Parks play a pivotal role in urban environments, contributing to ecological balance, aesthetic appeal, and social well-being. At the neighbourhood level, they provide essential recreational spaces and promote community cohesion. However, many residential areas in Mosul, Iraq, lack adequate parks, disrupting the urban landscape and diminishing the quality of life. To address this issue, the potential of transforming school gardens—segregated by gender at the primary and intermediate levels—into public parks during non-school hours is explored. This adaptive reuse strategy is framed within a place-making approach, leveraging time as a resource and fostering community participation in the planning process. The study examines the feasibility of this intervention by assessing the interests and preferences of different demographic groups within the neighbourhoods, identifying key design considerations to ensure usability and long-term engagement. The findings confirm strong community support for this strategy, with adolescent boys (aged 12-14) expressing the highest interest, followed by grandmothers, fathers, adolescent girls (aged 12-14), grandfathers, girls aged 15 and above, mothers, and children aged 6-11. Each demographic group demonstrated unique preferences regarding the use and function of the proposed park spaces. These insights underscore the importance of designing adaptable, inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs, ensuring the success of place-making initiatives in Mosul. The integration of school gardens as shared community parks not only addresses the scarcity of recreational spaces but also strengthens social bonds through collaborative planning and shared use. This approach offers a sustainable and scalable solution for enhancing urban life in Mosul’s residential areas, promoting the creation of vibrant public spaces through local participation.
Kendal Regency faces significant challenges concerning the management of solid waste due to the constraints of its only landfill, Darupono Baru, which is situated adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Pagerwunung Nature Reserve. Recent assessments have indicated that the landfill has suffered from landslides on its northern and western flanks. The regency generates approximately 410 tons of waste daily, while the landfill's operational capacity is limited to 150 tons per day, leading to predictions of overload by 2027. In light of these issues, this study employed overlay scoring techniques and network analysis, specifically the fastest route methodology, in accordance with the standards set forth in SNI No. 03-3241-1994, to identify potential new landfill sites across a total area of 2,566 hectares within the regency. Six sites were identified as viable candidates: Gebangan Village in Pageruyung District, Kalibareng Village in Patean District, Kedungasri Village in Ringinarum District, Kalices Village in Patean District, Sojomerto Village in Gemuh District, and Singorojo Village in Singorojo District. The evaluation process employed elimination assessments, which rated Kedungasri Village the highest with a score of 548 out of a maximum of 690, while Singorojo Village received the lowest score of 393. The existing Darupono Baru landfill was found to score 424 out of 690, meeting only 5 out of the 10 assessment criteria established for new sites. Additionally, it was noted that Kendal Regency operates 155 temporary waste disposal sites and maintains 44 waste collection routes, which include 8 routes for tricycles, 20 for armrolls, and 16 for dump trucks. This study contributes valuable insights into waste management strategies and landfill site selection in Kendal Regency, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the context of increasing waste generation.
While significant empirical research has examined the use and benefits of designated bus stops in urban settings across Western and Asian countries, the factors influencing commuters' preference for non-designated bus boarding locations in developing cities remain understudied. This study investigates the determinants that lead commuters to board buses at non-designated locations in Enugu, a rapidly urbanizing city in southeast Nigeria. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving 424 commuters at 17 non-designated bus stop locations across three local government areas within Enugu metropolis. Descriptive statistics, commuters' perception index (CPI) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to analyze the data. The analysis identified seven key factors influencing the choice of non-designated bus boarding locations: environmental and social conditions, cost-related considerations and diversity of routes, concerns over unsanitary conditions, bus availability and access to information, convenience and time-saving benefits, proximity to the desired destination, and perceived safety and comfort. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners in designing effective and commuter-friendly bus stop infrastructures that encourage the use of designated boarding locations, thereby optimizing the multifunctional benefits of such facilities in Nigerian cities and similar urban contexts globally. It is recommended that targeted strategies be developed to address these factors, enhancing the overall efficiency and attractiveness of public transport systems in developing urban centers.
The rapid evolution of drone-assisted logistics for urban last-mile (ULM) delivery has garnered significant interest from both academia and industry. This article presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research and practical implementations of ULM systems, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the final stage of goods and parcel delivery in urban environments. The applicability of UAV-based logistics across various contexts, including urban and rural areas, is examined, with real-world case studies highlighted to demonstrate practical uses. Key methodologies and models employed in optimising UAV routing and operations are discussed, particularly those that enhance the efficiency and reliability of ULM. The critical advantages and limitations of drone-assisted last-mile logistics are analysed, providing insights into the operational, regulatory, and technological challenges. The discussion is further expanded by addressing emerging trends in UAV technology, as well as innovations in drone deployment strategies and the evolving regulatory landscape. In conclusion, potential theoretical advancements and future applications of ULM systems are outlined, with an emphasis on integrating drones into broader logistics networks and smart city frameworks. The insights offered aim to guide future research and practical developments in this rapidly advancing field.
The global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted development across various regions, including Penang, where supply chain disruptions, restricted cash flow, and delayed progress have led to reduced economic growth for stakeholders and communities alike. This study aims to explore the interconnected economic, social, and ecological (ESE) systems within the context of sustainable waterfront development in Penang, focusing on how these systems contribute to economic resilience and dynamism. The land and water resources of Penang, strategically situated along vital maritime routes, present substantial potential for economic revitalization. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from questionnaire surveys, revealing a positive correlation between ESE variables. Key attributes such as local authority governance, development scale and impact, business operations, place identity, heritage preservation, and waste management were found to play crucial roles in shaping sustainable waterfront initiatives. The study highlights that Penang’s core economic sectors—agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, and services—have historically driven the local economy, but the growing focus on waterfront development offers new avenues for economic recovery and growth. The results validate the chosen quantitative methodology and underscore the importance of adopting integrated strategies to address land and water management challenges. By aligning with sustainability goals and adopting a holistic approach, Penang's waterfront development can foster resilience, ensuring long-term socio-economic and ecological balance. The insights provided contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable urban development and offer actionable strategies for policymakers and stakeholders involved in Penang's waterfront projects.
The increasing urgency of climate change mitigation necessitates the adoption of renewable energy sources to meet the growing demand for clean energy. Solar energy, in particular, presents a viable solution, contingent on the availability of sufficient land to optimize power generation. River land offers an alternative location for solar power plants, potentially conserving valuable land resources while providing a natural cooling medium for solar panels to enhance efficiency. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of establishing a solar power plant system (PLTS) on river land in Surakarta City, Indonesia, using simulations conducted with the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software. The simulation considers both on-grid and off-grid systems, with a daily energy demand of 2,947.236 kWh projected over a 25-year period at the Tirtonadi Dam site. The On-Grid system demonstrated a total annual energy production of 885,358 kWh, significantly outperforming the off-grid system, which produced 34,400 kWh annually. The Net Present Cost (NPC) for the on-grid system was calculated to be USD 1,805,634.01, while the off-grid system's NPC was substantially lower at USD 1,970.18. The Levelized Cost of Energy (COE) for the on-grid system was found to be USD 0.09 per kWh, compared to USD 0.10 per kWh for the off-grid system, indicating favourable investment potential. The breakeven point (BEP) for the On-Grid system was achieved in the 0.54th year. The initial capital expenditure required to implement the on-grid PLTS at Tirtonadi Dam was estimated at approximately USD 47,782.10, while the off-grid system's initial cost was around USD 1,923.77. These findings suggest that the deployment of solar power plants on river land, particularly with an on-grid configuration, is a technically viable and economically advantageous approach to enhancing renewable energy capacity in Indonesia.
The optimization of hybrid energy systems for sustainable development in remote Arctic communities is crucial to addressing the unique challenges posed by harsh climates, high energy costs, and the environmental impact of traditional energy sources. This study focuses on Arviat, a community in Nunavut, Canada, and utilizes HOMER Pro software to conduct a comprehensive analysis of combined energy solutions. The economic feasibility, environmental impact, and social benefits of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) with existing diesel systems are evaluated. The findings indicate that, while the initial capital investment required for implementing a hybrid microgrid is significantly higher than that for conventional diesel-only systems, the long-term advantages are substantial. These advantages include increased energy resilience, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower operational and maintenance costs, and the potential for local job creation. Furthermore, the study highlights that hybrid systems, by reducing dependency on fossil fuels, can provide a more reliable energy supply in regions where logistics for fuel delivery are often hindered by extreme weather conditions. The optimization of hybrid energy systems not only aligns with Canada's net-zero emissions targets but also contributes to the economic and social sustainability of remote communities (RCs) by fostering local energy independence and resilience. This research underscores the transformative potential of adopting hybrid microgrids in isolated Arctic regions, advocating for policies and investments that prioritize sustainable and socially responsible energy strategies in line with national and international environmental goals.
Despite its historical significance as a landmark and heritage scenic spot, Dala Hill faces significant threats from both natural factors and human activities. The hill is increasingly subjected to erosion, while the surrounding community encroaches upon it in various ways. These issues are primarily attributed to the absence of proper management and inadequate conservation planning. This study explores the challenges encountered in the management and planning of urban cultural landscapes, identifying the typology of constraints and proposing viable tools to inform decision-making on natural landscape heritage in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A value-based planning and management scheme is established, aiming to preserve the natural and cultural heritage, which positively impacts the well-being of local communities and bolsters the economic prospects of Kano and Nigeria as a whole. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly targets 11.3 and 11.4, which emphasize the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage. A qualitative research methodology, incorporating a review and explanatory approach, is employed, alongside field observations that examine the challenges experienced by the host community and researchers. The study reveals that the hill sustains minimal flora and fauna due to its intense land-cover and deserted character, with scant vegetation confined to higher elevations within the Kano region. The presence of such vegetation indicates ongoing erosion towards the lower hill levels. Physical and environmental aspects, alongside cultural and environmental management, are identified as key challenges. Poor conservation efficacy, inadequate policies and legislation for heritage and protected areas, and a shortage of funding are highlighted as principal problems. Strategies suggested for conserving and restoring heritage sites include increased investment in Historic Urban Landscape (HUL), research implementation, and legal interventions, among others.
A bibliometric analysis has been conducted to contextualize the research on economic development in urban areas and clarify its scholarly purpose. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database, covering publications from 1973 to May 2024, using the keywords "Economic Development" and "City," resulting in the identification of 475 documents for analysis. The findings reveal longitudinal trends in the literature on economic development in cities, demonstrating a significant upward trend since 2000, interspersed with fluctuations. The study examines various aspects, including publication types, subject areas, leading publishing platforms, global perspectives, organizational contributions, prominent authors, and thematic regions, providing a comprehensive overview of the scholarly engagement with this domain. The dynamic interplay between academic inquiry and contextual factors is underscored, advocating for continued scholarly vigilance and adaptive methodologies to effectively navigate the evolving discourse on urban economic development. The insights gained contribute to a nuanced understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of urban economic development research, highlighting the importance of diverse publication formats, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international knowledge exchange in addressing complex urban challenges and fostering sustainable urban futures.
Waste management poses a significant challenge in large urban areas, demanding meticulous logistical planning and scientific insight to balance environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Ali Mendjeli, a newly established city in Constantine, Algeria, exemplifies this challenge without a mapped and documented inventory. This study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) approach to develop a management application aimed at identifying key factors in solid waste management. Traditional waste management practices typically rely on manual methods prone to incomplete or inaccurate outcomes. In contrast, GIS tools facilitate the creation, organization, and modeling of comprehensive spatially referenced databases, integrating data on waste collection operators and disposal points hosted in cloud computing environments. This approach enhances precision and efficiency in waste management decision-making processes.
Informal settlements, home to a significant segment of the global population, are often overlooked by policymakers and urban planners, resulting in inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and precarious living conditions. This research explores the capacity of urban governance to enhance the resilience of such settlements, with a focus on Jafarabad in Kermanshah. Data was collected through questionnaires and observations, and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The latter included multivariate regression analysis, one-sample t-tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests. The analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between effective urban governance and the resilience of informal settlements, as evidenced in Jafarabad. All governance-related variables showed significant correlations with resilience, except for those pertaining to the rule of law, justice, and fairness. The predictive accuracy of the selected governance variables was 83%, highlighting the critical role of effective governance in fostering resilience. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating robust urban governance frameworks to bolster resilience in informal settlements, providing essential insights for policymakers, urban planners, and communities committed to enhancing sustainability and living conditions in these areas.
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