Master’s Thesis Defense

The Department of Architecture – College of Engineering / Al-Nahrain University held the public defense of the Master’s student Ahmed Abdul-Amir Ne’ma for his thesis entitled “Urban Canyons and the Making of Public Spaces”, on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, in the Euphrates Hall of the Department of Architecture.

The thesis aimed to address the central question: How can streets and public spaces (urban canyons) be transformed into successful places suitable for social interaction? The research examined the role of urban canyons in shaping public spaces by identifying the fundamental factors influencing their effectiveness and by developing an evaluation mechanism that considers physical, psychological, and social dimensions. The study emphasized that the concept of urban canyons is not limited to its material or geometric aspects, but rather represents a social construct inherently connected to people and users.

The research adopted a mixed-method approach to test the hypothesis, which was based on three key components derived from previous studies: shade (thermal comfort), enclosure, and functional diversity. Two case studies in Baghdad—Al-Umma Park and Al-Mutanabbi Street—were analyzed to assess the level of integration between physical and social dimensions. The results confirmed the validity of the hypothesis, showing that shade, enclosure, and activity diversity enhance vitality and social interaction, creating successful public spaces when these factors are properly adapted and applied in partnership with the community and users. This allows urban canyons to become vibrant and effective public spaces.

The department was honored by the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, with due respect, accompanied by the esteemed President of Al-Nahrain University and the esteemed Dean of the College of Engineering, which added distinguished academic and scientific value to the occasion.

The examination committee consisted of the following esteemed professors:

• Prof. Dr. Suzan Abdul-Hassan Ibrahim – Al-Nahrain University / Department of Architecture / Ph.D. in Architecture and Environment – Chair

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Nabeel Taha Ismail – University of Diyala / Department of Architecture / Ph.D. in Urban Planning – Member

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Samah Abdul-Aziz Ibrahim – Al-Nahrain University / Department of Architecture / Ph.D. in Urban Housing Design – Member

• Prof. Dr. Haitham Abdul-Hussein Ali – Al-Nahrain University / Department of Architecture / Ph.D. in Urban Planning – Supervisor

Following the committee’s in-depth academic discussion, the student’s defense, and the evaluation of the thesis, the researcher was awarded the Master’s degree in Architecture.