Smallholder Organic Farming: An Entrepreneurial Strategy in Harmony with Nature |
Author : Dina Cartagena Magnaye |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The paper examines the relationship between smallholder organic farming and entrepreneurship taking into account the environmental conservation approach of organic farming and the economic enhancement features of entrepreneurship. Further, it intends to determine through qualitative analysis using case studies how smallholder organic farming can be planned and the competencies needed by an organic farmer when venturing into an organic farm enterprise. |
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The Dry Port as a Holistic Approach for the Relocation of City Gateways |
Author : Mourad Amer |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Alexandria city has several types of gateways that are not fully supported with connections and corridors that maximize their efficiency, thus, creating additional pressure on metropolitan areas. In addition, the marine gates of Alexandria and Dekheila face a lack of efficiency in their capacity as a port. The aim of this study is to relocate the city gates and to find a mechanism of change, which is necessary for promoting the globalization of Alexandria through strengthening inter-city freight transport. |
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Architectural Environmental Compatibility as an Approach to Conserve the Identity of Heritage Cities in Egypt Case Study: Rosetta City |
Author : Mai Wahba Mohamed Madkour |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Heritage is considered to be cultural wealth representing peoples values, ideas, beliefs, customs, and traditions, and since heritage represents the nations identity, it has its originality and maintains it. Egypt is one of the richest countries with the cities of cultural value. This abundance has created the problem of conservation that wealth and highlighting the artistic and historical aspects of the cities that face a lot of neglecting and abusing. At the same time of reforming and conservation, this wealth requires very high significant potential.
The Egyptian heritage suffers from many problems such as economic, political, cultural, and social reality, including the associated concepts of conservation operations.
This research aims to study the effect of environmental compatibility on conservation of the identity and the sustainability of the heritage cities through:
Monitoring the value and importance of heritage cities in Egypt.
Reviewing the environmental directions and various approaches to dealing with architectural heritage and emphasizing the importance of improving the environmental effect in order to conserve the identity and sustainability of heritage cities.
This research focuses on studying the identity of Rosetta city, its urban and architectural development through history. It also focuses on studying the strategies in the process of rehabilitation and reuse of its buildings, taking into consideration the environmental influence of the buildings of heritage value.
Studying the environmental compliance of the rehabilitated buildings of heritage value in terms of the efficiency of internal environment and the efficiency of environmental suitability.
The conclusion drawn from this research suggests an important relationship between Heritage cities identity and sustainability behavior which is suggested for future research. |
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Vision and Methodology to Support Sustainable Architecture through Building Technology in the Digital Era |
Author : Merhan Mohammed M. Shahda |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The last decades have witnessed countless, progressive, and rapid advances in the field of building technology, which has a strong impact on the construction industry. Consequently, employing these techniques to support sustainable architecture has become a pivotal issue. Since architecture is a product of the available Technology Era, hence, building technology could be a contributing factor to reinforce sustainable architecture; where it could promote raising the efficiency of the environmental performance of the architectural product. This paper introduces a methodological framework to support sustainable architecture through building technology in The Digital Era through an analytical study of the interactions between building technology and sustainable architecture. In addition, analyzing the influence of technological revolution in The Digital Era? on axes of building technology (implementation methods, construction systems, and construction materials) from the sustainability perspective so as to conserve natural resources for future generations.
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The Impact of the Built Environment on Human Behaviors |
Author : Amira Mersal Mahmoud |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study discusses the issue of the relationship between the physical environment and the behavior of its inhabitants in the traditional cities (The Old City of Al-Quds).
It analyses the effects that results from that particular physical environment on the different aspects of the lives of its people, as well as their interactive influence and change on the features of the environment within which they are living in order to adapt to their different needs in this rapidly changing era of technological revolution. This is to understand how does the old urban fabric - which was originally formed as reflection and translation to a past culture - emphasize utilizing the knowledge of human behavior while designing the built environments. It also discusses the role of architects in the psychological space design and formation of appropriate and inappropriate behavioral patterns by them.
This study aims mainly to shed light on the housing in the old city of Al-Quds; in particular; which has shown continuous decline in its standards and requirements of living for the functional, social, educational psychological, and health aspects of the population. This is to determine the extent to which the influence between the population and the physical environment exists through the analysis of the specific architectural style of the housing environment, with its particular formation, elements and characteristics on the people"s traditions, values, and social relations. The study leads to the conclusion that the existing situation of the residential environment, in old city, had lost much of its cultural values which forms the linking joint between the cultural and social identity of the inhabitants and the architectural style of the physical fabric of housing. It also concludes that the reality of its existing situation has a negative impact on residents" characteristics and on their different life issues, while sometimes keeping part of the original features. The study recommends that upgrading the housing use within the old city in Al-Quds is one of the most important factors; not only to save the old city alive, but also to revive the cultural values associated with our cultural heritage and national identity which could be achieved by applying various programs among people to support them, promote their living conditions, raise their awareness , and strengthen their national affiliation which will also lead to arresting the decline in the historic monuments which are closely linked not only to the people own civilization but also to their historic rights in this land.
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Urban Agriculture: A Regenerative Urban Development Practice to Decrease the Ecological Footprints of Cities |
Author : Rowaida Rashed |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Modern cities are characterized by intense human interactions and economic activities that in many cases have little or no consideration of the surrounding environment. Every day, the process of urbanization is becoming more resource-intensive which results in climate change, the loss of natural fertility of farmland, and the loss of biodiversity all over the world. High-consumption modern lifestyles are mainly fossil-fuel powered and rely on resources from the world"s ecosystems; a practice that increases the ecological footprints of cities. This paper aims at exploring the means of decreasing the ecological footprints of cities; regenerative urban development practices being some of them. By concentrating on one of these practices, namely urban agriculture, the paper demonstrates how it would be possible to decrease the ecological footprints of cities through its integration on the city level. It starts out by briefly defining the environmental problems our cities are facing today and then moves on to explaining the concept of the ecological footprint. It shows how cities could decrease their ecological footprints through simple practices such as those of regenerative urban development. This is done through demonstrating regenerative practices in different parts of the world with a concentration on urban agriculture as one of the most effective regenerative practices. It then moves on to explaining how it could be integrated within a comprehensive system in cities in order to improve the environmental condition. It also explains how to work on decreasing the ecological footprint in order to start setting the state for a regenerative city.
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Architectural Practicing in the Era of Globalization. (Saudi Market as a Case Study) |
Author : Ahmed Mohamed Shehata, Ibraheem N. A. Al-Bukhari |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :In the era of free trade and open markets, international consultant firms started to take over the local markets. Local graduates are required to acquire certain skills and knowledge to compete in their local markets with the international graduates. Local architectural teaching institutes are required to equip their graduates with the needed skills and knowledge. Gulf construction and design market are one of the biggest markets in the world. Saudi Arabia, with its 646.44 billion Dollar GDB, considered as the biggest market in the Gulf area. The Saudi vision of 2030 concentrates on economical sustainability and developing citizens. In this regard, this research investigates the competitiveness of the Saudi educational outputs in the era of globalization and open markets. To achieve its objectives, the research analyzes the different scopes of practicing architecture specially in the design consultation field. International design firms working in the GCC counties and their required skills for positions were presented and analyzed. Moreover, educational architectural curriculums were investigated and tested against the required skills by international firms. The paper concluded with suggestions regarding to architectural programs and their curriculums that will enable Saudi graduates to fulfill the international consultation market required qualifications and skills. |
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Towards Strategic Planning Implementation for Egyptian Cities |
Author : Marwa Ahmed Soliman |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Strategic urban planning plays a real and significant role in developing the urban areas worldwide because it helps in mitigating the loss of lands; especially in diversion of urban growth away from the “agricultural lands”. It provides better urban services and utilities; in terms of quality; and enhances local economy, livability, and sustainability. This paper explores the importance of strategic plans and their role in sustainable development, in addition to exploring the importance of the implementation process. A questionnaire with the local authorities for a group of 19 cities was implemented. The case studies for the planning of such cities started more than 4 years ago. It has been found that there are many implementation problems that prevent the conversion process.
The aim of this paper is represented in two main points. Firstly, illustrating the concept of the strategic planning process and how Egypt deals with it. Secondly, suggesting a new implementation system which can solve the main implementation problems in Egypt.
In conclusion, the paper identifies, through statistics, the perspectives of local government staff in Egypt towards the preparation and implementation of the strategic plans which includes proposed solutions for a problem treatment as well as the opportunity of community participation. |
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Date Palm Rachis as a Local and Renewable Structural Material for Rural Communities in Egypt |
Author : Eman A. Darwish, Yasser M. Mansour, Hamed Elmously |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Date Palm Rachis has been widely used in sheathing of houses in the rural communities in Egypt and the Middle East, as a local and cheap material that naturally resists direct solar radiation and humidity. Lately, researchers around the world began to build complete structures using Date Palm Rachis to take advantage of its abundance and natural resistance. However, due to the lack of the required mechanical properties for structural analytical modeling, mock ups are used to assess the structural properties of Date Palm Rachis. This tool of assessment is insufficient in the consideration of wind or temporary and unforeseen loads. This paper introduces the closest estimations of the complicated mechanical properties required for structural analytical modeling, according to the available equipment and the variable nature of Date Palm Rachis. The results showed that Date Palm Rachis is a promising structural material with structural properties that are competitive to that of imported timbers in Egypt. This paper invites researches and builders to exploit the potentials of Palm Rachis as a structural material for rural communities.
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