Abstract
AbstractRapid urbanization is intensifying pressures on cities to improve livability and service provision, particularly in intermediate cities such as Port Said, Egypt. This study proposes and applies a citizen-centered, zone-based framework to align local urban challenges with relevant global urban planning trends. A bibliometric analysis of 701 Scopus-indexed studies (2000–2025) was conducted to identify dominant and emerging global planning models. This was complemented by a literature review and an empirical assessment of Port Said, where the city was divided into functional and morphological residential zones. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 255 residents, supported by field observations, and responses were quantitatively analyzed to identify zone-specific priority challenges and validate suitable planning trends. The results indicate that the 15-Minute City, Sustainable City, and Smart City models most frequently address local challenges, with hybrid configurations proving more effective than single-model applications. The proposed framework offers a practical and transferable decision-support tool that links resident-based evidence to adaptable global planning strategies, supporting context-sensitive and participatory urban development in intermediate cities.