This study aims to understand the livability problems of Romanat district and to be familiar with the design which is proposed to reduce the livability problems. This study has adopted a case study based exploratory and quasi-experimental research approach, to draw a comprehensive result. The analysis, discussion, and interpretation of the study results are made according to the theory which focuses mainly on the livability variables, on the public space user groups and activity groups.
The study findings indicate that the existing livability problem of the district is because of the lack of spatial attributes such as safety, amenities, aesthetics, identity, diversity in space uses and users, variety in the accommodating activities, accessibility, linkage, inclusive environment and talk-scape environment. The findings also indicate that comfort, image, use, and activities of the district are the most preferred spatial attributes which have to be incorporated in the design of future livable district.
In line with those findings, this study has proposed four major conceptual design objectives: to produce a comfortable district with its own unique image; to produce a district with multiple uses and diversity of activities; to produce an accessible district with good linkage; and to produce a district that can reinforce social interactions. Besides, the study has proposed possible implementation and management options, which can be responsive to the produced design.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
1.2. Statement of the problem
1.3. Objective of the study
1.3.1. General objective
1.3.2. Specific objectives
1.4. Research questions
1.5. Significance of the study
1.6. Scope and limitations
1.6.1. Scope of the study
1.6.2. Limitation of the study
1.7. Organization of the paper
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1. The research issue
2.2. Selection of research method
2.3. Research design
2.3.1. Case selection
2.3.2. Data types
2.3.3. Data sources
2.3.3.1. Primary data sources
2.3.3.2. Secondary data sources
2.3.4. Sampling and Respondents
2.3.5. Data collection techniques
2.3.5.1. In-depth interview
2.3.5.2. Map making
2.3.5.3. Likert scale rating
2.3.5.4. Site observation
2.3.6. Data analysis and interpretation
2.3.6.1. Analysis techniques
2.3.7. Presentation technique
2.3.8. Output and reporting
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Livability, livable city
3.3. Why livability
3.4. Livability of outdoor public spaces
3.5. International case studies on livable square and street
3.6. Theoretical framework
3.6.1. Comfort and image
3.6.2. Use and activity
3.6.3. Access and linkage
3.6.4. Sociability
3.7. Recent approaches towards livable squares and streets
3.7.1. Landscaping at eye level
3.7.2. Ground floor Architecture
3.7.3. Introducing traffic calming mechanisms
4. CONTEXTUAL REVIEW
4.1. Tigray overview
4.2. Introducing Mekelle
4.3. The issue of livability in the city CBD
4.3.1. City formation and spatial growth
4.3.2. Road network
4.3.3. City transportation and traffic conditions
4.3.3.1. Transportation
4.3.3.2. Traffic conditions
4.3.4. Existing and proposed city greenery
4.3.5. Local cultures and traditions
4.4. Local case study on livable street
5. RESULT AND ANALYSIS
5.1. Results explored through the in-depth interview
5.1.1. Type of activities in the study area
5.1.2. Means of travel in the study area
5.1.3. The time interval in which the study area is active
5.1.4. The users’ safety in crossing
5.1.5. The extent of visits made by the users to the study area
5.1.6. The users’ experience of the study area
5.1.7. The users’ and professionals’ future preferences which have to be fulfilled in the district design
5.2. Images produced through the map-making
5.2.1. The image of the district made by users and professionals
5.3. Results found through the Likert-scale rating
5.3.1. Checking livability of the District
5.4. Results investigated through the site observation
5.4.1. The physical environment of the study area
6. DISCUSSION AND PROPOSAL
6.1. Discussion
6.1.1. Existing livability problems of the district
6.1.1.1. Comfort & image
6.1.1.2. Use & Activity
6.1.1.3. Access & Linkage
6.1.1.4. Sociability
6.1.2. The future preferences
6.1.2.1. Comfort & Image
6.1.2.2. Use & activity
6.1.2.3. Access & linkage
6.1.2.4. Sociability
6.2. Proposal
6.2.1. Design proposals
6.2.1.1. Conceptual design solutions
6.2.2. Implementation proposal
6.2.2.1. Implementation phases before construction
6.2.2.2. Implementation phases during construction
6.2.3. Management proposal
7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
7.1. Conclusion
7.2. Recommendation
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis aims to investigate the existing livability problems within the Romanat district in the Mekelle Central Business District (CBD) and to propose a user-responsive design that enhances the district's walkability, stayability, and overall social, economic, and environmental functionality.
- Analysis of spatial attributes and livability variables like comfort, image, and sociability.
- Evaluation of user activity patterns and traffic conditions in the district.
- Development of conceptual design solutions including traffic calming and landscaping at eye level.
- Exploration of implementation strategies and management options for urban public spaces.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Background of the Study
Mekelle, capital of the National and Regional State of Tigray, is the first rapidly developing city of the Northern Ethiopia which brings it to be named as “the Northern Star” (MCCDPPP, 2011). At the same time, the city is in dynamic expansion; now the sixth largest city in Ethiopia (Cannon, 2009) (fig: 3.3). However, it is still highly centralized; the “old town of Mekelle” being the city CBD (Rumi, 2009) (fig: 1.1a). This CBD or locally called ‘Ketema’ is where the highest traffic flow exists from all corners of the city, as it is the hub of commercial and non-commercial activities. The CBD is also relatively the most easily accessible place for all inhabitants of the city. It is “a convenient place to be anywhere” in the city; i.e., someone in the CBD can be easily available in any other neighborhood with in a short time just having one taxi (Rumi, 2009). Because, it is from this CBD that all public transport routes radiate to all neighborhoods of the city (MCPPPO, 2006) (fig: 3.10a).
In such kind of highly contested CBDs, proper functionality of their squares and streets is strictly needed to impress visitors at the first visit, to value the district for all users and to balance the highest flow of users from all neighborhoods of the city (Katie, 2006). The square should be above roundabout- only designed to slow traffic flow and the street should be above traffic channel- only designed to move from A to B (Norberg-Schulz, 1971). They should be places that foster social interaction. However, in the developing cities, the stakeholders’ emphasis has been on cars “…neglect[ing] the social context, the meaning of squares and streets is lost” (Krier, 1979; Madanipour, 1996).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Introduces the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, and scope of the study regarding Mekelle's CBD.
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the exploratory and quasi-experimental research approach, data collection methods, and analysis techniques used.
3. LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines theoretical concepts of livability, livable cities, outdoor public spaces, and recent design approaches.
4. CONTEXTUAL REVIEW: Provides an overview of the Tigray region, introduces Mekelle, and analyzes specific livability issues in its CBD.
5. RESULT AND ANALYSIS: Presents the empirical findings from in-depth interviews, map-making, Likert-scale ratings, and site observations.
6. DISCUSSION AND PROPOSAL: Discusses the findings and presents the proposed conceptual design solutions, management, and implementation strategies.
7. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Summarizes the study’s contributions and provides recommendations for future research and practice.
Keywords
Livability, spatial attribute, comfort, image, use, activity, access, linkage, sociability, Mekelle, Romanat, street design, urban planning, public space, sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research fundamentally focuses on enhancing the livability of CBD squares and streets in the Romanat district of Mekelle, moving away from car-centric planning towards human-centered urban design.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include spatial attributes, walkability, stayability, user activity, social interaction, and environmental quality in urban public spaces.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The goal is to identify current livability problems and propose a user-responsive design that invites people to stay and engage in various activities in the district, thereby reducing dependency on indoor catering and motorized travel.
Which methodology is employed?
The study uses a mixed-method approach incorporating case study-based exploratory and quasi-experimental research, using in-depth interviews, map-making, Likert-scale ratings, and site observations.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the theoretical framework of livability, contextual analysis of Mekelle, detailed data analysis of current district conditions, and conceptual design proposals for future redevelopment.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Livability, spatial attribute, comfort, image, use, activity, access, linkage, sociability, and urban planning.
How does the study define "livable" in the context of the Romanat district?
It defines livability as a spatial quality that fosters comfortable, safe, and accessible spaces where people are invited to walk, stay, and interact, rather than just passing through.
What specific role do traffic calming mechanisms play in the author's proposal?
Traffic calming is proposed as a vital tool to reduce vehicular speed, resolve conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, and create a safer, more inviting environment for the public.
- Quote paper
- Sara Gebremeskel (Author), 2014, Enhancing Livability of Squares and Streets, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/926556
