Abeer Elshater
Biographic Data
| ID | 781412 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Abeer Elshater |
| GIVEN NAMES | Abeer |
| FAMILY NAME | Elshater |
| SIGNATURE | ELSHATER A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Ain Shams University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-5061-6861 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 14 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 24 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2019 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
When a paradigm is not a paradigm shift
Rethinking Urban Planning for Uncertainty
Urban planning often faces challenges stemming from legal rigidity and institutional fragmentation, which hinder its ability to address complex and uncertain future scenarios. In this Viewpoint we introduce Big Picture Planning (BPP), a dynamic bundle of strategically guided foresight plans that supplements statutory comprehensive plans across multiple time horizons. Our argument was developed in the case of Huntsville’s (AL) Big Picture. BPP con…
Minds versus machines
Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of generating and analyzing text across multiple tasks, including language understanding and summarization.1 Consequent
A Review Worth Reviewing
The Dis/Continuity of the Chain
Rapid and large-scale urban transformations destabilize historical continuity in both the material fabric of cities and the theoretical assumptions guiding urban design. This review reconceptualizes tabula rasa and palimpsest as a negative dialectic through which historical dis/continuity can be critically interpreted. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s account of the production of space and Marc Augé’s notion of non-place, tabula rasa is understood not…
Shadows on the wall
This perspective interrogates the epistemological foundations of peer review in urban research journals through the concept of epistemic im/purity, the entrenched belief that valid knowledge should conform to supposedly objective and universal standards. Drawing on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, it argues that some peer review practices trap scholars in a shadow world, privileging familiar paradigms while obscuring situated, plural, and justice-or…
Practical Strategies and Guidance for Contextual Literature Reviews in Urban Studies
This conceptual article introduces an alternative perspective on the notion of the urban context for early-career researchers interested in developing academic writing through literary narratives. It brings together two distinct conceptualizations of context. The first is a philosophical approach rooted in interpretive traditions within the humanities and social sciences. The second is a spatial–societal approach commonly adopted in architecture,…
Applying Contextualism
This study presents the theoretical depth of urban research by proposing a four-stage contextual conceptual guide for integrating historical and societal contextual factors within the nexus of time and space. Addressing a critical gap in urban research, it focuses on early career researchers (ECRs), who often struggle to systematically incorporate contextual dimensions into their academic writing, particularly in theoretical discussions. The firs…
From Social Sciences to Urban Praxis
This concept paper introduces the Contextual Critical Historical Inquiry and Analysis (CCHIA) framework—a critical synthesis tool designed to advance historical contextual inquiry in urban studies. The study aims to develop a structured methodological framework that integrates historical and critical approaches to enhance the analysis of urban phenomena. To develop this framework, we employed a two-fold strategy, conducting a literature search of…
Chrono-urbanism and liveable urban forms
Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt
This paper revisits the planning and design factors of "pedestrianized" and "walkable" urban streets to encourage physical activity, focusing on their prioritization according to public health and smart growth. The aim is to create a conceptual framework for urban planners and designers to encourage walking and reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks. Through a scoping review, the study found that while pedestrianized and walkable streets share ma…
Decoding Near Synonyms in Pedestrianization Research
Pedestrianization is a significant discourse focus within urban planning and design research. However, the need for more clarity from the inconsistent use of near-synonym concepts or terms necessitates attention. This review article addresses this issue through a comprehensive analysis of synonym proliferation in pedestrian research, culminating in developing a robust “near synonymous toolkit” and “synonym selection framework”. Employing a linear…
Comparative study of green neighbourhood assessment tools for assessing existing urban form in Mena region
Semantic similarities between personality, identity, character, and singularity within the context of the city or urban, neighbourhood, and place in urban planning and design
This study investigated literature-based similarities and differences between four interchangeably used concepts in spatial design and planning disciplines: personality, identity, character, and singularity. The methods used were a narrative literature review of monographs, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses of scholarly papers. The purpose of this study was to provide guidance for planners and designers, and to increase their knowledge of the fa…
Exploring the Types of Blogs Cited in Urban Planning Research
This article discusses the crucial role of blogs in reporting topical materials yet to be adequately discussed in scholarly journals. A scoping study examined 31 samples from 4 types of blogging sources cited in 10 publications published in 7 journals in 2020. We identified four categories of blogs that include 39 community organisations, academics, practitioners, and community members who are readers of these blogs. We discuss the areas in which…
Cairenes’ Storytelling
Pedestrian scenarios refer to all types of transit, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and crossing actions. This study argues that pedestrian scenarios are critical normative factors that must be considered when implementing street changes in existent residential areas. It focuses on pedestrian safety and reliable access. Making improvements to urban streets without adhering to the assessment criteria for street design results in the prese…
Effects of nightlife activities on urban spaces and design
Hyper-diversity in old communities should be rehabilitated to address various man-made changes that threaten sustainability and viability at night. This study elucidates this argument by reviewing and synthesising theoretical and empirical evidence about urban governance support regarding the participation of neighbourhood residents to improve or eliminate nightlife. The method is based on a systematic review, direct observation and interview wit…
Examining similarity indicators in six planned capital cities from Africa and Asia
There is little research-based evidence regarding the similarities and differences in urban plans and urban forms, regarding urban planning and design, between planned capital cities in Africa and Asia. In recognition of the establishment of planned capital cities on these continents, this article limited its case studies to six planned capital cities of the Global South, in the post-independence and post-crisis period. By using bibliometric anal…
Developing Process for Selecting Research Techniques in Urban Planning and Urban Design with a PRISMA-Compliant Review
Choosing the proper research methods can pose a challenge for novice urban planners and designers. This study aimed to develop a more effective process for assisting urban planners and designers in selecting appropriate research techniques. The study used bibliometrics, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and storytelling techniques as examples of urban planning and urban design research techniques. The results of this study provide techniques and…
Notes on Developing Research Review in Urban Planning and Urban Design Based on PRISMA Statement
The point of view expressed in this article is theoretically grounded in the PRISMA statement, which is a tool for critically evaluating academic papers in public health. Bibliometrics analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, and storytelling techniques (BSMS) were used to identify relevant studies and create a process for documented urban planning and design research. To promote the construction of new facts based on compelling evidence repor…
People’s absence from public places
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed how people can safely use public spaces, particularly in densely populated urban environments. This short commentary revealed the effects of people’s absence in public places due to the series of lockdowns or social distancing policies imposed due to the pandemic. The argument presented was that the absence of people affects urban studies, and considers urban atmospheres in public place…
Revealing distinguishing factors between Space and Place in urban design literature
This article reviewed the normative distinguishing factors of ‘space’ and ‘place’ when associated with particular descriptions. A content analysis of 23 books revealed several distinguishing factors, and a systematic review of the SciVal and SCImago databases identified nine relevant journals. A scoping review of 26 articles in these journals found three disciplines that distinguished ‘place’ from ‘space’; however, when there were descriptive wor…
The Predicament of Post-Displacement Amidst Historical Sites
This article investigates the predicament of the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) near sites that have significant historical value. Particularly at the Aqueduct of Cairo, Egypt, established in AD 1176, this scene materializes as a result of facultative choices of IDPs or a group that decision-makers have forcibly displaced to save lives. The work advances development of a design-based approach to overcoming the predicament of this…
What makes livable cities of today alike? Revisiting the criterion of singularity through two case studies
People’s absence from public places
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed how people can safely use public spaces, particularly in densely populated urban environments. This short commentary revealed the effects of people’s absence in public places due to the series of lockdowns or social distancing policies imposed due to the pandemic. The argument presented was that the absence of people affects urban studies, and considers urban atmospheres in public place…
From Social Sciences to Urban Praxis
This concept paper introduces the Contextual Critical Historical Inquiry and Analysis (CCHIA) framework—a critical synthesis tool designed to advance historical contextual inquiry in urban studies. The study aims to develop a structured methodological framework that integrates historical and critical approaches to enhance the analysis of urban phenomena. To develop this framework, we employed a two-fold strategy, conducting a literature search of…
Cairenes’ Storytelling
Pedestrian scenarios refer to all types of transit, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and crossing actions. This study argues that pedestrian scenarios are critical normative factors that must be considered when implementing street changes in existent residential areas. It focuses on pedestrian safety and reliable access. Making improvements to urban streets without adhering to the assessment criteria for street design results in the prese…
Notes on Developing Research Review in Urban Planning and Urban Design Based on PRISMA Statement
The point of view expressed in this article is theoretically grounded in the PRISMA statement, which is a tool for critically evaluating academic papers in public health. Bibliometrics analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, and storytelling techniques (BSMS) were used to identify relevant studies and create a process for documented urban planning and design research. To promote the construction of new facts based on compelling evidence repor…
What makes livable cities of today alike? Revisiting the criterion of singularity through two case studies
Applying Contextualism
This study presents the theoretical depth of urban research by proposing a four-stage contextual conceptual guide for integrating historical and societal contextual factors within the nexus of time and space. Addressing a critical gap in urban research, it focuses on early career researchers (ECRs), who often struggle to systematically incorporate contextual dimensions into their academic writing, particularly in theoretical discussions. The firs…
Comparative study of green neighbourhood assessment tools for assessing existing urban form in Mena region
The Predicament of Post-Displacement Amidst Historical Sites
This article investigates the predicament of the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs) near sites that have significant historical value. Particularly at the Aqueduct of Cairo, Egypt, established in AD 1176, this scene materializes as a result of facultative choices of IDPs or a group that decision-makers have forcibly displaced to save lives. The work advances development of a design-based approach to overcoming the predicament of this…
What makes livable cities of today alike? Revisiting the criterion of singularity through two case studies
Revealing distinguishing factors between Space and Place in urban design literature
This article reviewed the normative distinguishing factors of ‘space’ and ‘place’ when associated with particular descriptions. A content analysis of 23 books revealed several distinguishing factors, and a systematic review of the SciVal and SCImago databases identified nine relevant journals. A scoping review of 26 articles in these journals found three disciplines that distinguished ‘place’ from ‘space’; however, when there were descriptive wor…
Effects of nightlife activities on urban spaces and design
Hyper-diversity in old communities should be rehabilitated to address various man-made changes that threaten sustainability and viability at night. This study elucidates this argument by reviewing and synthesising theoretical and empirical evidence about urban governance support regarding the participation of neighbourhood residents to improve or eliminate nightlife. The method is based on a systematic review, direct observation and interview wit…
Examining similarity indicators in six planned capital cities from Africa and Asia
There is little research-based evidence regarding the similarities and differences in urban plans and urban forms, regarding urban planning and design, between planned capital cities in Africa and Asia. In recognition of the establishment of planned capital cities on these continents, this article limited its case studies to six planned capital cities of the Global South, in the post-independence and post-crisis period. By using bibliometric anal…
Developing Process for Selecting Research Techniques in Urban Planning and Urban Design with a PRISMA-Compliant Review
Choosing the proper research methods can pose a challenge for novice urban planners and designers. This study aimed to develop a more effective process for assisting urban planners and designers in selecting appropriate research techniques. The study used bibliometrics, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and storytelling techniques as examples of urban planning and urban design research techniques. The results of this study provide techniques and…
Notes on Developing Research Review in Urban Planning and Urban Design Based on PRISMA Statement
The point of view expressed in this article is theoretically grounded in the PRISMA statement, which is a tool for critically evaluating academic papers in public health. Bibliometrics analysis, systematic review, meta-analysis, and storytelling techniques (BSMS) were used to identify relevant studies and create a process for documented urban planning and design research. To promote the construction of new facts based on compelling evidence repor…
People’s absence from public places
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed how people can safely use public spaces, particularly in densely populated urban environments. This short commentary revealed the effects of people’s absence in public places due to the series of lockdowns or social distancing policies imposed due to the pandemic. The argument presented was that the absence of people affects urban studies, and considers urban atmospheres in public place…
Semantic similarities between personality, identity, character, and singularity within the context of the city or urban, neighbourhood, and place in urban planning and design
This study investigated literature-based similarities and differences between four interchangeably used concepts in spatial design and planning disciplines: personality, identity, character, and singularity. The methods used were a narrative literature review of monographs, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses of scholarly papers. The purpose of this study was to provide guidance for planners and designers, and to increase their knowledge of the fa…
Exploring the Types of Blogs Cited in Urban Planning Research
This article discusses the crucial role of blogs in reporting topical materials yet to be adequately discussed in scholarly journals. A scoping study examined 31 samples from 4 types of blogging sources cited in 10 publications published in 7 journals in 2020. We identified four categories of blogs that include 39 community organisations, academics, practitioners, and community members who are readers of these blogs. We discuss the areas in which…
Cairenes’ Storytelling
Pedestrian scenarios refer to all types of transit, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and crossing actions. This study argues that pedestrian scenarios are critical normative factors that must be considered when implementing street changes in existent residential areas. It focuses on pedestrian safety and reliable access. Making improvements to urban streets without adhering to the assessment criteria for street design results in the prese…
Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt
This paper revisits the planning and design factors of "pedestrianized" and "walkable" urban streets to encourage physical activity, focusing on their prioritization according to public health and smart growth. The aim is to create a conceptual framework for urban planners and designers to encourage walking and reduce metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks. Through a scoping review, the study found that while pedestrianized and walkable streets share ma…
Decoding Near Synonyms in Pedestrianization Research
Pedestrianization is a significant discourse focus within urban planning and design research. However, the need for more clarity from the inconsistent use of near-synonym concepts or terms necessitates attention. This review article addresses this issue through a comprehensive analysis of synonym proliferation in pedestrian research, culminating in developing a robust “near synonymous toolkit” and “synonym selection framework”. Employing a linear…
Comparative study of green neighbourhood assessment tools for assessing existing urban form in Mena region
Practical Strategies and Guidance for Contextual Literature Reviews in Urban Studies
This conceptual article introduces an alternative perspective on the notion of the urban context for early-career researchers interested in developing academic writing through literary narratives. It brings together two distinct conceptualizations of context. The first is a philosophical approach rooted in interpretive traditions within the humanities and social sciences. The second is a spatial–societal approach commonly adopted in architecture,…
Applying Contextualism
This study presents the theoretical depth of urban research by proposing a four-stage contextual conceptual guide for integrating historical and societal contextual factors within the nexus of time and space. Addressing a critical gap in urban research, it focuses on early career researchers (ECRs), who often struggle to systematically incorporate contextual dimensions into their academic writing, particularly in theoretical discussions. The firs…
From Social Sciences to Urban Praxis
This concept paper introduces the Contextual Critical Historical Inquiry and Analysis (CCHIA) framework—a critical synthesis tool designed to advance historical contextual inquiry in urban studies. The study aims to develop a structured methodological framework that integrates historical and critical approaches to enhance the analysis of urban phenomena. To develop this framework, we employed a two-fold strategy, conducting a literature search of…
Chrono-urbanism and liveable urban forms
When a paradigm is not a paradigm shift
Rethinking Urban Planning for Uncertainty
Urban planning often faces challenges stemming from legal rigidity and institutional fragmentation, which hinder its ability to address complex and uncertain future scenarios. In this Viewpoint we introduce Big Picture Planning (BPP), a dynamic bundle of strategically guided foresight plans that supplements statutory comprehensive plans across multiple time horizons. Our argument was developed in the case of Huntsville’s (AL) Big Picture. BPP con…
Minds versus machines
Large language models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of generating and analyzing text across multiple tasks, including language understanding and summarization.1 Consequent
A Review Worth Reviewing
The Dis/Continuity of the Chain
Rapid and large-scale urban transformations destabilize historical continuity in both the material fabric of cities and the theoretical assumptions guiding urban design. This review reconceptualizes tabula rasa and palimpsest as a negative dialectic through which historical dis/continuity can be critically interpreted. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s account of the production of space and Marc Augé’s notion of non-place, tabula rasa is understood not…
Shadows on the wall
This perspective interrogates the epistemological foundations of peer review in urban research journals through the concept of epistemic im/purity, the entrenched belief that valid knowledge should conform to supposedly objective and universal standards. Drawing on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, it argues that some peer review practices trap scholars in a shadow world, privileging familiar paradigms while obscuring situated, plural, and justice-or…
Sociology (12 works) · Urban Design and Spatial Analysis (12 works) · Engineering (10 works) · Political science (10 works) · Computer Science (9 works) · Geography (7 works) · Urban planning (7 works) · Urban design (6 works) · Urban Planning and Governance (6 works) · Civil engineering (5 works)