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Functional Integration of Rural Communities with Propulsive Urban Growth Centre in their Vicinity through Nature Base Solutions
Full text linkHaridwar, being a religious town with 18 most visited famous temples, about 34 quintals of flowers are supplied daily for religious offerings. Given the constant demand for temple flowers in the sacred city of Haridwar, there is an opportunity to cultivate them within the nearby villages and supply them to temples and flower sellers. Once used in temples, these flowers can be reused for extraction of essence and essential oil, making incense stick, natural colors and compost and production of bioenergy. This approach not only proves economically viable but also aligns with environmental sustainability, creating livelihoods in a harmonious manner.
The present paper identifies these growth drivers by combining functional demand of Urban area (Haridwar City) and functional supply of Rural areas (Gaindikhata Rural Cluster). A unique Self-sustaining Circular Economy Ecosystems (SCEE) is created through the functional linkages of Haridwar’s urban areas and Gaindikhata’s rural areas. The paper discusses the Rural-Urban Circular functional linkages approach which not only generates employment but also streamlines complex processes for a more efficient system. The paper analyses the potential of floriculture in combination with other potential value-added functions such as medicinal, aromatic products as well as bio- energy. The existing paper promotes the functional integration between rural communities and nearby urban growth centers through nature-based solutions to foster sustainable development, improve quality of life, and address environmental challenges.
After understanding the sustainable practices for both rural and urban populations, the present paper promotes creating of skilled workforce that can contribute to eco-friendly initiatives, identifies the development of small-scale enterprises in rural areas, such as recycling units, agro-processing units and ayurvedic medicinal units creating economic opportunities for both Rural-Urban local communities. By implementing these nature-based solutions, the paper created a more holistic and sustainable integration between rural communities and nearby urban growth centers, ensuring the well-being of both environments and their residents
Latent Heat Storage to Improve the Urban Microclimate
Full text linkWhilst the world is trying to find a way without fossil fuels it still needs to find a possibility to switch heat or cooling capacity from times generated to times needed. This will even be more of interest when all energy needs are switched to electric generation and thus to renewable energies. Coming to this point, energy will be generated when available and be stored in between. Nevertheless, there will be a large difference in case of costs using energy when it is generated and when in abundance. Therefore, energy storage, especially for heat, will be indispensable in the future, in particular for places where lots of people live and large amounts of heat are necessary. Such storages can be made of phase change materials that store heat in the phase change from solid to liquid and vice versa. Thus, this paper expands on the current discussion on traditional phase change material for latent heat storage by innovatively suggesting salt hydrates. Based on explaining the principles of phase change material, the authors illustrate the application of salt hydrates resulted from experiments of the authors. In doing so, they differentiate between integrating phase change materials in active (i.e. in the water heat system) and passive heat storages (i.e. in the building structure). With these applications shown, which are either already available or necessary to be provided in near the future, an ecologically efficient improvement of the microclimate can be engineered
MELT Plates: The Abolition of Overheating in Lightweight Buildings through an Optimised form of Latent Heat Storage
Full text linkThe predominant form of construction of residential and commercial buildings in the Federal Republic of Germany and other industrialized countries is that of solid construction. However, increased public awareness of the need to reduce CO2 emissions is resulting in questioning this classic way of constructing buildings as the immense energy consumption in the production of cement and concrete makes the search for alternative designs indispensable. Alternative building methods with lower CO2 impact are lightweight construction methods like prefabricated wooden buildings or even container-based buildings. One disadvantage of such buildings, even though they often are very well insulated, is their low thermal storage mass and, thus, that they overheat in summer and cool down quickly in winter, provided there are no constant sources of cooling or heat available. Technically this constant energy sources would be available in most of the cases, but as we want to use renewable energy sources, which are only available on a fluctuating basis, a thermal storage effect of the building itself is of primary interest.
This paper presents the benefits and limits of so-called MELT Plates, a newly developed method of the startup MELT to apply latent heat storage technology in buildings significantly contributing to micro climate improvement, and practical applications based on relevant experimental methodologies applied by the authors.
MELT’s products will make a decisive contribution to the heat transition. The previously very cost-intensive niche product “phase change material (PCM)” will become more user-friendly and significantly cheaper thanks to technical innovations and can, therefore, open up the mass market. The initial application addressed is increasing the thermal storage capacity of lightweight buildings by installing the materials in the building envelope. This serves as overheating protection in summer and in winter, through a combination with photovoltaics and/or dynamic electricity tariffs, an even more ecological and economical heating system with heat pumps is made possible. Thanks to their adaptability, MELT products are also ideally suited for numerous other applications, such as the intermediate storage of heat in industrial processes
Smart Cities through Online Dating and Sustainability – Responsible Leadership in Smart Cities
Full text linkThis research is the link between Online Dating Platforms, Sustainability and Smart Cities. It adds the fourth
pillar of sustainability to the traditional three pillars: social, economic, ecological and fourth: online life. The
research question is: How can Online Dating Platforms contribute to Smart Cities? New technologies in
Online Dating Platforms, especially Artificial Intelligence, are changing the way Online Dating Platforms are
used by daters. They are also managed differently by specialized organizations, and therefore are elaborated
for the future. From the standpoint of sustainability, innovation management and entrepreneurship
development the Online Dating Business is bringing a positive venue to Smart Cities through Sustainability
and Happiness. Hence, this study investigates how ‘sustainability’, ‘responsible leadership’ and ‘online
dating platforms’ are linked, and more specifically, how to avoid the uncertainty involved in new encounters
in online dating platforms and/ or in business. Additionally, the study makes the connection between online
dating platforms’ love and online dating platforms’ distrust and lies. To reach this goal, the author uses data
collected in interviews with xx respondents from January 2024 until April 2024, and from previous studies
from 350 respondents about online dating platforms from 2020 until 2023, and with 197 respondents about
responsible leadership from 2015 until 2019. The research identifies elements of creativity and imagination
in online lying that could be applied to further enrich communication on the Internet and in Smart Cities in
general. It is about Responsible Leadership in Smart Cities. The fourth pillar of sustainability - online life - is
added to the three traditional pillars: social, economy, and environment. This is innovative regarding Social
Innovation, enhancing social integration, human relations, happiness in general and a creative way to
improve Smart Cities
Smart Culture: Digitisation Strategies of two Museums in Tuscany
Full text linkThe importance of digitalisation in the cultural industry has been recently enlightened by various researchers (Giannini and Bowen, 2019; Ahmed et al., 2020; Fanea-Ivanovici and Pană, 2020). The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of smart technologies in the cultural industry, which plays an important role for many urban areas in Italy. We decided to perform a qualitative case study research approach (Eisenhardt, 1989; Eisenhardt and Graebner, 2007; Yin, 2003) because of the exploratory nature of the research question and the novelty of the phenomenon. Therefore, we focused our analysis on two case studies, specifically two museums based in Tuscany. Thus, we wanted to investigate the impact of digitalization on cultural marketing, which is here considered as the impact on communication strategies and interaction with customers and users, while also including the structure that supports and precedes the final communication and interaction. We choose the museums on the basis of their characteristics and geographical location, in order to be able to analyse two different case studies. As mentioned in the existing literature (Agostino and Costantini, 2021), one of the outcomes of this research concerns the lack of appropriately trained personnel on the topics of technological innovation and marketing 4.0. It also emerged that the level of digitalisation achieved is influenced by the peculiar characteristics of each museum and their geographical location. In one case, given its specific nature as a museum showing something no more existing, the installation and use of immersive, virtual and augmented reality technologies within the museum was preeminent. In the second case study, concerning installations or works of art, a more traditional approach was preferred. Furthermore, it was noteworthy to stress that both museums, based in areas less subject to mass tourism, also targeting more a niche rather than general segments, strengthened their digital marketing strategies, thanks to the use of new technologies. This, to reach their maximum potential awareness among the public, thanks to the use of communication methods that would bring non-expert users or non-enthusiast closer to their realities. Hence, the level of digitalisation is significantly influenced by its geographical location and the type of tourism that characterises it, and this influences the museum towards the adoption of those technologies able to better satisfy visitors and to create a valuable experience for them. In any case, all the interviewees agree in saying that technology, if used efficiently, could bring great benefits in terms of improved customer engagement, efficient use of data for adapting the strategies and for creating customer value. Furthermore, technologies can lead to economic sustainability by reducing costs and increasing revenues. However, this is possible only if specialised personnel are hired and trained to support and advise visitors
Spatial Justice in the Distribution of Smart City Digital Technologies: Three Area-Based Case Studies of Free Municipal Wi-Fi in the City of Tshwane, South Africa
Full text linkIn South Africa, urban planning legislation entrenches the principles of equity, good governance, and spatial justice. In countries such as China and India spatial inequalities in the allocation of digital technologies are high. Cities need to distribute digital technologies fairly and equitably so that opportunities are availed to citizens in ways that promote spatial justice. In a country such as South Africa, this is vital because apartheid has entrenched planning practices of favoring certain places at the exclusion of others. This paper provides an attempt to understand the extent to which the allocation of free Wi-Fi sites in the City of Tshwane is done in ways that promote the implementation of the principles of spatial justice, access, and equity. The paper focuses on three areas only: Pretoria Central Business District (CBD), Mamelodi Township, and Soshanguve Township. The paper used a mixed method research approach, combining a desktop literature review, empirically gathered views of some key stakeholders, as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map analysis of the free Wi-Fi sites in the three areas under analysis. The authors find that there is some degree of spatial justice in terms of allocating free Wi-Fi sites in the three areas. However, it is not clear if the City has a policy to inform the allocation of the free Wi-Fi infrastructure in communities. It is also not clear if the City has some scientific, objective tool/criterion for allocating free Wi-Fi sites in different regions/areas. In the absence of such a framework, key decisions about allocating free Wi-Fi infrastructure could be based on political considerations, and threaten the sustainability of the programme. Going forward, the City needs to develop an objective policy framework, which should encapsulate principles of spatial justice, transparency, fairness, and equity for allocating free Wi-Fi infrastructure
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Smart City Development: A South African Perspective
Full text linkDeveloping smart cities in South Africa is a transformative approach to address challenges such as rapid urbanisation, environmental sustainability, and economic development. This paper explores the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in facilitating the development of smart cities, focusing on leveraging collaborative efforts between government entities and private sector stakeholders. The study uses a qualitative research approach, analysing case studies and policy frameworks, to highlight the potential of PPPs to mobilise resources, enhance technological capabilities, and foster innovation in smart city initiatives. The results emphasise the importance of innovation, public involvement, and strong PPP structures in advancing smart cities. The study concludes that effective governance, clear regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement are critical factors in ensuring the success of PPPs in driving smart city development. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and strategic considerations for optimising the contributions of PPPs to South Africa’s urban transformation agenda
User Experiences on the Integration of Non-Motorised Transport in Public Transport Systems: a Case of the Harambee Bus Rapid Transit
Full text linkThe transportation industry is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and there is a need for more sustainable forms of public transportation in cities. Non-motorised transport (NMT) includes walking, cycling, animal drawn transportation, skating and so forth. With an increasing demand of public transportation and convenience, more cities around the world look towards the integration of NMT into public transportation systems. Accessibility, infrastructure, safety and sustainability are four core components when integrating NMT and public transport, however, very little is known around performances of innovative transport systems in meeting the needs of users/commuters. A case study research design using the case of the Harambee bus rapid transit (BRT). The study adopted qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data collection instruments in the form of survey questionnaires and participant observations were used to gather from commuters. The four core components of accessibility, infrastructure, safety and sustainability were identified. It was found majority of Harambee BRT and NMT trips are work related. Most Harambee BRT users utilise the provided NMT, and the majority of trips start and end in Thembisa. Aspects of accessibility and sustainability of the NMT had positive user experiences. User experiences around safety and infrastructure of the NMT had shortcomings with camera provision, patrolling of guards, a desk to report issues, barriers between road users, water and shelter provision. More urban planning research around the functions and standards of BRT and NMT users need to be carried out and a model needs to be designed using these results to assist planners and policy makers when implementing similar projects
Ageing Smart – Digital Instruments in a Municipal Context: Data, Analyses and Strategies (not only) for Baby Boomers
Full text linkThe project addresses the baby boomers born between 1955 and 1969. As they gradually enter retirement age, municipalities are required to create age-appropriate residential locations and supply structures. The project brings together spatial planning, infrastructural and supply-side approaches from the perspective of the “baby boomers” and the municipalities. The aim is to develop a data-supported decision support system (DSS) that serves as a decision-making aid for public actors in their planning processes. The research project focuses on three fields of investigation: Residential locations and the associated requirements for opportunities in the residential environment and mobility, behaviour with regard to leisure and recreational activities and the provision of medical and related health infrastructures.
Smart Urban Resilience: From Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Nature-Positive Cities and Landscapes
Full text linkIn the current context of intensified climate change, global society is facing severe challenges. Among the various dynamics having a strong environmental and socio-economic impact on our lives, the increase in urbanisation demands particular regard. According to statistics published last year by the World Economic Forum, it is predicted that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population will live in cities (WEF, 2023), thus aggravating urbanisation’s highly disruptive effects on the environment. Hence, creating smart and resilient cities emerges as an urgent and indispensable priority if both human and environmental well-being are to be safeguarded. nature-based solutions play a crucial role in improving urban mobility, climate resilience and resource efficiency, provided they leverage cross-cutting cooperation and engage local communities. Consistent efforts towards nature-positive cities have been made by the international landscape consultancy LAND for over 30 years, in particular through actions aimed at depaving urban soils (“Let’s Break it Up!”) in Northern Italian metropolitan areas, through large scale territorial and sociocultural transformation in the wider Essen area in Germany, through the development and application of digital Natural Capital Accounting tools within the European project UrbAlytics and through innovative landscape planning in Saudi Arabia