Christopher Ling

Restructuring the post-industrial landscape: a multifunctional approach

Abstract Using the example of the Dearne Valley in South Yorkshire, England, a notion of multifunctionality, and its potential to be utilized in post-industrial regeneration is explored. Multifunctionality is defined as an integration of different functions within the same or overlapping land unit, at the same or overlapping in time, and is a framework whereby a holistic view of a landscape can be examined. The multi-criteria analysis approach to mapping potential in the landscape highlights the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in this part of post-industrial England. The graphical format enables the elements of the landscape to be identified and this offers potential for a basis of consultation in the process of regeneration. By examining the place of post-industrial sites in the context of the landscape in which they are situated will enable their potential to be realized, rather than viewing them as individual problems. The paper concludes by examining how a concept of multifunctionality can address some of the shortcomings in the current regeneration delivery environment, and suggests that this approach may bring about post-industrial landscapes that are not only new, but better.

Social capital and quality of place: reflections on growth and change in a small town

In recent years the concept of social capital has gained great currency in discussions of community development, but connections to notions of place have not been widely addressed. This article considers the quality of place and its centrality to social capital. The authors draw from the experience of a small rural community in British Columbia, Canada. The research has been drawn from interviews and focus groups. In describing social capital conditions, community residents referred to quality of place to frame the discussion and illustrate local conditions. This suggests that the qualities of spatial organisation have a relationship to and enhance social capital. If they are weakened, then it may be difficult for communities to adapt to change, develop new opportunities or maintain community well-being. Descriptions of place quality may emerge as a proxy for relating or representing the conditions of social capital, thus place can be seen as a materialisation of social capital. For planners and other practitioners seeking to enhance social capital and advance community development, there is a need to acknowledge and manage relationships between public policy makers and the private or public forces that determine the shape of places.

Does Place Matter? Sustainable Community Development in Three Canadian Communities

The creation of a sense of place has emerged as a goal of many community development initiatives. However, little thought has been given to the role of physical spaces in the shaping of possible senses of place. This article examines three Canadian examples of community sustainable development initiatives to demonstrate that sense of place can be shaped and constrained by the geographical and environmental features of the physical space a community occupies. This finding suggests that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to community sustainable development is unlikely to be successful; a communitys sustainable development ethic will be informed by geography. However, there is some evidence that a strong individual sense of place shaped by local space may act as a barrier to the acceptance of new people and ideas. Conversely, a strong sense of place can result in mobilization for sustainable development initiatives.

A Template for Integrated Community Sustainability Planning

This article describes a template for implementing an integrated community sustainability plan. The template emphasizes community engagement and outlines the components of a basic framework for integrating ecological, social and economic dynamics into a community plan. The framework is a series of steps that support a sustainable community development process. While it reflects the Canadian experience, the tools and techniques have applied value for a range of environmental planning contexts around the world. The research is case study based and draws from a diverse range of communities representing many types of infrastructure, demographics and ecological and geographical contexts. A critical path for moving local governments to sustainable community development is the creation and implementation of integrated planning approaches. To be effective and to be implemented, a requisite shift to sustainability requires active community engagement processes, political will, and a commitment to political and administrative accountability, and measurement.

Facilitating transdisciplinary sustainable development research teams through online collaboration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential of online communication technologies to facilitate university‐led transdisciplinary sustainable development research and lower the ecological footprints of such research projects. A series of case studies is to be explored.Design/methodology/approach – A one year project is conducted in which a series of research tasks are carried out on an online communications platform. Findings are compared to other examples from the literature.Findings – Online communication technology can be used to facilitate transdisciplinary research tasks, saving time, money and with less environmental impact than that of face‐to‐face meetings. However, in order for online collaboration to be successful the researchers must be very organized and have strong facilitation skills.Research limitations/implications – The research takes place in a North American setting. Time zone issues and access to sufficient internet technology can be a barrier in global research colla...

Pathways toward whole community transformation: a case study on the role of school engagement and environmental education

The City of Colwood in British Columbia, Canada, has engaged in a wide-ranging project aiming to encourage whole community transformation, through the use of environmental education, incentives and the adoption of energy efficiency behavior and technologies. Researchers and students from Royal Roads University partnered with a Middle School to deliver an action research driven educational program to 120 Grade 7 (age 12/13) students that reflected goals of the City program: water conservation, solar hot water and the energy efficiency of homes. Students engaged in classroom activities and field trips to homes with energy upgrades installed. The students’ subject matter engagement was captured through systematic observation, field notes and photographs, and the development of knowledge was assessed through curriculum exercises and a quantitative survey. Both students and their parents were surveyed to see whether the interaction with the students had implications for intergenerational learning and the possibility of increasing wider community engagement in the program. It was found that while the students engaged in the classroom session did increase their awareness and understanding of energy efficiency, curriculum design needed to include more opportunities to discuss the issues at home to maximize the opportunities for intergenerational learning and an increase in awareness more generally.