Enhancing Social Integration and Spiritual Wellness Through Islamic Courtyard Garden (ICG)

This study investigates the potential of Islamic Courtyard Gardens (ICGs) to enhance social interaction and spiritual wellness within modern campus environments. While Islamic gardens have historically symbolized paradise and served as spaces for reflection and community, their role in contemporary architectural and urban planning, particularly within educational institutions, remains underutilised. This research addresses the gap by exploring how well-designed ICGs can foster social integration and spiritual wellness. The study focuses on case studies of two Islamic courtyards at the Tuanku Muhriz Islamic Center (TMIC) at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and Masjid Al-Azhar at Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS). The research methods include site observation and questionnaires survey. The key finding suggests that while the Al-Azhar Mosque courtyard garden better meets users' needs than TMIC, enhancing TMIC with seating, lighting, water features, and diverse vegetation could improve its appeal. While opinions on spiritual wellness are varied, there is strong agreement on the positive impact these spaces have in nurturing it. The study offers architectural and landscape insights to optimise ICGs in educational settings, advocating for their wider use to enhance social cohesion and well-being in academic communities.