Architectural design strategies for enhancing green roof permeability as inclusive urban public realms in Malaysian cities

Rapid urbanisation in Malaysian cities has accelerated the depletion of green spaces, demanding the need for innovative architectural strategies that promote environmental and social resilience. Green roofs, while widely recognised for their ecological benefits, remain underutilised as inclusive public spaces. This research addresses that gap with the aim to develop architectural design strategies to enhance the permeability and accessibility of green roofs, positioning them as integral components of the urban public realm. The study pursues four objectives; to identify key parameters of building accessibility through theoretical and precedent analyses of urban connectivity, evaluate these parameters via building simulations and assessments reflecting public-space functions, formulate design strategies derived from mixed-method analysis, and validate the resulting framework through expert and stakeholder feedback. Using convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, the study integrates thematic analysis, document reviews, DepthmapX space syntax simulations, observational building assessments, and focus group discussions. Findings reveal nine critical parameters, namely location, signage, safety, capacity, amenities, maintenance, accessibility for all, community engagement, and educational integration that collectively inform the theoretical and conceptual framework specifically aimed towards developing architectural strategies for enhancing green roof permeability as inclusive urban public realm in Malaysian cities. These frameworks provide a structured reference for architects and planners to assess and design green roofs as accessible, socially engaging, and environmentally responsive public spaces. The research contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 10 and SDG 11) by promoting inclusive design principles within urban sustainability agendas. Its outcomes offer practical implications to inform urban policy, architectural education, and professional design practice, advancing the discourse on socially sustainable architecture and reinforcing the role of green roofs as inclusive permeable extensions of public realm within the built environment in Malaysian cities.