Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs (JCUA - Alanya Hamdullah Emin Paşa Üniversitesi)
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Countering Urban Redundancy with a Multipronged Strategy: Lessons from Ashram Road, Ahmedabad
No full textUrban redundancy, often observed in the core areas of cities, poses significant challenges to sustainable development and urban vitality. This study addresses urban redundancy by proposing a quantitative framework to both identify and mitigate its effects, using Ashram Road in Ahmedabad, India, as a case study. The research employs a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Analysis (MCDMA) based on data collected through physical surveys and literature reviews. This analysis integrates approaches such as redevelopment, adaptive reuse, policy interventions, and economic strategies to counter redundancy effectively. The findings highlight that Ashram Road\u27s core area, despite its historical and cultural significance, faces challenges like poor maintenance, high vacancy rates, and inadequate utilization of the available floor space index (FSI). The proposed framework aims to develop context-sensitive strategies that uphold the intrinsic value of core urban areas while promoting sustainable regeneration. The study demonstrates the need for a balanced approach that combines modern development with preservation, providing insights for urban policy-making that enhances the resilience and longevity of city cores
The Relationship Between Sense of Place and Nature-Based Architectural Beauty: A Comparative Case Study
No full textBiophilic design, which integrates nature into the built environment, has shown positive impacts on human well-being. However, the benefits of indirect experiences of nature remain less explored, particularly in relation to the sense of place (SoP). This study investigates the relationship between nature-based architectural beauty and SoP through a comparative case study of two educational buildings with different aesthetic qualities: one classical and naturalistic, the other modernist and mechanistic. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study employs a survey-based quantitative analysis, measuring 1) SoP among users, 2) perceptions of naturalness through image-based judgments, and 3) objective measures of naturalistic beauty using image analysis. Findings indicate that users of the naturalistic building report a significantly higher sense of place, supported by perceptions of naturalness and objective measures. This suggests that environments embodying naturalistic beauty foster positive connections and place attachment. The study contributes to architectural and urban design strategies by highlighting the socio-economic benefits of nature-inspired aesthetics. By enhancing emotional and psychological well-being, such designs can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and stronger community ties, ultimately contributing to socio-economic development through improved quality of life and sustainable urban planning
Assessing the Impact of Urbanization on Flood Risk by RS and GIS: A Case Study on Istanbul-Esenyurt
No full textFloods, exacerbated by escalating urbanization, pose significant threats to life and property globally. Over the past decade, the Esenyurt district in Istanbul has witnessed a series of floods, highlighting existing flood risks. Rapid population growth in this area and dense urbanization caused by intensive construction increase flood risks. Given these factors, the study focuses on examining the historical impact of urbanization on flood risks, considering spatial and temporal changes. Landsat-8 satellite data, specifically examining NDVI, NDBI, and BU, was employed to detect building imprints and reveal their historical backgrounds for temporal risk calculations. The analysis showed a sudden increase in urbanization rates in 2016, 2017, and 2021. In the flood risk calculations, 2014 data for a return period of 100 years were used and flood inundation depth, economic damages, affected population and depth-damage function were taken into consideration. The results indicate that from 2014 to 2022, increasing urbanization led to a 32.9% increase in the population affected by floods, a 22.3% rise in potential economic damage, and a 13.6% increase in total flood risk. The relationship between flood risks, contemporary urbanization, and its economic dimensions has been evaluated to reduce risks and achieve sustainable cities
Exploring Commercial Development in Delhi\u27s Mixed-Use Neighbourhoods: An Empirical Study
No full textIn rapidly urbanizing regions like Delhi, India, mixed-use developments have emerged as vital urban forms, driven by the organic conversion of residential spaces into commercial hubs. This study investigates the dynamics influencing commercial performance in both planned and unplanned mixed-use neighborhoods in North-West Delhi. Employing multiple linear regression analysis on data collected from 213 commercial establishments, the research identifies key factors such as commercial area characteristics, road accessibility, and the proximity of storeowners to their businesses as significant drivers of commercial growth. However, the study reveals that local customer bases are insufficient for sustaining high commercial performance, emphasizing the need for broader catchment areas. The findings contribute to urban planning discourse by providing empirical insights into the economic sustainability of self-organized mixed-use neighbourhoods. The study highlights the complex interplay between commercial development, spatial accessibility, and urban form, offering guidance for future urban planning strategies aimed at enhancing neighbourhood-level commercial performance. These results underline the importance of considering mixed-use dynamics in urban planning to support sustainable commercial growth and community vitality in rapidly evolving urban landscapes
Assessing Urban Green Space Accessibility for Sustainable Development in Mostaganem, Algeria: A Space Syntax Approach
Full text linkThe rapid urbanization of Mostaganem, Algeria, has led to significant challenges in the accessibility of urban green spaces (UGS), crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and public health. This study uses a space syntax approach, specifically angular segment analysis (ASA), to assess UGS accessibility at city-wide and local scales. By integrating quantitative measures like "Choice" and "Integration" with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research identifies spatial disparities in green space distribution and accessibility, with global integration values ranging from 0.469 to 0.801. Results reveal unequal distribution, infrastructure inadequacies, and safety issues affecting accessibility. The study highlights areas like Boudjemaa and Emir Abd El Kader, which offer high connectivity, while others like Jannat El Aarif suffer from limited accessibility. Recommendations include enhancing transportation infrastructure, prioritizing green spaces in urban planning, and diversifying facilities to improve accessibility and promote social inclusion. This research provides a comprehensive framework for policymakers and urban planners, aiming to optimize urban green space accessibility and contribute to sustainable urban development in Mostaganem, aligning with global efforts towards equitable urban environments
Public Housing Project Delivery in Nigeria: Quality versus Quantity
No full textThe outbreak of COVID-19 and its consequences have altered people\u27s perceptions of the availability of high-quality housing. Nigeria, the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, has taken many initiatives to address its growing population\u27s housing demands. However, considerable focus has been placed only on housing quantity at the expense of housing quality. This study aims to investigate the interplay of factors affecting the provision of high-quality public housing projects in Nigeria. The objective is to identify the factors that significantly influence project success and failure in the delivery of quality public housing projects. A descriptive survey design with 351 randomly selected households and built environment experts (BEPs) was used. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used to collect data from households, buildings, and professionals over the course of three months. The findings indicate that in several buildings, the indoor air temperature and relative humidity extend acceptable limits (for example, 28 °C and 70% RH), which can have an effect on indoor air quality. Meanwhile, responses from the BEPs revealed that in order to develop high-quality housing, adequate project financing, evaluation of suitable building materials, and project management expertise were required. The study\u27s conclusion emphasises that considering only the number of houses required to accommodate Nigeria\u27s growing urban population is insufficient; rather, other factors such as appropriate design for improved air quality, high-quality and appropriate building materials, adequate project financing, and project management expertise would result in the quality delivery of livable public housing in Nigeria
District-based Rental Value Coefficients for Shopping Mall Development in Istanbul
No full textThis study investigates the district-based rental value coefficients for shopping malls in Istanbul, a city with significant commercial real estate activities. The research focuses on identifying regional and district variations in rental income values, crucial for urban retail investment success. Data were collected from 101 active shopping malls across 39 districts and analyzed using arithmetic mean and proportional rate methods. The findings indicate that districts such as Bakırköy, Beşiktaş, and Kadıköy have the highest rental values, while Esenyurt, Arnavutköy, Sultanbeyli, and Sancaktepe rank lowest. These insights provide valuable guidance for investors during the feasibility phase of shopping mall projects, highlighting the importance of location in achieving financial success. The study emphasizes the role of socio-economic conditions and accessibility in rental value determination, offering a detailed analysis that contributes to the socio-economic dimension of urban studies. The results guide retail investors in utilizing district-based coefficients for more accurate feasibility assessments, ultimately supporting sustainable commercial real estate development and urban improvement
People, Places, and Perceptions: Assessing Spatial Quality Attributes of Urban Third-place With Projective Survey
Full text linkUrban third places, such as cafes, parks, and plazas, are integral to the social fabric of urban environments, providing spaces for informal social interaction outside of home and work. This study explores the spatial quality attributes that define these third places and their influence on user perceptions and experiences. By employing a projective survey, a qualitative research method utilizing ambiguous stimuli to reveal deeper user sentiments, the research identifies key characteristics that contribute to the desirability of these spaces. Findings highlight the significance of physical, functional, and social dimensions, including furniture design, spatial layout, and opportunities for social interaction. These attributes are shown to vary significantly across different age groups, with notable differences in preferences between younger and older participants. The study\u27s insights inform urban designers and architects on creating inclusive, vibrant third places that enhance urban livability and economic vitality. The research underscores the need for a human-centric approach in urban design, emphasizing the importance of accommodating diverse user needs and preferences to foster a sense of community and well-being in urban settings. By understanding the nuanced relationships between spatial attributes and user perceptions, the study contributes to the development of more effective urban design strategies
Towards Biodiverse Urban Public Spaces: A Morphological Study in Milan
No full textThis study explores the role of architectural composition and urban design in enhancing urban biodiversity, which is crucial for improving ecosystem services and overall urban sustainability. It addresses a gap in the literature by providing empirical evidence on how specific morphological characteristics in urban regeneration projects can support biodiversity, emphasizing the overlooked potential of architectural morphologies in urban greening strategies. Focusing on five recent urban regeneration projects in Milan, the study conducts a detailed analysis of built volumes and green areas. Quantitative measurements, such as green area compactness, perimeter edge continuity, and building front permeability, were combined with qualitative assessments to identify correlations between urban morphology and biodiversity potential. The analysis revealed three distinct urban morphologies—"Central Park," "Fluid Park," and "Garden Between Houses"—each offering unique conditions for accessibility and biodiversity development. These morphologies demonstrate varying capacities for conserving, promoting, and implementing urban biodiversity, depending on their interaction with the surrounding urban fabric. By establishing a clear correlation between urban morphology and biodiversity potential, this research highlights the critical role that architects and urban designers play in addressing the emerging challenge of enhancing urban biodiversity. It provides valuable insights for future urban regeneration projects aimed at fostering sustainable and biodiverse urban environments
A Tactical Urbanism and Economic Inclusivity: Evaluating the Impact of Spacena Project in a Marginalized Urban Area
No full textAddressing economic and social inequalities in urban settings, particularly those that affect marginalized groups, is becoming more challenging. In less privileged urban areas, women entrepreneurs face restricted opportunities, specifically in limited retail activities in urban spaces. This study examines the effects of implementing a tactical urbanism solution known as "Retailscape," as represented by Spacena, to address the existing socio-economic disparity. Spacena is an urban furniture piece designed to respect and accommodate PWD, serving as a platform for showcasing locally made products. Employing qualitative methods, including focus groups, interviews, and observations, the research assesses Spacena\u27s economic and social impact. Key themes identified through coding reveal a strong desire for inclusive spaces, economic empowerment, and enhanced social integration. Findings indicate that Spacena is perceived as an opportunity for economic advancement, income generation, and social interaction among residents. However, concerns about project sustainability and regulatory challenges persist. This study demonstrates that tactical urbanism can effectively address economic disparities and foster social cohesion in marginalized communities, suggesting that similar small-scale interventions could have broad, positive implications for sustainable urban design. The findings highlight how Spacena’s low-cost, scalable design and its positive impact on community inclusivity can serve as a model for replicating similar urban interventions in areas with comparable economic and social challenges