Developing a sustainable urban riverfront landscape: planning and design strategies for Al-Adhamiyah and Al-Kadhimiyah in Baghdad

Noor Hussain Ali; Sajida Kadhim Al-Kindy; Zuhair A  Nasar

doi:10.31648/aspal.11418

Published: 2025-10-16

Vol. 24 No. 3 (2025)

Developing a sustainable urban riverfront landscape: planning and design strategies for Al-Adhamiyah and Al-Kadhimiyah in Baghdad

Noor Hussain Ali

, Sajida Kadhim Al-Kindy , Zuhair A Nasar

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11418

Abstract

Baghdad’s Tigris River, once a defining feature of the city’s identity, is now disconnected from the urban fabric due to fragmented land use, unplanned expansion, and environmental decline. This study addresses the lack of an integrated and sustainable planning framework for Baghdad’s riverfront – focusing specifically on the Al-Adhamiyah and Al-Kadhimiyah districts. Using a three-tier analytical framework (design, planning, and environmental strategies), the research conducts a comparative spatial analysis of both areas and draws from global precedents such as the Sabarmati Riverfront (India) and Kansas Riverfront Revitalization (USA). Findings show that while Al-Kadhimiyah enjoys stronger spatial integration and investment potential, Al-Adhamiyah faces challenges of disjointed land use and limited public space. Based on this, the study proposes interconnected green corridors and enhanced river transport systems as localized strategies to re-integrate the Tigris into Baghdad’s urban life. These interventions aim not only to restore ecological and social connectivity, but also to transform the riverfront into a dynamic and inclusive urban landscape.

Keywords:

urban riverfront, Tigris river, sustainable urban planning, riverfront design strategies, urban integration with the river, environmental sustainability

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Ali, N. H., Al-Kindy, S. K., & Nasar , Z. A. . (2025). Developing a sustainable urban riverfront landscape: planning and design strategies for Al-Adhamiyah and Al-Kadhimiyah in Baghdad. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 24(3), 335–354. https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.11418

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Noor Hussain Ali

n.ali1304@coeng.uobaghdad.edu.iq
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1538-4584

Affiliation:

University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq

Sajida Kadhim Al-Kindy

Affiliation:

University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Department of Architecture, College of Engineering

Zuhair A Nasar

Affiliation:

University of Kufa, Al-Najaf Iraq

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

^c Faculty of Physical Planning, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq