This dissertation investigates the transformative possibilities inherent in a contemporary urban artefact in Jeppestown, a significant historical suburb dating back to the settlement of early prospectors who sought a precious yellow metal beneath the red earth of a treeless veld. On this veld today stands the City of Johannesburg. The Johannesburg metropolis is scarred by the intersection of differences between those who have inhabited its streets. It has endured these differences and become a part of them through the multiple generations of its lifetime. Jeppestown or Jeppe to its residents, endures today with latent markings of apartheid as a transitional industrial buffer area west of the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD). Jeppe exists today as a piece of this narrative and is one of the longest threads in the chronology of the habitation of the greater Johannesburg city. Imminent threats of gentrification and signs of poorly considered urban renewal schemes aimed at the transformation of public space in Jeppe provoke the following questions: What is the potential role of Jeppe within the greater metropolis? And how could the transformation of urban form in this context, through the act of design, begin to transform its potential value, meaning and significance as a place of belonging and becoming – to both those who currently inhabit it and the greater population of the fluctuating metropolis that surrounds it? The proposed intervention is situated in the vicinity of Jeppe market and train station. It forms a part of an investigative framework of architectural and landscape interventions along a regenerative urban spine that connects the station square to Gilfillan Park (Jeppe Park). The objective of the framework is defined as the conditional amplification of extant rituals, negotiated territories and lives & deaths through the introduction of responsive and constructive spatial interventions and the reconciliation of these with the existing fabric. Jeppestown is the subject of this inquiry and intervention, yet its post-apartheid predisposition in the urban context is not exclusive. The intention of the study through design is to postulate and identify a manner of working within the means of the architectural discipline, that itself is aligned with the endeavour of fostering an approach toward place making in the contemporary South African metropolis. This text serves as a record of events that have unfolded through the thoughts, actions and adopted processes for the design and investigation of a transformative urban artefact manifested as a social club in Jeppestown, Johannesburg. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Architecture / MArch(Prof) / Unrestricted

The increasing challenges caused by non-renewable energy in regard to climate change, the increased flux of migration to urban areas, and the undeniable impact of human activities on these phenomena have given rise to a wide range of scientific work analysing the relationship between urban form and energy. Pioneering research in this field shows a link between the density of cities and their energy consumption. While concerns surrounding sustainable urbanism have grown, urban thinking has evolved, and the interdependence between planning and mobility, and planning and building are increasingly being explored beyond the traditional ways in which they have been considered in isolation. Environmentally conscious design of dense urban forms is thus at the heart of sustainable urbanism. This research uses the concept of urban form to explain the city as a spatial phenomenon. Urban form is proposed as an analytical lens through which the contributions of design characteristics are revealed, for an energy-efficient urban planning policy.Although the link between urban form and energy performance is clearly established, research is lacking on the influence of spatial organization on energy saving in cities from efficient urban fabrics. The urban scale dimension of research on energy consumption attracts much less interest than that of the building, which is very present within the literature. Therefore, the research question was formulated as follows: “How can urban form and energy performance be connected to meet the increasingly unique and changing expectations or needs of places and populations?”. In this regard, the approach adopted in this research is a methodological contribution to knowledge.To answer this question, a research framework was developed with several research methods were employed to answer a set of sub-questions. The first –“What are the links between urban form and energy consumption?”– should be seen as exploratory questions to form a complete picture of the problem. It is answered through a combination of literature review and analysis of urban form elements. The second sub-question –“How can urban form indicators be integrated into the decision-making process for an energy-efficient urban planning policy?– is a fundamental question and is theoretically answered by a literature review and through the development of a theoretical framework. The third sub-question –“What are the links between socio-economic variables, transport infrastructure energy consumption and urban form?”– is the first of three questions that structure the empirical research. It resulted in a statistical data analysis for the selected case area, i.e. the Brussels-Capital Region. The fourth sub-question –“ What are the links between building geometry and solar gains?”– is answered with the analysis of a 3D simulation model of a district area in renovation. The last sub-question –“What are the design priorities required to reduce urban energy use?”– led to the development of a conclusion at multiple scales of urban form analysis. After introducing the topic, the research question and the research framework in the first chapter, chapters 2 to 6 respectively respond to each of the sub-questions. To answer the first sub-question, a historical analysis of the relationship between energy and urban form is presented in chapter 2. The discipline of urban form study in the fields of architecture urbanism and geography introduced four main schools of thought and three main approaches to analyse the urban form during the period 1960-2018. These schools support the viability of urban form analysis as an instrument for planning, as it makes us consider how urban form design affects the energy usage of the city. At the same time, urban planners need to consider the urban not to be simply a set of data, but a subject of inquiry that depends on an assumed initial definition and conceptualisation.In chapter 3, the methodological aspects used in this research are detailed and give an answer to the second sub-question. Four complementary systems of urban form elements are highlighted and connected to the energy indicators identified in the literature review. The scale of analysis for each of the urban form elements is also presented in this chapter with argumentation and detailed definition of the urban indicators. At the same time, the econometric statistical analysis is developed and explain the potential of; correlation, cointegration and causality analysis in building an efficient urban planning policy. In chapter 4, the Brussels-Capital Region mobility data for a 26 years period (1990-2016) are statistically analysed. The link between urban form indicators, transport and socio-economic indicators show the importance of road length development on increasing energy consumption in transport for the region. It also highlights the need for policy planning more inclined to take the “time” into consideration to be able to support future energy-efficient policy measure. In chapter 5, the analysis of the relationships between urban form and energy is scaled down to the street and building scales. A solar analysis is conducted on two different urban form models (the closed block and the open block). The results point to the importance of urban planning design considering open space an object of inquiry rather than simply leftover space between buildings. It is also reasserting the need for 3D model analyses in the preliminary stages of the conception of the technical specifications provided by the region for each project. Finally, in the chapter 6, the applicability and merits of the theoretical framework are first reflected upon. Next, the newly gained insights about the processes behind urban form and energy nexus are presented. Then, an answer is given to the main research question in the form of recommendations. These recommendations are based on the idea that the study of urban form development could be used as a powerful tool for crafting urban regulation guidelines and practices for a more integrated, sustainable urbanism. / Doctorat en Art de bâtir et urbanisme (Polytechnique) / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

This research study aims to determine the impact of urban form on social sustainability. Definitions of urban form vary in the literature. One of the definitions describe urban form as spaces that enhance the sense of community, healthy communities and place attachment, while promoting environmental mitigation and adaption measures (Eizenberg & Jabareen, 2017). Likewise, social sustainability has not been clearly defined and universally understood and as a result its importance has been compromised (Vallance, Perkins & Dixon, 2011). This study of urban form also includes testing the success of the process of implementation, with the aim of providing evidence with regards to its success in the shaping of urban form. Important implementation processes of urban form include: planning processes, policies, processes of collaboration and partnership between different agencies, local participation, financial incentives, tax incentives and investment (Burton, Jenks & Williams, 2003). The case study of the research includes two contrasting housing developments that are at opposite ends of the housing spectrum. Masiphumelele, an informal settlement, and Lake Michelle, an Eco-Estate. Both these housing developments are situated between the areas of Noordhoek, Fish Hoek and Sun Valley in the City of Cape Town. This research project makes use of a multidisciplinary approach. Due to the spatial and social nature of the research, methods from both Geography and Urban Design were used. Qualitative methods were used, including interviews, field observation, volunteer work at an NGO, and spatial mapping. The research study finds that urban form does have an impact on social sustainability. The findings reveal that the measure of social sustainability is a result of firstly, the type of urban form. Secondly, it is a result of the nature of the implementation process of urban form. Third, it is a result of the residents’ response to the urban form. Social sustainability is thus not predictable, but the relationship between urban form and social sustainability is predictable. Both high-density and low-density urban forms have positive and negative results, depending on the specific context. Furthermore, the selected criteria with which to define both urban form and social sustainability will have an impact on the relationship between the two. Thus, calling for a uniform definition of both urban form and social sustainability, and the need for a context-specific approach to the design of urban form.

With over 300 years serving as a traffic route it is no wonder that Hornsgatan has the role of a major ‘artery’ in today’s Stockholm. This thesis will analyze and investigate how the street environment on Hornsgatan is affecting the people spending time on the street, and how a better street life and street quality can be brought out when it comes to enhance the social aspects for the street and its people. Through methods such as observations of the street and interviews with business owners, the case study of Hornsgatan have been based upon some theories by famous theorists when it comes to improving streets (and urban life) in cities, e.g.; Appleyard (1981), Jacobs (1993) and Gehl (2010). The results from the case study and the interviews show that Hornsgatan have both factors of what a ‘good’ and socially sustainable street should have; mix-use, the presence of people and social activities, active ground floors and different traffic modes, and factors that contribute to a less attractive street life; the heavy traffic, lack of places to sit, lack of greenery and lack of social activities for/between people. To reply the question if Hornsgatan is a ‘good’ and socially sustainable street or not, the answer is both yes and no. As Appleyard (1981) states, “[…] there is no single perfect street […]” (Appleyard 1981, p. 245). Instead each street and its situation are unique. However, with guidelines and aspects for how a street can be improved, at least some help can be brought out for its improvements. / Urban Form and Social Behaviour Research Project

No description available.

Recent studies indicate a relationship between measures of urban form as applied to urban and suburban areas, and obesity, a risk factor for heart disease. Measures of urban form for exurban and rural areas are considerably scarce; such measures could prove useful in measuring relationships between urban form and both mortality and morbidity in such areas. In modeling area-level mortality, geographic relationships between counties warrant consideration because geographically adjacent areas tend to have more in common than areas farther from each other. We modify county-level indices of urban form found in the literature so that they can be applied to exurban and rural counties. We then use these indices in a Bayesian spatial model that accounts for spatial autocorrelation to determine if there is a relationship between such measures and cardiovascular disease mortality for white males age 35 and older for the time period 1999-2001. Issues related to the formation and usefulness of the indices, and issues related to the spatial model, are discussed. Maps of observed and expected relative risk of mortality are presented.

Alleys evoke powerful images in our collective fear and, yet, play an important role in our American culture. Currently, communities are recognizing the value of the alley to their social landscape and designers and planners are reviving the alley in designs for new communities. What is it about the alley that has communities so excited? Why are alleys being reincorporated into today’s design language? What do alleys contribute to a community’s landscape and how do they contribute to its identity? What do we have to learn about community and urban design from the alley? To answer these questions, this study compares a spectrum of five communities with various types of alleys – Holyoke, Amherst, and Northampton, Massachusetts; New York City; and Kentlands, Maryland. The conclusions drawn from this study indicate that the alley is an expressive landscape in which communities communicate their collective values and ideals and residents negotiate their community’s identity through control, order, and organization, including the naming, maintenance and use of the alley. It is also where boundaries of class, economic status, and affluence are navigated and expressed. Furthermore, the implications of these findings are that urban designers, landscape architects, planners, and engineers must resist the temptation to over-design and micro-manage a place if a truly organic and expressive community is desired. Within this framework, these professionals must also anticipate that a community will change and to allow for its alleys and other spaces to respond to, and reflect, these changes.

This dissertation explores the theoretical and methodological implications involved in the policy framework needed to intensify urban residential areas in a developing country. Metropolitan Khartoum, Sudan, has been chosen as a case study. The aim of the study is to further our understanding of the implications of transforming a sprawling city form to an intensified form. The objectives are: to identify the factors that have shaped Sudanese urban form in general and Metropolitan Khartoum in specific; to identify the policies that can intensify the urban residential neighborhoods in Metropolitan Khartoum; and, to influence both the demand and requisite housing needs for this intensified form. This research is qualitative in its nature: the complexity of the study problematic required the adoption of a constructivist paradigm as the fundamental set of beliefs. Inductive arguments are used in conjunction with a wide range of methods, including detailed descriptions of Sudan and metropolitan Khartoum, with special emphasis on how local environment, urban challenges, policy, legislation and practices affect the study problematic. The theoretical premises of intensification are reviewed along with development issues, urban infrastructure challenges and opportunities in developing countries and local acceptability of intensification. The different forces that can shape urban forms have been described and the suitability of metropolitan Khartoum, with different general urban intensification policies and practices and of urban management tools in large African cities has been investigated. The outcome of the study provides detail for a discussion of results that work to explain some of the cause and effect of urban sprawl in Metropolitan Khartoum. It also suggests possible change in both policy and regulation to induce successful city reform towards intensification. / QC 20110121

<p>This dissertation explores the theoretical and methodological implications involved in the policy framework needed to intensify urban residential areas in a developing country. Metropolitan Khartoum, Sudan, has been chosen as a case study. The aim of the study is to further our understanding of the implications of transforming a sprawling city form to an intensified form. The objectives are: to identify the factors that have shaped Sudanese urban form in general and Metropolitan Khartoum in specific; to identify the policies that can intensify the urban residential neighborhoods in Metropolitan Khartoum; and, to influence both the demand and requisite housing needs for this intensified form. This research is qualitative in its nature: the complexity of the study problematic required the adoption of a constructivist paradigm as the fundamental set of beliefs. Inductive arguments are used in conjunction with a wide range of methods, including detailed descriptions of Sudan and metropolitan Khartoum, with special emphasis on how local environment, urban challenges, policy, legislation and practices affect the study problematic. The theoretical premises of intensification are reviewed along with development issues, urban infrastructure challenges and opportunities in developing countries and local acceptability of intensification. The different forces that can shape urban forms have been described and the suitability of metropolitan Khartoum, with different general urban intensification policies and practices and of urban management tools in large African cities has been investigated. The outcome of the study provides detail for a discussion of results that work to explain some of the cause and effect of urban sprawl in Metropolitan Khartoum. It also suggests possible change in both policy and regulation to induce successful city reform towards intensification.</p>

Sustainable urban development is mentioned together with the concept of urban form in contemporary planning literature. The main reason behind this is a need for determining an ideal physical development scheme and its main principles of urban future in a broad term. Besides, the operational side of urban planning requires a concrete set of design codes in order to transform urban space in both macro and mezzo scale. At this point, the concept of urban compactness and the idea of Compact City have come into the agenda of planning. In the last decade, the model of compact city has become a prototype of sustainable urban form in developed countries. It is also argued whether compact urbanity is a nostalgic metaphor or an engineering solution. It has emerged as a reaction to the negative consequences of urban sprawl and suburbanization as the anti-urbanist urban phenomena in Western geographies. Hence, the relevance of urban compactness should be examined for developing and underdeveloped countries and their settlement structures. The basic motivation of the thesis is to examine the relevance and validity of urban compactness in the case of Turkey as a developing Eurasian country. For this end, the evolution of urban compactness as a fact and an idea in the historical context of developed countries and it&rsquo / s meaning for the developing world / Ankara is examined as a case study by re-reading its planning history and the transformation of its urban form from the point of view of compactness.