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Abstract
Malaysian youth has been culturally diverse for more than 1500 years since the Malay kingdom welcomed traders from China and India. They brought many different commodities and different cultures and religions. This unique cultural identity has resulted in young people being brought up in a variety of different ways, with different beliefs and ideologies. When these young people convene at communal spaces such as universities, inter-cultural miscommunication and clashes among them can arise as the different cultures collide. These clashes clearly portray the disadvantages of cultural diversity in communities, which may lead to segregation among students. As such, the purpose of this research study was to investigate techniques of improving architectural designs of universities in order to minimize cultural clashes among youth. A theoretical study of university students was conducted to find out their methods of socializing and how they cooperate with each other in the environment created at universities. An analysis of the theoretical study was carried out to investigate how the architecture of the buildings increases or decreases the risk of cultural clashes and conflicts among students. This study concentrates on a theoretical framework based on a literature review conducted. Journal articles on the research topic were critically analysed and background information on the topic was gathered. The results revealed that a naturally and brightly illuminated environment, together with an open planned structure, encourages better interaction among the students and allows for improved communication and openness. This improved communication enhances cultural unity among the students. The research gathered for this study thus concludes that the use of the communicative role of architecture together with open design, attractive interiors and good security of the built environment reduces clashes among the youth, resulting in harmonious and conducive environments that are ideal at universities.