RESEARCH PROJECTS

Manar's academic contributions extend beyond her role as an Assistant Lecturer. She has actively engaged in research projects, published scholarly articles, and presented her work at academic conferences. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of urban planning is evident in her dedication to rigorous research and critical analysis.

As an urban researcher, my work spans the dynamic and ever-evolving terrain of city life. Through diverse research projects, I have delved into the intricate relationships between governance, social equity, cultural identity, and environmental sustainability. This section reflects on these studies and presents a cohesive narrative that ties together the most pressing urban challenges of today.

As Urban planning is a multifaceted discipline, and at the heart of it lies the need for effective governance. One of my early projects explores the concept of mental maps in geography, offering insight into how individuals perceive and navigate urban spaces. Understanding these mental constructs is critical for planners who strive to design cities that are not only functional but also resonate with the emotional landscapes of their inhabitants.

Building on this foundation, my study of sustainable and integrated planning in Luxembourg, with a focus on the transport sector, demonstrates how cities can balance economic growth with environmental concerns. As urban populations grow, cities must develop integrated approaches that align infrastructure development with sustainability goals, making Luxembourg a prime case study.

I further explored the role of governance in shaping urban development through my research on multilevel governance in Ghent. This study highlights the importance of local knowledge and how place-based policies can drive urban transformation. Similarly, my analysis of metropolitan governance models in Ghent underscores the complexities cities face as they expand across multiple administrative boundaries. These two studies offer key insights into how layered governance can either enhance or complicate the effectiveness of urban management.

Social equity is an essential component of urban life. In my research on housing inequalities in Luxembourg, I examined how rising housing prices and exclusionary policies threaten the affordability and inclusivity of urban spaces. Housing is not just a basic need; it is a fundamental aspect of social justice in cities.

This theme of social exclusion is further explored in my study of border communities along the Morocco-Spain frontier, where cultural and geographical divides contribute to feelings of alienation and marginalization. These communities exist in liminal spaces where national and cultural identities overlap, creating unique challenges for both migrants and policymakers. I also explored how language shapes generational identity among migrants, highlighting how linguistic barriers can impact the way individuals and communities integrate into urban life.

By studying Singapore’s historical evolution of urban planning, I compared how different governance strategies have balanced social equity and economic efficiency over time. Singapore provides an interesting case study of a city-state that has had to reconcile rapid economic growth with the need to ensure that all residents benefit from its urban policies.

Urban spaces are powerful symbols of cultural identity. In my research on the Thames Gateway Project, I explored how urban renewal projects can reflect broader societal changes. The project is not merely a physical transformation of space but also a cultural one, revealing the deep connections between society, media, and symbolism in urban planning. Through this lens, cities like London are seen as both functional hubs and mirrors of national identity.

Further examining cultural identity in urban spaces, my study of narratives of belonging and alienation in border communities (such as Morocco-Spain) investigates how geographical borders influence identity formation. In cities, where spatial boundaries meet, issues of belonging become ever more pronounced, impacting the cultural fabric of urban environments.

As cities face the mounting pressures of climate change, environmental sustainability must be a priority in urban planning. My research on water management in the Netherlands offers a detailed case study of how cities can develop climate resilience through forward-thinking infrastructure. In a world where rising sea levels and unpredictable weather patterns threaten urban stability, the Dutch approach provides a model for sustainable urban adaptation.

Innovation in research methodologies is critical for advancing urban studies. In my work on land use models and European cross-border integration, I utilized advanced tools such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to gain deeper insights into how cities function. The ability to map, analyze, and interpret spatial data allows urban researchers to address complex challenges with greater precision.

I also incorporated interdisciplinary approaches in my assessment of social safety in non-gated residential districts, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how architectural elements impact urban social dynamics. This fusion of methodologies is essential for addressing the multifaceted nature of contemporary urban issues.

Across these research projects, my work investigates the intersections of governance, social equity, cultural identity, and sustainability—all crucial elements in shaping the future of cities. By examining governance models and the social structures that underpin urban life, my research highlights the need for cities to adopt holistic approaches that address both the technical and human dimensions of urban development.

Cities are at the forefront of global change, and my research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how we can build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban spaces. These studies serve as a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern urban life, offering insights into how we might collectively shape the cities of tomorrow.