Volume 29, Issue 1 (2023)

Prof. Mostafa Rifat Ahmed Ismail, Prof. of Architecture – Faculty of Engineering Ain Shams University | Secretary General Supreme Council of Universities – EGYPT | Guest Editor, Architecture and Urban Planning Journal

Dear Readers,

I am honoured to be the guest editor for the academic journal of the Faculty of Architecture - Design & Built Environment at Beirut Arab University (Volume 29, Issue 1). This journal has been established as a platform for researchers, scholars, and professionals to share their insights and knowledge on different aspects of architecture. I am delighted to note that this journal has an impressive scope that covers a wide range of topics, from architectural education to digital architecture and environmental studies.

In today's world, architecture is a multidisciplinary field that requires collaboration between experts from different domains. Therefore, this journal is an excellent platform for interdisciplinary discussions on the topics related to architecture. The journal includes articles on various themes like the theories of architectural design, building construction technology, planning, housing & urban design, and many more.

It is my pleasure to introduce this issue of the Architecture and Planning journal, which features seven thought-provoking papers that delve into the latest developments in architecture, city planning, and urban design. These papers are geared towards improving the quality of life and suggesting new stimuli for enhancing the built environment through effective action plans.

Architecture and planning are critical components of our daily lives, and the challenges facing urban areas around the world are numerous and complex. The built environment affects our health, well-being, and overall quality of life, and as such, it is crucial that we explore new approaches to urban design and planning that prioritize the needs and aspirations of local communities.

In this issue, our authors present a range of innovative ideas and solutions for addressing the complex challenges of urban planning and design. The first paper titled, "Embedding Virtual Reality in Architectural Pedagogy: Instructionism versus Constructionism Approach," explores the benefits and challenges of using virtual reality technology in architectural education. The authors argue that incorporating virtual reality can help students develop a better understanding of architectural design, and they compare the effectiveness of two different teaching approaches, instructionism and constructionism.

The second paper, "Urban Waterfront Revitalization through Landscape Design Enhancing Social-Cultural Conditions of El-Mina, Tripoli," focuses on the revitalization of urban waterfront areas through landscape design. The authors analyze the case of El-Mina, Tripoli, and propose a set of design guidelines that enhance social and cultural conditions in the area while preserving its natural resources. They argue that a well-designed waterfront can bring numerous benefits to the community, including increased tourism, improved environmental quality, and enhanced social interaction.

The third paper, "Biomimicry as an Urban Challenge in Shaping the Future of Cultural Communities," discusses the potential of biomimicry as an approach to urban design. The authors argue that by learning from nature's solutions to complex problems, we can create more sustainable and resilient urban environments that better serve cultural communities. They provide examples of biomimetic design in practice and suggest ways in which this approach can be integrated into urban planning and design.

The fourth paper, "Towards a New Paradigm in the Lebanese Urban Management System for Enhanced Master Plans' Generation," offers a critical analysis of the current urban management system in Lebanon and proposes a new paradigm for generating more effective master plans. The authors argue that a more collaborative and participatory approach is needed to ensure that urban planning reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities. They propose a framework for engaging stakeholders and developing master plans that are responsive to local contexts.

The fifth paper, "Determinants and Outcomes of Urban Land Use Succession - Case Study of Upper Hill, Nairobi," examines the determinants and outcomes of urban land use succession in the Upper Hill area of Nairobi, Kenya. The authors use a mixed-methods approach to analyze the drivers of land use change and the impacts of these changes on local communities. They argue that understanding the determinants and outcomes of land use succession is critical for effective urban planning and sustainable development.

The sixth paper, "Effect of Green Facade on the Urban Microclimate with Different Street Canyon," investigates the impact of green facades on the urban microclimate in different street canyons. The authors use computational fluid dynamics simulations to evaluate the thermal and wind comfort benefits of green facades in different urban contexts. They argue that green facades can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve the overall quality of the urban environment.

The final paper, "Applying 3D Printing Technology in Constructing Sustainable Houses," explores the potential of 3D printing technology in sustainable housing construction. The authors discuss the benefits and challenges of using 3D printing technology to create affordable and sustainable housing solutions.

We hope that this collection of papers will inspire you to think critically about the built environment and the ways in which we can make it better for everyone. We invite you to engage with these ideas, share your own insights and experiences, and join us in the ongoing effort to create more inclusive and sustainable cities. As the guest editor, I encourage all researchers, scholars, and professionals to submit their original and high-quality research articles to this journal. The journal aims to promote original research and innovative ideas in the field of architecture, and we are committed to providing a high-quality publishing experience for all our authors.

In conclusion, I invite all readers to explore this journal and contribute their insights to further advance the field of architecture. I look forward to reading your articles and working together to promote excellence in architecture research.