1,720,962 research outputs found
REPAiR: REsource Management in Peri-urban AReas: Going Beyond Urban Metabolism: D3.2 Socio-cultural/socio-economic and company-related investigations for pilot cases
No full textTask 3.3 of the REPAiR project is dealing with the linkages between socio-cultural and socio-moral features and social sensitiveness and awareness about general environmental issues, and particularly about waste and resource management. The basic assumption is that the different agents’ understandings and behaviors related to ecological sustainability and more specific natural environmental aspects are deeply embedded into certain, collectively accepted, respected and followed social values, norms, rules, conventions, customs and attitudes. Accordingly, these social patterns influence the agents’ way of thinking (perceptions and interpretations, i.e. concepts) and way of doing things (i.e. praxes) about environmental challenges. It is important to note that ‘agent’ in this research refers to both involved stakeholders (decision-makers, experts, experience-holders, etc.) and any member of the general population, therefore, the aforementioned hypothesis is assumed to be true regarding to expert and lay knowledge-holders as well.To analyse this fundamental question and presumption, the research is focusing on four different tasks. Firstly, there is a theoretical phase that, based on certain value-concepts, aims to provide an explanatory framework for the general assumption. Secondly, Task 3.3 is dealing with a multi-phased comprehensive secondary socio-cultural analysis (SSCA) to investigate empirically the proposed theoretical linkages. Thirdly, the research provides a primer empirical analysis (PSCA) about the perceptions of different stakeholders on the relevancy of various factors and social, cultural and moral features for waste and resource management. Finally, a socio-economic analysis (SEA) aims to map out crucial aspects about each case study areas. Task 3.3 has a multilevel scope: the secondary socio-cultural inquiries are focusing on national level specificities, while the primer socio-cultural stage of the research and the socio-economic investigation is done on local (focus area) level.Final Version This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 688920.Environmental Technology and Desig
REPAiR: REsource Management in Peri-urban AReas: Going Beyond Urban Metabolism: D8.2 Communication Handbook
No full textCommunication Handbook aims to define common principles of internalcommunication throughout project lifetime ( 48 months). I t i s assumed to be a living document and can be updated as required throughout the project.REPAiR assumes the following types of communication to take place in the course of project: internal and external. Internal communication is anticipated to occur atorganizational, WP team and consortium levels. Such communication will be conducted with the means of standardized communication tools in form of definedcommunication channels. The second type of communication comprises externalcommunication with target groups of end users by implementing assumed means of dissemination. Both internal and external communication are expected to engage direct and indirect means of communication.Version 3 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 688920.Environmental Technology and Desig
REPAiR: REsource Management in Peri-urban AReas: Going Beyond Urban Metabolism: D8.5 Project website
No full textThis report describes the design of the REPAiR website: www.h2020repair.eu.The website is above all intended to provide a principal channel for dissemination and exploitation thus tailored for the purpose of external communication. The project website contains principal information about the project, its objectives, publishable results, list of partners and events, and copies of public deliverables and any documents that are declared as public by the consortium. Website contains subscription for newsletter as well as links to REPAiR’s profile on easily accessible commonly known and recognised social networking sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Research Gate and Academia.edu).The website is set up and administered by the IGiPZ.Version 1.2 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 688920.Environmental Technology and Desig
Territories-in-between: A Cross-case Comparison of Dispersed Urban Development in Europe
No full textAn increasing body of literature suggests that the conventional idea of a gradual transition in spatial structure from urban to rural does not reflect contemporary patterns of urban development and their potential for sustainable development. The research introduces the concept of territories-in-between (TiB) to address the issues surrounding the sustainability of dispersed urban development. A cross-case comparison research design was chosen to develop methods and principles that can be transferred to other geographical contexts. Ten cases in five countries were studied with the aim to answer the following questions:What spatial structures characterise dispersed urban areas in Europe? Which morphological and functional structures of dispersed urban areas offer the potential for more sustainable development? If so, how can this potential be mapped and measured to inform regional planning and design? Are there similarities and dissimilarities concerning potentials of dispersed urban areas in different locations, planning cultures, topographies and histories? Do dispersed urban areas have distinct characteristics? In sum, the findings show that dispersed urban areas in Europe are quite distinct from urban and rural areas and that they share characteristics from one place to another. The research investigated three aspects of sustainable spatial development, the potential of multi-functionality, the provision of ecosystem services and the presence and potential for mixed-use.A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment No 2 (2020)Environmental Technology and Desig
From Degradation to Regeneration: Revitalizing the socio-ecological agricultural landscapes of North-West European Lowlands
No full textThe current food production and distribution system has led to extensive degradation on both the global and local scale, requiring a transformation of the vast, urbanized rural - beyond just climate-change mitigation but radical regeneration. The ongoing intensive agricultural practices have contaminated air, soil, and water, while their market- driven character disallows the emergence of locality and circularity, exploiting workers and small-scale farmers, and disrupting the social welfare of the countryside. This system is analysed through the lenses of ecology, economy, and society, highlighting the problematic character of the Lowlands of North-West Europe, due to the immense sprawl of degenerative agriculture practices, as well as the small and fragmented network of ecosystem-valuable spaces. Following the most urgent climate-change scenario from the IPCC report, we will attempt the transition from a degenerative system towards a regenerative one, based on the pillars of ecosystem restoration, ensuring food security through sustainable means, and the shift towards regenerative agriculture practices. Concerns about spatial justice permeate all pillars horizontally, to ensure the socio- spatial regeneration of the countryside. To transition towards our vision, the strategy is approached through a series of interconnected key projects. The formation of a pan-European network of tree nurseries ensures the necessary capital of seedlings for reforestation and agroforestry practices, while a trans-border policy zone can integrate conservation and agriculture, enhancing the connectivity between ecosystems. The greenhouse zone of Westland is experimented upon, aiming towards the development of a replicable model of sustainably intensive food production model. These strategic interventions are underlined by a policy framework, stressing the liveability of the Lowlands for all rural dwellers, farmers, and workers, through access to services, education, and housing. Through this experimentation we hope to have highlighted that the examination of the countryside needs to be intrinsically tied to any effort of envisioning a future of climate- change mitigation and socio-ecological regeneration. AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
Fantastic Plastic: Transitioning towards an inclusive and circular plastic economy
No full textThe Earth is currently coping with global warming as a result of human behaviour. One of the causes is plastic, namely not only the production and transportation of plastic, but also the spillage is extremely damaging for the environment. Some awareness has already been raised and some actions have been taken but this is not enough to turn the tide, a change in the plastic chain is needed. Therefore, the following research question was raised: How can regional planning and design stimulate circularity throughout the plastic network in Zuid-Holland? Fantastic Plastic is a project that articulates a framework for this sustainable future with plastics. We relied on an integrated framework that combines spatial interventions with circularity and the plastic network. VisionWe envision that by 2050, the way we use plastics within the province of South-Holland has changed drastically. The plastics industry, which is primarily linear at the moment, will shift to a circular model. The province will no longer rely on the import of non-renewable resources as raw materials for this industry, or rely on the export of excess plastic waste as an end of pipe solution - to plastic waste issues. Consumption has been limited to a minimum through socioeconomically fair and viable alternatives. End-of-pipe solutions shift to recycling and, perhaps, composting - diminishing the environmental impacts and closing the loop of the plastic cycle. In thirty years, the circular model will entail fair and viable solutions throughout the plastic lifecycle. Strategy This report identified four different spatial interventions that are crucial for making the plastic chain circulair, namely: The HUB centre, the HUB industry, the Park and the Port. These spatial interventions coexist and are integrated in people's daily life. They keep plastic flows at the lowest scale possible and make people actively interact with plastic on different levels. These interventions can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future so that in 2050 plastic is transformed into Fantastic Plastic.AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisAR2U088 R&D Methodology for UrbanismArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
A Hard Transformation: Transforming Hard Infrastructure to create a sustainable future through the use of green, connected and smart solutions
No full textHumans are consuming resources at a rate that the natural world can not sustain. Nations around the world are grappling with large amounts of possible interventions that can stop or at least delay the battle against environmental degradation. While we may not notice it, hard infrastructure (energy, transportation, water management and communications), have a outsized effect on the negative impact that humans have on the natural environment. It is a representation of the backbone of modern society that can both enable, and disable, our ability to transition to a more sustainable future. Directly linked to this our loss of connection with nature. Infrastructure is a critical piece of the puzzle that is the creating of a sustainable future. Thats why this project will focus on using hard infrastructure to enable us to live within the planetary boundaries in the context of South Holland in the Netherlands. An inventory of the existing infrastructure network is completed to understand the scope of the problem. Subsequently, a literature review, analysis of similar case studies and industry research was completed to understand potential solutions. Then, using the existing natural structure as a backbone, a series of green, connected and smart interventions are proposed. These interventions occur on provincial, municipal and local scales and work together to enable the human sphere and the ecosphere to exist in symbiosis. The following is a proposal on how to achieve a sustainable, innovative, just, accessible and resilient South Holland by the year 2060 through a reimagining of the hard infrastructure system. AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
Ports, Portscapes and Port Landscapes: The 100 year vision and strategy for circular and just spaces
No full textPortscapes are one of the most important hubs in the global economic system that facilitate the movement of goods and shape the socio-economic conditions of their surroundings. However, in times of climate change, they face unprec- edented challenges to completely transform their current ways of operating and fully reduce their contribution to a linear economy and socio-spatial injustice. These challenges go far beyond purely economic considerations and calls for a closer analysis of their current spatial impacts and system flows.Despite their significance, the spatial effects of Portscapes and their role in a shift towards sustainability and circularity is rarely the main focus of urban and regional design efforts. Drawing upon key theories such as circularity, decentralisation, socio-spatial justice, and sustainable land use, our approach involves a multidisciplinary analysis of ports and Portscapes in the Eurodelta portlandscape in North-Western Europe. Through analysis we have identified the different functioning of portscapes, the stakeholders they encompass and the spatial dynamics shaping ports, Portscapes and Port Landscapes.Our goal is to develop a strategy for the future of the European Portscape after a successful transition towards circular and just development to create a sustainable Eurodelta. This is achieved through a set of five objectives; integrating the ports, Portscapes and portlandscapes; increasing the resource efficiency of Portscapes; regenerating Portscapes for humans and nature; embracing technological innovation; facilitating a socially just transition.The spatial implications of these five objectives should not be neglected, and our strategy outlines what changes need to happen and when. In four Phases of spatial interventions and regulatory frameworks, we propose to build a just and truly circular Portscape, in harmony with the Eurodelta Port Landscape.This report holds key implications for both academia and practice, as further light is being shed on the spatial dynamics of Portscapes and potential transition pathways. By understanding the interplay of ports with their surrounding environments better, policymakers, urbanists and other related stakeholders can make informed decisions that promote sustainability and resilience. Ultimately, our efforts regarding the creation of more sustainable Portscapes contribute to broader (global) goals of addressing climate change, promoting socio-spatial justice and ensuring inclusive development.AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisAR2U088 R&D Methodology for UrbanismArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
Down To Earth: Regenerative soil as the solution for an innovative bio-based region to restore ecological systems.
No full text‘Down to Earth’ proposes regenerative soil as the foundation of an innovative bio-based region in South Holland, that connects society and economy on all scales while restoring ecological systems. Agricultural Practices that have heavily relied on tilling and the heavy use of chemical fertilizers has reduced the quality of the topsoil compromising both food security and the carbon sequestration capacity of the soil. Additionally, Industries along the port of Rotterdam that is heavily dependent on fossil fuel have polluted the land it is based on and emitted large amounts of carbon. The most powerful technology we have at hand to draw down this carbon load is healthy soil that can support plant life and micro-organisms naturally.The strategy proposed in this report focuses on retaining the economic prosperity of South Holland while remediating the soil that supports it. Based on an understanding of the current land uses in South Holland and the level of disruption it causes to the natural systems within the soil, the region has been abstracted into pixels. Each spatial type would have a specific intervention that focuses on keeping the soil in it open and alive.These interventions are further strengthened by creating links that support the exchange of biodegradable material and clean energy between stakeholders. This would serve as an additional economic incentive to support the pressing need to mitigate environmental damage. The guiding principles that make this transition possible include renewable energy generation, eco-sensitive development, nature-based solutions, valorization of biodegradable waste, and using policies to change consumer patterns and reformulate development trends. The proposal, along with the layers of soil data that support it is a case of why soil remediation through bio-based economic activity is vital to sustainable growth and a vision of what development within planetary boundaries would include.AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
The Fresh Rhine: A strategy for a clean and consistent water flow in a resilient Rhine River basin
No full textThe global water crisis could 'spiral out of control' due to overconsumption, pollution, and climate change. Building resilient freshwater systems is one of the most significant challenges in the face of climate change.The Rhine River basin is home to over 60 million people. It's a center for trade, industry, and food production. However, the region's complex ecosystem is currently under threat from direct and indirect consequences of human activity. The ecosystems and habitats are disappearing, and pollution is still present in the water due to untreated sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. The growing population and increasing industrial demand for water use are putting a significant strain on the freshwater flow and supply, while droughts and floods further exacerbate the issue. This has resulted in the depletion of the quality of freshwater, creating further environmental risks..The goal is to create an integrative and resilient Rhine River basin, with a special focus on the South Holland delta, which enhances the well-being of citizens, improves biodiversity, and ensures climate justice through the preservation of freshwater.To achieve this, our vision for the Fresh Rhine employs a range of theories and methods such as resilience, sustainability, and nature-based solutions. They are applied in four critical locations: Lake Constance as the main water reservoir of the system; the area around the city of Kaub, a "blocked artery" of the river, especially sensitive to droughts; the Ruhr area, the main industrial center and pollutor of the region; and finally - the South Holland delta, where all these different conditions come together and meet the sea, another big threat to freshwater. The strategy focuses on renaturing the shorelines, reintroducing wetlands, and creating networks of wetland biotopes, as well as employing innovative ways of water reuse in agriculture, industries, and cities.This will require collaboration between stakeholders, including government, private companies, civil society groups, and local communities. Ultimately, the project envisions a future where the Rhine River basin and the delta are leaders in sustainable water management, and a model for other regions facing similar challenges.The implications of our strategy can extend beyond just the Rhine River basin. We aim to provide a more integrative approach to regional strategies for freshwater management in rivers that span across borders. The outcome of this project can be built upon for other regions facing similar challenges and provide a roadmap for creating resilient freshwater systems.AR2U086 R&D Studio – Spatial Strategies for the Global MetropolisArchitecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanis
- …
