Groundbreaking Research Highlights Urgent Need for Infrastructure-Sensitive Urban Planning

College of City and Regional Planning, UOD, May 11, 2025, University Press Office ( UNPO) | As part of the University of Duhok’s commitment to research-driven solutions and sustainable urban development, MSc student Ehsan Sadiq Muhsin has successfully defended his thesis titled:
“The Impact of High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) on the Water Sector: A Case Study of Duhok City.”

The defense took place in April, at the Department of Spatial Planning, College of City and Regional Planning, under the supervision of Dr. Basheer Ahmed M. Saeed. The study received a final grade of ‘Very Good’, reflecting both academic excellence and practical relevance to urban infrastructure challenges.

📚 Research Focus: Infrastructure Under Pressure from Vertical Growth

Ehsan’s thesis tackles a critical question at the heart of Duhok’s evolving urban identity:
How will rapid vertical expansion affect the city’s water supply systems?

With the proliferation of high-rise buildings (HRBs) in Duhok, the strain on essential services—especially water infrastructure—is increasing. The research underscores the necessity of integrated locational planning, institutional coordination, and proactive policy-making to ensure water systems can keep pace with the city's vertical transformation.

🔍 Key Insights & Strategic Alignment

The research is grounded in a multidisciplinary approach, aligning closely with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Vision 2023–2038, particularly in these areas:

• Sustainable Urban Planning & Smart Cities
   
• Water Resource Management in Semi-Arid Zones
   
• Evidence-Based Infrastructure Policy
   
• Interdisciplinary Environmental Research
   
• Urban Resilience & Risk Mitigation Strategies
   

The study offers data-driven recommendations for public authorities and urban planners, such as:

• Strengthening regulatory frameworks for building permits based on water capacity studies
   
• Enhancing municipal cooperation on shared resource planning
   
• Adopting smart technologies for water system optimization
   

👨‍⚖️ Defense Committee of Experts

Ehsan's work was reviewed and praised by a committee of leading scholars from across Kurdistan Region universities:

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Sivan Hisham Taher Al Jarah – Sulaimani Polytechnic University
   
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamil Mansoor Yousif – University of Zakho
   
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Lida IssaZadeh – University of Duhok
   
• Dr. Basheer Ahmed Mohammed Saeed – University of Duhok (Supervisor)
   

The committee commended the thesis for its critical relevance to urban policy and planning, especially in cities undergoing rapid transformation.

🚀 Looking Ahead: UOD’s Vision for Sustainable Cities

This thesis sets a precedent for future graduate-level contributions to Duhok’s urban development discourse. The University of Duhok plans to expand research in sustainable urban infrastructure, exploring how climate change, population growth, and technology intersect to shape regional planning priorities.

📌 Explore UOD’s urban research vision and upcoming infrastructure initiatives: [Visit UOD Strategic Plan 2023–2038]
📸 Click to view the media coverage for this event

📢 University Press Office –May 11, 2025
📝 Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Aland Kamal Othman
📸 Photography by: Aland Kamal Othman

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