Doctoral Thesis

Working Title:
University campus as a microcosm of the city: Introducing ' Healthy Space Index (HSI) ' for a healthier built environment.

Main Supervisor:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gesine Marquardt, Dresden University of Technology (TUD)

IOER Research area:
Research Area Spatial Information and Modelling

Abstract:
Rapid increase in world population aggravates multiple urban challenges; provoking discourses and concerns about future urbanization which entail dialogues in a variety of topics. Global urbanization poses a significant threat to the maintenance and promotion of health and well-being of the inhabitants; Thus, actions must be taken to ensure urban sustainability in this regard. Multiple international organizations have taken initiatives in response to the accelerated urbanization, such as the '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development' by the United Nations in 2015. Where it focuses on establishing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be applied by nations across multiple disciplines . Reflecting on such initiative and since most of the world's population suffers from poor health, the study contributes to the SDG number 3 which as stated by the UN, aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all”. Architecture and urban design can mitigate the risk of diseases and support infection control by designing spaces that prioritize health criteria such as airflow, spatial quality, light, etc.

This study contributes to the promotion of urban health, using the university campus as an urban representation. Consequently, the dissertation investigates the relationships between architectural built environment and the users’ health and well-being. In particular, the design parameters, decisions and practices that affect the human brain, which is responsible for the physical, physiological and psychological states of the user (3 Ps). Since there are little insights in this regard, the research focuses on the educational sector, in particular the university; which is considered a microcosm of the city and is highly integrated within its urban fabric. The study aims to develop a framework for space assessment in terms of health and well-being, which is called the ‘Healthy Space Index (HSI)’ that would encompass the design parameters which impact users’ health, as well as assess how healthy a space is. Multi-methods are conducted in progressive phases as follows; 1) Using Evidence Based Design (EBD) to extract the attributes and design parameters that are proven to have correlations with health, 2) Conducting qualitative and quantitative methods to fill in the gaps of EBD, 3) Developing a framework for the HSI, 4) Implementing and applying the index on a comparative case study as an analytical and spatial health assessment tool. The results from the HSI are expected to assist and give insights to architects and urban designers to design healthier spaces, contributing to the holistic urban health and resilience (taking the university campus as a model ). With future research, HSI is expected to grow and include other sectors to further support design decisions and assessments.

CV

Education

04/2023 - Present
Doctoral Student at Dresden University of Technology (TUD), Faculty of Architecture

09/2018 - 12/2020
Studies in Architecture and Urban Design, German University in Cairo, Egypt
Academic Degree: Masters of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture and Urban Design

09/2013 - 07/2018
Studies in Architecture and Urban Design, German University in Cairo, Egypt
Academic Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Architecture and Urban Design

Experiences

07/2021 - 02/2023
Coventry University - TKH Branch, Cairo
Assistant Lecturer in Interior Architecture and Design department, School of Design and Media

12/2020 - 07/2021
German University in Cairo
Assistant Lecturer in Architecture and Urban Design department at the German University in Cairo

07/2020 - 12/2020
German University in Cairo
Teaching Assistant in Architecture and Urban Design department at the German University in Cairo

02/2020 - 07/2020
German International University, Berlin, Germany
Teaching Assistant in Architecture and Urban Design department at the German International University in Berlin, Germany.

01/2019 - 07/2019
German University in Cairo – Branding Egypt Center
Member of the Architectural design and urban planning team in Branding Egypt Center at the GUC

09/2018 - 02/2020
German University in Cairo
Teaching Assistant in Architecture and Urban Design department at the German University in Cairo.

06/2018 - Present
Freelance Architect, Interior and Lighting designer

09/2018 - 03/2019
Eco Arch Consultant, Cairo, Egypt
Part-time Architect

07/2017 - 08/2017
Eco Arch Consultant, Cairo, Egypt
Intern Architect

07/2016 - 07/2016
Engineering Consultants Group (ECG), Cairo, Egypt
Intern Architect

Awards

Doctorate Scholarship, Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS)

Shortlisted in National Training Academy (NTA) competition