A recessionary debate: who suffered more? A study of sectoral well-being and economic insecurity in Ireland

The aim of this thesis is to identify the relationship between subjective well-being and economic insecurity for public and private sector workers in Ireland using the European Social Survey 2010-2012. Life satisfaction and job satisfaction are the indicators used to measure subjective well-being. Economic insecurity is approximated by regional unemployment rates and self-perceived job insecurity. Potential sample selection bias and endogeneity bias are accounted for. It is traditionally believed that public sector workers are relatively more protected against insecurity due to very institution of public sector employment. The institution of public sector employment is made up of stricter dismissal practices (Luechinger et al., 2010a) and less volatile employment (Freeman, 1987) where workers are subsequently less likely to be affected by business cycle downturns (Clark and Postal-Vinay, 2009). It is found in the literature that economic insecurity depresses the well-being of public sector workers to a lesser degree than private sector workers (Luechinger et al., 2010a; Artz and Kaya, 2014). These studies provide the rationale for this thesis in testing for similar relationships in an Irish context. Sample selection bias arises when a selection into a particular category is not random (Heckman, 1979). An example of this is non-random selection into public sector employment based on personal characteristics (Heckman, 1979; Luechinger et al., 2010b). If selection into public sector employment is not corrected for this can lead to biased and inconsistent estimators (Gujarati, 2009). Selection bias of public sector employment is corrected for by using a standard Two-Step Heckman Probit OLS estimation method. Following Luechinger et al. (2010b), the propensity for individuals to select into public sector employment is estimated by a binomial probit model with the inclusion of the additional regressor Irish citizenship. Job satisfaction is then estimated by Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) with the inclusion of a sample correction term similar as is done in Clark (1997). Endogeneity is where an independent variable included in the model is determined within in the context of the model (Chenhall and Moers, 2007). The econometric definition states that an endogenous independent variable is one that is correlated with the error term (Wooldridge, 2010). Endogeneity is expected to be present due to a simultaneous relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction whereby both variables are jointly determined (Theodossiou and Vasileiou, 2007). Simultaneity, as an instigator of endogeneity, is corrected for using Instrumental Variables (IV) techniques. Limited Information Methods and Full Information Methods of estimation of simultaneous equations models are assed and compared. The general results show that job insecurity depresses the subjective well-being of all workers in both the public and private sectors in Ireland. The magnitude of this effect differs among sectoral workers. The subjective well-being of private sector workers is more adversely affected by job insecurity than the subjective well-being of public sector workers. This is observed in basic ordered probit estimations of both a life satisfaction equation and a job satisfaction equation. The marginal effects from the ordered probit estimation of a basic job satisfaction equation show that as job insecurity increases the probability of reporting a 9 on a 10-point job satisfaction scale significantly decreases by 3.4% for the whole sample of workers, 2.8% for public sector workers and 4.0% for private sector workers. Artz and Kaya (2014) explain that as a result of many austerity policies implemented to reduce government expenditure during the economic recession, workers in the public sector may for the first time face worsening perceptions of job security which can have significant implications for their well-being (Artz and Kaya, 2014). This can be observed in the marginal effects where job insecurity negatively impacts the well-being of public sector workers in Ireland. However, in accordance with Luechinger et al. (2010a) the results show that private sector workers are more adversely impacted by economic insecurity than public sector workers. This suggests that in a time of high economic volatility, the institution of public sector employment held and was able to protect workers against some of the well-being consequences of rising insecurity. In estimating the relationship between subjective well-being and economic insecurity advanced econometric issues arise. The results show that when selection bias is corrected for, any statistically significant relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction disappears for public sector workers. Additionally, in order to correct for endogeneity bias the simultaneous equations model for job satisfaction and job insecurity is estimated by Limited Information and Full Information Methods. The results from two different estimators classified as Limited Information Methods support the general findings of this research. Moreover, the magnitude of the endogeneity-corrected estimates are twice as large as those not corrected for endogeneity bias which is similarly found in Geishecker (2010, 2012). As part of the analysis into the effect of economic insecurity on subjective well-being, the effects of other socioeconomic variables and work-related variables are examined for public and private sector workers in Ireland.

The geographies of encounter: investigating the spatiality and construction of 'meaningful' encounters with difference through the experiences of international students at University College Cork, Ireland

The purpose of this research is to investigate how international students negotiate encounters with Irish students and construct ‘meaning’ from those encounters in the spaces of the university and city. As cities are increasingly characterised by a multiplexity of diversity, the issue of living with difference is becoming more and more pertinent. In the wake of escalating socio-spatial polarisation, inter-cultural tension, racism, and xenophobia, the geographies of encounter seek to untangle the interactions that occur in the quotidian activities and spaces of everyday life to determine whether such encounters might reduce prejudice, antipathy and indifference and establish common social bonds (Amin 2002; Valentine 2008). Thus far, the literature has investigated a number of sites of encounter; public space, the home, neighbourhoods, schools, sports clubs, public transport, cafes and libraries (Wilson 2011; Schuermans 2013; Hemming 2011; Neal and Vincent 2011; Mayblin, Valentine and Anderrson 2015; Laurier and Philo 2006; Valentine and Sadgrove 2013; Harris, Valentine and Piekut 2014; Fincher and Iveson 2008). While these spaces produce a range of outcomes, the literature remains frustrated by a lack of clarity of what constitutes a ‘meaningful’ encounter and how such encounters might be planned for. Drawing on survey and interview data with full-time international students at University College Cork, Ireland, this study contributes to understanding how encounters are shaped by the construction and reproduction of particular identities in particular spaces, imbuing spaces with uneven power frameworks that produce diverse outcomes. Rather than identifying a singular ‘meaningful’ outcome of encounter as a potential panacea to the issues of exclusion and oppression, the contention here is to recognise a range of outcomes that are created by individuals in a range of ways. To define one outcome of encounter as ‘meaningful’ is to overlook the scale of intensity of diverse interactions and the multiplicity of ways in which people learn to live with difference.

A Global Review on Peri-Urban Development and Planning

Urban regions worldwide are increasingly facing the challenge of dealing with highly dynamic metropolitan growth and, at the same time, institutional changes like decentralisation and globalisation. These kinds of changes express themselves most evidently in peri-urban areas, where urban and rural life meets. These peri-urban areas in particular have been the stage for rapid physical, social and economic transformations, both in developed and developing countries. Peri-urbanization takes place here. Based on literature review, this paper presents an effort to identify generic attributes of peri-urbanisation and the way in which development planning tends to reply. Three major attributes are identified: peri-urban space (the spatial expression of peri-urban development), peri-urban life (the functional appearance of land uses, activities and peri-urban innovation), and peri-urban change (a causal and temporal perspective featuring flows and drivers of change). It is also shown that prevalent institutional replies in planning and development generally fail to acknowledge the dynamic and increasingly fragmented attributes of global peri-urbanisation.

Adaptación del sector turístico al cambio climático en España. La importancia de las acciones a escala local y en empresas turísticas

El 5º Informe del IPCC (Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático, 2014) señala que el turismo será una de las actividades económicas que mayores efectos negativos experimentará en las próximas décadas debido al calentamiento térmico del planeta. En España, el turismo es una fuente principal de ingresos y de creación de puestos de trabajo en su economía. De ahí que sea necesaria la puesta en marcha de medidas de adaptación a la nueva realidad climática que, en nuestro país, va a suponer cambios en el confort climático de los destinos e incremento de extremos atmosféricos. Frente a los planes de adaptación al cambio climático en la actividad turística, elaborados por los gobiernos estatal y regional, que apenas se han desarrollado en España, la escala local muestra interesantes ejemplos de acciones de adaptación al cambio climático, desarrolladas tanto por los municipios (energía, transporte, vivienda, planificación urbanística) como por la propia empresa turística (hoteles, campings, apartamentos). Medidas de ahorro de agua y luz, fomento del transporte público y de las energías limpias, creación de zonas verdes urbanas y adaptación a los extremos atmosféricos destacan como acciones de mitigación del cambio climático en los destinos turísticos principales de nuestro país.

Coimbra: cidade amiga das pessoas idosas?!

Introdução: Em Portugal, bem como nos restantes países mundiais, tem sido registado, em virtude de múltiplas transformações societárias, um aumento crescente do envelhecimento demográfico. Este novo cenário demográfico originou uma reflexão, por parte de organizações supranacionais, sobre as cidades na sua relação com os munícipes mais velhos. Desta reflexão surge o projeto Cidade Amiga das Pessoas Idosas que apresenta referenciais de avaliação das cidades para que estas possam adaptar as suas estruturas e serviços aos seus munícipes mais velhos. Beneficiando desta forma do potencial que as pessoas mais velhas representam para a humanidade. Objetivos: O presente estudo tem como objetivo central verificar se a cidade de Coimbra é uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas. Metodologia: A pesquisa remete para um estudo qualitativo exploratório a partir dos procedimentos metodológicos que constam do Protocolo de Vancouver. O focus group decorreu em duas sessões. Participantes: Foram auscultados 16 pessoas, 15 (93,8%) do sexo feminino. A idade média situa-se nos 79,88 anos (dp= ± 10,658), são maioritariamente viúvos (7= 43,8 %) e 7 (43,8%) e têm como habilitações a 4ª classe. Autoclassificam-se maioritariamente na classe média baixa (7 =43,8). Resultados: Das oito categorias analisadas três categorias “espaços exteriores e edifícios”, “transportes” e “respeito e inclusão social” são avaliadas com aspetos positivos e negativos. O “suporte comunitário e serviços de saúde” é avaliado como positivo enquanto a “habitação”, “participação social” e “comunicação e informação” são avaliados como negativos. As sugestões efetuadas referem-se a um único tópico “espaços exteriores e edifícios”. Conclusões: Se partilharmos a tese que uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas estimula o envelhecimento ativo porque otimiza as oportunidades de participação no ambiente urbano melhorando, desta forma, a qualidade de vida das pessoas envelhecem. Os resultados que obtivemos, a partir da auscultação de um grupo de idosos, permitem-nos afirmar que Coimbra precisa de se adaptar aos seus munícipes mais velhos. Só assim Coimbra se poderá tornar uma cidade amiga das pessoas idosas. Importa igualmente registar que os resultados encontrados devem ser mediados pelo perfil sociodemográfico dos idosos entrevistados. / Introduction: In Portugal, as well as in other countries worldwide, has been registered by virtue of multiple associated transformations, an increasing growing of population. This new demographic scenario triggered, led to a reflection on the part of supranational organizations, about the cities in their relationship with the older residents. This reflection comes with the project Friendly City of Older Persons that presents benchmarks for the evaluation of cities so that they can adapt their structures and services to its older citizens. Enjoying this way the potential that older people represent for humanity. Objectives: This study aims to check if the city of Coimbra is an elderly friendly city. Methodology: The research refers to an exploratory qualitative study from the methodological procedures of the Vancouver Protocol. The focus group was held in two sessions. Participants: 16 people were sounded out, 15(93.8%) were female. The average ages tends at79.88 years (dp = ±10,658), are mostly widowers (7=43.8%) and 7 (43.8%) have the qualifications to4th grade. They are classified mostly in the lower middle class(7=43.8). Results: Of the eight analyzed categories three categories" outdoor spaces and buildings", "transport" and "respect and social inclusion" are evaluated on positive and negative aspects. The "community support and health services" is evaluated as positive as the"housing", "social participation "and "communication and information" are evaluated as negative. The suggestions are related to a single topic "buildings and outdoor areas." Conclusions: If we share the view that an elderly friendly citizen courages active aging because it optimizes the opportunities for participation in the urban environment improving, in this manner, the quality of life of the elderly. The results we obtained from the consultation of a group of elderly allow us to say that Coimbra needs to adapt to its older citizens. Only then Coimbra can become a friendly city of the elderly. It should also be noted that the results should be mediated by socio-demographic profile of elderly respondents.

Urban Ponds as an Aquatic Biodiversity Resource in Modified Landscapes

Urbanization is a global process contributing to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many studies have focused on the biological response of terrestrial taxa and habitats to urbanization. However, little is known regarding the consequences of urbanization on freshwater habitats, especially small lentic systems. In this study we examined aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity (family and species level) and variation in community composition between 240 urban and 782 non-urban ponds distributed across the UK. Contrary to predictions, urban ponds supported similar numbers of invertebrate species and families compared to non-urban ponds. Similar gamma diversity was found between the two groups at both family and species taxonomic levels. The biological communities of urban ponds were markedly different to those of non-urban ponds and the variability in urban pond community composition was greater than that in non-urban ponds, contrary to previous work showing homogenisation of communities in urban areas. Positive spatial autocorrelation was recorded for urban and non-urban ponds at 0-50 km (distance between pond study sites) and negative spatial autocorrelation was observed at 100-150 km, and was stronger in urban ponds in both cases. Ponds do not follow the same ecological patterns as terrestrial and lotic habitats (reduced taxonomic richness) in urban environments; in contrast they support high taxonomic richness and contribute significantly to regional faunal diversity. Individual cities are complex structural mosaics which evolve over long periods of time and are managed in diverse ways, promoting the development of a wide-range of environmental conditions and habitat niches in urban ponds which can promote greater heterogeneity between pond communities at larger scales. Ponds provide an opportunity for managers and environmental regulators to conserve and enhance freshwater biodiversity in urbanized landscapes whilst also facilitating key ecosystem services including storm water storage and water treatment.

Nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation and adaptation in urban areas: perspectives on indicators, knowledge gaps, barriers, and opportunities for action

Nature-based solutions promoting green and blue urban areas have significant potential to decrease the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of cities in light of climatic change. They can thereby help to mitigate climate change-induced impacts and serve as proactive adaptation options for municipalities. We explore the various contexts in which nature-based solutions are relevant for climate mitigation and adaptation in urban areas, identify indicators for assessing the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and related knowledge gaps. In addition, we explore existing barriers and potential opportunities for increasing the scale and effectiveness of nature-based solution implementation. The results were derived from an inter- and transdisciplinary workshop with experts from research, municipalities, policy, and society. As an outcome of the workshop discussions and building on existing evidence, we highlight three main needs for future science and policy agendas when dealing with nature-based solutions: (i) produce stronger evidence on nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation and raise awareness by increasing implementation; (ii) adapt for governance challenges in implementing nature-based solutions by using reflexive approaches, which implies bringing together new networks of society, nature-based solution ambassadors, and practitioners; (iii) consider socio-environmental justice and social cohesion when implementing nature-based solutions by using integrated governance approaches that take into account an integrative and transdisciplinary participation of diverse actors. Taking these needs into account, nature-based solutions can serve as climate mitigation and adaptation tools that produce additional cobenefits for societal well-being, thereby serving as strong investment options for sustainable urban planning.

The Impact of Light Rail Transit-Oriented Development on Residential Property Value in Seattle, WA

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-06

O Litoral e a metrópole dinâmica imobiliária, turismo e expansão urbana na região metropolitana de Natal-RN

The metropolitan regions of Northeast Brazil are being gradually included in a scenario of international investments, which are motivated by the restructuring of both touristic and real-estate sectors. The new capital, real-estate developers and space configurations that result from this process indicate the need for the creation and implementation of public tools which should, at least, allow the mitigation of the urban impacts and environmental losses resulting from this situation. The effects on landscape and on the socio-spatial configuration result from the intensification caused by the dynamism of the "real estate-tourism" sector. There is a regional integration as an expression of the urban expansion of the metropolitan area of Natal. This study investigates the uniqueness of the restructuring and territorial integration of coastal areas and the strategies of the circuit of capital accumulation formed by linking the real estate to tourism. It is intended to increase the understanding about the strategies of tourism, real estate and public policy agents involved in this territorial reconfiguration and in the fund-raising needed for the investments, to understand the existing social and environmental effects and their future trends and also to understand the forms of spatial production as results from the practices of approaching the land transformation and the tourism valorization of the landscape, in a synchronous manner, first in the Northeast region and, as a focal study, in the Metropolitan Area of Natal. Likewise, it is intended to apprehend the current processes of metropolization of the eastern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, in addition to indicate its physical-territorial transformation and the types of projects/developments promoted by the market in the recent period. Based upon analysis undertaken for the Metropolitan Region of Natal RN, this piece of work presents some considerations on possible legal instruments that can be adjusted to the municipalities which are experiencing the impact of this peculiar and recent phenomenon in the region, caused by the arrival of the real estate-touristic capital. It is also intended to point out basic proposals to the forms of public intervention, in a speculative way, starting from a Metropolitan Planning project within a medium and long term

Aferição das dificuldades/competências na área da Endodontia percepcionadas pelos alunos do 4º e 5º anos da FCS-UFP

Introdução: Com uma consciencialização cada vez maior das populações para a preservação dos dentes naturais, a Endodontia tem assumido uma importância crescente, tendo por objectivo principal a manutenção de dentes funcionais, sem prejudicar a saúde dos pacientes. Estes devem beneficiar de um tratamento segundo o “standard of care”, proporcionado por profissionais competentes. Vários estudos demonstram que a Endodontia é considerada uma área difícil e stressante para os estudantes, exibindo um sentimento de menor confiança na prática clínica, sobretudo no que diz respeito a procedimentos mais complexos, nomeadamente, no tratamento de dentes posteriores. Em 2010, na tentativa de homogeneizar as competências adquiridas pelos Médicos Dentistas (MD), a Associação para a Educação Dentária Europeia (AEDE) definiu critérios para a sua formação pré-graduada, indicando que o MD recém-graduado deve ter adquirido competências e capacidades técnicas que lhe permita começar a sua prática clínica de forma independente. Objectivos: Analisar os conhecimentos adquiridos e as dificuldades sentidas na área da Endodontia pelos alunos do 4º e 5º anos do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Dentária da Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde (FCS) da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (UFP), fazendo, igualmente, uma abordagem ao ensino ministrado na área da Endodontia face aos resultados obtidos. Materiais e Métodos: Este trabalho está dividido em duas partes: revisão bibliográfica e investigação científica. A revisão bibliográfica do tema engloba o ensino graduado em Medicina Dentária, o uso de isolamento absoluto (IA) na prática clínica de Endodontia, a instrumentação manual versus rotatória, a influência no sucesso do tratamento endodôntico (TE) da sua execução por estudantes do 4º e 5º ano, as Guidelines para o TE e o ensino de Endodontia na UFP. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi efectuada através da base de dados PubMed, tendo sido utilizadas, em diferentes combinações, as seguintes palavras-chave: ”Endodontics”, “teaching”; “pre-clinical”; “undergraduate”; “Clinical”; “treatment” e “Europe”. O trabalho de investigação consistiu na elaboração, aprovação pela Comissão de Ética da UFP e posterior aplicação de um questionário destinado aos alunos do 4º e 5º ano do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Dentária da FCS-UFP. A população estimada de alunos do 4º ano foi de 190 alunos e a de 5º ano de 150 alunos, o que perfaz um total de 340 alunos. Dos inquéritos respondidos, apenas foram considerados 338, uma vez que dois foram anulados pois continham respostas inválidas. Resultados: A “condição socioeconómica do paciente” foi considerada a causa menos relevante para avaliar um caso endodôntico, tendo sido apontada por 34,3% dos alunos. Assinala-se que 92% dos alunos de 4º ano e 93,3% dos alunos de 5º ano consideram que os molares superiores são os dentes mais difíceis de tratar, sendo a visibilidade uma das principais razões para esta opinião. O grau de dificuldade para a colocação do IA é definido como “Elevado” para a maioria dos alunos de 4º ano. A maior parte dos alunos de 5º ano considera que o grau de dificuldade para a “Determinação do tipo de reconstrução/prótese fixa mais indicada” é “Elevado”. O passo do TE onde os alunos do 4º ano se sentem mais confiantes é no “Diagnóstico de cárie”, sendo que os alunos do 5º ano se sentem mais confiantes ao realizar o “TE em dentes com 1 ou 2 canais”. O “Conteúdo leccionado nas aulas teóricas” foi considerado o principal aspecto positivo do ensino endodôntico. Por outro lado, o “Número de actos clínicos realizados” foi considerado o principal aspecto negativo, tanto para alunos de 4º como de 5º ano. Em ambos os anos, os principais pontos que os alunos acham que devem ser melhorados são o “Número de pacientes nas aulas clínicas” e a “Aprendizagem da técnica de instrumentação mecanizada/obturação termoplástica”. As principais preocupações referidas, tanto por alunos de 4º como de 5º anos, foram a “Insegurança na prática clínica” e a “Dificuldade em encontrar ofertas profissionais”. Relativamente à qualidade dos seus TE existe um número significativo de alunos do 5º ano que já se auto-avaliam como “Bons” (33,6%), por comparação com os do 4º ano (21,2%), sendo a auto-avaliação de “Razoável” dominante em ambos os anos de formação. Conclusões: Conclui-se que na disciplina de Endodontia na FCS-UFP, são seguidas as Guidelines da European Society of Endodontology (ESE), sendo que estas indicam o protocolo mais correcto a seguir durante o Tratamento Endodôntico Não-Cirúrgico (TENC). Contudo, o reduzido número de actos clínicos e a consequente falta de prática faz com que os alunos se sintam pouco confiantes ao iniciar a sua actividade profissional.

Globalización, urbanización y ambiente: elementos para una agenda alternativa de desarrollo urbanoespacial

Se analiza la re-configuración de los espacios urbanos y las repercusiones socio-ambientales vinculadas con la globalización neoliberal en las zonas metropolitanas de las sociedades periféricas, específicamente en la Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM) de Costa Rica. La tesis central del análisis es que esta re-configuración ha moldeado y acelerado el patrón urbano, espacial y ambiental de la GAM a través de 1) la segmentación de los mercados en correlación con procesos dispares de inclusión y exclusión social y 2) la erosión de los circuitos naturales ligados a los ecosistemas terrestres ubicados en la GAM. Abstract The article analyzes the re-configuration of the urban spaces and the socio- environmental impacts related with the neoliberal globalization in the metropolitan zones of peripheral societies, specifically in the Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica. The central thesis of the analysis is that this re-configuration has molded and accelerated the spatial and environmental urban pattern of the GAM through the 1) segmentation of the markets in correlation with different processes of social inclusion and exclusion and 2) the erosion of the natural circuits linked to the terrestrial ecosystems located in the GAM

Visitabilidade-vivenciabilidade em assentamentos informais : um estudo da acessibilidade de percursos urbanos no Conjunto Santa Terezinha em Fortaleza-CE

This research approaches the issue of accessibility in informal settlements, seeking for the challenges and limits defined by informal urban settings, about the application of accessibility parameters. Take the empirical universe as the Conjunto Santa Terezinha, located in Fortaleza- Ce. Initially, the study presents a reflection about the housing issue in Brazil and the informal settlementes in view of the Right to the City. In this sense, the main references are, the works of Suzanne Pasternak (2008), Nabil Bonduki (1998) and Erminia Maricato (1996-97), among others. Follows with the discussion of the concepts and classifications of this type of settlement, making a content analysis of legislation and regulations relating to accessibility and proposed the discussion of the accessible route as the right strategy for the city. In another step, the methodology of 'walking together' created by Dischinger (2000) was applied in a passage previously chosen, which the researcher follows the disabled person during the journey through city making records like photos and video. The comments and perceptions are compared to the spatial analysis of urban morphology, made from the method of Del Rio (1990) and Panerai (2006), and the parameters of NBR 9050. Knowledge of the area is enriched by the methodology of the production of space made by Henri Lefebvre in his book 'The production of space' (1974) with these categories: space conceived, perceived and lived. Another key reference of this author it s the book 'The Right to the City' (991), which allowed in-depth reflections on the social function of town. In conclusion, the study finds that to guarantee a minimum access conditions in informal sittlements it´s necessary to know the specifics of their morphology, their relations and urban practices in view of the visitability- experiencebility, describing it as complementary concepts

Arquitetura da (in)segurança: estudando relações entre configuração espacial, artifícios de segurança e violência urbana no bairro Manaíra, João Pessoa, Paraíba

João Pessoa, the capital city of the state of Paraíba (Northeast Brazil), is reputed throughout the country as a quiet place, although it has been acquiring, over the past years, an urban character with social implications similar to those of major metropolitan Brazilian areas. The new situation is evident by the social inequalities, with the creation of confined spaces, which segregate and cause enclosure of the inhabitants, leading to death the public space. This study correlates accessibility in spatial structure with two types of crime data, burglary and robbery, recorded in 2008 and 2009, by the Secretaria de Segurança da Paraíba (The government agency public in charge of safety), in the district of Manaíra, an upper middle class neighborhood, which has, in recent times, been considered one of the most violent areas in João Pessoa. Sought to understand connections between these events and morpho-social aspects of the built environment, where examined the spatial properties, such as accessibility of the urban net, the presence of control measures, the safety of buildings and their uses. Spatial properties were also validated by the observation of pedestrian flows at strategic points of the study area. It was concluded that the presence of intense flows helps to attract potential thieves, physical security and control offers little protection

Human traces in urban places.

Over the last two centuries many major cities have undergone large-scale modernisation that has led to the growing sense of homogenisation associated with such locales across the globe. The fractal logic that is at the heart of so many urban settings, where the whole system is made up of parts that are identical to the whole, seems to serve in making anonymous everyday experiences. Public transport and its corresponding street furniture, if thoughtfully designed and planned, has the potential to form an integral element in the promotion of a sense of identity, interconnectedness and flow within a city. Furthermore, bus stops, benches, litter bins, curb-sides, posts and pavements, to mention a few, offer interesting cases to consider how people truly engage with contemporary urban spaces. These objects—part of routine and made familiar—are elements of daily lives that are ingredients towards visual and multi-modal experiences. In addition, these are places where individuals encounter sociality and materiality in ordinary and sometimes extraordinary ways. This paper uses a visual ethnographic approach towards exploring the human traces of routine activities that have an impact on the cityscape. An Investigation of these details found within the urban landscape lead us towards understanding how we engage with and navigate cities. This is essentially an urban archaeological study that looks to reveal how non-designed phenomenon in urban places can contribute to our image of a city, providing a reflection on homogeneity within the built environment. Our visual ethnography focuses on six major cities: two each in Britain, Europe and North America. The findings of this work illustrate through visual analyses three key characteristics: first, how urban spaces are transformed intentionally and unintentionally; second, how transformations are practical, functional, beautiful and sometimes ridiculous; third, how transformations reveal values around visual and multi-modal experiences inherent to people.

Creating Common Ground: Architecture For Tactical Learning and Creative Convergence

Certain environments can inhibit learning and stifle enthusiasm, while others enhance learning or stimulate curiosity. Furthermore, in a world where technological change is accelerating we could ask how might architecture connect resource abundant and resource scarce innovation environments? Innovation environments developed out of necessity within urban villages and those developed with high intention and expectation within more institutionalized settings share a framework of opportunity for addressing change through learning and education. This thesis investigates formal and informal learning environments and how architecture can stimulate curiosity, enrich learning, create common ground, and expand access to education. The reason for this thesis exploration is to better understand how architects might design inclusive environments that bring people together to build sustainable infrastructure encouraging innovation and adaptation to change for years to come. The context of this thesis is largely based on Colin McFarlane’s theory that the “city is an assemblage for learning” The socio-spatial perspective in urbanism, considers how built infrastructure and society interact. Through the urban realm, inhabitants learn to negotiate people, space, politics, and resources affecting their daily lives. The city is therefore a dynamic field of emergent possibility. This thesis uses the city as a lens through which the boundaries between informal and formal logics as well as the public and private might be blurred. Through analytical processes I have examined the environmental devices and assemblage of factors that consistently provide conditions through which learning may thrive. These parameters that make a creative space significant can help suggest the design of common ground environments through which innovation is catalyzed.