Research & Grants
My research explores the intersection of sustainability, architecture, and the built environment, with a particular focus on promoting environmentally responsible design and education. Over the years, I have led and contributed to research projects that advance sustainable building practices, enhance environmental performance evaluation, and integrate sustainability principles into architectural curricula. This page highlights my research focus areas and funded projects that support the development of a more resilient, equitable, and regenerative built environment.
Research Focus Areas
My research interests span the intersection of architecture, sustainability, environmental performance, and education for the built environment. Core focus areas include:
- Sustainable Architecture and Green Building Design
Exploring strategies to minimise environmental impact through energy-efficient, climate-responsive, and resource-conscious design practices. - Building Performance Evaluation and Sustainability Assessment
Assessing the environmental, social, and economic performance of buildings using green building rating systems such as GBI, GreenRE, MyCREST, and international tools. - Environmental Design for Tropical Climates
Investigating passive design strategies — including natural ventilation, daylight harvesting, and thermal comfort optimisation — suitable for hot and humid regions. - Sustainability Education in Architecture and Urban Design
Developing pedagogical frameworks that integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into architectural curricula and studio-based learning. - Public Participation and Community Engagement in Sustainable Development
Evaluating participatory design processes that empower communities in the planning and shaping of sustainable built environments. - Climate Adaptation and Resilient Urban Design
Investigating how cities and architectural practices can adapt to climate change impacts through sustainable site selection, design interventions, and urban cooling strategies. - Integration of Nature and Biophilic Design Principles
Examining the use of biophilic strategies in architecture and urban spaces to enhance user well-being, environmental stewardship, and regenerative outcomes. - Sustainable Materials and Resource Efficiency
Analysing the environmental impacts of material choices, advocating for low-carbon, renewable, and recycled materials in building construction and interior design. - Behavioural and Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Green Design
Investigating how human behaviours, values, and social practices influence the effectiveness and adoption of sustainable design solutions.
Major Research Projects
2022-2024
Project Title: Transforming Community Lives Through the Environment: Developing a Substantial Model for Happy City in Urban Areas of Malaysia
Role: Co-researcher
Funder: Ministry of Education FRGS Grant (RM96,580)
2021-2024
Project Title: Development of a Design and Planning Participation Framework in Malaysia Towards Achieving Sustainable Public Architecture Through Citizen Led Initiative in the Design Process
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: UPM Putra Grant (RM24,500)
2017-2018
Project Title: Better Places for People: A Pilot Post-Occupancy Study on Lendlease Offices in Kuala Lumpur.
Role: Principal Investigator
Client: Malaysia Green Building Confederation (MGBC)
Funder: World Green Building Council, USA (USD 2,500).
2015-2016
Project Title: Review of Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST)
Role: Principal Investigator
Client/Funder: Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) (RM32,402.60).
2014-2016
Project Title: Thermal Comfort of Mixed-mode Ventilation System in Prestigious Hotels in Malaysia
Role: Co-Researcher
Funder: Ministry of Education FRGS Grant (RM88,200)
2013
Project Title: Green Guidelines for Rancangan Kawasan Khas Melaka World Solar Valley Project
Role: Principal Investogator for UPM Team.
Collaborators: UKM and Mega Rancang Sdn Bhd
Client/Funder: Alor Gajah Municipal Council (UPM: RM20,731)
2012-2014
Project Title: The Impact of Radiant Barrier System on Residential Air Conditioning Load Under Malaysian Climatic Condition
Role: Co-Researcher
Funder: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia eScience Grant (RM191,136).
2011-2014
Project Title: Maximising passive Ventilation for Low Energy Design of Residential Building in Malaysia.
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Ministry of Education ERGS Grant (RM50,000)
2006-2008
Project Title: Testing the Adaptability of GBTool for Assessing the Sustainable Performance of Commercial Buildings in Malaysia
Role: Principal Investigator
Funder: Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia eScience Grant (RM146,436).
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Zalina Shari
Zalina Shari