The Concept of Universal Design in Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings: A Naqli Perapective Towards Inclusive Conservation

This conceptual paper examines the integration of Universal Design (UD) in the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings through a Naqli-based ethical perspective, advancing inclusive conservation aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.4. Although adaptive reuse promotes cultural continuity and sustainability, heritage environments in Malaysia often remain physically and socially exclusive, particularly for persons with disabilities. Despite regulatory mechanisms such as the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (Act 685) and the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL 34A), accessibility in heritage contexts is inconsistently applied, frequently limited to technical compliance without moral or cultural grounding. This study aims to develop a Naqli-Based Conceptual Framework for Inclusive Heritage Conservation, synthesizing insights from global conservation charters, Malaysian policy frameworks, and Islamic ethical sources. Employing a qualitative interpretivist approach, the research analyzes how international charters, national regulations, and Naqli principles conceptualize inclusivity within adaptive reuse. Findings reveal a persistent imbalance between material preservation and social accessibility where global charters emphasize participation without operationalizing UD, Malaysian standards enforce access yet neglect ethical and spiritual imperatives, and Islamic teachings advocate raḥmah (compassion), ʿadl (justice), and maṣlaḥah (public welfare). The proposed framework bridges these divides by embedding Islamic ethics within conservation practice, reframing accessibility as both a professional obligation and a moral responsibility. It offers a spiritually grounded yet practically actionable model that unites Universal Design, policy, and ethical stewardship toward inclusive, equitable, and sustainable heritage environments.