University of Twente Student Theses
Evaluating urban quality and sustainability - Presentation of a framework for the development of indicator assessment methods, by which the existing urban environment may be evaluated on quality and sustainability perfomance on a neighborhood scale
Damen, Robert Gerard (2014) Evaluating urban quality and sustainability - Presentation of a framework for the development of indicator assessment methods, by which the existing urban environment may be evaluated on quality and sustainability perfomance on a neighborhood scale.
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| Abstract: | With rising urban populations it is becoming more important how we design and construct our urban environment. Focus of designers, urban planners, and developers is increasingly aimed at creating and maintaining high quality sustainable urban areas. However, defining precisely what consists as a high quality sustainable urban environment remains a challenge. A literature study reveals that a high quality sustainable urban environment can be conceptualized by modelling the urban environment as an ecological system, and described using four characteristics. A sustainable urban environment must achieve bio-physical sustainability. A high quality urban environment must provide a high level of need satisfaction on the hierarchy of Maslow for the majority of its inhabitants. Urban quality in regards to sustainability is an urban environment that is flexible, resilient, and is therefore in a position to effectively implement and maintain increased sustainability measures. A high quality sustainable urban environment must maintain (and improve) upon the urban ecological space, its natural capital. It was determined that the various aspects of a high quality sustainable urban environment can be qualitatively and quantitatively described by means of a system of indicators. The results of the literature study have been applied to construct a framework that can assist in the development of such indicator assessment methodologies on a neighborhood scale. Application of the constructed framework was demonstrated in relation to an existing Dutch neighborhood assessment methodology, “Duurzaamheids Profiel van een Locatie” (DPL) which translates to Sustainability Profile of a Location. It was concluded that although the framework provides a structural approach to the development of assessment methods, the framework does not assist in the design of specific features of an assessment methodology. As such, both experience in urban development and a sound knowledge base, part of which is provided by the chapters 2, 3 and 4 of this report, remain essential to successfully develop indicator assessment tools. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 43 environmental science |
| Programme: | Sustainable Energy Technology MSc (60443) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/65214 |
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