Proposed Development Sites Research Articles

South Africa’s EIA Screening Tool: A preliminary study of how users perceive its accuracy and utility

ABSTRACT Recognising the value of GIS in screening environmental impacts, the South African government has introduced a web-based Screening Tool as a mandatory part of the EIA application process. The Tool draws on numerous databases to depict sensitive attributes of proposed development sites. Enforcement of the Tool has implications for how EIAs are conducted, in terms of both scope and cost. In this paper we present the results of preliminary research into user perceptions of the accuracy and utility of the Tool. Findings from a national survey and several semi-structured interviews show that most users are not confident that the Tool accurately assigns sensitivity ratings according to various environmental themes. Notwithstanding this finding, overall opinion is that the Tool has potential to improve the scientific robustness of the EIA process. It is recommended that practitioners and specialists are involved in further development of the Tool to increase accuracy of the sensitivity ratings. We conclude more generally that integration of GIS can compensate for knowledge gaps and enhance the scientific veracity of EIA.

Nearshore submerged wave farm optimisation: A multi-objective approach

To be commercially viable, wave energy converters (WECs) will need to be deployed in arrays or “wave farms” to generate significant amounts of energy and to have the costs of these farms minimised. However, when designing a wave farm, there are a number of trade-offs to be made between competing objectives; for example, between the power production potential and installation costs, with the optimal design for one objective not necessarily favourable for the other. In this study, we developed a multi-objective optimisation methodology to allow rigorous evaluation of the trade-offs amongst multiple objectives. We demonstrate the methodology for four objectives: (1) maximising power production, (2) minimising the foundation loads, (3) minimising the number of foundations and (4) minimising the total export cable length required. However, the method is flexible and can be used for optimising a range of other parameters. A case study examining multi-objective optimisation of a wave farm using the developed probability-based evolutionary strategy was conducted for a proposed development site in Albany, Western Australia. The wave farms were composed of 5, 10 and 20 fully submerged cylindrical point-absorber type WECs similar to Carnegie Clean Energy's CETO-6 device. Simulations show that the optimal layouts preferring maximum power formed a single line perpendicular to the predominant wave direction; the optimal layouts preferring minimum cable length and a minimum number of foundations form multiple lines; whereas the optimal layouts preferring minimum foundation loads formed multiple lines in line with the predominant wave direction. By applying a cost model and non-dominated sorting, the methodology allowed us to quantify the trade-offs between power production and cost.

Active Travel Oriented Development: Assessing the suitability of sites for new homes

The location of new housing developments, and the provision of safe space for walking and cycling to key destinations around them, have major and long lasting impacts on travel behaviour, health, and environmental outcomes. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is a well-recognised concept in urban planning, but systematic evidence is often lacking on the likely ‘active travel performance’ of new developments, making it hard for the planning process to support sustainable transport objectives. This paper articulates the concept of ‘Active Travel Oriented Development’ (ATOD) and describes methods for operationalising it. We demonstrate the use of a set of simple metrics to assess the active travel performance of new and proposed development sites. ATOD has the benefits of building on the established concept of TOD and being easy to assess. We conclude that ATOD, and tools for measuring it, are needed to ensure that transport and development policies work in harmony.

Salvaging Native Plants from Sites Slated for Development: Stop Wasting Resources

This fact sheet provides examples of native plant species that can be salvaged from sites slated for development for urban landscaping. It also provides strategies to increase the economic and logistic feasibility of salvaging efforts. The authors found 80 salvageable native plant species on a proposed development site, 31 of which had the potential to establish in soils more sterile and compacted than the soils in which these species typically flourish.

Applications of a Novel Method of Ecosystem Services Assessment into Local Policy Making in the River Blackwater Estuary, Ireland

This article describes a method to allow for the incorporation of ecosystem services (ES) into policy, applied to the case of the River Blackwater Estuary, County Cork. The concept of ES has become mainstreamed into many country’s policies worldwide. However, practical applications of ES assessment are still far from mainstream. This paper aims to assess ES in three sites to inform site selection for conservation and enhancement measures. First, ES likely to occur in the proposed development sites were identified based on literature review, interviews and expert judgement. Second an assessment methodology involving a public survey was developed and applied. Finally, the results of the assessment were aggregated based on the use level for cultural services and the on-site area for regulating and provisioning services; the results were normalised and synthesised to produce a replicable basis for comparison across the sites. The assessment demonstrated a low-cost, practical methodology for incorporating ES into local decision-making. Regulating and cultural services were most valued at the three sites, with limited levels of provisioning services being provided. While pollination (a supporting service/intermediate regulating service) received highest overall scores, a suite of cultural services was also highly valued. The survey suggested that public engagement with ES concepts may be hampered by technical jargon, such as that employed by the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), and also illustrated that in this case the public engaged better with the intermediate or supporting ES of pollination than other final services that provided benefits directly to them. The implications of these findings for future applications and the assessment methodology are discussed.

SHARK AQUALIFE RESEARCH COMPLEX

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the stability of the oceans and their ecosystems. However, there are many fisheries operating along the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia that have caught sharks and offered them for sale. This has caused an imbalance in the Red Sea ecosystem as the shark population are in danger of extinction. The government's vision for 2030 therefore aims to empower shark conservation through the establishment of research center. Thus, this work presents the development of Shark Aqualife Research Complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Three case studies related to the marine research center have been analysed in this work. Based on the analysed case studies, for the proposed research complex, the estimated gross floor area is 2954.64 m2. The research complex is comprised of several zone, such as main entrance, research center, awareness center, diving station, restaurant, and administration and business center. In this work, two potential sites were proposed for the development. Based on the site evaluation analysis, site 2 attained the highest score of 61 and it was selected as the proposed development site. The architectural design of the research complex is based on the shape of a shark. This research complex is expected to enhance the conservation of sharks in the Red Sea and also enhance the tourism and economy of Saudi Arabia.

MEDIA PRODUCTION ACADEMY

In this work, the development of Media Production Academy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is presented. This work has analysed three case studies related to media field and the architectural design requirement were analysed. Thus, based on the examined case studies, for the proposed Media Production Academy, the estimated gross floor area for its building is 10990 m2. In addition, the academy is comprised of three zone, which are administration, educational and theatre zone. Likewise, for the development of the Media Production Academy, two potential sites were proposed. Site evaluation analysis was performed in order to determine the most appropriate site. The evaluation analysis was done based on few criteria's, which are site area, accessibility, surroundings, views, and visibility. The results of the site evaluation analysis showed that site 1 had demonstrated the highest score of 45. Thus, site 1 which is located KingAbdulazizroad and with site area of 37800 m2 was selected as the proposed development site. The Media Production Academy was designed on the basis of the integration of nature and modern architectural design. This academy is expected to contribute to the nation of Saudi Arabia in terms of producing a generation who are well verse in the digital media field.

AL-LAWZ MOUNTAIN NATURAL MUSEUM

This work has presented the development of Al-Lawz Mountain Natural Museum in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Thus, prior to the development of the museum, three case studies related to the architecture of museums were analysed. Based on the examined case studies, for the proposed museum, the estimated gross floor area is 21419 m2. Furthermore, the building is comprised of few key zone, which are station, restaurant, museum, outdoor activities, and parking. In addition, two potential sites on top Al-Lawz Mountain were proposed as the development site. Both sites were examined using site evaluation analysis based on several key criteria’s, which are topography, access/traffic, utilities, security and safety, visibility, surrounding, views, and future development. The results of the site evaluation analysis showed that site 1, which is located at main road 55 , north west (NW) of Saudi Arabia in Al- Lawz mountain exhibited the highest score of 191 , compared to site 2 with evaluation score of 133. Thus, site 1 was selected as the proposed development site. The museum was designed with the concept of experiencing nature in a unique environment. The proposed museum is expected to preserve the culture and heritage of the province of Tabuk and contribute to the economy of Saudi Arabia as a key tourist attraction.

RAHMA CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC COMPLEX

The local community of Saudi Arabia is engaged in trading in the vicinity of the Islamic Mosque. However, these traders do not have a designated area for carrying out their business. On the other hand, the visitor to the mosque feels that the sanctity of the mosque has not been respected due to the commercial activity around the mosque. There is therefore a need to revive the glory of the original Islamic complexes, which serve as an area of trade and also as a place of worship. Hence, this work was done to propose the development of Rahma Islamic Complex at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For this work, two case studies related to the idea of Islamic complexes were analysed. Based on the case studies, for the proposed Rahma Islamic Complex, the estimated gross area is7712.7 m2. The Islamic complex was designed with few zones, which are entrance, administration, mosque, educational zone, cultural section, food court and market. In addition, two sites were proposed to develop the Islamic complex. Based on site evaluation analysis, site 2 which is located at King Abdulaziz Road with an area of 35 000 m2 was selected as the proposed development site. The Rahma Islamic Complex is expected to foster Saudi Arabia's Islamic culture and historical heritage between society and tourists and to act as a key area for local business traders.

SCIENTIFIC AND EXPLORING CENTER

Saudi Arabia has launched a vision for 2030 aimed at creating a well-educated society that is well versed in the field of science. Thus, there is a need to develop a dedicated science center to meet the 2030 vision. Hence, this work presents the development of Scientific and Exploring Center at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In this work, two case studies were analysed in order to comprehend the requirements of science center. Thus, based on the analysed case studies, for the proposed Scientific and Exploring Center, the estimated gross floor area is 11826.81 m2. Furthermore, the center is comprised of several zone, which are administration, public services, scientific and exploring, library, outdoor and parking. Likewise, two sites were proposed for constructing the science center. Site evaluation analysis was carried out on both sites to comprehend the most suitable site. The results of site evaluation analysis have shown that site 2 attained the highest score of 123 and it was selected as the proposed development site. This site is located at Alshati District, Jeddah. The Scientific and Exploring Center was designed based on the concept of DNA structure, which represents the idea of exploring with infinity circulation.

CONSULATE GENERAL OF SYRIA

Diplomatic buildings have experienced many conceptual changes in the course of modern diplomacy. Initially conceived as literal representations of the history and culture of the guest country, over the years they have come to represent in a more abstract way the values, intentions and self-image of the guest country in addition to its relationship with the host country. In this work, a proposal on a new building design for the Consulate General of Syria at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is presented. For this work, three case studies related to consulate designs were analysed. The analysed case studies were New US embassy in London, Netherlands Embassy in Berlin and Iran Embassy at Tokyo, Japan. Based on the case study analysis, the estimate area for the proposed new consulate building is 15000 m2. This consulate will comprise three parts are political section 40%; mixed-use: 25%; and residential 35%. For this work, 3 sites were proposed for development. Based on site evaluation score, site 3, which is located at Al Amir Sultan Road, Jeddah was selected as the proposed development site. The proposed design style of the new consulate has focused on the city of Damascus, the capital of Syria. The new consulate is expected to serve the huge number of citizens that is increasing each year.

JEDDAH CULTURE CENTER

This work presents the development of Jeddah Culture Center at, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In this work, three case studies related to the culture center theme were analyzed Based on the analysed case studies, for the proposed culture center, the estimated gross floor area is 9162.24 m2. Likewise, the center is comprised of various zones, such as administration, exhibition, knowledge, service and entertainment. Moreover, in this work, two sites were proposed for the development of Jeddah Culture Center. Thus, site evaluation analysis was carried out to determine the most suitable site. Both site were evaluated based on several criteria's, which are security and safety, accessibility, utilities, image/ visual quality, surrounding, site drainage, future development plans, and visibility. The results of site evaluation showed that site 1 exhibited highest score of 170 and it was selected as the proposed development site. The design concept and philosophy of the center is based on the timeline of the establishment of Saudi Arabia culture and heritage. The development of the Jeddah Cultural Center is expected to spread the knowledge of Saudi Arabia's history and culture to society

ASTRO WORLD EXHIBITION AND PLANETARIUM

This work has proposed the development of Astro World Exhibition and Planetarium center at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For this work, three case studies related to astronomical center were analysed. Based on the analysed case studies, for the planetarium center, the estimated gross floor area of the building is 8304 m2. This planetarium center is comprised of few zone, which are administration, exhibition, public zone, educational zone, IMAX theatre, and planetarium zone. Furthermore, in this work, two sites were proposed for constructing the planetarium center. Site evaluation analysis was carried out to determine the most suitable site. Few criteria's were evaluated, which are location, accessibility, shape, area, connectivity, land use, and orientation. Based on the result of the site evaluation analysis, site 1 attained the highest score of 55, compared to site 2 with evaluation score of 25. Thus, site 1 was selected as the proposed development site. In terms of architectural concept, the planetarium center was designed based on black hole concept. The Astro World Exhibition and Planetarium Center is expected to contribute to the local community in terms research in the field of astronomy in Saudi Arabia and to produce a nation that is well versed in the field of astronomy and space studies.

JEDDAH PLANETARIUM CENTER

Science center is a landmark building where visitors will be exposed to scientific knowledge that helps people develop new skills, solve practical problems and make informed decisions both individually and collectively. This work presents the development of the Jeddah Planetarium Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For this work, three case studies related to planetarium centers were analysed. Based on the case study analysis, for the proposed planetarium center, the estimated gross area is 11785 m2 and the net area is 7905 m2. The center is comprised of several collective zones such as planetarium, show section, administration and service. In addition, three sites have been proposed for the development of the planetary centre. Therefore, a site evaluation analysis was carried out in order to select the most appropriate site. In addition, weighting factors (WF) were used for the site assessment analysis. Based on the results of the site evaluation analysis, site 1 was selected as the proposed development site as it attained the highest score of 62. The Jeddah Planetarium Center was designed with modern and unique structure. This center is expected to benefit the Saudi Arabian community and enhance its involvement in science and research in astronomy.

JEDDAH WEST COAST ISLAND ECO-RESORT

The terms eco-friendly or environmentally friendly are designed to have no damaging effects on the natural environment and its residents. Thus, this work has proposed the development of eco resort at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In this work, 3 case studies were analysed to comprehend the design and architecture aspects of the proposed resort. Based on the case study analysis, the estimated area for the eco resort is 17100 m2. The eco resort is comprised of several zones such as main building, suites, spa, gymnasium, restaurant, cafe, marine side, courtyard and dolphin bay. The proposed development site for the eco resort is located at the north side of Jeddah and it is an island landscape. The idea and design philosophy of this resort is purity, relaxation and preservation of nature's beauty. This eco resort will be a major attraction for visitors and Jeddah residents. It will also serve as an educational reference for those interested in nature and as an entertainment venue for tourists of all ages.

COUNTRY CLUB HORSE RIDING

In this work, the development of Country Club Horse Riding facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is presented. Three case studies related to equestrian facilities have been examined. Based on the analysed case studies, for the proposed horse riding facility, the total estimated gross floor area is 25000 m2. Furthermore, the horse riding facility is comprised of several important zones, which area sport zone, service zone, health zone, outdoor zone stables zone and education zone. In addition, the proposed development site for the horse riding facility is located at Thuwal, at the north of Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea, with a site area of 25000 m2. The architectural of this facility was designed based on the basic shape of the Arabian horse. In addition, health and safety conditions for stable training and recreation were applied to the facility. The development of this horse riding facility is expected to enhance the involvement in equestrian sport among the community of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the facility is expected to produce professional athletes that can compete at international level and contribute fame to the nation of Saudi Arabia.

Novel real-time PCR species identification assays for British and Irish bats and their application to a non-invasive survey of bat roosts in Ireland

Detection and monitoring of extant bat populations are crucial for conservation success. Non-invasive genetic analysis of bat droppings collected at roosts could be very useful in this respect as a rapid, cost‐efficient monitoring tool. We developed species‐specific real-time PCR assays for 18 British and Irish bat species to enable non‐invasive, large‐scale distribution monitoring, which were then applied to a field survey in Ireland. One hundred and sixty-four DNA samples were collected from 95 bat roosts, of which 73% of samples were identified to species, and the resident bat species were identified at 89% of roosts. However, identification success varied between roost types, ranging from 22% for underground sites to 92% for bat boxes. This panel of DNA tests will be especially useful in cases where roosts contain multiple species, where the number of bats present is small, or bats are otherwise difficult to directly observe. The methodology could be applied to the surveillance of proposed development sites, post development mitigation measures, distribution surveys, bat box schemes and the evaluation of agri-environmental bat box schemes.

Hydropower and tourism in Iceland: Visitor and operator perspectives on preferred use of natural areas

This paper examines visitor and tourism operator perspectives of a recreation destination in the face of competing land use from the potential industrial development of a hydroelectric power plant. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to discover (i) how and why the area is used for recreational activities by both Icelanders and foreigners, (ii) the satisfaction of two key stakeholder groups: visitors to the area and local tourism business operators and, (iii) the opinions held by these groups with regards to the potential impacts of the proposed development on tourism and recreation in the region.Analysis of the questionnaire data revealed that the majority of visitors were extremely satisfied with their experience of nature in the area and, correspondingly, that construction of hydropower facilities would deter them from visiting. Opinions of interviewed tourism operators were more varied, based on their type of business and distance from the proposed development site. Some welcomed potential improved access to the areas, but most held concerns that the development of hydroelectricity could negatively affect the natural environment, and the visitor experience, resulting in negative impacts on tourism in the area.These data were incorporated into a report prepared for the Icelandic government to assist their decision making in how best to manage this natural area in the future. The proposal for hydropower in the region was ultimately rejected and the area recommended for special protection status under Icelandic legislation. Management implicationsFrom this research we learnt that visitors to natural areas value a perception of wilderness, sharing the opinion that the introduction of infrastructure for hydropower would detract from that value and thus negatively influence satisfaction with their experience of the area. Tourism operators are aware of this perception by visitors, and the strong drawcard of an area that is perceived as undeveloped.For similar planning processes, both within Iceland and other countries, we recommend that:•longitudinal monitoring of visitor and operator (host) satisfaction is undertaken to determine the potential effects of the introduction of hydropower infrastructure on recreational experience,•visitors are included as stakeholders in decision making about the development of natural areas, and•the opinions of all stakeholders are sought and considered when making decisions about land use options.

Transitioning from gray to green (G2G)—A green infrastructure planning tool for the urban forest

Urban stormwater managers have traditionally used pipes, ditches, ponds and other gray infrastructure elements to quickly divert runoff away from its main sources—buildings and roadways. In contrast, proponents of green infrastructure attempt to manage stormwater near its origin, utilizing natural drainage pathways and best management practices (BMPs) to reduce runoff and increase infiltration. In doing so, stormwater is retained where it is needed to support urban vegetation. This vegetation, in turn, helps reduce future runoff, while producing a whole range of environmental, economic, and social/human health-related benefits. Despite the many advantages of green infrastructure, retrofitting the infrastructure of a city is a costly process that requires careful planning. The transition from gray to green infrastructure requires communication between managers from different disciplines and a willingness to stray from management strategies that have defined stormwater management for centuries. The Gray to Green (G2G) green infrastructure planning tool is designed to facilitate these conversations—showing both technical and non-technical users how green infrastructure BMPs can work within the urban forest to manage stormwater on existing or proposed development sites. This paper details the data sources and research at the core of G2G—documenting all methods, equations, and assumptions used in its creation to provide users with a fully-transparent and peer-reviewed planning tool. The paper concludes with descriptions and user insights from two case studies from Tampa, Florida (United States) and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (United States).

Numerical modelling of wave energy resources and assessment of wave energy extraction by large scale wave farms

This study reports the practicalities of applying a numerical model to assess the wave energy extraction at proposed development sites in Orkney Waters, Scotland. A state-of-the-art phase averaged spectral wave model, MIKE 21 Spectral Wave, in association with the wave-structure interaction software tool WAMIT, has been employed to study the impact of energy extraction by large arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) on the wave height alteration in the neighbourhood of WEC arrays. Two generic types of WEC, one representing surface attenuators (deployed in deep water) and other representing Oscillating Wave Surge Converters (deployed in shallow waters) are used for numerical modelling. The power extraction performance of the WECs are initially modelled using WAMIT and validated with data from literature. As MIKE 21 SW has limited ability in modelling complete dynamics of a moving structure, each WEC has been modelled as a generic structure but with appropriate reflection, transmission and energy absorption properties derived from WAMIT, and this methodology is found to have worked well. In total there are 198 attenuators and 120 Oscillating Wave Surge Converters are constructed within the numerical model at potential energy locations in Orkney Waters, and the wave-WECs array interactions for the year 2010 have been simulated. The results suggest that the wave farm will have an impact on the wave climate immediately in the lee of the array, although the magnitude of these effects decreases monotonically with distance from the farm.