WEEK 1: Introduction
As a landscape architecture student, understanding sustainable development is crucial for both my studies and my role in the community. It's about finding a balance between protecting nature, promoting fairness, and fostering economic growth. Looking at my field through the 5P principles—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership—shows how it connects to broader societal goals. Sustainable development isn't just a concept; it's a mindset that encourages new ways to meet people's needs while also being good for the planet. It makes us rethink what aspects of growth should be prioritized for future generations. By embracing sustainability, my work as a landscaper contributes to society and helps create a fairer, stronger world.
I have several assignments for my course, alongside my responsibilities as a student at IIUM. Firstly, I need to write a weekly reflection for my blog, due by Week 10. In Week 11, I'll email the link to my professor at albanjari@yahoo.com, including a cover page and the subject line: "Assalamualaikum Professor, I'm Ahmad, and this is the link to the blog that I use for my reflective journal. Thanks a lot." Secondly, I must compose an article about sustainable development to submit to a newspaper for publication. By Week 12, I'll send the link to the published article to albanjari@yahoo.com. Thirdly, there's an online quiz in Week 10, with the professor providing the online form. The fourth and fifth tasks involve group assignments. My team and I will draft a proposal for our sustainable development project, due in Week 13, also emailed to albanjari@yahoo.com. Additionally, we'll create a 5-minute YouTube video about our project, due by Week 14, with the link sent to the professor's email.
WEEK 2
As a landscape architecture student, integrating Islamic principles of sustainable development enriches my understanding of ethical design. Drawing from the teachings of the Quran and the life of the Prophet (PBUH), I recognize the importance of being a responsible steward and making ethical choices in technological advancements. By embracing the triple helix relationships connecting with Allah, people, and the environment. I prioritize social justice and environmental harmony over mere technological progress. My landscaping solutions aim to support Mizan, or balance, thus enhancing people's overall well-being and resilience. As a conscientious citizen, aligning my landscaping goals with Islamic values enables me to contribute positively to society while respecting our interconnectedness with the environment.
WEEK 3
As a landscape architecture student, studying Maqasid Shariah and Sustainable Development provides me with profound insights applicable to my field. Aligning with IIUM's goals, I seek landscaping solutions that promote fairness and environmental stewardship. Integrating Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan and Maqasid Shariah principles enhances my approach, ensuring that designs meet human needs while protecting the environment. As a future landscape architect and responsible citizen, I am guided by the 5Ps framework and the SDGs, which advocate for holistic well-being. Recognizing the vital role of spirituality in sustainability inspires me to consider ethics in my design innovations. I aim to contribute to sustainable development while respecting diverse values and perspectives.
WEEK 4
Examining the international framework of sustainable development reveals that progress and prosperity are comprised of various interconnected elements. As a landscape architecture student, I recognize how this framework can inspire innovative designs that prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Understanding key conventions and agreements underscores the global commitment to harmonizing economic growth with environmental protection. Locally, the concept of Sejahtera emphasizes holistic well-being, aligning with landscape architecture principles like resilience and optimization. As a student and responsible citizen, I believe that integrating Sejahtera into landscape architecture practices fosters inclusive development. This approach ensures that technological advancements benefit society while preserving the planet's resources for future generations.
WEEK 5
I have several assignments for this course, along with numerous tasks from other classes and my responsibilities as a student at IIUM. The coursework includes both individual and group tasks. First, I need to write a weekly reflection to be posted on my personal web blog. This reflection is due by Week 10, and I will email the link to my professor at albanjari@yahoo.com in Week 11. The email subject line will be: "Assalamualaikum Professor, I'm Ahmad, and this is the link to the blog that I use for my reflective journal. Thanks a lot."Second, I must write an article on sustainable development to be submitted to a newspaper for publication. By Week 12, I will send the link to the published article to albanjari@yahoo.com. Third, there will be an online quiz in Week 10, which the professor will administer via an online form.Fourth and fifth are group assignments. My group members and I will prepare a proposal for our sustainable development project, which should be 5 to 10 pages long, single-spaced, and in Times New Roman. This proposal is due in Week 13 and will be submitted via email to albanjari@yahoo.com. Along with the proposal, we will create a 5-minute YouTube video about our sustainable development project. By Week 14, we will email the link to our YouTube video to albanjari@yahoo.com.
WEEK 6
After the lecture on the roles of universities in achieving sustainable development, I gained a profound understanding of their transformative potential. Universities are epicenters of knowledge, innovation, and societal change, with a crucial responsibility to embed sustainability principles across research, education, and operations. The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering students as agents of change, and engaging with communities to tackle pressing sustainability issues. It emphasized that universities must lead by example, adopting sustainable practices and advocating for policy reforms. This realization left me inspired, acknowledging that universities are pivotal in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. Three immediate actions university students can take include: 1. Establish student-led committees focused on sustainability within the university. These committees can organize events, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable practices and advocate for their implementation across campus. 2. Actively engage in interdisciplinary projects that address sustainability challenges. Collaborate with peers from various academic backgrounds to develop innovative solutions and contribute to research, education, and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability. 3. Participate in advocacy efforts to promote sustainable policies within the university and beyond. This can involve lobbying university administrations to adopt sustainable practices, pushing for the inclusion of sustainability in academic curricula, and joining campaigns to influence local and national policymakers to prioritize sustainability initiatives.
WEEK 7
After a quick review of this topic: The challenges of sustainable development in the economic, social, and environmental spheres highlighted a profound realization for me. It emphasized the complex interplay between these dimensions, making it clear that genuine progress requires a harmonious balance. Economic growth must be aligned with social equity and environmental conservation. The discussion shed light on the intricacies and trade-offs involved in pursuing sustainability, sparking a sense of urgency and responsibility within me. Addressing these challenges demands collective action, innovative solutions, and a fundamental shift in mindset. It's not just about mitigating risks; it's about fostering a resilient and thriving future. Immediate actions we should take include: 1. Students can create committees focused on sustainability within their university. These committees can organize events, campaigns, and initiatives to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices on campus. 2. Advocate for the university administration to adopt sustainable practices such as waste reduction, recycling promotion, use of renewable energy, and eco-friendly transportation options. 3. Host workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate students, faculty, and staff about the importance of sustainability and practical steps they can take to contribute. 4. Engage with the local community to collaborate on sustainability projects, such as community clean-ups, tree planting, or sustainable urban development initiatives. 5. Promote sustainable policies and practices within the university and beyond. Students can participate in lobbying efforts to influence local governments and policymakers to prioritize sustainability. 6. Conduct research projects focused on sustainable development challenges and solutions. Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among students from different academic backgrounds to foster innovative ideas and solutions. 7. Forge partnerships with businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other institutions working on sustainability initiatives to leverage resources and expertise. 8. Organize campaigns to promote sustainable lifestyles among students, such as reducing consumption, adopting plant-based diets, and minimizing carbon footprints. By taking these immediate actions, university students can significantly contribute to advancing sustainable development goals and creating a more equitable, prosperous, and environmentally friendly future.
WEEK 8
The lecture on SDGs 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) emphasized the intricate web of collaboration needed at all levels. It struck me how crucial it is to weave together peacebuilding, strong institutions, and global partnerships to achieve a truly sustainable future. While national and global institutions set the framework with policies and strategies, it's the local players who translate these plans into action for our communities. The lecture also resonated with me on the power individuals hold. It inspired me to consider how landscape architecture can contribute to these goals, fostering a more just, inclusive, and resilient world through the spaces we design.
WEEK 9
For Week 9's activity, we have an exciting Fieldwork adventure! we need to gear up and meet at the IIUM Gallery by 10:00 am sharp. We'll be gathering on the Ground Floor of the MAF Building (Rectory), near the IIUM Roundabout. Look for us by the Grand Stairs (behind the Roundabout, on the ground floor). Our mission? To capture a memorable group photo and embark on a captivating exploration of the gallery's treasures. Once inside the gallery, we'll sign the attendance sheet and get ready to be dazzled. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us on a captivating tour, showcasing the diverse exhibits on display. Don't forget to snap photos along the way to document this enriching experience! After soaking up the artistic atmosphere and ensuring everyone's arrived, we'll come together for a fantastic group photo. This is a chance to commemorate our shared adventure and capture the spirit of teamwork.
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