Journal of Planner and Development (JPD) is a peer-reviewed, open access academic journal published by the Urban and Regional Planning Center for Postgraduate Studies, University of Baghdad. Established in 1995, the journal provides a scholarly platform for research in urban and regional planning, urban design, sustainable development, environmental planning, spatial analysis, geoinformatics, planning technologies, urban systems, and socio-spatial development. JPD publishes Original Research Articles and Review Articles that present clear scholarly contributions to planning theory, planning methodology, spatial decision-making, urban policy, environmental sustainability, governance, built environment studies, and planning practice. The journal is published three times per year.
The circular economy and its role in reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainability
The study explores how the principles and practices of a circular economy can help reduce the amount of waste in the environment and attain sustainability in Iraq. It examines the awareness of people on the environment, their level of knowledge and behavior, the influence of the infrastructure and local policies, and the identification of the most notable barriers and motivators to implementation. The research utilized a descriptive-analytic methodology in the questionnaire that was given to a sample of 270 people. The analysis of data was done on correlation coefficients and regression. The findings revealed excessively good and positive relationships between the knowledge of the circular economy, good environmental practices, and infrastructure evaluation. The outcomes also showed that there was a moderate negative correlation of the level of awareness and environmental practices and obstacles as well which mean that the minimization of obstacles is part of the process of encouraging the adoption of the circular economy. The regression analysis showed that awareness and infrastructure were the two variables that had the greatest impact on the environmental behavior that explained 96.6 and 96.3 percentage of the variance, respectively, and obstacles affected it negatively. The research suggests the establishment of environmental infrastructure, increasing the level of community awareness, and mobilizing supportive legislation and policies. The paper finds that one of the entry points to the reduction of waste and the creation of long-term environmental and economic sustainability in Iraq is the adoption of an integrated approach to the circular economy.
circular economy, environmental waste, sustainability, environmental awareness, infrastructure, environmental policies
Green areas and their impact on the carbon footprint A study of the relationship between vegetation cover and emissions in Al-Kut city
Abstract: This study aims to analyze and demonstrate the environmental role of green spaces, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint in the city of Al-Kut, by evaluating the relationship between vegetation cover and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from urban activities. The importance of the study lies in highlighting the environmental potential of green areas as natural and effective tools for absorbing carbon dioxide and improving air quality, especially in light of rapid urban expansion and increasing climatic pressures facing Iraqi cities.. Remote sensing data were utilized through the Google Earth Engine platform to calculate the Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the period from 2003 to 2023, and to analyze the spatial and temporal changes in vegetation carbon absorption efficiency. Additionally, the carbon footprint of the city for the year 2023 was calculated using the IPCC methodology and emission factors related to energy and fuel consumption. The results revealed that the improvement in NDVI and GPP indices over the past two decades positively reflected the environmental absorption efficiency, despite increasing urbanization pressures. The study showed that the total carbon dioxide emissions in Al-Kut city for the year 2023 exceeded 1,184,290 tons of CO₂-equivalent, while the amount of carbon absorbed by vegetation was estimated at approximately 469,693 tons, highlighting a major environmental gap that necessitates effective planning interventions.. It also recommends adopting vegetation carbon indicators in local planning policies
Carbon, carbon footprint, vegetation, NDVI, GPP, Google Earth Engine, climate change, carbon imbalance.
Reviewing of Accuracy Assessment classification for Land use Map by Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
This paper presents a detailed overview of the historical development and current state of accuracy assessment in land cover mapping, specifically within the field of Remote Sensing of the Environment over the past two decades. It underscores the pivotal role accuracy assessment plays in refining land cover mapping techniques, stressing the significance of high-quality reference data, sampling methodologies, and accuracy metrics. Experience shows that urban expansion causes degradation of agricultural land, vegetation and water bodies. This urban sprawl contributes to many urban environmental problems such as poor air quality, rising temperatures and poor water quality. Accuracy assessment techniques have undergone enhancements to bolster their scientific robustness, resulting in a more stringent process. The collective body of research and practical applications has propelled accuracy assessment to a mature state. This research aims to use the best approach to estimate and evaluate the accuracy of land use map classification based on the use of high-resolution satellite images. Despite significant advancements, there remain avenues for improvement. This study identifies the necessity for improved documentation of accuracy assessment methodologies to bolster research endeavors. Moreover, as technological capabilities progress, new challenges emerge, such as the imperative to tackle the heightened capacity for extensive spatial and intensive temporal mapping of land cover. Addressing these challenges mandates the development of enhanced methodologies to effectively cope with them. Also, This paper focused on a literature review of satellite image classification techniques and their methods. We conclude from all this that the need to classify satellite images is essential to extract land use data to solve environmental problems and improve living conditions.
Remote Sensing(RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Support Vector Machine Algorithm (SVM) , Maximum Likelihood Algorithm (MLC) , Accuracy Assessment
Impact of Multistory Housing Projects on the Urban Scene (Al-Muthana Airport street)
Multistory residential buildings are prominent visual elements that may be transformed by their location and design into distinctive urban landmarks that are harmoniously integrated into the existing urban fabric or, on the contrary, may contribute to the production of visual distortion leading to a break in the urban horizon and loss of visual coherence with the surrounding environment, and the city of Baghdad has witnessed since the millennium clear transformations in its urban scene, as the vertical extension began to manifest in multiple areas, especially in its vital center, which includes a number of buildings that predominate residential character, hence the research issue emerged on. The research hypothesis is that the introduction of these projects without adhering to planning and design standards leads to confusion and distortion in the visual and sensory perception of the urban scene. The research aims to understand the relationship between Multistory residential projects and the urban scene, increase planning awareness in choosing the locations of these projects, and develop vacant spaces in an integrated manner that supports urban and urban integration. Adopting a methodology based on the descriptive, analytical and field approach, the research concluded that the absence of appropriate architectural treatments, moving away from the principle of human scale, and weak integration of sustainability concepts and visual identity are all factors that negatively affect the perception and quality of the urban scene. The research recommended the need to develop a holistic vision to integrate residential vertical projects into the urban fabric while adopting design and planning standards based on visual perception and human scale.
Multistory residential projects, Al-Muthanna Airport Street, Baghdad, Urban scene
Desertification and government measures to limit its spread in Iraqi law
Desertification is one of the most serious environmental challenges facing the world in the modern era. It represents a direct threat to natural resources and significantly impacts economic and social development in many countries, particularly those located in arid and semi-arid regions. Desertification is defined as the degradation of land in arid regions due to natural factors such as climate change, or human causes such as excessive land use, deforestation, overgrazing, and mismanagement of water resources. Desertification has become an increasingly widespread phenomenon across the world. Studies indicate that vast areas of agricultural land have been transformed into barren lands unsuitable for agriculture, leading to a decline in agricultural production, exacerbating poverty and hunger, and increasing migration rates from affected areas. Hence, it is important to raise awareness of this phenomenon, investigate its causes and effects, and identify ways to combat it through effective plans to preserve environmental balance and ensure sustainable development
desertification phenomenon, desertification, agricultural land, preventive measures, remedial measures
City Marketing Strategies and Their Impact in the Development of the City of Balad
In light of the growing urban challenges faced by developing cities, particularly in Iraq, city marketing has emerged as a promising strategic tool that can be employed to achieve sustainable urban development. This paper aims to analyze the impact of city marketing strategies on fostering sustainable urban development in the city of Balad, by drawing insights from successful global experiences in this field. The study is based on the hypothesis that the marketing strategies adopted in global cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dubai, and AlUla can be adapted and applied within the local context of Balad in a way that contributes to promoting sustainable urban development. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in the review of relevant literature and previous studies, in addition to a comparative case study approach to analyze urban marketing strategies in the four selected cities and extract applicable lessons. The findings indicate that adopting urban marketing strategies based on local identity, promoting place branding, and activating community participation can significantly enhance the city's attractiveness and improve its quality of life. The study recommends developing a localized city marketing strategy for Balad, built upon its cultural, religious, touristic, and social assets, in order to achieve the goals of sustainable urban development.
City Marketing, Balad City, Urban Development, Sustainability, Urban Competitiveness
Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Global Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Sustainable Development
The accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW) has become an escalating environmental and public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as Iraq. Landfills are nearing their full capacity, while formal waste management systems are still in the process of development. At the same time, the growing demand for energy presents an additional challenge to sustainability efforts. This study is based on the hypothesis that Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies can offer a Partial solution to both the waste crisis and energy shortages. The primary objective of this research is to examine global experiences with WtE technologies and assess their potential applicability in Iraq. The study explores various WtE methods, including incineration, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas recovery, emphasizing their environmental and economic benefits. Drawing from case studies in China, Germany, Sweden, and Japan, the research highlights key elements of success such as supportive legal frameworks, balanced risk-sharing mechanisms, and active community involvement. In contrast, Iraq faces several obstacles, including inconsistent waste composition, regulatory gaps, and limited financial capacity. The findings suggest that the successful adoption of WtE technologies in Iraq requires integrated policy reforms, sustainable financing strategies, institutional strengthening, and effective public-private partnerships. These measures are essential to ensure that WtE becomes a practical and sustainable component of Iraq’s future waste and energy management strategies.
Waste-to-Energy (WtE), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Sustainable Development, Energy Recovery, Environmental Sustainability
Surveying the Opinions of Residents and Officials on Quality of Life in Low-Income Neighborhoods: A Case Study of Al-Askari Neighborhood in Najaf 2024
In light of the increasing challenges facing cities, flexible urban design has become one of the key tools to enhance urban areas' ability to adapt to social and environmental changes. Low-income neighborhoods suffer from planning issues that affect quality of life, necessitating the adoption of flexible strategies to address these problems. The research problem is the rising social challenges in these neighborhoods due to the lack of flexibility in urban design, which exacerbates environmental, social, and economic issues. This study aims to analyze the role of flexible urban design as a strategy to address these challenges and improve quality of life, with Al-Askari neighborhood in Najaf as a case study. The research is based on the hypothesis that adopting flexible urban design principles can mitigate social challenges and enhance quality of life in low-income urban areas. To achieve this, a set of key indicators was derived from the theoretical framework, covering social, environmental, economic, and demographic dimensions. These indicators include, for example, the availability of flexible public spaces to promote social cohesion and the sustainability of natural resources to ensure urban development. The study employed field analysis by surveying residents and local officials, alongside an assessment of the urban and social reality in the study area. The findings highlight the significance of participatory planning and the development of resilient infrastructure in achieving urban sustainability, which helps mitigate social and environmental challenges. This supports the study’s hypothesis and reinforces the need to apply flexible design strategies in similar urban contexts.
Urban Resilience, Social Challenges, Urban Design, Urban Sustainability, Social Isolation
The role of kinetic facades in achieving thermal comfort for buildings/administrative buildings as a case study
Global climate change has contributed to increase number of studies investigating methods to mitigate the effects of climate change on cities in general and buildings in particular. Cities today suffer from numerous problems associated with this phenomenon, such as rising temperatures and desertification, especially in hot, arid regions, this is largely due to modern approaches in building design in general, and administrative buildings in particular, such as the construction of multi-story buildings and the use of glass facades, which exposes the inner spaces of the building to a significant thermal load. The problem addressed by this research is that most buildings suffer from thermal loads in their interior spaces and require rehabilitation to cope with climate change and rising temperatures. Therefore, the research hypothesis is that building facades are fundamental elements that shape a building's identity and play a crucial role in solar exposure and thermal loads. This research aims to adopt kinetic facades as a design and rehabilitation strategy for building facades most exposed to solar exposure, thereby reducing thermal loads, using administrative buildings as an example. Research Methodology: Kinetic facade techniques are among the most prominent modern methods for reducing the intensity of solar radiation on the building, and thus reducing thermal loads and energy consumption, especially in Iraq's hot climate. A multi-story administrative building (Ministry of Construction, Housing and Municipalities) with glass facades was adopted as a case study for application. Computer software will be used to analyze the building and design kinetic facades in a way that achieves an urban landscape within the context, leading to conclusions where the results showed the necessity of adopting these techniques in treating buildings with poor environmental performance.
kinetic façade, retrofitting buildings, climate change, solar design, thermal loads.
The role of interior design elements in enhancing privacy in the traditional Arab house (the traditional Mosul house as a model)
The traditional house reflects significant social and cultural significance. It represents a reflection of Arab heritage and family values, highlighting the continuity of heritage in the face of natural challenges, as it is influenced by environmental, heritage, and social factors. As a result of adherence to Islamic principles and consideration of the local climate, customs, and traditions, private spaces are designed for families, with an emphasis on privacy for women, especially in traditional residential design. Residential units constitute the largest amount of the total construction production in the Arab city, and are considered one of the strong influences on the internal environmental data that contradict with the external environment of the house. Therefore, the current study aims to highlight the importance of the architectural elements in the traditional heritage house that affect privacy and distinguish it with a special identity represented by the use of architectural elements that are appropriate to the environmental and social requirements of Arab society. The research methodology relied on designing a special questionnaire and the study samples were residents of traditional houses in the old city of Mosul. The method of observation and formal analysis of selected samples was adopted to explore the design characteristics that enhance visual privacy. It was found that privacy is of great importance when residents choose their homes, followed by the residential region, then the residential area and type, and finally its spatial organization. The elements of the interior design of Mosul houses are affected by (92.5%) the value of privacy, which contributes to creating a unique residential environment and a distinctive architectural identity for the region. This is achieved by using architectural elements, the most prominent of which are (the indirect entrance, the mashrabiya, the iwan, the corridors, the private rooms, and the high roof curtain). A multiple linear regression was also carried out using the SPSS program, and its results showed that the design of the entrances in the heritage houses has a significant positive impact on privacy, while the internal spaces showed a negative impact. As for the openings (windows and internal doors), their impact was slightly positive, and finally, the furniture had a somewhat negative impact.
Privacy, Traditional House, Mosul Heritage House.
The Implementing of the urban upgrading policy in informal settlements included under Decision No. 320 of 2022
Slums are considered one of the foremost problems that developing countries suffer from. We notice the expansion of the scope of this phenomenon and its repercussions in recent years in Iraq in general and in Baghdad in particular. The area of ​​encroachment for the year 2013 was (47.23 km2), while the area of ​​encroachment for the year 2022 became (81.72 km2), meaning that it has almost doubled. Therefore, it has become necessary to address this phenomenon and provide effective solutions to what exists on the ground and limit its spread. Among these solutions is the implementation of the upgrading policy, especially after the issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. 320 of 2022, which came to activate previous effective decisions issued regarding encroachment on government lands and Cabinet Resolution No. 286 of 2022 regarding the engineering and service effort team to introduce services to encroachment areas. The importance of the study and its objective is to study Resolution 320 of 2022 and clarify the criteria set by the Baghdad Municipality for its implementation and identify the slum areas covered by the resolution, with a study of the reality of the situation of District 775 (one of the nine slum areas chosen within The study relied on the descriptive analytical approach to reach the research goal, and the most important research tools are the program (Arc Gatalog 10.6), where a database was created for District 775 based on it, and the program (Arc Map 10.6), which was re-planned for District 775 based on it. The most important conclusions were when redesigning the district, it was found that it suffers from a significant shortage of services, so it needs an area of ​​(19,487 m2) as an area for educational use, (9,231 m2) for a health center, (3,535 m2) for shopping centers, and (13,257 m2) for parks. The study also reached a set of conclusions that contribute to upgrading the eight random areas that were chosen within Resolution 320, and a set of recommendations that are hoped to contribute to addressing the problem.
informal settlements, urban upgrading Decision 320, Arc Map program, District 775.
Economic Impacts of Heritage Paths Tourism )A Case Study of Heritage Paths in Old Al-Rusafa through the Nabdh Baghdad Project(
تمتلك بغداد إرثاً حضارياً وثقافياً غنياً، حيثُ كانت على مر التاريخ مركزاً للحضارة والعلم ومقصداً للزوار من شتى أنحاء العالم . إلا أن الحروب والصراعات التي شهدتها المنطقة في العقود الأخيرة أثَّرت سلباً في القطاع السياحي. يُعد تطوير المسارات التراثية في المركز التاريخي للمدينة خياراً واعداً لتنويع مصادر الدخل وتحقيق التنمية، تنبع مشكلة البحث من عدم وضوح أثر تطوير المسارات التراثية في تحفيز النشاط الاقتصادي المحلي وزيادة دخل المجتمعات المحلية. وقد أستند البحث على فرضية مفادها أن تطوير المسارات التراثية يؤدي الى تعزيز الاقتصاد المحلي وزيادة الدخل للمجتمعات المحلية. ويهدف البحث الى تحديد أثر المسارات التراثية في تحفيز النشاط الاقتصادي وزيادة دخل المجتمعات المحلية، ينعكس ذلك من خلال عدة مؤشرات مثل زيادة تدفق الزوار والإنفاق السياحي، وزيادة الاستثمارات، وخلق فرص العمل و تنمية المجتمعات المحلية، وقد اعتمد البحث على منهج عملي شمل المسح ميداني والمقابلات والاستبانات التي استهدفت الزوار وأصحاب المصلحة كل على حدة، وقد تم تحليل البينات باستعمالات مقياس ليكارت الثلاثي وبرنامج Excel مع توظيف أساليب التحليل الكمي الوصفي لاستخلاص النتائج. توصَّل البحث إلى أن تطوير المسارات التراثية لا يُعد مجرد وسيلة لحفظ التاريخ بل يمثل أيضاً مصدراً أقتصادياً مهماً قادراً على تحسين مستوى المعيشة وجودة الحياة للسكان، كما يُبرز أهمية تطوير البنية التحتية وتبني ممارسات تنموية ضمن مشروع تطوير المسارات التراثية للرصافة القديمة، ويُعد تحقيق النجاح في هذه الجهود مرهوناً تطبيق استراتيجيات تسويقية فعّالة وتعزيز التكامل بين القطاعين العام والخاص، مع مراعاة الحفاظ على الهوية الثقافية للمنطقة.
Heritage Paths, Cultural Tourism, Old Rusafa, Nabdh Baghdad Project, economic development
" Changes in the urban form of the city from the Abbasid era to the beginning of the twentieth century: a comparative study of the urban form (Baghdad as a model)
The research presents how various variables and factors interact and influence the urban form of the city over successive periods. Iraqi cities, like other cities, have witnessed numerous urban transformations due to the impact of several factors .One of the most prominent cities that embodied these changes is Baghdad, the current capital of Iraq, where the roots of its design and urban planning first emerged during the Abbasid period as a fortified circular city and a center of Islamic civilization, exemplifying power and authority. The city subsequently faced a series of challenges and changes in rulers that affected its structural composition, leading to new transformations in its architectural structure influenced by the modernity of the twentieth century. The research concludes that the change in urban form was not limited to the influence of a single factor but interacted among many factors, primarily environmental, economic, cultural, political, and religious, which contributed to shaping urban structures throughout these periods, reflecting communities and their capacity for growth and adaptation. In the circular Baghdad, political and religious factors were the most influential in the changes occurring at the urban form level, introducing new patterns that were previously unfamiliar. The city of Baghdad in the period of late Ottoman era until the beginning of the twentieth century it did not match the previously known design and planning foundations and The most influential factors are the economic and political factors. in the city and the introduction of new jobs and random expansion, which affected the privacy of the city .
Change Urban form , City of Baghdad, General shape, Nodes, Paths, Urban growth, Urban adaptation.
Spatial analysis of traffic in Hilla city
The increase in the population of Hillah city and the possibility of many of them owning a car has contributed to the increase in the number of cars day after day, and thus the increase in the rate of trips made by the city’s residents for various purposes that generate trips inside or outside the city, which has had a negative impact on the road and street network, as it has become unable to perform its function at the required level. The research aims to analyze traffic movement in Hilla city by measuring the density of transportation movement based on criteria such as street lengths, number of vehicles, and population. The research used statistical mathematical methods, field study, and traffic monitoring for vehicles and passengers to understand the current state of traffic movement on the street network in Hilla city during peak morning (7:00-8:00) and evening (2:00-3:00) hours, as well as classifying vehicle types and understanding street patterns. The research assumes that the current state of traffic movement does not match the capacity of the road network due to the high density of vehicle traffic on the network. The research used the quantitative approach to analyze daily traffic movement during peak morning and evening hours, as well as a field study that included traffic counting and analysis of vehicle traffic classification. The research found that the study area experiences a traffic surge that exceeds the designed capacity, with the morning peak hour traffic volume on 60th Street reaching 9692 vehicles per hour, exceeding the street's design capacity. The evening peak hour traffic volume reached 8596 vehicles per hour. Al-Ghadir Street ranked second in traffic congestion, with a volume of 8027 vehicles per hour. The traffic volume during the evening peak hour reached 6696.5 vehicles per hour. Baghdad Street ranked third, with a traffic volume of 7822 vehicles per hour during the morning peak hour and 7639 vehicles per hour. During off-peak days, 60th Street again ranked first in traffic congestion, with a morning peak hour volume of 8326.5 vehicles per hour and an evening peak hour volume of 6716.5 vehicles per hour. Baghdad Street ranked second, with a morning peak hour volume of 6790.25 vehicles per hour, as it is a major street that connects Hilla city to Baghdad and other provinces. The evening peak hour volume reached 6801.5 vehicles per hour. The research concluded that Hilla city's street network suffers from severe traffic congestion, with most streets operating above their design capacity (V/C>1.0), resulting in all streets being classified as having a service level of LOS F, and thus a collapse of traffic flow. The research recommends reducing private car usage and promoting the development and use of public transportation, as well as developing the street network to accommodate traffic volume, particularly on 60th and 40th Streets.
Change detection analysis of urban areas in Baghdad City using remote sensing and GIS
Urban expansion has been identified as a causative factor for numerous environmental issues in urban areas, such as diminished air quality, elevated local temperatures, and poor water quality. This research aims to detect change in urban areas in Baghdad over a period of approximately 30 years, spanning from 1993 to 2023. The Landsat (TM5, ETM+7, and OLI8) images were used in this research. After performing image pre-processing, a supervised classification was used by the Support Vector Machine (SVM) to classify the images into five land cover classes, namely urban areas, water bodies, vegetation, soil, and wetlands. The classifications' accuracy assessment for the years 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023 were 89%, 91%, 92%, and 90%, respectively. The results indicate that there has been a notable increase in urban areas over the specified time intervals. Specifically, the data shows that the urban areas experienced growth of 1.34%, 1.62%, 1.98%, and 4.54% during the time periods of 1993–2003, 2003–2013, 2013–2023, and 1993–2023, respectively.
GIS, remote sensing, change detection, LULC
Urban Resilience as a Strategic Entry Point for Post-War Reconstruction of Heritage Cities: The Case of Al-Jami’a Neighborhood in Old Mosul
Heritage cities affected by armed conflict face multifaceted challenges in their reconstruction processes that go beyond the physical dimension, encompassing social, functional, and cultural aspects. These complex conditions call for innovative planning frameworks that can adequately address such contexts. This study focuses on the historic urban fabric of Old Mosul, specifically Al-Jami’a Neighborhood, as a representative case of a war-torn heritage area that suffers from a lack of a flexible and context-sensitive reconstruction vision. The research hypothesizes that adopting urban resilience principles can significantly enhance the pace and quality of reconstruction, particularly in culturally significant environments. The study aims to analyze the relationship between urban resilience indicators and post-conflict reconstruction strategies by developing a theoretical framework derived from an extensive literature review, and then operationalizing these indicators through a structured field survey conducted with selected experts in urban planning and disaster risk management. A descriptive-comparative method was employed to link resilience concepts with the disaster management cycle (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery). The findings reveal a clear institutional and strategic gap in integrating resilience into reconstruction frameworks, despite high professional awareness of the concept’s value. The study offers a preliminary framework that can guide reconstruction in similar post-conflict urban settings and proposes targeted recommendations for embedding resilience-based approaches in urban policies, particularly those concerning heritage preservation and sustainable urban recovery.
Urban Resilience, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Old Mosul, Heritage Areas, Disaster Management, Al-Jami’a Neighborhood.
The urban landscape supporting psychological restoration A case study of the University of Baghdad-
The relationship between humans and nature has been deeply rooted since ancient times, embodying the concept of Biophilia—the innate affinity towards nature. The presence of restorative landscape features and restorative experiences of natural elements offers opportunities for relaxation and recovery from stress. This paper aims to explore the concepts and approaches that enhance the restorative urban landscape and the experience of psychological restoration. It draws on theoretical foundations from the literature to frame the research problem, aligning with attention restoration theory (ART) scales. The study hypothesizes that restorative landscape elements within the built environment can support the experience of psychological restoration. The theoretical framework of restoration is examined based on the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) scales by assessing the experiences of University of Baghdad occupants—including a sample of faculty members and students—through a questionnaire designed to capture user perceptions. The study employs a five-point Likert scale and statistical analysis using SPSS software. The findings indicate the potential of the University of Baghdad’s environment to facilitate psychological restoration, as most respondents reported a strong sense of restoration and mental recovery. Among the restorative landscape preferences, tree-lined pathways at the university's main entrance received the highest rating.
Psychological restoration, landscape architecture design, biophilia and restoration, and restorative experience environments.
The impact of decentralization in reducing the spatial development gap (Social Fund for Development projects) In Babylon Governorate
The research aims to give decentralised planning a more influential role for economic life and social development by enhancing the participation of the local community in the development process and achieving the exploitation of the local population in making development decisions and identifying priorities and needs according to the development gap. The Social Fund for Development is one of the decentralisation methods adopted by the Ministry of Planning through which development projects are prioritised according to the spatial gap with the participation of the local community. The aim is to promote rural settlements and improve the quality of life for the population by reducing the development gap and achieving a spatial balance of development to enhance the stability of rural communities. The research found that spatial decentralisation is critical for prioritising development projects according to the spatial gap of development and enhancing the confidence of local communities, especially in the remote rural settlements of Babylon Governorate. The SFD experience succeeded in prioritising development projects for areas that suffer from a spatial gap but did not meet the requirements of the development process due to low allocations. The study recommended that this experience should be reflected in various development projects that directly affect the population and meet their service needs and life aspirations by using technology to prioritise projects and elect members of community committees.
Development, spatial development gap, decentralisation, social fund
Housing deprivation: A Comparative Analytical Study
Housing deprivation is an important issue that directly affects human well-being and quality of life. Access to adequate housing is a basic necessity, as recognized by many international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Despite this, many families still struggle with inadequate housing conditions, which contributes to widening social and economic disparities. Research Problem: The study addresses the unclear understanding of the causes and factors of housing deprivation. Research Objective: This research aims to assess the levels of housing deprivation and identify the main social, economic, and urban factors that contribute to this issue. To achieve this goal, the study focuses on two neighborhoods in Baghdad: Al-Shu ’la (Neighborhood 454) and Al-Allam (Neighborhood 837). The research is based on the hypothesis that different social, economic, and urban factors influence housing deprivation. These factors can be categorized into severe deprivation (such as the inability to own a home) and moderate deprivation (related to housing conditions and access to basic services). A structured methodology was applied, including a survey-based approach with a questionnaire designed to assess objective and subjective indicators of housing deprivation. Data were analyzed using a Likert scale and Mann-Whitney test to compare levels of deprivation between the two neighborhoods. Key findings: -Severe deprivation: The study found that 54% of households in Al Shu ‘la and 44.8% in Al Allam lacked home ownership. -Housing affordability: In Al Allam, rent constitutes 32% of average monthly income, while in Al Shu ‘la, it constitutes 27%. -Housing price-to-income ratio: Housing costs in Al Allam City are 16.5 times the annual income, while in Al Shu ‘la it is 9.1 times. -Moderate deprivation: In Al Allam: Key challenges include housing maintenance, healthcare, education, recreational services, and access to public transportation. In Al Shu ‘la: The most pressing issues are construction conditions, privacy, overcrowding, waste management, and security concerns. The research reached a set of conclusions and recommendations related to the research objective.
housing deprivation, subjective indicators, objective indicators, Likert scale, Mann-Whitney test.
The impact of high-rise residential towers on urban structure
High-rise residential towers are of interest to investors in modern trends of architectural projects, as they are characterized by their ability to provide residential spaces in cities, especially those characterized by high population densities compared to the area, as high-rise towers combine modern architectural investment trends and planning challenges facing the city. In light of the planning challenges, high-rise residential towers face several challenges as a result of the high population densities in them, the most prominent of which are environmental challenges, as the towers affect the environment and the infrastructure, especially transportation, as interest in developing the infrastructure, especially transportation, is an important and simultaneous axis with planning for residential towers, as it is necessary to provide a transportation network that provides ease of movement and reduces the pressure of residents on the infrastructure in a manner that is consistent with their daily movement to reach workplaces and events. On the other hand, high-rise residential towers require in their planning to find a balanced rhythm between the urban structure and the identity of the place. High-rise residential towers provide investment opportunities if they are carried out according to a well-thought-out urban plan, taking into account the planning challenges associated with the infrastructure and the environment in a manner that ensures the quality of life for residents. In this research, the spotlight was shed on the most prominent international experiences as inspiring models, combining architectural innovation and urban planning for the purpose of achieving the goals of residential towers to benefit from the exploitation of the least area in light of taking into account planning challenges.
High-rise buildings, residential towers, planning challenges for high-rise buildings, investment projects.
The role of groundwater in the development of human settlements in semi- desert areas (Ain Al-Tamr district as a case study)
The research addressed the importance of groundwater in the development and stability of human settlements in semi-arid zones. Ain al-Tamr district in Karbala governorate was chosen as a model for this, as the excessive exploitation of groundwater without sustainable alternatives directly threatens the stability of Ain al-Tamr district, as this source has a significant impact on the stability of the district, in addition to the need for optimal exploitation of groundwater in establishing projects in agricultural, industrial, tourism and domestic activities. The study also recommended the use of new irrigation methods such as pipe irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation, and the use of appropriate groundwater management practices in the district and their sustainability to meet the challenges of water scarcity and the sustainability of this vital resource over time. Groundwater must be managed sustainably, because unsustainable reliance on it will directly threaten the social and economic stability of the region. The study also addressed the concept of sustainable development and its goals, in addition to analyzing the most important natural and human factors affecting the establishment and development of human settlements. The study addressed the most important water sources in the district, namely groundwater as the only water source in the district, and ways to exploit it. It also emphasized the importance of raising community awareness to preserve this vital resource, which is the existential reason for the settlements, and improving the use of this water would enhance the stability of the Ain al-Tamr settlements.
Development, Sustainability, Groundwater, Human Settlements
Rural Development Experiences to Improve Rural Settlement in Iraq (1951-2024)
The research primarily targeted Iraqi experiences in rural development to improve rural stability, as rural stability is a pivotal element in the progress of societies. Rural development plays an important role in achieving this stability by raising the standard of living, providing job opportunities, developing basic facilities, and supporting community participation. The research addressed the most prominent impacts of the Iraqi experience in the scope of rural development and rural stability. The research aims to identify the most prominent characteristics of the Iraqi experience and employ them within the framework of rural stability, study and analyze the developments that occurred in rural stability in Iraq during the period (1951-2024), and identify the factors influencing the development of rural stability. The research was based on the hypothesis that the Iraqi experience in achieving rural stability throughout the period (1951-2024) led to fundamental impacts on rural development patterns and the achievement of positive transformation of rural settlements. One of the most important conclusions achieved is the role of development projects and their contribution to rural development of rural settlements and providing them with public social services (health and education) and technical and economic services to serve the agricultural reality, while applying modern methods of water rationing (such as fixed and pivot sprinklers) that support the rural economy. One of the most important recommendations was the need to integrate irrigation projects, housing, and basic services into integrated plans to ensure rural stability and reduce migration.
Development, rural stability, rural development, modern villages, irrigation technologies.
Application of Feng Shui Philosophy and Space Syntax Analysis to Improve the Quality of Urban Spaces A Case Study of Al-Ghazaliya Area in Baghdad
This research studies the impact of Feng Shui principles and place energy on public urban spaces, focusing on analyzing urban spaces in Al-Ghazaliya area in Baghdad city using spatial analysis techniques and DepthmapX 0.8.0 program. The research aims to link the results with the concepts of Feng Shui philosophy to improve the quality of life and enhance social interaction in the urban environment, as the research focuses on understanding the dynamics of the urban network through key indicators such as connectivity, integration, mean depth, and choice, in addition to analyzing the energy impact of these indicators according to the concepts of energy balance in Feng Shui. The research problem is that urban spaces in modern cities, including Al-Ghazaliya area in Baghdad, suffer from weak social interaction and low quality of life due to the design of public spaces that impede the flow of energy "Chi". Accordingly, the research hypothesis was formulated that it is possible to improve the quality of public spaces and increase social interaction in Al-Ghazaliya area in Baghdad by applying spatial analysis techniques and Feng Shui philosophy. Achieving energy balance in urban network design contributes to enhancing the flow of "Chi" energy. Therefore, the research aims at two main aspects: the first is to apply the Feng Shui philosophy to understand the impact of "Chi" energy balance on the quality of life in public spaces, and the second is to analyze urban spaces in Al-Ghazaliya area using space analysis techniques (Space Syntax) to evaluate the efficiency of the urban network. The results showed noticeable differences in the efficiency of the urban network, as some areas enjoy positive energy flow that enhances social interaction, while other areas suffer from energy stagnation due to weak communication and integration and high average depth. The results also emphasized the importance of improving the connection of peripheral areas to vital centers to reduce energy isolation and enhance the balance between different spaces. One of the most prominent conclusions is that integrating space analysis with Feng Shui philosophy is an effective approach to analyzing and improving the design of urban spaces, which contributes to raising the quality of life and enhancing urban sustainability. The most important recommendation reached by the research is the need to improve the design of the urban network by enhancing integration and communication between different spaces, while introducing natural and aesthetic elements such as plants and water bodies to support the flow of "Chi" energy and achieve energy balance.
Feng Shui, Space Syntax, Quality of Urban Spaces, Energy Balance, Social Interaction
Extraction of Water Bodies Maps Using Remote Sensing Data and GIS Technique
The extraction of water bodies maps using remote sensing and GIS is a crucial aspect of environmental monitoring and management. Remote sensing technology, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, allows for the collection of data on water bodies from a large spatial scale, while GIS enables the analysis and visualization of this data in a spatial context. This combination of technologies has revolutionized how water bodies are mapped and monitored, providing valuable information for a wide range of applications, including water resource management, environmental impact assessment, and disaster management. By using several techniques, such as unsupervised classification and the water index methods like normalized difference water index and the modified normalized difference water index for the study area for the investigation of the most efficient approach for extracting water body maps, these water bodies have significant impacts on climate dynamics, biodiversity, and human welfare. In this study, we employ two Sentinel-2 satellite pictures to make high-resolution maps of the Darbandikhan Dam lake surface water using remote sensing techniques and GIS with a spatial resolution of 10 meters. for the years 2017 and 2023. After using the methods to extract the area of water bodies and present the results of these methods on field areas, it became clear that the modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI) method is the most accurate in extracting maps for water bodies.
remote sensing; NDWI; water-body; Darbandikhan Dam Lake.
The impact of the green belt in obstruction air pollutants in the holy city of Karbala
The research was conducted in the Southern Green Belt Project within the center district of the holy city of Karbala to evaluate its environmental impact and efficiency in reducing air pollutants emitted from the industrial area adjacent to the study area. The pollution attenuation factor (Af ) was used to measure the effects of the green belt on impeding air pollutants. Measurements were taken every season from winter 2023 to Autumn 2024. The results showed that the best impedance of the green belt is when the wind speed increases in the Spring, as 7 out of 12 pollutants were impeded, and its efficiency decreased as the wind speed decreased. In general, The green belt demonstrated weak performance in impeding pollutants, As no significant differences were observed in pollutant concentrations due to the small width of the green belt, poor distribution of trees, and failure to follow scientific standards when selecting trees and planting sites. The study recommended increasing the width of the belt to 1000 meters and planting trees suitable for absorbing and blocking pollutants, and planting them in a way that helps curb air currents passing through the green belt.The research proposes to evaluate the efficiency of the Southern Green Belt Project implemented in Karbala Governorate and its role in obstructing some air pollutants and its effectiveness in improving the environmental reality of the center district.
Green belt, disability factor, Karbala city, Air pollution.
Humanizing Cities as a Tool to Enhance Community Participation
This research investigates the concept of humanizing cities as a key approach to fostering community engagement and enhancing the quality of life in urban settings, with Bismayah City in Iraq serving as a case research. The research addresses a core issue: the deficiency in social interaction and the lack of integration between infrastructure and community activities. It posits that applying the principles of humanizing cities can promote social cohesion and advance sustainable development.The study employed a comprehensive analytical methodology, including a review of theoretical literature, field data analysis, and comparisons with global experiences. It tackled challenges such as the shortage of green spaces, limited reliance on renewable energy sources, and insufficient integration between public transportation and infrastructure.The findings highlighted the importance of developing public spaces, promoting cultural activities, and implementing sustainable environmental solutions.The research provides practical recommendations, including activating public participation in decision-making, enhancing the sustainability of infrastructure, and improving the integration of various urban planning components. It provides a theoretical and practical framework that can be applied to similar projects in local and international contexts.
Humanizing Cities, Urban Planning, Sustainable Development, Community Participation, Bismayah City, Quality of Life
Digital-Computational Design in Architecture and Urban Design
The Digital-computational design, considered as an evolution of the concept of computer-aided design (CAD), has witnessed remarkable development since its emergence in the 1960s. This development has improved the ability to explore complex design concepts and enhanced accuracy and creative freedom. Over time, digital-computational design has come to include multiple fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and mathematics, which has led to the application of its methods to architectural and urban design. The integration of digital design tools into architecture and urban design is the result of a long development process. The research here attempted to study the concepts of digital and computational in architecture and urban design, with an attempt to resolve the overlap between these two concepts and the concepts associated with them and their connection with architecture and urban design, with a study of the transformation in architectural theory towards digital-computational design and an attempt to trace the emergence of the concept historically by analyzing the stages in terms of the tool, thought and accompanying product by following an analytical methodology and critical review of various sources and a case study for good practice in Digital -Computational Architecture. The research concludes that we can distinguish two approaches to using the computer in architecture and urban design: first, those that use the computer as a tool to implement a certain idea is a digital technology, while second, those that use the computer to use its computational capabilities through the activities of deduction, induction, and abstraction to form a certain idea is a digital-computational process. Therefore, it is necessary to use the term digital-computational design and digital-computational architecture to indicate the future approach to architecture and urban design, which means using the computer and its computational capabilities as essential tools in the design process.
Computational-Digital Design, Computer-aided Architectural Design (CAAD), Post-Folding, Post-Guggenheim, Research by Design
Stages development and updating of the master plan for the city of Baghdad by adopting spatial techniques
The master plan is a comprehensive plan works to organize the social and economic variables in the city, in addition to zoning and organizing the uses of the land for the next (20) - (30) years, which is the documentary and visual result of the planning process. The most prominent problems in the research are that the basic plans prepared for the city of Baghdad suffer from official and unofficial changes taking place in the uses of the land, especially the proposed development plan until 2030 updated by Khatib and Alami Company, contrary to what is stipulated in these plans, which may hinder the process of implementing these plans in the future. In order to reach the goal of the research, identifying the development of the city of Baghdad according to the basic plans and the changes that occur over time in the uses of the land contrary to what was planned. Under the assumption that the changes that occur in the uses of the land brought about by the basic plan lead to obstructing the implementation of this plan in the future. The descriptive analytical approach was relied upon to review the foundation plans since the first foundation plan in 1936, 1956, 1959, and 1973, for the city of Baghdad, all the way to the latest foundation plan produced by Khatib and Alami Company until the year (2030), using spatial techniques to identify the development of the foundation plans through Remote sensing of satellite images (and geographic information systems (G.I.S.)) and map production, for changes in informal and official land uses by the decision of the Supreme Committee for Foundation Design, which affect the proposals of the foundation plan. The research reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which are the changes that occurred (no matter how private they are from the general public or General by the state (not scientifically studied and does not have a comprehensive view of all uses, so such changes cause an imbalance in land uses and affect the implementation of the basic plans of the city, and led to the recommendation to increase the spaces allocated to green areas and recreational activities Through the following measures, it is necessary to stop changing the use of green areas to residential use.
Baghdad city , land uses, master plan, remote sensing , G.I.S
Urban Strategic Planning issues in light of rapid growth and Fast Urbanization in Lebanon
Governance in emerging cities struggles in meeting people's expectations and requirements. Most international reports highlight the problem of service provision, guarantee and long-term sustainability. As cities and towns grow swiftly and irrevocably, they encounter resource and capacity constraints in managing the urbanization process. The experiences and strategic urban development plans in Lebanon have failed to meet the needs of people in the short and long term, which has prevented it from keeping pace with international developments and strategic planning approaches that are in line with the aspirations of any country. It has become necessary to identify obstacles to strategic planning that prevent significant progress in key areas. In addition to focusing on how to improve performance in order to get the desired results. This paper will discuss these complexities that contribute to the development of a comprehensive and participatory plan that effectively contributes to the management of urban growth and population expansion and securing the requirements of a decent sustainable living.
Governance – Urban Sprawl – Urbanization – Infrastructure – Urban Strategic planning
The level of spatial justice in the distribution of social services for the Regional Development Program in Wasit province for the period (2011-2022)
This study aimed to evaluate the level of spatial justice in the distribution of social services for the Regional Development Program in Wasit Province 2011-2022 through the spatial distribution of the health and education sectors. In addition to the relationship between the allocations of the Regional Development Program and the elements of the service gap, population, area, and available agricultural potential. The Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve were used to measure the variation in the optimal distribution of services and represent it spatially using geographic information systems (GIS). The study revealed the clarity of decision-makers' reliance on the population factor in determining the size of investment allocations within the regional development program between the administrative units of the governorate. As for the division of allocations between service sectors within each administrative unit, it was not subject to a specific mechanism. In addition to weakness in considering service gaps, area, and agricultural potential when determining financial allocations. Therefore, a discrepancy emerged in the distribution of investment allocations, which was reflected in social services and the emergence of weakness in achieving spatial justice among the administrative units of Wasit Province.