Challenge For Urban Planners Research Articles

Urban sprawl and transformations in the urban fabric: contemporary challenges for Brazilian cities

This article argues that the contemporary transformations of the urban fabric in Brazilian cities are characterized by urban sprawl, a process distinguished from earlier ones due to its association with new cultural values and new challenges for urban planning. Accordingly, the aim is to research the extent to which urban sprawl impacts the planning of Brazilian cities, with a focus on understanding the relationshipbetween urban sprawl and climate change. Initially, the article questions key foreign concepts related to urban sprawl, demonstrating the contemporaneity of this process. Through an exploratory methodology, it characterizes urban sprawl through Brazilian interpretations and territorial evidence. The discussion centerson five conditioning factors stemming from sprawl and their relationship to climate events. In conclusion, the article advocates for multifunctional and multiscale premises that address local development by recognizing the systemic nature of this process.

Urban sprawl and transformations in the urban fabric: contemporary challenges for Brazilian cities

This article argues that the contemporary transformations of the urban fabric in Brazilian cities are characterized by urban sprawl, a process distinguished from earlier ones due to its association with new cultural values and new challenges for urban planning. Accordingly, the aim is to research the extent to which urban sprawl impacts the planning of Brazilian cities, with a focus on understanding the relationshipbetween urban sprawl and climate change. Initially, the article questions key foreign concepts related to urban sprawl, demonstrating the contemporaneity of this process. Through an exploratory methodology, it characterizes urban sprawl through Brazilian interpretations and territorial evidence. The discussion centerson five conditioning factors stemming from sprawl and their relationship to climate events. In conclusion, the article advocates for multifunctional and multiscale premises that address local development by recognizing the systemic nature of this process.

Modelling future urban growth utilizing multilayer perceptron and Markov chain models in West Himalayan urban centre: Srinagar Municipal Corporation

The urban spatial planning challenges encountered in areas situated in hilly regions, such as the Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, are distinguished by the swift growth of population, disorganized expansion of built-up areas, and insufficient data on alterations in urban expansion and land utilization. The study was conducted to examine the trends in urban growth in order to implement sustainable urban management within the Srinagar Municipal Corporation. The complexities arising from the rapid aggregation of population and unregulated urbanization necessitate a proactive approach to urban spatial planning. The aim of this investigation is to contribute to the development of effective strategies by analysing the current patterns of urban growth and anticipating future changes. The findings of this investigation display a notable trend in which the predicted LULC shows the rapid expansion of built-up areas from 134.72 km2 to 170.89 km2 and corresponds with a continuous decrease in agricultural and Fallow lands to 16.64 km2 and 6.62 km2 respectively. This emphasizes the transformative impact on the land-use, highlighting the requirement for comprehensive surveillance and predictive tools to direct the dynamic interplay between human activities and the environment. Also, the study could improve the city's planning, resource allocation and decision-making processes by providing probabilistic insights into various urban issues especially land-use planning in hilly regions.

Assessing the Role of Good Governance and Policy Making in Land Use abuse Monitoring and Management in Nigeria

Land-use abuse presents a significant challenge to sustainable development in Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social equity. In view of the above premise, this paper critically examines the role of good governance and policy frameworks in monitoring and managing land use abuses across Nigeria. The study explores the multifaceted nature of land use challenges, including urban sprawl, deforestation, unregulated mining, and indiscriminate land conversion for industrial and residential purposes, which exacerbate environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this paper draws on case studies and policy reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of existing governance mechanisms and land use policies. Particular attention was given to the interplay between transparency, accountability, and community participation in addressing land use abuse. The analysis highlights the gaps in policy enforcement, institutional coordination, and resource allocation that hinder effective land use monitoring and management. This research then provides actionable insights for policymakers, land professionals, and other stakeholders, contributing to the discourse on sustainable land management in Nigeria and offering a blueprint for addressing similar challenges in other developing countries. The specific objectives of this study are to: (a) examine existing land policies and governance structures to assess their effectiveness in addressing land use abuse and promoting sustainable management, (b) investigate the relationship between governance quality and land use outcomes, focusing on transparency, accountability, public participation, and institutional efficiency, (c) identify the technological, institutional, and policy innovations that can improve land use monitoring and management in Nigeria, and (d) provide a framework for multi-stakeholder collaboration in mitigating land use abuse and ensuring equitable land access. Key Findings includes: i. Governance and Institutional Weaknesses: Weak enforcement of regulations, overlapping responsibilities among government agencies, and pervasive corruption are major barriers to effective land management. Institutional capacity is often undermined by inadequate funding and a lack of technical expertise. ii. Policy Gaps: The Land Use Act of 1978, which centralizes land ownership under state governors, has led to bureaucratic inefficiencies and inequities in land allocation. It lacks provisions for modern urban planning challenges and environmental sustainability. iii. Urban and Rural Disparities: In urban areas like Lagos and Abuja, rapid urbanization drives unauthorized developments, while rural regions face issues such as land grabbing, deforestation, and illegal mining. iv. Technological Shortfalls: While Geographic Information System (GIS) and satellite technologies are increasingly used, their adoption remains limited due to high costs, lack of expertise, and inadequate infrastructure. v. Community Exclusion: Limited stakeholder participation and public awareness contribute to the disconnect between policy objectives and ground realities. The study concludes that good governance, characterized by clear accountability mechanisms, stakeholder collaboration, and the integration of digital technologies, is essential for addressing land use abuse in Nigeria. Recommendations includes: i. Policy Overhaul: Amend the Land Use Act of 1978 to incorporate decentralized land governance, stronger environmental safeguards, and clearer guidelines for equitable land allocation. ii. Technological Integration: Expand the use of GIS, drones, and AI-driven monitoring tools to improve real-time data collection, enhance transparency, and streamline enforcement mechanisms. iii. Institutional Reforms: Strengthen land governance institutions through increased funding, training, and capacity building. Establish a centralized, digital land registry to reduce conflicts and improve efficiency. iv. Public Engagement: Foster inclusive decision-making by involving community stakeholders in land governance processes. Conduct awareness campaigns to educate citizens on land rights and environmental conservation. iv. Inter-agency Collaboration: Harmonize the roles of government agencies involved in land management to eliminate overlaps and foster coordinated action. iv. Sustainable Financing: Develop financing models to support technological adoption and capacity-building programs, including public-private partnerships and international aid.

Open Data Supporting GIS-based Walkability Assessment: Case Study for City of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract. The study presented in this paper aims to contribute to the broader discourse on urban planning challenges by presenting a preliminary walkability assessment for the city of Zagreb, Croatia. Using the open-source OS-WALK-EU walkability assessment tool and open government and data from OSM, we demonstrated how data-based walkability assessment can provide information to support relevant policy making. The assessment considered two walkability user perspectives, one focused on enjoying free time and other on daily obligations (e.g. commuting to work). Preliminary findings indicate that walkability index scores are higher in the city centre and decrease towards the periphery for both user perspectives. Additionally, the results indicate that despite different user perspectives give different walkability scores, these are almost uniform across Zagreb, making all the assessed districts equally attractive for both, enjoying free time and do daily obligations.

URBAN SATURATION IN ALGERIAN CITIES: FACTORS AND TREATMENT METHODS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE CITY OF TÉBESSA

Throughout history, cities have undergone transformations due to social, urban, environmental, and economic changes, which have contributed to altering their shape, and growth patterns. This evolution has led to continuous urban expansion in response to the increasing needs of the population, resulting in boundless urban sprawl. The constant effort to provide urban services has driven the integration of new land areas within the framework of urban expansion, often at the expense of the surrounding rural areas, which serve as the city's main life source. These rural areas are the primary base for urban expansion and simultaneously the main supplier of labor and raw materials. Currently, urban expansion in Algerian cities, in general, and in Tebessa in particular, poses challenges in urban development and planning. This situation calls for exploring alternative approaches when natural or human barriers prevent the optimal use of urban land in alignment with the city’s needs, leading to urban saturation. These approaches should consider the principles of sustainable urban development and rely on tools focused on protecting natural resources within and around the city, as cities are not only the main threat to the natural environment but also the first victims of its degradation.

Bridging the gap: challenges of urban planning and policies for favelas in Salvador, Brazil

Salvador, the capital of Bahia State in Brazil, has long struggled with pronounced economic and social inequality. This stratification has resulted in spatial segregation, leading to the expansion of favelas, typically near the city center, where segregation in various dimensions of social engagement intensifies tensions of inequities. The municipal government has made several attempts to address favela-related issues through urban planning policies. Notwithstanding the progress made in lowering violent crime and extreme poverty, these issues still exist. This paper explores the interaction between government-led practices and corresponding self-organized actions toward planning strategies, invoking a social justice framework and critical urban theories. It identifies mismatches between institutional objectives and residents’ expectations, highlighting that structural contradictions in the region’s social development remain unresolved. The analysis suggests that planning policies should consider key factors, such as resource redistribution, recognition of sociocultural identity, and political representation. On the basis of these findings, this paper offers insights into urban planning for favelas as examples of complex governance challenges. It also aims to contribute to the global discourse on similar urban planning issues.

Problematizing street vending: The uncanniness of a disembodied urban policy

ABSTRACT Street vending is an important source of livelihood for many urban dwellers in Africa but remains a challenge for urban policy and planning. This paper uses Ghana as a case study to examine how street vending is treated in urban policy frameworks. We use qualitative content analysis to critically review four major urban policies that shape the planning, development, and management of Ghanaian cities. Our findings reveal a misalignment of local urban policies with national policy on the regulation of street vending. The regulation of street vending is unclear, contradictory, and ineffective, failing to provide a clear policy direction and adequate planning tools for integrating street vending into urban spaces. We argue that these policy inconsistencies persist due to power imbalances and governance challenges, with local authorities maintaining ambiguous policies that benefit powerful stakeholders while keeping street vendors in a state of insecurity. We call for more coherent and inclusive policies that recognize the socioeconomic value of street vending and foster more inclusive urban spaces. We also highlight the need for reformed urban governance that empowers marginalized voices and builds cross-scale alliances to address the complexities of urban informality and support the informal economy.

NATURAL CHARACTERISTICS' IMPACT ON URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: A CASE STUDY OF AIN BEIDA CITY, ALGERIA

The city of Ain Beida struggles with a complex interplay of natural and technical characteristics that significantly influence its urban development, environmental quality, and overall sustainability. The city's natural components present both opportunities and challenges for urban planning and development. This paper explores the impacts of these factors on urban development and environmental quality. Additionally, it delves into the consequences of natural characteristics on urban development policies, addressing the dilemma between preserving green spaces and the imperative for urban expansion. Artificial obstacles pose challenges to urban expansion and impact security, as well as overall environmental health. Furthermore, the paper discusses the risks associated with natural and technological elements emphasising the importance of safety measures and emergency response protocols. The urban development policies of Ain Beida have undergone a shift primarily driven by limited land availability. Urban densification, aimed at optimizing land use, has been adopted, but it comes with environmental trade-offs. Considering the challenges and opportunities identified, the paper concludes with a set of recommendations.

Climate change, conflict, and urban migration

The adverse effects of man-made climate change and protracted conflict intensify rural-to-urban migration in many developing countries. This article examines the impacts of climate and conflict migration on urban environments and on migrants themselves. To trace the distinctive pathways by which climate change and conflict drive migration as well as shared challenges for urban planning and services, we employ qualitative case studies of Jordan, Pakistan, and Honduras informed by interviews and secondary literature. These countries are chosen as they exemplify the compounding, cumulative impacts of climate change and conflict on urban expansion and the challenges in providing adequate public services in these contexts. Across all three cases, climate hazards threaten rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity, increasing rural to urban migration, while civil conflict and gang violence further induce urban migration, both internally and across borders. In Jordan, we assess the impacts of increasing water scarcity and conflict-driven refugee flows on infrastructure and public services. Pakistan’s experience highlights the impacts of rapid-onset natural disasters, severe water scarcity, and enduring refugee flows from Afghanistan on environmental quality and pollution within cities. In Honduras, we analyze how increasing droughts and hurricanes, combined with gang presence in cities, affect migrants in terms of increased violence and negative physical and mental health impacts. Together, these cases illuminate the need for context-specific proactive policy measures that address the independent and interrelated ways that climate change and conflict lead to migration and the subsequent profound impacts on urban development and human well-being.

Sustainable Urban Planning Challenges in the Peri-Urban Landscape: Evaluating LULC Dynamics and the Policy Effectiveness of the Chattogram Metropolitan Region, Bangladesh

Understanding the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) change in today’s context of rapid urbanization is critical for sustainable urban planning and environmental conservation. Therefore, the research aim is to understand the LULC changes in the Chattogram Metropolitan Area and to assess the policy implications of these changes for sustainable urban development. Through a comparative analysis of LULC maps for two periods (1997–2007; 2007–2017), we investigated the transformation of a detailed planning zone before and after Detailed Area Plan (DAP) approval. Using quantitative data analysis and policy review, we elucidated the impacts of urbanization trends on local ecosystems—specifically the conversion of forest cover and waterscape use. The findings reveal a significant conversion of forested and waterscape areas to urban and peri-urban landscapes, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable planning interventions that focus on these peri-urban areas. The study further critiques the DAP’s effectiveness, revealing a disconnect between regional policy implementation and local outcomes. This research proposes a validated, scalable framework for urban master plans that adapts to the complex socioecological contexts of rapidly urbanizing regions.

Planning and reconstruction of the old city in the future

With the acceleration of urbanization, the renovation planning and renovation of old urban areas have become an important issue. This article conducts an in-depth analysis of a case study on the renovation and planning of an old urban area in China, exploring how to achieve modernisation and sustainable development of the old urban area while preserving its historical and cultural heritage This article adopts a case study method, selects typical cities as research objects, deeply analyses the practical process, effectiveness, and challenges of urban renovation planning and old house reconstruction, and proposes corresponding strategic suggestions. Through detailed analysis and comparison of the case, the aim is to provide useful reference and guidance for other cities in terms of renovation planning and old house reconstruction.

Proposal of a domain model for 3D representation of buildings in Ecuador.

The accelerated urban sprawl of cities around the world presents major challenges for urban planning and land resource management. In this context, it is crucial to have a detailed 3D representation of buildings enriched with accurate alphanumeric information. A distinctive aspect of this proposal is its specific focus on the spatial unit corresponding to buildings. In order to propose a domain model for the 3D representation of buildings, the national standard of Ecuador and the international standard (ISO 19152:2012 LADM) were considered. The proposal includes a detailed specification of attributes, both for the general subclass of buildings and for their infrastructure. The application of the domain model proposal was crucial in a study area located in the Riobamba canton, due to the characteristics of the buildings in that area. For this purpose, a geodatabase was created in pgAdmin4 with official information, taking into account the structure of the proposed model and linking it with geospatial data for an adequate management and 3D representation of the buildings in an open-source Geographic Information System. This application improves cadastral management in the study region and has wider implications. This model is intended to serve as a benchmark for other countries facing similar challenges in cadastral management and 3D representation of buildings, promote efficient urban development and contribute to global sustainable development.

Short-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone: Source Impacts and Attributable Mortalities.

Short-term exposure to particles with aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are important risk factors for human health. Despite the awareness of reducing attributable health burden, region-specific and source-specific strategies remain less explored due to the gap between precursor emissions and health effects. In this study, we isolate the health burden of individual sector sources of PM2.5 and O3 precursors, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), across the globe. Specifically, we estimate mortalities attributable to short-term exposure using machine-learning-based daily exposure estimates and quantify sectoral impacts using chemical transport model simulations. Globally, short-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3 result in 713.5 (95% Confidence Interval: 598.8-843.3) thousand and 496.3 (371.3-646.1) thousand mortalities in 2019, respectively, of which 12.5% are contributed by fuel-related NOx emissions from transportation, energy, and industry. Sectoral impacts from anthropogenic NOx and VOC emissions on health burden vary significantly among seasons and regions, requiring a target shift from transportation in winter to industry in summer for East Asia, for instance. Emission control and health management are additionally complicated by unregulated natural influences during climatic events. Fire-sourced NOx and VOC emissions, respectively, contribute to 8.5 (95% CI: 6.2-11.7) thousand and 4.8 (3.6-5.9) thousand PM2.5 and O3 mortalities, particularly for tropics with high vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, biogenic VOC emissions during heatwaves contribute to 1.8 (95% CI: 1.5-2.2) thousand O3-introduced mortalities, posing challenges in urban planning for high-income regions, where biogenic contributions to health burden during heatwaves are 13% of anthropogenic contributions annually. Our study provides important implications for temporally dynamic and sector-targeted emission control and health management strategies, which are of urgency under the projection of continuously increasing energy consumption and changing climate.

Impact of urban space on PM2.5 distribution: A multiscale and seasonal study in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration

Despite concerted efforts in emission control, air pollution control remains challenging. Urban planning has emerged as a crucial strategy for mitigating PM2.5 pollution. What remains unclear is the impact of urban form and their interactions with seasonal changes. In this study, base on the air quality monitoring stations in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, the relationship between urban spatial indicators (building morphology and land use) and PM2.5 concentrations was investigated using full subset regression and variance partitioning analysis, and seasonal differences were further analysed. Our findings reveal that PM2.5 pollution exhibits different sensitivities to spatial scales, with higher sensitivity to the local microclimate formed by the three-dimensional structure of buildings at the local scale, while land use exerts greater influence at larger scales. Specifically, land use indicators contributed sustantially more to the PM2.5 prediction model as buffer zone expand (from an average of 2.41% at 100 m range to 47.30% at 5000 m range), whereas building morphology indicators display an inverse trend (from an average of 13.84% at 100 m range to 1.88% at 5000 m range). These results enderscore the importance of considering building morphology in local-scale urban planning, where the increasing building height can significantly enhance the disperion of PM2.5 pollution. Conversely, large-scale urban planning should prioritize the mixed use of green spaces and construction lands to mitigate PM2.5 pollution. Moreover, the significant seasonal differences in the ralationship between urban spatical indicatiors and PM2.5 pollution were observed. Particularly moteworthy is the heightened association between forest, water indicators and PM2.5 concentrations in summer, indicating the urban forests may facilitate the formation of volatile compunds, exacerbating the PM2.5 pollution. Our study provides a theoretical basis for addressing scale-related challenges in urban spatial planning, thereby forstering the sustainable development of cities.

Navigating the future of urban environments: A comprehensive analysis of contemporary urban planning

This article presents an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of urban planning, delving into its historical roots, contemporary practices, and future prospects. It begins by tracing the historical evolution of urban planning, highlighting the transition from the industrial revolution's response to urbanization challenges to the post-WWII era's shift towards sustainable planning. The discussion then progresses to contemporary urban design principles, emphasizing human-centric design, the integration of nature, and the importance of urban resilience in the face of climate change. Furthermore, the article examines the future trends and challenges in urban planning, focusing on the rise of smart cities, the critical role of community engagement, and strategies for sustainable urban expansion. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between urban development, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation, offering insights into creating more livable, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces.

Proposal of a domain model for 3D representation of buildings in Ecuador.

The accelerated urban sprawl of cities around the world presents major challenges for urban planning and land resource management. In this context, it is crucial to have a detailed 3D representation of buildings enriched with accurate alphanumeric information. A distinctive aspect of this proposal is its specific focus on the spatial unit corresponding to buildings. In order to propose a domain model for the 3D representation of buildings, the national standard of Ecuador and the international standard (ISO 19152:2012 LADM) were considered. The proposal includes a detailed specification of attributes, both for the general subclass of buildings and for their infrastructure. The application of the domain model proposal was crucial in a study area located in the Riobamba canton, due to the characteristics of the buildings in that area. For this purpose, a geodatabase was created in pgAdmin4 with official information, taking into account the structure of the proposed model and linking it with geospatial data for an adequate management and 3D representation of the buildings in an open-source Geographic Information System. This application improves cadastral management in the study region and has wider implications. This model is intended to serve as a benchmark for other countries facing similar challenges in cadastral management and 3D representation of buildings, promote efficient urban development and contribute to global sustainable development.

Dynamics and Predictions of Urban Expansion in Java, Indonesia: Continuity and Change in Mega-Urbanization

This paper is situated within the discussion of mega-urbanization, a particular urbanization process that entails a large-scale agglomeration. In this paper, our focus is on urbanization in Java, Indonesia’s most dynamic region. We add to the literature by investigating the change and prediction of the land use/land cover (LULC) of mega-urbanization in Java. This research uses a vector machine approach to support the classification of land cover change dynamics, cellular automata-Markov (CA Markov), and the Klassen typology technique. This paper indicates that major metropolitan areas are still expanding in terms of built-up areas, generating a larger urban agglomeration. However, attention should be also given to the urbanization process outside existing metropolis’ boundaries given that more than half of the built-up land coverage in Java is located in non-metropolitan areas. In terms of future direction, the projection results for 2032 show that the Conservative scenario can reduce and slow down the increase in built-up land on the island of Java. On the other hand, the Spatial Plan (RTRW) scenario facilitates a rapid increase in the LULC of built-up land from 2019. The urban spatial dynamics in Java raises challenges for urban and regional planning as the process is taking place across multiple administrative authorities.

Climate-induced migration and gender dynamics in Bangladesh: a social constructivist analysis

ABSTRACT Environmental migration is not a new phenomenon. Climate changes have caused migration from prehistoric times. With climate change exacerbating cyclones and floods, migration from coastal areas to major cities like Dhaka in Bangladesh has become more frequent and severe. This influx poses numerous urban planning challenges. Sometimes, it leads to human trafficking. The focus of this article is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between gender norms and the availability of rights and opportunities. Women’s migration involves social and psychological effects as well as physical movement. This research examines the social constructivist perspective in the discourse surrounding climate-induced migration.

Traditional Chieftaincy in Sotouboua, Togo: A Land Regulation Institution on the Front Line of Urban Planning Challenges

Traditional Chieftaincy in Sotouboua, Togo: A Land Regulation Institution on the Front Line of Urban Planning Challenges