KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni dan Pendidikan Seni
KUPAS SENI: Jurnal Seni dan Pendidikan Seni Journal of Art and Art Education [ISSN 2289-4640 eISSN 0127-9688] refereed journal of the Art and Design Department, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, published for the advancement of scholarly knowledge about the visual art and visual art education.This journal publishes articles and reviews of books, recordings, exhibitions, and performances from different points of view with approaches from various disciplines. The journal has a bilingual publishing policy (in Malay and English) and is published twice a year (April & October started 2024). Published by UPSI Press for Faculty of Art, Sustainability and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. KUPAS SENI supports Open Access. The electronic full text version of the journal is available Free of Charge (FOC).
Surface Texture and User Interaction in Ceramic Tableware: Exploring the Dimensions of Tactile Experience
Surface texture in ceramic tableware is a pivotal determinant of functional performance and tactile user experience. This paper examines the multifaceted role of surface texture in influencing tactile engagement, user interaction, and response within domestic ceramic contexts. Employing a comprehensive qualitative methodology grounded in literature analysis and case classification, the study systematically unpacks the material, aesthetic, and symbolic facets of surface texture. Findings demonstrate that tactile qualities are not merely decorative attributes but constitute core parameters that inform usability, sensory pleasure, and cultural meaning. Moreover, the nuanced interplay between texture and ergonomics elevates everyday tableware from utilitarian objects to vessels of personal and collective identity. By elucidating the theoretical and practical implications of surface texture, this research offers novel insights for designers and scholars seeking to advance the discipline of sensory driven ceramic design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jiang Wukai, Siti Maryam Ali Yasin, Siti Ermi Syahira Abdul Jamil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Reclaiming the Industrial Past: Linking Industrial Cultural Landscapes with Urban Brownfield Renewal
In the post-industrial era, many cities face the challenge of regenerating brownfield sites while preserving the cultural legacies of their industrial past. This paper addresses the prospects of the framework of industrial cultural landscapes in the area of brownfield regeneration to produce place identity, collective memory and socio-cultural resilience. Breaking away from redevelopment models that are mainly based on economic development and ecological reclaiming, the work insists on industrial heritage as one of the key recommendations for change and sustainable use. Using a mixedmethod research design the work is conducted as a case study research in the Jianxi District of Luoyang, a historic industrial city located in central China. Spatial mapping provides information on the distribution and transformation of heritage assets while site investigation and interviews with planning authorities, heritage professionals and community stakeholder representatives are used to gain an understanding of perceptions, priorities and issues of culture-led regeneration. In sum, the presented methods present an overall view of how industrial cultural values can be incorporated in the conceptualization and strategies of designing the urban brownfield regeneration processes. These findings show that industrial cultural landscapes offer a multi-layered framework which links material remains, narratives and community identity. Cultural values for redevelopment is one strategyto build place attachment, integrate the public and build resilience in communities. By reusing the industrial heritage and establishing a link between it and the contemporary life of the city, brownfield transformation is able to regain continuity and malleability. The article makes a contribution to the developing discourse on culture-led regeneration by proposing a contextcritical approach of cultural heritage and sustainable urban regeneration.
Place Identity Culture- Led Regeneration
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhao Weijie, Suriati Ahmad, Nadiyanti Mat Nayan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Designing for Memory: Heritage Conservation Strategies in Kota Bharu Islamic City
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.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noradzsyiah Adzhar, Puteri Yuliana Samsudin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Critical Success Factor (CSF) of Electric Bus Friendly Terminal Design
Sustainable urban mobility is a core pillar of modern city planning, aiming to reduce environmental impact while improving accessibility, efficiency, and quality of life. It promotes integrated, low-carbon transportation systems that encourage a shift from private to shared and eco-friendly modes of travel. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) in integrating electric buses (EBs) into the design of Malaysian bus terminals, to support a national transition toward “sustainable urban mobility”. Recognising the challenges of shifting from fossil fuel-based transportation to electric alternatives, the research identifies critical design, operational, and policy-related factors that influence successful implementation. Using document and content analysis, 50 global best-practice articles were examined and adapted to the Malaysian context to bridge existing local knowledge gaps. Insights drawn from international case studies inform the identification of seven key factors: infrastructure readiness, environmental sustainability, technological integration, policy and financial mechanisms, operational efficiency, passenger experience, and stakeholder collaboration. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive design framework for future electric bus terminals, emphasising 3 themes consisting of modular spatial planning, renewable energy systems, and user-centric facilities. The proposed framework offers valuable guidance for urban planners, policymakers, and transportation stakeholders, contributing to the development of low-carbon, efficient public transit infrastructure aligned with Malaysia’s Smart Mobility Strategy and Low-Carbon City Framework.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Copyright (c) 2026 Mac Arthur Dalan Sanggah, Sayed Muhammad Aiman Sayed Abul Khair, Jamaludin Muhamad, Farid Al Hakeem Yuserrie, Mohd Nasurudin Hasbullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Spatial Configuration of Ceramic Workshop Design for the Integration of Digital E-Commerce: Live Stream Facilities
This thesis proposes the design of a Ceramic Upscaling and Cultivation Hub for Youth in Kuala Kangsar that seeks to revive local ceramic craft culture while enabling modern commercial growth through the integration of traditional labu sayong production with live streaming e commerce, skills cultivation and marketplace support. The study begins with a background of Kuala Kangsar as a heritage place strongly identified with labu sayong, a craft rooted in local materiality and place specific knowledge transmitted since the sultanate era by artisans such as Tuk Kaluk and sustained by clay deposits in Kampung Kepala Bendang. The research problem identifies two linked challenges: declining youth awareness and participation as a result of migration to larger cities, and limited adaptation of traditional handicraft businesses to digital commercial models. The aim is to propose a design that upscale and cultivate skill and awareness of ceramic art among youth by developing spatial strategies and a centralized hub model. The methods combine a focused review of literature (precedent studies) of overseas live streaming e commerce facility types with observational analysis of four labu sayong workshops in Kampung Sayong. The data is synthesized using a comparative synthesis. Observational findings show station based, linear workflows, interlocking production spaces, and reliance on natural ventilation and daylight. Literature review identifies several streaming configurations including centralized cubicles, modular pods and conference style setups, with studio style streaming judged most compatible due to controllable lighting and acoustics and integrated demonstration capacity. The comparative analysis supports a design that fuses station-based production zones with a studio style live streaming facility, educational and incubation spaces and communal areas for mentorship and cultural exchange. The proposed hub aims to strengthen youth engagement, preserve local material knowledge and expand market access. Limitations include a constrained literature scope and a 14-week observational window covering only four workshops. Future research should widen empirical observation across more workshops and pilot live streaming trials with artisans and youth to validate functional and commercial outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Haziq Erfan Mohd Affandy, Sayed Muhammad Aiman Abul Khair, Iryani Abdul Halim Choo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Eco-Friendly Primary Pigments from Indigenous Plants: Transforming Roselle, Turmeric, and Telang Flowers into Artist-Grade Colours
Although natural dyes have been extensively researched for use in food and textile industries, their use in producing stable, mixable, and artist-grade primary colors for fine painting has not received as much attention. This study offers a new method for creating natural pigments made from telang flowers (Clitoria ternatea), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), which naturally give red, yellow, and blue hues, respectively. Investigating the extraction method, analyzing color results, and evaluating these plant-based pigments' potential as sustainable substitutes for artistic applications are the goals of this study. Plant components were extracted using both water and methanol solvents and examined on drawing paper using a descriptive qualitative approach. In order to create stable, ready-to-use paints, the dried plant powders were mixed with Arabic gum, kaolin, rice flour, preservatives, and water in the second stage. The results showed that while the prepared pigment combinations produced saddle brown (roselle), yellow (turmeric), and green (telang), direct extracts produced magenta (roselle), yellow (turmeric), and sky blue (telang). The resultant colorants showed good surface adhesion and durability on paper, indicating that they might be used in creative mediums. The promise of native plants as sustainable, non-toxic, and renewable pigment supplies is highlighted by this study. The results open up new avenues for artists and scholars to investigate environmentally friendly alternatives in color creation and add to the expanding corpus of study on sustainable art materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Siti Rafeah Iskandar, Mohd Khairi Baharom https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Embodiment of Modernity in Sanyu's Works
This paper investigates the embodiment of artistic modernity in the works of Sanyu, a Chinese artist who lived and worked in France during the early twentieth century. As one of the earliest Chinese painters to engage with Western modernism, Sanyu developed a unique visual language that merged the poetic spirit of Chinese literati aesthetics with the expressive vitality of European art. The study aims to reveal how his artistic modernity was constructed through both cultural negotiation and individual creativity. Employing a qualitative, interpretive methodology, this research combines literature review, comparative visual analysis, iconographic study, and contextual interpretation. Selected works from Sanyu’s “Pink Period” to his late Paris years are analysed in terms of composition, line, colour, and symbolism to understand how he redefined the boundaries between East and West, tradition and innovation. Drawing upon Baudelaire’s notion of modernity as a dialectic between the transient and the eternal, the study interprets Sanyu’s art as a visual articulation of temporal consciousness, emotional authenticity, and cross-cultural identity. The findings demonstrate that Sanyu’s artistic practice transcends stylistic imitation, transforming the techniques of both Chinese and Western traditions into a poetic and spiritual synthesis. His works embody modernity not merely as a formal pursuit of the new but as an existential reflection on the self within cultural hybridity. The study concludes that Sanyu’s art contributes to a broader understanding of global modernity by illustrating how non-Western artists reinterpreted modernism as a plural and evolving phenomenon. His legacy provides an alternative vision of twentieth-century art that celebrates dialogue, transformation, and creative freedom.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhang Ran, Wan Samiati Andriana W. Mohamad Daud, Liu Jingrou https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Exploration of Bamboo as Vernacular Material in Residential Furniture Design
For centuries, bamboo has held a vital role in Indonesia’s traditional construction, furniture, crafts, and even musical instruments. However, bamboo remains underutilized within urban consumer segments. This can risk the decay of traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. The study aims to explore the application of bamboo material in interior and furniture construction by producing lightweight, multi-functional furniture that respects the cultural context of Indonesia. The research highlights Desa Jambu Kulon in Ceper, Klaten, a prominent bamboo crafts center in Indonesia, where we found insights into the potential and challenges of bamboo products. The study first identifies the characteristics of bamboo, including its biology, aesthetic, economic, social, and environmental aspects. It is found that bamboo's renewability, flexibility, and durability have made it applicable for earthquake-prone areas like Indonesia, and its natural aesthetic enhances the space, bringing warmth and a sense of connection to nature. Moreover, design exploration was made for a residential interior project that created 8 furniture that is made entirely out of bamboo. Each piece of furniture is inspired by traditional philosophy and pattern. The result demonstrates that bamboo can be a suitable vernacular material for residential interiors that fuse cultural heritage and incorporate multifunctional modules for maximizing space that meets the standard of modern practicality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Luh Made Ratna Nirmala Smaradewi, Ni Putu Ayu Dinda Paramitha, Zulfarahman Ruby Rabiulawal, Pandu Purwandaru https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Integrating Local Culture and Sustainability in Educational Play Tools: Conceptual Design of a Punokawan Puzzle with PLA-Based 3D Printing
Educational Play Tools (EPT) hold significant importance in fostering young children’s cognitive, motoric, social, and emotional growth, while simultaneously functioning as instruments for cultural transmission. Nonetheless, the global toy industry continues to rely heavily on conventional plastic-based materials that contribute to environmental degradation and lack integration of indigenous cultural values in their designs. This research seeks to formulate a conceptual prototype of a contemporary EPT that synthesizes sustainable materials, technological innovation, and cultural contextualization. The study adopts a Qualitative Conceptual Design Research framework encompassing literature synthesis, design evaluation, and conceptual visualization through Blender 3D, followed by prototype fabrication using 3D printing methods. The developed prototype features a puzzle inspired by the Punokawan figures, embodying Javanese philosophical wisdom; it is designed to stimulate children’s cognitive and motor abilities while reinforcing cultural identity formation. The results demonstrate that polylactic acid (PLA) presents a viable eco-friendly substitute with substantially reduced carbon emissions, though its implementation remains challenged by factors such as material resilience, production cost, and regional availability. Moreover, 3D printing enables the creation of customizable, precise, and pedagogically responsive educational designs. This study contributes to theoretical discourse on sustainable and culturally integrated EPT design while offering practical insights for educational institutions and commercial development. Despite being limited to conceptual modeling, the research establishes a foundational framework for future innovations in environmentally responsible, educationally sound, and culturally embedded play-based learning tools.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zulfarahman Ruby Rabiulawal, Nael Bara Laina, Luh Made Ratna Nirmala Smaradewi, Ni Putu Ayu Dinda Paramitha, Pandu Purwandaru https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Character Design in Medical Learning Infographics: A Conceptual Framework
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the development of visual learning materials by enabling the creation of medical infographics at various levels of realism, ranging from cartoon-like to hyper-realistic, within the context of secondary education. This advancement also allows educators without a design background to produce visual learning materials. However, differences in levels of realism are said to potentially influence viewer comfort, a phenomenon referred to as the Uncanny Valley. Students’ comfort levels, in turn, may affect their emotions, motivation, and learning achievement. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study will compare the effectiveness of AI-generated infographics with traditionally designed infographics. It will evaluate the effects of three levels of character realism used in medical infographic design on students’ emotions, motivation, and learning achievement. Furthermore, it will examine the role of students’ emotions as a mediating variable between character realism and learning motivation. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of the Uncanny Valley and the Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions, the conceptual framework of this study is developed to address the research questions. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for the effective use of AI-generated infographic visuals in secondary school science education.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmad Khairul Azizi Ahmad, Mohd Khairulnizam Ramlie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Understanding Language and Culture Through Sentiment Analysis: A Conceptual Framework
This article presents a conceptual framework that facilitates understanding of how language and culture influence emotional expressions in the online world. Although sentiment analysis is a popular instrument for data analysis, the majority of computational studies focus on the algorithm's accuracy and thus ignore the cultural and linguistic aspects of the data. This paper merges the linguistic, cultural, and computational elements to demonstrate that language, culture, and emotions are interconnected and form a triangle. The proposed framework consists of three layers: the Language Layer (lexical and discourse features), the Culture Layer (norms, values, and communication styles), and the Sentiment Layer (polarity, emotional tone, and intensity). These stages are always interacting with each other, culture shapes language, and both language and culture determine the way emotions are expressed and recognised. By integrating these different aspects, the research constitutes a richer, interdisciplinary approach to sentiment analysis in different cultural contexts. The presented framework is an interdisciplinary one and may serve as a guide in the fields of linguistics, intercultural communication, education, and digital marketing, where the comprehension of the emotional expressions of different cultures is of utmost significance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sheema Liza Idris, Masurah Mohamad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
A Literature Review on the Critical Factors Contributing to Project Abandonment in Construction Projects
Abandoned construction projects in Malaysia erode economic value, harm the environment, and weaken public trust, while rescue contractors face elevated financial, legal, and reputational risks. This conceptual paper integrates findings from prior studies and documented cases to identify recurring critical factors of abandonment and to map them to project phases. Seven categories are highlighted, with financial challenges, regulatory and policy constraints, and technical and operational issues most prevalent; further contributors include stakeholder engagement problems, economic instabilities, systemic limitations, and unforeseen external risks. Understanding the relative prominence and phase specific manifestation of these factors clarifies why even rehabilitated projects can remain vulnerable without stronger financial controls, streamlined regulatory interfaces, quality assurance, and proactive risk governance. The synthesis provides a practical basis for stakeholders, particularly rescue contractors, to prioritise interventions and improve completion outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Dhiya Hafreez Kamil, Mohd Najib Abd Rashid, Mohamed Rizal Mohamed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Architectural Responses to Heat: Passive Cooling Strategies in Motorsport Facilities for Tropical Regions
This study explores the effectiveness of passive cooling strategies in climate-responsive motorsport facility design within tropical climates, focusing on Malaysia. Despite progress in sustainable infrastructure, there is a lack of research on passive design suited to hot and humid environments, where performance often takes precedence over environmental responsiveness. A comparative case study of six circuits Sepang, Dato Sagor, Kuala Selangor, Melaka, Mandalika (Indonesia), and Chang (Thailand) was conducted using observational data, environmental analysis, wind speed measurements, sun path studies, and thermal material evaluations. The findings show that circuits employing strategies such as strategic orientation, natural ventilation, shading, insulated materials, and integration with vegetation or water features achieved superior thermal comfort and reduced dependence on mechanical cooling. In contrast, local circuits lacking these features exhibited thermal inefficiencies. The study offers design recommendations, including climate-sensitive material selection and passive ventilation methods, contributing to sustainable motorsport architecture and offering a framework for future tropical design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hakimi Hasrulnizam, Mohd Nasurudin Hasbullah, Farid Al Hakeem Yuserrie https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Strategic Leadership for Effective Strategy Implementation and The Performance of Construction Companies
Strategy implementation is a process driven by a company’s visionaries that influences its performance, enhancing rather than disrupting daily operational routines. Strategic leadership plays a crucial role in the success of strategy implementation, yet its specific impact on company performance remains underexplored. The objective of this research is to analyse the relationship between strategic leadership and companies’ performance in the context of strategy implementation in construction companies. Nine key elements of strategic leadership were examined in this research. These elements include communication, influence, facilitation, empowerment, resourcefulness, humility, courage, forward thinking, and dynamism. The framework highlights the relationship between strategic leadership and company performance. A survey was conducted among contractors in the Klang Valley, and 180 samples were analysed using SmartPLS 3.0 software to test the relationship. The data analysis, which included convergent validity, discriminant validity, heterotrait–monotrait (HTMT) ratio, bootstrapping, and the blindfolding procedure, showed support for the nine key elements of strategic leadership and confirmed the research hypothesis. The findings provide valuable insights for top management in construction companies to implement strategies more effectively and successfully.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faza Ihsan Zaidi, Emma Marinie Ahmad Zawawi, Rumaizah Mohd Nordin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Evaluating Integrated Governance Practices in Multi-Functional Units of UiTM Perak: Toward Institutional Efficiency and Accountability
This study investigates the execution and perception of integrated governance practices among eight principal administrative departments of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data from 264 academic and non-academic workers with qualitative insights from nine comprehensive interviews with senior administrators. Quantitative results demonstrate that governance practices are widely regarded as effective and uniform across demographic categories, with no statistically significant variations related to job grade or length of service. Critical domains such as compliance, ethical leadership, and adherence to standard operating procedures reflect the university's dedication to integrity and responsibility. Qualitative findings reveal operational issues such as restricted two-way communication, inconsistent staff participation in decision-making, inadequate digital governance frameworks, and limitations in resource management. The ideas were analysed and interpreted using Stakeholder Theory, Agency Theory, and principles of New Public Management. The study provides specific recommendations that correspond with the Ministry of Higher Education's Higher Education 2025 strategic objective, highlighting leadership development, inclusive planning, and digital transformation. The results enhance the discussion on public sector governance in higher education and offer practical ideas for improving institutional efficacy and stakeholder involvement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Hisham Ibrahim, Mohamed Imran Mohamed Arif, Mohd Azian Zaidi, Muhamad Abdul Aziz Ab Ghani, Ahmad Zoolhelmi Alias, Jona Hidayati Qamaruzzaman, Mohamad Hussaini Mohd Saleh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Predictive analysis on the influence of green certifications for rent performance in Kuala Lumpur
Green building has been widely promoted globally as a pathway to sustainability, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 on sustainable cities and communities as well as Malaysia’s commitment to achieving a low-carbon nation under the National Green Technology Policy. Certified buildings, such as those recognized under the Green Building Index (GBI) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), typically integrate energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and environmentally friendly designs, which are often assumed to justify higher rental values. The objective of this study is to test the rent performance among office buildings in Kuala Lumpur with different certification status, while accounting for other building attributes such as size and location. Transaction data were collected from the Valuation and Property Services Department (VPSD) covering the period 2023–2025. Machine learning predictive analytics was employed to test the R2 among three categories of office buildings: non-green buildings, GBI-certified buildings, and LEED-certified buildings. The findings reveal a relatively higher Coefficient of determination R2 for LEED suggests that internationally recognized certifications are beginning to be reflected in rent. Overall, the predictive results demonstrate that rental performance in Kuala Lumpur office market is primarily driven by conventional physical attributes, particularly sizes and locations, which consistently achieved the highest R² values across all machine learning algorithms. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the understanding of the evolving dynamics of green-certified office buildings in Malaysia, where the market has yet to consistently recognize certification as a premium value driver. By highlighting the gap between global sustainability aspirations and local market realities, this study provides important insights for investors, developers, and policymakers in shaping strategies that support Malaysia’s transition towards a greener and more sustainable built environment in line with both national and global agendas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Harussani Salam, Thuraiya Mohd https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0