Israa El Shaarani
With a background in Urban Planning, Israa progressed from our MSc in Sustainable Urban Development and is now a student on our DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development, where she is exploring how the physical aspects of the built environment influence human behaviour,.
‘Before applying to the MSc in Sustainable Urban Development at Oxford, I completed an MSc in Urban Planning and had been working as an architect.
‘I was involved in a project incorporating LEED certification for a mixed-use building, which increased my interest in sustainability within the built environment. As I progressed in my academic and professional journey, I realised the profound responsibility architects and urban designers have in shaping how people experience their physical surroundings. Reflecting on my early architectural education, I questioned the teaching methods and realised that emerging designers must be educated about the impact of design decisions on users’ overall well-being. This understanding has driven me to continuously expand my knowledge of the built environment and strive to become a more responsible and informed designer myself.
‘The most challenging aspect of the MSc was academic writing. After focusing on design work for a while, I had not been writing regularly. It took time for me to reacquaint myself with the fundamentals of structured academic writing and the critical reading skills associated with it.
‘I found it most rewarding and enjoyable to read about topics I was already passionate about. Visiting Oxford for the first time was fascinating, and connecting with like-minded classmates from around the world added a meaningful dimension to the experience.
‘I have always been excited about advancing my knowledge and pursuing a doctoral degree. The idea of contributing to the body of knowledge in a field I am passionate about has always intrigued me. My interest in the dynamics of Cairo’s cityscape, coupled with my aspiration to continuously learn and teach about it, has driven my decision. I believe it is crucial to educate emerging designers about how design decisions can impact people’s behaviours. This perspective was a major focus for me during my studies and is often overlooked in architectural education globally. The DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development offers a unique opportunity to investigate these topics and make a meaningful contribution to the field.
‘I am exploring how the physical aspects of the built environment influence human behaviour, with a particular focus on healthy urbanism in Cairo.
‘As I wrap up my first year, I’m really enjoying the DPhil experience. My supervisors and classmates have been incredibly supportive, and there are so many great training opportunities offered by the graduate school. It’s been a rewarding journey so far, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead!
‘The MSc in Sustainable Urban Development gives you a broad, interdisciplinary perspective with a variety of topics. You’ll dive into many subjects, some of which might really spark your interest and others that might not. However, a passion for urban issues will help you stay motivated; at least that’s what kept me going! The MSc program provides a solid foundation across many areas, and by the time you reach the DPhil stage, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on your specific interests and become an expert in that field. Just keep in mind that at the DPhil stage, you’ll be working more independently, taking on more responsibility and managing your own research project. The exposure to different topics early on is a great way to see if you’re excited about exploring a specific area in depth.’