All articles
143 articles
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Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Developing a Socio-ecological Urban Design Framework for Edge Cities
Abstract: In the rapidly urbanizing world, edge cities, urban areas situated on the outskirts of larger metropolitan regions have emerged as dynamic centres of economic activity. However, their development often prioritizes growth over sustainability, leading to ecological degradation and social inequities. This dissertation presents a socio-ecological urban design framework aimed at balancing growth with sustainability in edge cities. By integrating principles from ecology, sociology, and urban planning, this framework addresses the …
Published in International Journal of Urban Design and Development · Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 1–24 Read article
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Urban Planning and Design Approaches for Redevelopment: Case of Indian Railway Stations Redevelopment
Abstract: Urban society’s spatial and functional needs are reflected in the theories that revolve around planning and design. These theories evolve and shape urban policies that are the frameworks for the future. The practice of these theories differs across the world because of the unique history and geography of urban areas. However, theories encompass a wide range of subjects that occur repeatedly. It is important to understand and contextualise the theoretical …
Published in International Journal of Urban Design and Development · Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 25–35 Read article
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An Analytical study of Government Scheme for Farmers in Gujarat: Impact, Implementation Challenges, and Policy Implications
Abstract: Gujarat’s economy is mostly dependent on agriculture, which increases food security, rural employment, and state revenue. Despite the state’s notable progress in irrigation infrastructure and agricultural commercialization, Gujarat farmers continue to face challenges, such as market volatility, water scarcity, unpredictable weather, and rising input costs. The governments of Gujarat and India have implemented several initiatives aimed at addressing these problems, including crop insurance, irrigation expansion, farm mechanization, income support, digital …
Published in International Journal of Rural and Regional Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 38–44 Read article
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Sustainable Architecture for Rural Communities: The Tanzanian Family House Model
Abstract: Sustainable rural housing in East Africa must respond simultaneously to climatic stress, water scarcity, sanitation challenges, and socio-cultural practices. This article presents the Tanzanian Family House as a climate-responsive and resource-efficient housing model developed specifically for rural Tanzanian communities. The project integrates low embodied energy materials, passive environmental strategies, and decentralized infrastructure systems to create a durable and culturally grounded dwelling that can be constructed using local skills and materials. …
Published in International Journal of Rural and Regional Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–12 Read article
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Biophilic Design as a Bridge Between Applied Vastu and Contemporary Interior Design Practice in Urban Indian Residences
Abstract: The growing disconnect between urban Indian residents and the natural environment has prompted renewed interest in design strategies that restore human–nature connections within indoor spaces. This paper investigates the conceptual and practical convergence between biophilic design—a framework grounded in the innate human affinity for nature—and Vastu, the ancient Indian architectural science that prescribes spatial harmony through alignment with natural forces. Drawing on a qualitative review of existing literature, established biophilic …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 52–61 Read article
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Adaptive Hospitality: Designing Modular Hotel Rooms for Multi-Functional Use in Urban Micro Hotels
Abstract: This research investigates the concept of adaptive hospitality through the lens of modular design, focusing on the creation of multi-functional hotel rooms in urban micro-hotel settings. With the rise in urban populations and increasing scarcity of land, hospitality design must adopt innovative spatial strategies that prioritize flexibility, efficiency, and user experience The research explores how modular and transformable design solutions can respond to the spatial constraints of dense urban environments. …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 39–51 Read article
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Nature-Integrated Day-Care Spaces: Fostering Early Childhood Growth in Lucknow
Abstract: The physical environment plays a vital role in shaping early childhood experiences, influencing cognitive, emotional, and social development. However, in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Lucknow, children’s exposure to natural environments has become increasingly limited, with most day-care centers confined within enclosed, concrete settings. This study investigates how the integration of natural elements within day-care interiors and outdoor spaces can foster holistic child development and enhance learning outcomes. Emphasizing the …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 7–18 Read article
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The Role of BIM and Parametric Intelligence in Architectural Practice: A Study of Architects in Uttarakhand
Abstract: Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, represents one of India’s youngest and most dynamic urban centers in Uttarakhand. Since its designation as the state’s capital, the city has experienced a rapid evolution in architectural development and construction technology. As urbanization and design demands increase, architectural practices in Dehradun and across Uttarakhand are progressively shifting from conventional methods toward advanced digital tools that promote precision, efficiency, and sustainable outcomes. Among these, …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 19–38 Read article
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Self-Help Group and Rural Women’s Socioeconomic Empowerment in India: An SDG Perspective
Abstract: This research examines the impact of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on rural women in Khurda District, Odisha, and their contribution to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The central aim of the study is to understand whether participation in SHGs helps women improve their socioeconomic conditions and move closer to global development goals, such as poverty reduction, food security, better health, improved education, and gender equality. To assess this, …
Published in International Journal of Rural and Regional Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 38–48 Read article
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Challenges And Constraints Affecting Female-Owned Rural Farm Businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria
Abstract: This study examined the challenges and constraints affecting female-owned rural farm businesses in Plateau State, Nigeria. No prior study had conducted a comprehensive, quantitative, state-wide investigation covering all 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, and this study addressed that gap. The objectives were to identify the challenges faced by female-owned rural farm businesses, assess their relationship with business performance, and determine how strongly these challenges predicted performance outcomes. …
Published in International Journal of Rural and Regional Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–13 Read article
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Mapping A Contextualized Southern Africa's Innovation Ecosystem: The Emerging Role of Higher Education in Promoting Inclusive Innovation and Rural Industrialization
Abstract: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognized as strategic actors in shaping innovation ecosystems that can respond to persistent socio-economic inequalities in the Global South. In Southern Africa, where rural underdevelopment, youth unemployment, weak industrial bases, and uneven innovation capacities remain pressing concerns, universities are under growing pressure to move beyond their traditional teaching and research mandates and contribute more directly to inclusive development. This paper examines the emerging role …
Published in International Journal of Rural and Regional Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 14–27 Read article
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Integrating Social Perception and Economic Valuation for Riparian Zone Preservation: Evidence from Kiliti Watershed, Ethiopia
Abstract: Riparian zones play a crucial role in maintaining watershed health by providing ecosystem services such as water filtration, erosion control, biodiversity conservation, and aesthetic and cultural benefits to surrounding communities. Despite their importance, riparian areas in many developing countries are increasingly degraded due to agricultural expansion, grazing pressure, and settlement encroachment. This study integrates social perception analysis with economic valuation to assess riparian zone preservation in the Kiliti Watershed, Northwestern …
Published in International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 49–55 Read article
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Revitalizing São Cristóvão: Integrating Industry, Commerce, and Community for a Sustainable Urban Future
Abstract: This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for the sustainable regeneration of São Cristóvão, a historically industrial district in Rio de Janeiro, South America, which presently demonstrates significant urban deterioration, socio-economic instability, and increasing environmental hazards. Through an interdisciplinary methodology integrating spatial analysis, ethnographic profiling, environmental assessment, and stakeholder engagement, the study develops a phased master plan aimed at transforming the neighborhood into a resilient, inclusive, and economically diverse urban environment. …
Published in International Journal of Urban Design and Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 58–68 Read article
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Assessing Urban Surface Runoff Management Using the SWAT Model, GIS, and the Rational Method: A Case Study of Karapakkam
Abstract: Urban surface runoff management encompasses strategies aimed at regulating rainwater flow, reducing urban flooding, enhancing groundwater recharge, and contributing to disaster risk mitigation for sustainable urban development. This study seeks to optimize surface runoff management in urban settings by using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model integrated with geographic information systems (GIS) to minimize flood risks. The research focuses on the peak runoff in Karapakkam, a locality within …
Published in International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 37–48 Read article
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Assessing Utility of Parks: A Study of Parks in Raipur, India
Abstract: With the rapid growth of urbanization in India, urban parks are taking center stage as vital recreational spaces and community gathering spots. As cities continue to densify and open spaces shrink, public parks increasingly serve as essential infrastructure that supports physical health, social interaction, and environmental well-being. In addition to offering leisure and recreation, urban parks contribute to urban resilience by improving microclimatic conditions and enhancing the overall quality of …
Published in International Journal of Urban Design and Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 42–57 Read article
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Claiming the City: How India’s Urban Spaces Exclude Women and How to Fix Them, A Case Study of New Delhi
Abstract: This paper analyses the layered risks, vulnerabilities, and everyday negotiations faced by women in open public spaces in diverse sites across India, with New Delhi as a representative and highly stratified urban case. It examines how specific Urban design competences, planning attitudes, and governance mechanisms have in the past resulted in exclusionary and not safe environments for women. Based on crime reports, government statistics, academic literature, and field-based observations, the …
Published in International Journal of Urban Design and Development · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 25–41 Read article
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Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Waste and Water Management in Assam: A Guwahati Perspective
Abstract: Water and waste management problems are becoming more urgent in rapidly urbanizing areas like Guwahati, Assam. Current household practices, public awareness, and infrastructure support that either facilitate or impede waste and water management were evaluated in this case study. A structured online survey was used to gather data from fifty-five respondents in Guwahati, primarily urban youth, using a mixed-methods technique. Although low levels of waste generation were reported, the results …
Published in International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 16–36 Read article
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Swachhata Hi Seva: Transforming Public Health, Environmental Sustainability, and Water Stewardship Through Community Engagement
Abstract: Swachhata (cleanliness) is not merely a hygiene practice but a foundational driver of public health, environmental resilience, and sustainable development. Recognizing its multidimensional importance, this research critically examines the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign as a transformative, community-led movement that elevates cleanliness from an individual responsibility to a collective civic duty and social commitment. The study highlights how the campaign mobilizes diverse community groups, institutions, and local governance structures to actively …
Published in International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 9–15 Read article
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Climate-Induced Drought, Food Insecurity, and Adaptation Governance: A Multiscale Review of Risks and Policy Responses in Africa and South Asia
Abstract: Drought is one of the most critical climate-induced hazards, severely affecting agricultural systems, water resources, and human well-being, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multidimensional impacts of drought by examining its effects on food security, population displacement, and institutional adaptation across selected case studies from West Africa, South Africa, and coastal Bangladesh. The findings reveal that increasing climate variability and prolonged …
Published in International Journal of Environmental Planning and Development Architecture · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–8 Read article
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Developing Design Sense in First-Year Architecture Students: A Pedagogical Approach to Basic Design
Abstract: This study explores the pedagogical significance of Basic Design Studios in shaping the foundational competencies of first-year architecture students. Serving as the foundation of architectural education, these studios cultivate essential skills in spatial awareness, creative thinking, and problem-solving. The research underscores how structured studio exercises, material explorations, and conceptual modeling collectively nurture an understanding of the interrelationship between space, form, and function. By emphasizing experiential and hands-on learning, students are …
Published in International Journal of Architectural Design and Planning · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1–6 Read article