Sustainable Urban form and challenges of open space utilization, Akure, Nigeria as a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sustainable urbanism is a global issue with a plethora of publications both theoretical and practical. This has been spurred by the encroachment on green open space in the form of development and by extension sprawl. This is now seen as the main cause of risk of chronic diseases in cities, since city dwellers spend much of their time outdoors. Loss of use of green open space has been found to be directly related to residents’ behavior and socio-economic situations. Increased contact with nature, can also increase a sense of community, and can also help to reduce socio-economic inequalities. Since green open spaces are mostly not fully utilized as resources, this paper explores the practical form of encroachment on green open space with adjoining negative consequences on sustainable management in Akure. It, therefore, assesses the rate and extent of urban sprawl using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques, while assessing its health with socio-economic implication on the people. The paper concludes with suggestions on sustainable urbanism to help in governance in the use of green open space as a resource for promoting a healthy environment.