Ivette Arroyo, Norma Montesino, Erik Johansson and Moohammed Wasim Yahia
The aim of this article is to explore the everyday life experiences of elderly (+70 years) living with young locals and refugees in a collaborative housing project before and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this article is to explore the everyday life experiences of elderly (+70 years) living with young locals and refugees in a collaborative housing project before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. The paper discusses the importance of the spatial dimension in the conceptualization of social integration.
Design/methodology/approach
The main method is a qualitative case study based on observations of settings, document/video analysis, online diary entries made by ten residents and eight semi- structured interviews conducted with the residents.
Findings
SällBo was conceived as a new type of collaborative housing in which elderly, young locals and refugees share common spaces with the aim of enabling social integration. In this context, COVID-19 interrupted the ongoing processes of living together after four months of moving to the house. The three main themes that emerge from the empirical material are (1) changes in the use of common spaces and social interactions, (2) residents' resilient coping responses during the pandemic and (3) insights for future design of collaborative housing based on their experience. The pandemic caused a moment of institutional vacuum, which triggered the agency of the residents whilst developing social bonds and social bridges among them.
Social implications
Social connection created in everyday life at SällBo's common spaces has triggered processes of social integration.
Originality/value
The ongoing processes of social integration have included the spatial dimension. We understand social integration as a process that involves people from different generations and ethnical backgrounds, which takes place in common spaces and everyday life as different modes of socialization.
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Iman Ibrahim, Ahmad W. Sukkar, Moohammed Wasim Yahia and Menatallah Aly
This paper aims to explore the role of social and cultural sustainability in shaping smart urban development in the Arab Region, focusing on three cities, i.e. Sharjah Sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the role of social and cultural sustainability in shaping smart urban development in the Arab Region, focusing on three cities, i.e. Sharjah Sustainable City (UAE), Lusail Smart City (Qatar) and SEKEM (Egypt). The research looks into how cultural aspects are integrated into the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their relationship in the achievement of SDGs and sustainable city pillars.
Design/methodology/approach
By following a mainly qualitative research approach and methodology of interviewing experts about the cities and carrying out an intensive literature review and case studies, this research analyzes the key cultural elements essential for the evolution of smart and/or sustainable cities. It highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage, enhancing social cohesion and promoting inclusivity, all within the framework of the established sustainability standards.
Findings
By following a detailed approach to case studies and rigorous research methods, this study provides valuable insights for architects, urban planners, policymakers and researchers. The research highlighted the importance of engaging the communities and local population in the urban planning processes to ensure that the voices of potential residents are heard and that development projects meet the needs of the local population. The research also concluded that the formation of a social and sustainability index is crucial in the Arab Region.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s utilization of secondary data and expert interviews may introduce biases, hence constraining the extent of analysis. Moreover, the concentration on a restricted set of towns may not adequately depict the variety of urban growth throughout the Arab region. Future studies would be enhanced by expanding their scope to include a wider range of case studies and utilizing mixed approaches to gain a more nuanced comprehension of sustainable strategies.
Practical implications
The findings offer a foundation for thoughtful and sustainable urban planning in Arab cities. The research emphasizes the vital connection between cultural preservation and sustainability goals and the importance of the inclusion of cultural dimensions in sustainability frameworks to create more inclusive and resilient smart cities.
Social implications
The study illustrates that incorporating cultural values into urban planning promotes social cohesiveness and inclusivity, hence enhancing the sustainability and resilience of communities. This method guarantees that urban development is both ecologically sustainable and culturally considerate, promoting the conservation of local identities and customs.
Originality/value
This study deepens the understanding of how cultural preservation and sustainability intersect in urban development. It provides important insights that can guide the development of smart cities, particularly in the Arab region, by ensuring that cultural values are integral to sustainable urban growth.
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Ahmad Sukkar, Moohammed Wasim Yahia, Emad Mushtaha, Aref Maksoud, Salem Buhashima Abdalla, Omar Nasif and Omer Melahifci
This study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural…
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the effect of the techniques of active teaching and learning as a way of delivery on the outcomes of quality learning. Focusing on the courses of architectural science taught in a nontraditional method using various active learning strategies, the study takes the case study of the course Building Illumination and Acoustics (BIA) delivered in the academic year 2019–2020 at the University of Sharjah (UoS)'s Architectural Engineering Department (AED).
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, the study applied a case study and survey as methods. A questionnaire was designed and performed to assess the level of students' satisfaction with the implemented active teaching method.
Findings
The vibrant learning setting made the students actively engaged and more motivated and enthusiastic. The active learning practices used, including employing senses as in sight and hearing, reasoning rationally and intuitively, reflecting and acting, working steadily and in fits and starts, creating mathematical models, visualizing and memorizing and drawing analogies, were efficient in boosting their ability to comprehend theoretical concepts more effectively. The delivery style effectively enhances quality learning when various active techniques are used pedagogically beyond being merely a utilitarian instrument to prepare novice students of architectural engineering to fulfill practical challenges.
Research limitations/implications
This article focuses specifically on a theoretical, scientific non-studio course in a particular program of architectural engineering in a particular semester before the dramatic changes in styles of teaching delivery that happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research could further highlight its results by comparing them to statistical evidence of the development of the course, especially for the duration of online teaching during the pandemic and the hybrid teaching period after it.
Originality/value
This article contributes to the development of teaching and learning of architectural engineering in the local Emirati context by putting original theories of teaching into practice. This paper further contributes to the field of architectural pedagogy in terms of the effect of active learning in the architecture field in the non-studio courses in higher education in the United Arab Emirates.