ASSESSING USABILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN MOSQUE DESIGN

Abstract

This study evaluates the usability and accessibility of mosque environments for persons with disabilities (PwDs) by applying Universal Design principles. Although many mosques incorporate accessibility features to comply with regulatory requirements, compliance alone does not necessarily ensure meaningful, independent, and dignified participation in worship. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising site observations, questionnaires involving mosque users (n = 30), and semi-structured interviews with architectural professionals and mosque stakeholders. The assessment examined key usability dimensions, including entrances, circulation routes, prayer halls, ablution facilities, sanitary amenities, and wayfinding systems. The findings reveal that while mobility-related provisions are generally adequate, significant shortcomings remain in sensory accessibility, ergonomic ablution facilities, and inclusive prayer arrangements. The study demonstrates that regulatory compliance alone is insufficient to achieve practical usability and holistic inclusion. By integrating user experiences with architectural evaluation, this research proposes a user-centred evaluation framework that bridges the gap between accessibility standards and real-world usability, providing evidence-based recommendations for the design and retrofitting of inclusive mosque environments. The findings advance Universal Design research while offering practical guidance for architects, policymakers, and mosque administrators seeking to create equitable and accessible places of worship.