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Sept 6, 2024

Infrastructure-driven growth of a coastal tourist city: A case study of Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya City is a well-known tourist destination in Thailand, famous for its beautiful beachfront, lively nightlife, and stunning natural scenery. Since 2019, the Eastern Special Development Zone Act, the so-called EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor), has positioned the city as a focal point for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), boosting its tourism-driven economy. Infrastructure improvements in the region have accelerated urban development over the past decade. However, it is uncertain whether this growth primarily comes from development within existing areas or the expansion of urban boundaries and what direction future growth may take. To investigate this, research using the Cellular Automata-Markov model has been conducted to analyze land use changes and urban growth patterns in Pattaya, using land use data from the Department of Land for 2013 and 2017. The findings suggest an upcoming city expansion along the motorway, indicating that infrastructure improvements could drive rapid urbanization in coastal areas. This urban expansion emphasizes the need for urban management and strategic land use planning in coastal cities.

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Aug 1, 2024

What has caused regional (relative) poverty in China? A multi-dimensional and multi-factor analysis of 295 Chinese cities

Despite ongoing economic development around the world, poverty is becoming an increasingly important problem. Although absolute poverty still appears in some countries, relative poverty (the gap between the rich and the poor) has become the focus of attention. To learn what factors affect regional economic development, and therefore affect relative poverty, we selected 295 Chinese cities and analyzed their economic development problems using spatial econometric models (ordinary least-squares, spatial lag, and spatial error models), and city classification criteria (region and size). We found that optimization of the trade structure, improvement of medical resources, and development of fiscal decentralization and a market economy promoted regional economic development, but that the gap in disposable income between urban and rural areas combined with environmental pollution to limit regional economic development. Therefore, regional governments must continuously optimize their region’s economic structure, use tax revenues rationally to solve their region’s most serious problems, continuously promote trade, and narrow the gap in disposable income between urban and rural areas to solve the problem of relative poverty. Our results provide suggestions for China’s regional economic development, but also provide a reference for other developing countries to mitigate poverty and achieve more sustainable regional economic development.

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Jan 22, 2025

Criticality disaster risk assessment for urban rail transport in Indonesia

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change poses significant risks to urban rail systems, especially in disaster-prone regions like Indonesia. Urban railways, with limited rerouting options, are highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. These disruptions can cause cascading economic impacts, including infrastructure damage, productivity loss, and prolonged travel times. This study develops a methodological framework to assess disaster risk and climate vulnerability in urban rail systems, with Bandung, Indonesia, as the case study. The framework integrates Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (CVRA) with the Movement and Place (M&P) framework, leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to identify and prioritize high-risk areas. CVRA evaluates hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities, while M&P assesses the functional significance of transport nodes based on movement patterns and land use density. The combined analysis produces a risk matrix, enabling targeted mitigation strategies that integrate engineering solutions, urban planning, and policy interventions. Findings highlight critical vulnerabilities in Bandung’s proposed LRT system, particularly at stations susceptible to earthquakes and landslides. Recommended mitigation measures include resilient infrastructure designs, strategic planning for high-risk zones, and stakeholder engagement for prioritization. This framework offers practical guidance for policymakers to enhance urban rail resilience, reduce climate-related risks, and ensure sustainable urban mobility. It serves as a scalable model for other cities in Indonesia and globally, supporting adaptive and sustainable transport systems.

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Aug 20, 2024

Suburban transport complexity in Indonesia

This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of suburban transportation transformation within the Jakarta Metropolitan Area, with a specific focus on the evolution of the Commuter Line and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Utilizing spatial analysis, qualitative descriptions, and stakeholder insights, the paper unveils self-organizing dynamics. It critically examines the role of transportation infrastructure in shaping the broader landscape of urban development. Unlike a traditional approach, the paper seeks to unravel the self-organization processes embedded in transportation planning, unveiling adaptive strategies crafted to tackle the distinct challenges of suburban transportation. By using autonomy, flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration frameworks, the paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of suburban transportation dynamics, with implications for policymakers, planners, and researchers grappling with similar challenges in diverse metropolitan regions.

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May 6, 2024

Age-inclusive urban design: A review of sustainable retrofit strategies for elderly well-being

As urban populations age, creating cities that cater to the needs of elderly residents becomes increasingly vital. This paper addresses the imperative to develop urban environments supporting the well-being of the elderly against a backdrop of changing demographics. With the proportion of elderly individuals steadily rising, the demand for age-inclusive urban design is more pressing than ever. The research question driving this study is: How can sustainable retrofit strategies contribute to age-inclusive urban design, considering the physiological and psychological characteristics of the elderly? Begins with examining the theoretical foundations of sustainable retrofit practices, shedding light on their significance and common objectives. Shortcomings in current urban retrofit practices are scrutinized, highlighting the gaps that need addressing. Integrating research on the physiological and psychological characteristics of the elderly, along with their distinct needs in outdoor environments, the review contributes to a nuanced understanding of age-specific urban requirements. A bespoke sustainable urban retrofit strategy for the elderly is conceptualized, rooted in the principles of urban design. Finally, acknowledging the challenges faced in achieving age-inclusive urban spaces and provides forward-looking recommendations.

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