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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Redefining Vertical Urban Mosques as Community Hubs: Functional and Social Adaptations in the Compact City of Kuala Lumpur

by
Amaliyah
1,
Nangkula Utaberta
2,3,4,5,*,
Sayyidati Khalishah Azzahra
2,
Rindah Febriana Suryawati
1,
Upik Dyah Eka Noviyanti
1,
Moh Darus Salam
1,
Celya Intan Kharisma Putri
1,
Arman Sarram
6,
Doni Fireza
7 and
Aji Sofanudin
8
1
Faculty of Vocational Study, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Unair Jl. Dharmawangsa Dalam Selatan No.28–30, Airlangga, Kec. Gubeng, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia
2
School of Architecture and Built Environment, FETBE, UCSI University, UCSI Heights, 1, Jalan Puncak Menara Gading, Taman Connaught, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
3
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
4
Department of Interior Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh November, Jl. Teknik Kimia, Keputih, Kec. Sukolilo, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia
5
Department of Architecture, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang 65145, Indonesia
6
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Design and Architecture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
7
Architecture Program, School of Planning and Sustainable Design, Agung Podomoro University, Jakarta 11470, Indonesia
8
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
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Buildings 2026, 16(11), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112112
Submission received: 13 October 2025 / Revised: 31 March 2026 / Accepted: 24 April 2026 / Published: 25 May 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Adaptive, Inclusive, and Responsive Buildings)
Versions Notes

Abstract

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.
Keywords: Urban mosque; compact city; community hub; vertical design; Kuala Lumpur; Islamic architecture; spatial hierarchy; social inclusivity; civic infrastructure; mosque typology Urban mosque; compact city; community hub; vertical design; Kuala Lumpur; Islamic architecture; spatial hierarchy; social inclusivity; civic infrastructure; mosque typology

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Amaliyah; Utaberta, N.; Azzahra, S.K.; Suryawati, R.F.; Noviyanti, U.D.E.; Salam, M.D.; Putri, C.I.K.; Sarram, A.; Fireza, D.; Sofanudin, A. Redefining Vertical Urban Mosques as Community Hubs: Functional and Social Adaptations in the Compact City of Kuala Lumpur. Buildings 2026, 16, 2112. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112112

AMA Style

Amaliyah, Utaberta N, Azzahra SK, Suryawati RF, Noviyanti UDE, Salam MD, Putri CIK, Sarram A, Fireza D, Sofanudin A. Redefining Vertical Urban Mosques as Community Hubs: Functional and Social Adaptations in the Compact City of Kuala Lumpur. Buildings. 2026; 16(11):2112. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112112

Chicago/Turabian Style

Amaliyah, Nangkula Utaberta, Sayyidati Khalishah Azzahra, Rindah Febriana Suryawati, Upik Dyah Eka Noviyanti, Moh Darus Salam, Celya Intan Kharisma Putri, Arman Sarram, Doni Fireza, and Aji Sofanudin. 2026. "Redefining Vertical Urban Mosques as Community Hubs: Functional and Social Adaptations in the Compact City of Kuala Lumpur" Buildings 16, no. 11: 2112. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112112

APA Style

Amaliyah, Utaberta, N., Azzahra, S. K., Suryawati, R. F., Noviyanti, U. D. E., Salam, M. D., Putri, C. I. K., Sarram, A., Fireza, D., & Sofanudin, A. (2026). Redefining Vertical Urban Mosques as Community Hubs: Functional and Social Adaptations in the Compact City of Kuala Lumpur. Buildings, 16(11), 2112. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112112

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