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The topic of social sustainability and livability in urban environments is of paramount importance as cities continue to expand and urbanization rates soar. In hot and arid regions like The Pearl, the distinctive climate and cultural factors present challenges in creating socially sustainable public spaces. Existing literature has predominantly focused on the indoor environment, leaving a significant gap in understanding outdoor walkability in these regions. This research study strives to bridge this gap by taking a closer look at outdoor walkability within the context of The Pearl, with an exclusive focus on its waterfront promenade. Additionally, we aim to contribute valuable insights into how the design and planning of outdoor public spaces can enhance social sustainability and livability in hot and arid climates. This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis using a mixed-methods approach. Through this approach, the study investigates the physical characteristics, climate, cultural factors, and social activities associated with The Pearl's waterfront promenade. The investigation reveals that The Pearl possesses numerous physical and social attributes that enhance its walkability and livability. Nonetheless, the study also identifies several challenges that necessitate attention to fully unlock the potential of the outdoor environment in augmenting social sustainability. The findings of this study hold implications for informing the planning and design of outdoor spaces in other hot and arid regions, facilitating the enhancement of livability and sustainability in such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, floods and climate-induced cataclysms have caused significant annual damage to livelihoods worldwide, with limited research on their vulnerability, impact, resilience, and long-term adaptation strategies in developing countries. In the South Indian State of Kerala, the major flood in 2018 caused immense economic losses in the low-lying and densely populated Alappuzha District. While the region has a heightened risk of periodic flooding, the considerable destruction of buildings and infrastructure highlights the need for effective solutions for flood resilience in the existing housing stock and new construction. In this context, this study examines flood resilience in the built environment of Alappuzha, focusing on flood vulnerability, building practices, and potential approaches suitable for the region that the current literature does not address. This study employs a qualitative research approach to understand current trends in adaptation strategies and the influencing socioeconomic and cultural factors. The study employs various data collection methods, including interviews, site observations, and content analyses of existing government reports, journal articles, and popular media sources. The findings indicate that although there are three types of established flood resilience techniques (static elevated, floating, and amphibious structures), their suitability for the low-lying areas of Alappuzha depends on the geographic, climatic, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. Stilted houses have become the most common construction method, in response to climatic and socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the findings highlight the bounce-forth resilience quality of amphibious building techniques and suggest further exploration by integrating them with local technologies and materials. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates traditional and modern knowledge and practices in disaster risk reduction and management to enhance the resilience of the built environment to flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aftermath of armed conflicts, societies grapple with profound impacts on historic city centres, with cultural heritage damage intensifying crises in environments, identities and sense of place. This paper addresses the under-documented post-conflict journey of the Libyan city of Benghazi, focusing on the sudden demolition of its built heritage in March 2023. Grounded in a mixed-methods approach, this study explores reconstruction complexities in post-conflict emerging states through empirical research and a humanistic lens. In addition, the authors investigate aspects, such as the stakeholder’s opinion and the community’s reaction and expectations. The findings reveal that while post-conflict situations globally are inherently complex between balancing change and continuity, the case of Benghazi is exacerbated by political fragmentation, top-down reconstruction approaches, and lack of coordination between decision-makers and the community. The results of the survey indicate that most respondents support the preservation of their cultural heritage. This research concludes that stakeholders in Benghazi should adopt a nuanced approach that aligns with sustainable aspirations for a better future while retaining historical continuity. This paper contributes to the broader post-conflict reconstruction literature by offering insights for cities facing similar challenges and emphasizing the imperatives of inclusion, transparency, justice, and equity during the reconstruction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]