Urban Planning Engineering
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- ItemMitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect in Nablus: Using spatial planning technologies to Inform Urban Planning and Design Interventions(2025) رزان الهموزThis research aims to study the phenomenon of Urban Heat Islands in the city of Nablus, which is manifested in the noticeable rise in land surface temperatures due to dense urban expansion, scarcity of vegetation cover, and increased heat emissions from human activities. A multi-method approach was adopted, including remote sensing, spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems, and dynamic modeling using the Vensim software. A range of environmental indicators were analyzed, such as the vegetation index, built-up index, moisture index, and surface reflectivity (albedo), in addition to studying topographic factors such as elevation, slope, and orientation. Satellite data from 2014 to 2024 revealed a gradual increase in surface temperatures and a loss of approximately 37.3% of vegetation cover in the city. Statistical models—Ordinary Least Squares and Geographically Weighted Regression—were used along with a predictive map based on environmental and urban factors to explain the spatial variation in temperature. A dynamic model was also built to simulate the long-term effects of urban changes and proposed interventions. The proposed strategies included increasing green spaces, using cool roofs and reflective materials, planting along roads, and updating planning and construction regulations to align with climate considerations. For example, adding 50 dunams of green space resulted in a surface temperature decrease of over 5°C. Interventions in residential, industrial, and refugee camp areas proved effective in reducing temperatures and improving thermal comfort. This study reinforces the importance of sustainable urban planning as a tool for climate adaptation and provides quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating the urban heat island effect in Nablus.
- ItemPlanning Jerusalem as a unified city(2025) ملك حمادهThis project presents a comprehensive master plan for the city of Jerusalem, with a vision of a unified, sustainable, and inclusive city that prioritizes justice, cultural heritage, and equitable service distribution. The study analyzes the spatial, social, and political context of East and West Jerusalem, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a detailed SWOT analysis. The plan proposes scenarios that restore Palestinian identity, reconnect fragmented communities, and restructure land use to serve the needs of all residents. The final master plan for 2041 envisions a city that balances development and preservation, ensures spatial equity, and promotes economic and environmental resilience for future generations.
- Itemالتخطيط العمراني لما بعد الحرب ل مدن قطاع غزة (مدينة خان يونس)(2025) غزاله حمدانKhan Younis is one of the Palestinian cities that has suffered extensive destruction due to the recent war, resulting in what is known as urban genocide. The devastation affected infrastructure, housing, and essential services, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents and the fragmentation of the social fabric. This reality has created significant urban and humanitarian challenges and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reconstruction that goes beyond traditional restoration—toward building a safer, fairer, and more resilient city in the face of future crises. This project is based on the principle of “building back better” and aims to enhance urban resilience and promote sustainable development through a flexible and inclusive urban planning approach. It seeks to respond to the needs of residents, address the aftermath of destruction, and strengthen the city’s capacity to adapt and recover in the long term. The project relies on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop an accurate land-use plan that balances reconstruction with the equitable distribution of essential services. It also adopts innovative solutions to improve planning efficiency and strengthen the city’s ability to anticipate risks and redirect development toward safer areas. The proposed plan focuses on several key pillars, including: developing a dynamic urban recovery model, designing an urban resilience map, and building a comprehensive spatial database. The project also integrates concepts of social justice, environmental sustainability, and climate change adaptation. Overall, this project offers a comprehensive urban model for the reconstruction of Khan Younis—one that combines safety, resilience, and inclusivity. It provides a replicable framework for other cities affected by conflict, utilizing modern planning tools and a humane, just, and sustainable approach
- Itemتخطيط مدينة تكنولوجية / محافظة أريحا في إطار المخطط الوطني المكاني 2050(2025) بدر شخشيريهدف هذا البحث إلى تخطيط مدينة تكنولوجية رائدة – محافظة أريحا، توفر بيئة حاضنة للإبداع التكنولوجي وريادة الأعمال، وتعزز قدرة فلسطين على المنافسة عالميًا. تأتي أهمية المشروع من الحاجة إلى تطوير بنية حضرية ذكية تدعم التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية وتحقق تكاملًا بين التكنولوجيا والمجتمع المحلي. بدأ البحث بمراجعة الأدبيات حول مفهوم المدن التكنولوجية والفرق بينها وبين المدن الذكية، مع تحديد عناصر التخطيط الرئيسية مثل البنية التحتية، المناطق السكنية، التجارية، الإدارية، والبيئات المبتكرة. كما تم تحليل تجارب عالمية وإقليمية، حيث اختيرت دبي كدراسة حالة لدمج التكنولوجيا مع التخطيط الحضري. اعتمد البحث على التحليل المكاني بثلاثة مستويات: الوطني (الضفة الغربية)، الإقليمي (القرى والتجمعات المحيطة)، والمحلي (موقع المشروع) لتقييم العوامل الجغرافية والبنية التحتية وإعداد المخطط التفصيلي. خلصت النتائج إلى تحديد الوظائف الرئيسية للمدينة كالمناطق السكنية والتجارية والتعليمية والتكنولوجية، مع مراعاة الاستدامة البيئية وجودة الحياة. كما اقترح المخطط تصميم شبكة متكاملة للنقل والخدمات وربطها بالمناطق المحيطة لتعزيز التكامل الاجتماعي والاقتصادي. يستنتج البحث أن إنشاء مدينة تكنولوجية في فلسطين يمثل خطوة استراتيجية لدعم التنمية المستدامة، وتحفيز الابتكار، وزيادة القدرة التنافسية، مع ضرورة توافق التخطيط مع الاحتياجات المحلية والثقافة المجتمعية.
- Itemتخطيط منطقة تجارة حرة / محافظة أريحا في إطار المخطط الوطني المكاني(2025) حمزه خريمThis research aims to study and plan a Free Trade Zone in the Nabi Musa area of the Jericho Governorate as part of a strategic vision to support the Palestinian economy by establishing a specialized economic zone that enhances trade, attracts local and foreign investments, creates new job opportunities, and stimulates economic growth. A comprehensive analytical methodology was adopted at three levels: nationally, by assessing the project's alignment with the National Spatial Plan 2050 and sustainable development goals; regionally, by analyzing the connection between the free trade zone and the cities of Jericho and Ramallah, as well as major trade corridors; and locally, by evaluating the site's topography, resources, infrastructure, and strategic location. The project includes an integrated vision for infrastructure and support services such as warehouses and cold storage facilities, customs and inspection points, logistics centers, proposed railway connections, and the adoption of modern technologies for digital cargo tracking. The research also addresses the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the project, presenting practical proposals to promote sustainable development and mitigate potential environmental impacts, in addition to offering a set of investment incentives and supportive regulatory policies. This project represents a significant step toward developing an effective model for a free trade zone capable of overcoming political and economic challenges and contributing to Palestine’s integration into the regional and international economy.