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Investigating the Environmental and Economic Benefit of Waste to Energy Project: a Case Study of Methane Gas at the Thohoyandou Landfill Site
Get PDFThe increasing power outage in South Africa and other developing countries, coupled with the global challenge of fossil fuel depletion, highlights the need for urgent alternative energy sources. Despite various studies being conducted, there is minimal application of waste-to-energy projects. The waste-to-energy projects have emerged as a potential solution to address both waste management and energy provision challenges. This study aims to investigate the environmental and economic benefits of using methane gas from the Thohoyandou landfill site in the Thulamela local municipality as an alternative energy source to the coal-powered grid. The research methodology was a content analysis to examine the sustainability benefits. The results suggest that the technology is economically feasible, considering the sales of electricity generated and Certified Emission Reductions (CER) (carbon credits). In addition, the project has the potential to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) from coal-power stations, resulting in improved air quality in nearby communities. This paper recommends that the Thulamela Local Municipality should scale up the innovative waste-to-energy projects as they offer best practice solutions
Overall Layout of Socialist and Post-Socialist Large Housing Estates in Croatia
Get PDFThe study compares the overall layout of socialist (old) and post-socialist (new) large housing estates (LHEs) in Croatian large cities that depends on daily basis equipment and public infrastructure. The existence and quality of primary facilities and infrastructure is different in new settlements, where it is more often reduced in comparison to old settlements. The main differences occured during the last three decades of transition and market-led economy adopted by Croatia, when the construction of multi-family buildings became commercial and private, and when the construction of urbanistically planned housing estates as housing units became mostly abandoned. For the analysis, the qualitative method of semi-structured interviews with experts (N=26) was used, which was conducted in Croatia during 2022 as part of a joint and bilateral project between Croatia and Slovenia. The current study analyses attitudes of experts on how socialist and post-socialist LHEs in four major Croatian cities (Osijek, Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb) fulfill residents’ daily, primary level needs. Experts show that it is the level of neighborhood in which elementary differences in these estates can be seen, and that basic facilities used daily by the residents (school, kindergarten, health center, public transport, green spaces, public spaces etc.) often lack in new residential construction. Therefore, at the level of estates, socialist estates show that they are often better equipped than post-socialist estates, with more public and green spaces and facilities. Due to a large density of building during the transition period new housing estates experience a reduction in public services, green areas and equipment, and therefore a neglect of residents' needs. New residential construction is shown to be reduced in terms of the multifunctionality of space and estate, which should be urbanistically, sustainably and ecologically desirable, but it is often not the case. Thus, the architectural appearance of the post-socialist estate is inadequately adaptive for the residents, because it is too densely built and inhumane in its overall layout, with inadequate infrastructure and facilities, unlike the socialist estates that are, although older and more derelict, more desirable to the residents for everyday living. It is therefore necessary to regulate the future process of planning and housing construction through the national legal framework
Harnessing Crowdsourcing Data for Comprehensive Green Window View Analysis
Get PDFThe paradigm of sustainable resilient cities underscores the importance of how to withstand and rapidly
recover from natural disasters, pandemics, or chronic stresses associated with increasing urbanization,
environmental degradation, and climate change through the use of advanced technologies and data analytics.
Access to urban green spaces is a key requirement for developing and maintaining a sustainable, resilient,
and healthy city, as described in Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 and the Sendai Framework. Due to
necessary triple inner urban development processes that creates multifunctional spaces in urban areas, the
resulting vertical and horizontal densification often leads to an impairment of visual access to urban green
spaces. Green window views, which reveal visual access to green spaces from buildings, provide a
significant impact on multidimensional aspects of urban dwellers. Still, few studies present how this form of
access, in its quantitative and qualitative complexity, should be operationalized into a tool for urban
planning. Given socio-technical advances, crowdsourcing, as an increasingly popular participatory method
for collecting and managing data, has the potential to contribute to the realization of inclusive planning by
incorporating passive and active participatory processes and open-source standards. Therefore, this study
aims to integrate key aspects of crowdsourced-based approach and window view accessibility analysis. By
leveraging the power of crowdsourcing, we investigate the potential of Volunteered Window View Imagery
(VWVI) for green window view analysis. Incorporating VWVI enables informed decisions by urban
planners, ensuring resilient, inclusive, and accessible urban green spaces. This integration of VGI and
window view analysis advances sustainable and resilient urban development
Cool Down Güssing: Sustainable Cooling Concepts for Existing Buildings using the Example of the Municipality of Güssing
Get PDFWithin the Cool-down Güssing project, measures for sustainable cooling of existing buildings were
investigated. While in new buildings the heat input can be reduced by intelligent construction and passive
cooling measures can be integrated relatively easily by installing surface cooling system (e.g. concrete core
activation), the situation in existing buildings is much more difficult. Nevertheless, with suitable measures,
sustainable cooling, or at least a significant reduction of the residual cooling demand, can be achieved. It has
been shown that there is no universal solution for all different types of existing buildings. For example,
different measures are suitable for large production halls of companies compared to private households.
Therefore, the buildings were divided into several categories, like private households, companies and public
buildings.
Different types of night ventilation have shown good potential for public building and companies to reduce
room temperatures by at least a few degrees. This can be done either by means of decentralized ventilation
units or automatic window openers, or by intelligent control of existing infrastructure such as fire ventilation
systems which is especially suitable for production halls. Especially for public buildings, financing is often a
major challenge, so that suitable financing models must be found. In addition, the heat input should be
reduced as far as possible. This can be achieved by external shading and by reducing internal loads. Proper
user behavior should also not be underestimated. The remaining electricity demand should be covered as far
as possible with electricity from renewable generation. If the installation of an own photovoltaic system (PV)
is not possible, energy communities offer the possibility to purchase local renewable electricity at favorable
conditions
Creating Resilient Public Spaces – a Global Perspective on the Conditions for Integrated Urban Development
Get PDFUrban public spaces play a central role in the regeneration of cities: their inclusive and sustainable design is
crucial for creating equitable and climate-resilient urban environments. This paper presents the results of an
applied research project that involved case studies in three cities on three continents - Dhaka, Maputo, and
Santo Domingo – where the team of superwien, in partnership with local academic partners, developed
designs for public spaces using an integrated approach. The participatory design process was implemented
during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 and 2022 through academic urban living labs in our
partner cities. Urban strategies and design solutions for the regeneration of public space were co-created with
local communities through a moderated, innovative planning and design process. Additionally,
accompanying research was conducted to explore the need for integrated planning approaches in urban
regeneration that address multi-sectoral challenges. This approach aimed to ensure that the resulting
proposals were holistic and responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the local communities and
urban environments in which they were implemented.
The case studies encompassed a range of sites reflecting diverse urban contexts: the urban lake of
Shahjahanpur Jheel in Dhaka that had deteriorated into a dump site, central public spaces in informal
neighbourhoods surrounding the historic centre of Maputo, and a central expressway in Santo Domingo. In
intensive dialogue with the local populations, their needs and aspirations for these places were identified. Co-
creation opportunities and place-making events empowered residents and local entrepreneurs to take an
active role in the transformation of their neighbourhoods. Established participation tools were adapted to
each local context and new techniques were developed for specific user groups. Additionally, young
professionals were included in the design process through cooperation with local universities. Academic
partnerships and the cooperation with local city administrations also supported capacity building and
knowledge exchange. The results of the process included integrated urban strategies, urban designs, and
architectural solutions, completed by cost estimates for implementation.
During the transnational work process, we identified seven overarching challenges that need to be addressed
to transform public spaces with an integrated approach: inclusive mobility, housing, climate change
adaptation, local economy, governance, as well as gender-sensitive and participatory planning. Considering
these aspects in their specific local contexts supports the creation of lively public spaces for the development
of inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. This paper presents how the challenges were identified and
addressed through the applied research approach for the design of public spaces in Dhaka, Maputo and Santo
Domingo
Co-Creating Inclusive Public Spaces: Engaging Underrepresented and Marginalized Communities in the Planning Process
Get PDFDemographic data show that life expectancy is increasing, due to medical developments, higher living
standards, healthier diets, etc. But longer life expectancy also means a higher proportion of the elderly
population with various functional handicaps. The concept of functionally disabled people is broad and can
include persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, young children and anyone who is
permanently or temporarily handicapped in some way. This paper reviews the academic research in the field
of architecture in relation to the accessibility of public spaces for persons with disabilities, with a focus on
co-creation and community engagement.
For all people, independent movement and mobility are essential. A requirement for ensuring the
independent movement of persons with disabilities and their integration into society is the physical
accessibility of urban areas and buildings. The technical foundations for accessibility design have been
established by universal design's principles and guidelines, but they still require aesthetic value to be added.
Allowing disabled people access to public spaces increases their visibility, which strengthens their sense of
independence and autonomy and promotes a more positive perception of society. Persons with disabilities
are less stigmatized as a result of their inclusion in society, and the general public and professionals are more
aware of the need to modify environments and services so that everyone can use them. Inclusion of persons
with disabilities in society leads to destigmatization and increased awareness among professionals and the
general public about the importance of adapting the environment and services so that all users can use them
on equal terms.
However, more than technical solutions are required to achieve accessibility and inclusion. Co-creation and
community involvement are essential components of creating accessible and inclusive public places. Co-
creation is a design approach that involves end users and designers working together to jointly develop
solutions that are tailored to their needs (Prahalad & Ramaswamy, 2004). Community participation means
actively integrating people of the community in the design and planning processes, particularly those who
are underrepresented or marginalized, to ensure that their viewpoints are taken into consideration.
Architects frequently associate disability with accessibility and compliance with spatial legislation, but they
overlook the social aspect of disability and the added value it can bring. Individuals with sensory and
physical limitations view spaces differently, giving them a distinct perspective on and experience with the
built world. By incorporating underrepresented and marginalized people in the design process, architects can
acquire a more diversified perspective on accessibility and inclusivity, leading to more effective and
meaningful design solutions.
This paper proceeds by saying that community involvement and co-creation are critical for developing
inclusive and accessible public spaces. To accomplish accessibility and inclusion, more than simply
technological improvements are required; a societal and cultural shift in favour of respecting diversity and
strengthening underrepresented and marginalised people is also required. Involving persons with disabilities
in the design and planning process may result in a more inclusive and equitable society
Urban Morphology vs. Social Cohesion: a Study of Two Neighbourhoods in New Borg Al-Arab City, Egypt
Get PDFPhysically and socially, cities are tied together through neighbourhoods that make up their urban fabric. This
research hypothesizes that the levels of Social Cohesion in a specific neighbourhood will differ based on the
Neighbourhood’s Physical Characteristics. This aspect is crucial for politicians responsible for new urban
communities in Egypt. The main contribution of this research is to propose and test a model for comparing
the levels of Social cohesion in various neighbourhoods. This is done through mixed research methods
ranging from a qualitative stage including the literature review of the main neighbourhood design
characteristics and social cohesion domains to a quantitative stage including statistical analysis for two
neighbourhoods in New Borg Al-Arab City that differ from each other in their Morphological pattern. The
data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS
V26). Regarding the investigation of the main variables, this research concluded that there are significant
differences in neighbourhood morphology between the two neighbourhoods, while there were no significant
differences in social cohesion between the two neighbourhoods. And this result differs when investigating
the subdimensions of the model, where there are significant differences in the levels of some of the
subdimensions of Social Cohesion between the two neighbourhoods
Land l(i)eben – künftig alles smart? Chancen und Herausforderungen der digitalen Transformation für regionale Entwicklung am Beispiel des Landkreises Kusel
Get PDFDie Digitalisierung ist einer der globalen Megatrends des laufenden Jahrhunderts. Deutschland hat im
europäischen Vergleich einen großen Nachholbedarf hinsichtlich der Digitalisierung des öffentlichen
Sektors, der Wirtschaft und der Gesellschaft. Im Jahr 2022 lag der Digitalisierungsgrad in Deutschland laut
DESI-Index bei 52,88 und damit knapp über dem EU-Durchschnitt von 52,28. Führende Länder wie
Finnland oder Dänemark sind mit Werten von fast 70 weit voraus1. Nicht zuletzt aus diesem Grund fördert
das Bundes-ministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bau (BMWSB) sog. "Modellprojekte Smart
Cities (MPSC)". Gefördert werden kommunale, interdisziplinäre, räumliche Smart-City-Strategien und deren
Umsetzung sowie die notwendigen Kapazitäten in den Kommunen. Die Kommunen werden dabei
unterstützt, sich auf die digitale Transformation einzustellen und die damit verbundenen Chancen zu nutzen.
Der größte Anteil der geförderten "Smart Cities" sind Groß- und Mittelstädte. "Smart Regions" in Form von
interkommunalen Verbünden oder Landkreisen, die in ländlichen Regionen liegen, werden von dem
Förderprogramm kaum erfasst. Dabei kann gerade für Kommunen in ländlichen Regionen die Digitalisierung
ein wichtiger Ansatzpunkt zur Verbesserung der Lebensqualität sein.2 Dennoch ist die Digitalisierung im
ländlichen Raum mit anderen Herausforderungen verbunden als in Städten: Neben der nach wie vor
bestehenden Herausforderung der Verfügbarkeit von leistungsfähigen Internetzugängen im ländlichen Raum,
stellen die begrenzten Kapazitäten bzw. die Fragmentierung der öffentlichen Verwaltungen und eine im
Vergleich zur städtischen Bevölkerung verbreitete skeptischere Haltung der Bevölkerung gegenüber
digitalen Angeboten weitere Herausforderungen im ländlichen Raum dar.
Der vorliegende Beitrag konzentriert sich daher auf die bisherigen Fortschritte des Landkreises Kusel als
eines der wenigen ausgewählten Modellprojekte für eine Smart Region im Rahmen des Programms. Mit nur
69.949 Einwohnerinnen und Einwohnern ist er einer der kleinsten und mit 122 Einwohnerinnen und
Einwohnern pro km² auch einer der am dünnsten besiedelten Landkreise in Deutschland. Mit seinen 98
Ortsgemeinden ist er sehr ländlich geprägt, in den meisten Ortsgemeinden leben weniger als 500
Einwohner.3 Mit der Teilnahme am Förderprogramm verfolgt der Landkreis Kusel das Ziel, durch die
Digitalisierung eine positive und nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Region zum Wohle der dort lebenden und
arbeitenden Menschen zu bewirken. Das Förderprogramm gliedert sich in zwei Phasen: die Strategie- und
die Umsetzungsphase, wobei sich Kusel derzeit in der Übergangsphase zwischen beiden Phasen befindet.Die
Digitalisierung soll in mehrfacher Hinsicht genutzt werden: (1) zur Digitalisierung der Beteiligung aller
relevanten Akteurinnen und Akteuren und der Bevölkerung am Strategie-entwicklungsprozess, (2) zur
laufenden Kommunikation und zum Austausch über Vorhaben und Projekte der öffentlichen Hand mit
Akteurinnen, Akteuren, Bürgerinnen und Bürgern, (3) zur Verbesserung der Verfügbarkeit, der Erfassung,
des Austauschs und der Visualisierung von Daten in der öffentlichen Verwaltung, (4) zur Vereinfachung des
Verwaltungshandelns und (5) zur Digitalisierung von Dienstleistungen zur Sicherung der Daseinsvorsorge
FTN – Frequent Transit Network: Transit Strategies towards Achieving Transit-Oriented Development in Alexandria City, Egypt
Get PDFLand use policy and transport policy are normally integrated through transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies. (TOD) is a "mixed-use community”, that encourages people to live near transit services and to decrease dependence on their driving. Instead of requiring riders to consult a timetable or wait for extended periods of time, transit service is most appealing when it is frequent enough that riders can arrive at a stop knowing that a bus or train will arrive soon. Frequent Transit Networks (FTNs) aim to deliver services in high-demand areas in a convenient, connected, and memorable. (FTNs) are intended to serve the locations that the majority of people want to visit most frequently and to make service convenient by operating at least every 15 minutes from early morning until at least mid-afternoon. This paper discusses, evaluates, and looks into the possibility of implementing TOD and FTNs in Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria is experiencing a sharp increase in transport demand as a result of its rapid urbanisation. With the narrow streets and limited spaces the rapid urbanisation process has led to a significant increase in traffic volume. This paper adopts the Frequent Transit Network (FTNs) strategies in identifying corridors linking the city’s urban centers and the nodes where these corridors intersect. The main purpose is to direct growth , development and to create a proposal for a “System Backbone” that provides a structure for other services. Expected findings from this study is to perform a framework that identify potential (FTN) solutions for the city. It also proposes a “Key Corridor Network” for the bus routes and light rail transit, emphasising corridors in which combined transport services could provide a more efficient operation of the city’s public transport
Pathways to Urban Parks Functionality Enhancement: Lessons from Gugu Dlamini Park
Get PDFUrban parks are a crucial component of the city fabric but their intended use is overlooked by informalities and activities that distort the user’s positive experience. South Africa has been investing massively in urban parks to improve the fabric of cities. However, the approaches to enhancing the functionality of urban parks have not yet been studied and documented convincingly, particularly in most urban areas. Consequently, this paper highlights the pathways to enhance the effective use of urban parks, specifically focusing on Gugu Dlamini Park, eThekwini Municipality. The study adopted a case study research design and applied a qualitative approach to gather relevant data on the current use of urban parks. Specifically, data was collected using geo-spatial mapping, in-depth interviews, and observation schedules. The paper reveals that the elements such as safety and placement affect park users, mainly due to poor management and enforcement. The paper recommends the incorporation of urban parks within government and municipal strategic goals. There is also a need to integrate informal trading into formal spaces in urban parks. In conclusion, the paper recommends that to achieve effective utilization of urban parks they must be inclusive and vibrant. The enhancement of urban park functionality fits well into the broader phenomena of the current use of parks in urban areas