The world is witnessing an irreversible trend of urbanization in both developed and developing countries and Asia and Africa are projected to account for 90% of growth in urban population until 2050. Urbanization in the developing world is bringing ab...
The world is witnessing an irreversible trend of urbanization in both developed and developing countries and Asia and Africa are projected to account for 90% of growth in urban population until 2050. Urbanization in the developing world is bringing about ecological and economic changes that compel global attention. As a result sustainable urbanization has emerged not as an issue of individual countries with a rapid urban development but as a global issue that requires global actions. Urbanization in developing countries is beset by a range of challenges, including urban sprawl, heavy reliance on vehicles, climate change and inequality. These problems are not essentially different from what have been experienced by advanced countries in the process of development. Then, why do developing countries go through the same trial and error that was experienced by advanced countries? This study looks at the cause from three different angles. Firstly, the urban development process is oriented toward advanced countries. Secondly, there exists a misperception about the urban progress. Lastly, the urban development tends to be mainly led by the growth of automobile industry. The study also examined the need for a changed perception from growth-oriented development to development that fosters human development and brings happiness to people.
A new approach that takes into account the capacity and values of developing countries needs to be developed. This study proposes a model of appropriate urban design as a way to put urban development in developing countries on a sustainable path. The study introduced the concept and practices of appropriate urban design, which include transition and sharing of modes of transportation, transitional urban movements, pro-poor urban design and smart service for urban development. By analyzing these models, the study drew up five strategies for realizing appropriate urban design.
By applying the five strategies in Mekele urban development plan of Ethiopia, the study sought opportunities for improvement from the perspective of appropriate urban design.
The study attempted to complement an existing urban development process, overcome limits of urban growth and induce sustainable development of developing countries to figure out alternatives to existing development models that can lead shared growth and co-prosperity. It is hopeful that this study’s model can be utilized in urban development projects and assessed based on its outcomes and achievements. This way, this model can continue to be upgraded and complemented. Based on this study, the author will continue to study on concrete and practical models that can be utilized in real urban development projects by drawing up detailed strategies that reflect diverse geography and conditions of developing countries.