Curriculum Vitae

DR. NAJAH BINTI MD ALWI

Senior Lecturer
  • Department of Architecture
    Faculty of Built Environment
  • najah.alwi
  • 0379676899

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Najah Md Alwi (Flor) specializes in sustainable architecture and inclusive urban design.  She has over fifteen years of international experience in New Zealand, Malaysia, and the UK, studying energy-efficient buildings and inclusive urban spaces, as well as working as a Part II LAM/RIBA Graduate.

Dr. Najah is also a Green Building Index (GBI) accredited professional since 2012, a current PAM ESG Committee member, and a Council Member of EUROPH for Human Habitat & Settlement. With a PhD in Social Science (Architecture & Urban Landscape) and a master's in Sustainable Design, she actively collaborates with various construction industries and policymakers to advocate climate resilience and net-zero buildings.

Dr. Najah is part of the research supervision team at Universiti Malaya. Interchangeably a member of the Green Sustainable Architecture Lab (GSAL) and Urban Community Architecture Lab (UCAL), she contributes to sustainable design innovations and advocates for a low-carbon future and social well-being. Currently her research centers on circular economy and green infrastructure technologies.

She welcomes PhD and master’s students interested in exploring research to sustainable design, life cycle and connectivity in urban design. Students who wish to explore the intersection of governance, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability in architecture and urban spaces are also encouraged to apply.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • SUSTAINABLE AND GREEN ARCHITECTURE (INCLUDING BUILDING AND ENERGY PERFORMANCE, GREEN BUILDING, BUILDING INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOUR, ENVIRONMENTAL NARRATIVE, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESILIENCY, SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, SMART CITIES, ECO-CITIES, RESILIENT CITIES AND FUTURE CITIES)
    Applied Science And Technology, Architecture, Specialist Topics In Architecture
  • PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR IN ARCHITECTURE (INCLUDING AGEING CULTURE AND HOUSING, CHILD-FRIENDLY ARCHITECTURE, ARCHITECTURE RITUALS, , ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION, ARCHITECTURE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION, PSYCHOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE, ARCHITECTURE AND WELL-BEING AND CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSITION)
    Applied Science And Technology, Architecture, Specialist Topics In Architecture
  • BUILDING ASSESSMENT
    Applied Science And Technology, Architecture, Specialist Topics In Architecture
  • ARTS AND URBANISM IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
    Applied Science And Technology, Landscape Architecture, Specialist Topics In Landscape Architecture
  • GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
    Environment Sustainability, Conservation And Replacement
  • RESILIENT RURAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
    Economic Empowerment, Economic Equity

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

  • Dip.Arch (LAM & RIBA Part 1), (Architecture)
    Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
  • M.Arch (Sustainable Design), (Architecture)
    University of Auckland
  • DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, (Architecture)
    University of Nottingham
  • B.Arch (RIBA PART II), (Architecture)
    Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

MEMBERSHIPS

  • ROYAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS, MEMBER
    2025 to 2025 (International)
  • LEMBAGA ARKITEK MALAYSIA, MEMBER
    2025 to 2025 (National)
  • PERTUBUHAN ARKITEK MALAYSIA, MEMBER
    2025 to 2025 (National)
  • MALAYSIA GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, MEMBER
    2025 to 2025 (National)
  • EASTERN REGIONAL ORGANISATION FOR PLANNING AND HOUSING, BOARD MEMBER
    2024 to 2025 (International)
  • GRADUATE ARCHITECT, MEMBER
    2024 to 2025 (National)
  • CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDING INDEX FACILITATOR, MEMBER
    2024 to 2024 (National)
  • GRADUATE ARCHITECT, MEMBER
    2024 to 2024 (National)
  • ACADEMIC MEMBER MALAYSIAN GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, COMMITTEE MEMBER
    2024 to 2024 (National)
  • ESG COMMITEE, MEMBER
    2023 to 2024 (National)
  • GRADUATE ARCHITECT (PAM), COMMITTEE MEMBER
    2023 to 2023 (National)
  • GRADUATE ARCHITECT (LAM PART II), MEMBER
    2023 to 2023 (National)
  • ELECTED NON CORPORATE COUNCIL MEMBER FOR PERTUBUHAN ARCHITECT MALAYSIA, BOARD MEMBER
    2021 to 2022 (National)

AWARD AND STEWARDSHIP

  • Architect Fellowship as Speaker for Manifesto Relay Copenhagen Architecture Festival 2023
    2023, Union of International Architects,  (International)
  • Education Innovation Award 2022 : A SPACE TO GROW OLD
    2022, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, International
  • Best Presenter of Paper
    2022, Taylor's University, International
  • EDUCATION INNOVATION 2021: LEMBAH SIREH WEB APP
    2021, CARNIVAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION, National
  • EDUCATION INNOVATION AWARD 2021: SONATA : MOBILISED ARCHITECTONIC STREET FURNITURE WITH MULTI- TRANSFORMATION
    2021, CARNIVAL RESEARCH & INNOVATION, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA KELANTAN, National

PUBLICATIONS

Article in Journal
  1. Adam, M., Subramaniam, K. N., Ab Ghafar, N., Md Alwi, N., & Baydoun, Z. (2025). AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN PERCEIVING CAMPUS LEGIBILITY THROUGH COGNITIVE MAPPING. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 23(38). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1811
  2. Najah, M. A., & Mokhtar, N. (2025). Embracing circular economy in Malaysia’s construction industry: Readiness, challenges, and strategic pathways. Planning Malaysia Journal, 23(4), xx–xx.
  3. Alwi, N. Story 34. Burns, T., Desire, J., Gordon, J., McDonald, P. and Sinfield, S. (eds.) (2022) Say it with a story. The #creativeHE Annual 2022. Creativity for Learning in Higher Education Community, #creativeHE, DOI: 10.25416/NTR.21806085
ESCI
  1. Anuar, Nor Hafizah; Tharazi, Muhammad Ilmam; Faudzi, Yasmin Mohd; Alwi, Najah Md. (2022). The Devil in the Details: Analysing the Ethno-Cultural Blending in Malaysian Museum Buildings, JOURNAL OF URBAN CULTURE RESEARCH. 25, 101-113
Scopus
  1. Hassan K., Mohamad W.S.N.W., Hasan R., Alwi N.M. (2023). PERCEPTUAL DIFFERENCES OF TREE REMOVAL IN DEVELOPMENT AREAS AMONG LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS, Planning Malaysia. 21(5), 173-187. doi:10.21837/pm.v21i29.1363
Chapter in Books
  1. Najah Md Alwi. (2025). From classroom to community: Empowering Year 2 architecture students as SDGs champions. In H. A. M. Tahir (Ed.), Catalysts for change: Community, youth, and innovation in environmental sustainability (pp. 165–191). Persatuan Promosi Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari.
  2. Alwi, N. M. & Mazlan, I. M. (2023). Architecture and the Everyday: Analysing Malaysian Cross-Cultural Coffee Spaces. In N. Peng & U. Sonet (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Inclusive and Innovative Architecture and the Built Environment (pp. 340-353). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8253-7.ch018
  3. Anuar, N. H., Alwi, N. M., Hanafi, N. N., Mohamad, J., & Nasir, S. N. (2023). Re-Imagining Kedai Pati: Local Third Places, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. In N. Peng & U. Sonet (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Inclusive and Innovative Architecture and the Built Environment (pp. 354-367). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8253-7.ch019
  4. Nasir, S. N., Ariffin, N. H., Alwi, N. M., Aziz, S., Amin, N. ., & Maharimi, M. F. (2023). Pragmatic Consideration on Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Healthy Homes. In N. Peng & U. Sonet (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Inclusive and Innovative Architecture and the Built Environment (pp. 319-338). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8253-7.ch017
Article in Proceeding
  1. Mukhtar, S. N., & Alwi, N. M. (2025). Reviewing the benefits of environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach in urban green spaces. In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Urban Planning (ICUP 2025) (pp. 343–348). Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. https://icup.rs/archive/2025/ICUP2025.pdf
  2. Mohamad, J., Hanafi, N. N. H., Anuar, N. H., Alwi, N. M., & Nasir, S. N. C. M. (2023). Reshaping History: Modernising Heritage Timber Buildings through Adaptive Reuse - Lessons from Istana Jahar.
  3. N M Alwi et al 2023 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1205 012043 DOI 10.1088/1755-1315/1205/1/012043
  4. Nasir, S. N. C. M., Ismail, W. O. A. S. W., Aziz, S., Anuar, N. H., Alwi, N. M., & Razali, N. H. M. (2023). Eco living An effective interior spatial planning as an intervention towards healthy living environment - IOPscience. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1205(1), 012084. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1205/1/012084/meta.
  5. N. Md Alwi. (2018). Culture and Identity in Public Green Spaces: The Story of Suropati and Menteng Park in Central Jakarta, Indonesia - the IAFOR Research Archive. ISSN: 2432-8642 U2013 the IAFOR International Conference on Sustainability. Energy & the Environment U2013 Hawaii 2018 Official Conference Proceedings. https://papers.iafor.org/submission39085/
Scopus
  1. Flor J.-F., Porras-Salazar J.A., Alwi N.M., Beccarelli P. (2025). Tunable foil pneu: A concept study on kinetic shading systems for climate-sensitive building envelopes, AIP Conference Proceedings. 3271(1). doi:10.1063/5.0258553
Other Publications
  1. Suhaiza Hanim, D. S. D. M. Z., Mustapha, M., Sulaiman, M., Ahmad, I., Nik Mariam, N. S., Nurin Wahidah, Z., Shaifulazuar, R., Salwa Hanim, A. R., Sarah Aziz, A. G. A., Noor Zalina, M., Adznir, M., Erialdi, S., Najah, M. A., Cheah, C. F., Nurul Ashikin, A., Siti Nazziera, M., Nik Zirwatul Fatihah, I., Norsyuhada, J., & Izzatulfatiha, A. (2025, January). Laporan lawatan penanda aras kajian rangka ekonomi ke Jerman, Jepun, China, dan Singapura. Ungku Aziz Centre (UAC), Universiti Malaya. - Technical Report
  2. Ed. N.Md Alwi (2023) 40 Under 40: Malaysian Emerging Architects. Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia. - Editorial Material
  3. Md Alwi, N., Isa, Mariana (2023) The James Robert Vethavanam Inaugural Memorial Lecture + Roundtable, KLAF Official Logbook Vol (2),111-114. - Mass Media(newspaper,radio,tv,popular Magazine)
  4. Md. Alwi, Najah. (2023, December). 40 Under 40 FEATURE. Architecture Malaysia, Vol 35.4 (Quarterly), 70–82. - Mass Media(newspaper,radio,tv,popular Magazine)

RESEARCH INTEREST

  • Green Building & Sustainability (Materials, Building Construction, Land Use)
  • Post Occupancy Evaluation (BIPV, automation, smart systems)
  • Social Spaces (Culture, Human experience, Third space, Land Use)
  • Study of sensory spaces (POE, Environmental psychology, the play of light, or the ambient soundscape)

RESEARCH PROJECT

National
  1. 2024 - 2026, Government Agency
    Kajian Rangka Kerja Kitaran Ekonomi Di Malaysia ( Co-Researcher)
  2. 2024 - 2026, UNIVERSITI MALAYA RESEARCH EXCELLENCE GRANT (UMREG)
    The Role of Spatial Configuration on the Sense of Belonging in Malaysian Public Secondary School Projects ( Co-Researcher)
  3. 2025 - 2026, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF UNIVERSITI MALAYA CAMPUS TOWARDS NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS ( Co-Researcher)
  4. 2025 - 2026, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    LEARNING AND MAKING CARBON VISIBLE: A LIVING LAB PILOT OF MERCU ALAM BINA'S OPERATIONAL AND WHOLE-LIFE CARBON TOWARDS UM?S NET ZERO VISION ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  5. 2025 - 2026, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF A CIRCULAR CAMPUS: INTEGRATED WASTE COLLECTION AND DATA MANAGEMENT AT UNIVERSITI MALAYA ( Co-Researcher)
  6. 2024 - 2025, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    Green Infrastructure Networks: Designing Interconnected Urban Green Spaces For Enhanced Biodiversity Within Lingkungan Budi, Universiti Malaya ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  7. 2024 - 2025, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    Striving For Sustainable Campus : A Focus On Green Building Principles At Universiti Malaya ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  8. 2024 - 2025, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    Strategies For Balancing Heritage Authenticity And Sustainability Heritage Buildings In Um Upon Rehabilitation ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  9. 2024 - 2025, UM Living Labs @ UMSDC
    Balancing Heritage Preservation And Modern Architecture Through Design: Case Studies From Um's Historic Buildings ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  10. 2024 - 2025, RU Geran - UMCares
    "CREATICE CHAOS: DRAW, DESIGN, AND RECYCLE WITH FLAIR!" ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  11. 2020 - 2022, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    COMPARING POLICY INTERPRETATION OF LIVEABILITY WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE IN URBAN NEIGHBOURHOOD ( Co-Researcher)
  12. 2020 - 2022, UMK Fundamental Grant
    Toward Resilient School Building: Conceptual Design ( Principal Investigator(PI))
  13. 2020 - 2021, Covid Special Grant UMK C19SG
    Kajian rekaletak Ruang- ruang sementara khusus Covid-19 terhadap kesiapsiagaan penerimaan penyakit berjangkit ( Co-Researcher)

ACADEMIC/ PROF. SERVICES

Evaluation
  1. (2025) An Inclusive Design Framework for Comprehensive Parks in Context of Social Sustainability: a Case Study of Qingdao, a New First-tier City in China, University, (Internal Examiner)
  2. (2025) World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies, International, (Reviewer)
  3. (2025) Ahli Editorial Board, National, (Reviewer)
  4. (2024) The Home and The World: Socio-spatial Belongings in Indian Picturebooks, International, (Reviewer)
  5. (2024) Role of Pocket Parks in Preserving The Cultural Values of Urban Environment., International, (Reviewer)
  6. (2024) Assessment for Final Year Project University Tun Hussein Onn, National, (External Examiner)
  7. (2023) Design Studio Semester 5 for Bachelor's of Architecture in Taylor's University, International, (External Assessor)
  8. (2023) Adaptation of Machine Learning in Information and Communication Technology (ict) Project Planning: a Bibliometric Analysis Using Bibliometric R-tool, International, (Reviewer)
  9. (2023) Utilisation of Cost-effective Design Alternatives for Optimal Lecture Rooms Acoustic Performance, International, (Reviewer)
  10. (2023) Sustainable Green Building Initiatives in Malaysia: Issues in Implementation, International, (Reviewer)
Contribution to external organisation
  1. (2025) Final Presentation Year One Taylor's Univeristy, National, (Resource Person)
  2. (2025) Collaborator Summer Tropical Programme USM- Konstanz Vertical Village, International, (Research Fellow/Associate)
  3. (2025) External Panel for Interim Crit, National, (Resource Person)
  4. (2024) Working Abroad in Architectural Practices Around The World, National, (Resource Person)
Contribution to event
  1. (2025) Rapporteur for Townhall, National, (Event Coordinator)
  2. (2024) Jury for Asean Postgraduate Conference 2024, National, (Panelist/Moderator)
  3. (2023) Main Rapporteur, International, (Panelist/Moderator)
Media appearance
  1. (2023) Cakap Cakap Graduate Architect in Council Election 2023, National, (Panelist/Moderator)

TEACHING

Master
  1. (2024) BQD7010 - Architectural Design Thesis Lab I
  2. (2024) BQD7015 - Architectural Design Thesis Lab Ii
  3. (2024) BQD7017 - Architectural Research Ii
Bachelor
  1. (2025) BIA3027 - Working Drawing
  2. (2024) BIA1020 - Architectural Design Studio I
  3. (2024) BIA2025 - Architectural Design Studio Iv
  4. (2024) BIA3027 - Working Drawing
  5. (2023) BIA2020 - Architectural Design Studio III
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
  1. (2026) BIA1020 - Architectural Design Studio I
  2. (2025) BIA1025 - Architectural Design Studio Ii
  3. (2025) BIA1026 - Environmental Physics
  4. (2026) BIA1031 - Architectural Design Studio I
  5. (2026) BQD7002 - Green and Sustainable Technology I
  6. (2026) HQA7015 - Low Carbon Buildings

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES

  • Assistant Secretary and Council Member for The Malaysian Chapter. Chair for Sustainable Development Governance and Youth., (08 Sep 2025 - 01 Sep 2027) (National)
  • Contribution as Construction Expert for Putrajaya Net Carbon Zero Action Building Plan 2035, (21 Apr 2025 - 21 Apr 2025) (National)
  • Council Member of Earoph Malaysia, (24 Jul 2024 - 31 Jan 2026) (National)
  • Moderating Discussion Between Experts and New Graduates On Working Possibilities in Architecture Overseas, (25 May 2024 - 25 May 2024) (National)