A social-environmental interface of sustainable development: A case study of Ghadames, Libya

Date

2018-04

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Springer International Publishing

Type

Book chapter

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

One of the key challenges in the spatial planning and design of urban settlements in desert housing is the trade-off between the harshness of the environment and meeting social needs concurrently. Hence, this chapter discusses the role of socio-environmental dimensions on planning and developing urban forms within the context of the Sahara Desert. The case study of Ghadames old settlements integrates spatial planning methodology with environmental thoughts, in accordance with socio-cultural values. Field surveys were conducted in summers 2013/14 to observe daily environmental cycles and social practices of residents through collating drawings, photos and sketches, interviews with householders and professionals and measurements of indoor thermal conditions. The field survey also showed that new houses do not effectively respond to the local climate or cultural contexts. This study recognises the need to promote the relationship between social integration and environmental awareness during formation of urban settlements.

Description

Keywords

social sustainability, thermal comfort, climatic design, Ghadames

Citation

Taki, AH. and Alabid, J. (2018) A social-environmental interface of sustainable development: A case study of Ghadames, Libya’. In: Dastbaz, M., Naude, W. and Manoochehri, J. (Eds) Smart Futures, Challenges of Urbanisation and Social Sustainability. Heidelberg: Springer International Publishing, pp.117-130.

Rights

Research Institute