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As the global community strives to address the pressing challenges of environmental degradation and social inequality, the role of architecture in promoting sustainable development has gained unprecedented significance. This paper explores the intrinsic connection between architecture and sustainable development, focusing on Egypt as a case study. The research follows theoretical and practical application methodology, where case studies and solutions are applied. Egypt, with its rich historical heritage and rapidly urbanizing cities, presents a unique context to investigate how the built environment can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations. This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating architectural analysis, urban planning principles, environmental science, and social studies to examine the various ways in which architecture influences and interacts with sustainability goals. Case Studies include two locations in Egypt as future concepts to solve problems: Downtown Cairo and Nubia-Aswan, where ideas were introduced towards a better quality of life. The findings of this research underscore the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, such as government bodies, non-governmental organizations, architects, and the public, to create a holistic approach to sustainable architectural design and urban planning towards resilient communities. The paper also emphasizes the need for education and awareness campaigns to foster a culture of sustainability within the architectural and construction sectors. Proposed projects were introduced in the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen 2023 and published in UIA Guidebook 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging population is rising globally, affecting the built environment, social welfare, and community services. Egypt is expected to witness significant demographic changes, leading to a rise in the elderly population. This increase drives designers, stakeholders, and policymakers to know elderly needs and interpret them into designs for environments, services, facilities, and products. This paper focuses on the home environments as the elderly tend to stay in their homes under the concept of "Aging in Place". Egyptian home environments are mostly built according to cost, laws, spaces, standards, and contractors' desires, without taking into consideration changing needs across the life span of people. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to identify the essential needs of the elderly within their home environments. The human-centered design approach was adopted to explore the life experiences of a group of Elderly; by holding deep interviews to investigate their insights about aging in their homes, analyze the challenges they faced, and how can they adapt to these challenges within their home environments. The interviews were analyzed using a "thematic analysis" approach. The results revealed the main factors that present participants’ insights about aging in place. Results also demonstrated the elderly’s needs in their home environments and categorized them into three essential needs: safety, support, and wellbeing. Understanding the elderly needs can aid architects, designers, and stakeholders to create elderly-friendly home environments; that enable the Elderly to continue living in their current homes safely and independently and maintain or improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global temperature has increased awareness of enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC). OTC has become a primary indicator for the effectiveness of urban environments, which directly affects inhabitants' health, comfort, and quality of life. Consequently, many thermal comfort indices were developed to quantify outdoor thermal comfort; among them was the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which is one of the broadly used thermal indexes in evaluating OTC. As another axis of this awareness, several computer-aided design (CAD) software have worked on developing their techniques to increase the accuracy of their outdoor simulations and climate measurements. The paper concerns exploring the potential of the Ladybug as a tool for measuring UTCI through an algorithmic script designed with the Ladybug (ver. 1.6.0) in the Grasshopper interface within Rhinoceros 3D software. The script was applied to two urban neighbourhoods in different climate zones of Egypt, Cairo (an inland city and the capital of Egypt) and New Damietta (a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea), to investigate its capabilities in simulating and measuring the UTCI of different climate zones in the extreme hot week of the year as an examination period. Results showed that the maximum UTCI value in the coastal neighbourhood decreased from 32.93°C to 31.64°C, while its minimum value decreased from 28.79°C to 27.28 °C compared to the inland neighbourhood. The maximum and minimum UTCI values, hourly data, and the percentages of UTCI heat stress categories for six test locations in each neighborhood were also calculated and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global aging population is rising rapidly leading to significant impacts on the built environment. Egypt is expected to witness a notable increase in its elderly population, prompting a need for proactive measures to address the challenges and opportunities arising from this demographic shift. Architecture and gerontology are critical fields when understanding the person-environment relationship in later life. However, it is notable that all studies, laws, and research related to the elderly in Egypt have been approached from demographic, social, economic, political, and health, and have predominantly overlooked the significance of the built environment, particularly the relationship between the elderly and their home environment. Therefore, this research paper seeks to bridge this knowledge gap and aims to formulate a conceptual framework that establishes a theoretical basis for creating elderly-friendly home environments in Egypt. This framework is based on the idea of integration between architecture and gerontology through a human-centered design approach that places older adults at the core of attention. the research follows a descriptive-analytical methodology and an inductive approach, by conducting a comprehensive literature review in three main axes: gerontology, architecture, and human-centered design. Through the adoption of this proposed conceptual framework, the body of knowledge on creating elderly-friendly home environments in Egypt stands to be enriched. it can also empower architects, planners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop an elderly-friendly home environment; this environment is inclusive, accessible, and usable, supporting the elderly and promoting their health, and well-being, and allowing them "aging in place" independently and safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the existence of studies that confirmed that the quality of Built Environment (BEQ) is the most important factors that affect the quality of life, and In light of the absence of quality in the Egyptian built environment in one or more of its aspects and its repercussions on the behaviors of people living in it, which led to a decrease in the quality of life in general, this research paper seeks to present a model for a comprehensive framework for assessing the BEQ in general. To achieve this goal, a deductive approach is adopted by analysing built environments rating systems, identifying the concept of quality generally and BEQ, starting with the concept of quality, its aspects, and methods of measurement, and to analyse the current methods of assessing BEQ to check its comprehensiveness, followed by the proposed conceptual framework for assessing BEQ and its basic pillars. As a result, a conceptual framework for assessing the BEQ including its pillars and the mechanism of work was proposed. It could be a base for establishing a system for assuring and assessing the quality of the built environment in Egypt as the paper recommend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt's construction sector faces enormous challenges related to the construction phase, the most important of which is a considerable waste of effort, time, and money that may result in increasing the risk of losing projects. Indeed, eliminating such a waste will certainly improve the project performance, thereby enhancing the value of the project stakeholders. The researcher assumes that adopting lean construction (LC) approach is necessary to reduce waste, improve performance, and enhance the performance of the Egyptian construction sector at large. The research relies on a simplified methodology that has several positive outcomes: (1) saving time and cost; (2) boosting quality and safety; and (3) improving management process control, resource management, and relationships between project team members. Therefore, the main objective of the current paper is to examine and analyse the ability of wasteless construction principles to reduce waste in the construction process through an applied case study of a large construction project in Egypt. The study employs lean construction (LC) methodology and utilizes its technologies and tools to reduce waste in construction, particularly at the finishing stage, measuring their effectiveness in achieving the desired goals. The study assumes to have two major contributions: (i) determining the main causes of waste in the Egyptian construction industry; and (ii) applying LC methodology to prevent and eliminate the causes of waste inherent in the construction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A billboard can be defined as a large outdoor advertising structure, usually found in high-traffic areas, offering advertising to drivers and pedestrians as well and contributes to provide any information on the availability of products or services as well as displaying government and commercial advertisements. But as a matter of fact, Appropriate attention is not being paid by the relevant authorities in Egypt in applying billboards to reduce the consequences on the urban quality of life. Therefore, this paper has concentrated on evaluating the impact of prevalence billboards on urban quality of life at the local level. The data in the study were obtained by personal observation, face to face interviews and online questionnaire to investigate the impact of Installing Billboards on the urban quality of life along selected street in New Cairo City. It has been observed as the display of billboards in the urban environment has implications and involvement on urban quality of life having adverse effects on numerous aspects. Based upon the findings of the research, that installation of billboards had been recommended to be treated as a part of the urban quality of life indicators especially that the urban quality of life has become one of the major socio-economic and political topics. In addition, the study recommends suitable legislation for defining size restrictions and standards of size, color, position of these billboards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many old barrages along the Nile River face different problems, such as increased discharge or/and differences in head, scour, and material aging. Therefore, the irrigation networks need to be enhanced by upgrading the main controlling water structure, especially on the Nile River. As a result of examining the structural integrity of the main Nile River barrages, the decision was made to replace many of the Nile river's defected barrages, with the exception of Zefta barrage, which was rehabilitated. The decision to rehabilitate Zefta barrage was chosen according to the structural status, affected area, and expected life after repair. Moreover, the decision was taken after comparing the cost of replacement and rehabilitation of the barrage. Heavy massive shear deformation stiffened structures are rarely tested by implementing such techniques contrary to elastic structures such as bridges. This study aims mainly to evaluate the structural status of Zefta barrage before and after recent rehabilitation using dynamic tests. This paper presents the collected structural data and test results of the Zefta barrage. The results indicate that the recent rehabilitation of the Zefta barrage significantly influences structural behaviour and barrage safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many different development projects, we need to minimize construction costs and usable area according to the design constraints assigned to each project. The research aims to contrive a mathematical model for calculating the dimensions and sizes of rooms in a residential plan to get the least cost and manage the resources of construction. This paper presents a mathematical model (nonlinear programming) to achieve the above-mentioned goals according to the various design constraints and conditions, depending on the nature of the project and the goal of its establishment. To check the efficiency and accuracy of results, the nonlinear objective function and nonlinear constraints are solved using Mathematica and GAMS programs in two different cases. Tables and graphical representations of the results are very useful to the problem stated in this study. The study was applied to one of the New Urban Communities Authority projects in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea Level Rise (SLR) is a vital outcome of the environmental global warming phenomenon. This paper aims to investigate the basic properties of tides in Alexandria, Egypt and to analyze SLR in Egypt over a long period to examine the differences in Egypt's vertical geodetic datum. The annual relative SLR at Alexandria between 1906 and 2020 was found to be 2.6 mm/year. Moreover, the relative SLR has been 3.1 mm/y for the last two decades, 2001-2020. It could be considered the most appropriate value to be taken into consideration in Egypt's coastal management activities. Carrying out additional investigations is suggested to investigate possible major variations of MSL in Egypt at other TG sites over both the Mediterranean and Red seas. Based on available data and accomplished results, it is recommended to regard Egypt's MSL datum as a semi-kinematic rather than a fixed one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parametric design is called many meanings, including boundary design, modelling, standard design or variable design all lead to parametric meaning. Parameter design is an architectural approach that uses vocabulary in the light of a set of rules and design patterns that achieve design objectives in the presence of a design idea And research finds that the problem is that such a contemporary approach to design is rarely used in Egypt, although it is widely used around the world and in countries that share with Egypt the cultural heritage, nature and environmental condition, But the complexity of using programming techniques in design without studying or knowing the vocabulary on which the parameter and the associated formation rules depend directly affects design thinking and, in turn, affects the cost because it needs various and modern implementation techniques.. Therefore, the research aims to derive the vocabulary of the parametric approach and to identify the rules and patterns of this contemporary design approach. The paper addresses the different concepts of parameter design, the main principles on which it relies and the basic patterns on which the architect can identify the features of the parameter building. The study found that the parametric approach has been proven to be efficient using various modes of formation and various architectural vocabulary in achieving all design objectives. The research recommends using the benchmark for architectural design equation in identifying and analyzing parametric buildings in light of patterns and rules to reach the parametric vocabulary to achieve different design Features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine disinfection in conventional water treatment plants in Egypt is a popular and inexpensive technique for disinfecting raw surface water before distribution to consumers. Nevertheless, the chlorination process in the presence of natural organic matter and decreased water quality due to uncontrollable population results in formation of high concentrations of carcinogenic disinfection by-products, from which trihalomethanes (THMs). In this paper, the water quality of Assiut drinking water network (ADWN) was assessed in terms of THMs studying different water quality parameters. An extended period simulation based on a modelling software WaterGEMS was employed to obtain the critical locations to be examined according to key parameters namely: water age, residual chlorine concentration, water velocity, and type of storage. The study concluded that THMs concentrations from all critical locations in Assiut drinking water network would not exceed the Egyptian regulatory threshold and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Even more, an investigated domestic roof tank should be critically operated under a planned scheme of monitoring and maintenance due to its deteriorated water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issuance of the Building Reconciliation law no.17/2019 has imposed a new reality, allowing legalization for illegal constructions which Egypt has been facing its challenges since decades. New policies require in-depth research especially with the scarce availability of data concerning this topic. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to study the law issuance context and drivers from a legislative point-of-view, seeking answers to the following questions both nationally and internationally. Nationally, how formerly issued building laws in Egypt addressed illegal construction? Did they allow for any type of legalization? How does the reconciliation law differ from those laws in dealing with illegal constructions? Internationally, Are there any similar international examples of reconciliation laws? If yes, how do they differ from the Reconciliation Law 17/2019 legalization’s framework? And how can we benefit from those experiences? The research starts by demonstrating the picture of the long-existing phenomenon, analysing the formerly issued building laws together with the reconciliation law, in terms of the measures of dealing with illegal constructions using an inductive methodology. Then, conducting a comparative analysis between those laws, regarding the allowed and disallowed items for legalization, to understand the difference in the dealing measures. Then an analytic discussion of the law’s framework is conducted, paired with a comparison between the Reconciliation Law and other similar international examples in terms of the process framework and mechanisms. Results show that; former building laws in Egypt had all set the mechanism for legalization within their frameworks but with varying proportions. All formerly ruling building laws, with their amendments failed to contain or deter the increasing building violations at their times which is the reason why the phenomenon continued and thus law 17/2019 was later introduced. The Law allowed for legalizing most of the building violations in a rather flexible manner than before, but multiple issues appeared throughout its analysis. Therefore, recommendations include the necessity of making quick action plans to maintain and strengthen the rule of law, combining both deterrence-based and incentive-based mechanisms, especially with the delay in the reconciliation process, defining the reasons for the process delay to be eliminated. Plans should be made to protect the rights of law-abiders and special consideration should be made for vulnerable and disadvantaged group. Plans should be made on dealing with unlegalized buildings, those which didn’t apply for legalization, as well as dealing with similar future violations after the law’s process completion to facilitate the incorporation of acceptable violations in the formal realm. Comprehensive studies should be made to find practical means of achieving better urban integration of the legalized buildings, upgrading quality of life, and preserving the planned urban and architectural character of neighbourhoods to overcome the effect of the law’s generalization in dealing with violations of different natures and contexts, as well as overlooking of various important factors such as quality of life indicators, environmental impact controls, sanitation, natural lighting, ventilation, and energy consumption. Supervision and monitoring mechanisms should be included in the law’s framework for higher transparency and increase public trust of the process and the issued decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of the aggregate gradation, in the process of the asphalt mix design, is one of the most critical steps because it accounts for the overall strength of the asphalt mixture in terms of resisting the permanent deformation or rutting. This paper focuses on evaluating the current aggregate gradation selection procedure for the hot asphalt mix (HAM) using the three Bailey ratios. Additionally, this study analyzes, theoretically, the compaction and performance characteristics of the resulting HAM designed using the traditional design procedures which follow the trial-and-error technique in order to have a mix that satisfies the specification range. Results show that 14% of the samples prepared using the traditional technique satisfy the Bailey method guidelines and thus indicate good performance in the field. However, almost 80% of the asphalt mixes are tender asphalt mixes that are prone to segregation in the field, and 6 to 7% of the asphalt mixes are hard to compact. Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended that the Bailey Method analysis process should be incorporated into the mix design process as an additional tool to develop and select trial blends for the design of the asphalt mixes in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earned value management is a leading technique in monitoring and analyzing project performance and project progress. The main objectives of this paper are 1) Identify and prioritize the main problems for lack of techniques which cause poor management of cost control with poor site organization and inadequate supervision. 2) Demonstrate the modified Activity Based Costing system as the best choices for cost accounting approach for determining construction project accurate cost. To fill the gap of limited research for studying factors inhibiting the ability of contractors to effectively control their projects, a survey was conducted on 22 construction project organizations. It was noted that most project managers and contractors in Egypt find difficulty in controlling project costs due to problems that include Change order, Changes in the design, Errors in the design, current economic situation deterioration, Delay project and Rising prices of materials. To improve capital project cost schedule and predictability using a project control system for monitoring and predicting the construction project outcomes. The detailed scope of control systems must base on the complexity, size, and sensitivity strategy of the studied project. Control systems per project should be including: 1) Cost Management Process 2) Planning and Scheduling Management Process 3) Change Management. Finally, the study will show the application of modified Activity Based Costing approach that leads to getting better tendering price and update items costs data to save necessary information to bidders. This system is controlling all activities to take correct decisions. This study recommended that it was needed to change the traditional costing system and focus on the most accurate bidder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The earth surface changes continuously due to natural causes and human activities. New generations of satellite sensors, such as WorldView and GeoEye, provide new data to better delineate, track, and visualize changes in land cover. Several classes are used in the satellite images. All artifacts with elevations greater than the ground surface (buildings in particular) may appear in the wrong location. The correction of buildings position is an important task for mapping applications. The main aim of this study is to introduce a change detection approach using very high-resolution satellite images (VHR) for map updating. In this approach, an approximated method for building relief displacement correction was developed. In this paper, image preprocessing was carried out and the information content of the satellite image was evaluated. Then change detection between GeoEye-1 image and Sohag map was carried out using post-classification comparison technique. After that, the change map result was divided into two classes: building and non-building. All objects were transformed from raster to vector format. For building objects, the height was estimated. A python code was written to calculate relief displacement using buildings' height and shadow length. The vector layer was added to update the reference map. The results showed the ability of very high-resolution satellite images for updating large-scale maps in Egypt. Also, the approximated method for building relief displacement correction is a promising method. It has RMSE accuracy of 0.95m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]