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The Potentials of Digital Tools to Contribute to Spatial Transformations – the Example of the Digital Twin of the City of Helsinki
Get PDFSpatial transformations are a key challenge for communities and regions. The term is rooted in the assumption that in the Anthropocene era, human ways of life and modern economic systems have led to an unsustainable consumption of natural resources and a failure to adhere to planetary limits, which ultimately endangers the natural basis of human life (Engel and Knieling 2018, WBGU 2011).
Nowadays we see, in particular with the example of climate change, how environmental threats of different types and intensities affect cities and regions. It creates a strong demand for action. Cities and regions are thus directly affected by transformations. At the same time, they define the spaces where approaches of action and implementation of instruments of spatial planning have the chance to make cities more sustainable and resilient to risks. Thus, active processes which include the whole society are required (Engel and Knieling 2018).
Such proceses as is likely to present many municipalities with a major challenge with many difficulties, which raises the question of what options there are for providing them support. The mega-trend of digitalization affects almost all areas, including spatial planning (Pallagst et al. 2022). It can be observed that digital tools have been increasingly used in spatial planning in recent years, offering new technical possibilities. The paper will look in particular at the digital twin of the city of Helsinki and its relevant fields of application. The city faces a variety of different risks in terms of climate change (City of Helsinki 2019). Recent research by the authors investigates which potentials the digital twin of Helsinki offers to support the necessary transformative processes and triggers potential changes of strategies and methods in spatial planning.
In order to measure spatial transformations, various theories and multi-level perspective approaches from transformation research are already available (Zolfagharian et al. 2019, Bauknecht et al. 2015, Engel and Knieling 2018). On this basis, the paper discusses to what extent digital tools, can be applied in order to support transformation processes. In addition, the paper intends to contribute to a methodology for comparative case study research
The Possibility of Including Habitat Types as Nature-Based Solutions in Spatial Planning Documents: the Case of Slovenia
Get PDFThere are many forms of NBS for contemporary urban challenges that reflect individual elements or facilities in urban space, but a systematic and comprehensive implementation of NBS in urban planning documents has not yet been observed. In this paper, we use unaltered native habitat types (HTs) as innovative forms of NBS that originate from the natural or semi-natural environments of the same region as the targeted urban environment, which is the subject of urban planning. We draw on a planning approach that attributes added value (a function in addressing urban challenges such as air pollution, noise, stormwater management, and urban heat island) to HT, thus linking the concepts of NBS and HT in an innovative way to integrate them into urban planning. Based on a qualitative content analysis of spatial planning documents in the case of Slovenia, the paper presents a proposal for the inclusion of HTs as NBS in spatial planning documents at national, regional, and local levels. It was found that strategic spatial planning documents are suitable for defining the concept of NBS as a way of addressing urban challenges, while key to integrating HT as NBS into existing spatial planning practice are the spatial implementing document sat national and municipal levels, as well as the Urban Development Concept as a mandatory technical basic document for these acts
A Core of Robotics Intelligence. A “Green Button” Idea
Get PDFThe report provides an overview of AI methods and tools and of their applicability for creation of robot’s
intelligence. By a term “robot” we simultaneously refer to a decision support system in a form of an
autonomous device (a traditional robot) and to some system presented in the form of special software that
implements the functions of an intelligent assistant. The totality of works on AI can be divided into two
areas, two types:
• imitation of human intellectual activity;
• decision support, autonomous decision making based on inference (usually first-order predicate
algebra), or other tools.
Our company deals exclusively with systems of the second type.
Structure of the paper:
(1) An overview of AI: pattern recognition, machine learning, data meaning, neural networks, singular value
decomposition (SVD). Here we discuss the advantages and limitations of the most well-known approaches in
the field of applied AI methods today.
(2) Our experience in AI: knowledge base, ontology, inference machine, scenario approach, ontomodeller,
Protege 2000. A brief history of the application of AI methods in our company since the late 90s of the last
century is presented.
(3) Tactical situation analysis. In our systems, the concept of a tactical situation is the basis for the
application of AI in real-time systems and in monitoring systems for various purposes. A tactical situation is
a basic concept for determining the reaction to external circumstances and conditions that have arisen for a
robot that ensures the fulfilment of a certain mission.
(4) Smart city applications. Developed within the framework of the European CRISALIDE project, an
intelligent decision support system in the interests of a smart city, is one of the options for implementing
basic AI technologies in the interests of urban governance.
(5) Future work: RIC technology, discussion: a “Green Button” idea. Based on our experience of theoretical
and technological research, a technology system is proposed, a technological platform that can be called a
core of robotics intelligence (RIC). This platform allows you to form a full cycle of intelligent control of the
robot:
• obtaining data on the external environment (robot environment) from various sources, own and
external;
• evaluation of options for fulfilling one's own mission and making a decision (close to the optimal
solution);
• monitoring the implementation of the decision;
• proofreading of the solution if necessary;
• making a decision on the completion of a mission formed for a robot, or a general system for which
a decision is made on automatic control without involving (directly) a person.
Accumulation of experience and self-training based on the analysis of tactical situations and the results of
decisions made. We call this idea a “Green Button” idea
Co-Creating Development in Mining Towns: the Nexus between Social Labour Plans and Integrated Development Plans for Urban Development Planning in Rustenburg, South Africa
Get PDFIntegrated Development Plans (IDPs) and Social Labor Plans (SLPs) are two crucial short and medium-term
development strategy documents guiding the development of mining towns in South Africa. Besides
socioeconomic growth that mining brings to the ‘host communities’, mining towns experience mining-
related socioeconomic problems, specifically dereliction upon the closure of mines. To ensure sustainable
development guarantees for mining communities, SLPs are requirements from mining companies as part of
licensing obligations in South Africa. On the other hand, IDPs are five-year strategic action plans that South
African municipalities must produce at the onset of a political tenure to guide municipal development over
the set period. IDPs and SLPs are mutually connected to advance municipal development planning.
However, with multiple agencies involved in monitoring and implementing both development plans, there
are developmental questions about integrating both plans to achieve a unity of purpose. In this article, we
examine the case of Rustenburg Local Municipality, noted for its vast Platinum reserves and mining
globally. The study evaluates the challenges of cocreating development through SLPs and IDPs, beginning
with conceptualising, implementing and monitoring these plans. Findings were sourced from primary
qualitative sources (key informant interviews) and secondary sources, including desktop reviews. The
research's findings reveal that while broader stakeholder consultations exist in creating IDPs, the same is not
assured for SLPs. This creates gaps in integrating and implementing both action plans. Notwithstanding this
obstacle, there is substantial potential for SLPs and IDPs to collaborate on inclusive municipal development
in South Africa. A synergised co-creation of SLPs and IDPs at the stages of conceptualisation and
implementation by all stakeholders is vital to assuring transparency, accountability and effective
implementation of both strategic action plans
Modelling the Efficiency of Nature-Based Solutions to Decrease Extreme Summer-time Heat in Dense Urban Environment on Example of Vienna, Austria
Get PDFDensely built urban environments experience extremely high temperatures during summer heat waves.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS), such as increasing green infrastructure by replacing sealed surfaces with
vegetation, installing green roofs and especially planting trees can ameliorate severe heat conditions by
providing cooling through evapotranspiration and shading. This study analyses the effectiveness of NbS to
reduce the summer maximum temperatures in Vienna using an urban climate modelling approach that takes
into account NbS performance criteria on micro-scale and upscales the application of NbS for the entire city.
Using existing data of the Viennese urban structure, status-quo urban climate simulations were performed.
Further, based on evidence on NbS performance criteria different climate scenarios for implementation of
NbS were designed. A densely-built area in Vienna, for which the possibility of implementation of NbS was
analysed, was chosen as a study area for micro-scale simulations. The adaptation measures included: 1)
reduction of soil sealing, 2) increase in surface reflectivity of sealed surfaces, 3) implementation of green
roofs, 4) new park areas with trees and low vegetation and 5) a combination of all NbS.
The modelling simulations were performed for a representative clear-sky heat day for NbS scenario first for
the selected area with the ENVI-met model and later for the entire city of Vienna with the MUKLIMO_3
model. The extent of NbS was proportionally scaled for the city-level simulations and the measures were
applied for all densely-built areas in the city.
The results show the highest cooling effect for the combination of NbS with a similar intensity of cooling
found both in microscale and city-scale simulations. In case of city-scale simulations, the results show mean
difference in daily maximum temperature of about 0.1°C and maximum difference of about 1.4°C. The effect
is strongest in the densely-built areas where the measures were applied. However, the cooling effect can be
detected in the surrounding areas as well.
The robustness of the urban scale results was tested using different modelling setups, varying the parameters
describing land-use properties, such as variations in land use mapping, soil sealing, building density and tree
coverage. Different representation of land use characteristics in the model leads to variations in spatial
pattern of heat load. The cooling effect also varies spatially, dependent on the possibility to implement the
adaptation measure. However, the results confirm similar efficiency of NbS regardless of the background
data and method applied
Urban Revitalisation of Small Settlement in the Regional Context: Case study Kneževo in Baranja Region in Croatia
Get PDFSpatial, socio-economic and demographic characteristics of individual areas of the European Union define
numerous specific settlements and regions, among which the peripheral areas and small settlements, are
particularly interesting and challenging for both researchers and planners, thus they represent the main
research problem. It is particularly important to create revitalisation strategies for such areas at the regional
and local level, based on the specific characteristics of the place and set within the framework of national and
European development criteria. The importance of this research for readers is to highlight the necessity of
comprehensive planning and the use of the scenario method, the foundations of which can be mastered in
education at the Spatial Planning Workshop, and later applied in urban and spatial planning practice. The
aim of this paper is presentation of thematic workshops as education method for future spatial planners,
urban planners and architects based on European sustainable development documents, which enables
research, analysis and planning at the regional level through application of the scenario method, as par
excellence tool for definition of future development. The possibility for students to choose both the subject
area and the specific topic during the workshop represents an opportunity for further education and
development of a visionary approach not just at the regional but also at the local level with the possibility of
planning revitalisation strategy for small settlements in the following semester. The case study of Baranja
region in eastern Croatia was chosen for the purpose of this research, because of its geographical isolation
and depopulation, a lack of micro-regional centres, neglected industry and a relatively old population. On the
other hand, its diverse natural and cultural heritage, historical agricultural significance, and the regional
specificities of individual settlements, especially Kneževo, represent spatial potential which should be
activated in order to stimulate its regional, and consequently, local development. On the basis of the detailed
analysis, and the application of scenario method, the result of the work is definition of six possible scenarios
for the Baranja region development, determined by dominant activities (smart villages, agriculture, tourism,
energy, industry and livestock) which are further broken down into two basic models of space activation
approach. The proposed scenarios are based on global sustainable development goals and specific
possibilities of spatial revitalisation, which enables definition of an integral scenario (as a result of the
valorisation of individual scenarios), further elaborated as a vision of development and revitalisation of the
Baranja region with macro and micro projects acting as space activators. The special emphasis is placed on
Kneževo, a small settlement with historically significant urban and industrial features which experienced a
significant economic and demographic decline due to the dynamics of business and deindustrialization trends
in the late 20th century. The introduction of the new function is seen as a potential activator of Kneževo
settlement revitalisation, where the construction of a film studio is proposed as the most suitable scenario. It
would contribute to the development of culture and media at the national level, while the development of
supporting functions and an increase in the number of temporary and permanent residents would enhance the
revitalisation of the settlement and the surrounding area
Der Beitrag temporärer Straßenexperimente zur kollaborativen Planung lebenswerter urbaner Quartiersstraßen
Get PDFÖffentliche Straßenräume erfüllen vielfältige Funktionen: Sie sind Orte der Kommunikation/Interaktion, des Konsums, des Aufenthalts und nicht zuletzt unserer Mobilität. Ein Blick auf die derzeitigen städtebaulichen und verkehrlichen Realitäten/ Verhältnisse (Flächenkonsum und rechtliche Vorrangstellung des motorisierten Individualverkehrs (MIV)), lässt jedoch Zweifel an der Funktionsvielfalt und nicht zuletzt am Schlüsselbegriff des „Öffentlichen“ sowie an einer damit einhergehenden am Gemeinwohl und Lebensqualität orientierten Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung aufkommen.
Vor diesem Hintergrund beschreibt der Artikel einen dreistufigen kollaborativen Beteiligungs- und Planungsprozess mit der Zivilgesellschaft, der Stadtverwaltung und der Kommunalpolitik für den Umbau einer Quartiersstraße in Dortmund (Deutschland). Ziel des Prozesses war es, die Zieldimensionen Verkehrswende, Aufenthaltsqualität und Klimaresilienz (Blau-Grüne-Infrastrukturen) integriert zu betrachten, um eine gleichermaßen ambitionierte wie gesellschaftlich tragfähige Planung zu entwickeln. Der Artikel beschreibt hierbei nicht nur die empirischen Arbeiten und Befunde, sondern stellt vor allem dar, wie die Rückmeldungen aus dem Beteiligungs- und Planungsprozess in die Planungsentwürfe integriert wurden.
Ausgehend von dem Fallbeispiel diskutieren die Autorinnen und Autoren die Relevanz von temporären Straßenexperimenten für einen dauerhaften Umbau zu lebenswerten Straßen und Städten
Application of the Persona Concept to Convey Socially Sustainable and Responsible Transport System Planning to Children and Juveniles Considering Autonomous Vehicles: Work Report on the Project AM4Kids – Future Workshop
Get PDFThe automation in the transportation and mobility sector, particularly the use of autonomous systems in public transportation, presents novel challenges for various user groups despite offering numerous positive aspects. Autonomous vehicles, particularly in the domains of micro-public transportation and car sharing, have the potential to serve as a flexible mobility solution for individuals without a driver's license or those who are physically or mentally incapable of operating a vehicle. To ensure equitable access to this potential of independent and flexible mobility for all individuals, the design of autonomous transportation modes must be inclusive.
The Austrian“AM4Kids” project (August 2020 to October 2023) imparts knowledge on mobility and transport system planning to children and juveniles in the context of the progressive automation of transportation and mobility modes, focusing on the principles of inclusive mobility offerings. Children and juveniles have attended several workshops on mobility and inclusion for over three years. In the final stage of the workshop series, the children and juveniles develop their visions and ideas for automated mobility, discussing the opportunities, risks, and consequences for themselves and other groups.
One way to better understand and visualise the wide range of everyday lives of people with disabilities, their mobility patterns, and mobility options is to use the persona concept. This method aims at packaging real users’ motivations, needs, wishes and ambitions in a model to better integrate future research and technology development of automated mobility with the wants and needs of users. Personas do not represent the whole range of user diversity. However, they enable planners and developers to deal realistically with the situations and mobility needs of the relevant groups of people and allow specific analyses to implement user-oriented transport solutions.
This paper outlines the methodology applied and the results achieved to make them accessible to a broad professional audience. The project demonstrates that knowledgeably selected personas provide added value in developing technologies. They can also be employed in the further education and sensitisation of children and juveniles
The Role of Global Governance Systems in Shaping Responses in the Era of Pandemics: Lessons from Chinese Covid-19 Experiences for South Africa
Get PDFThe South African government has set up sound governance structures to respond to growing demands for services since 1994. Although the country has functional institutional structures and is one of the largest economies in the African continent; the healthcare system was substantially impacted by the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic. As with countries around the globe, South Africa struggled to devise timeous response strategies to the pandemic resulting in huge losses of lives and depressed socio-economic activities. As co-members of the BRICS power bloc, the South African and Chinese economies share commonalities. This paper therefore draws some significant lessons from China’s experience in managing the epidemic, while also taking account of uneven social and economic impacts. Chinese experiences of good governance systems and meaningful capacities to engage in trial-and-error responses to the pandemic resulted in the containment of the disease. A systematic analysis of literature was conducted to answer clearly formulated questions. This research adopted a case study design together with a qualitative research approach. The results reveal that there are weaknesses in South Africa’s constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government and an independent judiciary. This aggravated the severity of Covid-19 which negatively impacted the people and put more strain on the healthcare system and the economy. The governance structures’ late response to adjust led to losses of lives and the rapid spread of the virus, which resulted in the implementation of strict lockdown measures. On the contrary, the Chinese government’s robust global governance structures enhanced its ability to promulgate laws and guidelines which informed rapid changes across all aspects of its functions. This resulted in the swift implementation of initiatives that ensured strict safety protocols to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and generated advanced analytical technological systems and created new markets for new technologies. As a result, of the global phenomenon, South Africa has learnt from Chinese experiences as the largest developing economy in the world. In view of the findings of the study, it is recommended that South Africa collaborates with other countries to facilitate real-time information and skills transfer and to avoid being left behind. As part of the proactive measures to enhance emergency responses to pandemics, commitment to planning and implementation of long-term strategies is required to circumvent future pandemics. In conclusion, the study reveals that governance system reforms are needed to improve and strengthen primary healthcare and to ensure that government processes and systems foster good governance. The paper further suggests that South Africa should consider investing in competent skills, technology and adequate budget to ensure good governance systems, as well as actively conducting research studies in preparation, responding to any future infectious diseases
Optimising Sustainable Urban Mobility: Analysis of Non-Motorised Transport along M1 Road in Lilongwe Town, Malawi
Get PDFRapid urbanization in cities has increased the demand for sustainable mobility options. At the Centre of sustainable urban mobility is Non-Motorized Transport (NMT). Nevertheless, NMT is confronted with lack of sufficient infrastructure despite being at the forefront of sustainable urban mobility initiatives in Lilongwe city. Therefore, this paper explores the barriers faced by implementation of infrastructure supporting NMT and the experiences of pedestrians and cyclists. The study employs a case study research design using mixed methods approach along M1 road in Lilongwe city. An open-ended questionnaire was administered to cyclists and pedestrians along the M1 road. Additionally, interviews with the officials from Malawi police road traffic and physical planning departments were conducted. The findings reveal that inadequate NMT infrastructure is due to lack of institutional capacity failing to enforce bylaws, using outdated urban structure plans and the city’s prioritization of Motorized Transport. As a result, both pedestrians and cyclists are excluded from having access to economic activities which sustain their livelihoods. Pursuant to that, the study recommends institutional capacity development by prioritizing investment and development NMT for promotion of sustainable and resilient Lilongwe city