The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo a investigação da aplicação da metodologia Charrette Design utilizada para o desenvolvimento do projeto do empreendimento Pedra Branca a partir de sua segunda fase de implantação, onde foi concebida a região central. Pedra Branca está situada no município de Palhoça, Santa Catarina, e está em construção. Foram incorporados princípios do Novo Urbanismo (New Urbanism), envolveu no processo seus dirigentes, consultorias (inclusive internacionais), diferentes empresas de arquitetura e de engenharia, laboratórios acadêmicos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina e partes interessadas (stakeholders), numa abordagem transdisciplinar. O entendimento da cultura organizacional e a aprendizagem de ferramentas de gestão fazem parte de um arcabouço de inovações necessárias para propiciar ambientes colaborativos na direção da implementação de um urbanismo mais sustentável e criativo. A pesquisa realizada possibilitou a compreensão da aplicabilidade da metodologia, sua incorporação à cultura da empresa, a abertura para incorporar novos conceitos, no todo e nas partes. Num âmbito ainda mais abrangente, concluiu-se que Pedra Branca tem se demonstrado na prática como uma \"organização que aprende\" na formulação de Senge (2009). O empreendimento foi reconhecido e premiado internacionalmente. / This research aimed to investigate the application of the methodology used Charrette Design for the development of the enterprise Pedra Branca project from its second phase of implementation, which was conceived the central region. Pedra Branca is situated in the municipality of Palhoça, Santa Catarina, and is under construction. Principles of New Urbanism were incorporated, its leaders involved in the process, consulting (including international), different architectural firms and engineering, academic laboratories, Federal University of Santa Catarina and interested parties (stakeholders), a transdisciplinary approach. The understanding of organizational culture and learning management tools are part of a framework of innovations needed to provide collaborative environments toward the implementation of a more sustainable and creative urban planning. The survey allowed us to understand the applicability of the methodology, its incorporation into the company culture, openness to incorporate new concepts in whole and in parts. In a yet broader context it is concluded that Pedra Branca has been shown in practice as a \"learning organization\" in the formulation of Senge (2009). The project was recognized and awarded internationally.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo a investigação da aplicação da metodologia Charrette Design utilizada para o desenvolvimento do projeto do empreendimento Pedra Branca a partir de sua segunda fase de implantação, onde foi concebida a região central. Pedra Branca está situada no município de Palhoça, Santa Catarina, e está em construção. Foram incorporados princípios do Novo Urbanismo (New Urbanism), envolveu no processo seus dirigentes, consultorias (inclusive internacionais), diferentes empresas de arquitetura e de engenharia, laboratórios acadêmicos da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina e partes interessadas (stakeholders), numa abordagem transdisciplinar. O entendimento da cultura organizacional e a aprendizagem de ferramentas de gestão fazem parte de um arcabouço de inovações necessárias para propiciar ambientes colaborativos na direção da implementação de um urbanismo mais sustentável e criativo. A pesquisa realizada possibilitou a compreensão da aplicabilidade da metodologia, sua incorporação à cultura da empresa, a abertura para incorporar novos conceitos, no todo e nas partes. Num âmbito ainda mais abrangente, concluiu-se que Pedra Branca tem se demonstrado na prática como uma \"organização que aprende\" na formulação de Senge (2009). O empreendimento foi reconhecido e premiado internacionalmente. / This research aimed to investigate the application of the methodology used Charrette Design for the development of the enterprise Pedra Branca project from its second phase of implementation, which was conceived the central region. Pedra Branca is situated in the municipality of Palhoça, Santa Catarina, and is under construction. Principles of New Urbanism were incorporated, its leaders involved in the process, consulting (including international), different architectural firms and engineering, academic laboratories, Federal University of Santa Catarina and interested parties (stakeholders), a transdisciplinary approach. The understanding of organizational culture and learning management tools are part of a framework of innovations needed to provide collaborative environments toward the implementation of a more sustainable and creative urban planning. The survey allowed us to understand the applicability of the methodology, its incorporation into the company culture, openness to incorporate new concepts in whole and in parts. In a yet broader context it is concluded that Pedra Branca has been shown in practice as a \"learning organization\" in the formulation of Senge (2009). The project was recognized and awarded internationally.

Este trabalho dedica-se ao estudo crítico dos condomínios horizontais fechados como manifestações de não-lugares na cidade de Goiânia, no período de 1990-2006. A abordagem é tributária do pensamento de autores que se dedicaram a compreender a cidade contemporânea, destacando-se as reflexões do antropólogo Marc Augé (1994). Essa nova forma de morar, em regiões metropolitanas, imprime no tecido urbano uma configuração morfológica, cujos sinais expressam-se em elementos arquitetônicos tais como: as portarias, os sistemas de segurança, os muros e os elementos paisagísticos, como os lagos e os bosques. Os condomínios horizontais fechados, paraísos de classe média e alta, são constituídos por paisagens bucólicas e pitorescas, que os associa aos resorts e parques temáticos. Orientam-se pelos princípios do New Urbanism, movimento de origem norte-americana, cujas influências localizam-se no século XIX, na concepção da cidade-jardim e do movimento city beautiful. / The dissertation describes a critical study of enclosed residential housing estates based on the idea of condominiums as non-places. The focus of this study was condominiums in the city of Goiânia, Brazil built during the period of 1990-2006. It discusses the hypotheses of authors who dedicated their work to understand the contemporary city. Particular attention is paid to the reflections of the distinguished anthropologist Marc Augé. This new form of living in metropolitan areas presents a new morphologic configuration in the urban space characterized by architectural elements such as: manned main gate, security systems, perimeter walls, areas of leisure and gardens/lakes. The closed condominium is a paradise for the middle and high classes which are widely regarded for their high standard of living but are also typified by the artificial existence such as that founded in holiday resorts and thematic parks. They follow the principles of the New Urbanism, a movement of North American origin and inspired on the 19th century, in the conception of the garden-city and the city beautiful movement.

The word revise means to reconsider or modify as with text. If we think of the suburban landscape as a text, the culture of each era left documentation of their values, policies and way of life in the form of transportation networks and other infrastructure, such as Main Streets, squares and public buildings. While evidence of most of the everyday life of individuals of every era gets erased by the following era, infrastructure investments of each era are adaptively reused and remain to tell the story. This thesis documents the adaptive reuse of these suburban frameworks and develops a proposition for the appropriate next layer to accommodate a new culture of inhabitants. Focusing on second generation suburbs, using Gwinnett County as a case study, this analysis identifies three problems of the current suburban situation: the problem of abandoned strips, a demographic shift, and the need for place. As new strip highways develop, old strips decline leaving abandoned shopping centers and declining property values. New development continues to move north and out of the county, and middle class residents, for which existing auto-oriented suburbs were created, move as well. A new, poorer, and more ethnically diverse population inherits the auto-oriented landscape left behind. This phenomenon is particularly concentrated along the southern portion of the Buford Highway corridor. Those with more money move closer to new development, while those with less money have less choice and are found near declining strips with fewer services, poorer quality housing and lower quality of life. Finally, county officials have expressed a desire for defining "the epicenter of Gwinnett." I believe that there is no one "center" of Gwinnett, but a series of places defined by memory, design or events. I propose to improve the situation of these three problems with a light rail line that connects existing places and creates new walkable, livable places to improve quality of life. This connective piece will serve as a social condenser in lieu of a center, provide links between polar populations, and reactivate declining strips while creating a sustainable infrastructural spine for future growth in the region.

Este trabalho dedica-se ao estudo crítico dos condomínios horizontais fechados como manifestações de não-lugares na cidade de Goiânia, no período de 1990-2006. A abordagem é tributária do pensamento de autores que se dedicaram a compreender a cidade contemporânea, destacando-se as reflexões do antropólogo Marc Augé (1994). Essa nova forma de morar, em regiões metropolitanas, imprime no tecido urbano uma configuração morfológica, cujos sinais expressam-se em elementos arquitetônicos tais como: as portarias, os sistemas de segurança, os muros e os elementos paisagísticos, como os lagos e os bosques. Os condomínios horizontais fechados, paraísos de classe média e alta, são constituídos por paisagens bucólicas e pitorescas, que os associa aos resorts e parques temáticos. Orientam-se pelos princípios do New Urbanism, movimento de origem norte-americana, cujas influências localizam-se no século XIX, na concepção da cidade-jardim e do movimento city beautiful. / The dissertation describes a critical study of enclosed residential housing estates based on the idea of condominiums as non-places. The focus of this study was condominiums in the city of Goiânia, Brazil built during the period of 1990-2006. It discusses the hypotheses of authors who dedicated their work to understand the contemporary city. Particular attention is paid to the reflections of the distinguished anthropologist Marc Augé. This new form of living in metropolitan areas presents a new morphologic configuration in the urban space characterized by architectural elements such as: manned main gate, security systems, perimeter walls, areas of leisure and gardens/lakes. The closed condominium is a paradise for the middle and high classes which are widely regarded for their high standard of living but are also typified by the artificial existence such as that founded in holiday resorts and thematic parks. They follow the principles of the New Urbanism, a movement of North American origin and inspired on the 19th century, in the conception of the garden-city and the city beautiful movement.

Este trabalho dedica-se ao estudo crítico dos condomínios horizontais fechados como manifestações de não-lugares na cidade de Goiânia, no período de 1990-2006. A abordagem é tributária do pensamento de autores que se dedicaram a compreender a cidade contemporânea, destacando-se as reflexões do antropólogo Marc Augé (1994). Essa nova forma de morar, em regiões metropolitanas, imprime no tecido urbano uma configuração morfológica, cujos sinais expressam-se em elementos arquitetônicos tais como: as portarias, os sistemas de segurança, os muros e os elementos paisagísticos, como os lagos e os bosques. Os condomínios horizontais fechados, paraísos de classe média e alta, são constituídos por paisagens bucólicas e pitorescas, que os associa aos resorts e parques temáticos. Orientam-se pelos princípios do New Urbanism, movimento de origem norte-americana, cujas influências localizam-se no século XIX, na concepção da cidade-jardim e do movimento city beautiful. / The dissertation describes a critical study of enclosed residential housing estates based on the idea of condominiums as non-places. The focus of this study was condominiums in the city of Goiânia, Brazil built during the period of 1990-2006. It discusses the hypotheses of authors who dedicated their work to understand the contemporary city. Particular attention is paid to the reflections of the distinguished anthropologist Marc Augé. This new form of living in metropolitan areas presents a new morphologic configuration in the urban space characterized by architectural elements such as: manned main gate, security systems, perimeter walls, areas of leisure and gardens/lakes. The closed condominium is a paradise for the middle and high classes which are widely regarded for their high standard of living but are also typified by the artificial existence such as that founded in holiday resorts and thematic parks. They follow the principles of the New Urbanism, a movement of North American origin and inspired on the 19th century, in the conception of the garden-city and the city beautiful movement.

Landscape architects, many of whom practice the design principles of the New Urbanism, have become increasingly involved with the participatory planning process. A key principle of New Urbanism, the participatory planning process is incorporated in an attempt to ensure that any new development - or alteration of an existing development - meets the needs of the community for which the design is created. This study examines data gathered from a web-based survey addressing the alternate, stakeholderess charrette approach. It was distributed to participants of charrettes facilitated by the Mississippi Main Street Association and is an attempt to understand the perceptions of those actively involved in the process. The purpose of this study was to examine this alternate approach to charrette facilitation and identify trends associated within. The analysis of stakeholder perceptions may prove beneficial in identifying trends that threaten charrette efficiency while highlighting trends worthy of replication in future charrettes.

Previous research has demonstrated a relationship between the built environment and social and transportation outcomes when comparing traditional and conventional suburban neighborhoods, but much remains to be learned about whether New Urbanism can produce similar results. Among studies where new urban neighborhoods have been assessed, most have centered on regions with highly-utilized public transit systems and with climates that are amenable to utilitarian physical activity. This research sought to build on the existing research base through direct comparison of new urban and conventional suburban neighborhoods in central Florida, a region with an under-developed transit system and a climate that renders utilitarian physical activity impractical. Further, this research sought to lend greater insights into neighborhood selection factors across neighborhood types. A mixed-methods, single-case design was utilized to evaluate one new urban and one conventional suburban neighborhood in the central Florida region. Regional new urban neighborhoods were subjectively rated for adherence to tenets of the Charter of the New Urbanism, with the neighborhood (Celebration, in Osceola County, FL) found to most closely adhere to these tenets selected as the experimental group for the study. A socio-demographically comparable conventional suburban neighborhood (Sweetwater, in Seminole County, FL) was selected as the control group. Quantitative methods consisted of a household survey issued to 250 randomly- and convenience-sampled addresses in each neighborhood, followed by regression analysis to evaluate study hypotheses. Qualitative methods employed analysis of open-ended survey responses, detailed case studies of selected neighborhoods, and resident interviews. The household survey yielded net response rates of 15.79 percent and 25.50 percent iv for experimental and control neighborhoods, respectively, and a mean cross-neighborhood response rate of 20.64 percent. Twenty resident interviews (10 per neighborhood) were conducted. Quantitative and qualitative findings were compared to collectively address research questions. Regression results indicated no statistically significant difference between neighborhoods in attitudinal and behavioral components of community participation, in vehicle miles driven per week, or utilitarian physical activity frequency. However, results indicated that new urban residents had more positive attitudes toward utilitarian physical activity than conventional suburban residents and that attitudes toward community participation and utilitarian physical activity were positively correlated with associated behaviors. Qualitative findings provided substantial individual- and environmental-level insights to factors impacting evaluated attitudes and behaviors, and supported some quantitative findings while not aligning with others. Neighborhood selection factors were found to be quite different across neighborhoods: Celebration residents identified neighborhood social atmosphere and connection to the Walt Disney Company brand as top contributors to their selection decision, while Sweetwater residents expressed that access to quality schools was the most important factor in their selection decision. Qualitative findings indicated that car culture and climate within the central Florida region diminished both attitudinal and behavioral components of utilitarian physical activity across neighborhood types. This research expanded the understanding of the social and transportation outcomes of New Urbanism, particularly with respect to the central Florida region. While case and quantitative limitations may have impeded the ability of this study to draw decisive conclusions v about research questions, distinctive themes regarding social and transportation outcomes were identified. Findings of this research supported those of some prior studies while contradicting others, indicating that further exploration is needed to establish a firm understanding of the capabilities of new urban development to achieve desired outcomes, and of regional characteristics that may influence these outcomes.