Knowledge is one of the most precious discoveries for humankind. Interestingly, knowledge is an interminable process for each one of us throughout our lives. There is no short cut whatsoever to gain knowledge – one has to pursue to seek knowledge or else experience to become knowledgeable. Having been a seeker of knowledge, each day I spent, I have been learning to become knowledgeable from youngsters or else elders. And yet, I realize I know so little about life, the world, various fields and various things that touch all of us. Fascinating, isn’t it? So my quest to gain knowledge goes on and on…
I have held very high respect for individuals, who are academicians and elder to me. I know, these individuals are going to open doors of new knowledge for me – so my respect in nature is that of consistent gratitude towards them. Hailing from Birjand in Iran, Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi is one such individual, who has enlightened my world of knowledge with her expertise and knowledge-sharing interaction. She is fluent in five languages – Persian, English, German, Arabic and Korean. Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi holds a Ph. D of Urban Planning (2017 – 2022); and Master in Business Administration from University of Tehran (2022 – 2023); M. Sc of Urban Planning from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran (2014 – 2016); and B. Sc of Surveying and Geomatics from University of Tehran (2010 – 2014).
Status Quo of Region 12 of Tehran
From being a GIS Intern at ICT Center of Tehran Municipality (2012) to being a GIS Expert & Urban Planner in Sabz Andish Payesh Consulting Engineers Company (2017) – Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi has played significant roles as a Planner in Resilient Planning of Bangladesh Project – Pratek: Turkey (2020); Researcher in Smart City Research Center of Iran (2020-2021); Smart City Planner at the Department of Smart City in URAC – Urban planning & Architecture Research Center of Iran, since 2020; Planning & Budget Researcher at Planning and Budget Organization of Iran, since March 2022; and not forgetting she is also an active Member of Construction Engineering Organization of Tehran Province, since 2022.
Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi is currently working at Tehran Construction Engineering Organization, Iran as an Urban Planner. She comes across as a very warm person, who holds very high standard of commitment towards bettering lives of people with her knowledge and expertise. Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi has travelled worldwide to attend professional workshops and seminars in London, Paris, Beirut, Turkey and many other places. Johnny D interacts with Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi to explore her pursuit of knowledge and Doctoral Thesis ‘Exploring resilient smart city planning (content & procedure); Case: Region12, Tehran, Iran’.
Smart Resilient City Concept
What was your childhood’s ambition? Have you always wanted to be an urban planner – architect – engineer?
For as long as I can remember, I never had a vivid childhood dream of becoming a planner or an engineer. I was born in Birjand, a serene city on the edge of the desert in Iran, where the rhythm of nature shaped my early years and gifted me a peaceful and joyful childhood (smiles). Surrounded by the vast landscapes and warm community spirit, I had the freedom to explore the world through my own lens. From a young age, I was drawn to storytelling, writing and performing in plays – creative outlets that allowed me to connect with others and express my thoughts and emotions.
I became a Geomatics Engineer almost by chance (smiles). However, during my studies, I began to realize what truly fueled my motivation was not the technical side alone, but the human stories behind every map, every line and every piece of data. I discovered a growing passion for understanding how people live, how cities shape their experiences and how thoughtful planning could create environments where individuals and communities thrive.
That realization sparked a deeper ambition: to become an urban planner. I saw this path not only as a profession, but also as a meaningful way to weave together my love for storytelling, interest in human connection and my commitment to improving lives. I believe urban planning offers a unique opportunity to uncover the narratives behind urban spaces and transform them into pathways toward well-being and happiness – particularly for the people of Iran, whose stories deserve to be heard, respected and elevated through thoughtful design and planning.
Influence of Planning Theories on Smart City
You have an impressive repertoire with a Ph. D of Urban Planning (2017 – 2022); and Master in Business Administration from University of Tehran (2022 – 2023); M. Sc. of Urban Planning from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran (2014 – 2016); and B. Sc. of Surveying and Geomatics from University of Tehran (2010 – 2014). Briefly elucidate your academic quest.
I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Geomatics Engineering, a field I entered without a clear vision. This field gradually opened my eyes to the powerful connection between space, data and technology. The technical nature of this field gave me the tools to map the data and somehow I found it to be incomplete in nature. I wanted to know how individuals interact with the physical world and how technology can shape those interactions.
Later, I pursued a Master in Urban and Regional Planning, where my passion for human-centered design and sustainable development truly began to blossom. I realized that planning is not just about managing land or resources, but also it is about people, stories and transforming the futures.
My curiosity and sense of responsibility led me further. Eventually, I earned a Ph. D in Urban Planning with a focus on Smart Sustainable Cities. During my doctoral studies, I delved into how new technologies can support inclusive and sustainable urban development, especially in the context of cities like those in Iran. Through the years of study, I came to understand that education is not just about collecting degrees – it is about finding a purpose and mine is to help build cities where every life story can flourish (smiles).
Location of Region 12 of Tehran
Elucidate briefly your Doctoral thesis ‘Exploring resilient smart city planning (content & procedure); Case: Region12, Tehran, Iran’.
In my dissertation, I explored the concept of the SRC – Smart Resilient City as a response to the limitations of conventional urban planning in addressing crises. Drawing on the evolution of smart city concepts – particularly Smart City 5.0, which emphasizes human-centered, decentralized and technologically integrated urban systems – I proposed that smart technologies could transform fragmented urban management into a cohesive and adaptive network. I developed a conceptual model grounded in both resilience theory and the smart city framework. This model suggested that by embedding attributes like adaptability, redundancy, connectivity, and foresight into urban subsystems, cities could become more capable of withstanding disruptions and evolve beyond them.
To test this hypothesis, I operationalized the model using a hybrid simulation approach in AnyLogic software. By integrating system dynamics, agent-based modeling and discrete event simulation, I recreated two scenarios: the current state of Region 12 of Tehran and a reimagined version of the same area equipped with a Smart Resilient City Management Dashboard. This dashboard enabled real-time coordination among governance, infrastructure and environmental subsystems. Real-world data from Region 12 – a dense, historic and crisis-prone district – served as the foundation for the simulation. The results demonstrated that the smart dashboard significantly improved urban resilience, particularly in recovery speed and system performance following a simulated earthquake.
Planning Procedure for Smart Resilient City
Ultimately, my research validated the theoretical potential of SRC and highlighted the practical benefits of integrated smart governance. It became clear that smart technologies do not merely digitize existing systems, but reconfigure institutional relationships, optimize responses and support a shift in planning paradigms – from static, top-down management to dynamic and learning-oriented systems. The proposed model underscore the need for a transformation in both the contents and processes of urban planning, thereby positioning smart technologies not just as tools, but also as an active agents in building cities that are not only efficient and sustainable, but also emotionally and structurally resilient.
Please elaborate to elucidate – ‘The infrastructural and physical-environmental sub-systems of the city are equipped with smart technologies, which lead to take strength and anti-fragility instead of collapse’.
I developed the SRC – Smart Resilient City model inspired by a thought-provoking quote from Einstein: “Nature shows us only the tail of the lion. But I have no doubt that the lion belongs with it, even if he cannot reveal himself all at once. We see him only the way a louse that sits upon him would.” This quote resonated deeply with me – it suggests that complex systems reveal themselves gradually, so we must look beyond what is immediately visible to understand their true nature. I combined this idea with Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s concept of Antifragility, which argues that systems often cannot display their full capacity until they face disorder. Some systems don’t just withstand shocks – they grow stronger as a result.
Procedure of SRC Study
I saw urban management as one such system. By integrating new technological subsystems, I believed we could expand the city’s capacity to respond and adapt. For instance, a smart city dashboard equipped with real-time technologies – such as early warning systems for earthquakes or fires – can offer a more dynamic and responsive approach to crisis management. Unlike traditional systems, this dashboard can collect and analyze real-time data, simulate crisis scenarios, detect safety vulnerabilities and even learn from past disruptions to improve future preparedness.
In essence, the SRC model is designed to transform city management from a static, reactive system into an adaptive and self-improving one. It embraces uncertainty not only as a threat, but also as an opportunity for learning and growth – ultimately making cities more resilient, more intelligent and better equipped to protect their citizens.
Mechanism of Stakeholders of Region 12
What are the aims and objectives of your Doctoral Thesis?
Aims:
- To introduce and validate the concept of the SRC – Smart Resilient City, especially based on Smart City 5.0;
- To examine the limitations of traditional urban planning in managing crises by analyzing the shortcomings of existing resilience strategies in cities;
- To provide a comprehensive conceptual and practical framework for implementing SRCs.
Objectives:
- To synthesize the theoretical evolution of smart cities, leading to Smart City 5.0, and link it with resilience theory;
- To build a conceptual model of smart resilient city and develop its planning procedure;
- To simulate this conceptual model using hybrid modeling (System Dynamics, Agent-Based Modeling, and Discrete Event Simulation) on a real context and compare the results with the resilience of existing condition.
Layers Analysis
Elucidate – ‘In the complex and chaotic world, city confronts many disorders’.
In a complex and chaotic world, cities are constantly exposed to a multitude of disorders that test their stability and functionality. These disorders range from acute crises like earthquakes, fires and explosions – often exacerbated by aging infrastructure – to chronic stresses such as environmental pollution, spatial inequality and poor waste management. Urban areas, particularly those with dense populations and deteriorated urban textures, like Region 12 of Tehran, face heightened vulnerability due to their layered social, physical, and environmental complexities.
These challenges are not isolated events; they are interconnected and can compound one another, leading to cascading failures across urban systems. Thus, a city must be equipped not only to endure these disturbances, but also to recover and adapt swiftly. This capacity for resilience is critical in ensuring that the urban system can continue to serve its inhabitants effectively in the face of uncertainty and disruption.
Natural Hazards in Tehran
What are the kinds of ‘Smart Technologies’ your thesis suggest to implement for better functioning of Region 12 of Tehran? Elucidate it briefly.
In my research, I integrated a variety of smart technologies into the SRCM – Smart Resilient City Management model, particularly through a smart dashboard that centralizes urban functions. I focused on tools that could strengthen the resilience of infrastructural and governance systems. These included smart electricity meters, solar systems, network monitoring sensors, smart water and wastewater meters and smart waste management technologies. I wanted the system to be able to monitor itself in real time, adjust quickly in the face of disruption and maintain basic services even during crises. I also included technologies like real-time traffic sensors and GIS-based routing to support emergency evacuation and urban mobility. Altogether, these smart layers were designed to ensure that the city could function intelligently, learn from disturbances, act faster and better than traditional systems.
Beyond the infrastructure, I also paid special attention to the physical and environmental aspects of the city. I used smart earthquake alarms, structure-monitoring sensors and noise or human detection systems to identify risks early and reduce casualties. I added rescue drones and smart firefighting tools to strengthen emergency response. For improving everyday safety and long-term resilience, I included air pollution sensors, ecosystem monitoring tools and public Wi-Fi to support both data exchange and citizen engagement. One of the most important components to me was a smart public participation system, where citizens could become part of the planning and response process. All of these technologies worked together to build a self-aware, adaptive city – one that doesn’t just survive disasters, but learns from them to become stronger.
Multidisciplinary Perspective of Urban Resilience (adapted from Chelleri et al.2011)
In recent decades, the world has witnessed how the so-called ‘Smart Cities’ have not only collapsed, but also have failed miserably to safeguard its citizen from ‘Human Greed Catastrophes / Climatic Catastrophes’. Elucidate your views.
In recent decades, while the concept of Smart Cities has gained global momentum, their performance in the face of real-world catastrophes – especially those rooted in human greed and climate change – has often exposed critical gaps. Many smart cities have focused heavily on technological showcases: sensor networks, AI traffic systems and big data platforms. But these implementations, though impressive on paper, have sometimes lacked the depth and integration needed to address the structural and ethical roots of urban vulnerability. Technology has been used more for efficiency and control than for equity, sustainability or genuine resilience.
To me, a truly smart city cannot be defined solely by digital infrastructure – it must be human-centered, inclusive and capable of adapting to both sudden shocks and long-term stresses. If we ignore social justice, ecological balance and citizen empowerment and economic productivity, then smart cities will ultimately become fragile cities. What we have often seen is that the more we build systems around profit, speed and surface-level performance, the more vulnerable we become to systemic breakdowns – whether in the form of floods, fires or inequality-driven unrest. The lesson is clear: smart technologies without supporting all social groups will not protect us. We need cities that learn, evolve and protect – not just optimize in performance.
Antifragility in System Theory
Urban master planning has become more challenging for urban planners and architects all over the world with the ongoing expansion of most of the urban smart cities in the world and population explosion. While the smart cities expand exponentially, the drainage and sewage systems are always neglected by urban planners, builders, realtors and policymakers. What effective suggestions would you ascribe for better and effective urban planning?
I believe one of the major flaws in current urban master planning – especially within the framework of rapidly expanding smart cities – is the fragmented and short-sighted approach that neglects foundational subsystems like drainage and sewage. In my dissertation, I demonstrated that urban resilience is not just about advanced technologies or sleek dashboards; it is about building coherent systems where all subsystems – environmental, infrastructural and governance – work together. When critical systems like waste, water and sewage are overlooked, it weakens the city’s ability to respond to crises and undermines long-term sustainability.
To address this, I strongly recommend integrating smart resilience thinking into the heart of urban planning. Planners must move beyond static master plans and adopt adaptive, data-driven models that continuously monitor and improve hidden yet vital systems like drainage networks. Smart sensors, real-time dashboards and predictive simulations – like the hybrid model I implemented in Region 12 of Tehran – can be used not only to visualize performance, but also to detect weaknesses and guide investment. More importantly, urban planning needs to become holistic and collaborative. Even we combine the smart water management systems with traditional and historical models of water management in Iran. Architects, engineers and tech designers must work closely with environmental scientists, crisis managers and local communities. True resilience will only emerge, when every layer of the city works back-to-back.
Developing Smart Technologies in Tehran Municipality
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
What I appreciate the most about ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ is its commitment to fostering deep, critical conversations around the future of cities, beyond the surface-level fascination with technology. The global platform does not just celebrate innovation for its own sake – it probes into the ethical, ecological and human dimensions of urban development, which aligns closely with my own passion.
I also admire how the platform amplifies diverse voices – from urban planners and architects to grassroots thinkers and change-makers. This kind of inclusive dialogue is essential, if we want to create cities that are not only smart, but also just and resilient. It encourages interdisciplinary thinking, which is exactly what we need when dealing with complex urban systems. It’s rare to find a space that values both vision and reflection and ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ offers that balance beautifully!
Relation of Smart City and Resilience Methodologies
How would you describe Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi as a professional and a person?
I feel a deep connection to Jane Jacobs’ quote: “When we are dealing with cities, we are dealing with life at its most complex and intense.” This perspective has shaped how I see myself as a professional – someone who must always keep learning, questioning and growing. My journey in urban planning has been guided by both academic exploration and a personal commitment to creating cities that are inclusive, sustainable, resilient and truly responsive to human needs. Throughout my education, I have aimed to bridge the gap between technology and everyday life.
Various Subsytem of Region 12
For me, innovation is not just about adding new tools, but about rethinking the relationships between people, places and systems. I strongly believe in working across disciplines, engaging with communities and designing not merely for efficiency, but for meaningful transformation through planning. At heart, I remain humble before the complexity of cities, yet deeply ambitious in my belief that, with the right mindset, we can shape urban futures that are not only smarter, but also are more compassionate, safer and just for everyone.
Status Quo of Region 12 Subsystem
Image Courtesy: Dr. Ghazaleh Sadat Goreishi