Funding
Self-funded
Project code
AAD10051026
Start dates
October, February and April
Application deadline
Applications accepted all year round
Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.
The PhD will be based in the School of Architecture, Art and Design and will be supervised by Dr Eiman Elbanhawy.
The work on this project will:
- Develop a comprehensive, multi-scalar framework for optimising electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across compact cities and inter-city transport corridors in the Middle East. Using a case study approach, the project will analyse selected capitals and neighbouring urban districts to capture both local and regional dynamics.
- Apply spatial justice principles to identify and address inequities in the distribution of charging infrastructure, ensuring fair and inclusive access across socio-economic groups and mobility needs.
- Integrate GIS mapping, space syntax, optimisation algorithms, and scenario modelling to determine optimal charging locations. The research will directly engage with real-world constraints such as limited data availability, governance capacity, and energy insecurity.
- Incorporate renewable energy solutions (e.g. solar-powered charging hubs and grid-integration strategies) and deliver actionable policy tools through a replicable decision-support framework, adaptable to other Global South contexts facing similar challenges.
This PhD project addresses the critical challenge of designing resilient e-mobility infrastructure in the Middle East, where rapid urbanisation intersects with compact urban forms, regional transport corridors, and significant socio-economic disparities. As electric vehicle adoption grows across the region, charging infrastructure remains unevenly distributed and poorly integrated, limiting the transformative potential of sustainable mobility systems.
The research employs a multi-scalar, data-driven approach that bridges local neighbourhood needs with regional corridor connectivity. Using advanced spatial analysis—including GIS mapping, space syntax methodology, and transport network modelling—the project will examine how urban density, land-use patterns, and inter-city mobility flows shape charging demand across different geographic scales.
Central to this investigation is the application of spatial justice principles to infrastructure planning, ensuring equitable access across diverse communities rather than concentrating services in affluent areas. The research addresses common developing-country challenges—including limited data availability, weak governance capacity, and energy insecurity—through innovative use of proxy datasets, participatory engagement methods, and scenario-based stress testing.
Smart city integration forms a core component, aligning charging infrastructure with broader digital, energy, mobility transitions, and with regional decarbonisation strategies and global climate targets. The project will incorporate renewable energy solutions, particularly solar-powered charging hubs, and explore how decentralised, residential, and grid-integrated systems can complement public charging networks in both compact cities and corridor settings.
Case studies will focus on Middle Eastern urban contexts—examining compact cities such as Cairo, Amman, or Beirut alongside major transport corridors like Cairo-Alexandria or Amman-Aqaba. Optimisation algorithms and scenario modelling will test deployment strategies under varying adoption rates, climate conditions, and policy frameworks.
The primary deliverable is a comprehensive, replicable decision-support framework that policymakers, urban planners, and energy providers can deploy strategically. While prototyped through Middle Eastern case studies, this framework is designed for adaptability to other Global South regions facing similar urbanisation and sustainability transitions.
This interdisciplinary research contributes to critical global conversations around sustainable mobility, spatial justice, and climate-responsive infrastructure planning, while providing actionable tools for accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation systems in rapidly developing regions.
Fees and funding
Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.
Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only.
PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK students only).
Bench fees
Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Entry requirements
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Mobility Modelling, Spatial Justice, Environmental Studies, Urban Design or a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
We welcome applicants with a background in architecture, urban planning, urban studies, transport planning, energy systems, or operational research. Ideal candidates will have experience or interest in:
- Spatial analysis and modelling, including tools such as GIS, space syntax, transport network analysis, agent-based modelling, discrete events, or urban morphology
- Smart city technologies and spatial and usability optimisation techniques, including IoT systems, smart grid integration, scenario planning, and decision-support systems
- Big Data approaches to urbanism and quantitative research methods (statistics, optimisation algorithms), particularly the ethical handling of proxy datasets and data-driven urban analysis in developing-country contexts
- Experience with sustainability assessment, renewable energy integration, smart charging systems, or infrastructure resilience planning would be beneficial
- A willingness to work across disciplines, engage with both technical modelling and socio-spatial analysis approaches, and interest in Middle Eastern urban contexts and Global South development challenges
Previous experience with VR suites and simulation modelling is welcome but not essential.
How to apply
We’d encourage you to contact Dr Eiman Elbanhawy (eiman.elbanhawy@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
When applying please quote project code AAD10051026.