Research Assistant at UPAD upad-270426

Project title: Leveraging Virtual Reality to Explore the Potential of Transit-Oriented Development for Sustainable Urban Planning in Muscat.

Project Description:  

Cities are evolving rapidly, prompting discussions about future urban designs and their impact. Embracing digital technologies is essential to capitalize on these changes and opportunities. Incorporating digital solutions into urban visualizations is crucial for organizations and society to adapt and experiment with new ideas. This transformation sparks questions about how cities are affected economically, socially, politically, and environmentally. In Muscat, where urbanization and population growth are rapidly increasing, there’s a pressing need for sustainable urban development strategies. With the current challenges of traffic congestion, air pollution, and limited access to public transportation, implementing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) could offer a promising solution. 

This research proposal aims to unlock the potential of transit-oriented development within Muscat by the usage of virtual reality experiments in urban design processes. It highlights the role of people- centric approach in driving innovation, inclusion, and social development by. Leveraging digital solutions, such as utilizing Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) systems in collaborative urban design, can enhance public engagement, involvement, and satisfaction in decision-making processes. The findings of this research hold significant implications for urban planning and design practitioners, offering valuable insights for the seamless integration of urban planning and transportation policies resulting in liveable, healthy, and more inclusive cities.

RA Duties and Responsibilities: 

• The Research Assistant will support a research project focused on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Muscat through digital urban design and visualization tools. The primary responsibility will be the development of 2D and 3D digital TOD neighborhood models using ArchiCAD, translating TOD principles such as walkability, mixed-use development, and transit accessibility into spatial design solutions. 

• The RA will assist in preparing urban design scenarios at multiple scales, including site layouts, street networks, and public spaces, ensuring alignment with sustainable and people-centric planning approaches. Additionally, the role involves converting design models into AR/VR-compatible environments to support immersive visualization and public engagement experiments. 

• The candidate will also contribute to research activities, including literature review, data collection, and case study analysis related to TOD and smart city development. Support in visualization and presentation such as renderings, diagrams, and VR walkthroughs will be required for reports and dissemination. 

• RA will assist in VR-based participatory sessions, helping collect and organize user feedback, and will collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure integration between urban design, GIS analysis, and digital technologies. Proper documentation of design iterations and research outputs will also be expected.