Urban environment quality assessment using a methodology and set of indicators for medium-density neighbourhoods: a comparative case study of Lodi and Genoa

Ioanni Delsante

doi:10.1590/s1678-86212016000300089

Abstract

Abstract One of the main issues in urban sustainability and environmental assessment relates to the selection of indicators (SOCCO, 2000), as there are already many international and recognised core sets (DELSANTE, 2007; LEE; CHAN 2009). Nevertheless, specific local contexts are still in need of appropriate, original indicators and indices (MALCEVSCHI, 2004). This paper deals with the urban quality assessment of medium-density neighbourhoods, which typically include dwellings but also public functions, public spaces and urban infrastructure. The evaluation method is based on a set of 74 indicators used within a specific computational method that is based on scores and defined through pairwise comparison matrices (SOCCO, 2003) to convert qualitative and quantitative evaluations into scores (0 to +100). The assessment involved two different urban contexts in the cities of Lodi and Genoa (Italy). It tests if the set can be used in other sites and cities; the results show significant findings and potentialities, but also some limitations. As significant connections have already been found between urban quality and well-being surveys of inhabitants (ORLANDO, 2007), the possibility to act comparatively in different contexts increases overall research potentiality.

Highlights

One of the main issues in terms of assessing urban sustainability, where scientific research and political action often intersect, is represented by indicators (SOCCO, 2000)
Every phenomenon dealing with sustainability is quantifiable and can be expressed directly or converted through a weighting process into a numerical value (GISOTTI, BRUSCHI, 1992)
Indicators are useful for evaluating performances in order to adopt the best political actions

Summary

Introduction

One of the main issues in terms of assessing urban sustainability, where scientific research and political action often intersect, is represented by indicators (SOCCO, 2000). Every phenomenon dealing with sustainability is quantifiable and can be expressed directly or converted through a weighting process into a numerical value (GISOTTI, BRUSCHI, 1992). An indicator is a parameter or value that is derived from other parameters (ORGANIZATION..., 1993) It selects, provides information or describes a phenomenon, environment or area. Each indicator reflects the relationship between an action and its consequences, serving as a conceptual tool that is expressed in clear and precise terms to measure the progress towards a goal. An indicator can be defined as a variable that is useful to describe complex realities in relationship to individual features or to an entire environmental system 2. Indicators are useful for evaluating performances in order to adopt the best political actions

Objectives

Methods

Results