Community Planning Research Articles

Perceptions of diabetes risk and prevention in Nairobi, Kenya: A qualitative and theory of change development study.

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in Kenya, especially in urban settings, and prevention interventions based on local evidence and context are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to explore diabetes risk and co-create a diabetes prevention theory of change in two socioeconomically distinct communities to inform future diabetes prevention interventions. In-depth interviews were conducted with middle-aged residents in two communities in Nairobi (one low-income (n = 15), one middle-income (n = 14)), and thematically analysed. The theory of change for diabetes prevention was informed by analysis of the in-depth interviews and the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, and reviewed by a sub-set (n = 13) of interviewees. The key factors that influenced diabetes preventive practices in both communities included knowledge and skills for diabetes prevention, understanding of the benefits/consequences of (un)healthy lifestyle, social influences (e.g., upbringing, societal perceptions), and environmental contexts (e.g., access to (un)healthy foods and physical activity facilities). The proposed strategies for diabetes prevention included: increasing knowledge and understanding about diabetes risk and preventive measures particularly in the low-income community; supporting lifestyle modification (e.g., upskilling, goal setting, action planning) in both communities; identifying people at high risk of diabetes through screening in both communities; and creating social and physical environments for lifestyle modification (e.g., positive social influences on healthy living, access to healthy foods and physical activity infrastructure) particularly in the low-income community. Residents from both communities agreed that the strategies were broadly feasible for diabetes prevention but proposed the addition of door-to-door campaigns and community theatre for health education. However, residents from the low-income community were concerned about the lack of government prioritisation for implementing population-level interventions, e.g., improving access to healthy foods and physical activity facilities/infrastructure. Diabetes prevention initiatives in Kenya should involve multicomponent interventions for lifestyle modification including increasing education and upskilling at individual level; promoting social and physical environments that support healthy living at population level; and are particularly needed in low-income communities.

Sustainable Construction Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: A Review

This comprehensive review explores the critical role of sustainable construction practices in addressing climate change challenges through both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Climate change, caused by human activities, necessitates urgent global action, given its wide-ranging impacts. Mitigation measures, encompassing transitions to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management, are essential for averting severe consequences and require collaborative efforts and societal behavioral changes. Simultaneously, adaptation strategies, including resilient infrastructure and community planning, are crucial for addressing the unavoidable impacts of past emissions. The paper dedicates significant attention to sustainable construction practices, highlighting their contribution to both mitigation and adaptation. Key elements, such as energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, and resilient construction techniques, not only reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry but also foster socially responsible and resilient built environments. Sustainable construction practices emerge as fundamental in the global initiative to combat climate change, aligning with environmental stewardship for a sustainable and resilient future. Nevertheless, sustained research, innovation, and international collaboration are imperative to advance these practices and effectively tackle the intricate challenges posed by climate change in the built environment.

Assessing Subjective and Objective Road Environment Perception in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand: A Deep Learning Approach Utilizing Street Images

Recently, deep learning techniques, specifically semantic segmentation, have been employed to extract visual features from street images, a dimension that has received limited attention in the investigation of the connection between subjective and objective road environment perception. This study is dedicated to exploring and comprehending the factors influencing commuters’ perceptions of the road environment, with the aim of bridging the gap in interpreting environmental quality in Thailand. Semantic segmentation was applied to identify visual objects, expressed as a percentage of pixels represented in 14,812 street images from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. Subjective road environment perception was assessed through a questionnaire, with a total of 3600 samples collected. Both sets of data were converted to average values per grid, with a grid size of 500 × 500 square meters, resulting in a total of 631 grids with data points. Finally, a multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between the ratios of objects obtained from street images via semantic segmentation and human sensory perception of the road environment. The findings from this analysis indicate that the attributes of distinct object classes have a notable impact on individuals’ perceptions of the road environment. Visual elements such as infrastructure, construction, nature, and vehicles were identified as influential factors in shaping the perception of the road environment. However, human and object features did not exhibit statistical significance in this regard. Furthermore, when examining different road environments, which can be categorized into urban, community, and rural contexts, it becomes evident that these contexts distinctly affect the perceptions of various road environments. Consequently, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how street environments are perceived is crucial for the design and planning of neighborhoods and urban communities, facilitating the creation of safer and more enjoyable living environments.

Nurturing the Seeds of Participation: Unveiling the Foundational Path for Understanding Aging in Place Barriers and Facilitators From the Perspective of Older Adults Using Mixed Methods and Translational Science.

Participation in society is a cornerstone for quality of life, active aging, and aging in place. While the majority of older adults prefer aging in place, health and financial challenges can hinder this vision. Conducted in suburban South Jersey, this study utilized mixed methods, including surveys and interviews with older adult participants. Surveys indicated that satisfaction with participation in the community is influenced by functional ability, healthcare service availability, and information access. Interviewees identified suggestions to overcome barriers (e.g., improve access to community and address ageism). Combined results provide a theory of change which suggests older adults' empowerment in community participation hinges on home living support, participation options aligning with ability and interest, and accessible information on community events. This person-centered planning approach emphasizes the importance of older adult and stakeholder participation in foundational community planning, offering translational foundational tools for evidence-based strategies to engage them in future community action plans (CAPs).

Co-designing a culturally-sensitive theory-driven advance care planning game with Chinese older adults and healthcare providers

Background: Advance care planning can be challenging because discussing end-of-life care often has negative connotations. Gamification is a novel approach to encourage advance care planning conversations in Western culture. Aim: To co-design a game with multiple stakeholders to promote advance care planning in Chinese communities. Design: A two-phase design guided by the Medical Research Council framework for developing complex interventions was adopted between May 2019 and August 2020. In phase I, a game prototype was developed based on literature review, expert consultation and end-user consultation. In Phase II, the game prototype was tested among end-users and refined according to their feedback and expertise of a multi-disciplinary team through an iterative process. Setting/participants: Experts in the field of aged care, palliative care, life education and game development and Chinese community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older. Results: A board game called ‘The Five Tastes Found in a Grocery Store’ was developed. The game design was shaped by Bandura’s Self-efficacy theory and feedback from experts and end-users. The participants generally found the gaming experience enjoyable and appreciated the opportunity to discuss end-of-life care openly. Conclusions: This study is the first to develop an evidence-informed, theory-based, culturally sensitive game for promoting advance care planning in the Chinese community using a co-design approach.

Development of a Conceptual Framework for Adult Community Rehabilitation Policy, Planning, Care, and Research: A Multimethod Qualitative Approach

To address recognized gaps in community rehabilitation service coordination and advance delivery of rehabilitation services for adults living outside of institutions, we have developed a conceptual framework to inform the design of community rehabilitation policy, planning, care, and research. Employing a multimethod qualitative approach, we developed a draft framework based on a document review as well as interviews with community rehabilitation service and system providers, older people receiving community rehabilitation services, and family caregivers. We then consulted with community rehabilitation service and system providers, older adults, and family caregivers to revise the framework. We identified 194 relevant documents and 30 programs, and we analyzed interview data from 29 service and system providers as well as 6 dyads of older persons and family caregivers. We developed a definition of community rehabilitation and identified 11 components for the draft framework, which was presented to 16 participants for consultation. We used their feedback to revise the terms and definitions for the 11 components. We organized the final set of components into two categories: principles (culturally safe; equity-focused; evidence-informed; person and family-centred; restorative) and organization (appropriate; coordinated; continuity; evaluated; stepped; team-based). The contextualized, action-oriented conceptual framework for adult community rehabilitation (CFACR) is supported by older people, family caregivers, and community rehabilitation health system providers. Continued work to refine and validate the components in more population groups and contexts will facilitate implementation and application of the CFACR.

The Post-war Revival of Canadian Planning: Assessing the Impact of the Community Planning Association of Canada.

The Community Planning Association of Canada (CPAC) advocated for the re-establishment of planning in post-war Canada. During this period, the federal government set reconstruction objectives, and both Central (now Canada) Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the CPAC were formed. We believe that 1944-1947 was a critical juncture establishing planned suburban development in Canada as a path-dependent process with tremendous momentum into the 21st-century. Using a historical-institutional approach, the role of CMHC and the influence of the CPAC is examined. Analysis relying on extensive archival material demonstrates that the CPAC gave a tremendous push along the path-dependent process of suburbanization.

Dynamic Modeling of Coastal Compound Flooding Hazards Due to Tides, Extratropical Storms, Waves, and Sea-Level Rise: A Case Study in the Salish Sea, Washington (USA)

The Puget Sound Coastal Storm Modeling System (PS-CoSMoS) is a tool designed to dynamically downscale future climate scenarios (i.e., projected changes in wind and pressure fields and temperature) to compute regional water levels, waves, and compound flooding over large geographic areas (100 s of kilometers) at high spatial resolutions (1 m) pertinent to coastal hazard assessments and planning. This research focuses on advancing robust and computationally efficient approaches to resolving the coastal compound flooding components for complex, estuary environments and their application to the Puget Sound region of Washington State (USA) and the greater Salish Sea. The modeling system provides coastal planners with projections of storm hazards and flood exposure for recurring flood events, spanning the annual to 1-percent annual chance of flooding, necessary to manage public safety and the prioritization and cost-efficient protection of critical infrastructure and valued ecosystems. The tool is applied and validated for Whatcom County, Washington, and includes a cross-shore profile model (XBeach) and overland flooding model (SFINCS) and is nested in a regional tide–surge model and wave model. Despite uncertainties in boundary conditions, hindcast simulations performed with the coupled model system accurately identified areas that were flooded during a recent storm in 2018. Flood hazards and risks are expected to increase exponentially as the sea level rises in the study area of 210 km of shoreline. With 1 m of sea-level rise, annual flood extents are projected to increase from 13 to 33 km2 (5 and 13% of low-lying Whatcom County) and flood risk (defined in USD) is projected to increase fifteenfold (from 14 to USD 206 million). PS-CoSMoS, like its prior iteration in California (CoSMoS), provides valuable coastal hazard projections to help communities plan for the impacts of sea-level rise and storms.

Mobilising transformative community-based climate change adaptation

Under-resourced and marginalised communities often have limited government support, and therefore, must decide by themselves if and how they adapt to the uncertainties of climate change. Community-based climate change adaptation (CbA) forms a plausible approach here. In practice, however, CbA projects often fail to address the underlying causes of vulnerability like power relations and sociocultural structures that influence adaptation measures adopted and outcomes. In response, this perspective paper explores the concept of transformative community-based climate change adaption (TCbA), a reflexive approach that focuses on empowering communities by reframing the decision-making context. It discusses pathways of mobilising this shift to transformative CbA in three steps: (1) specifying the characteristics of a TCbA; (2) exploring the leverage points to mobilise it, and (3) recommending a set of actions and processes that facilitate co-decided interventions at the identified leverage points. These leverage points include "the structure of information flow", "rules of the system" and “power to change system structure or self-organise". The paper concludes by emphasising that the shift to transformative CbA begins when facilitators and members of the community undertaking a CbA project are reflexive about how the societal context of decision processes, like power relations, influence community adaptation decision-making, planning and implementation.

The Curtis Report as a critical juncture in Canadian urbanism

ABSTRACT Canada's post-Second World War policies on urbanism were first outlined in an obscure government document – the 1944 report of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Planning of the federal government's Advisory Committee on Reconstruction (known colloquially as the ‘Curtis Report’). This article uses the tools of Historical Institutionalism and extensive archival research to analyse the Curtis Report. It examines antecedent conditions in the Depression and war; permissive conditions during the wartime housing crisis; the actors and choice of options at the critical juncture; the reactions during implementation and the path-dependent municipal planning and suburbanization outcomes of the report. The Curtis Report is identified as a critical juncture for major changes in housing and community planning that set Canada on a different course than the UK or the USA.

Forest carbon removal potential and sustainable development in Japan

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and reducing emissions as a major carbon sink. However, its value in removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is always underestimated in natural capital (NC) accounting and sustainability assessments. This study predicted Japan’s forest CO2 removal by afforestation and forest management and its monetary value until 2042 from national to gridded level, with statistical data and complementary satellite data products, and explored how that CO2 removal will contribute to sustainable development under the inclusive wealth (IW) framework. The results show that: (1) the annual CO2 removal by forests has the potential to offset 15.3% of the emission and increase NC by 6.8% in Japan, significantly contributing to carbon neutrality and IW growth; (2) the total CO2 removal in exiting forests will peak at around 2030 and then decrease, but expanding afforestation could offset that decrease in later years; (3) the spatial distribution patterns of IW and forest CO2 removal are opposite. This indicates a national carbon trading market could create new wealth for rural communities where vast forests exist, and then effectively balance the inequal urban–rural development in Japan. The explicit spatial information of this study could provide valuable information for differentiating policy priorities of forestry planning and sustainable development in different local communities.

Advancing the community plan to end the HIV Epidemic in Philadelphia: a qualitative descriptive evaluation of low-threshold PrEP services in sexual health clinics

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method and a key component of Philadelphia’s Community Plan to End the HIV Epidemic (EHE). However, significant barriers to accessing PrEP exist among people at risk for HIV. Low-threshold models for PrEP services that minimize barriers to entry and service engagement could help bolster access to PrEP through community-based clinics. This study aimed to describe the initial implementation of low-threshold PrEP services in three sexual health clinics funded by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and explore strategies for delivering low-threshold PrEP services.MethodsWe conducted three focus groups with staff (i.e., providers, prevention navigators, and administrative staff, N = 21) at each of three participating PDPH-funded sexual health clinics from November 2021 to January 2022. Discussion topics included details about the PrEP delivery process, clinic strengths and assets, resource gaps, and PrEP implementation goals. Follow-up interviews with staff members (N = 8) between March 2022 and May 2022 focused on identifying successful strategies for PrEP delivery and adaptations needed to optimize low-threshold PrEP service delivery. Rapid qualitative methods and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science were used to analyze data from focus groups and interviews.ResultsParticipants collaborated to create process maps that visualized the steps involved in delivering PrEP services within their respective settings. These maps highlighted several stages in PrEP service delivery, such as connecting individuals to services, providing prevention navigation, conducting clinical encounters, and ensuring follow-up care. Participants described effective strategies for implementing PrEP, which included integrating and co-locating services on-site, strengthening staffing resources and capacity, and addressing barriers experienced by clients.ConclusionsLessons from the implementation of low-threshold PrEP service delivery in Philadelphia can guide ongoing local adaptations and future scale-up of these models to improve access to PrEP and advance the goals of the EHE initiative.

The Impact of the Two Pandemics on Sustainable Urban Housing Development

People had to stay in their homes for long time during the pandemic like SARS or COVID-19. Under this experience, people put forward many opinions and suggestions on the current situation of urban residential architecture design and community planning. The existing deficiencies can be learned form people’s perceptions and the findings is helpful to the sustainable development of cities. Based on the literature survey, the main issues of public dissatisfaction after SARS are summarized and analyzed. An online survey-based households was conducted to explore the updated housing, environmental, and psychological focal points caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. The main concerns of urban residents on house and community design and planning after the two pandemics are described and reviewed. It is found that there are additional focus on residential buildings and the community environment after the two pandemics. People are still very concerned about elements such as sunlight, natural ventilation, and sewage treatment to prevent the virus transmission. Some deficiency in housing and communities still leave urban residents dissatisfied, and existing urban housing and community designs may still not be ready for the next pandemic. The pandemic has not only renewed awareness of some important basic elements of urban living that cannot be ignored, but has also brought about changes in people’s lives.

The Level of Disaster Awareness and Preparedness of San Jose Vegetable Farmers in Monkayo, Davao De Oro: Basis for Extension Intervention

This study investigates the level of disaster awareness and preparedness among the San Jose Vegetable Farmers in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, a region frequently impacted by natural disasters due to its geographical and climatic conditions. The primary aim is to assess the demographic profile, disaster awareness, and preparedness levels of these farmers. Using a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected through surveys involving 50 participants selected via purposive sampling. The results reveal a diverse age group with half of the respondents aged 41 years or older. Most farmers have occupied their land for over 31 years, with the majority operating on small-scale land holdings of 1-2 hectares. The findings indicate a high level of disaster awareness among the farmers, characterized by a strong understanding of disaster risks and active engagement in education and training activities. However, there is a slight gap in their confidence in securing themselves and their families. In terms of preparedness, the farmers exhibit robust readiness, particularly in family communication and community plans. Nonetheless, areas such as disaster supplies, and first aid training require further enhancement. The involvement of government and local disaster management offices has been crucial in supporting and strengthening the community’s preparedness efforts, ensuring a resilient approach to disaster management. This study underscores the importance of continuous education, resource allocation, and community involvement in enhancing disaster resilience among small-scale farmers in disaster-prone areas. Extension services, provided by agricultural and disaster management experts, can play a crucial role in addressing the identified gaps and strengthening the community’s overall awareness and preparedness.

Соціальні та економічні параметри формування плану сталої міської мобільності Тернопільської міської територіальної громади

The process of urbanization promotes an increase in the population density of territories, which has significant consequences for the formation of the living environment of residents of cities and nearby settlements, and is an important factor in the socio-economic development of society. At the same time, the growth of population concentration in cities leads to a rapid increase in the need for movement and an increase in the number of vehicles. Facing the choice of strategic directions for the development of settlements, which would allow overcoming the existing challenges of transportation. The article is devoted to the analysis of the social and economic parameters of the formation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SMM) of the Ternopil urban territorial community. The study examines key aspects of community development, including demographic trends, employment rates, economic performance and social infrastructure. A forecast of the development of the economic complex of the Ternopil MTG was made separately for the city of Ternopil and villages. According to the current urban planning documentation of the Ternopil MTG, the main directions of development of the community's economic complex and prospects for the distribution of the working-age population by types of economic activity were determined. The distribution of the population of Ternopil MTG by age and gender was analyzed. The main challenges and opportunities facing the community are identified, and strategic approaches to improving the quality of life of residents and increasing the community's competitiveness at the regional level are proposed. The measures proposed within the framework of PSMM are aimed not only at the development of infrastructural support of the community's transport system, but also at the organization of the use of urban space in accordance with the mobility needs of all population groups, improving the quality of data collection necessary for analysis, capacity development and promotion of sustainable modes of movement.

High school students’ attitudes towards diverse cultures and ethnicities

As the world becomes more diversified and globalized, it is important to better understand how diversity affects our understanding and perceptions of people around us. Despite the continual increase of diversity within the United States, ethnic groups are still severely segregated in public schools, and this segregation is often accompanied by feelings of dislike and/or fear amongst students. With the rapid growth in number of minorities in K-12 education in mind, we investigated how high school students’ ethnic and individual backgrounds affect their attitudes towards the integration of diverse cultures and ethnicities in their learning at school. We also examined their social relationships with others of such diverse backgrounds. Sixty-seven 9th and 10th grade students participated in a survey that took about 15 minutes to complete. Their ethnic and racial background included White (24 students), Native American (Navajo) (15 students), Hispanic (14 students), and Mixed races (14 students). We performed inferential statistics for mean comparisons and correlational analyses. Results showed that although students generally perceived other cultures and ethnic groups positively (70-80%), Hispanic students felt judged by their peers in class due to their ethnic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, 20-30% of the students reported their culture not being well-embraced by their school or their friends (especially Native American) and expressed their ‘dislike’ for some ethnic groups. Positive correlations emerged between the number of multi-cultural friends and students’ positive cultural attitudes. These findings have practical implications for curriculum development and educational planning in a global community.

Improving locomotive syndrome risk level through community‐led activities to establish walking habits

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of walking habits and mobility improvement on an aging population among 30 residents of a suburban residential complex with the aim of promoting sustainable health activities led by residents. The results showed a total of 911 person‐days of actual walking (Mean = 30.4, Standard Deviation = 15.7) with an average of 30 days per person or a frequency of almost daily intervals over 2 months. In total, 68.4% of early‐ and 54.5% of late‐elderly participants met the recommended criteria for healthy older adults. The results of the GLFS‐25 and 2‐step tests showed a significant improvement in the mobility function after the walking period compared to before the walking period. In addition to the improvements in physical mobility, there were improvements in social interactions and participation in community activities. The participants' post‐walking effect showed that 85% of them were in good health, 50% had positive social interactions, and 25% had positive statements regarding community and town planning. The results verified that resident‐led sustainable walking activities can establish walking habits and improve mobility.

Social Mapping in Batam City for Urban Development

This study explores social mapping for urban communities with the aim of city development. The success of sustainable urban planning lies in achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability in urban areas. However, the requirements for a socially sustainable city are still unclear. This paper aims to bridge the existing concept of urban social sustainability in its implementation in Batam City regarding socially sustainable urban planning. This study uses a qualitative approach. The purpose of collecting qualitative data is to explore social planning for communities in Batam City. Qualitative data collection uses in-depth interview procedures with the government and communities living in Batam City, both indigenous and immigrant communities. The selection of informants is based on a purposive sampling procedure, this is intended to explore research questions more deeply to informants in Batam City. This study contributes to the development of cross-disciplinary science in the social sciences, especially the Sociology of Development, where this scientific contribution is theoretically useful when the results of this study are published in the form of scientific publications.. In addition to publication outputs, this research is expected to be an academic contribution as a recommendation for policy makers, especially in development policies to understand sustainable urban planning through a social lens to obtain a complete picture of social sustainability scenarios and investigate how these themes can be addressed in future urban planning prospects.

Planning system for community plans based on comprehensive plans and master plans and trends in structure and format

Planning system for community plans based on comprehensive plans and master plans and trends in structure and format

Sustainable Community Transformation and Planning Based on Community Layout and Low Impact Development Concept

The Sustainable Cities and Communities emphasized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are cities and residential communities that prioritize inclusivity, safety, and resilience against disaster risks. China's urbanization process has embarked on a trajectory of rapid development, characterized by substantial advancements in urban construction and continuous enhancements to the urban landscape and environment. Confronted with an immense urban population scale, the sustainable transformation of traditional communities has emerged as the primary focus for establishing resilient communities. This paper compares the disparities between communities established by the traditional community model and sustainable community concept, scrutinizes the limitations of traditional community models, and proposes strategies for the sustainable transformation of traditional communities through adopting low impact development concepts in rainwater management. For the "block" layout, this paper proposes enhancing the connectivity of green spaces and promoting diversity. For the "central" layout, it is recommended to optimize access roads, including pedestrian and vehicle routes, by integrating green spaces. In the case of an "intensive" layout, emphasis should be placed on improving resource utilization efficiency through multi-functional approaches. For the planning of new sustainable communities, this paper puts forward suggestions from the micro and macro planning levels.