The Department of Architecture – College of Engineering / Al-Nahrain University hosted the public defense of the master’s student Athraa Shiya Abdulkareem for her thesis entitled:

“The Impact of Urban Space Vitality on the Humanization of Contemporary Cities”

on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in the Department of Architecture’s hall.

The primary goal of the thesis is to develop and test indicators of urban space vitality and its impact on the humanization of cities. The research also aims to identify the main variables influencing both vitality and the humanization of cities, through applying a testing model to one of the traditional historical streets – in the Holy City of Kadhimiya.

One of the key conclusions of the research is the necessity of developing urban space vitality strategies, especially in light of the crises facing both contemporary and traditional cities. These strategies aim to humanize the city and enhance quality of life. The study found a direct relationship between urban space vitality and the humanization of cities, where humanization is achieved through the realization of quality of life within a humanized urban space.

The examining committee consisted of the following professors:

• Prof. Dr. Shaimaa Hameed Hussein / Al-Nahrain University / Dept. of Architecture / PhD in Urban Design & Sustainability – Chair

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainab Hussein Raouf / University of Technology / Dept. of Architecture / PhD in Architectural Design – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Samah Abdulaziz / Al-Nahrain University / Dept. of Architecture / PhD in Urban Design and Housing – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhiaa Hameed Basi / Al-Nahrain University / Dept. of Architecture / PhD in Urban Design – Supervisor

After the scientific discussion and deliberation by the committee members, and upon reviewing the student’s defense and evaluation of the thesis, the student was awarded the Master’s degree in Architecture