“Social Sustainability and Citizen Engagement (SSCE),” Local Project Management for Phase 2 of the World Bank-Austria Urban Partnership Program (UPP) in Southeastern Europe, 2015

Abstract

In 2015, I2UD contributed to Phase 2 of the “Social Sustainability and Citizen Engagement” (SSCE) project. The project built off of the successful approach of the Social Sustainability Audit (SSA) implemented in Phase 1 of the World Bank-Austria Urban Partnership Program (UPP).

Local City Teams worked in Elbasan (Albania), Gjilan (Kosovo), Kumanovo (North Macedonia), Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Karlovac (Croatia), Kolašin and Ulcinj (Montenegro), and Pančevo and Šabac (Serbia), along with researchers from I2UD and Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development based in Tirana, Albania.

I2UD staff worked closely with Co-PLAN to manage the project and Local City Team partners to undertake the municipal assessments, including developing project methodologies in a participatory way, supporting Local City Teams in undertaking the local research and discussions, analyzing project outputs, and documenting best practices in increasing social accountability. Teams undertook research on the current status of participation, transparency, and feedback in municipal services and governance in each region. Teams held focus group discussions, interviews, participatory scenario development workshops and drafted City Action Plans to implement a catalyst project to enhance social sustainability and increase citizen engagement.

The project sought to increase knowledge and awareness of social accountability among local stakeholders including civil society, government officials, and marginalized urban residents; and to strengthen integrity in public service delivery by increasing the demand for good governance, social accountability, and civic participation in a regional perspective in each city.


[Excerpt: Technical Proposal]

“Phase 1 of this project resulted in detailed, analytical reports of each of the nine cities covering demographic, social, physical, economic, cultural, institutional and political issues….the city teams also identified vulnerable groups to be the focus of the second phase of the assessment. This selection was made on the basis of official information obtained from institutions responsible for the provision of various public services at a local level, findings from research studies made by international and national organizations, as well as other relevant documents (laws, provisions, local development strategies, etc.) and representatives from marginalized and vulnerable communities and NGOS consulted during the inception phase.”

Project Year:2015-2017
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Southeast Europe: Elbasan, Albania / Gjilan, Kosovo / Karlovac, Croatia / Kolašin and Ulcinj, Montenegro / Kumanovo, North Macedonia / Pančevo and Šabac, Serbia / Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reports:
SSCE Initiative: Short Technical Proposal (June 2015)


SSCE Initiative: Elbasan, Albania, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Gjilan, Kosovo, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Karlovac, Croatia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Kolasin, Montenegro, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Kumanovo, Macedonia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Pancevo, Serbia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Sabac, Serbia, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Ulcinj, Montenegro, Synthesis Report (January 2017)


SSCE Initiative: Brochure World Bank-Austria (January 2018)


Authors:I2UD: Maren Larsen; Bruce Purdy; Carolina Morgan; John Driscoll; Hans Freidl; François Vigier;
Co-PLAN: Dritan Shutina; Aida Ciro; Elvan Dajko; Ingrid Xhafa;
Archis Intervention Prishtina AI/P for Gjilan: Florina Jerliu; Mrinë Godanca;
GONG (Citizens Organization to Oversee Voting for Karlovac Croatia): Maja Horvat; Nives Miošić;
Coalition for Sustainable Development for Kumanovo: Sonja Damchevska;
NALED – National Alliance for Local Economic Development for Pančevo and Šabac: Ivana Cikik; Maja Todorovic;
Association for Research and Social Innovation for Tuzla: Elma Demir;
MANS Network for the Affirmation of the NGO Sector in Montenegro: Alexander Maskovic; Vuk Maras;
Sponsors:The World Bank; Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development; Association for Research and Social Innovation ADT (Bosnia & Herzegovina); GONG (Croatia); Coalition for Sustainable Development (North Macedonia); Archis Intervention Prishtina (Kosovo); MANS (Montenegro); NALED Serbia;
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2015_09_001

Related I2UD Projects

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“Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Sustainable Cities Initiative,” Local Development Strategy for Durrës, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Pristina and Skopje, with Co-PLAN Albania, 2012-2013

Abstract

This project was undertaken in 2012 as a joint venture between I2UD and the Albanian firm Co-PLAN, as part of the World Bank-Austria Partnership Program for Strengthening Local Governments in southeastern European countries.

The program featured an assessment of Social Sustainability frameworks of five Balkan cities: Durrës (Albania), Banja Luka and Sarajevo (both in Bosnia and Herzegovina), Pristina (Kosovo), and Skopje (Macedonia), as part of an effort to increase the knowledge and awareness of social accountability among city stakeholders and to strengthen the integrity of public services. Local teams in each of the five cities worked in close collaboration with the I2UD-Co-PLAN team.

Documents include a Short Proposal, with a Full City Profile report and Inception Report. Following, are a Focus Group Summary, Social Accountability Note Framework and Index Concept Note. From March 2013 are several City Synthesis Profiles for Sarajevo, Prishtina, Skopje, Durrës, and Banja Luka. Finally, see a Final Reflections Report, a Regional Workshop “ICTs and Social Inclusion” Presentation, and a Regional Workshop Summary from April 2013.

Project Year:2012
Project Type:Local Development Strategy
Geographic Regions:Durrës, Albania / Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina / Prishtina, Kosovo / Skopje, North Macedonia
Reports:
ECA Audit: Short Proposal (July 2012)

ECA Audit: Inception Report Full City Profiles (October 2012)

ECA Audit: Inception Report (November 2012)



ECA Audit: Focus Group Summary (November 2012)

ECA Audit: Social Accountability Framework (December 2012)

ECA Audit: Social Accountability Index Concept Note (Jan 2013)



ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Sarajevo (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Prishtina (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Skopje (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Durrës (March 2013)

ECA Audit: City Synthesis Report, Banja Luka (March 2013)



ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Sarajevo

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Prishtina

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Skopje

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Durrës

ECA Audit: Social Accountability City Note, Banja Luka



ECA Audit: Final Reflections Report (March 2013)

ECA Audit: Regional Workshop “ICTs and Social Inclusion” Presentation (March 2013)

ECA Audit: Regional Workshop Summary (April 2013)

Authors:John Driscoll; Carolina Morgan; I2UD;
Sponsors:The World Bank
Categories:Climate Change and Resilience Building; Urban Planning
  
ID:2012_09_001

Related I2UD Projects

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“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

Abstract

The “GCC Regional Spatial Strategy” is an urban development plan presented by Dr. Mona Serageldin, along with I2UD in 2013, as part of a series of regional workshops for high-level municipal officials organized by the Gulf States Regional Office of UN-Habitat.

Dr. Mona Serageldin authored another report, “Elements and Considerations” and a presentation for the June 2013 workshops, held in Amman, Jordan. Workshops discussed challenges and priorities for regional urban development among GCC countries. Topics stressed the importance of national and regional spatial development strategies for individual member countries, and aimed to utilize growth centers and development corridors to achieve better economic and social integration.

Documents include the general planning process framework from October 2010, a regional summary memo, a presentation on “Regional Spatial Strategy Experiences from China and South Africa,” as well as an ‘Elements and Considerations” paper by Dr. Serageldin.

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:2010-2013
Project Type:Regional Report
Geographic Regions:Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates)
Reports:



Authors:Dr. Mona Serageldin, I2UD
Sponsors:UN-Habitat Regional Office for Arab States (ROAS); Gulf Cooperation Council;
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2010_10_001

Related I2UD Projects

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Strategy for Governorates in Iraq,” Development Strategy for Phase II of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Iraq Ministry of Planning Local Area Development Programme (LADP II), 2014-2018

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Development Corridors and Urban Development Strategies” and “Slum Improvement Strategies and Social Inclusion,” Presentations by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 11th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Community-Based Urbanization and Favelas Rehabilitation Processes,” Case Study in Academy Editions, “The Architecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Livable Cities,” for Fortaleza, Brazil, 1997

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“The Development and Morphology of Informal Housing,” Research Paper, Published with Aga Khan Award for Architecture Seminar Proceedings, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1988.

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

“Best Practices and Local Leadership Programme,” Review of International Urban Development Projects, for the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat), 1995

Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region: Papers on “Inclusive cities,” “Migration and Refugees in Urban Areas,” and “Land Structure, Process, and Outcome,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

Keynote for City Debates 2015, American University of Beirut: “The Dynamics of Neighborhood Transformation: Long Term Trends and Immediate Responses to Turmoil and Civil Unrest,” Dr. Mona Serageldin

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

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“Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches,” Planning Strategy Report on Albania and El Salvador, 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, 2007

Abstract

A 2007 research report by I2UD, “Delivery of Security of Tenure, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance Through Community-Based Approaches” was presented at the 4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, May 2007, Washington, DC, USA.

The planning strategy examined the provision of land tenure security and basic infrastructure to marginalized groups in Albania and El Salvador. It encouraged a blend of community participation and cooperation among local authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and bilateral and multilateral organizations.

Documents include a synthesis of the Symposium published by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) entitled “Beyond Titling: Summing up “Urban Land Use and Land Markets” for the 4th Urban Research Symposium by the World Bank and SIDA in 2007. See an excerpt from the Preface:


[Excerpt: Delivery of Security of Tenure, Summary]

“Incremental approaches to improving tenure security based on community participation and partnerships between local authorities, NGOs and bilateral and multilateral organizations can be effective in fostering social inclusion and facilitating access to urban land:
— In Albania, the Urban Land Management Program addressed the explosive development of informal settlements around Tirana by establishing a demand-driven program for the provision of basic services and engaging residents in the process of planning for community development.
— In El Salvador, the Fundación Salvadoreña de Apoyo Integral (FUSAI) has provided housing solutions to communities located on vulnerable or hazardous land through an integrated package of land provision, mutual-help housing construction and small housing loans. Despite the differences in context, both programs delivered security of tenure and provided basic infrastructure services to marginalized groups.”

Key Words: Security of tenure, infrastructure provision, informal settlements, social inclusion.

[Excerpt: Preface to Beyond Tillting, by Thomas Melin, Head of Division for Urban Development at SIDA]

“The Urban Research Symposium 2007 was held for the fourth time in Washington DC, USA, between May 14th to 16th 2007. The title of [2007’s] Symposium was Urban Land Use and Land Markets. These themes have preoccupied donors, multilateral organisations and civil society for decades but research is still insufficient due to the complexity of the issues.”

“Formal land delivery systems have often been inadequate to meet growing urban populations’ demands for secure tenure. The “informal land delivery system” – squatting, illegal subdivision of plots and pavement dwelling – has been the only answer. In order to improve poor people’s livelihoods, we need to better understand how the full continuum of informal and formal land markets operate; how new solutions to secure land for poor people can be developed; and how land can be used sustainably.”

Project Year:2007
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Tirana, Albania / El Salvador
Reports:

Delivery of Security, Infrastructure Services and Access to Finance through Community-Based Approaches (Report, 2007)


SIDA, Fourth Urban Research Symposium: Beyond Titling (Report, 2007)


Authors:John Driscoll; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Felicity Chan; Carolina Morgan; Dritan Shutina; Mona Serageldin; Mr. Luis Castillo (Fundacion Salvadorena de Apoyo Integral – FUSAI); Ms. Cecilia de Alberto (FUSAI); Ms. Silvia Melendez (FUSAI); Ms. Nidia Hidalgo (FUSAI); Mr. Roberto Gochez (OJicina de Planificacidn del Area Metropolitana de San Salvador); Mr. Wilver Adaias (Department of Engineering and Urban Development, Municipality of Usulután); Mr. David Cook; Ms. Darina Kokona; Jorida Cila; Edmond Leka (GIS consultant in Tirana, Albania)
Sponsors:4th World Bank Urban Research Symposium, May 2007, Washington, DC, USA; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Categories:Urban Planning
  
ID:2007_00_001

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“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

Abstract

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America” was written and researched by Dr. Mona Serageldin in collaboration with authors from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) in 2004.

The 2004 paper was published as Chapter 7 in Urban Futures: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction, Nabeel Hamdi (ed.). The collaboration was funded by grant from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), with a purpose to document two additional cases in Central America: Leon, Nicaragua and San Salvador, El Salvador.

This project emerged from a previous study, funded by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University, to document the impact of human migratory flows on across Central and South American nations. See related content in the I2UD Document Library: “Reintroducing the Spatial Dimension in the Planning and Management of Latin American Cities,” Lecture by Yves Cabannes, 2003.

Documents include the paper Proposal, Executive Summary, two Final Reports from February 2004 (CUDS) and August 2005 (I2UD), and a Bibliography in Spanish/Español.


[Excerpt: Final Report, Executive Summary, “Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” February 2004]

1. Introduction.
“Current poverty reduction strategies in LAC (Latin American Countries) underestimate the impact of migratory movements and remittances on social inclusion and do not fully include migration as a component of their strategies.”

“Some Latin American municipalities have launched creative initiatives in this field and their experience is well worth reviewing. To date little documentation of these efforts has been made particularly in terms of assessing the performance of the methods used and the impact of the monitoring on local development policies and governance.”

“Given the importance of migratory movements in Latin America, the findings will be of interest for local authorities as well as multinational and bilateral development organizations working in local development and poverty alleviation programs. This paper presents some preliminary findings of the study, which is still in progress, based on research and field documentation in Cuenca, Ecuador.”

Project Year:2004
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Central America / Caribbean / Cuenca, Ecuador / Maracaibo, Venezuela / Mexico / León and Rivas, Nicaragua / San Salvador, El Salvador
Reports:
Authors:Yves Cabannes; Mona Serageldin; Elda Solloso; Luis Valenzuela;
Sponsors:Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading, Urban Planning,
  
ID:2004_02_001

Related I2UD Projects

“World Migration Report,” Background Papers on Displacement, Migration and Resettlement in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), International Organization for Migration, 2014

“Migration, Remittances and Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Study on Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), 2007-2008

“Migration, Remittances and the Empowerment of Women in Central America and the Andean Region,” for PROMESHA, Lund University, 2007-2008

“Habitat III Regional Report for the Arab Region,” for UN-Habitat (ROAS) and United Nations (ESCWA), 2015-2016

“National Urban Strategy for Governorates in Iraq,” Development Strategy for Phase II of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Iraq Ministry of Planning Local Area Development Programme (LADP II), 2014-2018

“National Urban Policies in Arab States,” Regional Assessment and Case Studies on NUPs in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, 2014

UN-HABITAT Spatial Regional Plan and Assessment for the Kurdistan-Iraq Region Housing Program, 2014

“Inclusive Cities and Access to Land, Housing, and Services in Developing Countries,” Urban Development Series: Knowledge Papers, February 2016, No. 22. World Bank’s Social, Urban, Rural & Resilience Global Practice, 2016

“Basic Services for an Urbanizing World,” Third Global Report on Local Democracy and Decentralization (GOLD III, UCLG). Chapter on “Middle East and West Asia” by Mona Serageldin, I2UD, 2013

World Bank MNA Urban Action Plan – Policy and Strategy Papers: “The Evolving Regional Urban Agenda: Key Challenges and Opportunities,” & “From Spring to Renaissance: Repositioning the Arab Cities,” 2013

“GCC Regional Spatial Strategy – Elements and Considerations,” Urban Development Plan, UN-Habitat Gulf States Regional Office Workshops, 2013

State of Arab Cities 2012 UN-Habitat Report & Conference – “Challenges of Urban Transition: Municipal Management and Urban Development Conference For Sustainability in Arab States,” Kuwait, May 2012

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

Executive Training Course 2006: “Strategic Planning for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” Workshop Curriculum with Case Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, 2006

“Development Corridors and Urban Development Strategies” and “Slum Improvement Strategies and Social Inclusion,” Presentations by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 11th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, São Paulo, Brazil, 2004

“Migratory Flows, Poverty and Social Inclusion in Latin America,” Research Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), 2004

“Community-Based Urbanization and Favelas Rehabilitation Processes,” Case Study in Academy Editions, “The Architecture of Empowerment: People, Shelter and Livable Cities,” for Fortaleza, Brazil, 1997

“Review of Ongoing USAID Shelter Sector Activities in Morocco,” Report by Dr. Mona Serageldin with ICMA, TSS Inc. for USAID/Morocco Office of Housing and Urban Programs, 1992-1998

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

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“Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” Research Essay by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1998

Abstract

In this 1998 essay, Dr. Mona Serageldin responded to the Getty Conservation Institute’s “Agora Values and Benefits Inquiry,” by examining the challenges of preserving historic centers in societies experiencing fast-paced political, economic, or demographic change. Documents include the 1998 report, and a draft report with reference list. Additional contributing authors included Sameh Wahba.

Serageldin’s 1998 essay laid the grounded for the Institute’s ongoing directives from the late 1990s forward. Her research drew clear links between need to bolster urban populations during politically challenging periods, and the need to protect historic cultural and architectural districts during times of unpredictable change. This dual approach tried to navigate a cross disciplinary approach to solving these issues, offering in depth social and economic analyses. This perspective continues to be relevant in the present global environments, where the stressors of climate change and migratory upheaval necessitate complex planning to preserve valuable urban spaces.



[Excerpt: Mona Serageldin, Final Report, “Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” p. 2]

This essay looks at cultural heritage from the viewpoint of addressing the challenge of preserving historic centers in societies experiencing fast paced change. This situation is commonly encountered in newly independent states, countries undergoing economic restructuring and nations charting a course through difficult political transition. The cultural heritage contained in the historic cores of urban settlements is subjected to the interplay of two major forces:

1. The dynamics of development and transformation as they affect population movements and real estate markets.

2. The perceptual and practical links between people and their architectural and cultural
heritage.


Rapid economic and institutional transformation subjects the built environment to varying degrees of strain which expose cultural heritage to risk. Concepts of preservation transferred from countries enjoying prolonged stability and growth often prove to be unaffordable and ineffective in preventing the onset of decay in historic cores. National development policies focused on economic issues do not adequately support conservation objectives and may even clash with them while the dynamics of real estate markets reinforce disparities in valuation between the old and the new. They create situations where the value of the land in accessible sites is depressed by the historic buildings standing on it because of their condition or use.”

Appreciation of the built environment is partially conditioned by participation in the network of interlinked organizations underlying the social order: family and kin groups, ethnic, religious and political associations and even occupation and business interests. Rapid transformation causes strains and dislocations in these structures. Restructuring of production opens new fields and opportunities to acquire status and wealth independently of old systems. Reshaping the institutional and legal frameworks within which new and surviving organizations have to function creates new channels for upward mobility as well as new symbols of achievement and status. The mechanisms of self improvement and the experience of personal fulfillment are more or less profoundly altered.”
___

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1998
Project Type:Cultural Heritage Essay
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:

Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric: (Report, November 1998)


Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric: (Draft Report with Reference List, November 1998)

Authors:Mona Serageldin; Sameh Wahba;
Sponsors:Center for Urban Development Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design; Getty Conservation Institute
Categories:Historic Districts
  
ID:1998_11_001

Related I2UD Projects


Design Studio 1981: “Housing Design in Islamic Cultures” in Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Seminar Curriculum

“Economy of Historic Preservation” in Erbil, Kurdistan, Report for Strengthening Urban & Regional Planning (SURP), UN-HABITAT, 2014

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 2007

“Integrated Area Management Action Plan,” Urban Management Plan for the Ancient Walled City Icheri Sheher, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2006

“Revitalization of Kars Historic Center” & “Strategies for Sustainable Development,” Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building for Kars, Turkey, 2004-2008

“Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania,” Technical Assistance Report for Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Târgu Mureș, Romania, 2004

“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

“Master Plan for the Revitalization of the Older Urban Fabric,” Preservation in the Old City of Al Qusair, Egypt, 2000

“St. Petersburg Center City Rehabilitation Project,” Urban Planning Network for St. Petersburg, Russia, 2000

“Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” Research Essay by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1998

“Lublin Local Initiatives Program” & “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project,” Technical Assistance for Urban Upgrading in Lublin, Poland, 1994-2000

“Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Revitalization and Rehabilitation of the Historic District,” Technical Assistance for the City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 1994

“Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,” Regional Report on the Preservation of Historic Lahore, Pakistan, 1988


Design Studio 1981: “Housing Design in Islamic Cultures” in Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1984: “The Revitalization of a Traditional Urban Quarter” for the Medieval Darb al Ahmar District, Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1984: “Design, Technology and Logistics for Large Housing Projects,” in Algeria, India, Iraq, Malaysia, Mali and Singapore, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1987: “Arad New Town,” Land-Fill Development Solutions for Arad New Town, Muharraq Island, Bahrain, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1988: “Urban Infrastructure Planning and Programing in Developing Countries,” Chapters 1-7, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,”  Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1990: “The Medina of Tunis,” Urban Regeneration for the Historic Hafsia District, Tunis, Tunisia, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1992: “Cairo and the Medieval City” &”Urban Regeneration in Medieval Cairo,” in Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1993: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Rabat, Morocco, Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1994: “A New Urban Center for Adjamé, Abidjan, Ivory Coast,” Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1995: “Urban Regeneration and Housing in a Transitional Economy: Lublin, Poland,” Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1996: “Strategic Urban Redevelopment in a Transitional Economy in Gdansk, Poland,” Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 1997: “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” Seminar Curriculum

Design Studio 2003: “Urban Strategies for Economic Recovery: A Revitalization Strategy for New Bedford, Massachusetts,” Seminar Curriculum

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“Financing Infrastructure Upgrading Programs,” Two Urban Development Research Papers, Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1989-1991

Abstract

From 1989 to 1991, Dr. Mona Serageldin authored two related papers on financing urban development for the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University: “Financing Upgrading Programs (November 1989) and “Financing Infrastructure Upgrading Programs (March 1991).

The papers assessed the exchange components of local and foreign currency, as cost factors in urban development upgrading projects. Dr. Serageldin focused on three main needs to establish effectively financed upgrading programs: 1) Construction of new infrastructure networks, 2) Building and improvement of community facilities like schools and health centers, and 3) Creation of homeowner credit mechanisms to improve residential properties. Municipalities in Jordan, Tunisia, and Hafsia provided example case studies.



[Excerpt: “Financing Upgrading Programs, November 1989”]

“…Upgrading is widely held to be the most effective mechanism to expand the supply of housing for limited income groups and improve living conditions for the urban poor. By providing the support infrastructure, it opens up opportunities for new economic activity.”

“Despite highly publicized haranguing by U.N. Habitat, housing is no longer viewed as a priority for public expenditure by international funding organizations and bilateral aid agencies. The debt situation in developing countries implies a widening gap between urgent needs and potential resources. Demographic pressure and the economic crisis have concentrated efforts on economic development and employment generation rather than social infrastructure.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1989-1991
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Global / None Specified
Reports:

Financing Upgrading Programs: (Mona Serageldin, November 1989)


Financing Infrastructure Upgrading Programs: (Mona Serageldin, March 1991)

Authors:Mona Serageldin
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (1989); USAID Office of Housing and Urban Projects (1991);
Categories:Reconciliation and Development
  
ID:1989_11_001

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