Published Paper Details:

This paper examines the conflicts surrounding gender-specific movement within Islamic households, with a particular focus on the principles of visual privacy as outlined in Islamic teachings. Visual privacy, in this context, is defined as the ability to carry out daily activities within the home without being seen or fearing being observed by outsiders. The design of urban dwellings often influences the level of residential visual privacy, especially in homes owned or rented by Islamic families, which may not always conform to the privacy guidelines prescribed in the Quran and Hadith. The study analyzes 22 Islamic dwellings, assessing them based on three key sub-principles of visual privacy. The findings indicate that many homes face challenges in facilitating free movement, suggesting a need for more culturally appropriate zoning solutions to safeguard the privacy rights of Islamic residents. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical importance of visual privacy in residential design, particularly within Islamic contexts. It stresses the need to reduce external intrusion and protect private spaces, especially for females, through thoughtful zoning and design strategies. Key considerations include shielding spaces such as the kitchen from public view and ensuring gender-segregated areas. While minor adjustments, such as window coverings, are commonly made, more comprehensive design solutions are required. Guided by Islamic cultural principles, these designs should ensure that privacy aligns with social values. Future research could further explore the impact of these considerations on privacy in urban neighborhoods with mixed populations and in predominantly Islamic communities.