Staff Directory
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.
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 |
| MASTER DESIGN THESIS 2 | 2025/2026 |
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT | 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 |
| RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE | 2025/2026 2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023 2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 |
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.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
|
|
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
|
|
Evaluation Of Passive Design Strategies On Urban Masjid.
Master
Completed
2018
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
|
|
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
|
Research Projects
Completed
| 2025 - 2025 | PENYELIDIKAN BAGI TERAS 9: AKSESIBILITI DAN REKA BENTUK SEJAGAT DASAR OKU NEGERI SELANGOR |
| 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
| 2025 - Present | Program Bengkel Training of Trainers (TOT) dan Audit Akses dalam Persekitaran Alam Bina tahun 2025 di Bandar Diraja Klang |
| 2024 - Present | Professional Bodies Involvement as Catalyst to Curb Corruption |
| 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 |
Publications
Articles
Conference or Workshop Items
Books
| 2024 | Heels & boots: attracting female adolescents as skilled workers. UKM Press, ISBN: 978-629-486-306-4 |
| 2013 | Istana Kuala Cegar: nostalgic splendour behind a humble facade. IIUM Press, ISBN: 978-967-418-272-4 |
| 2013 | Rumah Tok Menteri II: a continuation of generations. IIUM Press, ISBN: 978-967-418-255-7 |
| 2011 | Tracer study 2011 First Degree and Post Graduates: International Islamic University Malaysia. Alumni and Career Services Division, International Islamic University Malaysia, ISBN: 798-967-10826-1-4 |
Book Sections
| 2016 | Reminiscing traditional masjid architecture in a contemporary world: The making of Masjid Al-Falah. In: Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, IIUM, ISBN: 978-983-3142-33-0, pp. 199-206 |
| 2016 | Reminiscing traditional masjid architecture in a contemporary world: The making of Masjid Al-Falah. In: Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, IIUM, ISBN: 978-983-3142-33-0, pp. 199-206 |