Re-branding libraries to embrace open space and aesthetic reflections: a case of USIU-Africa as a benchmark of Kenyan libraries

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the strides taken by academic libraries in Kenya to match the standards of modern library buildings while highlighting ensuing impact on user satisfaction. It will give an insight and provide a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, to show progressive development of library design and equipment. Design/methodology/approach: The paper takes a viewpoint approach after studying the history and development of the current library buildings in Kenya. This paper will answer the following questions: How far are Kenyan university libraries in embracing open space and aesthetic reflections? What is the impact of artistic modern library designs to user satisfaction? What are the effects of colorful interior design and décor on libraries? In addressing these and other related questions, the design of new academic libraries in Kenya over the past eight years is traced. Findings: Libraries in Kenya and other developing countries have stayed in the right path of revolution by adopting the modern library designs and giving library users more reasons to cherish their libraries as not only reading facilities but also destinations for relaxation, discussions and hangouts. The United States International University (USIU) Library has been touted as the pioneer modern library building, and its standards have been replicated and bettered by other libraries in Kenya today. This is a big stride for Kenyan libraries in the wake of dynamism in libraries. Originality/value: The value of the paper is that it gives an insight on the development of library buildings in Kenya, providing a comprehensive comparison between Kenyan modern libraries and other modern libraries in the world which are considered best library designs, thereby showing progressive development of library design and equipment

Assessing land-use and transport integration via a spatial composite indexing model

Achieving sustainable urban development is identified as one ultimate goal of many contemporary planning endeavours and has become central to formulation of urban planning policies. Within this concept, land-use and transport integration is highlighted as one of the most important and attainable policy objectives. In many cities, integration is embraced as an integral part of local development plans, and a number of key integration principles are identified. However, the lack of available evaluation methods to measure extent of urban sustainability levels prevents successful implementation of these principles. This paper introduces a new indicator-based spatial composite indexing model developed to measure sustainability performance of urban settings by taking into account land-use and transport integration principles. Model indicators are chosen via a thorough selection process in line with key principles of land-use and transport integration. These indicators are grouped into categories and themes according to their topical relevance. These indicators are then aggregated to form a spatial composite index to portray an overview of the sustainability performance of the pilot study area used for model demonstration. The study results revealed that the model is a practical instrument for evaluating success of local integration policies and visualizing sustainability performance of built environments and useful in both identifying problematic areas as well as formulating policy interventions

Protecting water quality in urban estuaries: Australian case studies

Estuaries provide important environmental, social, cultural, and economic services. The provision of these services is often negatively impacted by urban development within the catchment and along shorelines, most notably through habitat loss and alteration of hydrological and sedimentation regimes influencing system structure and function. Mitigating the effects of urban development on estuaries provides a great challenge for managers, particularly when considering the diversity of estuaries and catchment characteristics. The management of urban stormwater is a challenging issue where no single solution is apparent but requires varied approaches. Using three distinctly different Australian estuaries, this chapter presents an account of combined management plans, restoration, monitoring/research, and education efforts used in addressing and managing the issues of urban pressures on water quality surrounding Port Jackson, Gold Coast Broadwater, and the Ross River estuary. Although the case study estuaries significantly vary according to rainfall seasonality and intensity, population density, and catchment size, a survey of implemented protection and management initiatives, illustrates a consistent theme of management practices across the case studies: (1) catchment/estuary management policies and plans including stormwater quality improvement device initiative practices; (2) low impact and purpose-designed development options including water-sensitive urban design options, including specific design adaptations required for effective operation in varying climatic zones and catchment conditions; (3) restoration programs; (4) water quality monitoring programs; (5) research activities; and (6) stakeholder and community education campaigns. The best management outcomes for urbanized estuaries require implementation of catchment-based management plans that are supported by clear objectives regarding ecosystem services and regional challenges

Urban water mass balance analysis

Planning for “water-sensitive” cities has become a priority for sustainable urban development in Australia. There has been little quantification of the term, however. Furthermore, the water balance of most cities is not well known. Following prolonged drought, there has also been a growing need to make Australian cities more water self-reliant: to source water from within. This article formalizes a systematic mass-balance framework to quantify all anthropogenic and natural flows into and out of the urban environment. Quantitative performance indicators are derived, including (1) degree of system centralization; (2) overall balance; potential of (3) rainfall, (4) stormwater, and (5) wastewater to offset current demand; and (6) water cycle rate. Using the method, we evaluate Sydney, Melbourne, South East Queensland and Perth using reported and modeled data. The approach makes visible large flows of water that have previously been unaccounted and ignored. It also highlights significant intercity variation. In 2004–2005, the cities varied 54% to 100% in their supply centralization, 257% to 397% in the ratio of rainfall and water use, 47% to 104% in their potential stormwater recycling potential, and 26% to 86% in wastewater recycling potential. The approach provides a practical, water-focused application of the urban metabolism framework. It demonstrates how the principles of mass balance can help foster robust water accounting, monitoring, and management. More important, it contributes to the design and quantitative assessment of water-sensitive cities of the future