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Metropolitan Peripheries as New Urban Landscapes. Designing a Co-Creative Toolbox for the Integrated Development of the Vienna City Region
Get PDFContemporary processes of structural change, such as growing regional disparities as well as pressing challenges of social and climatic change, permeate and shape many metropolitan areas worldwide. Moreover, in the face of continuous population growth and limited spatial resources, many cities have grown beyond their administrative borders, pointing to strong rural-urban interdependencies as well as necessary cross-border cooperation. With big cities as the dominant urban core, it is often the peri-urban municipalities of urban regions that have to deal with the consequences of extensive urban sprawl and lacking public transportation infrastructure. As the ongoing urbanisation trend transforms cities, towns and villages into fragmented hybrid urban landscapes, where the use of conventional planning instruments quickly reaches its limits, integrated and multidimensional development strategies for metropolitan areas are needed. The case study of the Vienna city region not only illustrates the negative effects of uncoordinated spatial planning that stops at administrative borders, but also shows alternative future-oriented development potentials.
The development of future visions for metropolitan areas and the moderation of complex regional planning and design processes are some of the many services provided by the MetroLab. Building on the case study of the SuperWien Metropole – a vivid vision for the greater Vienna region stretching from Vienna and Wiener Neustadt to Bratislava – the transnational and interdisciplinary team succeeded in initiating a discussion on metropolitan planning by means of innovative tools and approaches. The profound analysis and provocative-artistic visualisation of the spatial-functional development of this agglomeration as well as the launched International Dialoge on Metropolitan Planning are essential components of a comprehensive co-creative toolbox specifically designed to discuss and tackle challenges of cross-border spatial development. Taking up the approach of translocal learning and drawing on international examples and the fruitful knowledge exchange between international and local experts, the first two MetroLab Forums have shown that settlement and mobility development must be thought of together more strongly than has been done so far. Sprawling peripheral concurbations and, in particular, their residents are thus included in further case study processing to reimagine and reshape development opportunities by translating metropolitan visions and strategies into local actions. The project aims to not only strengthen sustainable intra-regional growth by focussing on the multi-level and cross-border development of those new hybrid urban landscapes located at what is usually referred to as periphery, but also to explore the interplay between comprehensive strategy development on a metropolitan scale and the identification of place-based solutions on a local scale. Finally, this implies drawing further conclusions in terms of integrated multilevel governance considering horizontal networking as well as vertical connectivity as essential strategic levels.
Keywords: urban growth, sprawl, co-creation, cross-border development, dialogue-oriented planning and design, planning tools, metropolitan strategies, place-based solution
Raumansprüche für E-Ladeinfrastruktur im öffentlichen Raum dichtbebauter Stadtquartiere
Get PDFAuch zukünftig wird Personen-Autoverkehr ein Teil der urbanen Mobilität bleiben. Abhängig vom Fahrzweck, Fahrziel, Zeit und anderen Rahmenbedingungen kann es das sinnvollste Verkehrsmittel sein. Autoverkehr sollte allerdings klimaneutral und ressourceneffizient abgewickelt werden. E-Mobilität ist derzeit und in naher Zukunft das Energiekonzept, auf das gesetzt werden muss, um mittelfristig umwelt- und klimarelevante Wirkungen zu erzielen. Die Herausforderung besteht darin, die Infrastruktur an dieses Energiekonzept anzupassen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse einer Untersuchung des Raumbedarfs im Rahmen des Forschungprojekts FEMcharge vorgestellt. Zur Ermittung des Raumbedarfs wurden über 970 Parkvorgänge beobachtet und nach unterschieldichen Merkmalen ausgewertet um den Flächenbedarf in Abhängigkeit des Fahrzwecks ermitteln zu können. Als Hinweis auf den Fahrzeweck werden die Anzahl von Begleitpersonen und/oder die Anzahl und Größe von mitgeführten Gegenständen herangezogen. Abschließend werden die Häufigkeiten der Nutzung des Fahrzeugumfeldes ausgewertet und so der Raumbedarf abgeleitet um daraus Grundlagen für die Ermittlung der Abmessungen zu generieren
alBOX: White Label Parcel Lockers as Sustainable Solution for Last Mile Delivery
Get PDFOnline commerce is an expanding and therefore challenging market. Due to its complexity, innovative solutions are required to guarantee a resource-saving supply quality with flexible goods and services in urban and rural areas. The challenges lie in developing an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable receiving and shipping system that offers the possibility of directly involving the local economy and strengthening locations overall. In particular, overcoming the last-mile in parcel delivery by courier express parcel services (CEP services) is associated with numerous problems.
Based on these logistical-organisational problems and challenges, vendor-independent (“white-label”) parcel lockers were developed within the alBOX research project framework. Therefore, a pilot operation of white- label parcel systems in two target areas with different settlement structures (rural community of Kaumberg in Lower Austria and Vienna’s 5th district Margareten) was implemented for twelve months. The implementation of the white-label parcel lockers system was accompanied by conducting a mixed methods research which uses quantitative data (e.g. average package sizes, frequency of orders, usage times etc.) as well as qualitative data (e.g. user experience, operability etc.) to test, analyse and evaluate this innovative service.
In this paper, the project’s results are linked to delivery and distribution logistics’ challenges to explain white-label parcel lockers’ contribution to ensure a nationwide, innovative and demand-oriented (local) supply structure for spatially scalable and flexible flows of goods, information and services. For this purpose, supply-related, social, economic, and ecologically and environmentally relevant objectives were considered. The focus is on the results that describe the delivery situation from the recipients' perspective and their usage behaviour. It is discussed to what extent the parcel lockers as the first delivery address influence the delivery situation in the target areas of the pilot operation
Can Gamification be Used for Spatial Energy Data Collection? Experiences Gained from the Development of the HotCity Game to Collect Urban Waste Heat Sources
Get PDFAvailability of reliable data is one of the most important elements for fact-based decisions. Urban planning and spatial energy planning often suffers from a lack of availability of good, validated and up-to-date data sets. Furthermore, integrated spatial and energy planning needs to incorporate new spatially distributed energy sources and understand how these sources can be used in the future to meet climate protection targets. These new energy sources can be, for example, waste heat from industrial food production, local industrial/commercial enterprises, data centers, or urban infrastructure such as tunnels and metro stations. The utilization of such waste heat sources in heating networks has been demonstrated several times, however, their proper identification in an urban environment can be challenging, especially for smaller and unconventional sources (Schmidt, 2020).
Gamification as an innovative way to collect the needed data was investigated within a national funded research project called “HotCity”. Gamification builds on the use of game mechanics in contexts that are, by nature, unrelated to the game (Deterding, 2011). Within the project the HotCity-App was developed enabling users to spatially report and evaluate different sources of waste heat. The gamification of data collection was also intended to raise awareness of waste heat and energy use on the one hand, and to facilitate the collection of data from small energy sources on the other. For the first time, the game framework is secured using a blockchain and mapped by means of a token system. The HotCity-App was tested in the Austrian cities Vienna and Graz as a proof of concept to analyse if and how the gamification approach can deliver valid results.
The HotCity-App, the game, makes it possible to identify and georeference also smaller sources of waste heat in order to use the available energy. Two test runs were each conducted in Graz and Vienna, which provided helpful feedback from the testers regarding promising features as well as showed barriers reducing the success of this data collection approach. An interactive web-application for the data collected with the HotCity-Appwas further developed to visualize the reported potential waste heat sources and to interactively evaluate the economic feasibility of using the waste heat sources under different frame conditions.
The paper will elaborate the game development, discuss the gamification approach and the lessons learned during the proof of concept project. We will further give an outlook of additional data types for integrated urban energy planning, which could be collected by this approach
Cycle4Value: a Token-based Incentive System to Promote Cycling
Get PDFDespite various measures to promote cycling, the overall proportion of journeys taken by bike in Austria has improved only slightly in recent years. As part of its mobility strategy, the Austrian Federal Government has set itself the target of doubling the proportion of journeys taken by bike in in 7 years. To this end, motivational or behavioural approaches should be preferred to costly infrastructural measures. In this context mobile apps for tracking but also for monetising users’ own data – as a technological manifestation of the "quantified self" – are developing rapidly. Sweepstakes and even performance-related rewards are booming in many areas. At the same time, however, there is increasing awareness of data protection in Europe. In this respect, blockchain technology has great potential for handling user data due to its decentralisation, transparency and security (Buhl et al., 2017). Applications on the blockchain are disruptive innovators for a wide range of applications, from transaction processing to land register entries to logistics chains. In all these, data can be stored using decentralised, unforgeable blockchain records (Hopf & Picot, 2017). Applying such innovative measures can also support cycling promotion with all its associated benefits in reduced emissions, positive health effects and reduced infrastructural costs.
The solution envisaged in the project reward cyclists for regular cycling with so-called "Cycle Tokens". The key technologies – machine learning and blockchain – present an innovative solution for the validation of routing data and transaction processing. As proof of concept, it is tested whether and how a safe and transparent process of value generation for regular cycling can be created via a utility token, to translate the macroeconomic effects of cycling into value units
Effectiveness of In Situ Upgrading in Improving the Quality of Life of Beneficiaries Living in Informal Settlements in South Africa
Get PDFInformal settlements have been a recurring problem in South Africa and it is undeniable that eradication of informal settlements is a goal difficult to achieve. However, the fundamental problem is not the mere existence of informal settlements but, the poor quality of life the residents are subjected to. Since 2004, South Africa has embarked on a journey to improve the quality of life of informal settlement dwellers through the implementation of Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme (UISP). Not only did the state recognise that upgrading informal settlements can be a viable solution to the housing backlog but also acknowledged that housing strategies that relocate the poor have a significant impact on the livelihoods of the urban poor. Thus, UISP is set to achieve effective informal settlement upgrading through ensuring minimal disruption to livelihoods, encourage community empowerment and community participation. The paper presents results of a study conducted on the implemented UISP in Slovo Park informal settlement. The study is conducted using a qualitative approach which entails in-depth interviews with ten residents of Slovo Park and two City of Johannesburg officials on the possible impact UISP has on improving quality of life. This paper reveals how effective is UISP in ensuring land tenure security for the urban poor. Furthermore, the paper highlight factors that hinders the effectiveness of UISP. Results from this paper can be used to monitor and review the outcomes of in situ upgrading by highlighting the shortcomings in the planning and implementation process. In addition, findings from this study could assist the National Department of Human Settlements in achieving successful in situ upgrading by improving the UISP process using recommendations provided
A Framework for an Effective Public Participation Process in the Urban Development of City Centers – the Case of Alexandria, Egypt
Get PDFIn the past half-century, researchers started paying attention to enhancing the performance of urban spaces. Their perception of performance comprised urban climate changes, space synthesis, economic performance, and enhancing the quality of life in spaces. However, it has been agreed that Good Governance(GG) is the key to achieving any of the previously mentioned enhancement projects. Good Governance(GG) pillars ensures the participation of the public.
Public participation is a cornerstone in any planning process. Nevertheless, the way in which the participation practices are accomplished guarantees its effectiveness as a planning tool. In these regards, Good Governance (GG) stands as a keyword. Having good governance allows citizens to participate freely in development projects, ensuring the deep fulfillment of users’ needs, and the efficient use of city resources and assets.
This paper proposes a framework for effective public participation based on Good Governance (GG) understandings. Considering the implementation challenges in different conditions, it focuses on the third world countries and Egypt in particular. It identifies the keys to a successful participation process by correlating effective participation practices to the levels of participation, types of stakeholders, the stages of urban development, the city systems, and the participation process. Finally, this paper validates the proposed framework by analyzing the Elkhaledin garden re-development project, one of the city center revitalization projects in the city of Alexandria, Egypt
Rethinking Planning and Spatial Assessment from a Care Perspective
Get PDFThe implementation of the New Urban Agenda in most cases focuses on one of the UN Strategic Development Goals (SDG2030), for example either on 5) Gender Equality or 11) Sustainable Cities & Communities. Nonetheless, a considerable body of knowledge exists [see references] that brings together gender and sustainability, and explains how strategies to achieve Gender Equality and Urban resilience can enhance each other. The empirical studies underlaying these insights demonstrate that implementation requires a radical transformation of planning processes and methodologies towards collaborative planning cultures and residents’ involvement. While direct dialogue needs to have a structural place in planning, in practice, it is difficult to include residents in all steps of the planning process, particularly preparing structural development plans on a larger scale. Moreover, there are parts of planning processes that can, and should, be done by professionals, such as preparatory analyses and making synergies of local data and conditions.
In this contribution, we argue that this needs to be done with an understanding of gender-inequalities because gender-blindness will lead to reproducing gender stereotypes, and re-inforce the existing inequalities in its wake. However, gender competences are often not part of planning and urbanism curricula, and few planners have the necessary knowledge and skills to transfer knowledge from genderstudies into planning decisions. In this paper we argue for an approach that puts ‚care‘ in the heart of planning and studies its implications at different scale-levels. Our approach is based on the Austrian pilot project “Smart through Gender+” and builds on two decades of research and exchange amongst European Gender Planning Experts
Innovative Initiatives Usage to Improve Efficiency in the City of Johannesburg Public Transportation
Get PDFPast spatial planning practices have left developing cities such as the City of Johannesburg with sprawling low-density areas of settlement, lacking viable public transport systems. The majority of marginalized citizens in South Africa are still living on the fringes of the cities, commuting daily, often at considerable cost, long distances to access work and economic opportunities. As such, it is very critical in developing cities to trace the existing spatial patterns, economic distribution, and the envisaged mobility innovations. Thus, the aim of the paper is to explore innovative initiatives to meet the envisioned mobility network through the Spatial Development Framework, 2040 and proposed corridors of Freedoms as mobility spines from a high-level perspective within the City of Johannesburg. A mixed-method approach was used which consisted of an exploratory research design that involves an empirical enquiry using spatial and qualitative methods of data. The results reveal that the City of Johannesburg has identified key public transport corridors, consolidating growth and development opportunities around existing and future public transport nodes. The location and concentration of jobs opportunities does not match that of where people live. This job-housing mismatch significantly contributes to inequality in the city as for many residents’ access to economic opportunities is stifled by costly and distant commuting. There are also two major spatial discontinuities in the city structure that are barriers to opportunity. In interpreting the current city structure morphology, the city displays a unique structure of inverted polycentricity, inherited largely form its complex history. In conclusion, the envisioned mobility networks of the city have the potential to link citizens to mixed-use development nodes with high density accommodation supported by office buildings, retail development and opportunities for education and recreation. This will give rise to a people-centred city, where communities’ needs, their safety, comfort, and economic well-being are placed at the core of planning and delivery processes
Sustainable Development in The Healthcare Enterprises Management Through BIM And FM Interaction Based on a Holistic Aspect Structure
Get PDFSustainability stands out as a widespread topic that cannot be neglected in the field of the healthcare management. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can potentially act on every aspect of the enterprise. This can lead to the feasibility of BIM programs to implement the criteria of facility management (FM) in the real estate sector. The progression of sustainable management measures in healthcare industry requires effective, clear and integrated interaction systems in a holistic organizational aspect structure during the entire building life cycle. BIM implementation in the life cycle of a building project incorporates and merges precise and reliable data for building management and offers outstanding business value in the operating period. Hence, digital interaction paradigm for all types of documents and properties through all building phases is a necessity that leads to life cycle BIM based on FM. This concept is called enterprise BIM (EBIM) that is targeted to focus on integration, information exchange and openness across the core business structures. This paper is aimed to discuss the potential of BIM and FM interaction in EBIM systems that can lead to a sustainable approach in the healthcare enterprises management. In this regard, the literature review/case study discussion as a methodology for conducting research is chosen. This can be an overview of the different types of reviews of BIM, FM and EBIM, as well as some guidelines for how to perform and evaluate. Collaboration and interactivity are the most important factors in a sustainable system. EBIM by having the ability and potential to access of all stakeholders, users and operational organizations to the virtual building in all phases of the enterprise activities will have a major impact on the quality, knowledge transfer and user interaction and it allows owners to make unique decisions about the optimal and efficient use of building stock