1) Ms. Merav Battat

As arid regions face rapid urbanization and intensifying climate extremes, the decoupling of urban mobility planning from microclimatic realities poses a critical threat to urban resilience. The NUR Lab at Be’er-Sheva investigates how the confluence of digital information systems, spatial analytics, and scalable design interventions can support just and sustainable settlement patterns in Arid regions. In this talk I will present a conceptual framework linking (1) high-resolution data capture (e.g., environmental models, 3D scanning, mobility patterns, social infrastructure mapping), (2) real-time and predictive analytics to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities in desert urbanization, and (3) scalable solution pathways ranging from modular building components and distributed service networks to community-driven digital platforms. Drawing on fieldwork in the Negev I will illustrate how the approach yields actionable insights for planning, governance and community resilience, particularly in contexts of climatic stress.