Assessing the Efficacy of Spatial Planning and Architecture in New Cities: A Case Study of Galala City and Its Implications for Responsible Urban Development

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies used in the planning and construction of new responsible cities and to determine whether or not the stated objectives are being met. As a case study, Galala City provided insights into the efficacy of implementing the principles of responsible cities and served as a reference for similar projects. The evaluation encompassed an examination of diverse elements, including social, economic, and environmental considerations, in order to ascertain the degree to which the theory has been effectively implemented and its influence on both the city and its inhabitants. The research findings indicated that a critical first move in the development of new cities should involve the establishment of robust governance structures and institutions. It is essential to provide a variety of housing choices to accommodate different economic groups, promoting inclusiveness. Additionally, addressing the housing, commercial, and recreational requirements of low-skilled workers throughout the construction and post-construction phases is vital. Emphasizing the creation of employment opportunities and business prospects emerges as a fundamental principle for drawing and retaining permanent residents. Examining how well the Responsible Cities theory works in practice, using Galala City as a case study, has the potential to enhance the field of urban planning and architecture. This, in turn, can promote the creation of cities worldwide that are not only more sustainable but also more inclusive.


Introduction
The concept of "Responsible Cities" aims at creating sustainable, inclusive, and efficient cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents, minimize environmental impact, and promote social equity.These cities are designed to address pressing challenges such as population growth, climate change, and resource depletion, while providing a high quality of life for their inhabitants.As argued by Mutisya and Yarime 2013, Cities are not just a collection of different sectors, but rather complex and interconnected systems that affect the quality of life and economy of millions of people.Environmental, economic, social, and governance problems can create significant barriers to urban sustainability."[1] Egypt's Vision 2030 covers Economic, Social and Environmental dimensions, the last includes Urban Development Pillar to create "A balanced spatial development management of land and resources to accommodate population and improve the quality of their lives."Additionally, the Agenda for Sustainable Development includes Sustainable Development Goal # 11.Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
This study holds the distinction of being the pioneering research conducted in Galala City, as no previous studies have been undertaken in the area.As such, it represents a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the city's spatial planning and development systems and their impact on society's living conditions.By exploring Galala City as a case study, this research endeavours to fill the existing knowledge gap and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the city's planning strategies and their outcomes.Through the utilization of various research methods, including analysis of the master plan, field study observations, land use surveys, and development maps, this study aims to offer a comprehensive examination of the city's development processes.By breaking new ground in studying Galala City, this research has the potential to provide valuable guidance and inform future planning and development endeavours in the area.

Objective
The objective of this study is assessing the efficacy of the principles and strategies employed in designing and developing new cities and whether they are effectively achieving their intended goals.The assessment involved analysing various aspects, including social, economic, and environmental factors, to determine the extent to which the theory has been successfully applied and its impact on the city and its residents.Galala City was selected as a case study for this application in the Egyptian context.The assessment of the efficacy of the theory of Responsible Cities through the case study of Galala City can contribute to the advancement of urban planning and architecture, fostering the development of more sustainable and inclusive cities worldwide.

Urbanization
The rapid growth of urban areas is signified by the 55% of the world's population currently residing in urban areas, and this percentage is projected to reach 68% by 2050.The concept of "Responsible Cities" is introduced as an approach to urban planning that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and efficiency.These cities aim to address challenges related to population growth, climate change, and resource depletion while promoting the well-being of residents and social equity.The creation of such cities is crucial for ensuring a high quality of life and minimizing environmental impact.Talen (1997) argues for the need to study planning success and develop a body of theory to understand why planning initiatives succeed.The author suggests that while there has been considerable focus on theories of planning failure, there is a lack of systematic and rigorous exploration of planning success.Talen emphasizes the importance of an object-oriented view of planning and calls for increased attention to be given to understanding the factors that contribute to planning success.[2]

New Cities Strategy in Egypt
The establishment of new cities in Egypt has been a significant policy adopted for national development goals.Hafez claims that several nations adopted the strategy of creating new cities either to redistribute their population, serve as a nucleus for promoting economic activity in specific regions, or function as a new capital.[3] He highlights the phased development of new cities in Egypt, ranging from the first generation to the third generation and suggests a deliberate and strategic approach to urban planning and expansion.Salem and Monir (2017) emphasize the reasons for establishing new cities in the 1970s, including alleviating pressure on existing cities, enhancing infrastructure, generating new investments, and creating job opportunities.[4] The aim was to decentralize population concentration from the densely populated Nile valley and Delta regions and expand urban settlements into the vast desert areas of Egypt.The success of these new cities is measured by their ability to attract residents and contribute to the local economy, aligning with broader policies and goals.The authors further discuss the legal and planning framework for new city establishment, referring to Law No. 59/1979 and the economic and social development plan of 1987/86-1983/82.These documents identify the main objectives of creating new cities, such as reducing population density, relieving the burden on existing cities, and directing development towards unutilized areas, including the desert and coastal regions.This study explores the motivations behind creating these cities and their success factors.

New Cities in Egypt
Along with the modern, Parisian like, downtown Cairo established by Khedevi Ismail, Port Said and Ismailia were new cities established along the Suez Canal during the late 19th century.New cities established during the early 20 th century included Heliopolis (1906) and Maadi (1907).Heliopolis was a new city in the desert north of Abbasiya that employed the new train transportation system (metro) as a major vehicle for development.It provided housing and services for different classes of society.Another group of new cities were established during the 1960s, after the 1952 Revolution.Nasr City, Helwan and Awkaf were created to solve the new needs of housing shortage while depending on old Cairo as a centre for government and other activities; TV, government, ministries, embassies, theatres, hotels, and shopping.
After the 1977 Peace Treaty, the 1 st generation of new cities were established including 10 th of Ramadan, Sadat city, 6 th of October, and 15 th of May.They were developed as independent economic cities to encourage modern industries and open economy.During the 1980s, the 2 nd generation of new satellite cities were established to accommodate population increase and urban needs.Shorouk City, Badr City, Al Obour City and Zayed City were developed to provide higher quality of life, recreation, exclusive, gated communities, satisfying the needs of the neo-elite class of the society.During the 1990s and 2000s, the 3 rd generation of cities and twin cities were established including New Cairo (Tagamoa), New Aswan, New Asyut, New Souhag, and New Fayoum.Twin cities depended on the old city's economic structures.Recently, the 4 th generation cities were established including: New Administrative Capital Galala City, New Ismailia, New Suez and many others are still being planned.The goal of building the 4 th generation cities is not luxury, but rather help in distributing the large population increase, doubling the Egyptian population away from the overcrowding Nile valley and the delta, as well as placing Egypt on the map of global investments, pointing out that these strategic sites were chosen to achieve more than one criterion, Among them is the distinguished location that makes it competitive globally and regionally, and that it is located on the specific development axes to double the population, in addition to being linked to the major projects that the state is working to implement.Egypt is working on establishing more cities to accommodate the growing population in the future.Currently, Egypt's New Urban Communities Authority of the Ministry of Housing is building 20 new fourth-generation cities on a total area of 243,600 hectares are under construction, expected to accommodate about 30 million people in addition to providing millions of jobs.The aim is to increase the urban area from 7% to 14% by 2050.These new cities are located in the provinces are integrating cities in terms of availability of services and the use of advanced technologies in infrastructure and facilities.

Spatial planning
Spatial planning is widely recognized as a crucial function primarily carried out by the public sector.Its main objective is to influence the future distribution of activities in space, aiming to achieve a rational organization of land use and its interconnections.This involves striking a balance between development demands, environmental protection, and social and economic objectives.[5] Spatial planning and development systems have emerged as critical instruments for establishing sustainable frameworks and improving social, territorial, and economic conditions globally.Particularly in developing cities, these systems play a vital role in integrating sectors like housing, transport, energy, industry, and spatial justice to enhance people's quality of life.[6] The coordination and improvement of the impacts of sectoral policies on land use are key aspects of spatial planning.By doing so, it aims to achieve a more equitable distribution of economic development within a given territory, which market forces alone may not achieve.Therefore, spatial planning plays an important role in promoting sustainable development and improving the overall quality of life.[7] At the urban regional level, strategic spatial planning has emerged as a crucial practice to support the implementation of local spatial transformations.It involves the collaborative efforts of various actors, including private groups, citizens, and non-governmental organizations, who come together in different institutional settings to develop strategic plans and strategies for spatial transformation.[8] Strategic spatial planning involves the development of visions and strategic actions pertaining to specific topics such as new housing settlements, transportation network improvement, and the preservation and expansion of green infrastructures.It serves as a framework for guiding and directing spatial development in a purposeful and coordinated manner.[9] This emphasizes the significance of spatial 4 planning and development systems in achieving sustainable and balanced urban development, improving the quality of life for residents, and coordinating various sectors for better spatial outcomes.Faludi (1973) emphasizes the need for efficient allocation and conservation of resources in a world of scarcity.[10] Talen (1997) argues for the importance of exploring planning success and developing a theory around it, rather than solely focusing on planning failures.[ 2022) discussed the importance of planning implementation effectiveness and evaluation, highlighting the need to examine the process and provide feedback for amendments and adjustments.[12] Segura and Pedregal (2017) stress the role of evaluation and monitoring in enhancing the effectiveness of spatial plans and achieving balanced and sustainable spatial development.[13] In general, the importance of efficient resource allocation, exploring planning success, understanding the complexities of strategic spatial planning, addressing implementation gaps, and evaluating the effectiveness of planning processes were highlighted.The need for adaptability, regeneration, and monitoring in spatial planning to achieve sustainable and balanced spatial development and improve quality of life was emphasized.

Theoretical Framework
Mutisya and Yarime proposed the "development of a holistic framework through integration of environmental, economic, social, and governance dimensions of sustainability."[1] A spatial planning assessment framework is a systematic approach to evaluating the effectiveness of spatial planning policies and plans.It can be used to assess a wide range of factors, including the economic, social, environmental, and institutional impacts of spatial planning.The benefits of using a spatial planning assessment framework include; ensuring that spatial planning policies and plans are more effective and sustainable, help to identify potential conflicts between different spatial planning policies and plans, help to improve public participation in spatial planning processes, build consensus among stakeholders on spatial planning issues and ensure that spatial planning policies and plans are more aligned with national and international development goals.This paper proposes the following framework that integrates the urban design and planning dimensions with the four dimensions proposed by Mutisya  The proposed framework covers the following dimensions: 1. Urban design and planning: Aanalysing the layout and organization of a new city, including the design of buildings, streets, public spaces, and transportation systems.Considering zoning regulations, land use policies, and environmental impact.2. Demographics and social structures: Demographics refer to the statistical characteristics of a population, typically including factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, education level, income, and occupation.It provides a quantitative understanding of the composition and distribution of a population.Social structures, on the other hand, refer to the patterns and organization of social relationships within a society.This includes the roles, norms, and institutions that shape interactions between individuals and groups.

Economic development:
The city's economy may be characterized by a mix of sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or services, depending on its specific strengths and resources.These industries contribute to the city's economic growth and vitality.Moreover, the city may have a favourable environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, fostering the potential for further growth and prosperity.The presence of supportive infrastructure, resources, and a skilled workforce can further enhance the city's economic potential, attracting businesses and facilitating economic development.4. Sustainability and environmental impact: The city's sustainability and environmental impact are important considerations in its development.The city's activities and infrastructure can have varying degrees of impact on the environment.Efforts to mitigate this impact and promote sustainability are crucial.The city's ecological footprint, which measures the resource consumption and waste production per capita, should be carefully managed.This includes addressing energy use through the adoption of renewable and efficient energy sources, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and ensuring responsible water resource management.The city's utilization of water for irrigation and water features should be monitored to avoid excessive strain on water resources.Additionally, the dependency on electricity, particularly for air conditioning, should be assessed for energy efficiency and potential alternative solutions.The city's traffic patterns and vehicular damages should be closely monitored and managed to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation options.The transformation of mountains and debris hazards should be approached with caution to preserve natural landscapes and mitigate potential risks.Disaster management plans should be in place to address natural hazards and ensure the safety of residents.5. Governance: Governance in the city involves the processes and structures by which decisions are made and implemented.plays a key role in governing the city, implementing policies, and providing public services.This includes areas such as infrastructure development, public safety, education, healthcare, and transportation.The involvement of citizens in decision-making can vary, but effective governance often encourages citizen participation and engagement.This can be achieved through mechanisms such as public consultations, community meetings, and feedback channels to ensure that the interests and concerns of the residents are taken into account.The effectiveness of public services is an important aspect of governance.It involves ensuring that services are delivered efficiently, meet the needs of the population, and are accessible to all residents.Good governance practices aim to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in decision-making processes, fostering trust between the government and the citizens.

Method
This paper utilizes the case study research approach to delve into the ways in which spatial planning and development systems have impacted society's living conditions by opening up new opportunities for settlement in previously unexplored territories.The focus of the study is on Galala City, where the effectiveness of these systems in enhancing living conditions is examined.The research employed several methods to comprehensively assess the efficacy of Galala City.Firstly, an analysis of the Galala City master plan was conducted, aiming to understand the intended goals and objectives set forth in the planning process.This analysis provided insights into the overarching vision and strategies guiding the city's development.Additionally, field study observations were conducted to examine the current conditions of development in Galala City since 2020.This involved several visits, walkthroughs, making on-site observations, and documenting the physical aspects and characteristics of the city.A survey of land use and activities was carried out to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the allocated land is utilized within the city, including residential, commercial, recreational, and infrastructure zones.Furthermore, development maps and illustrations were utilized to visualize and analyze the spatial organization, layout, and design elements of Galala City.These maps and illustrations allowed for a deeper exploration of the development patterns, the integration of amenities, and the overall functionality of the city.Through these research methods, this study aims to provide a holistic assessment of Galala City's spatial planning and development systems, shedding light on their contribution to improving society's living conditions and creating new opportunities for inhabitants in previously unexplored territories.

Background
Galala City is a notable example of the 4 th generation cities in Egypt that incorporates the principles of responsible urbanism and architecture.It is one of several new cities that the government aims to develop in the large Eastern and Western Deserts of Egypt that aim to attract the population from Cairo and other crowded urban centres by providing investment chances, work opportunities, and better living conditions, especially for the young generation.As a case study, Galala City can provide insights into the efficacy of implementing the principles of Responsible Cities and serve as a reference for similar projects.Located on the Red Sea coast, the city aims to accommodate Egypt's population growth and provide sustainable living spaces.It is designed to be an eco-friendly city, integrating renewable energy sources, green spaces, efficient transportation systems, and smart infrastructure.The city also emphasizes social inclusivity, with provisions for housing, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, and cultural spaces.By studying the efficacy of the Responsible Cities theory in Galala City, the findings and lessons learned can be applied to other new cities, specifically those categorized as 4th generation cities.These cities can learn from Galala City's successes and challenges, adopting similar strategies and adapting them to their own unique contexts.The assessment of the efficacy of the theory of Responsible Cities through the case study of Galala City can contribute to the advancement of urban planning and architecture, fostering the development of more sustainable and inclusive cities worldwide.7

Location
Galala Plateau is one of the main projects that intend to distribute the economic and population concentration away from the Nile valley.This huge project is supervised by the Armed Forces Engineering Authority, in cooperation of the civil sector.The project started as tourism and leisure project then evolved to become a major comprehensive development project due to the natural wealth of the region.Galala mountain was selected due to its strategic location 700 meters above sea level overlooking the Gulf of Suez that allows for the construction of touristic facilities and mountain roads.
The region is rich with raw materials and minerals.Galala limestone has been increasingly popular for building and ornamental applications and very famous in the world by many commercial names, Galala White, Galala Golden, Galala Creama and Galala Classic.

Jabal El-Galala Road
The Jabal El-Galala or Ain Sokhna-Al-Zafarana road is a significant component of the Egypt-Africa road project.This newly constructed road stretches from Port Said city on the Mediterranean Sea, to the 92nd kilometer of the Ismailia Desert Road.It intersects with the Suez and Ain Sokhna road in the Wadi Hajul area before continuing southward where it meets the Beni Suef-Zafarana Road.The road extends further south to destinations such as west Hurghada, west Safaga, Abu Ramad, Halayeb, Shalateen, and ultimately reaches the Perforket area on the international border with Sudan.
Constructing this road posed a significant challenge and was deemed one of the most difficult projects overseen by the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces.The mountainous terrain, characterized by rugged and rocky masses, necessitated the use of specialized equipment for blasting and excavation.Careful attention was given to ensure precision and caution during the blasting operations in order to minimize any adverse impact on the geological environment.The resulting blasted rocks, which amounted to approximately 120 million cubic meters, were repurposed for backfilling and used to construct an earthen structure for the road.Furthermore, the road includes various connections to the coastal road, such as a 17-kilometer link to the Ras Abu al-Darag area, where an international tourist resort is planned on Mount Galala.Additionally, a 13-kilometer link to Wadi Melha was established to connect the coastal road with the main road.Jabal El-Galala or Ain Sokhna-Al-Zafarana road represents a significant achievement, overcoming the challenges posed by the rugged mountainous terrain and providing crucial transportation links within the region.
The vision of the Galala Plateau development is to cover 19,000 feddans on the "al-Galala al-Bahareya", which lies 700 meters above sea-level in the Red Sea area between Ain Sokhna and Zafarana.Launched in January 2014, the project aims provide more than 150,000 job opportunities to workers, employees and engineers and is made up of three parts: the main road (82 kilometers, stretching from Wadi Hagoul tunnel on the Sokhna road until kilometre 10 on Beni Suef's Zafarana road), the integrated city and an integrated touristic city in Ras Abu Al-Darag.The project creates a new civilized urban community centred around Galala University, opened September 2020, with housing, services, and employment opportunities for thousands of people.The goal is to create an urban community where Egyptians can enjoy a decent quality of life all year round in this magnificent location.
In accordance with Egypt's plan to diversify the types of tourism in the country, ranging from cultural, medical, religious and professional, as well as other types of tourism, the Plateau Project will also have a 1,000-feddan tourist resort, a hotel by the beach and another hotel on top of the mountainboth of which enjoy breath-taking scenery, an Aqua park that is home to three swimming pools and 18 different international-standard rides, yacht marina, a shopping centre and the largest cable car in the Middle East region; all of which are set to ensure El-Galala Plateau Project attracts many local and international tourists.The coastal hotel includes 297 rooms, 28 villas attached to the hotel and 48 chalets.Water and energy resources for the plateau will be provided through the construction of desalination plant with a daily capacity of 150,000 cubic meters and the upgrading of Suez's Ataqa power plant and Zafrana's wind farms.The integrated city is set to have energy provided mainly through new and renewable energy sources.

Galala City master plan
Galala City master plan aims to create sustainable, active, mixed-use public transit, new road systems, and public spaces that take into account the existing ecological conditions.The first of the three phases of the city comprise a total of 2,372 acres and includes a variety of activities.Residential districts, touristic villages, and commercial, cultural, medical, educational, and religious institutions are all included.These institutions are linked to the project's public arena, which houses the convention down town as well as the city's largest mosque.The consultant SITES International office was in charge of the infrastructure that comprised irrigation, sewage treatment plants, massive water tanks, and preparations for solar-powered illumination in public spaces.The city's masterpiece is the breath-taking 6-kilometer mountain plateau corniche walkway, with a drop of 200 meters.In addition to affording fascinating perspectives of the neighbouring residential and tourist settlements, the promenade features vantage points of the Galala plateaus, Gulf of Suez and Sinai Peninsula.A cycling track, a mix of cafes, restaurants, pedestrian routes, and covered lounging places are provided.
The mountain city is connected with the seaside Galala Resort by a cable car.Building materials are acquired from quarries in the Red Sea region, and the landscaping is environmentally friendly.The

El Galala Plateau
surrounding ecosystem is protected with minimal changes due to the use of indigenous and semiindigenous plants, trees, and ground cover palettes, as well as recycled water and an effective water conservation irrigation system.[14] The city's architectural design character is consistent with the distinctive coastal mountain nature.The building materials will be from the Red Sea area quarries and landscape planting will be true to sustainable environment.Indigenous and semi-indigenous palettes of plants, trees, and ground cover will be used.Treated water and efficient water conservation irrigation system ensures the protection of the surrounding environment with the minimal of changes.There are several vacant lots surrounding Galala University and are ready for development.One of the vacant lots is occupied by construction workers living in informal, temporary buildings and shanty town.The situation of the construction workers is a complex one.On the one hand, they are providing essential labour force for the construction sites in the city.On the other hand, they are living in substandard conditions and are at risk of eviction anytime.They area, called "Alezba" by the local community, is also a source of some illegal activities and health hazards.It is expected to be evacuated as soon as there is no need for temporary workers.There are a number of factors that have contributed to this situation.First, the pace of development in Galala City has been rapid, and the construction companies has not provided appropriate housing for the workers.Second, the construction workers are 12 often migrants from other governorates who do not have the resources to build or rent formal housing.Third, the land on which they are living is expected to be developed for residential or commercial purposes soon.It is noticeable that the planning of the city lacks the provision of low-cost housing for workers and lower economic groups.In 2021, the government announced a plan to provide formal housing to 10,000 construction workers in Galala City.However, the plan has not yet been implemented, and it is unclear how many of the workers will actually benefit from it.The government needs to provide more affordable housing options for the workers so that they can move out of informal settlements.

Current conditions
The only occupied part of the city is the university campus.The university started with approximately 1500 students in 2020-2021, 60% in medical fields, that increased to approximately 3000 in 2021-2022.As of 2022-2023 academic year, Galala University has a total of approximately 5,000 students in 13 faculties offering 36 programs of study.The university aims to accept additional 2600 students in Fall 2023.The total university student capacity is expected to reach 25,000 by 2030.Most of the students and faculty members commute daily from Cairo and nearby cities using minibuses or private cars.Some of them live in Ain Sukhna resorts, especially Porto Sukhna Towers on the waterfront.Only approximately 1600 students and faculty members live in the university dorms.In Spring 2023, the university rented several new rooms in the newly built Sky City project adding 1000 more places for the students, that will be increased to 1600 places in Fall 2023.The university investigates all possibilities to increase the number of available accommodation places on campus.With the expected increase during the coming years, the university will need more places to accommodate its increasing population.The problem is that all the city plots are allocated for large size development and specific use while no plots are allocated for private and small development.There are no functioning facilities around the university.

City Architectural Identity
The development of new cities presents a unique opportunity to create sustainable, resilient, and culturally distinct urban environments.The context of Egypt, with its rich historical heritage and rapidly evolving urban landscapes, provides an ideal case study for exploring how architectural design can respond to the challenges of a changing society while preserving cultural identity.The success of new cities depends not only on their functionality and infrastructure but also on their ability to foster a sense of place and cultural identity.The concept of architectural identity plays a crucial role in the creation of new cities, shaping their unique character and reflecting the culture and environment of the region.A city's identity is constructed over time through architecture, which involves three sign systemsmaterial, visual, and rhetoricaland multiple institutional actors to communicate the city's distinctiveness and identity.[15] Figure 10.City Architectural Identity after Jones [15] Primary data was collected through surveys, site visits, and analysis of architectural examples from Galala City based on Jones and Svejenova approach.The findings are presented in Table 1 identifying common themes and patterns related to Galala City architectural identity.Distinctive shapes and landscape.
A Bright Future at Galala City.

Streets and Roads
Asphalt and sidewalks.Wide streets and roads that discourage walkability.
Geographically distinct and has a charming nature.Landscape and Urban Furniture No urban furniture expect at Galala Plateau Corniche.
Plenty of landscape that requires a lot of watering.
New integrated urban communities on high international standards.
In summary, Galala City is a visionary development that embraces its natural surroundings and aims to create a distinctive urban identity.The Galala Plateau Corniche showcases a harmonious blend of natural stone and wood, encouraging social interaction and walkability.Positioned 700 meters above sea-level, it offers breathtaking views of mountains and the coast, providing a unique experience that combines cultural heritage with scenic beauty.Galala Downtown exhibits a unified architectural style with sloping pitched roofs, vibrant colors, and water features, reflecting a forward-looking approach to building the future.Galala University stands out with its elegant marble and granite cladding, emphasizing a commitment to excellence and innovation.The Residential Compounds boast a European resort-like ambiance with modern designs inspired by various international styles.Galala City's Landmarks and Roundabouts feature distinctive shapes and materials, symbolizing a bright future ahead.While the wide streets and roads may discourage walkability, the city's geographical distinctiveness and natural charm remain alluring.The integration of landscape and urban furniture at Galala Plateau Corniche enhances the environment's beauty, with the city striving to meet high international standards in creating new urban communities.

Analysis
Assessing the efficacy of spatial planning and architecture in urban design and planning involves considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the spatial planning approach.Strengths lie in the comprehensive spatial planning strategies and innovative architectural designs that optimize available resources and consider social, economic, and environmental aspects.Weaknesses may arise from inadequate implementation and limited financial resources, while coordination and social equity considerations could be improved.Opportunities include urban revitalization, smart city integration, and mixed-use spaces that foster growth and well-being.Threats encompass political challenges, conflicts between development and preservation, environmental risks, socioeconomic disparities, and opposition from stakeholders.The SWOT analysis helps identify areas of success and improvement, aiding in effective urban design and planning decision-making.Table 2 illustrates the SWOT analysis of the Galala City spatial plan current condition (as of summer 2023).shaded walkways and adequate amenities for pedestrians.Implement urban design strategies that prioritize walkability, ensuring ease of movement and promoting a vibrant street life within the city.Current population is not a correct indication of the expected use of the city.Providing shaded walkways is urgently needed with Galala University campus.5. Isolation and Mixture of Functions: While promoting the separation of functions within Galala City, ensures a well-planned and organized urban layout, mixed use zones and functions can provide a more vibrant human environment.Mixed use will allow for more compact design approach that is more appropriate for the hot arid climate of Galala mountain.6. Stakeholder Participation in Spatial Planning: Segura and Pedrgal suggest that "the role of specific bodies, public participation, territorial observatories, and indicator systems should be strengthened as key elements of the evaluation and monitoring procedures for spatial planning."[13] Encourage active involvement and participation of stakeholders, including Galala University community, nearby businesses, touristic villages and hotels surrounding the city in the spatial planning improvement process.By implementing these recommendations, Galala City can enhance its development, foster economic diversity, improve the landscape, prioritize walkability, optimize land use, and ensure stakeholder engagement.This will contribute to creating a well-rounded and sustainable city that promotes a high quality of life.

Conclusions
Galala City stands out with its distinctive features and specific challenges.The strengths of the city include its university population, which brings a vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere.Additionally, Galala City hosts ample completed facilities, providing potential for economic and leisure activities.However, there are notable weaknesses that need to be addressed.Lack of residents, apart from the university population, is a significant limitation that hampers social diversity and community dynamics.Furthermore, the absence of economic activities and non-occupied economic facilities indicate an underutilization of resources.Galala City presents several opportunities for growth and development.Initiating economic and leisure activities can activate the unused economic facilities and attract residents and businesses to the area.Diversifying the population by attracting families, retirees, and other demographic groups can help create a more balanced social structure.Leveraging the presence of the university population, Galala City can foster innovation, research collaborations, and knowledgebased industries.Partnerships with businesses and organizations can further promote economic development and investment in the city.
However, Galala City also faces challenges and potential threats.The delay in operating economic facilities may impede progress and financial viability.Completed facilities without use can lead to resource waste and contribute to a stagnant environment.Attracting a diverse residential population may be difficult due to the limited demographic profile and absence of certain age groups.Balancing the needs of temporary workers with the long-term development goals of the city presents an ongoing challenge.Galala City possesses unique strengths, such as its university population and completed facilities.However, there are weaknesses related to the lack of residents and non-occupied economic facilities.With appropriate measures, Galala City can capitalize on opportunities for economic growth and social development.Nonetheless, challenges remain, including facility delays and the need to attract a diverse population.By addressing these factors, Galala City can work towards its full potential and create a thriving and inclusive urban environment.
Lessons from Galala City case study can be applicable in other new cities in Egypt and beyond.The repeatability of the Responsible Cities concept allows for the creation of a network of sustainable and well-designed cities, each tailored to their local needs but guided by shared principles.This can result in a more widespread implementation of sustainable urbanism and architecture, leading to improved living conditions, reduced environmental impact, and increased resilience in the face of future challenges.Mutisya and Yarime argue that, "Governance remains a critically important dimension of urban sustainability, especially when discussing urbanization in developing countries, given rapid population movements and imbalances in socio-economic development.For urban sustainability in developing countries, more emphasis should be placed on the governance dimension, because this is where the biggest challenge exists, with increasing needs for immediate management of rapid urbanization."[1] The case of Galala City offers valuable insights applicable to both 4 th generation cities and new urban developments worldwide.Establishing effective governance structures and institutions is a pivotal initial step in the evolution of new cities.Ensuring a diversified range of housing options becomes imperative to cater to various economic strata, thereby fostering inclusivity.Furthermore, it is crucial to address the residential, commercial, and recreational needs of low-skilled laborers during and post-construction phases.Prioritizing job creation and business prospects emerges as a foundational principle for attracting and retaining permanent inhabitants.Strengthening essential amenities such as healthcare, education, and leisure facilities is vital for enhancing residents' overall quality of life.Sequencing the construction of distinct infrastructure components becomes indispensable to expedite the city's functional commencement.The active involvement of current and potential stakeholders, integrated from the outset of design and execution, plays an instrumental role in the success of the city.Engaging stakeholders through consultations, workshops, and feedback mechanisms ensures their perspectives are incorporated, fostering a more inclusive and well-informed decision-making process.In regions characterized by hot and arid climates, such as Galala City, adopting a mixed-use and compact design approach emerges as prudent.Minimizing reliance on automobiles and prioritizing pedestrian-friendly and sustainable transportation modes contributes to a more environmentally conscious urban fabric.

5 Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Framework for assessing the efficacy of spatial planning and architecture of new cities.

Figure 4 . 10 Figure 5 .
Figure 4. El Galala Plateau Master Plan Phase Area in Acres Current Phase 2,372 Future SE Phase 6,185 Future NW Phase 9,683 Total 18,240

Figure 11 .
Figure 11.Examples of Galala City Architecture and Urbanism and Landscape.

Table 1 .
Analysis of Galala City Architectural Identity

Table 2 .
SWOT analysis of Galala City Current Conditions To improve the vitality of Galala City, the following recommendations should be considered: 1. Different Sizes of Development: Introduce a mix of large, medium, and small-scale developments within the city.This will promote diversity in housing options, attract different economic groups, and create a more balanced urban environment.Dependency on gated community development approach should be avoided.2. Economic Diversity: Encourage the establishment of a range of economic activities and industries, catering to different economic groups.This can be achieved by providing tax reduction incentives and support for businesses of varying scales and from different sectors, fostering entrepreneurship, and attracting investments that cater to diverse needs.3. Landscape Enhancement: Prioritize landscape design and green spaces to enhance the aesthetics, liveability, and environmental sustainability of Galala City.Incorporate natural elements such as parks, gardens, and green corridors, promoting biodiversity and providing recreational spaces for residents.Selection of plants and landscape elements should consider water scarcity in the city.4. Shading and Walkability: Focus should be on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment with