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From Metropolitan POPS to Medium City Social Spaces: Adapting Public-Private Collaboration for Urban Development
Full text linkPrivately owned public spaces (POPS) have emerged as an incentive-based tool for creating and managing public spaces in high-density cities through private developments, facing both criticism regarding their inclusivity and recent adaptations in European cities. This paper examines the translation of public-private collaboration principles for space development and management to medium-sized cities, where traditional density-based incentives and agreements are not applicable. Unlike metropolitan areas where POPS emerged from high land values, shortage of public land for new public spaces, and established regulatory systems, medium-sized cities present a fundamentally different context: higher availability of undeveloped land at lower market values but limited resources. This contextual shift requires a systematic transformation of public-private collaboration approaches in the provision and management of public spaces and amenities, particularly in ensuring these spaces remain truly public, accessible, and inclusive for all user groups despite private involvement.
Through a comparative analysis of public-private collaboration models, this study evaluates the current practices in the Netherlands and their adaptation potential for medium-sized cities, focusing specifically on mechanisms ensuring public accessibility and social inclusion. The paper advances public space governance discourse by examining implementation phases from planning to management and analysing varying scales of private involvement from temporary to permanent arrangements, maintaining public access and social equity. It develops conceptual frameworks for governance model based on different POPSs governance models that align with medium-sized cities' governance capacities while prioritizing inclusive design and management practices. We identify valuable lessons from Dutch experiences that can inform similar practices in other contexts. This research contributes to urban planning and governance in several ways; it proposes context-sensitive approaches that balance public benefit with private interests in private developments. Second, it provides strategies to ensure the creation of inclusive and accessible social spaces that serve diverse community needs in medium-sized urban developments
Urban Transformation Agenda in South Africa: A Spotlight on Designing Theoretically and Evidence-Based Urban Development Strategies
Full text linkUrban transformation in South Africa presents both significant challenges and opportunities, shaped by the nation’s unique historical, social, and economic context. By critically examining current urban policies and practices, this research identifies gaps between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in South Africa's urban planning and governance. It also highlights the need for strategies that not only address the spatial and socio-economic inequalities inherited from the apartheid era but also promote sustainable and inclusive urban growth. Through a comprehensive review of literature, policy analysis, and case studies, the study offers insights into how urban transformation can be more effectively managed in South Africa. It emphasizes the importance of integrating empirical evidence with robust theoretical models to develop strategies that are both contextually relevant and practically implementable. The findings aim to inform policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders on how to create resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban environments that respond to the complex realities of South African citie
AgriVoltaics in the Wine Industry
Full text linkThe increasing detrimental consequences of climate change and the decline in fossil fuel resources are leading to a rise in demand for food and energy. Agrivoltaics (Agri-PV) offers an opportunity to combine space-optimised photovoltaic (PV) use for sustainable agriculture. By feeding solar energy into the grid, PV is regarded a key component of renewable energy systems. Especially, the wine industry is facing increasing challenges due to climate change, particularly in regions where excessive solar radiation and rising temperatures negatively affect grape quality and yield.
In this article we have examined a cost-efficient technical solution that can also be used on a small scale. It is shown that by using mostly standardcomponents without special parts, a modular system with high photovoltaic output and the least possible disruption to agricultural use can be created. Due to bifacial solar modules, which have recently emerged on a massive scale, a cost-effective structure withoptimal use of the sun over the course of the day was realised. Initial resultsof PV utilization, especially in the winter months, with shading and rain influenceshow the technological and economic feasibility of the proposed technology
Digital Approaches to Dealing with Ageing-Related Challenges at Different Levels in Japan
Full text linkThe “World Social Report 2023: Leaving no one behind in an ageing world” by the United Nations describes the ageing of the world's population as an irreversible global trend. This trend is particularly significant in Japan. Here, the ageing processes have progressed much further than in other countries, also driven by two age cohorts with particularly high birth rates, known as the baby boom, followed by decades of a baby bust (Nennstiel 2011; Reher 2015). This has fundamental social and spatial implications (Pauly and Pallagst forthcoming).
Digitalization processes are being strongly promoted in Japan. As part of the Japanese government's Society 5.0 program, all areas of life are to be digitalized as an approach to overcome social challenges. Cyberspace and physical space are to be merged (Hitachi-UTokyo Laboratory 2018; Pallagst et al. 2024).
This raises the question of how the Japanese approach to digitalization actually addresses the social and spatial challenges posed by ageing processes. At national level, the PLATEAU project must be mentioned in this context, in which the Japanese government is developing a national digital twin in which around 500 cities are being modeled (Seto et al. 2023, MLIT n.d.) as well as a national big data analysis tool for strategic benchmarking purposes (Matsuura 2020). On the local and regional level, on the other hand, there is a focus on the development of platforms that create a digital space designed to overcome barriers caused by physical limitations and social isolation. Metaverse environments of communities with use cases like avatar cafés, for example, are emerging. (Pauly and Pallagst forthcoming).
The mentioned digital approaches at different levels in Japan are discussed in this contribution and linked to ageing-related challenges that were derived as part of the research project “Ageing Smart – Designing Spaces Intelligently”. Interviews with experts and stakeholders on site in Japan in 2024 provided important insights in this regard
Data-driven Municipal Resilience Quantification for Extreme Weather Events – Application of Dataspace Functionalities for Disaster Management
Full text linkThe climate change led to extreme weather events that can cause extensive catastrophes. The consequeneces for urban areas and municipalities have become much more complex and requires an assessment and an increase of their resilience. Reliable information builds the basis for decision maker to be prepared and to get in front of the situation in case of an event occurrence. But the availability and the structure of data sources include also an increasing complexity. This paper presents a developed dataspace concept for a data-driven resilience assessment of urban areas or municipalities. Different sources like social data, infrastructure networks, building models, financial assests as well as weather data are combined for a extensive data analysis. Statistical and stochastic methods are applied to generate an understanding between the cause and the effect with respect to extreme weather events. The data analysis is applied to quantify urban key performance indicators for the disaster management. Examples are the availability, usability or the expected damage. The dataspace concept allows an assessment before, during and after the occurrence of a disruptive event. Single resilience phases, like preparation, prevention, protection, response and recover can be easily characterized. The methodology identifies potential weak spots and increases the coping capacity. Several use-cases for different urban areas and municipalities are presented and underline the applicability. Heavy rain and flood events are exemplary investigated
Best Practises of PEDs and its Replication Potential
Full text linkAn important sector that contributes significantly towards climate change and global warming is the building sector. Buildings account for 30–40% of global final energy consumption [1] and nearly 40% of the global CO2 emissions. In the last decade, policies such as the Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) have been introduced to address this issue, aiming to decarbonize the building stock by 2050 and to reach nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs) [2].
The 2015 Paris Agreement has put more emphasis on international efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, where urban areas with a 70% share of global emissions have a key role. Accordingly, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals include as goal 11 “sustainable cities and communities” with the aim of supporting the transition towards low-carbon cities, in a general framework which also points towards, e.g., climate action, affordability, and clean energy. In 2015, when the Paris agreement was signed, the EU planned to move further ahead and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
In order to tackle this challenge and to lead the global energy transition, the EU Commission proposed in 2016 a set of new and ambitious rules known as the Clean Energy Package for all Europeans [1]. Therefore, to reach the emission reduction goals it is important to focus both at the energy systems level and at the buildings or district level. At a global level, the need for energy efficiency and an increased share of renewable energy sources is evident, as is the crucial role of cities due to the rapid urbanization rate. As a consequence of this, the research work related to Positive Energy Districts (PED) has accelerated in recent years.
This paper is based on work in a 4 years research on positive energy districts (PED), the planning and implementation of them in various markets. It summarizes the findings on replication potential of the concept. First, the concept is explained and the key performance factors are discussed. Then, it analyses almost 100 PED projects that were collected during the research duration. The PED examples were classified into 3 categories and spread in different climatic, social, and political systems. Finally, the key success factors were derived from this analysis and the findings are highlighted in best practices. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, PEDs can create more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities that are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. They move beyond simply generating clean energy to fostering a holistic transformation of how we live and interact with our environment
Machine Learning Approaches for Designing Sustainable Planning Regulations
Full text linkQuantitative and qualitative assessment is essential for identifying levers for sustainable development processes and the impact of planning decisions. Small and medium-sized municipalities in particular struggle with a lack of resources and expertise in the creation and preparation of strategic, forward-looking decision-making bases. AI promises to help automate some of these processes, create a data base and provide planning support that will save time and money in the longrun.
This paperillustrates the possibilities of Machine learning (ML) approaches to evaluate quantitative data for qualitative outcomes within planning and decision processes. Furthermore, it provides a basis for discussing possible implications for planning practice based on ML approaches dealing with the impact prediction of planning regulations. In which planning steps and processes can the use of ML bring added value? Which questions can be answered and which prerequisites need to be created? How reliable are results and what can be derived from them?
In answering those questions, a special focus will be placed on the needs of small and medium-sizedmunicipalities. The use of the technologies in early planning phases will be analysed, to allow assessment for holistic sustainable developments., in terms of environmental, economic, social and design aspects.
ML approaches enable impact prediction based on impact assessment of past regulatory frameworks. Within planning processes, ML-based analysis and predictions allow informed decisions to be made that have analysed future effects and interactions and take holistic considerations into account. AI and big data make it possible to tap into ‘new data sources’ with a view to evaluating and predicting future developments, with the aim of making more resilient planning decisions. This changes the role of planning, as it is all the more required to help interpret the data and draw the right conclusions for future measures and solutions
Das Konzept des 15-Minuten-Stadtquartiers in städtischen Randlagen – zwischen Traum und Wirklichkeit
Full text linkDas DREAMS-Projekt (finanziert durch das Forschungsprogramm Driving Urban Transitions to a sustainable future, https://dutpartnership.eu/) untersucht Entwicklungspfade zu barrierefreien, nachhaltigen und integrativen 15-Minuten-Quartieren in urbanen Randlagen in europäischen Städten und Regionen. Dabei werden 6 europäische Stadtquartiere außerhalb der dichten Stadtzentren als Living Labs herangezogen (Budapest, Brüssel, München, Paris, Utrecht und Wien). In einem ersten Schritt wurde die Ausgangslage untersucht, inwieweit die Mobilität der Einwohnerinnen und Einwohner schon heute dem Konzept der 15 Minuten-Stadt entspricht und wo die Defizite zu Tage treten. Hierbei wird nach verschiedenen Bevölkerungsgruppen und Verkehrszwecken unterschieden. Analysen des Mobilitätsverhaltens in den 6 Living Labs zeigen, dass der höchste Anteil an Wegen innerhalb von 15 Minuten bei Einkaufswegen (45%-81%) besteht, gefolgt von Freizeit (33%-58%) und Ausbildung (32%-49%). Im Vergleich zu Zentren nahen Quartieren sind die Ausbildungswege länger (wegen der geringeren Dichte an Ausbildungseinrichtungen), die Wege zur Freizeit hingegen kürzer (wegen dem besseren Naherholungsangebot bei den Quartieren an den Stadträndern). Von einem ausreichend hohen Anteil kann man im Ist-Zustand jedoch bei keinem Verkehrszweck sprechen. Auch bei unterschiedlichen Bevölkerungsgruppen (z.B. Alter, Geschlecht, Bildungsstand, Einkommen) gibt es Unterschiede und erreicht in keiner der untersuchten Gruppen einen Idealzustand.
Es zeigt sich außerdem, dass die Stadtstruktur bei vielen Verkehrszwecken eine wesentliche Rolle spielt. Wenn die Stadt sehr monozentristisch aufgebaut ist, sind viele Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner der Randlagen gezwungen, Wege in die Stadtzentren zu unternehmen, um ihre grundlegenden Bedürfnisse befriedigen zu können. Ähnlich verhält es sich, wenn Städte monofunktional aufgebaut sind, also Wohnquartiere weit von Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, Arbeitsplätzen, medizinischen und Ausbildungseinrichtungen entfernt sind (auch wenn sich diese in den Randlagen befinden). In diesen Fällen wird es schwierig, Wege mit aktiven Mobilitätsformen (primär zu Fuß oder Fahrrad) innerhalb von 15 Minuten zurückzulegen.
Einerseits kann man nun die Definition der 15-Minuten-Stadt aufweichen. Vielleicht reicht auch eine 20 oder 30 oder x Minuten Stadt an den Stadträndern? Sollen (umweltverträgliche) motorisierte Verkehrsmittel (Mikro-ÖV, E-Bike, Car-Sharing, etc.) miteinbezogen werden, um die Reichweiten innerhalb der 15-Minuten-Grenze zu vergrößern? Andererseits können Stadtstrukturen analysiert werden und Defizite bei Angeboten im Stadtquartier erkannt und verringert werden (auch durch finanzielle Beiträge des öffentlichen Sektors, wenn aufgrund der geringeren Nachfrage Angebote nicht marktwirtschaftlich betrieben werden können). Realistischerweise wird es wohl ein Mix aus diesen Ansätzen für Stadtquartiere in Randlagen geben, eventuell auch abgestuft nach den Verkehrszwecken.
Ausgehend von den vorliegenden Analysen werden daher in diesem Projekt auch neue Geschäftsmodelle und Governance-Ansätze für Mobilitätsdienste (einschließlich Mikromobilität, Carsharing, bedarfsgesteuerter Verkehre) und mit Mobilität in Zusammenhang stehenden Aktivitäten und Angeboten (z. B. Pop-Up Stores, kulturelle Aktivitäten im Stadtteil) in diesen Gebieten mit geringer/mittlerer Dichte entwickelt und getestet. Es wird analysiert, inwieweit diese Interventionen geeignet sind, sich dem Konzept einer 15-Minuten Stadt anzunnähern
Competitive Cities: An Exploration of Location and Human Capital in South African Cities
Full text linkCities drive the economic growth of any country. In a fast globalising and urbanising world, cities are competing not only to attract investment and lure skilled labour but also to provide solutions to urban and social challenges, as well as create spaces that are liveable for its citizens. The global south has experienced an exponential increase in the number of people living in cities, making it the fastest urbanising region in the world. This presents both challenges and opportunities for the cities. South African cities are not excluded from the current realities of urbanisation and globalisation in that the cities must also position themselves to be global players but also having to deal with past spatial injustices at the same time. Cities are pushed to ensure that they enhance and maintain their unique city advantages to contest in the global arena. This study investigates factors that contribute to city competitiveness within Gqeberha aiming to position the city for global competitiveness. The study examines geographical location, human capital and urban planning as contributing factors to global competitiveness. The research provides insights into the city’s strengths and challenges. A comprehensive competitive cities framework for developmental states was developed through this research, that Gqeberha and other developing states can use to set their cities on a path to global competition.
The qualitative research approach was used in the study, and primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with nine key informants who are professionals working with land use management, spatial planning and economic development. Furthermore, the study collected secondary data that includes documents, maps and literature. A combination of qualitative data analysis tools that includes, thematic, document and triangulation analysis was employed in the study to analyse collected data. The key findings show that Gqeberha has strategic assets, such as two seaports and Special Economic Zones, but that their influence is hampered by underutilization and a disconnected location. The city also has a human capital shortage, which results from a mismatch between industrial demands and educational attainment and a reliance on foreign expertise. Deficits in urban planning, such as old MSDF and problems with internal collaboration, further hinder development. In addressing these challenges, the study proposes a framework for enhancing competitiveness in Gqeberha and other developing states. The framework highlights that emphasis and priority needs to be placed on infrastructure development, effective urban governance, strategic spatial planning and human capital development. The implication of this study is that by implementing these recommendations Gqeberha can position itself to be globally competitive. In addition, future research should investigate other developing cities' examples of successful urban planning, assess how SEZs affect social and spatial inclusion, identify skills gaps that exist between industry demands and education, and investigate best practices for port management for developing nations
Moving from Pilot to Scale: a comparative Study of Innovate Shelter and Settlements Response Project for Urban IDPs in Mekelle and Adigrat, Tigray, Ethiopia
Full text linkGlobally, more than half of internally displaced peoples (IDPs) have lived in urban areas as the influx exacerbated by natural and man-made shocks/disasters. Following the two-year war (2020-22) in Tigray (Northern Ethiopia), more than 2 million have internally displaced, hosted in collective centres and makeshift shelters. They are still struggling to access basic services in cities and towns that have scarce resilient and sustainable capabilities. To respond to urban IDPs for shelter and settlement provision, an innovative pilot area-based (neighborhood) approach (ABA) has been implemented in Mekelle city with a scaling up a year later in Adigrat town. This paper aims to gain insight into the scale-up type, paths, process, and management of ABA humanitarian project by comparing the performances of two experiences with the help of a selected literature review on related topics. The study is conducted using a comparative case study approach using available data from primary and secondary sources and from a quick meta-analysis. Four types of scaling-up patterns have been identified: qualitative, functional, political and organizational, each with its own dynamics and degree of context sensitivity. Three scale-up pathways include expansion, replication and spontaneous diffusion. The comparative assessment reveals that both pilot and scale-up projects attempted to apply the principles of ABA model in urban post-disaster recovery (Sanderson and Sitko, 2018), exploit the vernacular architecture system of hidmo houses, the building code and planning local culture, as well as the strong sociocultural family tie. The scaled-up project benefited from lessons learned from the pilot, such as implementation of a multi-sector approach and household-tailored shelter response, though it faded out on inclusion and exclusion criteria, selection and targeting of beneficiaries that highly contribute to the effective ABA implementation in urban settlements where a large gap between need and response still exists