ASSESSMENT OF PRAYER ROOM FACILITIES IN KLANG VALLEY SHOPPING CENTERS THROUGH POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION

Abstract

This study assesses the performance of prayer room facilities in Malaysian shopping centers to enhance their effectiveness and user experience. Shopping centers serve as vital urban hubs, mixing commercial and cultural activities. In Malaysia's diverse context, prayer rooms are essential for accommodating Muslim visitors' religious practices, emphasizing daily prayers. Despite their importance, many prayer rooms face challenges like ventilation, space constraints, poorly designed ablution areas, and accessibility issues. Thus, this research aims to enhance prayer room functionality and user experience by assessing user satisfaction. This research performs a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of prayer room facilities in five shopping centers within the Klang Valley, particularly in Shah Alam, Putrajaya and Petaling Jaya. By utilizing questionnaires, the study highlighted the strengths and pinpointed areas for improvement in each center. While some excelled in certain aspects, others showed deficiencies, which struggled with ablution facilities, seating arrangements, and signage clarity. This research provides valuable guidance for enhancing the design and management of prayer rooms in commercial settings. Its findings can assist local authorities in approving building plans, architects in designing, and facility managers in maintaining shopping center prayer spaces.