Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(3A), pp. 2257 - 2275
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131307
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Fusing Smart Innovation and Human-Centered Design: A Livable Approach to Smart Sustainable District

Tamer ElSerafi ^1,2,*, AlHussein Ben Aly ^2
1 Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Design, Effat University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
² Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study investigates the integration of smart city strategies and livability principles to develop sustainable residential districts that address the challenges of urbanization, such as environmental degradation, insufficient infrastructure, and declining social cohesion. Methodology: The research employs a mixed-method approach comprising theoretical analysis, empirical case study evaluations (e.g., Songdo, Masdar City, Msheireb Downtown Doha), and expert surveys. It identifies critical indicators of livability and sustainability, focusing on district-level smart city strategies. Findings: Through a comparative analysis of smart city projects at both city-wide and district scales, the study reveals that transitioning from city-wide smart initiatives to medium-sized residential districts enhances social sustainability and quality of life. It prioritizes factors such as healthcare, green mobility, public safety, and community engagement, while also addressing the shortcomings of existing "ghost city" phenomena. The findings provide a comprehensive approach to evaluating and directing the creation of smart and livable districts. This approach is a comprehensive integration of the indicators for both smart and livable districts, to be a base for creating a smart livable system for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to implement smart district strategies that promote inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and livability. The findings provide stakeholders, legislators, and urban planners practical recommendations for putting smart district policies that support liveability, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability into practice. In order to create sustainable and well-rounded urban settings, these findings highlight the significance of implementing a comprehensive strategy that incorporates both intelligent infrastructure and liveability outcomes. The framework provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating and directing the creation of smart and livable districts. Novelty: This research bridges the gap between technology-driven smart cities and human-centered urban planning by introducing a holistic framework for creating socially vibrant, ecologically sound, and technologically advanced residential districts.

KEYWORDS
Smart Cities, Smart Districts, Livability, Sustainability, Quality of Life, Energy, Urban Mobility

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Tamer ElSerafi , AlHussein Ben Aly , "Fusing Smart Innovation and Human-Centered Design: A Livable Approach to Smart Sustainable District," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 3A, pp. 2257 - 2275, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131307.

(b). APA Format:
Tamer ElSerafi , AlHussein Ben Aly (2025). Fusing Smart Innovation and Human-Centered Design: A Livable Approach to Smart Sustainable District. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(3A), 2257 - 2275. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.131307.