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This research paper presents a descriptive model to assess the quality of bus services by measuring passengers’ satisfaction in Sulaimani city. Transportation facilities are enlivening the economic activities of any country. Public transportation services are an important aspect of any urban transportation system, as they provide mobility for a number of passengers to different destinations in different directions at the same time via one transportation facility. Public transportation is considered a sustainable mode of transportation. This study intends to assess the services’ quality and identify the challenges to sustainable development in public transportation in order to achieve sustainable development for the current public transportation system. A passenger survey was conducted in order to assess the level of service quality including 300 participants. The study depends mainly on the passengers’ survey, as well as interviews and personal observations for data collection. SPSS software and GIS are used for Data analysis. The results show the outcomes of the assessment process of the current system based on passenger’s opinions. The results reveal the system’s aspect in detail which is further clarified in the conclusion. The paper recommends several steps to be adopted in order to improve the current public transportation system in Sulaimani and other cities, it also suggests future studies that can integrate with this study and contribute in achieving its goal

The topic of preservation of heritage is a priority and is of serious importance in the context of issues of concern to the countries of the world. It is a clear indication of the progress of civilizations, the one from which subsequent generations derive their culture and their architectural identity. The research considers terms related to philosophical, cultural, economic, educational and sustainability aspects. Though, the focus of the paper is not to explain the goal of conservation on prevention and maintenance only. Nevertheless, the aim is to clarify the mechanisms related to the concept of the conservation policy, the way of its development and ease of access, to achieve treatments in architectural conservation.In this paper, some samples have been discussed as case studies. The selected heritage buildings are very well-known representative samples of architectural heritage and identity. The projects will be analyzed to create a clear image to identify the main features of architectural conservation with the suggestion to achieve the best conservation policy. This is done through concluding appropriate and effective regulations and treatments to prevent further mishandling, distortion and deterioration of heritage buildings. Besides, the challenges and problems facing the development of conservation policy to be addressed.The objective of the paper is to study and evaluate the conservation policy used in the processes of restoration of various examples, which is followed by analytical method based on a historical survey, to contribute to the prevention of distortion and extinction of historical buildings and evaluate their endurance to preserve the identity and architectural sensation of the city. This is by using the best method of conservation policies with specific recommendations to conduct the conservation process in accordance with engineering and scientific methods so that the building achieves renewal, sustainability and the highest historical, architectural and social impact.

Walkability within urban design and planning context refers to urban environments that are friendly and supportive for the pedestrian. Walkable environments offer many economic, social, health, and environmental benefits and contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In public places, including city centers, walkability is a major asset for making them vibrant by attracting and maintaining pedestrians, including tourists. It is no coincidence that the top tourist destinations and livable cities as well as popular city centers and streets all share walkability character. Walkability quality in city center streets and any urban environment require planning. Good planning needs to be informed by measuring and assessing the state of walkability in existing streets and environments. While the literature presents systematic walkability assessment studies from different city centers of developed and developing countries, such studies are rare in the context of many other developing regions and countries like the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq. Since walkability character can be contextual and affected by different socio-economic and environmental factors and dynamics, systematic and comprehensive assessment of under-researched environments and city centers are essential. To address this gap in the literature, this study systematically assesses the state of walkability in the city center of Sulaimani, the cultural capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and a UNESCO creative city in literature. This paper report results from assessing and comparing the physical characters of the six major interconnecting streets (Mawlawy, Kawa, Sabunkaran, Peramerd, Goran, and Bekas streets) in the center of Sulaimani city. The assessment considers the five main walkability factors of function, safety, destination, aesthetic, and comfort identified from the literature.

Urban planning is a science that is reflected in the methods of land uses especially housing use, which is one of the most important sector in the city. It is considered the most important human requirement after food and wearer. The master plan is considered as one of the most important urban frame. It contains all the structural plans to control the urban expansion of all service sectors for the land uses in the city. It is planned for present and future status for the cites. The city master plan guarantees the equal distribution of urban land expansion from all sides. It secures the provision and implementation of housing projects to all residents in the city, Because of the economic growth that the city of Sulaimani witnessed after 2003. The city was suffering from a lack of attention to the issue of preparing a master plan. It did not have a master plan except for old studies that were carried out by the federal government. The master plan studies began from 2006 to 2009, then in 2009 it was recognized. Therefore, this subject is very substantial and the problem is that the implementation and site projection of housing was done in unappropriate manner with the stages of the master plan and the absence of evidence to invest in a housing sector. The purpose of this study is to identify a clear vision of housing investment projects, and shed the light on the necessary policies to be considered. Geography information system has been used to indicate the locations of housing projects in the city of Sulaimani. There is conformity with allocated lands for housing in the master plan. Then questions were addressed to specialists and agencies who had worked in housing projects such as the Directorate of Housing, Directorate of Investment, and the municipality. The questionnaire was proven after seeking the assistance of 9 experts to know the extent of the credibility of the questions that were laid down. The research found there are non-planning factors that affect the implementation of housing projects. Absence of laws and administrative errors in the implementation of housing projects playing the main role of having no clear housing implementation vision.