A critical examination of current planning practices in post-conflict housing reconstruction in Iraq

Iskandarani, Heba; Proverbs, David; Xiao, Hong

A critical examination of current planning practices in post-conflict housing reconstruction in Iraq

Iskandarani, Heba and Proverbs, David and Xiao, Hong (2025) A critical examination of current planning practices in post-conflict housing reconstruction in Iraq. International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, 16 (5). pp. 620-637. ISSN 1759-5908

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Abstract

Purpose

Post-conflict housing reconstruction is complex, requiring careful planning to meet displaced population’s needs. However, the urgency for reconstruction often leads to failings, because of lack of appropriate planning practices. To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to examine planning practices implemented by international aid agencies in post-conflict countries, to reveal current shortcomings and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert practitioners from key stakeholder involved in the planning stages of housing reconstruction in Iraq. The practitioners include AEC specialists, UN-led policymakers and senior representatives from INGOs, donors and researchers.

Findings

Post-conflict housing reconstruction often relies on standardised planning yet faces challenges from time constraints and complex conditions. This study identifies poor stakeholder engagement, limited communication and weak social-cultural integration as key factors behind ineffective, misaligned projects. In Iraq, donor constraints, limited local cooperation and lack of context-specific assessments hinder outcomes. The findings of this study highlight the need for context-sensitive, community-driven approaches to improve information dissemination, stakeholder engagement and resource allocation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were collected from limited sample of reconstruction experts in Iraq, and challenges in other regions may vary. Thus, the research findings may not be applicable to other conflict-affected settings but provide valuable insights for similar post-conflict settings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge by examining the current planning practices of housing reconstruction in Iraq, addressing gaps in the literature. This study advances understanding within the domain of planning post-conflict reconstruction by recommending improvements in contextual assessment, information management and stakeholder engagement.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1108/IJDRBE-05-2024-0057
Dates:	Date Event 10 July 2025 Accepted 12 August 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Post-conflict reconstruction (PCR), Housing projects, Project planning, International aid agencies, Iraq
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-02 - building CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-04 - planning (urban, rural and regional)
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Architecture and Built Environment > Built Environment
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2026 11:03
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2026 11:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16866