Alternative future images of Tehran: scenario-based analysis

foresight ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Armin Firoozpour ◽  
Ehsan Marzban ◽  
Ali Asghar Pourezzat
Keyword(s):  
Urban Governance ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Urban Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Alternative Future ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The City ◽  
Voluntary Cooperation

Purpose Thinking and deciding about the future of the city as a combination of complex and uncertain systems is extremely difficult. This complexity, uncertainty and difficulty will be increased when our thoughts and decisions address the city’s long-term future. Considering these issues, the need for future thinking and alternate thinking in the process of urban management and planning becomes even more necessary. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain the alternate futures of Tehran. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, this study have tried to study alternate future images of Tehran in an archetypal form of “growth, collapse, disciplined society and transformed society” using “Dator’s Four Generic Alternate Futures” method. Findings These alternate futures, after identifying their key trends and drivers, have been narrated in the form of four scenarios called: “capital business center,” “crossing the fate of ray,” “Tehran family” and “Tehran investigators.” Increasing the authority and responsibility of the local governance, modification of Tehran urban management model and development of voluntary cooperation and democratic participation, are among the policy recommendations made on the basis of these images. Originality/value Achieving these images in parallel with identifying the most important challenges and opportunities in alternate futures will provide the basis for policy-making in Tehran’s future urban governance. It can be a creative model for developing future images for other cities.

scholarly journals Neoliberal State Intervention and the Power of Community in Urban Regeneration: An Empirical Study of Three Village Redevelopment Projects in Guangzhou, China

2021 ◽  
pp. 0739456X2199466
Author(s):  
Siu Wai Wong ◽  
Xingguang Chen ◽  
Bo-sin Tang ◽  
Jinlong Liu
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
State Intervention ◽  
The State ◽  
Village Communities ◽  
The City

A key theme in urban governance research is how neoliberalism reshapes the state–society relationship. Our study on Guangzhou, where urban regeneration through massive redevelopment of “villages-in-the-city” uncovered interactions between the state, market, and community in local governance, contributes to this debate. Based on intensive field research to analyze three projects, we find that what really controls neoliberal growth in China is not simply the authoritarian tradition of the socialist state but also the power of the indigenous village communities. Our findings suggest that state intervention for community building is vital for rebalancing power relations between the state, market, and community.

Mega infrastructure developments in Macao in light of increasing tourism and regional mobility

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng-Cheng Ni
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Mobility ◽  
The Pearl River ◽  
Historic City ◽  
The City

Purpose This paper aims to provide a general review of the massive infrastructures now being developed in Macao and its surrounding area from a transportation and mobility perspective. The purpose of the paper is to highlight how rapid growth in tourism and regional mobility can transform and integrate a small historic city like Macao as part of its larger neighbours. In so doing, the paper raises important questions about the cultural nature and identity of Macao. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a geographic description of major projects and trends in regional mobility of residents and visitors in the study’s coverage area (the Pearl River Delta), drawing principally from several technical reports and studies in which the author took part. Findings The massive mega infrastructures now being developed in and around Macao provide better and closer integration with its neighbours and will likely enhance the efficiency of travel to and from the city. However, this may forever alter the nature of the city and its inhabitants. Originality/value The paper provides a critical exposé of infrastructure development associated with and spurred by rapid growth in tourism and regional mobility and raises questions of necessity and the long-term transformation such massive changes bring to tourist cities and its residents.

scholarly journals Households’ perception of flood risk and health impact of exposure to flooding in flood-prone informal settlements in the coastal city of Mombasa

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-606
Author(s):  
Fredrick Okoth Okaka ◽  
Beneah D.O. Odhiambo
Keyword(s):  
Flood Risk ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flood Risks ◽  
The City

Purpose Mombasa City in Kenya is one of the most vulnerable towns to flood risk due to its low-lying coastal location. Those at the highest risk in the city are households living in the flood-prone informal settlements. However, little is known about the perception of these vulnerable households to the flood risks and its health impacts, which is important for developing effective long-term adaptation strategies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the general perception of the residents regarding flood risks, its impact on their health and their adaptation strategies. Design/methodology/approach This study surveyed 390 randomly selected households in three informal settlements in the city of Mombasa using a semi-structured questionnaire. This was supplemented with six focus group discussions (FDGs) and six key informant interviews (KIIs). Findings The majority of respondent households perceive future flooding as high risk or severe with high negative health impact. Despite this, many do not evacuate their homes because they do not have alternative places to move to. Flooding was indicated to have had a negative physical and mental health impact on members of households. Although majority of households had taken some adaptation measures, most of these were short term, mainly due to financial constraints, lack of knowledge and government support. Perception of flood risk and gender were found to have a strong influence on taking long-term adaptation measures at the household level. Practical implications Reducing flood risk and averting its health consequences in flood-prone informal settlements require empowering and supporting those living in these areas with ability to initiate long-term adaptation measures and creating awareness about future risks. Originality/value This study provides evidence about how residents of flood-prone informal settlements perceive flood risk and how the exposures to perennial flooding impact their health. The paper augments existing knowledge of flood risk in poor urban neighborhoods of developing countries.

Addressing tent cities: an example of police/non-profit collaboration

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 931-943
Author(s):  
Brittany Solensten ◽  
Dale Willits
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Police Department ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Non Profit Organizations ◽  
The City

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine a collaborative relationship between non-profit organizations and a Midwest police department to address issues of poverty and homelessness. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative interviews were conducted with five non-profit organization workers along with three police officers about social problems in the city between September and December of 2017. Findings The collaboration between non-profit organizations and law enforcement was largely helpful and successful in integrating residents of tent city into existing housing programs within the city, limiting future law enforcement calls addressing latent homelessness issues. Research limitations/implications This qualitative study was exploratory in nature and data were drawn from a single city. Although key stakeholders were interviewed, results are based on a small sample of police and non-profit social service workers. Also, individuals who lived in the tent city were not interviewed. Practical implications This study demonstrates how an approach in addressing tent cities through non-profit organizations and law enforcement collaboration are arguably effective in humanely moving residents of tent cities into housing for a long-term solution to homelessness. Originality/value There is limited research about tent cities especially the long-term effectiveness of dismantling them with various methods. This paper demonstrates one city’s approach to combat homelessness by dismantling a tent city, with a follow-up a few years later showing the effectiveness of a more humane approach, which can set an example for future cities also combating homelessness.

Holding aid-related misconduct accountable: civil and administrative remedies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Junsong Wang
Keyword(s):  
Blind Spot ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Aid Workers ◽  
Institutional Reforms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
International Regulations ◽  
Pro Bono ◽  
Legal Responsibilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical analysis on aid-related misconduct and sectoral regulatory failures. Via a series of Oxfam revelations, this paper aims to highlight potential civil and administrative remedies to rectify wrongdoings and increase accountability in aid organizations. Design/methodology/approach Chronicling recent revelations of misconduct by aid workers, this paper begins with an overview of moral and legal responsibilities of the entrusted; then it illustrates how the Oxfam misconduct violates those moral and legal responsibilities in aid delivery. The author draws upon legal and administrative dilemmas on regulating the aid sector and aid workers’ behavior. Finally, this paper offers practical civil remedies for the harmed and administrative remedies for long-term institutional reforms. Findings The damage – across a broad spectrum of interests, caused by aid workers engaging in exploitative conduct – not only is a betrayal of the trust reposed by vulnerable people in these individuals but also a failure with far-reaching implications on the part of the donor organizations. The use of the criminal law in aid-related misconduct is highly problematic, assuming a specific offense is committed (which, in many cases, it may not have). There are jurisdictional limitations on the ability of donor countries and international regulations other than in regard to peacekeepers are almost nonexistent. Given such context, civil and administrative remedies provide a viable alternative for the harmed who seek justice. Research limitations/implications Legal remedies can be highly jurisdictional contingent. Depending on the specific jurisdiction where misconduct takes place, there are potentially other suited remedies not mentioned in this paper to address aid workers’ unethical behavior. Practical implications This paper provides tips on using existing legal channel (the civil law) and available pro bono resources to hold transgressors and their employers accountable. Social implications Effective regulating aid-related conduct prevents further harm on vulnerable people and restores public trust in the aid sector. Originality/value This paper addresses the regulatory blind spot on aid workers’ exploitative conduct through the context of Oxfam revelations. Second, it provides practical policy recommendations for navigating legal and administrative dilemmas on regulating aid workers’ behavior.

The changing nature of the workplace and the future of office space

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 424-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Harris
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Office Space ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Demand Profile ◽  
City Of London ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline key changes happening within occupier businesses that will have a medium- to long-term impact upon the demand for office space and, ultimately, the property investment market. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on survey work undertaken for the City of London Corporation as well as direct experience in advising corporate occupiers on their accommodation needs. Findings – The findings suggest major changes taking place in the demand profile of office occupiers, in terms of both quantitative and qualitative demand for space. Practical implications – There are a number of practical implications arising from the findings, not the least being the need for investors to consider the appropriateness of current standards for base building design and fit-out in contemporary offices. Originality/value – The paper presents the output of primary research and consulting and is therefore of an original nature. Its value lies in the fact that the findings reflect the actual experiences and plans of corporate occupiers and can be taken as reliable indicators of future demand for office space.

Algeria's Ghardaia violence may rise in the long term

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
The City ◽  
At Home

Subject The potential for violence in Ghardaia Significance Violent clashes took place on July 8 in the oasis city of Ghardaia in the south of Algeria, between the region's two major communities, the Arabs and the Berbers. Clashes between the two groups have occurred sporadically since the 1970s. However, the most recent ones were the most violent so far: 23 people died and dozens were injured. The government deployed 8,000 troops in the city, but the escalating violence has raised concerns about the government's ability to resolve the conflict. Impacts More violence in Ghardaia would damage the government's reputation, undermining its ability to solve domestic crises. This would lead to a further loss of credibility at home and abroad. It could also cause concerns among oil investors, at a time when Algiers is looking to increase its hydrocarbons production.

'Brexit' could hinder long-term UK growth

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Trading Partner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Scottish Independence ◽  
The City

Significance Depending on the outcome, the United Kingdom's relation with its largest trading partner may be at risk, together with the City of London's role as a financial hub and the ability of EU citizens to work freely in the United Kingdom. Impacts In the event of Brexit, the pound could fall to 1.3 against the dollar and towards parity against the euro. Despite having sold off already, UK bank stocks could fall further in the case of Brexit. Given Scotland's pro-EU stance, an 'out' vote could reopen the debate about Scottish independence.

Islamic State defeat would bolster Libya's government

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Militant Groups ◽  
The City

Significance Although resistance will likely be fiercer in the centre of the city, particularly from ISG snipers and booby traps, the spokesman was confident that they would take control of the city within days. Impacts Removing ISG bases from Libya is likely to benefit Tunisia in the long term -- most terrorist attacks there were organised in Libya. However, the dispersal of experienced ISG fighters could see them spread into the Sahel and join other militant groups. This could mean an increase in terrorist attacks elsewhere in the region, especially more vulnerable states such as Mali and Niger.

Of time and the city: curating urban fragments for the purposes of place marketing

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Warnaby
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Corporate Identity ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Place Marketing ◽  
Urban Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Context ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The City

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the place marketing potential of historic urban “fragments”, with particular reference to old corporate identity symbols still extant in urban space. Design/methodology/approach Following a discussion of theoretical context, specifically incorporating spatial semiotics and psychogeography, the paper constitutes an interpretive account of a “tour” around the city of Manchester, UK, apprehending and discussing various historic corporate identity fragments still visible in the city. Findings Historic corporate identity fragments are identified and outlined, and issues arising from their continued existence, in terms of, for example, what constitutes heritage, and how this heritage can be used for the creation of urban distinctiveness (or genius loci) for the purposes of place marketing/branding are discussed. Originality/value The potential of heritage to be incorporated into the “representation work” of those responsible for urban management/marketing is highlighted, along with the need for such heritage fragments to be “curated”, if their full potential in this regard is to be realised.

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