Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons^™

Practitioners’ Perspectives On Preventing Environmental Gentrification In Chicago, Illinois, Usa, Tania Schusler, Amy Krings

School of Environmental Sustainability: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Pollution cleanup, green space creation, and other improvements to environmental quality in cities are important to urban sustainability. However, because they occur within a political economic context characterized by structural racism, urban greening initiatives can intentionally or unintentionally reproduce racial, economic, and social inequities through environmental gentrification. We explored possibilities for improving environmental quality without displacing or excluding long-term residents including people of color, the poor, and members of other marginalized groups. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with community organizers, environmental justice advocates, urban planners, housing specialists, and others who held deep expertise through their lived and professional experience in …

Harmonizing With Nature In Cities, Mojtaba Parsaee

Publications

Urban resilience is rooted in our ability to harmonize with nature and cultivate deeper relationships with local climates. Mojtaba Parsaee reflects on how the historic neighborhoods of four cities have nurtured his poetic bond with harsh climates, which inspires his vision of resilience.

Preserving Cultural Identity In Multi-Function Real Estate Developments, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry

Architectural Engineering

The proliferation of multi-function real-estate developments (MRD) frequently leads to the erosion of unique architectural identity (AI), threatening the historical and cultural character of urban areas. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding how new developments can effectively preserve and leverage local cultural heritage. Grounded in the theoretical understanding of heritage-led urban regeneration, this study aims First, to identify the specific architectural elements and design strategies crucial for preserving cultural sustainability (CS) in multi-function real estate projects; and second, to quantify the perceived impact of these strategies on local community engagement and economic viability. The hypothesis posits that multi-function …

A Comparative Study Of Cities To Develop An Assessment Framework For Climate-Resilient Cities, Aya Mohamed Elsawaf, Ayman G. Abdeltawab, Engi Ibrahem El-Darwish, Walaa Abou El-Haggag Mehanna

Journal of Engineering Research

As climate change intensifies, urban areas face increasing hazards from extreme weather events such as rising sea levels, heat waves, and heavy rainfall. Resilient cities—those developed to absorb, recover, and adapt to these shocks—are crucial in protecting residents and infrastructure. This paper explores the concept of urban resilience, highlighting its multifaceted aspect, including recovery, adaptability, and transformation. It focuses on how to solve these climate change challenges by implementing resilience strategies and practices that achieve a number of criteria and indicators to be a climate-resilient city. A collection of global frameworks for measuring resilience in general is discussed in addition …

Urban Sprawl's Effect On Social And Behavioral Changes In Desert Environments, Huda Abozaid Esmail, Dr- Engy Ibrahim Al-Darwish, Dr. Ahmed Hussein Abo Al-Saadat

Journal of Engineering Research

As one of the most important modern urban dynamics that reshapes social structures and redefines residents' psychological frameworks, this study explores the behavioral and social effects of urban sprawl in desert environments. In order to investigate the complex effects of unchecked urban growth, the study employs four interconnected analytical frameworks: social capital, fragmented urbanism, urban alienation, and social change. Rapid and uncontrolled urban growth in delicate ecosystems, like desert cities, weakens conventional social cohesion, breaks communal links, and fosters increased sentiments of spatial detachment and alienation, according to the report. It also examines the effects of these changes on communal …

Addressing The Gap: A Review Of Egyptian Graduate Skills And Career Readiness In Online Architectural Education, Ahmed H. Aboulsaadat

Journal of Engineering Research

No abstract provided.

The Real Estate Market In Egypt: Failures Of Reality And Future-Building Opportunities, Waleed Abbas Abd Elqawi

Journal of Engineering Research

The Egyptian Real Estate Market is undergoing significant transformations due to increased economic resilience, renewed government initiatives, and changing consumer preferences. This transformation requires investors who take a fancy to capitalize on emerging opportunities to have a deep understanding of the key trends reshaping the Real Estate landscape and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the foreseeable future. In recent years, the Egyptian Real Estate Market has confronted multiple challenges, including rising housing prices beyond the actual purchasing power of various segments, slow sales activity, and an accumulation of Real Estate supply without sufficient demand, leading to a state …

The Role Of The Governance, Risk Management, And Compliance (Grc) Capabilities Model In The Planning Process, Waleed Abbas Abd Elqawi, Mohamed Badr Abdo Dr.

Journal of Engineering Research

The planning process currently confronts numerous challenges and obstacles that hinder decision-makers from developing and implementing effective strategic plans that contribute to fulfilling potential visions and targets. These challenges include limited human and financial resources, in addition to rapid changes in the external environment, including technological and legislative developments (Smith & Brown, 2021) [1]. Moreover, obstacles include unknowingness, poor coordination across different entities, a misunderstanding of planning terminology, the absence of follow-up mechanisms, a lack of flexibility in dealing with variables, and a failure to address existing issues before setting targets (Al-Hassan, 2020) [2]. This is in addition …

Exploring The Role Of Localized Indigenous Knowledge In Developing Urban Water Resilience And Sustainability Strategies In Egypt, Nevine Ismail Mahmoud, Amira Fawzy Helmy Almaz, Amany Ragheb

Journal of Engineering Research

Urban areas worldwide face water challenges due to population growth, climate change, and inadequate construction. To tackle these issues, cities are experimenting with green infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater recycling, integrating local data and sustainable construction methods to mitigate water scarcity and increase resilience.

This paper discusses using natural data in urban water management to tackle water scarcity, flooding, and quality issues. It suggests that this data can improve urban practicality and human well-being by addressing shared urban areas and the physical environment. Implementing natural enhancements like water harvesting, floodplain management, and shared filtration systems can enhance water quality and …

The Effects Of Recent Modifications In Egyptian Building Regulations On Urban Development And Socioeconomic Conditions Over The Past Decade, Mohamed M. Abohelal

Journal of Engineering Research

Over the past decade, Egypt has witnessed significant transformations in its urban regulatory framework, particularly through successive amendments to the Unified Building Law No. 119 of 2008. These legislative changes, implemented in 2015, 2021, and 2024, reflect evolving state strategies to manage urban growth, streamline construction processes, and address challenges in regulatory compliance. The 2015 amendments sought to enhance administrative coordination and facilitate permit acquisition, while the 2021 reforms imposed stringent restrictions on building height, coverage ratios, and facade dimensions, provoking widespread controversy due to their misalignment with local urban realities and economic capacities. In response to ensuing public and …

A Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision-Support Model For Planning Land Use Allocation A Case Of Neighborhood Urban Park Site Selection, Mohamed M. Youssef Associate Professor, Ali Alshehhi Technical Director, Bahaa Alboshy Associate Professor

Journal of Engineering Research

- This paper examines the crucial role of GIS capabilities in spatial multi-criteria decision-making modeling for enhancing land use allocation in Ajman City, UAE, amidst the challenges posed by rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization. As urban areas face increasing pressure from informal housing and sprawl, GIS emerges as a critical tool for informed decision-making and sustainable development. By integrating GIS with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this study aims to optimize the selection of neighborhood park sites, address spatial issues, and promote sustainable land use practices. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial data analysis and Expert-Based engagement, the …

The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Promoting Diversity And Inclusion In Urban Public Spaces Aspects Contributing To Mental Health Preservation, Rania B. Shokry

Journal of Engineering Research

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Cities are complex systems shaped not only by infrastructure but also by the emotional, sensory, and socio-political experiences of their inhabitants. Despite this multidimensional nature, urban planning is often guided by conventional frameworks that overlook the lived realities of residents. As critical components of the urban fabric, public spaces play a significant role in shaping social identity, cohesion, and psychological well-being.

This research explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing diversity and inclusion within urban public spaces, with a particular focus on its impact on mental health. Social segregation remains a major barrier to inclusive urbanism; …

What Are The Limits To Smart Innovation? The Digital Underground Initiative And New Frontiers Of “Smartness” In Singapore, Prerona Das, Orlando Woods, Lily Kong

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

This paper argues that the emergence of new frontiers of smart transformation, such as underground spaces, can pose significant challenges to the implementation of “smart” technological solutions. Exploring the case of Singapore’s Digital Underground initiative, we show that elements such as material complexity, co-ordination between stakeholders, and the availability of appropriate regulatory and administrative frameworks can problematize the implementation of subterranean smart initiatives. By considering multistake-holder perspectives on these “more-than-technological” factors, this paper offers lessons for urban planners, policymakers, and developers in cities around the world that are keen to leverage technology to unlock the potential of underground space.

Implementing Vertical Gardens In Educational Buildings To Reduce Energy Consumption And Achieve Low Carbon Emissions, Khloud Khalid Eldamshiry, Mohamed Esmat Elattar, Ahmed Abubakr

Architectural Engineering

Nowadays, the change of climate has been a crucial problem for architects to address since buildings consume more than half of the energy that results in carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Vertical gardens have been proven in studies to be capable of significantly offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from building. in addition to passively cooling and insulating the structure As a result, the energy required for building operation is lowered in what appears to be a butterfly effect. The bulk of non-residential buildings in Egypt have been built without regard for energy efficiency regulations in recent years. As …

Building Better Cities With Artificial Intelligence: A Path To Sustainability And Livability, Mona Mahrous Abdel Wahed

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The rapid acceleration of urbanization has amplified the multifaceted challenges confronting cities in attaining sustainability and ensuring livability. Artificial Intelligence technologies stand out as transformative tools with the potential to revolutionize urban development through finding innovative solutions to urban challenges. By leveraging AI, cities can optimize resource allocation, enhance decision-making processes, and create urban environments that are both livable and environmentally sustainable. Achieving this transformation requires visionary policymakers, meticulous planning, and a commitment to ethical AI deployment. Through AI's data-driven insights, urban planners can make informed decisions that align with the complex and dynamic needs of urban areas. This research …

Between Shelter And Ash: A Process-Based Study On Fire-Resilient Recommendations For Wildland-Urban Interface Zones, Sandra L. Santos

McNair Summer Research Program

With the intensifying threat of wildfires across California, evident in the destruction of over 16,000 structures during the 2025 Los Angeles fires, there is an urgent need to reconsider how residential structures are conceived in fire-prone zones. While existing building codes and guidelines have made notable progress in addressing wildfire risk, their predominant focus on “home hardening” often overlooks the potential of site planning, spatial configuration, and architectural design as agents of wildfire resilience.

This study, conducted through the McNair Scholars Program under the mentorship of Professor Daniel Lopez-Perez, ultimately develops a Wildfire-Resilient Design Guide and three connective drawings through …

Between Shelter & Ash: A Design Policy Atlas For Wildfire-Resiliency, Daisy Elizabeth Morales-Zaragoza

McNair Summer Research Program

Architectural design holds a powerful potential in the face of wildfire threats, yet remains underutilized in fire resilience strategies. This study will explore how design, at the level of the house, street, and community, can move beyond code compliance toward holistic protection. Through analysis of principal fire codes such as IWUIC, CBC Chapter 7A, and NFPA 1144, visual diagrams, precedent case studies, and original architecture proposals, the paper proposes a multiscale design framework that expands our understanding of resilience. It argues that while fire codes establish critical baselines, spatial planning, form, and materials must work in concert with social and …

Between Shelter & Ash, Designing Fire-Proof Resilient Neighborhoods, Arlene I. Garcia Guzman

McNair Summer Research Program

In response to the ongoing catastrophic wildfires in the U.S., especially the West Coast region, the State of California is proactively implementing the first multi-faceted legislative and regulatory framework to enhance wildfire resiliency.

During a disaster, embers are the most important contributors to wildfire, and can dictate whether homes ignite or not. Given their potent ignition source, their capacity to travel for miles, researchers have concluded that wind-blown embers are the leading cause of destruction during wildfires. Simultaneously, the purpose of the 2025 building codes is to strengthen construction methods, requiring the use of rated structural materials, such as sheathing, …

Shared Kitchens Changing The Housing Development, Agniya Seliuzhytskaya

McNair Summer Research Program

In response to the escalating housing crisis and ongoing economic disruptions, many individuals have turned to home-based food entrepreneurship as a means of financial stability. The Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) program enables residents to legally operate small-scale food businesses from their private kitchens, effectively blurring the line between domestic and commercial space. This research investigates how MEHKOs challenge conventional understandings of housing, domesticity, and zoning, and considers how shared or adaptable kitchen models might inform emerging housing typologies.

The study combines spatial and policy analysis by mapping the distribution of approved MEHKO sites in San Diego and overlaying that …

Where Pipes Meet The Water: Urban Infrastructure In Tijuana, Joab Barrientos

McNair Summer Research Program

Tijuana's rapid urban growth and industrial development have placed significant pressure on its water infrastructure, resulting in ongoing pollution concerns in the Tijuana River Watershed and elsewhere in and beyond the city. In many areas of the city, rapid urban growth has outpaced the building of critical infrastructure like sewage and stormwater systems. These factors have left neighborhoods at risk for a long time. At the same time, industrial growth has often relied on old infrastructure or happened without the right systems in place. Although poor water quality has been a problem for years, few studies have used spatial analysis …