ~ Applied Sciences And Technologies ~ Construction and Project Management ~ Design of Construction (Including of Bridges, Commercial Building, Construction, High Rise Building, Industrial Building, Industrialised Building/Construction System (IBS/ ICS), Port and Airport, Residential, Residential and Public Building, Road and Highway, Seismic and Dynamic Resistant, Structural Design and Assessment, Smart Building, Intelligent Building, Dam and Irrigation Systems) - Using CFD to predict the energy efficiency and conservation in building especially in residential buildings.
  • Engineering Tech ~ Applied Sciences And Technologies ~ Urban Planning ~ Planning of Construction (Including Commercial Building, Community Planning, Construction Open Building, Development Models, Environmental Sustainable Habitat, Industrial Building, Seaport and Airport, Residential, Residential and Public Building, Road, Bridge and Highway, Spatial and Physical Planning, Urban Renewal, Integrated Construction,Intelligent Building, Land Reclamation and Land Readjustment, Dam and Irrigation Systems) - Passive design startegy in high and low rise residential building


Teaching Responsibilities


ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 2 (STUDIO) 2025/2026 2021/2022
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN VI (STUDIO) 2006/2007
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS 3 2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013
BUILDING CONTRACT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION 2008/2009 2007/2008 2006/2007
BUILDING CONTRACT OR CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION 2007/2008 2006/2007 2005/2006
CONSTRUCTION LAW AND PRACTICE 2011/2012 2010/2011 2009/2010 2008/2009
DESIGN THESIS 2004/2005 2003/2004
DESIGN THESIS 1 2011/2012 2010/2011 2009/2010
DESIGN THESIS 2 2011/2012 2010/2011 2009/2010 2008/2009
DESIGN WORKSHOP 2018/2019
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUS DESIGN 2016/2017 2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013 2010/2011 2007/2008 2006/2007 2003/2004
HERITAGE STUDIES 2010/2011 2009/2010 2006/2007
INTEGRATED/MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROJECT 1 2003/2004
LAW AND CONTRACT IN CONSTRUCTION 2017/2018
MASTER DESIGN THESIS 2 2025/2026
PRE-DESIGN THESIS 2004/2005
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE PRACTICE & MANAGEMENT 2005/2006
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & MANAGEMENT 2 2015/2016 2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT 2008/2009 2007/2008 2006/2007
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2025/2026 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 2018/2019 2017/2018 2016/2017
RESEARCH METHODS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 2011/2012
RESEARCH METHODS IN ARCHITECTURE 2013/2014


Supervision


Development Of Affordable And User-Friendly Cost Modelling Tool For Malaysia Construction Project.
Ph.D Completed 2019 Main Supervisor
Factors Influencing Adoption Of Building Information Modeling By Malaysian Quantity Surveying Firms.
Ph.D Completed 2019 Co-supervisor
An Investigation Into Experiental Factors That Influence Visitors' Participation And Immersion In Science Centre Context .
Ph.D Completed 2018 Co-supervisor
Assessment Of Contemporary Muslim Saudi Visual Artists’ Satisfaction In Practicing Visual Arts.
Ph.D Completed 2015 Main Supervisor
Residential Satisfaction And Preference In Low Cost Housing : A Comparison Between Two Muslim Counties.
Ph.D Completed 2013 Main Supervisor
Positioning Biophilic Elements For Indoor Office Settings .
Ph.D In Progress Main Supervisor
Development Of Biophilic Design Model For A Restorative Indoor Office Environment To Reduce Stress And Enhance Productivity.
Ph.D In Progress Main Supervisor
Establishing The Malay Aristocratic Architectural Style Taxonomy Framework For Building Recognition.
Ph.D In Progress Main Supervisor
Development Conceptual Framework To Support Effective Teaching And Learning For Architecture, Engineer & Construction (Aec) Students At Polytechnic And College Community.
Ph.D In Progress Co-supervisor
Developing Governance Framework In Managing Government Quarters In Malaysia.
Ph.D In Progress Co-supervisor
The Potential Of Atrium Design To Maximize Passive Cooling Effect For Office Buildings In Malaysia (2) Vertical Community Amenities In Urban Social High Rise Residential Building.
Master Completed 2025 Main Supervisor
Evaluation On Wall Opening Placement For Cross-Ventilation And Thermal Comfort In A Naturally Ventilated Commercial Badminton Hall Maar 7410: Ersf-Emergency Rescue & Support Facility - A Rescue Station For Trauma Victims At Menora (North-South Expressway).
Master Completed 2025 Main Supervisor
(I) Evaluating Effetiveness Of Air Ventilation Strategies In Aged Day Care Centre Buildings In Malaysia (Ii) Reviving Malay Cultural Heritage In Kampung Raja, Besut.
Master Completed 2024 Main Supervisor
Design And Development Of Gamified Teaching And Learning Activities (Tlas) For Quantity Surveying Students (Qs) In Learning Measurement.
Master Completed 2024 Co-supervisor
1. The Implementation Of Solar Photovoltaic Facade For Commercial Buildings 2. Disaster Tactical Hub Towards Future Changing Climatic Conditions In Selangor.
Master Completed 2023 Main Supervisor
Placemaking : A Decent New Home For The Internally Displaced Syrians.
Master Completed 2023 Main Supervisor
The Integration Of Relational Contracting Elements In Multi-Party Collaborative Contract (Mpcc) For Construction Projects Implementing Building Information Modelling (Bim).
Master Completed 2023 Co-supervisor
Integrated Community Housing.
Master Completed 2022 Main Supervisor
Urban Symbiosis : Aquaponics Vertical Pond For Urban Communities At Putrajaya/ Evaluation Of Public Experience Toward The Biophilic Design Application In Shopping Mall In Klang Valley Urban Symbiosis : Urban Agro Station For Communities At Bandar Tun Razak.
Master Completed 2022 Co-supervisor
Rehabitat : Regenerative Malayan Tiger Center/The Evaluation Of Daylighting Performance In Madrasah.
Master Completed 2022 Co-supervisor
Health Induced Environment For Employees In Architectural Firms In Malaysia/ Workplace For Tomorrow.
Master Completed 2021 Main Supervisor
1. Aquaculture Tourism At Tasik Kenyir 2. The Importance Of Play And Toys In Children'S Creativity Development.
Master Completed 2020 Main Supervisor
1.Rejuvenation Of Kampung Sungai Melayu : Fisherman Communal Center 2.Effectiveness Of Urban Public Spaces Elements Of Port Klang As World Attraction.
Master Completed 2020 Main Supervisor
1. Proposed Design Of Youth Learning Centre At Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur 2. Design Factors And Perception Of Public Spaces In Pediatric Ward.
Master Completed 2019 Main Supervisor
1.The Design Of National Vocational Centre For People With Spectrum Disorder Through Sensorial Architecture In Putrajaya 2.Ligthing Assessment For Visual Comfort Of Exhibition Spaces In Museums.
Master Completed 2019 Main Supervisor
Design For Maintenance: A Case Study On The Potential Of Gbi Design Verification In Improving The Maintenance Quality Of Mosque .
Master Completed 2018 Main Supervisor
Evaluation Of Passive Design Strategies On Urban Masjid.
Master Completed 2018 Main Supervisor
Typology And Functions Of Courtyard In Malaysian Terrance House.
Master Completed 2016 Main Supervisor
Thermal Comfort Performance Of Bus Stops At Iium Gombak Campus.
Master Completed 2015 Co-supervisor
The Feasibility Of Open Wards For Airborne Infections Isolation Use During Seasonal Pandemic Crisis : A Case Study Of Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Master Completed 2013 Main Supervisor
Property Crime Prevention Through Enviromental Design At Housing Area: The Effective Spatial Planning And Design Features.
Master Completed 2011 Main Supervisor
.
Master Completed 2010 Main Supervisor
Evaluation Of Residential Satisfaction Of Low-Cost Housing In Kano(Nigeria).
Master Completed 2009 Main Supervisor
An Ergonomic Concept Design Of A Motorbike With Prototyping.
Master Completed 2009 Co-supervisor
The Impact Of Wider Frontage Design Of Low-Cost Double Storey Terrace House (Lcdsth) To Airflow And Natural Ventilation In Malaysia.
Master Completed 2007 Main Supervisor
Analysing The Apartment Waiting Area Lighting Performance For Primary School Student.
Master In Progress Main Supervisor
Sky Library, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur.
Master In Progress Main Supervisor


Research Projects


Completed
2025 - Program Bengkel Training of Trainers (TOT) dan Audit Akses dalam Persekitaran Alam Bina tahun 2025 di Bandar Diraja Klang
2025 - 2025 PENYELIDIKAN BAGI TERAS 9: AKSESIBILITI DAN REKA BENTUK SEJAGAT DASAR OKU NEGERI SELANGOR
2024 - 2026 Professional Bodies Involvement as Catalyst to Curb Corruption
2024 - 2024 Kajian Penyediaan Pelan Induk Rekabentuk Sejagat Johor
2024 - 2025 KAJIAN PEMATUHAN SEDIA ADA KEPADA KEHENDAK REKABENTUK SEJAGAT DI SEBAHAGIAN PRESINT 3 DAN KAWASAN KOMERSIL/ KEMUDAHAN AWAM KEJIRANAN PRESINT 8 DAN PRESINT 16, WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN PUTRAJAYA
2023 - 2024 Program Pembangunan Bagi Kajian Sosioekonomi Penduduk Wilayah KETENGAH
2022 - 2024 Kajian Program Pembangunan Ekopelancongan Menelurusi Sungai Sedili Besar
2022 - 2023 Kajian Mengoptimumkan Penggunaan Kuarters Guru Tidak Berpenghuni Milik Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia
2022 - 2025 PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF LCC (LIFE CYCLE COST) DATABASE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
2021 - 2023 Penyediaan pelan pengurusan pemuliharaan (CMP) dan kerja-kerja pendokumentasian yang berkaitan ke atas bangunan warisan kebangsaan - bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad (BSAS Blok A) dan bangunan Pejabat Pos Besar (BSAS Blok B)
2019 - 2023 A Green Operation Practices Framework for Small and Medium Chalet Operators at East Peninsular Malaysia Marine Park Islands
2019 - 2025 Seamless contracting and contractual provisions framework to reinforce BIM collaborative and integrative environment in the Malaysian construction industry
2018 - 2018 Kajian dan Pembangunan Standard Industri Pembinaan Perumahan Kebangsaan
2015 - 2018 Identifying the Minimum Invasive Active Fire Protection Measures for Malaysian Heritage Buildings Towards Better Preservation of the Built Heritage
2014 - 2018 Development of Cost Modelling Prediction Tool for Green Home
2013 - 2016 Empirical Evaluation of Aesthetics Preferences and Environmental Performance of Sun Shading Devices Using Carving of Malay Traditional Houses
2013 - 2016 The Provision of Research Consultancy for Bako Master Plan Study
2013 - 2017 Development of Ecological Indicators for Islamic Eco-Campus Environment
2010 - 2012 CFD Investigations on the Potential of Solar Induced Ventilation in Enhancing the Stack Ventilation Performance for Hot and Humid Climate.
2007 - 2011 Crime Prevention Through Housing Design and Planning: A Study on Terrace Housing Areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
2007 - 2011 Emulating the Practice of "Buying Off the Plan" in the Housing Industry in Australia: A Feasibility Study for Malaysia
2004 - 2010 The Effect of Wider Frontage of The Terrace House (TH) to Natural Ventilation
On-Going
2021 - Present Determining Biophilic Design Model towards Stress Reduction and Productivity Enhancement for a Restorative Indoor Environment
2019 - Present Smart Interior Design (SID) Framework as an Integrated Energy Efficiency Approach for Smart Building and IoT-Driven Future.
2019 - Present A Novel Method in Nurturing Students? Motivation and Resilience Through a Validated Embedded Multi-Dimensional Student Engagement Framework (Use of Gamification) for Higher Learning Institution
2019 - Present Perunding bidang Rekabentuk Bandar bagi Pelan Pengurusan Pembangunan Persisir Pantai Pekan Kuah-Klebang, Langkawi Kedah
2019 - Present Air Flow Characteristics and Behaviour Around Openings with Various Types of Shading Elements
2018 - Present Kajian Garis Panduan Pembangunan STRATUM dan Kajian Kes
2016 - Present Enhancing the Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysia with Biomimicry Life's Principles (BLP) in Alleviating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect for the Built Environment
2013 - Present Regenerative Islamic Heritage Research Unit(RIHRU)
2013 - Present The Architecture of Australia's Muslim Pioneers
2012 - Present IIUM Master Plan (Planning Soft and Hard Scape)
2012 - Present Integrated Islamic and Environment Friendly Building: A Sustainable Development Model
2012 - Present Asean Project Handbook on Core Competencies and Domestic Regulations in the Architecture Services
2008 - Present Environmental Analysis and Virtual Reality Research Unit (EAVRRU)
2008 - Present (RU 2011) Configuring the Nature of Colonial Hospital Architecture In Peninsular Malaysia-(Series 1)-Special Studies on the Tuberculosis Ward and Hospital Administration Building Typologies of Kota Bharu Hospital.
2008 - Present KAED Universal Design Unit (KUDU)


Awards & Recognition


17 Aug, 2020 Best Media Presence - Kulliyyah of Architecture & Enviromental , IIUM KCDIO
04 May, 2019 Silver Medal - 30th International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition 2019 International
05 Aug, 2016 7th Asia's Education Excellence Award (Education Leadership Award) - CMO Asia International
29 Nov, 2012 Gold Medal - Seoul International Invention Fair 2012 International
17 May, 2012 Bronze Medal - 23rd International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition 2012 (ITEX'12) International
17 May, 2012 Bronze Medal - 23rd International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition 2012 International