Revitalization of Jugal Through Public Open Space, Harar Msc Thesis in Environmental Planning and Landscape Design
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababauniversity
Abstract
The ancient city of Jugal is the only one of its kind Ethiopia has contributed to the world among
other eight heritages. However, lack of public open spaces and traffic congestion in addition to
dilapidated structures, huge population pressure and inadequate environmental services are
damaging its image. To curb these problems Harari Regional State Government has launched
revitalization program focusing on three strategies – infrastructure development, housing
development, and heritage conservation- starting from 2008. But, public open space has gained
no significant attention in this program.
Thus, the general objective of this research is to forward options for strengthening this program
through incorporation of public open space enhancement which is vital for the city‘s livability. As
a result, "Andegna Mednged” and "Chelenqo" square were primarily chosen to work on due to
the central role these places have in the life of residents of Jugal.
With this regard, the thesis tried to address questions such as: how does this spaces operate
and what kind of facilities the area provide for its users in order to enable various activities?
What is the perception of the public with regard to the spaces? And finally, what kind of
environmental planning and landscape design solutions can be provided to enhance the image
of Jugal and its livability with focus on the above spaces.
The methodology followed for fulfilling this study was case study method. The selection of the
case areas were in consideration of its inclusiveness, reachability to wider community, and
having larger impact on Jugal during practicing proposed solutions. And, these aforementioned
places were treated as a single case area due to its strong relation and link. Then, the area was
investigated for its service to the three kinds of outdoor activities: Optional, Necessary and
Social activities comparison to measure points listed for its success such as: Comfort and
Image; Use and Activity; Access and Linkage and finally Sociability. In due process, the study
tried to point out the major reasons for malfunctioning of these spaces - in terms of its operation
and facilities it provide; users current and future demand from it; level of satisfaction among
users and others - using various primary and secondary data collection methods such as
interview, questionnaire, field excursion and structural plan and various related documents .
The major findings of the research were the study area serves three types of outdoor activities
though these spaces do not have proper facilities to host these activities. Beside lack of
facilities, the conditions of the spaces are worsened by high traffic congestion resulting from lack
of: environmental quality; transportation planning and management. As a result, almost all users
of the space do not have positive attachment to the place in relation to direct experience.
Therefore, they recommended enhancement of the place with regard to types of activities it
serve and its environmental quality.
Hence, the study proposed environmental planning and landscape design solutions for the
public open space in order to enhance livability of Jugal through alleviation of major problems
and findings that tackle the proper functioning of the case areas. The major planning and design
solutions forwarded are planning to pedestrinize the study area together with designing it to
meet the current and future generations demand
Description
Keywords
Environmental Planning