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The Role of Secure Land Tenure Policy and Practise on Economic and Social Development: Lessons from Edendale and Ambleton, City of Pietermaritzburg
Get PDFLand is a valuable resource which contributes towards the economic and social well-being of communities,
and secure land tenure is therefore a crucial factor towards addressing poverty and inequality. This paper
examines the role of secure land tenure policy and practice in relation to the socio-economic development of
communities and sustainable human settlement planning in South African cities. It explores the statutory
mechanisms in place for the enablement of secure land tenurewhich addresses the negative effects of the
fundamental structural challenges left by the apartheid planning regime on the current urban policy context.
It draws lessons from the Edendale Unit H and Ambleton Townships, Pietermaritzburg, as well as case
studies at Msunduzi Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A qualitative case study design was
employed, and primary and secondary data were gathered through open-ended interviews with key
stakeholders responsible for land tenure restoration. The findings highlight efforts to formalize ownership
and engage communities, but challenges persist. For Ambleton's unauthorized occupants, the upgrading of
the Land Tenure Rights Act should be used to formalize ownership. It is recommended that Edendale's
boundary disputes can further be addressed through an approach which integrates the Systematic Theory.
The Adaptation Theory can ensure that fair community involvement, and eviction procedures should align
with the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act. Regular monitoring and evaluation will enhance its
implementation, where integrating legal and theoretical frameworks, adjusted for subsidized housing, can
lead to a just and secure tenure system for Ambleton and Edendale Unit H
The Role of Smart Cities on Smart Healthcare Management
Get PDFThis qualitative study examines the role of Smart Cities in smart healthcare management. Interviews with eight practitioners in the field were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings highlight the significant contributions of Smart Cities in healthcare, such as improved data collection, analysis, and communication between providers and patients. Challenges include the integration of healthcare technologies within Smart City infrastructures and addressing privacy and security concerns. The research underscores the importance of robust digital infrastructures and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to support the implementation of smart healthcare services in Smart Cities. Recommendations include enhancing adaptability to new technologies and improving communication between healthcare providers and patients
Integrating Multi-Scalar Attributes in Assessing Urban Sustainability for the Built Environment in Heritage Sites: The SHAI Model
Get PDFSustainable development approaches are a widely used term, which has been increasingly essential in the Middle East, in general and, in Egypt in specific, for the purpose of planning and urban policies formulation specifically in heritage sites. The research was inspired by the significance of assets of historical areas which motivated the researchers to study and define their values, and find appropriate processes and mechanisms to measure, and evaluate their qualities.
A proposed model, for re-structuring planning processes and assessing information in regards of relative materials on sustainable, urban indicators is discoursed in order to develop a distinctive representation that integrates approaches of urban sustainability in the built environment, in terms of socio-culture and socio-economic aspects, environmental, and spatial dimensions, furthermore, various factors such as time, activities, space, interests, and quality of life.
This paper aims to reduce the complexity of multi-attribute criteria of sustainability, by adopting analytical representation for selected case study, based on a integral model to assess urban sustainability in the built environment for Heritage Sites. This approach investigates indicators of urban qualities relying on the integration of a BEQUEST framework implementing effective qualitative scales (quantifiable cities) and concludes with recommendations to develop an integrative, multi-scalar assessment method.
The paper present details for the proposed framework; Sustainable Historical Area Index (SHAI); model as an integrated tool used to evaluate the capacity of the multi-scaler attributes to assess the urban sustainability in the built environment for Heritage Sites. Results should provide assessment methods to be used in developing the model and provides sustainable evaluations for enhancing urban aspects.
Finally, the paper applies its findings on a case study assessment of the urban setting in El Fustat, Cairo, Egypt. The application comes to show the validity of the conceptual application of the proposed multi-scalar attributes of the Sustainable Historical Area Index upon evaluating values and principles within an existing Heritage Sites towards more sustainable built environment. This paper investigates the optimal corresponding values to be applied in evaluating the sustainability of urban development based on the analytical techniques of the empirical study
Computational-based Generative Design Exploration, Multi-Agent System as an Approach
Get PDFArchitecture design problems are known for their sequential steps that address a series of several interweaving, competing and/or aligning requirements. Describing them as open-ended, uncertain, solution searching processes makes them complex and ill-structured design problems. One of the methods to deal with nonlinear complex systems is that their components’ properties and features must not be pre-determined and studied linearly in isolation. Instead, it is essential to consider the system as a whole, even if it means considering it generally and roughly, and then allow possible simplifications to occur from the dynamic interactions between components. Computational design methods that encounter distributed computation and artificial intelligence, such as Multi Agent System (MAS), showed promising abilities in addressing complexity and uncertainty faced with architecture design problems, as well as they proved positive effect on expanding architecture design exploration (ADE). This study has an interest in MAS capabilities in creating aesthetically innovative and performable architecture solutions.
Therefore, this research intends to investigate the use of MAS in Architecture in the years between 2010 to 2020. It contributes with a detailed examination of research papers to orient future research in the field of MAS. Hence, the applied literature review raises the question of what the proved capacities of MAS are and how future research can challenge it further to widen and develop the use of MAS in ADE and their possible capabilities when addressing building performances such as structural, functional, and environmental. The databases used for selecting these papers are Scopus, Web of Science, SAGE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Connected Papers, CUMINCAD, IEEXplore, and ACM Digital Library. These studies are organized, analyzed, and compared to pinpoint key innovations in MAS’s variable usage, study its applied methods, interesting results, important sources of data, implementation strategies, and shed the light on the gaps and shortcomings to draw a perspective of MAS in architecture. The examined studies are arranged chronographically. Then, each paper is analyzed and classified according to the aim of the methodology, domain, level, scale of application (experimentation level), model generation and optimization methods. Afterwards, a critical review is proposed
Integrative Design Solutions for Connecting Street Trees to the Urban Water Cycle
Get PDFClimate change adaptation and the need to improve micro-climates in cities bring urban forestry into focus. Street trees are important nature-based solutions (NBS) with multiple functions. But only large, well-developed trees that are at least a few decades old can provide the necessary range of ecosystem services and perform the tasks required. There are two essential criteria for trees to grow old: (1) the qualities of the site, in particular the adequate supply of water, air, and nutrients to the root zone, and (2) the choice of tree species. This links tree planting in the urban environment to the improvement of the urban water cycle, which is a goal of NBS in its own right.
In this paper, we explore how tree planting and the urban water cycle can be combined by means of integrated design solutions in different types of open spaces in cities. Based on a qualitative analysis of built design projects using NBS in Austria and scholarly literature, we explore the requirements for and the range and combinations of different design solutions for NBS.
In the design of urban rainwater management based on the “sponge city” principle, NBS can be used for the “collection of water”, “retention of water”, “purification of water”, and “discharge of water to the atmosphere or water bodies”. Three different design approaches for water management are possible: “concealment” (diverting rainwater rapidly from the surface to underground systems), “integration” (leaving the water visible, but unobtrusive, and integrating it into the overall design of the site), and „showcasing” (transforming stormwater measures into water-based amenities).
The analysis of 24 projects showed that implementing NBS by using the sponge city principle for trees has become an important element in stormwater management cascades and has been applied in a range of different types of urban open spaces. The sponge city principle for trees is primarily a NBS with low design impact: strategies of “concealment” and “integration” predominate. “Showcasing” has only occurred in conjunction with sunken planters for purification. Incorporating NBS into the overall design of an open space has untapped potential.
The projects under analysis also show that while the water conditions for trees are being improved, the choice of species is also changing. The focus now is on species that are able to cope with hotter and drier conditions. Native species are being replaced with trees from appropriate climatic regions.
The conclusion is that finding synergies between landscape design and engineering provides a rich source of innovation for new urban open spaces. The overall design goal is to achieve an integrative solution serving technical, ecological, social, and economic needs. Designing nature-based solutions means taking a site-specific, integrative approach and connecting with a citywide network of green infrastructure
Building According to Climate Change
Get PDFUrban heat islands are a frequent phenomenon that significantly impacts liveability and human well-being.
The ongoing research aims to provide an updated map of Tessin Canton's critical spatial and thematic areas
in Switzerland. Furthermore, the objective is to investigate the level of performance of the current guidelines
and provide indications to ensure a greater level of sustainability in the urban planning of cities.
In adapting to climate change, the Swiss Confederation established an action plan for 2020-2025 comprising
75 measures. This intersectoral coordination document provides the cantons and municipalities with practical
actions for tackling climate change.
The research stems from a holistic view of the south of the Alps heat island phenomenon through an
interdisciplinary and multiscalar approach. Therefore, the attention is on the trend of summer temperatures,
particularly on days of heatwave. Furthermore, the study verifies the effects of the nature-based solutions
adopted in the territory. In this way, it evaluates the impact of the measures in the action plan and the
variables that most affect human well-being.
The study is developed in three consecutive phases based on the literature and the work carried out by the
Federal Office for the Environment (UFAM). First, the available satellite images calculated the Land Surface
Temperature (LST) and the perceived temperature (PET). Integrating these results with geospatial,
demographic and settlement data has made it possible to identify the most sensitive areas of Tessin Canton.
In the next phase, the liveability in the heat islands was investigated. Various instruments (sensors,
Climametro and thermal imaging camera) were used to analyse the climatic data and the data on the built
environment in the urban area of Mendrisio, a city in the south.
In the third phase, the main aim was to verify the urban microclimate and provide valuable indications for
the definition of a sustainable city. Therefore, the relationships between land use, urban typologies and
abiotic nature were investigated.
The results of the ongoing research concern extending the heat islands of the Tessin Canton and evaluating
the effects of the measures promoted by the UFAM. The next phase will allow for an in-depth study of the
role of surface and groundwater in urban areas and valley floors. The aim is to provide further indications for
implementing the sponge-city concept.
The ongoing study is possible thanks to the synergies between the University of Applied Sciences and Arts
of Southern Switzerland and the Republic of Tessin Canton. The results obtained greatly help provide
guidelines for sustainable territorial planning that is attentive to human well-being
The Effect of Overtaking Distances on the Stress Occurrence of Cyclists in Urban Areas
Get PDFTo further promote the share of cyclists in urban and rural areas, the focus lieson both improving objective
road safety and increasing the subjective feeling of safety among cyclists. The subjective feeling of
insecurity often forms a barrier to more frequent bicycle use for people who have so far cycled little or not at
all, and who are therefore important for increasing the cycling share in urban and rural areas.
The focus of the research is to examine overtaking interactions involving bike and car traffic. Overtaking
cars is one of the main causes of stress for cyclists. Not only does overtaking have physical suction and
pressure effects on bike traffic because of air displaced by the car body, but also psychological stressors.
There are proximity boundaries where people feel unsafe when someone does not maintain them, especially
when imposed upon by large, fast vehicles. During overtaking interactions, there is no direct opportunity for
communication due to the separation effect of the car body. The cyclist also cannot confirm that the driver is
aware of their presence.
Since 2020, Germany has mandated that car drivers may only overtake cyclists on the roadway with a
distance greater than 1.5 m in the inner city, and 2.0 m out of town. Other countries have similar regulations
for overtaking interactions involving cyclists. France, Portugal and Spain have also adopted the 1.5 m law, in
Australia, the distance is usually 1 meter on roads with speed limits less than 60 km/h and 1.5 meters on
roads with higher speed limits. Distances set in the traffic regulations across different countries are primarily
based on court rulings. Research is missing on which overtaking distance cyclists feel most safe and at which
distance they are stressed.
This paper analyzes the effect of overtaking distances on cyclist stress. The research is based on test rides
with 14 cyclists on urban streets. The bikes were equipped with sensors measuring the lateral distance
between the bikes and overtaking cars. With the help of a stress-measuring method using medical fitness
wristbands, stress-inducing overtaking interactions could be detected. The distance of the overtaking car and
the stress events were compared by geometric and temporal coincidence. Through the Pearsons chi-squared
test and the use of Cramer´s V, the results show a statically significant between closer overtaking distances
and stress-triggering effects on cyclists: At distances under 1.6 meters, significantly more overtaking
situations triggered stress.
The research has shown that the distance of cars overtaking cyclists has a big effect on the subjective safety
of cyclists. The research also suggests that the 1.5 m approach is close to the measured “feel-safe” distance
for cyclists and therefore supports regulations and enforcement around this value when planning streets to
improve the safety of cyclists
Digitales Parken der Zukunft – Planungen zu einem Reallabor auf dem Campus der Universität der Bundeswehr München
Get PDFIm Rahmen des dtec.bw -Forschungsprojekts MORE partizipiert die Professur für Raumplanung und
Mobilität mit einem Destillat aller seiner infrastrukturellen und raumplanerischen Forschungsüberlegungen:
Das Leuchtturmprojekt „digitales Parken der Zukunft“, vorgesehen auf dem Campus der Universität der
Bundeswehr München (UniBw M), um vor Ort am realen Objekt forschen zu können.
Dieser Reallabor-Demonstrator setzt sich aus den im Rahmen des dtec.bw-Forschungsprojekts MORE
erforschten Komponenten der Professur zusammen:
• Nachhaltiges (Verkehrs-)Flächenmanagement, Flächeneffizienz und -gerechtigkeit
• Elektromobilität mit Sektorenkopplung
• Räumliche Implikationen der Digitalisierung von Mobilität und Verkehr/autonomes Fahren
• Multimodale Anknüpfungspunkte/Mobilitätshubs im urbanen Raum
• Emotionale Mobilität/gesellschaftlicher Wandel
• Beschleunigte Umsetzung von Baumaßnahmen der Bundeswehr
Die Erkenntnisse sollen dabei sowohl intern, durch weitere MORE-Forschungsaspekte, wie auch extern,
durch Partner in Wirtschaft und Forschung, validiert und erweitert werden. Mit den im gemeinsamen Institut
verankerten Professuren für Intelligente, multimodale Verkehrssysteme und Verkehrstechnik, den
Professuren für Fahrzeugantriebe und für Elektrische Energieerzeugung & -verteilung sowie dem Institut für
Technik autonomer Systeme demonstriert dieses wegweisende Reallabor die facettenreiche und
engverzahnte Forschungsanwendung des MORE. Gemeinsam mit den Partnern aus der Wirtschaft,
BwFuhrparkService (BwFPS) als Mobilitätsdienstleister der Bundeswehr, Daimler AG (Elektrifizierung,
Automatisierung Pkw und Nfz), JACOB Elektronik GmbH (digitale Mess- und Leittechnik), SOPAGO
GmbH (Solar Carports mit Ladeinfrastruktur) und VePa Vertical Parking GmbH (automatisch gesteuerte,
kompakte Parksysteme) wird intensiv interdisziplinär kooperiert und eine weitgehende und umfangreiche
detaillierte Planung mit mehreren Varianten erstellt. Weiterhin sollen zudem neueste und zum Teil
zukunftweisende Technologien zum Einsatz gebracht und die Erkenntnisse unmittelbar im Demonstrator auf
Alltagsfähigkeit erprobt werden. Den Anforderungen an flächensparendes Bauen und an die Anpassung an
die Folgend es Klimawandels soll zudem Rechnung getragen werden, indem vorhandene versiegelte Flächen
nachhaltig entwickelt werden.
Es wurden insgesamt vier Hauptvarianten entworfen, die an unterschiedlichen Stellen auf dem Campus
Aufschluss zu den zahlreichen gemeinsamen grundsätzlichen Fragestellungen, aber auch individuellen
Besonderheiten am jeweiligen Mikrostandort geben. Nachfolgend werden die vier Varianten mit ihren
Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschieden dargestellt
Impact of Urban Attributes on Human Happiness and Health in Alexandria as an Egyptian City
Get PDFCreating livable, safe, healthy, and sustainable urban spaces requires the prioritisation of interactive urban
environments (UE) and social connections in city design. Previous studies have examined the relationship
between sustainability, health, and happiness, focusing primarily on macro-level factors like air pollution,
temperature, wind speed, ambient noise levels, economics, and life satisfaction. Consequently, this research
aims to address the following question: How can urban planners establish cities that promote happiness,
health, and overall quality of life? This paper specifically explores these aspects in the context of Alexandria,
Egypt, with a focus on mental health outcomes and the notions of an "all-inclusive city." Furthermore, the
study examines the key elements of inclusive notions for creating happier spaces, as in the case study area
(Pharos promenade (PP)), based on Alexandria's historical importance. Methodologically, this paper employs
a systematic review approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative indicators to establish
measurement tools and design principles for happier cities. Ultimately, the study concludes by presenting
design principles relevant to creating a sustainable and healthy city that prioritises the health and happiness
of its residents within the scope of Alexandria
An Assessment of Urban Decay in Rural Towns: a Case of Building Dilapidation in Thohoyandou Town, South Africa
Get PDFUrban decay is a global dilemma that can severely weaken the image, livability, and productivity of most
cities due to its negative impacts on the built environment. Building dilapidation is one form of urban decay
which can pose a risk to public health, safety or well-being . The impact of urban decay cannot be
overemphasized particularly in South Africa’s historically disadvantaged rural towns such as Thohoyandou.
The aim of this study was to assess the status of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou Central Business
District (CBD) in Limpopo province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to map building
dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD; to investigate the causes of building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD
and to suggest recommendations towards addressing persisting building dilapidation. This study adopted a
qualitative research approach through conducting 20 key informant interviews and field observations. The
study revealed that building dilapidation in Thohoyandou CBD is caused by factors such as lack of
municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings, irregular planning procedures in the construction of
buildings; lack of building maintenance, illegal occupation of buildings; negligence of buildings by property
owners, incapacity of the municipality to render services to overpopulated buildings as well as lack of
enforcing building occupant capacity by-laws. These findings highlight the complexity of the issue and the
need for a holistic approach to address urban decay. Based on the research findings, the study puts forth
several recommendations to mitigate building dilapidation in rural towns like Thohoyandou. The study
suggested recommendations which include formulating municipal by-laws to deal with derelict buildings,
stricter enforcement of regular planning procedures in construction projects; establishing a dedicated CBD
building maintenance plan, conducting Thohoyandou CBD building audits, and regulation of building
occupants’ capacities. Collaboration among stakeholders, including the municipality, property owners, and
the community, is essential for the successful implementation of these strategies. The study contributes to the
existing knowledge on urban decay and revitalization. The research findings have significant implications for
policy and decision-making in Thohoyandou CBD and other similar contexts, aiming to promote sustainable
urban development and improve the overall quality of life