The impact of transit-oriented development on heritage cities: A study of Haliç Metro and its influence on Istanbul’s urban fabric

Background: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has emerged as a transformative approach to urban planning, aiming to balance modern infrastructure with sustainable urban growth. Methods: This study examines the impact of the Haliç Metro Köprüsü, a key component of Istanbul’s transit network, on the urban fabric of the Golden Horn—a heritage-rich area characterized by its historical and cultural significance. While the bridge has faced criticism for its modernist design and perceived disconnect from its surroundings, this research uncovers its latent potential to support placemaking strategies in heritage-sensitive contexts. Findings: The findings reveal that the Haliç Metro Köprüsü successfully enhances connectivity across Istanbul’s European districts, reducing congestion and providing efficient mobility for thousands of daily commuters. Its strategic location serves as a transit hub that links historically significant neighborhoods such as Balat and Galata, fostering economic activity and improving accessibility to cultural landmarks. Conclusion: The research highlights the need for targeted placemaking interventions, such as enhancing pedestrian pathways, integrating public art reflective of local history, and activating adjacent spaces for cultural events. These strategies could elevate the bridge’s role from a functional transit corridor to a vibrant public space that harmonizes modern infrastructure with Istanbul’s heritage identity. Novelty/Originality of this article: The study contributes new insights into the potential of TOD projects to act as catalysts for placemaking in heritage cities. By leveraging TOD principles and culturally sensitive urban design, infrastructure like the Haliç Metro Köprüsü can bridge the gap between modern urban needs and the preservation of historical identity, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development

Anchors of identity: Integrating maritime heritage into Singapore's urban authenticity

Background: Singapore’s identity as a global city is deeply intertwined with its maritime history, yet its urban narratives often prioritize land-based development over maritime heritage. This paper explores the integration of Singapore’s maritime legacy into the concept of City Authenticity, arguing that maritime heritage sites, such as jetties, harbors, and kelongs, are vital cultural anchors that sustain a more authentic urban identity. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach combining ethnographic observations, interviews, and archival research, the study examines the historical, cultural, and communal values of these spaces. Findings: Findings reveal a significant gap between public recognition of maritime heritage and its representation in conservation policies, which are skewed towards urban structures. Conclusion: The paper proposes a Maritime Heritage Conservation Framework, merging existing conservation criteria with marine-specific considerations, emphasizing historical significance, communal engagement, and aesthetic integration. The framework also suggests innovative educational tools, including digital exhibits and interactive programs, to reconnect younger generations with Singapore’s maritime roots. By aligning these efforts with the broader discourse on City Authenticity, the study underscores the potential of maritime heritage to balance modernization with cultural continuity. Ultimately, the research advocates for a holistic and inclusive approach to urban conservation that values maritime heritage as a cornerstone of Singapore’s national and urban identity. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers a novel perspective on integrating Singapore's maritime heritage into the concept of City Authenticity, proposing a Maritime Heritage Conservation Framework to bridge the gap between urban development and cultural preservation

Authentic spatial vulnerability assessment for evacuation shelters in disaster planning: A case study of Tubay, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines

Authenticity plays a pivotal role in addressing the primary challenges encountered in disaster planning, particularly when it comes to assessing vulnerability and evaluating the spatial distribution of shelter demand and resources. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data is essential for effectively managing available resources at each evacuation center, as well as for accommodating evacuees and ensuring the safety of both staff and refugees. In real-life circumstances, the authenticity of the information gathered becomes even more critical, as an imbalance in shelter and population distribution often hinders access to evacuation shelters. In this paper, the researchers introduce a spatial assessment technique that not only analyzes vulnerability but also authentically assesses the spatial distribution of shelter demand and supplies, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of disaster planning in Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The study focuses on Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines, taking into account spatial accessibility. The researchers found that out of the 33 shelters assessed, 21 are feasible locations for evacuation centers, and approximately 51% of the total population points are vulnerable to flooding. Utilizing GIS maps, the results reveal a significant decrease in overall shelter capacity to 64.26%. The study's findings emphasize the critical need for evaluating the relationship between vulnerable shelters and the demand for resources at each location. This information serves as a practical tool, offering flexibility in terms of data availability for decision-makers, enabling them to investigate areas, and providing a valuable reference for developing and improving emergency management decisions and strategies

City’s Authenticity: Examining Community Participation in Rebuilding Buraydah Historical Gates, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia

The historical gates of Buraydah are an important heritage site in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The Gates were built between 1850 and 1901 to protect the city but were demolished later, leaving almost no records or plans behind. The Prince of Al-Qassim has taken on the project to rebuild the Gates to teach future generations about their culture and heritage. The participation of the community becomes essential in this case. This study examines the role of the local community in the rebuilding process by questioning the extent of community participation to ensure the city's authenticity and how to enhance its involvement in the process. To achieve this objective, the study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods for primary data collecting through online surveys. It was supported by a literature study as supplementary data especially to trace the history of the Gates. The aim is to provide a complete picture of the Buraydah Gates, including its history, how they were built and demolished, and their significance to the community in the present times. This project is not like most other rebuilding projects we see today. It is not a case of looking at old plans and drawings and recreating them. It argues that community participation through scouring for rare photographs of the original gate and drawing plans based on the perception of the elderly recalling the design is the most effective approach to ensure the city’s authenticity. In addition, this project stands out because it is based on what the community remembers and feels about the gates. However, many aspects of this site are undocumented, and it is imperative to record and make notes of the progression in order to serve our future generations this study enriches that documentation

Heritage interpretation assessment framework for historic house museums in Singapore: A case study of the NUS baba house

Singapore is increasingly preserving historically significant structures through adaptive reuse, notably using historic house museums to connect with local history. NUS Baba House, a well-preserved Peranakan townhouse, is a prime example of this. Evaluating heritage interpretation at NUS Baba House can clarify relevant criteria, but existing principles lack specificity for the heritage interpretation of Singaporean historic house museums. This paper systematically assesses NUS Baba House's heritage interpretation using a literature-based framework, providing tailored recommendations across five dimensions: authenticity, sustainability, professionalism, guided tour interactivity, inclusiveness, and community engagement. While further validation through case studies is needed, this study offers a practical framework to enhance heritage interpretation at Singaporean historic house museums, filling a gap in current guidelines

Sustainable tourism and city branding: Balancing growth and authenticity

Background: The rapid growth of tourism has necessitated a re-evaluation of its impacts on local cultures and economies, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. This paper explores the intersection of sustainable tourism and city branding, focusing on how destinations can balance economic growth with the preservation of authenticity. Method: Through a comparative case study analysis of Indonesia and the Philippines, this research examines the strategies employed by major cities in these countries to attract tourists while maintaining cultural integrity and promoting sustainability. In Indonesia, cities like Bali and Jakarta have implemented various initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable tourism, such as community-based tourism projects and environmental conservation efforts. Similarly, destinations like Manila and Cebu have developed branding strategies in the Philippines that emphasize cultural heritage and ecological sustainability. This study identifies common challenges faced by both countries, including managing the environmental impact of tourism and ensuring local community involvement in tourism planning. Result: The findings suggest that while Indonesia and the Philippines have made significant strides in integrating sustainability into their tourism and branding efforts, substantial hurdles remain to achieving a perfect balance. Conclusion: Key recommendations include enhancing policy frameworks, increasing stakeholder collaboration, and fostering greater awareness among tourists about sustainable practices. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and city branding by providing insights that can inform policy and practice in other regions facing similar challenges. Novelty/Originality of this study: They are developing a holistic and adaptable comparative framework for evaluating sustainable tourism strategies, integrating economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects, and considering each destination's unique characteristics. Various tourism destinations can adopt and adapt this framework to develop and implement tourism practices that effectively balance economic growth, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability in their local context

Re-envisioning the heritage: Towards interpreting Mandalay’s multi-ethnicity through the lens of old city quarters

Mandalay is a multi-ethnic metropolitan city since the 19th century. Mandala symbolism is included in the city structure of Mandalay. In order to compete the Western power structure, Mandala was based in Mandalay’s city planning design which was planned in parallel with Yangon to go against the colonial power. It was quite transparent which ethnic groups were kept there, how they served the king and made cultural exchange among them and formed the national centre of cosmopolitan power and future multi-ethnic capital city. After the king was sent to exile and during the colonial period, these diverse cultural patterns were disturbed. It has undergone many changes since its creation, very slow and inappropriate ad-hoc developments after independence and only promoting the ancient Myanmar cultural heritage in past few decades. This paper highlights the multi-ethnic cultural heritages of Mandalay where Mandala symbolism is included in the the city planning concept. The unique Myanmar feature of Mandalay not only lies in its Buddhist and ritual believes, but also in its multi-ethnic groups’ rituals and meanings because of nearly 170 years of impermanence of different heritage of diverse ethnic groups. There are some parts still visible in daily fabric and activities. The paper concludes that the complexity of urban cultural heritage highlights that simple definition of urban identity does not make sense for Mandalay. Capturing Mandalay’s ethnic complexity is beyond the range of a single short paper. In this paper we will limit our discussion to a focused discussion of Islamic, Thai, Chinese, Christian and Manipuris and Assamese communities. Mandala’s cultural exchange was transparent and there are still the possibilities to be so in 2023 landscape

Cultural continuity and change in Kudus Kulon: The urban heritage trialogue

Physical changes to built heritage are usually a major cause for concern when reviewing approaches to conservation and adaptation to the historic built environment. The hictorical area Kudus Kulon has witnessed significant changes in its environmental conditions, not only includes physical transformation, but also involves the social and economic dynamics that develop around it. Physical changes to built heritage are usually a major cause for concern when reviewing approaches to conservation and adaptation to the historic built environment. This study aims to reveal the changes and continuity of the Kudus Kulon historical area in the context of heritage preservation. This qualitative research employs a case study approach, focusing on Kudus Kulon as a single case. Through observations and interviews with key informants, the aim is to present an unbiased perspective on the intangible aspects. The findings in this study will enrich cultural theory through its ability to dialogue value systems, activities, and artefacts in the context of change and continuity in the historic district of Kudus Kulon. The result shows the continuity of fundamental aspects in the value system (belief, norm, and local wisdom) underscores the resilience of the system and its ability to navigate the complexities of time without compromising the integral values that define its cultural identity. This research provides a strong foundation for future studies to explore the intricate dynamics between core values, societal development, and adaptations on heritage site in urban area, with a specific focus on tangible aspects like artefacts and activities

The impact of urbanization on environmental degradation in Jakarta

Background: The urbanization discussed in this paper refers to the process of expansion in the proportion of the population living in urban areas. Urbanization is one of the population-growth processes that drives a region's functional transition from rural to urban activities. The case discussed in this paper is urbanization occurring in Jakarta city. This paper aims to examine the relationship between urbanization and the decline in environmental quality. Methods: In assessing environmental quality, the reference used follows that set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, namely the Environmental Quality Index (EQI), which consists of three elements, namely the Water Quality Index (WQI), Air Quality Index (AQI) and Land Cover Quality Index (LCQI). The data collection method used is secondary data collection through a literature review and official data sources from related stakeholders. The collected data is then descriptively analyzed to determine how urbanization affects each variable. Findings: Based on the literature review and the results of the LCQI data used, there is a negative correlation between population growth and land cover in Jakarta. This condition is marked by an increase in floods and an increase in surface temperature. Regarding air quality, this paper found a negative correlation between urbanization and AQI. However, from 2013 to 2018, a positive correlation was found between the population and AQI. Conclusion: This indicates that an increase in population is not always followed by a decrease in environmental quality. Meanwhile, concerning water quality, population growth from the urbanization process significantly impacts water quality in Jakarta. Novelty/Originality of this article: The development of a sophisticated and comprehensive correlation analysis method between population growth and environmental quality indicators provides a predictive tool that city governments can use to monitor, manage, and plan mitigation strategies, as well as support data-driven decision-making in sustainable urban planning

Crafting urban identities: Local cuisine and city branding in Indonesia and Myanmar

Background: This comparative study examines the significant role of local cuisine in shaping urban identities and enhancing city branding in Indonesia and Myanmar. With a rich tapestry of culinary traditions, these Southeast Asian nations offer unique insights into how food culture can be leveraged as a strategic asset in urban planning. The research delves into integrating local cuisine in city branding initiatives, highlighting successful examples from major cities in both countries. By analyzing local food's cultural, economic, and social dimensions, the study underscores its potential to foster a sense of place and community, attract tourism, and stimulate local economies. Method: This study uses a comparative case study approach to investigate the role of local cuisine in shaping urban identity and enhancing city image in Indonesia and Myanmar. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and document analysis from various sources. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis to identify key themes and comparative analysis to highlight differences and similarities between the two countries. This approach allows the study to develop practical recommendations for urban planners and policymakers. Findings: The findings reveal that incorporating local cuisine into urban planning not only preserves culinary heritage but also enhances the distinctive character of cities, making them more appealing to both residents and visitors. Furthermore, the research discusses the challenges and opportunities urban planners and policymakers face in promoting local cuisine while balancing modernization and cultural preservation. Conclusion: Through a comparative lens, the study provides practical recommendations for cities aiming to integrate culinary elements into their branding strategies. The insights gained from Indonesia and Myanmar's experiences can serve as a valuable reference for other cities globally, seeking to enrich their urban identities through the celebration of local cuisine. Novelty/Originality of this study: The development of a comprehensive model for integrating local cuisine into a city’s branding strategy provides practical and measurable guidance for city planners to leverage culinary heritage to enhance city attractiveness, identity, and local economic empowerment while maintaining the authenticity and sustainability of culinary traditions