The importance of regional development resides in the provision of aid and other assistance to regions that are less economically developed. The purpose of this research is to identify the development possibilities and resources at the regional level, which can be tapped for the development of secondary cities. This research aims to shed light on the importance of urban planning in creating regional balance and relieving population and service pressure on major cities. The research answers the question relative to how urban planners can work towards the idea of creating development corridors including the cities located within them, whilst focusing more on the regional dimension and the topic of sustainable urbanization. This research assum

This mixed method research analyses urban heritage and identity management concerning Karbala, and important spiritual and historical center. Homing in on particular spatial issues germane to Muharram’s rites, this study explores spiritual activities for the remembrance of the martyrdoms of Imam Hussein (A) and his brother Abbas (A), and their followers (RA), and identifies the way in which such activities construct urban identity in Karbala. Furthermore, this study contemplates the deployment of contemporary AR and VR technologies for urban identity. After reviewing extensive studies on religious, cultural, and urban heritage, a field survey of the Muharram pilgrimage in Karbala was conducted, spatially analyzing pilgrims’ movements in

The study aims to evaluate sustainable traffic management strategies for congested intersections in medium-sized Iraqi cities, with a focus on Al-Sa’a Intersection and Al-Jari Street in Hit City. These nodes face severe traffic congestion, delays, and infrastructure limitations that compromise urban mobility and sustainability. A multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) framework was employed to analyze three categories of interventions—engineering, planning, and administrative—based on five weighted criteria: traffic efficiency (40%), delay reduction (25%), cost (20%), environmental impact (10%), and social acceptance (5%). The methodology combined field data collection (traffic counts, travel time, and delays), GIS-based spatial analysis, an

The study aims to enrich the information of planners, policymakers, and water resources managers for planning and operating dams. This research aims to address the following question: What are the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the construction and operation of dams on the environment and society? The study assumes that good management is the ideal solution to solve the problems of negative effects resulting from the construction and operation of dams. The research relied on the descriptive analytical approach in studying the positive and negative impacts of Haditha Dam and the government's role. A questionnaire was conducted for 30 specialists in urban and regional planning to find out the most important strategies for sust

Motives: This study examines the integration of Feng Shui principles into urban public spaces to enhance social interaction, livability, and environmental harmony. The case study focuses on the Al-Arabi and Al-Washash neighbourhoods in Baghdad, exploring how spatial characteristics influence engagement and energy circulation (Qi) within the urban network. The motivation arises from deficiencies in connectivity, shading, greenery, and water features, which limit social and aesthetic vibrancy. Aim: The objectives are to evaluate spatial and social dynamics through the Feng Shui Public-Space Index (FS-PSI), Space Syntax analysis, and resident surveys, and to propose strategies using Feng Shui design proxies to improve energy flow, acce

The rapid sprawl in urban areas caused by excessive production and consumption of goods (as driven by local poor social choices) has inevitably resulted in a major burden due to environmental degradation worldwide. Unfortunately, these traditional models of urban planning fail to properly account for the intricacies that permeate a modern city and are deficient in terms of their approach as they shape themselves within an environment largely divorced from natural systems, resulting in vast mismanagement of resources, guiding cities down trajectories where growth destroys both physical and cultural landscapes. As cities suffer from increasing scarcity, we advocate for regeneration and resilience to be embedded in advanced urban design approa

Historic cities such as Old Najaf are challenged with balancing the preservation of their cultural and architectural heritage against the pressures of modern urban development. Being one of the major religious centers for Shia Islam, Old Najaf receives annual millions of pilgrims and tourists, pressuring its infrastructure and threatening its historic façade. The aim of this study was to explore the viability of integrated approaches that balance heritage conservation with sustainable urban development, and lessons learned from international best practices, as well as stakeholder perspectives on this issue in the face of these challenges. This prompted the study to identify the challenges and opportunities for the heritage preservation and

This study investigates the complex challenges of managing heritage sites in Iraq, focusing on the Prophet Tho Al-Kifl Shrine in Babylon due to its religious, historical, and architectural significance. The site exemplifies critical management issues, including institutional fragmentation, limited technical and financial resources, and insufficient legislative frameworks. Left unaddressed, these challenges threaten the site's material integrity and symbolic identity through uncoordinated interventions and neglect. The research aims to propose a context-sensitive framework for sustainable heritage management by combining theoretical perspectives with practical analysis. Using a case study methodology, the study draws on field observations, h

The rapid and uncontrolled expansion of urban sprawl in Baghdad, particularly after 2003, has significantly transformed the city's landscape. This expansion stems from socio-political instability, a lack of affordable housing, and inadequate urban planning frameworks. As informal settlements encroach on agricultural lands, the city's infrastructure—including water, sanitation, and transportation systems—faces mounting pressure. This situation presents critical challenges to the sustainability of Baghdad’s public services and the quality of life for its residents. This study aims to evaluate the impact of unregulated urban sprawl on Baghdad’s public services and infrastructure, focusing on how informal growth has undermined the city'

Railway right-of-ways, traditionally reserved for transportation, present significant potential for development as environmental and recreational spaces, particularly in urban areas. In the Municipality of Dora, the active railway line is crucial to the region's transportation network, yet the adjacent lands remain underutilized and could be transformed into spaces that benefit the community. The key challenge lies in balancing the operational integrity of the railway with the local community’s aspirations for green and recreational developments. This study aims to assess the preferences of local residents and key decision-makers regarding the potential development of the railway right-of-way in Dora. The goal is to propose sustainable so