RULA KHALILI (Birzeit University, Palestine): CITY-WIDE PUBLIC SPACE ASSESSMENT: THE CASE OF HEBRON
Introduction to the Seminar
Welcome and Overview
- The session begins with a warm welcome, thanking attendees for their participation in the final lecture of the third day of the seminar.
- The seminar is part of the "Green Palestine" program, funded by the Belgian government and agency, focusing on collaborative projects aimed at enhancing public spaces.
Project Background
- This seminar will be recorded and made available online, including an attendance certificate for participants.
- Engineer Rola Khalili will present her experience related to a project in Hebron as part of a competition focused on green spaces.
Project Presentation by Engineer Rola Khalili
Project Focus
- The project presented was initiated in 2023 and revolves around evaluating public spaces in Hebron, funded by Anbal and collaborating with local authorities.
- It aims to assess various public areas rather than providing design solutions, identifying strengths and areas needing improvement for better community service.
Methodology
- The project aligns with broader goals under "Green Palestine," which focuses on designing sustainable public spaces across different regions.
- A total of 40 sites were identified by Hebron municipality; however, two sites were excluded due to accessibility issues, resulting in 38 evaluated locations.
Data Collection Techniques
Research Approach
- A mixed-method approach was employed using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods tailored for urban scale assessments.
- Tools like KoboCollect were utilized for data gathering. This tool is user-friendly and allows integration with GIS (Geographic Information Systems), enhancing spatial analysis capabilities.
Advantages of Using KoboCollect
- KoboCollect facilitates easy mobile data entry, linking collected information directly to geographic coordinates for accurate mapping.
- Compared to traditional questionnaires, this method minimizes errors during data management while ensuring comprehensive information collection.
Conclusion: Future Implications
Importance of Findings
- The insights gained from this project are crucial for informing future interventions in urban design within Hebron's context.
Evaluation of Open Spaces: Key Criteria
Safety and Inclusivity
- The evaluation of open spaces includes safety, feelings of security, inclusivity, accessibility, environmental aspects, infrastructure, and user comfort. These criteria are interconnected; a weakness in one can negatively impact others.
Impact of Infrastructure on Accessibility
- Lack of proper infrastructure for individuals with disabilities can significantly affect the inclusivity of public spaces. For example, if accessibility is poor, it limits the effectiveness and usability of the space for all users.
Importance of Comprehensive Assessment
- A successful project must excel in multiple areas; if even one aspect (like accessibility) fails, it can severely limit the overall effectiveness and service to residents. Assessments are conducted at both city-wide and site-specific levels.
Questionnaire Development for Evaluation
- The questionnaire designed for this assessment focuses on various indicators that measure the success and effectiveness of physical facilities in open spaces. Specific questions address seating availability and condition.
User Comfort Factors
- Data collection includes evaluating lighting conditions, waste disposal options, restroom availability, baby care facilities, and their adequacy. It's essential not only to have these amenities but also to assess their sufficiency.
Accessibility Considerations
Multi-modal Access Evaluation
- Accessibility encompasses various modes such as cars, public transport, pedestrians, cyclists, and provisions for individuals with disabilities. Each mode's access needs to be evaluated thoroughly.
Inclusivity Indicators
- Questions developed aim to gauge inclusivity by identifying user demographics based on gender, age groups, or specific categories like individuals with disabilities during observation periods.
Timing for Accurate Data Collection
- To obtain accurate information across all questions regarding user presence in open spaces requires data collection at different times throughout the day or week due to varying user demographics across seasons.
User Experience Analysis
Environmental Factors Affecting Comfort
- User comfort may be influenced by external factors such as unpleasant odors or noise levels. Evaluating these elements helps understand their impact on users' experiences within open spaces.
Waste Management Concerns
- Analyzing waste accumulation patterns is crucial; understanding whether waste is scattered or concentrated informs maintenance practices necessary for improving user experience in public areas.
Environmental Analysis of Public Spaces
Surrounding Environment Impact
- The analysis extends beyond just the public space itself but also considers adjacent buildings and green areas which influence noise pollution and air quality from vehicle emissions affecting human health.
Green Cover Assessment
- Detailed examination includes assessing whether surfaces are landscaped or hardscaped while considering how they affect heat retention (urban heat island effect), stormwater absorption capabilities impacting environmental sustainability.
Rainwater Management Strategies
Rainwater Drainage Efficiency
- Investigating rainwater drainage systems is vital; effective management impacts environmental health as well as usability during different seasons due to potential flooding issues caused by inadequate drainage systems.
Waste Types Analysis
- Identifying types of waste present in open spaces helps determine necessary interventions—some waste may pose health risks requiring immediate attention based on behavioral patterns observed among users contributing to littering issues.
Analysis of Environmental and Safety Factors in Open Spaces
Dust Sources and Environmental Health
- Discussion on the presence of dust in open spaces, its sources, and potential health implications related to animals and insects.
- Examination of shadows in open spaces, considering whether they are natural (trees) or artificial (structures), and their impact on temperature regulation.
Energy Use and Traffic Impact
- Analysis of how traffic affects air quality in surrounding areas, emphasizing the need for safety assessments.
- Differentiation between real safety concerns versus perceived feelings of safety; dark areas may not pose actual danger but can deter use.
Infrastructure Safety Assessment
- Evaluation of infrastructure issues such as sidewalks, lighting, and pavement that could affect safety in public spaces.
- Consideration of social behaviors impacting safety; interventions may be needed to address unacceptable behaviors.
Visibility and Security Measures
- Indicators for assessing safety include visibility from surrounding buildings, presence of windows, cameras, or security personnel.
- Safety analysis conducted at different times (day/night) for various demographics (children, women, men), revealing gender disparities in perceived safety.
Data Collection Methodology
- Overview of data collection through KoboCollect to assess open space availability against standards; ideal is 5 square meters per person.
- Global standards suggest 15% to 20% of urban areas should be open spaces; local economic conditions hinder implementation.
Findings on Space Utilization
- Most open spaces primarily used by men over 30 years old; raises questions about accessibility for other demographics.
- Mapping service coverage within walking distance highlights underserved areas needing attention from municipal planning.
Recommendations for Future Planning
- Project utilized both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate public spaces with a scoring system based on various indicators like comfort and environmental factors.
- Final scores help identify priority intervention areas within public spaces based on accessibility issues noted during evaluations.
This structured summary provides a comprehensive overview while linking back to specific timestamps for further exploration.
Public Spaces and Urban Challenges
Concept of Public Spaces
- The discussion emphasizes the importance of distributing public spaces rather than concentrating them in specific areas, highlighting that public spaces are not limited to parks or plazas but can include various urban elements like roadways and leftover spaces.
Recommendations for Enhancing Urban Areas
- There is a recommendation to incorporate plants into urban design, with previous seminars having discussed this topic in detail. The integration of landscaping should be done thoughtfully to manage rainwater drainage effectively.
Topography's Impact on Water Management
- The city of Hebron is noted for its high topography, which significantly affects water collection and management due to its geographical features.
Technology in Urban Design
- Acknowledgment of the unique experience gained from using technology and devices in real-world applications to enhance overall perspectives on urban management.
Engaging Participants in Discussions
- Encouragement for participants to ask questions during discussions about public spaces, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and feedback.
Data Collection Methods
Electronic Participation in Competitions
- Discussion on how participants unable to visit locations physically can engage electronically, raising questions about how technology can assist them in understanding designs accurately.
Tools for Data Collection
- Introduction of KoboCollect as a tool aimed at large-scale data collection. It is suggested that it could also facilitate smaller scale projects by allowing remote data gathering through questionnaires.
Importance of Interviews
- Emphasis on conducting interviews with diverse groups related to open spaces, as external observations may not capture the full user experience since they do not use these spaces daily.
Challenges and Solutions in Open Space Design
Balancing Open Space with Climate Considerations
- Inquiry into how to balance open space design with Hebron's harsh winter climate, suggesting that weather conditions must be considered when planning these areas.
Infrastructure Needs for Water Management
- Highlighting the necessity for proper infrastructure regarding water drainage systems within open space designs. It stresses that understanding water flow is crucial before designing any open space.
What is Landscape Design?
Understanding Hardscape and Water Management
- The landscape absorbs water, but issues arise with hardscapes when there is high runoff and no drainage for rainwater, leading to stagnant water.
- When paving areas, it's crucial to study the slopes to ensure proper water drainage; even slight inclines can significantly affect water flow.
Plant Selection and Environmental Considerations
- Personal experiences highlight challenges in plant survival due to harsh weather conditions; understanding local climate is essential for successful landscaping.
- Choosing plants sensitive to wind requires strategic placement of other plants for protection, necessitating a study of plant types and their interactions.
Ecological Relationships Among Plants
- The distribution of plants should be carefully planned based on their relationships with each other and environmental factors like wind direction.
- Trees can act as barriers against wind and dust, emphasizing the need for thoughtful placement based on ecological studies.
Integrating Human Needs with Nature
- Designers must consider how human structures interact with nature; buildings should harmonize with their environment rather than disrupt it.
- Simple designs must also account for geographical context and local climate conditions to enhance living quality in residential spaces.
Importance of Three-Dimensional Thinking in Design
- Effective design involves considering vertical space (sections), not just horizontal layouts; this approach leads to more functional landscapes.
Studying Plant Characteristics for Better Outcomes
- Understanding specific characteristics of trees—like root strength—is vital as they can impact surrounding infrastructure negatively if not considered properly.
Community Engagement in Landscaping Projects
- Engaging local farmers or community members helps tailor landscaping projects to meet specific needs while fostering social activities around agricultural production.
- Decisions about transforming spaces into productive areas depend on existing community resources and needs, highlighting the importance of site-specific data collection.
Discussion on Utilizing Local Resources
Importance of Site Analysis for Events
- The speaker discusses the potential use of local facilities and resources, particularly in relation to an event like the grape festival, emphasizing the significance of site analysis before making decisions.
- There is a suggestion to incorporate community input into decision-making processes, highlighting the need for effective communication with local farmers.
Interactive Tools for Community Engagement
- The conversation shifts towards using interactive tools such as tablets and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook) to engage with farmers and gather data, stressing the importance of building trust within the community.
- Emphasis is placed on creating an interactive map where community members can contribute their observations and insights, facilitating better decision-making by engineers and local authorities.
Gamification in Design Processes
- The concept of gamification is introduced as a method to make interfaces more engaging while still addressing serious topics. This approach aims to encourage participation from users through enjoyable interactions.
Understanding Plant Root Systems
Visualizing Root Structures
- A discussion arises about how technology can help visualize root systems of plants, which is crucial for understanding their growth patterns and implications for construction projects.
- The speaker encourages participants to research online about specific plant species' root structures, noting that roots can significantly affect surface stability when planting near infrastructure.
Implications for Construction Planning
- Insights are shared regarding how shallow root systems may lead to issues if not properly accounted for during construction planning. For example, pine trees have roots that spread close to the surface.
Designing Flexible Public Spaces
Seasonal Adaptability in Space Design
- The discussion highlights the need for public spaces that can adapt seasonally, suggesting that flexibility should be a core aspect of design considerations.
- Temporary structures are proposed as solutions that could be easily assembled or disassembled based on seasonal activities or events.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
- Questions arise regarding shading systems suitable for winter months when outdoor usage decreases due to weather conditions. Strategies are discussed on how these systems can remain functional year-round.
Wind Management in Outdoor Spaces
Designing Against Wind Effects
- It’s noted that winter conditions often limit outdoor space usage; however, strategic design can mitigate wind effects through careful placement of trees or structures.
Specificity in Regional Design Solutions
- Each region has unique environmental characteristics; thus, design solutions must be tailored specifically rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Discussion on Natural Shade Trees and Environmental Challenges
Importance of Natural Shade Trees
- The speaker discusses the benefits of natural shade trees, particularly their ability to provide shade during summer while also mitigating rainfall effects.
- Highlights the issue with artificial shading solutions, noting that strong winds can pose problems for these structures, especially in regions like the Levant.
Local Environmental Conditions
- Emphasizes the unique environmental challenges faced in certain areas, including strong winds and sandstorms that complicate landscape design.
- Encourages experts to consider local experiences and conditions when discussing landscaping strategies.
Closing Remarks and Upcoming Lectures
Acknowledgments
- The speaker expresses gratitude towards Engineer Rola Khalili for her valuable contributions to the discussion.
Future Events
- Mentions upcoming lectures featuring Engineer Maha Issa from Lebanon, who has extensive experience in sustainable landscape design in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
- Announces a closing lecture by Dr. Maria Gabriel Taraboulsi from Oslo Metropolitan University, focusing on biobased solutions for urban development issues in Lebanon.
Special Topics
- Dr. Taraboulsi will discuss proposals related to rebuilding efforts in Gaza and remedies for pollution stemming from mass destruction events.