bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Prospects for Affordable and Sustainable Housing: The Case of Yola, Nigeria
Authors: Muazu Jallaludeen , Oktay Derya
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to determine the challenges and prospects for affordable housing within the context of sustainability by investigating the socio-economic and environmental impacts of housing developments based on the analysis of four so-called affordable housing schemes in Yola, Nigeria. Using questionnaire survey and indicators developed from literature reviews on affordable and sustainable housing, the findings suggest that due to inadequate availability of housing inputs (land, finance, infrastructure, labor and materials), lack of diversity, improper location, inefficient transport facilities and lack of user participation, the examined developments are neither sustainable nor affordable. The research hence contributes some empirical evidence to overcome the defined shortcomings and provides a basis for governments' housing commitments towards reforming and devising policies for community involvement in housing provision, providing easy access to land with legal title deeds, easy access to housing finance, infrastructure, etc.
Squatter Housing as a Model for Affordable Housing in Developing Countries
Authors: Gür Elmira , Yüksel Yurdanur Dülgeroğlu
Published: January 2021

An affordability challenge for the governments is the trade-off between cost and quality. The housing gap is a reality for developing countries, and most frequently the gap is met by producing large numbers of low-cost housing units for the maximum number of people. Declining affordability is known to adversely affect both owner occupiers and tenants. The needy, due to an uninterested private sector, usually has either to depend on low quality housing mislocated in the city, without supporting infra- and social structures, or on squatter dwelling. The second option, despite being informal is responsive to the spatial and cultural needs of the users who ideally partake in the construction. The article queries and explores the ways in which the process and cultural preferences of the users of squatter houses, as builder-owner-occupants, are harmoniously intermingled in squatter housing; and draw housing policy implications through institutionalising some of their potentials. Considering squatters are at the lowest stratum areas and that their housing constitutes significant portion of the urban stock, government's pareto optimal which claims maximum good for the maximum number of people at minimum cost is seemingly justified with the quite restricted budget of governments of developing countries.
Urban Squatting in Latin America: Relevance of ‘Guided Occupancy’
Authors: Gesto Belén , Gómez Guillermo , Salas Julián
Published: January 2021

While the illegal occupation of land by families lacking the means to acquire housing on the market is hardly front page news in Latin America, it may not merit the silence to which it has been relegated of late. The authors, who formed part of a research team on the subject, conclude that urban squatting is still very common today. The team found that most Latin American countries are amending their municipal, provincial and national legislation in this regard and backing programmes for consolidation and improvement. In a nutshell, they are adopting a more tolerant attitude toward squatting. The authors believe that the Guided Occupancy Programme successfully implemented by the city of Trujillo, Peru, for over a decade, constitutes an exemplary approach to the problem. While not necessarily constituting a universal solution, it can be viewed as a viable and reproducible alternative in situations of widespread poverty.
The Challenge of Complexity and Creativity Factor in Architectural Design
Authors: Nalkaya Saim
Published: January 2021

Architectural design process is subject to ambiguities surrounding not only definition of the procedures and the flow of the process, but also the nature of the information to be analyzed. This state of affairs is generally thought to require creative thinking for solving both different aspects of the problem, and integration of the parts of the solution. Creativity is mainly explained on the basis of novelty, utility and surprise. But it is not considered to be a unitary concept.

The underlying structure of the design process has been introduced by the present study in relation to the levels of the decision making concerning the process. In addition a multidimensional view of architectural design has been provided as part of creative design-solving process, based on a multi-sensory perception of architecture, human needs, designer's theoretical orientation for creativity, and incremental steps of creative problem-solving activity. The major realms of inquiry as part of the incremental steps of problem solving have been identified with reference to the study areas in professional degree programs in architecture. The model of architectural design process introduced is expected to help the problem solver interlink different parts of the solution established through creative design problem solving procedures.
Design Issues for Net Zero-Energy Buildings
Authors: Aelenei Laura , Aelenei Daniel , Gonçalves Helder , Lollini Roberto , Musall Eike , Scognamiglio Alessandra , Cubi Eduard , Noguchi Massa
Published: January 2021

Net Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have received increased attention in recent years as a result of constant concerns about energy supply constraints, decreasing energy resources, increasing energy costs and the rising impact of greenhouse gases on world climate. Promoting whole building strategies that employ passive measures together with energy efficient systems and technologies using renewable energy became a European political strategy following the publication of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive recast in May 2010 by the European Parliament and Council. However designing successful NZEBs represents a challenge because the definitions are somewhat generic while assessment methods and monitoring approaches remain under development and the literature is relatively scarce about the best sets of solutions for different typologies and climates likely to deliver an actual and reliable performance in terms of energy balance (consumed vs generated) on a cost-effective basis. Additionally the lessons learned from existing NZEB examples are relatively scarce. The authors of this paper, who are participants in the IEA SHC Task 40-ECBCS Annex 52, “Towards Net Zero Energy Solar Buildings”, are willing to share insights from on-going research work on some best practice leading NZEB residential buildings. Although there is no standard approach for designing a Net Zero-Energy Building (there are many different possible combinations of passive and efficient active measures, utility equipment and on-site energy generation technologies able to achieve the net-zero energy performance), a close examination of the chosen strategies and the relative performance indicators of the selected case studies reveal that it is possible to achieve zero-energy performance using well known strategies adjusted so as to balance climate driven-demand for space heating/cooling, lighting, ventilation and other energy uses with climate-driven supply from renewable energy resources.
Getting the Message Across for Safer Self-Recovery in Post-Disaster Shelter
Authors: Parrack Charles , Flinn Bill , Passey Megan
Published: January 2021

Self-recovery in post-disaster shelter is not the exception but the norm. Following earthquake, flood or storm, the majority of affected families will inevitably rebuild their homes themselves, using their own resources, but there is little support from the international community to encourage good safe building practice. While the communication of key messages about safer building has been carried out effectively in development contexts, it rarely forms a major part of humanitarian response programming. If the humanitarian shelter sector is committed to the principles of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), more can be done to support the process of safer reconstruction among self-rebuilders. This paper argues the case for the humanitarian community to link post-disaster shelter programming with the more developmental approach of communicating building safety to a much wider audience than just the most vulnerable beneficiaries. It proposes the shelter sector and the donor community direct more resources towards support for this process, which would augment the effectiveness and impact of a shelter response.
Improvement of Envelope Design Through Multilayer Feed-Forward Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Qiquan , Weng Ji , Corcoran Stephen , Fan Chenhao
Published: January 2021

The performance of the building envelope of a large-scale public building significantly influences the energy consumption of such a building. This study aims to determine the best strategy for the envelope by examining the engineering design of the building in Nanchang University. The building shape coefficient, sun-shading strategies, window–wall ratio, roof, and walls were studied through a method involving multilayer feed-forward neural network model simulations. Results show that the optimum shape coefficient value is 0.32. The combination of interior and exterior blinds and electrochromic glass is the ideal option to reduce the increase in the energy consumption of the architecture caused by solar radiation. Maintaining the window–wall ratio at 0.4 is ideal. A green roof exerts a minimal effect on building energy consumption decrease (only 0.4%). Applying the strategy of vertical greening to the external wall can reduce cooling energy consumption by as much as 5.4%. Adopting the best envelope strategy combination can further decrease energy consumption by 20.8%. This strategy is also applicable to the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River in China, which flow through Nanchang and have a climate similar to that of the said area. Future research should be directed toward applying artificial neural networks to quantitatively evaluate the effects of a design strategy and produce the best design strategy combination.
Identification of Driving Factors for Green Building Development in China
Authors: Wang Xia , Ren Hong , Cai Weiguang , Liu Yan , Luo Lizi
Published: January 2021

Green building (GB) has been actively promoted in many countries, but it has not become the mainstream in Chinese construction industry due to various reasons. This paper aims to investigate the major driving factors for the development of GB with reference of the Chinese construction market. Twenty-one factors influencing the development of GB were identified through a literature review, questionnaire survey, and face-to-face interview with professionals in the construction industry. Structural equation model was established to identify the critical driving path and three critical factors hierarchies. The result of model analysis also verifies the theoretical hypotheses that government body is the biggest motivation for the development of GB, and the path coefficient is high. The results demonstrate the necessity for the formulation of incentive policies and power of GB propaganda. We identify distinct government and market effects and then induce a government-led GB development path. These findings provide a valuable reference for government body aiming at promoting GB in the construction industry to put forward relevant policies and incentives and for the market body to understand the major driving factors and path when making decisions.
Application of Media Art Visual Communication Concept in Multi-Scale Control
Authors: Han G. M. , Deng X. Q.
Published: January 2021

Color is the dominant element of visual communication design. For cities, color is one of their characteristics. Improving the overall style of a city through the control and planning of architectural color has been a hot issue in urban control and planning in recent years. Considering color pollution in urban planning, we analyze the important role of color in visual communication design from the perspective of the visual communication concept of media art. The current situation of residential building colors in Shanghai City is investigated. We determine the residents’ preferences and requirements related to architectural exterior color on the basis of a data analysis of color and material selection, color matching, composition, and others. This study changes the traditional architectural color design concept that centers on individuals and lacks overall control. Specifically, we construct a set of multi-scale color controlling and planning systems at the macro-, meso-, and micro-scales. We also guide and control the urban architectural color such that it is in accordance with the systematic color planning strategy. This method enables the systematic and holistic external color planning of urban residential buildings.
The Construction and Planning of Multi-Project Management System
Authors: Ruan Jia , Na Wan
Published: January 2021

The contradiction between economic development and resource environment has become increasingly acute with the continuous societal and industrial development. The implementation of waste and renewable resource recycling can alleviate the conflict. The multi-project management theory was applied to the construction of an industrial park based on the characteristics of the circular economy theory. In this paper, the basic definition of circular economy and industrial parks was expounded, and the application of circular economy in the planning of parks was studied from five major aspects. From industrial selection, property function and volume allocation planning, industrial park planning and design were studied. Starting from the function structure of the park, the setting of the slag yard outside the park, the green land and the landscape, the road planning of the park, the planning of industrial parks of chemical recycling economy in Gansu was studied. Through empirical analysis, theoretical support and model reference were provided for the construction of circular economy in other industrial parks.
Planning, Transformation and Development of Resource Based Industrial Cities
Authors: Pang Min
Published: January 2021

The scale of urban land has been expanding because the speed of urban development has increased the population. Thus, certain improvement in planning and construction based on circular economy is required. Industrial resource-based city planning and construction is particularly important based on the aforementioned problems and development background. The development of industrial resource cities in the transformation stage based on the circular economy was considered as the breakthrough point. The development, function, and concept of the new district planning were analyzed in view of the design strategy of the current domestic resource-based urban planning; moreover, the planning principles (integration of regional and harmonious resource constructions and coordinated organization function) that are suitable for resource industrial city were presented. In this study, taking the industrial transformation and resource-based city of Yichun as an example, the infrastructure and the general situation of the new district planning in the future were deeply analyzed. In the light of the functional development and planning structure of the transformation and development planning of resource-based industrial cities, the following planning and development strategies were proposed: the centralized small-scale space should be constructed. Diversion control should be carried out on bicycle lane and motorized lane in new area. The three-dimensional layout of the grid should be applied to the overall planning of the road, and according to the expressway, main roads, secondary roads and ordinary sections, there must be four kinds of traffic system, so as to construct a diversified traffic diversion system. The original industrial land should be extended into a continuous space, and the allocation of new district resources after transformation must be suitable for the development plan of brand strategy, so as to perfect the forestry land of Sun Yue gorge street and transform it into RBD recreational and entertainment community, and build a friendly eco city.
Sustainable Urban Environment in the Context of Globalization: “Cambridge Future” Science and Technology Park
Authors: Chen Xiaofang , Chen Xiaohua , Yin Cong , Xia Wenlei
Published: January 2021

The planning and construction of innovative university science and technology parks are facilitated on the basis of urban planning reconstruction, and the sustainable development of our country is the main basis for the implementation of the innovation plan and future design of university science and technology parks. However, some aspects of the transformation of a city have impeded the planning and development of university science parks. In order to solve this problem, in this study, the overall planning and successful establishment of science and technology parks in well-known universities were analyzed; and “Cambridge Future” was selected as the practical example and basis for the construction of innovative university science and technology parks; and then CATIC Science City in Nanjing was used as the object of empirical analysis. In addition, the construction of these parks in universities was evaluated through the case analysis and the excellent design strategies and results, and the planning model and construction concept of these parks were proposed after the contradiction between the transition stage of cities and the design of university science parks was resolved.
Scale and Attenuation of Water Bodies on Urban Heat Islands
Authors: Huang Huanchun , Yun Yingxia , Xu Jiangang , Wang Shizhen , Zheng Xin , Fu Jing , Bao Lintong
Published: January 2021

Urban water bodies play an important role in reducing summertime urban heat island (UHI) effects. Previous studies focused mainly on the impact of water bodies of large areas, and there is no analysis of the efficacy and scale effect of how small and medium-sized water bodies reduce the UHI effects. Hence, these studies could not provide theoretical support for the scientific planning and design of urban water bodies. This study aims to confirm, within different scale ranges, the efficacy of a water body in reducing the summertime UHI effects. We propose a scale sensitivity method to investigate the temporal and spatial relationship between urban water bodies and UHI. Based on the scale theory and geostatistical analysis method in landscape ecology, this study used the platforms of 3S, MATLAB, and SPSS to analyze the distance-decay law of water bodies in reducing summertime UHI effects, as well as the scale response at different water surface ratios. The results show that the influence of water surfaces on UHIs gradually decreases with increasing distance, and the temperature rises by 0.78 °C for every 100 m away from the water body. During daytime, there is a scaled sensitivity of how much water surfaces reduce the summertime UHI effects. The most sensitive radius from the water was found at the core water surface ratio of 200 m. A reduction of UHI intensity by 2.3 °C was observed for every 10% increase of the average core water surface ratio. This study provides a theoretical reference to the control of heat islands for the planning and design of urban water bodies.
The Privatization of Public Streets and Urban Spaces in Malaysia
Authors: Tedong Peter Aning , Azriyati Wan Nor , Aziz Wan Abd , Hanif Noor Rosly
Published: January 2021

In the last two decades, Malaysia has embedded good neighborhood principles in its planning plans that promote diversity and accessibility in urban residential areas. However, the emerging trends of the privatization of public streets and open spaces in urban residential areas in Malaysia offer the opportunity to study complex urban governance processes in a democratic and developing country. Using empirical evidence, this article recounts the fascinating saga of how various actors – urban planners, resident associations, residents of open neighborhoods and residents of guarded neighborhoods – responded to the privatization of public streets and open spaces in Malaysia. While planners described Greater Klang Valley as a diverse city in Malaysia, they sometimes tolerated the privatization of public streets and open spaces through neoliberal policies.
Research on the Construction Layout of Urban Sports Park Based on Constraint Graph Model
Authors: Li Bai
Published: January 2021

To study the spatial layout of urban sports parks, the constraint graph model was used to quantitatively analyze the construction of urban sports parks in China. At the same time, theories on the construction and development of urban sports parks and urban renewal at home and abroad were reviewed. The construction status of urban sports parks in China was systematically studied. Foreign case cities were investigated. Finally, the case cities in our country were discussed. The results showed that in addition to the influence of certain policies and economic factors, the development of sports parks was affected by factors such as urban space development, population size and living distribution, urban culture, regional environmental characteristics and the layout of original sports resources. Therefore, the impact of the above factors should be considered in the development of sports parks and their spatial layout. The layout of the sports park should be balanced to meet the diverse needs of the residents.
Local Government's Urban Planning Behavior, Investment Impulse and Macroeconomic Stability
Authors: Dong Shanshan
Published: January 2021

To improve the government's ability to regulate the economy, perfect the performance of macro-control, and promote stable and healthy economic development, according to the relevant data since the reform and opening up, the deep system of investment impulsive behavior of local government in China is explored at this stage, and the idea of constructing an intergovernmental macro-control coordination mechanism is proposed. The results show that if a regional government can expand in line with the policy cycle, it can not only send a positive signal to the central government to respond to the macro-control, but also gain the upper hand in the local competition. However, if the effective demand in the region is still insufficient, the expansion plan is likely to evolve into excessive investment, and the region will face greater risks of overcapacity and local debt in the long run. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the investment behaviors of local governments in China at the present stage, analyze their characteristics and appearances, and find the causes of the investment impulse of local governments, so as to establish the macro-control coordination mechanism among Chinese governments.
The Accessibility of Nanjing Urban Park Based on GIS
Authors: Xie Kai , Xu Hao , Wu Jing
Published: January 2021

The density and pattern of urban parks, traffic conditions are the main factors affecting urban park accessibility. To clarify the influence of traffic mode and urban road network on urban park accessibility, we examine downtown area of Nanjing, China, and based on GIS network analysis, analyze urban park accessibility under different traffic modes in the current year (2017) and the Nanjing master planning target year (2030). The results shows: Using automobiles takes the shortest time to get to urban parks in 2017 and 2030 (if the problem of parking is ignored). Comparing the results of 2030 and 2017, by when the ground transportation network in the study area will be further improved, urban park accessibility was improved by a small margin under walking and automobile traffic modes, however, the density of rail traits increased fastest, urban park accessibility is improved most under this mode of transportation, rail transit route development becomes the dominant factor in improving park accessibility in downtown area of Nanjing. To a certain extent, this study reveals the leading factors of improving the accessibility of urban parks on the premise that the system of urban parks tends to be stable, and provides a reference for improving urban park accessibility.
Study on Sponge Campus Planning and Construction in Hilly Areas Under the Concept of Sponge City-A Case Study Hunan City University
Authors: Wen Tong , Chen Wen , Zhang Liang , Liu Xiaoming
Published: January 2021

Under the background of rapid urbanization, all kinds of urban water problems have gradually come into being: local flooding frequently happens, water environment is deteriorated, water-supply is in tension, etc. Meanwhile, with rapid development of higher education in China, campus area and scale are gradually expanding, but traditional campus construction has many drawbacks. In order to promote sponge campus planning and construction of universities in hilly areas and provide demonstration windows for sponge city construction, based on deficiencies of campus construction of Hunan City University in the aspect of water resource utilization, we used ArcGis spatial analysis method, simulation method and comparative analysis method on Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to establish sponge campus construction indexes, content system and optimal design strategies with objectives of campus water safety, water environment and water resource utilization. Results indicate that: difference between sponge campus planning and traditional campus planning mainly lies in rainfall management. We combed the design process of sponge campus planning in hilly areas from the perspective of rainfall management, and simulated the process of sponge facilities controlling the rainfall in the campus via computer model to verify reasonability of sponge facility planning and select the optimal planning and construction plan. This study has defined design process of sponge campus planning in hilly areas to a certain degree and provided a research basis for sponge campus planning and construction of universities, setting up a typical example and driving effects on solving urban local flooding problem and rainfall resource utilization in hilly areas.
The Research on the Construction of Urban Visual Planning System Based on the Development of Cultural Tourism Industry
Authors: Feng W , Wenhua L , Xiangguan G.
Published: January 2021

The cultural tourism industry, which has subtly met the needs and solved the major problem of the current age, is a new growth point for the current city economic growth. Therefore, its position in the industrial structure system will be increasingly improved. The development of the cultural tourism industry also provides an important opportunity for the renewal and re-engineering of urban space. For the current urban space construction crisis needs the integration of historical and cultural elements urgently while the development of the cultural tourism industry itself happened to need the city to provide the necessary carrying space and incubation carrier urgently as well. Thus this research discusses the construction of urban visual planning system and the specific implementation path from the perspective of the development of cultural tourism industry.
Gandhi-Nu-Gam: Ludiya, Kutchchh Rebuilding Rural Kutchchh through Community Participation
Authors: Pandya Yatin
Published: January 2021

Gandhi-Nu-Gam:Ludiya is a typical traditional village in the Kutchchh region of Gujarat, India which was devastated by an earthquake in 2001. Its holistic rehabilitation by the Vastu Shilpa Foundation and Manav Sadhna includes socio-cultural and economic systems and house forms which ensure and maintain the continuum of suddenly disrupted traditions. A participatory development process involved the residents in all decisions concerning choice of relocation site, settlement pattern, clustering, choice of dwelling location, type and construction and provision of amenities, as well as environmental management. Infrastructure improvements such as check-dams, toilets, solar-cell electrification and smokeless-stoves were also carried out.
From the Orbit of Poverty to the Spiral of Growth Experiences in Community Based Habitat Development in Rural Orissa, India
Authors: Madiath Joe
Published: January 2021

By reinforcing the concept of community, a unique development process has been set off in villages of Orissa, one of the poorest states in India. The fundamentals of the programme require 100% participation from all villagers with clearly defined stakes and mechanisms for institutional and financial sustainability. The programme shows how something as basic as drinking water and sanitation is able to coalesce and bind divergent strands within communities, creating new relationship dynamics between men and women, and different sections of the communities, thereby helping to trigger new strands of development.
The Eldonian Village, Liverpool
Authors: Evans George
Published: January 2021

The Eldonian Village is the result of people taking control of their own lives. In 1978, when the Eldonians were faced with their homes being demolished and their community broken up, they didn't just sit back and accept it, they got off their backsides and made things happen. Today the Eldonians have 400 affordable rental homes, they have created over 250 jobs, they provide a range of local services and recreation facilities all of which are owned and managed by the local community. The Eldonians are an example to all communities and a testament to what people can achieve when they decide to tackle the problems of their community themselves.
The Prince George - More Than Just A Home
Authors: Haggerty Rosanne , Goetz Ellen
Published: January 2021

Common Ground's vision of supportive housing, as exemplified by The Prince George, is comprehensive, cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing and community-minded. Along with its other programmes throughout New York City and in Connecticut, The Prince George is helping Common Ground (CG) solve homelessness. CG believes that transitioning out of homelessness requires more than a home, more than good health, more than a job and more than a supportive community - the entire package is necessary. And that's exactly what The Prince George provides: a comprehensive support system designed to help people regain lives of stability and independence.
Inventing Future Prosperity: The Buddhist Himalayan Region of Ladakh
Authors: Khosla Romi
Published: January 2021

Traditional places are on the wrong side of the divide. The wrong side of the divide is the side where the poor relatives live, where things are charming and quaint, where people look for no change to have taken place where attracting investments is always a problem, where one has to struggle to reinvent a souvenir environment. One could say that traditional places are places that have been ignored in the nation building process and have become dependent territories unable to generate their own energy for gaining prosperity. Prosperity has to be invented, imagined, sought after and gained. It simply does not descend from above. Steps have to be taken to invent the future of a traditional environment.

This case study relates to a silk-route settlement called Leh located deep inside the Himalayas at an altitude of over 12,000 feet (3000 meters) above sea level. It is inhabited almost entirely by Buddhists belonging to the Tibetan Mahayana branch. There are a smaller number of Muslim families who inhabit the larger settlements and the villages that are located on the border with Pakistan. Leh is the regional capital of the region known as Ladakh, which borders both Western Tibet presently in China and Pakistan. Ladakh, like all neglected regions that are made more attractive with the suffix “traditional” has been ruled for the last fifty years with policies that address the administrative needs of the government and not the real needs of the inhabitants. Our study to determine these real needs was commissioned by the government to prepare an action plan for the period 1989 - 2009.

A large team of experts, which focused on macroeconomics, microeconomics, tourism, community health, social structures, master planning, and heritage listing and conservation strategies, evaluated these needs. From these evaluations, some startling conclusions were drawn based on which a prescription was made for future prosperity. The findings of each discipline were overlaid on each other to provide the vital clues for a correct diagnosis of the settlement as a whole including its surrounding region. Some of the more important findings will be presented along with recommendations that need to be followed. The most significant broad proposal that emerged out of the study was the need to redefine the development track for the region. We found that the rapid changes that are taking place in the social fabric were due to the rapid move of resources into the tertiary (service) sector. The consequences of this could be seen in the wheeling dealing and accusations of corruption that dominated all conversations and interviews. Consequently we warned the administration not to remain indifferent to this trend and to take urgent steps to restore the production base of the region and to discourage investment in the tertiary sector. The methodologies developed during this study were later used in a number of successful development reorientation strategies in other regions.
Sustainable Design in Heritage Sites: An Archeological Park in Argentina
Authors: Repiso Luciana , Ravegnini Natalia , Sleive Emma Puch
Published: January 2021

Keeping the spirit of each place is the greatest challenge posed by interventions in heritage sites. The delicacy of the environments that host these sites entails that the adaptations required to serve tourism be conceived in full harmony with the surrounding context. This paper starts from the recognition that sustainable design, linked to the principles of sustainable tourism and particularly of ecotourism, is an operative and instrumental basis for the physical planning of sustainable tourism projects. The paper presents an application of sustainability criteria to the planning and design of an archaeological park, located in Quebrada de Humahuaca (a World Heritage Site in Argentina). Its aim is thus to expose the planning and sustainable design process that was carried out at different projecting scales, from the general zoning to the technological resolution of the park's facilities. It communicates the results obtained from the design experimentation and exploration, which were generated from the very local resources. As a conclusion, it is found that sustainable design allows the transfer of ecotourism principles to the physical planning level of the tourist activity. In this case, it is demonstrated that the setting out of sustainable criteria in terms of context, function, formality and technology is essential to help a sustainable tourist product comes to fruition. Success in conservation, protection and valuation of the existing resources in heritage destinations will depend on the degree of suitability of sustainable design measures at each intervention scale.
Confidentiality in Architectural Space: A Study of HIV Healthcare Facilities in Uganda
Authors: Nord Catharina
Published: January 2021

This article analyses and discusses spatial conditions contributing to confidentiality in HIV healthcare facilities carried out by two non-governmental organisations in Uganda, the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) and The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO). The provision of confidential space was found to be the most important architectural quality promoting client wellbeing, where Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) as well as ongoing services to people living with HIV are provided. The study shows that confidential space is a requirement in a number of situations: when the client approaches the health centre; during the visit; and in the meeting between client, counsellor and medical staff. An unobtrusive location of the centre and separate, private counselling rooms are thus the most favourable spatial conditions.

This article is based on a qualitative, explorative case study carried out in Jinja, Uganda during four months in 2004. Direct observation, interviews, primarily with clients and staff, spatial analyses and a qualitative content analysis were carried out.
Evaluation of the Occupation and Evacuation of Peñalolen Settlement, Santiago De Chile
Authors: Serrano Julián Salas
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to ascertain that Latin America's current urban growth through large and organized ‘land squattings’ and limited invasions is a massive, plural and common phenomenon which, to a certain extent, has been, up to now, ignored by 'the academic world and by formal urban planning.

On July 5, 1999, 10,000 organized individuals occupied a 23.45 ha. plot at Peñalolén, in Santiago de Chile. The event had great impact and received much attention, and the author closely followed the events that led to the consolidation of the ‘settlement‘ (1999-2006) through phases of negotiation, evacuation and relocation of its settlers, and finally to the current (2008) transformation stage which the plot is undergoing in order to become ‘Peñalolén's Communal Park’.

This paper emphasizes the main paradigms that can be drawn from the different occupation stages, with special focus on peculiarities found at ‘Peñalolén Settlement’ compared to other Latin American ‘squattings’, in an attempt to systematize and draw conclusions on ‘self-development urbanism’.
The Roles of Gentrification in Creation of Diverse Urbanities of Tokyo
Authors: Radovic Darko
Published: January 2021

This article focuses on the role of gentrification in urban regeneration. It supports calls for a more nuanced approach to understanding of that complex phenomenon, which would include the possibility that some of its forms may represent the much needed transfusion of new and healthy energies into tired urbanities. The examples of gentrification presented in this article indicate that some of the outcomes of certain kinds of gentrification are superior to those generated by “proper”, even well considered and well theorised examples of urban regeneration. Those examples are from Tokyo, the largest and one of the fastest-changing cities in the world. The chosen locations are in the precincts of Nezu and Yanaka, where living connections with the past coexist with practices of the bustling World City, and in vibrant, commercially driven Harajuku. The article advocates locally attuned approaches to cultural sustainability, and careful balancing of gentrification with urban regulation. That may help cities remain, as de Certeau once said, the ‘most immoderate of human texts’.
The Bedouin Tent in Comparison with UAE Housing Provision
Authors: Amaireh Ali Al
Published: January 2021

From time immemorial until about a generation ago, the UAE desert-roaming Bedouins were living in tents (hair houses) which they themselves had innovated, constructed and elaborated. They had done this in such a way as to ensure that their practical need for accommodation was met, that the constraints of their physical environment were taken into account, and that their own social and religious obligations could be discharged. Then almost overnight the tents disappeared and with them the way of life they represented.

As a consequence of the UAE government's policy in the early urbanization and resettlement of the country's nomadic population, the previous occupants of the hair houses found themselves residents of the so-called “housing areas” on the outskirts of the UAE cities and towns. The problems arising from this sudden transformation are the focus of this study which aims to demonstrate that while the resettled Bedouins turned to embrace the modern life in their new homes, they were mentally and emotionally drawn to their past lifestyle in which the hair house, more than merely providing accommodation, was an expression of personality and culture.

To this end, this study documents and analyzes the southern version of the hair house (otherwise known as the “winter house”), previously the most common in the UAE desert. The study will consider not only that the hair house was a masterpiece of innovative construction suited to the Bedouin's environment and culture but also, as comparison at different levels shows, the inadequacy of the urban cement house as the Bedouin's current-day accommodation. Consequently, the study recommends that future housing projects targeted at the resettled Bedouins should be designed with a view to harmonizing the needs and requirements of contemporary life with the rich heritage of the Bedouins.

In carrying out this study, the researcher has utilized a combination of research tools, primarily theoretical, descriptive and analytical together with field visits and personal interviews with former residents of the hair houses and the curators of the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. In contrast, as the “housing areas” are still in existence, the scope of the study is limited to the hair house which it tries to recover and reconstruct as a point of reference for the thesis of the study.
The Verticalization of Manama's Urban Periphery
Authors: Wiedmann Florian
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the various roots and characteristics of current high-rise clusters emerging in new city districts along the coast of Manama and the resulting challenges to urban planning. Like many other Gulf cities Bahrain's capital Manama has witnessed rapid urban growth since local real-estate markets were liberalized in 2003. The recent developments have particularly focused on newly reclaimed areas along the periphery of Manama's city center. These new districts are mainly occupied by residential and commercial high-rises, which have been transforming previous urban morphologies. Today, the public sector is witnessing a wide range of planning challenges to integrate urban consolidation processes and to prevent infrastructural collapse. This paper therefore examines the evolution of urban planning that has led to the construction of high-rise buildings. In addition, the paper is based on GIS calculations and field studies regarding the increase of built densities, particularly between 2003 and 2008, when most developments were launched. In this regard, two case studies, Juffair and Seef District, were selected due to their main roles in recent development tendencies.
Development of Quality Indicators of Housing Design (QIHD), an Approach to Improve Design Quality of Affordable Housing
Authors: Chohan Afaq Hyder , Irfan Adi , Awad Jihad
Published: January 2021

This research has been conducted to determine the design quality indicators and parameters for affordable housing in Karachi Pakistan. The absence of quality in Karachi housing resulted from various factors ranging from policy failure, violation of bylaws, population, housing scarcity and non availability of quality parameters etc. The amalgamation of these factors eventually lowers the quality of housing and ultimately results deficient housing design and construction. Because of this trend the end users experience the nuisance of unplanned maintenance and bear the tax of heavy repair and reworks. Significance of research has been accomplished through developing design quality models for both professional and users. This research has eventually evaluated forty eight (48) quality indicators for housing design (QIHD) from listed 65 design quality variables farmed in seven sections. This research concludes that existing design quality of affordable housing in Karachi could be enhanced through improving the design, construction, services, site development and neighborhood and sustainability. The QIHD model will provide the opportunity for design and construction professionals of city to rethink their housing design intellect in context of the housing quality.
Evaluating Change in Housing for Sustainable Development: Kosuyolu Case in Istanbul
Authors: Yildiz Dilek
Published: January 2021

Sparse attention has been paid to the inevitable processes of change that enable progress in today's globalizing urban centres, but also threaten their unique identity, historic memory, and cultural heritage. The aims of this work are to understand the urban dynamics that trigger these change processes, uncover their effects, and discuss how these changes can be utilized to achieve sustainable development. The case study, which uses a comparative mixed method strategy consisting of archival research, fieldwork, and semi-structured interviews, is the Kosuyolu Housing Settlement, a project dating to the 1950s that represents one of Istanbul's best examples of urban development and housing culture. Displaying the architectural and urban planning ideals of the Modern period, this settlement is a concrete example that reflects the period's considerations regarding social housing. Through this case, change in housing has been evaluated in terms of sustainability indicators. The derived evidences show the significant role of governance and the maintained land use pattern for the achievement of the sustainable development and these evidences are used to suggest the development of an adaption guide that will assist in sustainable development in the short term, and the creation of alternative scenarios that are flexible and easy to adapt, active, and based on participatory processes for the long term.
Design for Change: Five Proxies for Resilience in the Urban Form
Authors: Feliciotti Alessandra , Romice Ombretta , Porta Sergio
Published: January 2021

The sheer complexity and unpredictability characterising cities challenges the adequacy of existing disciplinary knowledge and tools in urban design and highlights the necessity to incorporate explicitly the element of change and the dimension of time in the understanding of, and intervention on, the form of cities. To this regard the concept of resilience is a powerful lens through which to understand and engage with a changing world. However, resilience is currently only superficially addressed by urban designers, and an explicit effort to relate elements of urban form to resilience principles is still lacking. This represents a great limit for urban designers, as the physical dimension of cities is the matter they work with in the first place. In this paper, we combine established knowledge in urban morphology and resilience theory. We firstly look at resilience theory and consistently define five proxies of resilience in urban form, namely diversity, redundancy, modularity, connectivity and efficiency. Secondly, we discuss the configuration of, and interdependencies between, several constituent elements of the physical city, as defined in urban morphology and design, in light of the mentioned five proxies. Finally, we conduct this exploration at five scales that are relevant to urban morphology and design: plot, street edge, block, street and sanctuary area / district.
The Impact of Affordable Housing Developments on Sustainability in Gulf Cities
Authors: Wiedmann Florian , Salama Ashraf M. , Ibrahim Hatem G.
Published: January 2021

The recent construction boom has led to new urban development dynamics in Gulf cities driven by real-estate speculations and large infrastructure investments. While in the past affordable housing for medium income migrants and their families was integrated within the fringes of old downtown areas and compound developments in the suburbs, recent investment patterns have led to an increasing challenge of these economically highly engaged social groups to find residences. In recent years, a newly emerging trend in the Gulf region has been the establishment of large scale mass housing projects as new dormitory settlements to address the growing demand for affordable housing. This paper presents an overview of current development patterns by exploring two major affordable housing projects and their impact on sustainability in Doha and Dubai. This is undertaken by establishing a preliminary assessment framework that involves relevant sustainability parameters. The assessment reveals the major differences between both projects and their impact on environment, economy, and society.