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Research Article
The Perception of the Grandeur of Mosque Architecture:
A Barthesian Semiotic Analysis of Traditional and Modern Mosques in Pidie, Aceh
Putri Puspa Sari*
,
Elysa Wulandari,
Safwan
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
49-60
Received:
6 May 2026
Accepted:
16 May 2026
Published:
28 May 2026
Abstract: A comparative study on grandeur perception in mosque architecture in Aceh, specifically between historic and modern buildings through a semiotic approach, has not previously been conducted. This study aims to identify and compare the architectural and non-architectural elements that constitute the perception of grandeur in Masjid Po Teumeureuhom (17th century) and Masjid Raya Pidie-Labui (1984), using Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach. The research question posed is: how is the perception of grandeur formed in traditional and modern mosques in Pidie through architectural composition analysis and Barthes’ two-order semiotic model? A qualitative descriptive-comparative study was conducted through three procedures: 1. Facade composition analysis based on five architectural composition principles (scale, balance, proportion, harmony, and contrast); 2. Barthesian two-order semiotic reading (denotation, connotation, myth) applied to nine facade elements; and 3. In-depth interviews with 8 informants, consisting of 3 key informants (mosque leaders and local historical sources) and 5 participant informants (congregants and visitors). Data triangulation was performed between physical observation, semiotic readings, and informant narratives. Results show that Masjid Po Teumeureuhom achieved grandeur in 7 of 9 compositional elements studied, whereas Masjid Raya Pidie-Labui achieved grandeur in only 3 elements, with its primary weakness being the inconsistency of style adoption that obscures architectural identity. These findings imply that architectural grandeur in mosques is not solely determined by building size, but by the consistency of meaning, integrity of cultural identity, and historical depth embedded in each architectural element.
Abstract: A comparative study on grandeur perception in mosque architecture in Aceh, specifically between historic and modern buildings through a semiotic approach, has not previously been conducted. This study aims to identify and compare the architectural and non-architectural elements that constitute the perception of grandeur in Masjid Po Teumeureuhom (1...
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Research Article
The Effectiveness of Passive Security Design Strategies in Event Centre Architecture in Nigeria
Abdullahi Yusuf*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
61-70
Received:
6 May 2026
Accepted:
15 May 2026
Published:
4 June 2026
Abstract: The growing frequency of security events in public assembly buildings has created a demand for design-based security techniques that enhance safety without sacrificing architectural quality or user experience. Passive security design solutions, which rely on environmental design rather than mechanical surveillance, offer a long-term and non-intrusive method of crime prevention. This study investigates the effectiveness of passive security design solutions in event centre architecture in Nigeria, using Abuja as a case study. A structured questionnaire was administered to 112 built-environment professionals, including architects, engineers, event centre managers, and security personnel. Cronbach's alpha values varied from 0.679 to 0.818, demonstrating adequate internal consistency. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), mean score ranking, and the Kruskal-Wallis H tests. The findings indicate that landscape and building design are the most effective passive security strategies (RII = 0.766), followed by access control and physical security measures. Major roadblocks include high initial costs, regulatory constraints, and a lack of professional capability. Resistance to change, skilled labour availability, and material access all demonstrated statistically significant differences between professional and age groups. According to the study, including passive security early in the planning phase can significantly increase safety at Nigerian event venues. Aside from identifying effective solutions, the article provides a feasible multi-layered design framework that incorporates passive security concepts into site layout, spatial zoning, illumination, and supporting technology. Architects and policymakers can use a design-based framework and spatial strategy to build safer event centre environments.
Abstract: The growing frequency of security events in public assembly buildings has created a demand for design-based security techniques that enhance safety without sacrificing architectural quality or user experience. Passive security design solutions, which rely on environmental design rather than mechanical surveillance, offer a long-term and non-intrusi...
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Research Article
Assessing Child-friendliness of Open Play Areas in Dhaka's Private Apartment Complexes
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
71-84
Received:
16 May 2026
Accepted:
1 June 2026
Published:
18 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaaa.20261202.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In the rapidly urbanizing city of Dhaka, the availability of open play spaces within private apartment complexes represents a critical yet systematically overlooked dimension of urban residential planning. With the rapid expansion of urban infrastructure and increasing land scarcity, unstructured outdoor play opportunities for children have significantly diminished. Bangladesh's National Children's Policy (BNCP) explicitly recognizes play as a fundamental right of children, stipulating that all environments inhabited by children should meet child-friendly standards. Existing regulations under Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 2020 and Dhaka Imarat Nirman Bidhimala (DINB) 2008 mandate that private apartment complexes constructed on a minimum of 20 katha of land must allocate designated portions for children's open play areas. However, despite these regulatory frameworks, the degree to which these play areas satisfy child-friendly criteria remains largely unexplored, and the perspectives of primary users—parents and children—are seldom integrated into planning and evaluation processes. This study critically assesses the current state of children's open play spaces across three private apartment complexes in three distinct residential areas of Dhaka city. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines structured questionnaires administered to parents, focus group discussions with children, and a checklist-based physical assessment aligned with established child-friendly criteria. Furthermore, this study examines the degree of compliance with existing regulations governing children’s play spaces in apartment complexes. Findings reveal systemic deficiencies across physical, environmental, cognitive, and social parameters—including inadequate safety measures, restricted accessibility, poor hygiene management, and insufficient play equipment. No complex fully complied with the minimum regulatory requirement of allocating 10% of total land area to children's play space. These findings offer crucial insights into existing gaps in play area provision and inform the design of more effective strategies for future urban and residential development in Dhaka.
Abstract: In the rapidly urbanizing city of Dhaka, the availability of open play spaces within private apartment complexes represents a critical yet systematically overlooked dimension of urban residential planning. With the rapid expansion of urban infrastructure and increasing land scarcity, unstructured outdoor play opportunities for children have signifi...
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