UOD – December 14, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) – The College of City and Regional Planning (CCRP) at the University of Duhok (UOD), successfully concluded its flagship program—the Urban Acupuncture Fellowship: Healing the River Corridor – A Catalyst for Green Connectivity and Public Life in Duhok—conducted in partnership with Kassel University (Germany), Alexandria University (Egypt), Beirut Arab University (Lebanon), and University of Babylon (Iraq). The closing ceremony was held on November 27, 2025. The program, implemented under the DAAD-funded Ta’ziz Partnership for Scientific Cooperation, brought together international academic expertise, applied urban research, and hands-on fieldwork to explore sustainable solutions for Duhok’s river systems.

Running from October 10 to November 27, 2025, the fellowship brought together two international researchers, Ms. Nada Ali Jouni and Ms. Shahinaz Essam Elsaid, who engaged participants in intensive workshops, field investigations, spatial analysis exercises, and collaborative design sessions. These activities focused on developing environmentally responsive and community-centered interventions for the Duhok River Corridor.

In parallel, UOD MSc students participated in the HERIT-AI-GE Workshop in Egypt, organized under the KassMENA: Sustainable Future for Cultural Heritage (SFCH) project. The workshop addressed digital heritage documentation, generative AI applications, 3D scanning technologies, and climate-adaptive urban regeneration across historic Mediterranean contexts.

Together, these initiatives reinforced UOD’s commitment to global engagement, interdisciplinary research, and the advancement of sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Leadership and Acknowledgments

The ceremony was led by:

• Prof. Dr. Layla Mohamed Raswol, Dean of the College of City and Regional Planning/Program Initiator of the Urban Acupuncture Program.
• Mr. Andar M. Bahaaddin (PhD Candidate), Program Coordinator of the Urban Acupuncture Program.
• Mr. Omer Sabah Nori: Program Student's Assistantship, facilitator, and photography.
• The event was attended by faculty members, urban planning professionals, students, representatives of local government institutions, and international partners.

Fellowship Highlights: Advancing Sustainable Urbanism Through Urban Acupuncture

Throughout the fellowship, participants were immersed in:

• Training sessions exploring urban acupuncture principles and micro-intervention strategies for river corridor revitalization.
• Field research activities documenting ecological conditions, public space dynamics, and community needs along the Duhok riverbanks.
• Collaborative studios producing conceptual scenarios for green connectivity, pedestrian integration, cultural activation, and environmental enhancement.
• Participatory planning exercises with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure community-centered decision-making.

The closing ceremony featured presentations by the fellows, summarizing their design proposals and research findings, followed by a recognition ceremony that awarded certificates for their completion of the program.

International Academic Collaboration: HERIT-AI-GE Workshop, Egypt

A parallel component of the program involved UOD’s participation in the HERIT-AI-GE Workshop, conducted in Egypt from November 1–9, 2025, with partner universities including:

• Kassel University – Germany
• Alexandria University – Egypt
• ENAU – Tunisia
• Beirut Arab University – Lebanon
• Galala University – Egypt
• University of Rostock – Germany

The workshop focused on bridging digital technologies with heritage preservation, offering training in:

• Generative AI for architectural and heritage analysis
• 3D scanning and photogrammetry for cultural asset documentation
• Urban regeneration frameworks
• Climate-adaptive design for buildings and open spaces

UOD participants represented the university with excellence, contributing to research discussions, design studios, and cross-cultural academic exchange.

Advancing UOD’s Strategic Vision

The Urban Acupuncture Fellowship and the HERIT-AI-GE Workshop strongly align with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan (2023–2038), which emphasizes:

• Global Academic Cooperation: Partnership with DAAD and universities across Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East enhances UOD’s international footprint and fosters cross-cultural knowledge exchange.
• Digital Transformation & Innovation: The integration of AI tools, 3D documentation, and GIS-based planning methods reflects UOD’s commitment to preparing students for the digital era.
• Environmental Protection & Sustainable Development: Both programs reinforce environmentally responsible planning, aligning with UOD’s mission to promote ecological stewardship and sustainable urban futures for the Kurdistan Region.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office – December 14, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Aland Kamal Othman
Photography by: Omer Sabah Nori

The News Keywords

• Urban Acupuncture
• DAAD Ta’ziz Partnership
• Environmental Sustainability
• Green Connectivity
• Public Spaces