Why and how to build back better in shrinking territories?

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grazia Di Giovanni ◽  
Lorenzo Chelleri
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Economic Recovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Path ◽  
Recovery Pattern ◽  
Territorial Transformation ◽  
Post Disaster ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of build back better (BBB) in contexts affected by depopulation and shrinking economies discussing how and if its principles are able to drive the recovery pattern toward a sustainability re-development path.Design/methodology/approachBBB principles’ usefulness in driving toward a sustainable post-disaster recovery has been tested in L’Aquila’s area (Italy) – severely affected by an earthquake in 2009 – through interviews and analyses of reconstruction plans and policies.FindingsAlthough most of the BBB principles can be recognized within the intentions of plans and policies, the recovery process highlights a major fallacy in addressing the pre-disaster socio-economic stresses inducing to shrinkage and depopulation development lock-ins.Practical implicationsAlthough most of the principles can be recognized in the intentions of plans and policies, the recovery process highlights a main fallacy of the “BBB paradigm”: the need of addressing pre-disaster socio-economic stresses while recovering from the shocks was not explicitly nor implicitly addressed.Originality/valueShrinkage as a process of territorial transformation has been little explored in relation to natural hazards and post-disaster contexts. Indeed, while from one side BBB concept and principles drive toward a potential mitigation of the main risks while re-building, it results challenging to overcome the built environment re-building priorities to question whether, what and how to re-build while investing in socio-economic recovery. Reverting, or accepting, shrinkage could indeed implies to not build back part of the urban fabric, while investing in skills and capacity building, which, in turn, would be difficult to justify through the reconstruction budget. The tension between re-building (better, the built environment) and re-development (skills and networks, at the expense of re-building) is critical when BBB faces disasters happening in shrinking territories.

The portrayal of Australian women in property publications

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hera Antoniades ◽  
Clive M.J. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Gender Inequity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Promote Gender Equality ◽  
Management Roles ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the visual portrayal of women published in a professional journal within the built environment and to establish whether or not there is gender stereotyping through these published images. Design/methodology/approach A prominent property professional industry journal was selected for the research analysis. This journal was selected because of the national coverage within Australia and high prominence within the property industry. The analysis focused on a total of 166 pictures in the 2015 issues. The coding identified the publication year, issue number and page number of each photograph analysed and total number of pictures on each page. After this information was tabulated, each photograph was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings The research identified that given the opportunity to be photographed ad hoc, women tend to take the dominant stance and yet when the pictures were posed, the women showed a tendency to adopt a submissive stance. Male images were 13.39 per cent in the dominance category indicating a higher score in comparison to females at 3.45 per cent. Practical implications Whilst it is generally accepted that there are more males in the built environment, the reality leans towards the notion that with less woman on property boards and management roles, it will be difficult to portray women in positions of authority and to balance the gender portrayal. In summary, the marginalisation of women is evident, and marketing media can be highly influential and unintentionally promote gender inequity with image portrayal. Originality/value This research provides a valuable insight on how women are portrayed in the property profession. The property industry and the professional bodies can provide an influential role to promote gender equality.

London Fire Brigade's screen and treat approach to the Grenfell Tower incident

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Steel ◽  
Zoe Travers ◽  
Lynette Meredith ◽  
Deborah Lee ◽  
Michael Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Response ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Post Disaster ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose is to report on the mental health response to the Grenfell incident within the London Fire Brigade (LFB).Design/methodology/approachThe LFB implemented screening for the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 28 days, 3 months and 6 months for all personnel directly involved in the incident.FindingsThe prevalence of PTSD within frontline personnel was 13.4% at 28 days, falling to 7.6% at 6 months. The LFB's internal Counselling and Wellbeing Service offered treatment to those scoring above the cut-off for PTSD along with accepting self-referral and referrals from line managers and occupational health. There were 139 referrals within the 12-month period following the incident.Research limitations/implicationsThe outcomes for those who engaged in treatment are broadly in line with other studies evaluating post-disaster interventions. Issues for consideration within national guidelines are discussed.Practical implicationsThe screen and treat approach adopted by LFB was shown to be a feasible approach to use within such a scenario.Originality/valueThe current study reports on a screen and treat approach to one of the largest single incidents in the UK in recent years.

Do the servicescape of public and private hospitals differ? The Malaysian context

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Piew Lai ◽  
Siong Choy Chong
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public And Private Hospitals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore if public and private hospitals have differing servicescape attributes. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a two-stage (EFA and CFA) procedure for identifying the servicescape attributes and examining their validity in the context of public and private hospitals. Findings The findings indicate that, in different contexts, patients would expect different aesthetics of servicescape attributes and how they are influenced by the hospital premises. Research limitations/implications It is interesting to note that: not all of the attributes that appear in both contexts are exactly the same; patients do not seem to face difficulties in analysing and interpreting directional cues, even though the spatial orientation in private hospitals is relatively smaller; the way patients of public hospitals draw inference about the ambient conditions is not consistent with private hospitals; and patients perceive that private hospitals pay special attention to developing a built environment that facilitates treatment and recovery process via interior layout, as well as decoration and architecture attributes. Practical implications The study grounds the servicescape attributes and provides insights to effectively promote public and private hospitals. Originality/value This study may be amongst the first to offer servicescape evidence in both the public and private hospitals.

Legislation for building back better of horizontal infrastructure

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Bassett ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Sandeeka Mannakkara
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Similar Case ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Post Disaster

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine how post-disaster legislation can be used to support building back better (BBB) in the horizontal infrastructure sector (roading, water, wastewater and stormwater networks). Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was taken looking at the rebuild following the Canterbury earthquakes in New Zealand. Data were collected through document analysis and semi-structured open-ended interviews with members of the organization responsible for implementing the horizontal infrastructure rebuild. Findings The results showed that the post-disaster legislative actions taken in Christchurch were comparable to existing findings on post-disaster legislative best practices in developed countries. This study confirmed that post-disaster legislation is an effective mechanism to support BBB through enforcing BBB concepts such as risk reduction and better implementation, and facilitating the recovery process to improve efficiency. Research limitations/implications It is recommended that this study is extended to conduct similar case studies in other countries to further explore legislative implications in different sectors as well as different legislative environments. Originality/value This paper makes a valuable contribution to existing research on how post-disaster legislation can be used to support BBB in the horizontal infrastructure sector. The findings also add to wider knowledge on the Canterbury earthquakes recovery process.

Some design aspects of sustainable post-disaster housing

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Tucker ◽  
Arosha Gamage ◽  
Chitral Wijeyesekera
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Criteria ◽  
Design Resources ◽  
Current Guidance ◽  
Relief Organizations ◽  
Important Design ◽  
Post Disaster ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss selected aspects of the design of post-disaster housing building on current guidance in this area. The paper focuses on the use of appropriate materials and technology to suit the climate and site and draws lessons from traditional housing types and settlement patterns. Design/methodology/approach – A case study of a design project is used to illustrate an approach toward sustainable design. The approach is structured and could therefore fit into the wider structures and frameworks of providing such housing. Findings – A design was generated that meets many of the desired environmental criteria. It was also found that important design resources are required by the design team not mentioned in the existing guidelines. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the paper is that the design is hypothetical and there has been no input from prospective inhabitants or other groups. Practical implications – The design approach illustrated here may be of use to relief organizations working in the field and also could be used to develop further awareness of sustainability. Organizations that provide for and coordinate post-disaster construction could consider making further design resources available as part of a project. Social implications – The study addresses the design of housing, which itself is an activity located in society. Originality/value – The paper adds to the discussion on the design of post-disaster housing and supports the argument that such housing can help to support wider and longer-term development.

Out of the ordinary

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Path ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Are we entering the next stage of organizational development? It could be argued that the learning organization, by necessity, follows macroeconomic and wider environmental concerns, and certainly the first 20 years of the 2000s has seen a thirst for growth through unregulated markets quelled following the global financial crisis (GFC). The search for new growth after that readjustment does, however, seem at odds with the need for a more sustainable development path. If markets still require growth, but organizations are less able to produce it, what is the next stage? It is hard to argue that it will have to factor in the so-called “VUCA” environment. Practical implications This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Value of internships for professional careers in the built environment sector in Singapore

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan K.M. Lian ◽  
Zhi Yu Foo ◽  
Florence Yean Yng Ling
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Professional Careers ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Civil Engineers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the value of internships for professional careers in the built environment (BE) sector from the perspective of industry practitioners. It examines the perceptions of practitioners about internship and explores the relevance of internships for professional careers in the sector. Design/methodology/approach The research methods used were questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. The study focussed on careers such as architects, civil engineers, facility managers, project managers and quantity surveyors. Findings It was found that quantity surveyors and civil engineers value internship the most and are more likely to hire those who interned with them. Project managers also value internships but to a lesser extent. Facility managers and architects value internship the least and are also least likely to offer positions to their ex-interns. It is not conclusive whether internships are absolutely necessary to increase undergraduates’ employability upon their graduation. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to only five professions and focused on the perceptions of professionals and not the interns or academic supervisors. Practical implications Recommendations are made to improve internship programmes in the BE sector. These include making internships compulsory for students who intend to pursue civil engineering and quantity surveying careers and extending the duration of internships to six months. Originality/value The views of professionals in the BE sector are uncovered. Tertiary institutions can use the findings to improve their internship programmes and their students’ employability upon graduation.

Reframing construction within the built environment sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard de Valence
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Special Role ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Official statistics on the output of the construction industry capture on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors; however, the role of the industry linking suppliers of materials, machinery, products, services and other inputs is also widely recognised. These two views have been called broad and narrow, with the narrow industry defined as on-site work and the broad industry as the supply chain of materials, products and assemblies, and professional services. An argument is made for using the term “built environment sector” (BES) for the broad industry definition of construction. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Construction industry statistics capture the on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors. This paper reviews research that adds to construction output the contributions of suppliers of materials, machinery and equipment, products and components, professional services and other inputs required to deliver the buildings and structures that make up the built environment. Findings The same term, “construction”, has been used in a number of ways in different definitional studies of the narrow and broad industry. The term that best encompasses the large number and range of participants in the creation and maintenance of the built environment, from suppliers to end users, is the BES. Research limitations/implications Construction economics makes an important contribution to researching the macroeconomic role of the BES. There is also a special role for construction economics in researching both the boundaries of the BES and the data available on the industries that contribute to the BES. Practical implications Measuring the BES would improve the understanding of its macroeconomic role and significance. Social implications Measuring the BES would contribute to city policies and urban planning. Originality/value The paper proposes a new approach to defining and measuring the industries that contribute to the production, maintenance and management of the built environment. It introduces a new name for the combination of those industries.

scholarly journals The mutuality metaphor: understanding healthcare provision in NHS Scotland

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 666-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Howieson
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Healthcare Provision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Path ◽  
Definitional Problem ◽  
Scottish Government ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Academic Debate

Purpose – Better Health, Better Care Action Plan (Scottish Government, 2007) sets out how the Scottish Government intends to strengthen public ownership of the National Health Service in Scotland. The purpose of this paper is to advance extant knowledge by understanding how a state-led mutual health policy may be interpreted, and importantly, communicated. Design/methodology/approach – The definitional problem of mutuality will be discussed and analysed in terms of how it is (or perhaps should be) communicated? will be offered. Findings – It actually may be more instructive to think of, and communicate, mutuality as a metaphor to aid understanding of the openness and fluidity found in NHS Scotland. Research limitations/implications – The existence of paradox and ambiguity does not, however, negate the usefulness of the term “mutuality”. Quite the opposite in fact: it is precisely by examining healthcare and its delivery through the lens of mutuality (rather than rejecting its complexity as a failure) that this amorphousness can be better appreciated. Practical implications – There is a need for more public, professional, and academic debate to explore and clarify its implementation, and how it is to be led. This must be provided whilst recognising the daily imperatives that NHS leaders must face. This would suggest, therefore, that a dual development path may help. Originality/value – Although Better Health, Better Care Action Plan was published in 2007, some eight years on there is still confusion and misunderstanding as to what mutuality in healthcare is, not only in policy and theory, but also in practice. It is hoped that this analysis will help address, in part, some of this confusion and misunderstanding.

scholarly journals What is meant by adaptability in buildings?

Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Pinder ◽  
Rob Schmidt ◽  
Simon A. Austin ◽  
Alistair Gibb ◽  
Jim Saker
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Common Term ◽  
Professional Disciplines ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Despite being a common term in the literature, there is little agreement about what the word “adaptability” means in the context of the built environment and very little evidence regarding practitioners’ understanding of adaptability. This paper aims to examine what practitioners in the building industry mean when they talk about “adaptability”. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative approach, involving 82 unstructured face-to-face interviews with practitioners from a range of professional disciplines in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, facilities managers, property agents and planners. The interview transcripts were coded inductively to identify themes in the qualitative data. Findings The interview data revealed a wide range of perspectives on adaptability, particularly regarding terminology, the meanings practitioners associate with adaptability and the way in which these meanings are communicated to others in the industry. The applied meaning of adaptability varied depending on context. Practical implications Conflicting language, and different interpretations of adaptability, is a potential barrier to the development of adaptable buildings. A clearer articulation of the meaning of adaptability (particularly by clients) during briefing and design could give rise to a more appropriate level of adaptability in the built environment. Originality/value This study has addressed a gap in the existing literature by foregrounding the voices of industry practitioners and exploring their (sometimes very different) interpretations of adaptability in buildings.

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