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Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2024) | Viewed by 19268

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Talia Margalit

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Guest Editor

Azrieli School of Architecture, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
Interests: urban planning; urban design; architecture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Urban Planning is crucial in advancing sustainable urban development, yet existing conventions are still leading to uneven and problematic plans in many locations. While progressive discourses highlight urban diversity, inclusion, democracy and green infrastructure, actual plans prioritize economic growth, and advance ad-hoc entrepreneurial projects that often compromise part, or all of these goals. Meanwhile, cities' futures and their capacity to accommodate diverse citizens are threatened by growing environmental risks, rising housing prices, and deepening inequalities.

Scholars criticized the depoliticized ways in which governments present threats as common to all, while limiting the scope of the change, and the debate, to the existing staus quo (Swynegedouw, 2010). Scholars also pointed at compromises to urban inclusion and democracy made by current “experts’ management of necessity” (Davidson and Iveson 2014, 4), and showed how these experts exclude alternative knowledge(s), perspectives and visions (Raco and Savini, 2019).

The goal of this special issue is to imagine such visions. We aim to conceive possible links between environmental and social solutions, and to provide new ideas for sustainable planning and architecture. Ideas will critically address previous visions, and relate to knowledge and ethics, democratic planning procedures, scales of intervention and participation, spatial plans and socio-spatial implications.

Davidson, M. and Iveson, K. (2014), Recovering the politics of the city: From the ‘post-political city’ to a ‘method of equality’ for critical urban geography, Progress in Human Geography, 39, 543–559.

Raco, M. and Savini, F. (Eds). (2019). Introduction, Conclusion, Planning and Knowledge: How New Forms of Technocracy Are Shaping Contemporary Cities. Policy Press, Bristol.

Swyngedouw, E. (2010). Apocalypse forever? Theory, culture & society, 27(2-3): 213-232.‏

Prof. Dr. Talia Margalit
Guest Editor

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Keywords

urban future
urban citizenship
urban groups
urban design
urban growth
urban inequality
green infrastructure
green architecture
environmental risk
social risk
social inclusion
social cohesion
sustainable neighborhoods
housing crises
housing affordability
democratic planning procedures
professional knowledge
local knowledge
professional ethics
planning visions
architectural visions
sustainable planning
sustainable architecture
right to the city

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 22145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Multidimensional Vulnerability Approach: A Triple Network Notion for Urban Cohesion in At-Risk Neighborhoods of Jaen’s Historic Center

by Juan L. Rivas-Navarro and Belén Bravo-Rodríguez

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4952; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124952 - 10 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 969

Abstract

Today’s cities need more than ever methodological devices that ensure a specific urbanism, in keeping with the complexity of relationships that occur in the urban space. Networks or systems of a diverse nature must be activated to achieve a certain success of the city, even more so in its fragile central fabric. This study is focused on the historic neighborhoods of the city of Jaén (Spain), which have a high vulnerability index. The aim is to establish a strategy to revitalize their urban and social capital and improve their articulation with the rest of the urban and territorial structure. A methodological proposal for the analysis of vulnerability factors and an urban and cartographic analysis of the public space is addressed through an interweaving of a triple network: environmental, social, and urban. For this purpose, the configuration of this overlapping network of analysis and the formulation of criteria is presented, which considers the urban multiplicity and promotes new dynamics for the integrated urban regeneration of the area and for the activation of public and collective urban spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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22 pages, 5209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development

by Agnieszka Jaszczak, Ewelina Pochodyła-Ducka and Rasa Pranskuniene

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4459; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114459 - 24 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1067

Abstract

The revitalisation of small towns is an attempt to find multi-directional solutions to numerous social, economic, and spatial problems. Properly planned and coordinated actions aimed at the renewal and countering of social exclusion through corrective interventions. Although there is a wealth of research on the significance of revitalisation projects in improving the quality of life for residents in large cities, there is a visible gap regarding the development of models based on the principles of “slow” and “liveability” in small towns. This article presents the results of observations regarding the actual conditions for the development of Cittaslow cities and the possibilities for development based on the assumptions outlined in the strategic documents of these cities, as well as the benefits resulting from projects implemented within the Supralocal Revitalisation Program (SLRP). The study initially identifies the main strategic assumptions and then analyses their connections with the revitalisation effects carried out within the SLRP. The analysis encompassed all projects aimed at solving social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian–Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). The research included an evaluation of the assumptions regarding the directions of development arising from the provisions in the strategic documents (first stage) and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts (second stage). The results indicate that the experts’ opinions differ partly from the project effects assumed in the documents. This applies primarily to the possibility of basing on the project results when formulating development models of the analysed Cittaslow towns. The results of these studies can serve as a basis for verifying the goals set in the SLRP, and based on them, for future projects and recommendations concerning the revitalisation of other Cittaslow cities in the region, as well as small towns in Europe and around the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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16 pages, 1456 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corridor Planning–Sustainable Planning?

by Željka Jurković and Danijela Lovoković

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15502; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115502 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1871

Abstract

Climate change and accelerated development that threaten the survival of humankind require an urgent review of planning approaches to achieve sustainable development, including transport systems, since the quantity of motorised traffic and GHG emissions is increasing yearly. Urban planning of post-industrial cities, the digital age, climate change—all this requires that urban planning is not only the planning of settlements where residents will meet their functional needs, but also for cities to be leaders in the fight against climate change. The question arises as to which planning approach is the most suitable for planning sustainable cities in the 21st century. After a literature review and research of the authors, urban corridor planning is suggested as one of the possible planning strategies. When planning new or revitalising existing intra-city corridors within urban areas, to take into account their spatial, environmental, social and economic sustainability is necessary. After an analysis, indicators of urban corridor planning were extracted, and the article highlights the advantages and priorities. The contribution of the article is in determining the ten basic principles of urban corridor planning. It is concluded that implementation of urban corridor planning principles in the planning of intra-city corridors achieves the result of urban sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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22 pages, 5117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linear Parks as Urban Commons—Considerations from Mexico City

by Simone Buratti and Leticia Merino-Pérez

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129542 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2639

Abstract

This article aims to understand, from the conceptual proposal of urban commons, the social processes of use and appropriation of infrastructures developed in the framework of urban sustainability policies in cities of the Global South. Specifically, it is part of the debate on the type of interventions needed to promote non-motorized mobility, based on a case study developed in the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca, the first linear park built in Mexico City, which is 59 km long and covers several areas of the city. The spaces, actors, and uses of the linear park were documented using a mixed methodology that included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and systematic image capture using a modification of the SOPARC system. Our fieldwork exposed substantial socioeconomic inequalities within areas intersecting the linear park, in conjunction with a pronounced imbalance of public funding dedicated to its maintenance and enhancement. Regardless of these disparities, we observed an array of diverse uses initiated by urban infrastructure users, adapting the space to cater to their individual requirements, interests, and endeavors. This variability plays a decisive role in shaping the public space management policies in several instances. Based on these results, we stress the necessity of fostering inclusive access to public spaces, as this is a crucial component of urban sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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13 pages, 2580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Transition without Change: A Paradox, a Misinterpretation, or a Renounce?

by Barbara Pizzo

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118770 - 29 May 2023

Viewed by 1566

Abstract

This paper highlights weaknesses and contradictions that emerge with the implementation of the “ecological transition” goal, ostensibly supported at all policy levels, looking at (1) how trans-national, European “Green Deal” post-crisis measures are translated at the urban scale; (2) which are the main obstacles to fulfill a substantial change, and (3) which is the actual role of planning. The paper provides examples from long-lasting research in Rome, Italy, framing them critically by combining planning theory and practice and political ecology perspectives, to show that: (1) the implementation of the “ecological transition” goal at the urban scale through direct and indirect interventions makes it impossible to unequivocally assess policy results; (2) to be actually realized, “ecological transition” asks to redefine priorities among the ever existing conflicting interests in the urban space, and to revise previous planning and policy choices, while a strong resistance emerges in overcoming the “business as usual” way of operating; (3) planning regulation is ambiguous since it is used in opposite ways (both as the source of the “certainty of the right”, and as the “flexible tool” for negotiations), with the only undeniable purpose to preserve the established, dominant interests, even when evidently conflicting with the declared public goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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29 pages, 2621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Hybrid Decision-Making Model for Promoting Sustainable Social Rental Housing

by Wei Jiang, Wentao Lu Qiu, Sheng-Hau Lin, Huiming Lv, Xiaofeng Zhao and Hao Cong

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086420 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2498

Abstract

The realization of sustainable social rental housing is regarded as an important policy to solve the housing burden, but social rental housing is often unsustainable. This study assesses the sustainability of social rental housing. However, the decision-making models, such as the classical decision-making hierarchy (AHP) used in the current study, conflict with the resolution of the complex influence of the relationship between evaluation dimensions/criteria. Based on this, we construct a new hybrid multi-attribute decision-making model (MADM) combining the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), Fuzzy DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) and the modified VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method for the sustainability assessment of government-led social rental housing (SRH) using Taiwanese experts as the subject of the investigation. The Fuzzy DEMATEL found that economic sustainability (D₁), as the core dimension, affects environmental (D₃) and social sustainability (D₂). Furthermore, criteria with the “cause” position, including the reasonable development model (C₂), the provision of living facilities and services needed (C₅), the adoption of environmentally friendly technology and equipment (C₁₀), guaranteed rent and lease (C₁), the acquisition of working skill and employment opportunities (C₆) and space planning and design (C₃), should receive more attention from decision makers because improving these can further enhance the sustainability of the overall scheme. Combined with the DANP weight and modified VIKOR, we also indicate that these criteria should be optimized to make the evaluation more sustainable for a selected social housing case in Taiwan. The research also further proposes management strategy implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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16 pages, 2113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operationalizing Community Placemaking: A Critical Relationship-Based Typology

by Zohar Fingerhut and Nurit Alfasi

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086371 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

Placemaking is a relatively new planning technique formulated as an alternative to formal, comprehensive, top-down land-use planning. Instead of the statutory process and product, placemaking offers an open-ended, unstructured framework for planning and implementing focused interventions. This study applies a critical look at how this relatively loose framework operates in practice. Based on an investigation of community placemaking projects in southern Israeli cities, we present four models of placemaking, organized around two main axes: the goal axis, which ranges from a broad community goal to a narrow, predetermined aim, and the motivation axis, which ranges from internal to external motivation. The four types of placemaking emerging from the combination of these considerations are (1) traditional, (2) governmental, (3) artistic-economic, and (4) segregative, based on the varied socio-spatial relations between the stakeholders. This typology serves as a warning sign for possible ways that processes with loose boundaries can be exploited, and the setbacks to which they can lead. It offers a helpful framework for further advancements in placemaking, making it an effective tool for socially and environmentally sustainable urbanism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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26 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Urban Sustainability of the Egyptian Capital

by Ahmed Mohammed Nasr, Bakr Hashem Bayoumi and Wael Mohammed Yousef

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032329 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2344

Abstract

In the last decade, the urban management of the Egyptian capital adopted a comprehensive vision for its urban development sectors. Sustainability indicator results issued by a number of international institutions showed that the Egyptian capital’s ranking dropped after applying this vision. This proves that the capital has deviated from the path for which the vision was created. This research aims to build a general framework that supports achieving urban sustainability in the Egyptian capital, periodically assessing its urban policy, and assisting urban decision makers in correcting the course of their policies if necessary. This framework can be built by reviewing the legacy of urban development policies of the Egyptian capital and determine the urban issues the capital is still facing. This framework is also built by studying international practices of cities whose development plans were likewise based on setting a framework that enabled them to assess the success rate of the urban strategies adopted in achieving urban sustainability. From this, we can form the elements of a general framework for achieving urban sustainability of the Egyptian capital. This research identifies these elements as a group of issues, indicators, criteria, principles, and pillars. These elements observe the local context of the Egyptian capital. The selected issues are fitting to the Egyptian capital and its observance of its international responsibilities. These issues are determined by identifying a group of indicators and principles adopted by international institutions and authorities in assessing cities’ progress towards achieving urban sustainability. The results of this research demonstrate how cities work on building their developmental plans, with an approach based on the exchange of knowledge pertaining to the results of different practices, as well as the principles and indicators endorsed by international institutions and authorities, ensures the achievement of urban sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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24 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Join the Club: Club Goods, Residential Development, and Transportation

by Ravit Hananel, Joseph Berechman and Sagit Azary-Viesel

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010345 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

A good and sustainable city requires compatibility between the various functions and services that it provides its residents. This study examined the relations between the development of new residential neighborhoods and transportation infrastructure by applying Tiebout’s model of club goods. Thus, we introduced the spatial dimension into the theory of club goods by referring to neighborhoods as clubs and their residents as the club’s members, who make location decisions. Specifically, we explored how residents behave spatially in response to the problematic transportation infrastructure of the neighborhoods. That is, to consider the socioeconomic implications of inadequate transportation infrastructure, we used data from newly developed neighborhoods in Israel to examine the extent to which an increase in traffic congestion can reduce a neighborhood’s size. Our findings show a negative correlation between increases in travel time and the number of housing transactions undertaken in a given neighborhood, thus confirming Tiebout’s assumption that people vote with their feet: When traffic congestion increases, residents prefer to leave the neighborhood and move, in all likelihood, to a place with less congestion. The paper also discusses the results with respect to the social consequences of these trends and warns against the expected socioeconomic consequences, namely that those who can afford to do so will leave in favor of a club with better conditions. The key lessons derived from this study of the Israeli experience are considered relevant to many other countries experiencing similar situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: In Search for Alternatives)

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