Enhancing Urban Spaces in Baghdad: The Role of Digital Technologies in Al-Ummah Park

The challenge that faces the metropolis of Baghdad is a multiplicity of issues that consist of seeking to promote civilization and digital advancement in the struggle to retain the cultural and civilizational legacy of the city.

Modern research on digital transformation in cities largely centers on the models of Western or East Asian megacities, including Barcelona, Singapore, and Tokyo with little analysis of the Middle East setting and how cultural heritage, religious concerns, and post-conflict forces create entirely new implementation settings.

1.1 Research problem

Despite the significant progress in global digital technologies, the gap in using them into the urban environment of Baghdad dilutes the usefulness of the said spaces and delimit their ability to provide the needs of modern consumers satisfactorily.

1.2 Significance of the research

1) Expound on how life is enhanced in cities with the help of new technology.

2) Make Baghdad more interactive and sustainable in terms of its public spaces.

3) Provide viable solutions that are applicable in subsequent city developments.

1.3 Research objectives

1) Look at smart technologies and interactive interfaces and find out how they change public places in cities.

2) Find out how much people in society accept digital technologies and smart interactive interfaces in city areas.

1.4 Research hypotheses

1) The use of digital technologies and smart interactive interfaces increases the efficiency of urban spaces.

2) These technologies can be applied in Baghdad despite the existing conditions and challenges.

1.5 Research methodology

The research involved a practical and descriptive research. It started with the literature review and inner scientific ideas and models in this field. We thereupon provided a field study by designing and applying a survey using a sample size of participants to gauge the indicators which are obtained by the theory of research.

We performed a careful statistical analysis of the data to test the hypotheses and to provide an applied perspective for the city of Baghdad.

3.1 Research design and approach

We used a mix of methods, describing and analyzing, to look at how digital technology is used in Al-Ummah Park, Baghdad.

3.2 Sampling technique and justification

The sampling approach applied in the study to select technical and engineering professionals was purposive due to the following reasons:

1. Technical Expertise Requirement: The implementation of digital technology requires a comprehensive awareness of technical viability, infrastructure requirements and implementation issues that do not usually fall under the jurisdiction of the non-technical respondents.
2. Decision-Making Authority: Engineers and urban planners often hold the key role of stakeholders and decision-makers in urban development projects, which makes their views invaluable in evaluating the viability of the implementation.
3. Professional Context: These professionals come with relevant experience in similar ventures hence making them provide informed commentary about the technical and practical impediments.

3.3 Sample characteristics and limitations

The final sample was composed of 110 respondents, and it was described by the following demographic and educational parameters:

•Age: 78.2% male, 21.8% female.

•Age distribution: 56.4 % aged 46 + years.

•Education: 39.9 percent own a PhD, 28.2 percent own a master's degree, 24.5 percent own a bachelor's degree.

•Specialization: 91.8 percent had an engineering background.

The sample, which was predominantly male and aged and engineering-based, was deliberate but has restrictions on the generalization of the sample to the views of the larger population. The demographic bias has been repeated in the existing state of the profession in the engineering sector of Baghdad, but it might not be able to reflect the existing plurality of community perspectives that can influence the acceptance of digital technology.

3.4 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

3.4.1 Inclusion criteria

• At least five years of professional experience in the field of engineering, architecture, urban planning, or other technical fields.
• Knowledge of Al-Ummah Park or other inner city green areas.
• The desire to take part in the survey.

3.4.2 Exclusion criteria

• The respondents did not have a technical or professional background that was relevant to urban development.
• Partial survey responses, i.e., those with less than 80 per cent completion rate.

3.5 Questionnaire design and development

3.5.1 The process of the instrument development

The instrument was designed using a tripartite methodology that was carefully designed:

Phase I

Literature-Based item generation: Items were found and chosen after an exhaustive search of available scholarly literature, especially in five main theoretical areas. The areas and the number of items are the following:

1. Experience and Understanding of Digital Technology - 4 items.
2. Current Park Conditions Assessment - 4 questions.
3. Technology Acceptance and Readiness - 4 items.
4. Implementation Concerns - 3 items.
5. Future Expansion Desires - 4 items.

Phase II

Content and Expert Review: The content validity of the instrument and its cultural appropriateness were achieved through the close examination of the first 19-item measure by three renowned scholars in the field of urban planning and two experts in the methodology of survey instruments.

Phase III

Pilot Testing: A pilot study, to include in fifteen participants who were not further incorporated in the final sample, was conducted to determine the clarity of the questionnaires, the time taken to complete the questionnaires, and to identify possible challenges. Minor changes were made to the wording of certain items based on the findings of the pilot study.

3.5.2 Questionnaire structure

•The measurement has nineteen separate sub-methodological elements including demographic questions.

•The response tool uses a five-point Likert scaling scheme in which the respondents will state how much they agree with the statements based on a 1-5 scale, i.e., 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).

•The instrument will take an estimated period of fifteen to twenty minutes.

•The questionnaire will be given in Arabic, and necessary English technical words will be included.

3.5.3 Scale justification

The reason why we picked the Likert scale is that the former allows individuals to express delicate emotions and ideas and provides us with numbers, which can be analyzed. The 5-point scale provides sufficient information but does not burden people with details.

3.6 Collection methods

1. Direct Distribution: Questionnaires were distributed during professional engineering association meetings and conferences in urban planning in Baghdad.

2. Distribution Institutional Networks: Mustansiriyah University and other academic institutions were used to distribute it.

3. Professional Contacts: Snowball sampling was applied via professional contacts.

3.7 Quality assurance measures

1. A Standardized Instruction: The training and the instructions were identical for all data collectors.
2. Response Monitoring: We managed to track the quality and response rates each day.
3. Checks of Consistency: We checked the responses periodically to make sure that they were complete and consistent.
4. Follow-up Procedures: A routine was used to get missing or un-responded responses.

3.8 Field observation standardization

The trained observers conducted field observations on the Al-Ummah Park using the standard observation protocols:

•Observation Schedule: 3 visits a week, 4 weeks, and at various times. Types of observations that will be recorded.

•Standard observation forms and digital photographs.

3.9 Methods of statistical analysis and reliability analysis

Computer and Analytics. The analysis was done with SPSS version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). It is a powerful instrument for survey data and reliability check.

Cronbach Alpha Calculation: We determined consistency of the survey items using Cronbach's alpha. The value obtained was = 0.85, which is quite consistent as it is over 0.70. Methods of statistical analysis.

3.9.1 Analytical techniques

1. Descriptive statistics: The frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations of all variables were calculated.

2. Scale analysis Scale responses (Likert) were converted into numerical scores (1-5) to conduct quantitative analysis.

3. Dimensional analysis: Each of the five theoretical dimensions was computed in mean scores.

4. Cross-tabulation: Demographic variables were cross-tabulated with the response patterns. The flow of research is shown in Figure 1.

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Figure 1. Process diagram methodology

3.10 Ethical concerns and protection of the participants

•Informed Consent: All the participants had informed consent before their participation.

• Anonymity: No identifiable data concerning an individual was collected.

•Voluntary Participation: The subjects were advised about the voluntary nature of the research and their right to withdraw without any penalty.

•Data Safety: All the data were kept somewhere safe, and access was restricted.

3.11 Methodological limitations with regard to the sample

•Demographic Bias: It is predominantly male, and it is difficult to assert whether the results are applicable to all.

•Geographic Concentration: The participants primarily considered Baghdadi people.

•Professional Focus: The contribution of outsiders was minimal in engineering.

3.11.1 Limitations of data collection data

•Self-Report Bias: We are dependent on self-reports of how people feel.

•Temporal Constraints: We just gathered data at a single time.

•Language Issues: The use of technical words may be misinterpreted.

5.1 The interactive Times Square project-New York -USA

This is a square located in Manhattan, New York City, at Broadway and Seventh Street, extending from 42nd Street to West 47th Street. The square is always decorated with advertisements and displays, and is sometimes called the "Center of the World." It is considered one of the busiest pedestrian squares in America, being a major tourist and entertainment destination for tourists. Millions of tourists visit it, and approximately 330,000 people pass through it daily [23, 29, 30].

The transformation of this square into an interactive environment was the result of the use of large technical and digital screens that display dynamic content in an interactive and time-changing manner, as well as according to visitor interaction, using sensors that measure crowd movement and density and analyze their behavior. Based on this, the content is dynamically modified (Figure 7) [24].

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Figure 7. Times Square interactive project [24]

5.2 Akihabara smart street-Tokyo-Japan

Akihabara captures the way that digital technologies and popular culture are fused in Japan, Celebrated for electronics, manga, and anime, the area deftly combines retail and entertainment with modern technologies, Dynamic storefront displays and augmented reality apps provide real-time data specifically for pedestrian involvement and environmental awareness, This technical and cultural synergy produces an immersive urban experience that demonstrates how digital tools might enhance identification and participation in public urban environments by mixing commercial vitality with interactive innovation (Figure 8) [25].

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Figure 8. Smart Akihabara street-Tokyo, Japan [25]

5.3 Songdo-South Korea

One of the world's leading models of sustainable smart cities, Songdo was designed from the outset to be a center for technology and global trade. It relies on smart infrastructure and technology, including advanced communications, sensor systems for energy and environmental monitoring, and advanced and smart transportation systems based on electric vehicles and bicycles. It also uses advanced technologies, such as pneumatic waste collection systems that improve service efficiency and reduce pollution. In addition, the buildings in Songdo comply with LEED sustainability standards, making the city more sustainable and environmentally friendly, improving its quality of life [26].

5.4 Barcelona-Spain

Barcelona's more than 8,500 Wi-Fi access points and robust IoT infrastructure have helped it to become a global smart city, launching its Smart City project in 2015, the city has included smart sensors in trash management, transportation, and energy among other important areas. To create and test digital solutions, it also built an open innovation lab, these initiatives foster open data, renewable energy, and citizen involvement, so matching technical innovation with efficient municipal administration [28].

5.5 Smart Dubai City-United Arab Emirates

Many Arab cities have recently witnessed the development of digital applications within public urban spaces. One successful smart city makeover is that of Dubai. Starting in 2001 and codified under its 2013 Smart City project, by 2021 it will have developed a thorough digital strategy covering digital life, data analytics, cybersecurity, infrastructure, This strategy made Dubai a worldwide urban digital model in all public spheres.

In the holy city of Mecca, smart parks were also developed as part of Saudi Arabia's smart city projects, aiming to improve the city's environment, making it more attractive to residents and visitors from around the world [31].

The research community consists of academics, engineers, and specialists. The sample will be randomly selected. Below is a detailed analysis of the results of the questionnaire, which was distributed to a random sample (110 respondents), focusing on the results and comparisons that serve the research objectives and support its conclusions and recommendations (Figures 10-14).

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Figure 10. Sample distribution by gender

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Figure 11. Distribution of sample by age group

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Figure 12. Number of times the park was visited

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Figure 13. Sample distribution by sci. specialist

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Figure 14. Distribution of sample by educational level

By studying (Figures 10-14), which are related to the general information concerning the random sample of the practical study, the following information becomes clear to us.

7.1 Demographics and characteristics of samples

The age of the 110 respondents is composed in the form of a demographic composition, which contains several important characteristics which influence our interpretation of the results. A large gender imbalance is presented in the group as a proportion of 78.2% male and 21.8% female, as indicated in Figure 10. Figure 11 indicates the distribution of ages, 56.4 of the population is 46 and above, and 24.5% are between 36 to 45. The level of education of many people is high: Figure 12 reveals that 39.9% of them have doctorates, 28.2% have master's degrees, and 24.5% have bachelor's degrees. However, more importantly, Figure 13 indicates that 91.8% of the individuals majored in engineering, which is why the segment is highly homogenous in terms of occupation.

Figure 12 demonstrates the frequency of visits to the park: 91.8% of the participants have visited the Al-Ummah Park once only, therefore, they do not visit it frequently and may not know much about the difficulties of its work on a daily basis.

7.2 Empirical study of statistical trustworthiness and response reaction

The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, having a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85, which exceeds the traditional criteria of 0.70 that is necessary to attain acceptable reliability. However, the pattern of the responses provided revealed that there was a strong homogeneity, with 83% of them either agreeing or Strongly Agreeing (see Figure 15). Such conspicuous agreement style, despite being an indication of the consensus among the participants, raises critical concerns of the likelihood of bias in response and the representativeness of the conclusions that have been reached.

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Figure 15. Response percentage

7.3 Axis-Specific findings and methodological statistical analysis

First Axis: Awareness and Understanding of Digital Technologies

Figure 16 indicates that most of the respondents are familiar with digital technology. On a 5-point scale, their average scores of agreement are more than 4.2. In particular, 84.5% strongly agreed that the integration of technologies in the urban area is a significant concept, and 81.8% expressed a good grasp of the concept of smart interfaces.

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Figure 16. First Axis: Awareness and understanding of digital technologies in urban spaces

Subgroup analysis: Engineers (101 people) displayed significantly more knowledge of technology compared to non-engineers (9 people) in terms of average, 4.31 vs. 3.78. The scarcity of non-engineers (8.2 percent) does not allow drawing strong comparisons between the two groups.

Second Axis: Current Park Condition Assessment

Findings given in Figure 17 reveal that a great number of people are dissatisfied with the current state of Al-Ummah Park. Approximately 89.1% of the respondents indicated that there are serious problems in the park. The absence of a good appearance and provision of information (average score: 4.45), the absence of cultural activities (4.32), and the safety concerns (4.18) were the main complaints.

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Figure 17. Second Axis: Evaluating the current state of the park and its needs

Statistical Significance: The chi-square test did not find any real difference in satisfaction between the age groups (2 = 3.24, p > 0.05). This is to say that individuals irrespective of their ages are equally dissatisfied.

Third Axis: Technology Acceptance and Readiness

Figure 18 demonstrates that there is much motivation about digital technology integration, and the overall agreement score is 85.75. It is noteworthy that 92.7 percent indicated that they would like to have smart screens and interactive systems, and 88.2 percent indicated that they are psychologically prepared to new technology.

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Figure 18. Third Axis: Acceptance and readiness for technology

Age-Related Analysis: Surprisingly, older respondents (46+ years) were more accepting of technology (average score 4.41) than younger ones were (35 and under 4.12 average score). I could not statistically differentiate the difference (t = 1.67, p > 0.10).

Fourth Axis: Implementation Concerns and Challenges

Potential issues during implementation are discussed in more detail in Figure 19. Though 70 per cent of the respondents indicated that they find technology management to be challenging, only 45.5 percent were concerned with preserving heritage identity. Maintenance was the greatest concern where the mean was 3.98. The second largest was the community acceptance with a score of 3.67.

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Figure 19. Fourth Axis: Concerns or challenges from the visitor's perspective

Professional bias: The majority of the participants were engineers, and thus they could have added technical problems to the non-technical one. This is observed in the decreasing concern about acceptance of the community as compared to maintenance.

Fifth Axis: Future Implementation Support

Relatively, there is a lot of support of the pilot project in (Figure 20) with 84.5% of the respondents agreeing on the same. The result on support of Al-Ummah Park as a prototype was 91.8% agreement. The desire to participate in development activities was 86.4%.

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Figure 20. Fifth Axis: Desire for expansion and future implementation

Statistical Implications and generalizability Concerns. This homogeneity of 83% response has its strengths and weaknesses in its interpretation. Although the agreement rates were high and indicate that experts generally believe in the positive effects of digital technology, there are a few factors which prevent the extent to which the results would be applicable on a broader scale:

Sample Bias Implications

Professional Homogeneity: There is a high degree of professional bias as 91.8 percent of the respondents are engineers. Technology acceptance is normally greater in engineers.

Gender Imbalance: There is 78.2% of men in the sample, which may not mirror the opinions of the general society.

Age Concentration: 56.4% of the respondents are 46 and above. Although this provides professional experience, it might not be the case with younger people.

Low Park Use: 91.8% of the respondents have only visited the park once and therefore they might not be fully informed about the social dynamics of the park or the needs of its users.

Statistical Limitations

The biased sample complicates the comparison of the subgroups since minority groups are too small.

There is a good understanding of the concept of digital technologies and smart interfaces as interactive elements that integrate with other urban spaces to improve their functionality (such as transportation, entertainment, lighting, security, etc.). This understanding stems from community culture and exposure to global experiences in world cities such as Singapore, Dubai, Barcelona, etc., through travel or various media outlets. This has stimulated the idea and public interest. This supports the first hypothesis of the research, which states that the use of digital technology and smart interfaces increases the efficiency of urban spaces.

Many foreign and Arab countries are moving to keep pace with major technological developments in various fields, becoming pioneers in the use of digital technologies in urban spaces to improve the quality of life, increase sustainability, and provide a unique and distinctive experience for visitors, creating interactive urban spaces. This confirms the first hypothesis of the research.

84% of participants believe that technological development is necessary to improve the efficiency of urban spaces, which underscores the need to adopt smart solutions in urban spaces in Baghdad. In addition, 94.5% of participants believe that it is necessary to conduct Modern and technical development of the park to raise its service level and attract visitors. This supports the second hypothesis of the research, which states that these technologies are applicable in Baghdad despite the existing challenges.

There are major challenges that may face this development, represented by maintenance, security, and weak technical infrastructure, as well as the fear that it will affect the cultural and historical identity of the park. These challenges can be resolved through institutional partnerships and a careful balance between modernity and preserving the historical cultural character of the park. This can also be achieved through community acceptance, a desire for development, and enthusiasm for community participation in this regard. This supports the feasibility of implementation, which confirms the second hypothesis of the research.

Despite the cultural and historical components of the Al-Umma Park, and despite the efforts made to increase the effectiveness of its spaces and increase visitor turnout, it still suffers from weak effectiveness and a lack of desire to visit again in the future. This is due to the weakness of its technical infrastructure. There is dissatisfaction with many aspects related to security, comfort, and lighting, as well as the lack of interactive cultural activities and the absence of modern technologies that achieve sustainability principles and improve the quality of life.

The trend toward using interactive interfaces and digital technologies to address these problems in the Al-Ummah Park will lead to the creation of an attractive and interactive urban environment, tailored to the cultural circumstances and occasions and the tastes of visitors and passers-by. This interaction will generate positive impressions among visitors and encourage them to repeat visits, which will increase its social effectiveness within the urban environment.

9.1 Recommendations

Develop the necessary urban plans to gradually integrate interactive technology interfaces into public spaces in Baghdad, with a focus on vital cultural areas as starting points for future urban development. This is to keep pace with global technological developments and increase the efficiency and quality of life in these spaces.

Learn more about successful global experiences in implementing, maintaining, and managing digital technologies in urban spaces and smart city applications, to analyze them and study the goals these technologies have achieved in terms of sustainable development and improving the quality of life, and to try to reflect them in local urban spaces.

Raise community cultural awareness of the importance of interactive digital technologies and the best ways to use them through various media outlets. Organize interactive cultural activities to attract visitors and enhance the role of urban spaces as a vital and social urban space.

Reassess and enhance the digital infrastructure in the city in general, and Al-Ummah Park in particular, such as providing free internet, installing smart screens, and improving maintenance and security systems.

Encouraging the use of digital technologies in the facades, furnishings, and components of urban spaces in Baghdad, in a manner consistent with the societal culture of the people of Baghdad and in keeping with the technological development currently witnessed by the world.

The need to pay greater attention to the Al-Ummah Park and develop its digital infrastructure by integrating smart facades and interactive digital technologies into its spaces. This will revitalize these spaces, enhance their role as a vibrant social and cultural center, and make them a pioneering model for other spaces in the city.

Emphasize community participation in planning for the future technological development of any urban space to ensure it meets the needs and aspirations of visitors, guarantees its success and sustainability, and preserves the cultural constants of society.

9.2 Limitations in the study and future studies

The study has limitations which can be summarized as follows: This research has certain limitations that influence the usefulness of the findings. The sample consisted of primarily men (78.2%) and primarily engineering (91.8%), thus it may not be a reflection of what everyone thinks, particularly in terms of preservation of cultural heritage and the utilization of the public spaces.

Participants only visited Al Ummah Park once (91.8%), which is not sufficient to know how the park operates in its day-to-day activities or what people want to receive at the park.

Approximately 83% of the respondents provided the same response. That demonstrates that there is consensus among experts, but it also demonstrates that there can be a bias in the respondents, and we are unable to observe how various groups perceive the use of technology.

The work should involve more diverse groups of individuals in the future, and particularly the ordinary visitors to the park.

9.3 Future research prospects

1) We shall extend the study to other cities in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities to determine the influence of varying local environments on the outcome.

2) We shall develop measuring instruments to gauge the utilization of digital technology by the visitors of the city spaces without forgetting the cultural and social values of the community.

3) We will also examine the impact and effects of the existing urban locations with digital technology and vice versa, including the social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

4) We will come up with strategies to integrate smart technology in the preparation and management of the city spaces of Baghdad, taking into consideration the local culture and social demands, and to enhance the quality of life and sustainability.

5) We are going to analyze the possibility of how digital and interactive technology can enhance the quality of life of people and assist in the development of Iraqi cities in a sustainable way.