About the Initiative

About the Initiative

The “Books, Publications, and Scientific Papers” initiative constitutes a fundamental knowledge pillar within the ALECSO Chair system aimed at valorizing joint Arab and international efforts in the field of safeguarding intangible heritage. This initiative stems from a profound understanding that rigorous scientific documentation is the true guarantee for the continuity and transmission of heritage across generations.

This initiative is led by Associate Professor Mohammed Ali Al-Sarmani, Director of the ALECSO Chair, who combines his field expertise in urban design with his comprehensive cultural vision to produce publications that embody the fusion between academia and practical application.

The “Books, Publications & Research Papers” initiative represents a fundamental knowledge pillar within the ALECSO Chair for Valorizing Joint Arab and International Work in the Field of Safeguarding Intangible Heritage. This initiative stems from a deep understanding that rigorous scientific documentation is the true guarantor of heritage continuity across generations.

Led by Eng. Mohamed Ali Surmani, MSc., Director of the ALECSO Chair, who combines field expertise in urban design with a comprehensive cultural vision, producing publications that embody the intersection of academia and real-world practice.

1
Published Book
Published Book
83
Research Page
Research Pages
15
Academic Semester
Academic Chapters
2025
Year of publication
Publication Year

Published Publications

Published Works

Accredited Academic Publications Contributing to the Enrichment of the Arab Library and the Documentation of Heritage

Peer-reviewed academic works enriching the Arabic library and documenting heritage

Book 1: Rethinking Urban Design
2025 Edition 2025 Edition
Urban Design ยท Sustainability ยท Heritage
Urban Design ยท Sustainability ยท Heritage

Rethinking Urban Design

Rethinking Urban Design

Towards Sustainable and Humane Cities in 2025

Toward Sustainable and Humane Cities in 2025

โœ๏ธ
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Sarmani Eng. Mohamed Ali Surmani, MSc. Director of the ALECSO Chair for Enhancing Joint Arab and International Efforts in the Field of Intangible Heritage Preservation Director, ALECSO Chair for Valorizing Joint Arab and International Work in the Field of Safeguarding Intangible Heritage

This book is based on the renowned article “Urban Design” by the architect and thinker Peter Buchanan, reinterpreting it from a rich local Arab perspective grounded in field experience. The book presents the philosophy of the “City of Being” as opposed to the “City of Action,” using the old city of Tripoli as a living case study that integrates heritage and modernization.

This book departs from architect and thinker Peter Buchanan’s seminal essay “Urban Design,” re-reading it through a rich local Arab perspective grounded in field experience. It presents the philosophy of the “City of Being” versus the “City of Doing,” using Old Tripoli as a living case study that bridges heritage and modernization.

Key Topics:

Key Themes:

1 Global Transformations in Urbanization 2025 Global Urbanization Shifts 2025
2 The Philosophy of the “City of Being” versus the “City of Action” “City of Being” vs “City of Doing”
3 Old Tripoli: Reality and Potentials Old Tripoli: Reality & Potential
4 Artificial Intelligence and Smart Infrastructure AI & Smart Infrastructure
๐Ÿ“„ 83 pages 83 Pages
๐Ÿ“… July 2025
๐ŸŒ Arabic Arabic
๐Ÿ›๏ธ ALECSO Chair ALECSO Chair
Display all chapters (15 chapters) View All Chapters (15 Chapters) โ–ผ
  • 1 Global Transformations in Urbanization in 2025 Global Urbanization Shifts in 2025
  • 2 The Philosophy of the “City of Existence” and the Redefinition of the City’s Function Philosophy of the “City of Being” & Redefining City Function
  • 3 The Old City of Tripoli: Reality and Potentials Old Tripoli: Reality and Potential
  • 4 Urban Design Between Identity and Technology Urban Design Between Identity and Technology
  • 5 The Historical Fabric as a Tool for Sustainable Development Historical Fabric as a Sustainable Development Tool
  • 6 From Separation to Integration: The Waterfront and the Port From Separation to Integration: Waterfront & Port
  • 7 Climate Urban Design Strategies Climate-Responsive Urban Design Strategies
  • 8 Smart City: Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence Smart City: Infrastructure & Artificial Intelligence
  • 9 The Concept of Public Space in Arab Cities Public Space Concept in Arab Cities
  • 10 The Role of Architectural Education in Revitalizing Cities Role of Architectural Education in Urban Revival
  • 11 Spatial Analysis Tools: Urban Planning Methodologies Space Analysis Tools: Urban Planning Methodologies
  • 12 Urban Economy and Cultural Tourism Urban Economy & Cultural Tourism
  • 13 Local communities as an active element in development Local Communities as Active Development Agents
  • 14 Contemporary Standards for Urban Design in 2025 Contemporary Urban Design Standards in 2025
  • 15 Future Vision: The Resilient and Human-Centered City Future Vision: The Resilient and Humane City

Upcoming Publications

Upcoming Publications

Publications and Research Papers Under Preparation and Scientific Review

Publications and research papers currently in preparation and peer review

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Coming soon Coming Soon

Libyan Architectural Heritage: An Analysis of Identity and Place

Libyan Architectural Heritage: Reading Identity & Place

A Comprehensive Academic Study on Traditional Libyan Architecture and Its Relationship with Cultural Identity

A comprehensive academic study of traditional Libyan architecture and its relationship with cultural identity

๐ŸŽต In preparation In Preparation

Arab Music and the Dialogue of Civilizations

Arab Music & Civilizational Dialogue

Research Paper on the Role of Arabic Music in Enhancing International Cultural Dialogue

A research paper on the role of Arab music in promoting international cultural dialogue

๐Ÿ‘— Coming soon Coming Soon

The Traditional Libyan Attire: Documentation and Analysis

Traditional Libyan Dress: Documentation & Analysis

A documented and illustrated book tracing the evolution of Libyan attire through the ages and its cultural symbolism.

An illustrated documentary book tracking the evolution of Libyan dress through the ages and its cultural symbolism

๐ŸŽค In preparation In Preparation

Arabic Zaghareed: An Anthropological Study

Arab Zaghareed: An Anthropological Study

An Academic Study on the Phenomenon of Ululation as an Intangible Vocal Heritage in Arab Societies

Academic research on zaghareed as intangible sonic heritage in Arab societies

๐ŸŒ Coming soon Coming Soon

Arab Cultural Diplomacy in the Diaspora

Arab Cultural Diplomacy in the Diaspora

Case Study on the Arab Museum in Savannah and Its Role in Cultural Diplomacy

A case study on the Arab Museum in Savannah and its role in cultural diplomacy

๐Ÿค– In preparation In Preparation

Artificial Intelligence and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Artificial Intelligence & Cultural Heritage Preservation

A Scientific Paper on the Employment of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Documenting and Preserving Intangible Heritage

A scientific paper on using AI technologies in documenting and preserving intangible heritage

Framework Reference: UNESCO Convention 2003

Reference Framework: UNESCO 2003 Convention

All publications of the Books and Writings Initiative align with the objectives of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), and contribute to achieving the targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

All publications under the Books & Publications Initiative align with the objectives of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

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UNESCO Convention 2003 UNESCO Convention 2003 Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals Goal 4 ยท Goal 11 Goal 4 ยท Goal 11
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The Libyan National Committee Libyan National Commission For UNESCO and ALECSO for UNESCO & ALECSO