Volume 31, Issue 1 (2025)

Hiba Mohsen, PhD, Assistant Professor | Assistant Dean Faculty of Architecture Design & Built Environment

Dear Esteemed Readers,

In the ever-changing fields of architecture and urban planning, the Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ) remains a dynamic platform for disseminating groundbreaking research that advances our collective understanding and enhances the practices of design and planning.

As the academic journal of the Faculty of Architecture, Design & Built Environment at Beirut Arab University, this publication has been a pioneering initiative since its inception three decades ago. It was originally envisioned by professors who once mentored me as a student. Today, some of these mentors have become my colleagues, and together we continue to develop the journal as a valuable scientific and intellectual resource for both local and global audiences. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the guest editor for this edition of the journal (Volume 31, Issue 1).

In this issue, we explore the key intersections of historical preservation, urban adaptation, and sustainability—topics of increasing relevance as cities evolve. The research addresses themes such as walkability, adaptive reuse, heritage conservation, and circular urban models, offering new perspectives on rejuvenating built environments while ensuring that future cities respect their historical legacies.

This issue features seven insightful papers, each contributing to the conversation on how we can design and reshape cities to foster resilient and sustainable communities. The issue opens with a thorough analysis of walkability and wayfinding techniques in adaptive reuse projects for historical sites. This research highlights the importance of making cultural spaces accessible, while balancing the delicate task of heritage preservation with the demands of modern functionality.

One key paper explores urban circularity, proposing how cities can regenerate through the recycling and repurposing of resources, contributing to more sustainable urban futures. Another study focuses on the walkability of university landscapes in North Central Nigeria, offering strategies to improve mobility and social interaction, thereby strengthening the connection between academic institutions and their surrounding communities.

The issue also includes research on urban morphology and adaptive reuse in Cairo’s Al-Gamaliya district, addressing the challenges of maintaining heritage amidst the pressures of urban growth. Another paper focuses on landscape design features in Lebanese educational spaces, highlighting the role of design in promoting children's well-being. Another study looks at the potential of educational mixed-use buildings to foster community engagement and connectivity.

Additionally, one paper examines the correlation between socio-economic factors and the maintenance levels of houses in mass housing schemes, offering crucial insights for developing maintenance policies and sustainable construction practices in such contexts.

Together, these papers underscore the vital role architecture and urban planning play in shaping spaces that promote well-being, social cohesion, and cultural continuity. They provide valuable insights into how our built environments can become more inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to the changing needs of society.

The research featured in this volume invites readers to rethink how architecture and urban planning can contribute to a sustainable, inclusive, and livable future. Aligned with the journal's mission, this issue fosters critical dialogue and presents new frameworks to address global challenges, from heritage preservation to social equity in urban spaces.

As guest editor, I encourage researchers, practitioners, and academics to engage deeply with the ideas presented here. I look forward to receiving your innovative research submissions for future issues as we continue to explore the intersections of architecture, urban planning, and societal well-being.

In conclusion, I trust that this issue will provoke thoughtful reflection and inspire further exploration. I look forward to the ways in which the research presented here will contribute to the ongoing advancement of discourse in architecture and urban planning, shaping future practices and methodologies in these critical fields.

In closing, I trust this issue inspires a deeper reflection on how we shape our cities and the world around us. The knowledge shared here is part of an ongoing cycle—built on the insights of past generations and carried forward through research, learning, and innovation. Today, it is our responsibility to make this knowledge as accessible as possible to the next generation, fostering a continuous cycle of learning, research, and innovation. As we build upon the foundations laid before us, I look forward to seeing how these insights will shape the future of architecture and urban planning, driving the evolution of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient built environment.