Urban Catalysts: Design, Planning, and Engineering for Environmental Improvement

This book presents an interdisciplinary exploration of sustainable development within the built environment, uniting research across architecture, urban planning, structural engineering, and environmental sciences. It emphasizes the integration of traditional knowledge with modern technologies to create adaptive, resilient, and human-centered design solutions.The studies compiled in this book highlight innovative approaches in sustainable architecture, heritage conservation, interior and biophilic design, and advanced material technologies. They also examine the transformative role of artificial intelligence and emerging engineering techniques in enhancing construction efficiency, structural performance, and environmental responsibility.Addressing the global challenges of climate change, urban growth, and resource management, this collection provides forward-thinking strategies and real-world case studies that inspire smarter, greener, and more sustainable communities. It serves as a valuable reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable architecture and engineering.

Hasim Altan (B.Arch., M.Arch., Ph.D., PGCE, FHEA) serves as Professor of Sustainable Design in the Department of Architectural Engineering at the College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. After earning his Ph.D. in 2004, he began teaching as a lecturer and was later appointed as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture in the UK. During this time, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). With over two decades of experience, Professor Altan is both a Chartered Architect (RIBA) and a Chartered Engineer (CIBSE), having worked across Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sectors in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA).Dr. Ioannis Zuburtikudis is Experienced, Licensed Chemical Engineer and Professor of chemical engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), where he also serves as Department Chair. He was educated in Greece and the USA, where he worked as Research Scientist. Upon returning to Greece, Ioannis worked as Field Chemical Engineer at Hellenic Petroleum Co. He later joined Greek academia and founded the NanoMaterials and Manufacturing Processes Laboratory (www.nanohybrid.eu).His research focuses on the intersection of nanotechnology, soft matter, chemical reaction engineering, and sustainability. Dr. Zuburtikudis has received many research grants from agencies in Greece, the EU, and the UAE. His recent projects address critical needs for sustainable development in the UAE, including the innovative use of recycled plastics, the design and development of advanced nanofiltration membranes for water treatment, and the implementation of Circular Economy principles in process engineering.Dr. Omer Mughieda is Associate Professor of civil engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU). In 1997, Dr. Omer Mughieda received his Ph.D. in civil engineering (Geotechnical Engineering) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I) in Urbana. In his research, he investigated non-persistent rock connections to determine their failure mechanisms. He holds a master's degree (M.Sc.) in civil engineering (geotechnical engineering) from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Dr. Omer earned his bachelor's degree in 1987 from Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan, with honors and an outstanding rating. He is Outstanding Teacher who is committed to providing high-quality teaching and sharing the knowledge he acquired during his studies and afterward. In recognition of his teaching excellence, he received the Outstanding Teaching Award at the college level and the ADU Distinguished Faculty Award at the university level (2013). Dr. Manish A. Kewalramani received his Ph.D. degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (Rajasthan), India. After receiving Ph.D. in the area of Concrete and Sustainable Curing Proced