Assessment of urban design/planning and implementation challenges of green

spaces

ETHIOPIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND CITY
DEVELOPMENT

Masters of Urban Design & Development

Project Design & Project Management (URPD 7301)

Unit Five:
“Basic instruments for designing and managing urban and
environmental projects”

By:
ABRAHAM H/MARIAM (GSR/6328/15)
NURAHMED MENSUR (GSR/0233/15)
YERISSI EMMO (GSR/4692/15)

To: Dr. Abunu G. (PhD.)

November 22, 2023 G.C.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3

What are Transport Management and Traffic Management?..........................................................3

Transport Management................................................................................................................3

Functions of Transport Management........................................................................................4

Main Goals of Transport Management.....................................................................................4

Types of Transport Management..............................................................................................5

Traffic Management.....................................................................................................................9

Main Goals of Traffic Management.......................................................................................10

Components and Objectives of Traffic Management.............................................................10

Key Principles and Considerations in Transport & Traffic Management......................................11

Similarities b/n Transport Management and Traffic Management................................................12

Similarities:................................................................................................................................12

Differences:................................................................................................................................12

Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14

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Introduction
Designing and managing urban and environmental projects requires a set of tools and
instruments that span various disciplines. These tools help professionals analyze, plan, and
implement projects effectively. Urban and environmental projects involve both the design of
physical spaces and the management of resources, timelines, and stakeholders. Before initiating a
project, thorough analysis is required. This includes understanding the existing conditions, site
characteristics, demographic factors, and potential environmental impacts. Once the analysis is
complete, the planning phase involves conceptualizing the project, setting goals, defining
objectives, and considering the various factors that may influence the project's success.

The tools are instrumental in translating the plans into action. This involves the actual
construction or development phase of the project. The use of specialized tools enhances
efficiency by automating tasks, streamlining processes, and providing accurate and detailed
information. Professionals can make informed decisions based on the insights gained from these
tools, contributing to the overall success of the project.

In general, urban and environmental projects are complex endeavors that require a collaborative
and interdisciplinary approach. The use of specific tools and instruments is essential at each stage
of the project lifecycle to ensure thorough analysis, effective planning, and successful
implementation. These tools not only enhance the capabilities of professionals but also contribute
to the overall sustainability and resilience of urban and environmental initiatives.

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The logic, methods, and skills in designing urban projects
Designing urban projects involves a combination of logical thinking, comprehensive research,
creative conceptualization, and a range of technical and interpersonal skills. The goal is to create
sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and
contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Designing urban projects involves a
multidisciplinary approach that combines various elements of urban planning, architecture,
environmental science, sociology, and more. The process requires a thorough understanding of
the complexities of urban environments, as well as the ability to balance the needs and
preferences of diverse communities.

Logic in designing urban projects

The logic in designing urban projects involves a systematic and strategic approach to creating
spaces that meet the needs of communities while considering various factors such as
environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social inclusivity. The logic can be outlined
through key principles and considerations:

1. Understanding Context: Conduct a thorough analysis of the project site, considering

geographical features, existing infrastructure, and land use patterns. This forms the basis
for informed design decisions. Take into account the cultural and historical context of the
area to ensure that the design respects and integrates with the local identity.
2. Holistic and interdisciplinary approach: Urban projects often require collaboration
between architects, urban planners, environmental scientists, engineers, and sociologists.
A holistic approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered. View the urban
environment as a complex system, recognizing that changes in one aspect can have
cascading effects on others.
3. Sustainability: Integrate sustainable practices, such as green infrastructure, energy-
efficient design, and waste management, to minimize the project's environmental impact.
Resilience: Design with the future in mind, considering the potential impacts of climate
change and ensuring the resilience of the urban environment.
4. Community Engagement & Participatory Planning: Involve the community in the
planning process to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns. Community
engagement fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the project reflects local values.

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 Design with inclusivity in mind, considering the diverse needs of different demographic
groups, including accessibility for people with disabilities.
5. Economic Viability: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to ensure that the project
is economically viable and provides value for the community and stakeholders. Explore
opportunities for public-private partnerships to leverage resources and expertise for
successful project implementation.

By employing a comprehensive and strategic design logic, urban projects can contribute to the
creation of livable, inclusive, and sustainable cities for the present and future generations.

Programming, Goal Setting, and Criteria Quantification and Qualification

Programming in urban design involves defining the project's objectives, scope, and
requirements. This includes identifying key stakeholders, understanding their needs, and setting a
clear vision for the project.

Goal Setting: Setting clear and measurable goals is essential for guiding the project's
development. These goals act as benchmarks for success and help align the efforts of the project
team towards a common vision.

Quantification and Qualification of Criteria: This step involves assigning measurable values
to criteria, both quantitative and qualitative, that will be used to assess the success of the project.
It ensures that decision-making is based on a comprehensive understanding of the project's
requirements.

Planning Briefs and Assessing Given Context Conditions

Planning briefs are comprehensive documents that synthesize project expectations, constraints,
and stakeholder requirements. They serve as a roadmap for project teams, providing a clear
understanding of the project's parameters.

Understanding the context in which the urban project exists is crucial. This involves analyzing
geographical, cultural, historical, and social factors that can influence the project's design.
Context assessment ensures that the project integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

Formulating Problems and Approaches to Problem-Solving

Clear problem formulation involves identifying challenges, conflicts, and opportunities within
the project scope. This step sets the stage for developing effective and targeted solutions.

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Diverse problem-solving approaches, ranging from creative ideation to community engagement,
are employed. Creative and adaptive thinking is essential for generating innovative solutions that
address the unique challenges of urban projects. Some of problem-solving approaches are:

 Creative ideation
 Community engagement
 Adaptive thinking
 Technology integration
 Sustainability-centric approach
 Interdisciplinary approach
 Policy innovation
 Crisis response & resilience

Methods and Skills in Designing Urban Projects

Designing urban projects is a dynamic and intricate process that involves a logical, methodical,
and interdisciplinary approach. The methods and skills required span technical proficiency,
communication, environmental awareness, and project management. The logic encompasses
understanding the context, formulating clear goals, and employing creative problem-solving
approaches. By integrating these elements, urban designers can contribute to the creation of
sustainable, inclusive, and thriving urban spaces.

1. Research and Analysis: Urban designers must be adept at collecting and analyzing data
related to demographics, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. Conducting in-
depth site analyses helps in understanding the physical characteristics and constraints of
the project area.
2. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration with
various stakeholders, including the community, government entities, and professionals
from different disciplines, are critical. Using graphic and verbal communication skills to
convey design concepts and plans to diverse audiences.
3. Technical Proficiency: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial
analysis and mapping. Proficiency in using design software for conceptualization and
detailed design.

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 4. Environmental Awareness: Understanding and integrating sustainable practices in design,
considering environmental impacts and resource efficiency. Anticipating and planning for
the impact of climate change and other environmental challenges.
5. Project Management: Efficiently managing project timelines and resources to ensure
timely and cost-effective completion. This part also involves risk management.
Identifying and mitigating potential risks throughout the project lifecycle.
6. Critical Thinking and Creativity: Ability to think critically and develop innovative
solutions to complex urban challenges. Being able to adapt designs to changing
circumstances and needs.

Problem identification needs assessment and feasibility studies for

urban design projects
Urban design projects are complex endeavors that require a thorough understanding of the
existing conditions, the needs of the community, and an assessment of the project's feasibility.
The process involves several key steps, each playing a critical role in shaping the success of the
project.

Problem Identification
Rigorous problem identification involves recognizing existing issues and anticipating potential
challenges. This phase lays the groundwork for proactive and effective problem-solving
strategies.

Means of problem identification

The objective is to recognize and define the challenges and opportunities within the project
scope.

 Site Analysis: Conducting a detailed analysis of the project site to identify physical
constraints, environmental factors, and existing issues.
 Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with stakeholders, including residents, businesses,
and local authorities, to gather insights into their concerns and aspirations.
 Review of Existing Plans: Examining previous plans and projects to identify any
unresolved issues or opportunities for improvement.

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Needs Assessment
Understanding the needs of the community is paramount for projects to resonate with the local
population. Needs assessment ensures that the project aligns with the aspirations and
requirements of its intended beneficiaries.

How to conduct Need Assessment

The purpose of need assessment is to understand the requirements and desires of the community
and ensure the project aligns with their aspirations.

 Community Surveys: Administering surveys to gather quantitative and qualitative data

on community preferences, needs, and priorities.
 Workshops and Focus Groups: Facilitating interactive sessions to allow community
members to express their views and participate in the design process.
 Review of Demographic Data: Analyzing demographic data to understand the
composition and dynamics of the community.

Feasibility Studies
Feasibility studies evaluate the practicality and viability of proposed solutions. Economic, social,
and environmental factors are scrutinized to determine whether the project can be implemented
successfully.

Means of conducting Feasibility Studies

The aim of feasibility studies is to evaluate the practicality and viability of the proposed urban
design project.

 Market Analysis: Assessing the demand for the project within the real estate market and
considering economic trends.
 Financial Analysis: Evaluating the financial feasibility, including construction costs,
potential returns on investment, and long-term maintenance expenses.

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  Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks, such as environmental impacts, regulatory
challenges, or community resistance, and developing mitigation strategies.
 Legal and Regulatory Review: Examining zoning regulations, building codes, and other
legal requirements to ensure compliance.

Integration of Problem Identification, Needs Assessment, and Feasibility

Studies
 Holistic Approach: Combining problem identification, needs assessment, and feasibility
studies provides a holistic understanding of the project's context and viability.
 Iterative Process: These steps are often iterative, with feedback loops ensuring that the
design adapts to new information and changing circumstances.
 Adaptive Thinking: Flexibility in approach allows for adjustments based on the
evolving understanding of problems and needs.

Selection of appropriate strategies for implementation, evaluation,

and cost-benefit analysis
Designing and managing successful urban and environmental projects requires a strategic
selection of strategies across three key areas: implementation, evaluation, and cost-benefit
analysis. Here's a breakdown:

Implementation Strategies
 Project type: Consider the specific project type (green infrastructure, waste
management, transportation, etc.) and tailor your approach accordingly.
 Phased approach: Start small, test, and adapt before scaling up. Pilot programs can be
valuable for complex projects.
 Collaboration: Involve stakeholders throughout the process. Workshops, community
engagement initiatives, and public consultations can foster buy-in and ownership.
 Flexibility: Be ready to adjust plans based on feedback, unforeseen challenges, and
changing circumstances. Agile methodologies can be helpful.
 Technology: Leverage data analytics, smart infrastructure, and innovative solutions to
optimize project delivery and performance. (e.g., using sensors for traffic management or
smart grids for energy efficiency)

Evaluation Strategies
 Align with goals: Choose metrics and data collection methods that directly measure
progress towards your project's specific objectives (environmental, social, economic).

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  Mixed methods: Utilize a combination of quantitative (surveys, statistics) and qualitative
(interviews, observations) data to capture a comprehensive picture of project impacts.
 Baseline data: Establish a starting point for monitoring progress and measuring change.
 Regular monitoring: Continuously track progress and identify areas for
improvement. Real-time dashboards can be helpful for this.
 Reporting: Share results with stakeholders transparently to ensure accountability and
inform future decision-making.

Cost-Benefit Analysis Strategies

 Identify all costs: Consider direct (construction, materials) and indirect costs
(environmental impact mitigation, training), as well as recurring costs
(maintenance, operation).
 Estimate benefits: Quantify both tangible (reduced pollution, energy savings) and
intangible benefits (improved quality of life, community cohesion). Utilize
methodologies like willingness-to-pay surveys for valuation.
 Discounting: Account for the time value of money when comparing costs and benefits
occurring at different times.
 Sensitivity analysis: Assess how uncertainties (construction delays, changing market
conditions) affect the cost-benefit ratio.
 Cost-effectiveness analysis: Compare different project options based on their cost per
unit of benefit achieved. This helps prioritize projects with the highest social return on
investment.

The process of project implementation and its phases

Orchestrating Urban & Environmental Project Success: A Deep Dive into Implementation &
Resource Management
The journey of an urban or environmental project doesn't begin with a shovel in the ground – it
starts with a well-orchestrated implementation process. This intricate dance between planning,
execution, and evaluation is where your project's success story unfolds. Let's delve deeper into
the phases of this process and how you can masterfully organize time and resources for a
triumphant finale.
The Phases: Navigating the Project Landscape
Imagine your project as a symphony, each phase a harmonious movement in the grand
composition. Here's how the baton passes:

1. Initiation: Setting the Stage

 Define the vision: Craft clear goals, objectives, and scope that resonate with
stakeholders.

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  Gathering casts: Identify key players like community members, government
agencies, and contractors.
 Conduct the feasibility study: Assess the project's technical, financial, and
environmental viability.
 Secure the funding: Orchestrate a funding strategy that aligns with your budget and
timeline.

2. Planning: Rehearsing the Performance

 Refine the score: Translate your vision into detailed designs, technical
specifications, and procurement plans.
 Obtain the permits: Secure necessary approvals and environmental clearances to avoid
off-key performances.
 Establish communication channels: Build bridges of information flow between all
stakeholders.
 Design the evaluation framework: Compose metrics and data collection methods to
assess your project's impact.

3. Execution: Bringing the Music to Life

 Assemble the orchestra: Recruit and manage skilled personnel, equipment, and
materials.
 Follow the score: Execute project activities according to the plan, ensuring quality and
adherence to deadlines.
 Manage contracts and subcontracts: Conduct a harmonious collaboration with vendors
and partners.
 Monitor progress and adapt: Be a maestro of adaptability, adjusting the score based on
feedback and unforeseen challenges.

4. Monitoring & Evaluation: Listening to the Feedback:

 Collect the data: Measure your project's performance against pre-defined metrics.
 Analyze the feedback: Identify areas of success, challenges, and opportunities for
improvement.
 Share the results: Communicate findings transparently to stakeholders, fostering trust
and collaboration.
 Refine the score: Use evaluation data to adapt future project implementations.

5. Closure:
 Complete the performance: Ensure all project deliverables are met and activities
finalized.

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  Settle the accounts: Close financial obligations and finalize contracts.
 Document the lessons learned: Capture valuable insights and share them with the world.
 Evaluate the long-term impact: Assess the project's lasting contribution to the
environment and community.

Mastering the Resource Orchestra

While each project has its unique melody, the principles of resource management remain
constant. Here's how to conduct your resource orchestra:
 Time management: Utilize Gantt charts and critical path methods to keep your project
on tempo.
 Resource allocation: Designate personnel, equipment, and materials efficiently, ensuring
everyone plays their part.
 Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust resource allocation based on the project's evolving
needs.
 Technology: Embrace innovative tools like data analytics and smart infrastructure to
optimize resource utilization.

Implications for blueprint vs. process-oriented approaches to project

design and implementation.
Choosing between a blueprint and process-oriented approach for your urban or environmental
project isn't just about ticking boxes it's a strategic decision with profound implications. Let's
delve deeper into their nuances and how they impact your project's journey.

Blueprint Approach: A Predefined Roadmap with Trade-offs

Imagine a well-worn map leading you to a specific destination. That's the essence of the
blueprint approach. It thrives on:
 Clarity and Definition: Goals, objectives, and timelines are meticulously laid
out, empowering rapid initial implementation.
 Standardization and Predictability: Streamlined processes and procedures ensure
project efficiency and consistency.
 Strong Leadership and Control: Top-down decision-making fosters clear direction and
accountability.
However, this rigidity comes at a cost:
 Limited Adaptability: Unforeseen challenges can throw the entire map off
course, hindering responsiveness and agility.

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  Stakeholder Resistance: Top-down imposition can breed discontent and
disengagement, leading to implementation roadblocks.
 Environment and Social Blind Spots: Predefined plans might overlook complex
environmental and social dynamics, compromising project sustainability.

Process-Oriented Approach: Embracing the Unfolding Path

Think of this approach as navigating a vibrant, uncharted forest. It emphasizes:
 Iterative Learning and Adaptation: Continuous feedback loops and experimentation
fuel ongoing adjustments and improvement.
 Collaborative Decision-Making: Stakeholders actively participate, fostering ownership
and buy-in, leading to more inclusive and equitable outcomes.
 Flexibility and Resilience: The ability to pivot and adjust course allows for better
navigation of complex, uncertain landscapes.
However, this dynamic journey comes with its own challenges:
 Slower Start-up: Initial planning and stakeholder engagement can be time-
consuming, delaying project kickoff.
 Leadership and Facilitation: Guiding stakeholders through ambiguity and conflict
requires strong leadership and facilitation skills.
 Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Adapting effectively demands constant data
analysis and course correction.
The optimal approach depends on your project's unique landscape:
 Project Complexity: Highly uncertain and intricate projects benefit from the adaptability
of the process-oriented approach.
 Stakeholder Landscape: Collaborative projects thrive with the inclusive nature of the
process-oriented approach.
 Resource Constraints: Blueprint approaches can be more efficient for smaller, well-
defined projects with limited resources.
 Environmental and Social Context: Process-oriented approaches are better equipped to
handle dynamic environmental and social interactions.

Hybrid Solutions: Blending the Best of Both Worlds

The real world rarely offers clear-cut choices. A hybrid approach can harness the strengths of
both philosophies:
 Set Clear Goals with a Flexible Framework: Define overarching objectives while
allowing room for adaptation based on learning and feedback.

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  Embrace Initial Planning with Continuous Learning: Lay out a roadmap while
acknowledging and integrating knowledge gained throughout the project lifecycle.
 Data-Driven Decision-Making: Use data and evidence as the compass to guide
adjustments and course corrections.

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