Amaliyah, Nangkula Utaberta, Sayyidati Khalishah Azzahra, Rindah Febriana Suryawati, Upik Dyah Eka Noviyanti, Moh Darus Salam, Celya Intan Kharisma Putri, Arman Sarram, Doni Fireza, Aji Sofanudin
In the face of rapid urbanization and spatial constraints in compact cities, the function of mosques in Kuala Lumpur has evolved significantly beyond their traditional religious roles. No longer solely places for ritual prayer, mosques are increasingly being reimagined as dynamic community hubs that serve a broader civic purpose. This paper explores how selected mosques in Kuala Lumpur have adapted architecturally, functionally, and socially to meet the diverse needs of urban Muslim populations. Through a qualitative case-study approach involving spatial analysis, semi-structured interviews, and documentary reviews, this study examines how vertical spatial arrangements, multifunctional space use, and socially inclusive programs have emerged in response to the demands of dense urban environments. Furthermore, this study evaluates how contemporary mosque designs navigate between the sacred and the secular, integrating civic utility with spiritual ambiance. The findings reveal that these architectural and institutional transformations are not only reactive to urban limitations but also proactive in fostering community resilience, interfaith interaction, and urban social sustainability. This research culminates in a strategic design framework that incorporates accessibility, environmental sustainability, and participatory governance into future mosque planning. The implications are far-reaching: by redefining the mosque as a multifunctional and inclusive civic node, urban planners and architects can contribute meaningfully to the evolving spiritual and social fabric of the compact city. © 2026 by the authors.
Faculty of Vocational Study, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Unair Jl. Dharmawangsa Dalam Selatan No.28–30, Airlangga, Kec. Gubeng, Surabaya, 60286, Indonesia; School of Architecture and Built Environment, FETBE, UCSI University, UCSI Heights, 1, Jalan Puncak Menara Gading, Taman Connaught, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia; Centre of Religion and Belief, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jl. Gatot Subroto No.10, RT.2/RW.2, Kuningan, Mampang Prpt., Jakarta Selatan, 12710, Indonesia; Department of Interior Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November, Jl. Teknik Kimia, Keputih, Kec. Sukolilo, Surabaya, 60111, Indonesia; Department of Architecture, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Malaysia; Architecture Program, School of Planning and Sustainable Design, Agung Podomoro University, Jakarta, 11470, Indonesia; Research Centre for Religious and Belief, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Jl. Gatot Subroto No.10, RT.2/RW.2, Kuningan, Mampang Prpt, Jakarta Selatan, 12710, Indonesia
