Urban recovery design principles in a post-war redevelopment situation: Case study of aleppo

Wars that have occurred in numerous cities—Aleppo among them—throughout contemporary history have caused widespread destruction, leaving profound impacts on both the urban fabric and the population. In the face of such devastation, decision-makers are often compelled to accelerate reconstruction and urban recovery processes in order to restore normal life as quickly as possible, while also striving to improve conditions toward a more sustainable and equitable urban reality than existed before the war. In the specific context of Aleppo, such efforts require carefully designed governmental strategies based on accumulated knowledge and lessons learned from past experiences in reconstruction and post-war recovery. In response to this challenge, the present study proposes an integrated and context-sensitive urban redevelopment plan for the neighborhood of Tal al-Zarazeer—one of the most war-damaged and socially marginalized districts in Aleppo. The project adopts a multi-phased and multi-scalar urban design approach that merges global Urban Recovery Design principles with the specific characteristics of the local context. The study begins with a comprehensive assessment of the neighborhood's current conditions, documenting the extent of destruction to buildings and infrastructure, social fragmentation, and economic stagnation. Based on this diagnosis, a two-stage design strategy is formulated: the first stage focuses on restructuring land use at a macro scale, while the second outlines a detailed urban plan and architectural-functional program tailored to the area's topography and socioeconomic features. Key planning interventions include the establishment of four primary residential clusters (A–B–C–D), each integrated with basic services; the development of a multifunctional urban center to serve as a hub for civic and community life; and the allocation of a crafts and light industry area adjacent to the existing industrial zone of Ramouseh. The project also incorporates sustainability principles through the use of environmentally friendly housing prototypes, solar-powered lighting, and green space distribution following the "15-minute city" model. It is found on a participatory planning approach that actively involves residents in decision-making and follows a phased implementation strategy to preserve social cohesion. Ultimately, the study concludes that Urban Recovery Design cannot be reduced to the physical reconstruction of infrastructure alone. Rather, it is an inherently social and political process that seeks to empower communities, restore collective identity, and pave the way toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban future.