Designing for Memory: Heritage Conservation Strategies in Kota Bharu Islamic City

Authors

  • Noradzsyiah Adzhar Department of Built Environment Studies & Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perak, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Puteri Yuliana Samsudin Department of Built Environment Studies & Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perak, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.3.2026

Keywords:

Heritage conservation , Islamic City, Urban Planning

Abstract

As an Islamic city, Kota Bharu represents a symbolic icon of the urban growth of the Kelantan Islamic State, around Malaysia. This study aims to provide a strategies for new historical attributes planning methods that display greater reverence for the traditional vernacular landscape. In addition, this study also aims to discern the prospects for the future cultural environment of Kota Bharu Islamic city, drawing on the numerous historical factors using various methods in the evolution of the cultural aspects including observation, record analysis and evaluation of content, including literature review. In view of its distinctive contribution to the Malay heritage by defining the features, characteristics, history and their influences, the study of the Kelantan cultural attributes is especially significant. As a result, this study recognizes the value of integrating the current heritage alongside contemporary architecture, as well as further study on the cultural environment of Kota Bharu. Optimistically, in the future, there will be better practices of historical qualities to consider the history, present and prospects of the vernacular tradition and ensure that our practices of architecture, landscape and urbanism express their values. In addition, this research will investigate the approaches that have been used by Kota Bharu Municipal Council in creating new heritage sites, especially in the city centre. At the same time the process of creating regional identity will be considered. Kota Bharu, as an Islamic city, represents a symbolic trademark to the urban development of the Islamic state of Kelantan.

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Published

2026-04-27

How to Cite

Adzhar, N., & Samsudin, P. Y. (2026). Designing for Memory: Heritage Conservation Strategies in Kota Bharu Islamic City. KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni Dan Pendidikan Seni, 14(Isu Khas), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.3.2026