Urban sustainability and equity: Examining urban infrastructure and green space distribution in Tirana, Albania
Tufina, Klaudia
This item is only available for download by members of the University of Illinois community. Students, faculty, and staff at the U of I may log in with your NetID and password to view the item. If you are trying to access an Illinois-restricted dissertation or thesis, you can request a copy through your library's Inter-Library Loan office or purchase a copy directly from ProQuest.
Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125654
Description
Title
Urban sustainability and equity: Examining urban infrastructure and green space distribution in Tirana, Albania
Author(s)
Tufina, Klaudia
Issue Date
2024-06-06
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Deal, Brian
Pendall, Rolf
Department of Study
Urban & Regional Planning
Discipline
Urban Planning
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.U.P.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Sustainable urban planning
Green Infrastructure
Spatial Dynamics
Land Use Planning
Urban Development
Environmental Sustainability
Tirana
Albania
LEAM(Land-Use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model
Climate Change Mitigation
Abstract
This thesis provides a comprehensive examination of spatial dynamics, land use, development patterns, social systems and natural geography in the Tirana Region of Albania, in order to assess green infrastructure and its viability for increased use. The research begins by analyzing the current conditions in Tirana including geography, transportation, land use, economy, and social constructs, focusing on green space and how urban networks correlate with regional characteristics like terrain, water bodies, and areas prone to natural hazards, such as floods.
Employing the Land-Use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model (LEAM) from the University of Illinois, the study offers an in-depth spatial analysis of how population and employment trends relate to natural features, including green areas and water systems, essential for sustainable urban living. It projects future land use changes based on demographic, economic drivers, and physical geography, integrating future city plans sanctioned by the Municipality of Tirana to determine where and how urban development will occur, and its implications on the built environment, green spaces and green infrastructure. I use the model to work through land use conflicts and assess optimal future green infrastructure locations.
The thesis identifies current disparities in land use and explores future urban plans to address these issues. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful integration of green infrastructure into urban planning to enhance environmental health and life quality. Advocating for strategies that support community growth and empowerment, the research provides strategic insights into sustainable urban planning, highlighting the importance of conserving natural elements and ensuring equitable access to resources.
The study concludes by linking its findings to climate change implications, establishing a basis for further research into urban planning and its effects on greenhouse gas emissions. This exploration underscores the need for policies to mitigate the negative impacts of urban expansion, advocating for a balanced approach to urban growth that harmonizes development with environmental sustainability through green infrastructure development. This research contributes significantly to the field of sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the critical interplay between land use, natural features, urban development, and green space.
Use this login method if you
don't
have an
@illinois.edu
email address.
(Oops, I do have one)
IDEALS migrated to a new platform on June 23, 2022. If you created
your account prior to this date, you will have to reset your password
using the forgot-password link below.
