Abstract
Motives: Urban developers around the world have been using smart management systems in redeveloping cities. This strategy allows a sustainable long term approach, built on scientific findings. Accurate data and information are key in achieving smart management in the reconstruction of post-war areas. Having the right information at the right time helps government officials, service providers and residents themselves make better choices when it comes to the reconstruction of post-conflict areas.
Aims: This paper explores the role of resident experts’ contribution and how they can aid officials make more educated choices when it comes to urban decision making. It also addresses the ambiguity of the impact of using the expertise of local urban planners and architects in urban decision making in the reconstruction process as one of the strategies to achieve a smart city. The Old City of Mosul was selected by the authors as a case study in the post-war regeneration process. Therefore, the paper attempts to reach a scientific decision in selecting the best approach towards the urban regeneration of the Old City of Mosul.
Results: The paper signifies the role of the local community experts in urban decision making as a bottom to top approach, and recommendations were made based on the research findings.