Looks at the process and outputs of the Localising Agenda 21 programme in Nakuru (Kenya), Essaouira (Morocco), Vinh (Vietnam) and Bayamo (Cuba). Reflects on the relationship between sustainable visions for possible futures and strategic urban projects.

Communication across and integration of disciplines in the urban-water sector seems today more imperative than ever before. Water is a strategic and shrinking resource. It is probably the world's most valuable resource and clean water has even been touted as the 'next oil'. Control of water - from access to management - has always been a

This book is concerned with how spatial planning and design can better contribute to fundamental changes and transformations of the spatial organisation of society that are at once qualitative, sustainable and socially inclusive. For academics, researchers and students in planning, urban design, urban studies, human and economic geography, public administration and policy studies.

Planning evaluation is required to establish the success of planning interventions – both of physical developments and new approaches. Yet this should not be a task undertaken purely by professionals without participation by those affected by the process and outcomes of the projects. This book provides case studies and advice on how to balance conservation with economic growth, the cost effectiveness of plans alongside the effects upon the community and the importance of engaging with all stakeholders involved in a project. Practical aspects of the evaluation process covered include: how evaluation is used in planning introducing new kinds of information or criteria alternative ways of collecting/presenting information how strategic planning objectives are implemented in local practice. International contributors provide empirical studies and cases of application which are of practical value to those involved in the evaluation of planning. The book concludes by offering a new paradigm – a locally oriented, context-specific, participatory and multi-disciplinary approach to planning evaluation.

Cities are growing as never before and nowadays, it is estimated that at least 50% of the world's population lives in urban areas. This trend is expected to continue and simultaneously the problems in urban areas are anticipated to have an increase. Urbanization constitutes a complex process involving problems with social, economic, environmental and spatial dimensions that need appropriate solutions. This book highlights some of these problems and discusses possible solutions in terms of organisation, planning and management. The purpose of the book is to present selected chapters, of great importance for understanding the urban development issues, written by renowned authors in this scientific field. All the chapters have been thoroughly reviewed and they cover some basic aspects concerning urban sustainability, urban sprawl, urban planning, urban environment, housing and land uses. The editor gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Dr Marius Minea in reviewing two chapters.

Hauptbeschreibung This book looks at the consequences and implications of an emerging new way of local politics in Europe. With the term governance1/2, changes in the political and social constitution of cities are analysed. Based on theoretical and empirical studies by scholars from ten countries, different aspects of urban governance1/2 will be presented

Summarizes the experiences particularly significant to those involved in design, building, thinking and managing the urban scene.