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Malaysia is one of the rising countries with the highest energy consumption rate, which is attributable to strong economic development in the residential and commercial sectors that consume approximately half of the total electricity generated. Several criteria have been implemented in Malaysia to develop efficient building design, such as the Green Building Index (GBI) and Passive Daylighting Strategies. The study aims to investigate passive daylighting solutions for different building orientations and facade materials to measure energy efficiency through building designs. Buildings are a variable that contributes to growing energy consumption resulting from population increase and climate change. The building facade is a factor that could control the indoor environment, which affects the energy consumption in buildings. A case study determined the elements that maintain building efficiency and electric savings by examining two buildings certified by the Green Building Platinum and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). Low consideration of Passive Daylighting Strategies in building designs allows direct sunshine and increases the use of air conditioning to maintain the room at a comfortable temperature.

Strong family ties built on the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah produce excellent foundation in forming a household which are constantly under the protection and blessing of Allah and in turn contribute to the overall health of a community. A dwelling filled with the remembrance of Allah will no doubt find an aura of peace and tranquillity. This is called a home, a place for a family to worship Allah, to relax body and mind, enjoy legitimate worldly delights, teach, learn and propagate the message of Islam. Therefore, provision and design of a dwelling should be considered important to make it a blessed home. This includes the provision of spaces for religious activities, daily basic chores of households, social production, reproduction hygiene needs, privacy and security. Cultural, religious and sustainable aspects of inhabitants should be considered in the planning and design process of a dwelling in the Malaysian context. The Syariah sources have provided basis for its design to conform to Islamic criteria, thereby facilitating various ibadah activities for the inhabitants and users. A review of theory and philosophy of dwelling from Islamic perspective is analysed to justify the comprehensive living approach as promoted by Islam. This paper aims to review literature pertaining to housing principles in Islam and to present basic principles for developing housing criteria based on Islamic teachings.

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Fast expanding of urban development changes the street function and gives priority for vehicles, which effects the urban fabric and cultural life of the city. It makes walking in the street difficult and uncomfortable. Hence, this research aims to explore the influence of landscape features towards comfort character of traditional streets in Amman, Jordan. The case study was Rainbow Street in Amman, the capital city in Jordan. Mixed-method approach was used in this study, which involved direct observation (visual and behavioural) and user perception (survey and in-depth interviews) techniques. The data was analysed through thematic analyses for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. The results show that landscape features that contribute towards comfort character could be divided into two main categories, namely, pedestrian amenities and sidewalk. This should be taken into consideration in the design of the existing and future streets in Jordan.