This could be mainly due to planners in the local authorities only being exposed to a single culture and being unaware of the sensitivities of other cultures, Professor Tajuddin Rasdi said.
The UCSI University architecture lecturer said a housing estate should cater for all communities, beginning from design of the overall development to the activities available for residents.
He said at present city folks did not mingle with their neighbours.
“They go to work and shut their doors after work. They do not mingle with other ethnic groups.
“To make the different races mingle, community centres need to evolve from their present function.
“The local authorities could employ two workers in each community centre, and get them to collect data on the residents, compiling information like age, number of men, women, as well as the racial and religious breakdown.
“Using this, they can draw up relevant activities for the residents there,” he told FMT.
He said at present, community centres were only used for weddings and festive open house functions.
The author of “Architecture and Nation Building – Multiculturalism and Democracy” said relevant and interesting activities would encourage people of all races to participate in community activities.
Also, Tajuddin said, buildings in Peninsular Malaysia should represent the unique features of the three main cultures – Malay, Chinese and Indians.
“Local councils must make sure they incorporate all three elements into their designs and not focus on one particular culture,” he said, adding that there was still a lack of community buildings for the various faiths in housing estates.
“Make sure there are mosques, temples and churches.
“But let’s not be too institutional with Ottoman monster mosques or Chartres Cathedral-like churches or temples.
“These have to blend in with the housing estates.”
Face-to-face windows
Tajuddin also pointed out certain flaws in the design of houses in a residential development project.
The first was the obvious face-to-face windows in the front and back part of terrace houses.
He said architects had mindlessly designed the houses with regards to the location of windows, and this does not allow for privacy.
“The aroma of cooking or frying of certain food among Malay and Chinese families can put a strain on healthy relationships,” he said, suggesting chimney stacks be added to dissipate the aroma away to make the different racial groups less uncomfortable.
Bedroom windows could also be an issue, with occupants having to put up curtains to ensure privacy.
Tajuddin said this could be easily rectified by placing windows for lighting and ventilation nearer the ceiling and smaller windows below for viewing purposes.
Porch designs should also take note of the Chinese custom of burning joss sticks when offering prayers, with a metal chimney, placed discretely, to lead away the smoke.
Tajuddin said such care in designing houses and other properties was crucial to ease the strained race relations seen in many housing estates in Malaysia.