Since the beginning of the 1990s, the sudden change in post-Soviet republics' political and social systems was a critical aspect of the cities' development path. It had both positive and negative effects on the urban environment and the quality of life of its residents. In Central Asia, post-Soviet cities have been transformed rapidly, but very few are on a sustainability path. For example, Astana is undoubtedly undergoing unprecedented socio-cultural, economic, environmental, and institutional transformations as its size, structure, function, and role change. Furthermore, the problem statement that needs to be answered by the research study is how Astana could achieve sustainability during the urban development process. How is the process of sustainable urban development measured?
The study examines the effect of several aspects (urban efficiency, diversity and mobility, and identity and liveability) concerning urban sustainability. A range of different qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied. These include semi-structured interviews with experts to determine the influential factors from a professional perspective and a residents' survey involving users' daily life activities to identify the influential factors according to users. Also, socio-spatial practices involving observation and behavioural mapping were used to identify the most commonly used public spaces, and a fieldwork site survey was applied to explain the current situation concerning the urban environment.
The purpose of the research is to explain the conceptual evolution of urban development, construct theoretical and conceptual frameworks for urban sustainability that is built on the interplay of urban design principles and promote urban decision-making practices in Astana’s context by developing a practical assessment approach to evaluate urban design quality and performance.
The study established new indices and indicators using existing and new measures. These criteria could benefit other researchers investigating a similar project in comparative contexts.
The research developed practical policy recommendations (to architects, urban planners, decision-makers, residents, and academics) that would influence future urban development in Astana and other Kazakhstans’ cities. This influence included developing the process of decision-making and urban planning. This study showed the need for local authorities to involve the public in discussions. Thus, the framework could add a theory by enabling the development of urban places through design and planning processes.
| Date of Award | 6 Feb 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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| Supervisor | Branka Dimitrijevic (Supervisor) & David Grierson (Supervisor) |
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