iGeo 2016, Теренна работа, упражнение 1 — Задача 1. Sustainability and liveability – Wangjing Huayuandongqu Community

Task 1: Sustainability and liveability in the Wangjing Huayuandongqu Community [12 marks]

1. Identify and annotate on a separate worksheet version of the map (Fig. 1) provided:

• 6 features that affect the urban sustainability of the community in a positive or negative way and explain for each feature how it affects sustainability
• 6 features that affect liveability in the community in a positive or negative way and explain for each feature how it affects liveability

Award 1 mark for each feature mentioned. A mark is only awarded if the answer explains how the feature/factor affects sustainability or liveability and if its location is clearly indicated on the worksheet map.

Examples of possible answers referring to sustainability:

1. High rise buildings are more energy efficient than low rise single standing houses since they have less outer surface exposed to the elements; [+]
2. High rise residential housing creates a high population density which lowers distances traveled which in turn lowers energy consumption for traffic; [+]
3. Many buildings are made of concrete which absorbs and stores heat and cold which leads to a higher demand for energy for heating and cooling; [-]
4. Many apartments in the high rise buildings have private aircon-units: decentralized cooling (and heating) systems are less energy efficient than centralized systems; [-]
5. Shops and public service facilities nearby the residential buildings: reduces the need for transport, which lowers use of transport and CO2-emissions; [+]
6. Public transport facilities nearby: public transport uses less energy than private cars; [+]
7. Some buildings have walls with thermal insulation material which reduces energy use for heating and cooling; [+] NB: All of the buildings in the community are covered with thermal insulation materials. There is a sign on the wall of building no. 210 written in Chinese: “This building is covered with thermal insulation materials. No fireworks setting off around 50m.”
   Participants could detect the insulation material by knocking on the walls.
8. Parking space with permeable pavement which allows rainwater infiltration (See picture below. Locations are indicated on the map below: Fig. 1)
9. Many hard (concrete/asphalt) surfaces which absorb energy and add to the heat island effect of the city; [-]
10. Green areas have hardly any trees and shrubs which could slow down the through-flow of water in the area. [-]
11. Waste management: garbage is not separated to make processing and reuse of resources possible; [-]
12. Lack of trees also causes a more distinct heat island effect in the cities in the summer time; [-]
13. Trees improve the city’s microclimate and also diminishes air pollution as trees filter the small particles; [+]
14. …

Examples of possible answers referring to liveability:

1. Convenience stores, repair shops, community health service centers, kindergartens and other public service facilities nearby which saves time; [+]
2. Some green park like areas are suited for recreation [+]
3. Some spots are suited for sports activities, some have facilities/fitness equipment [+]
4. Green space: trees purify the air and supply space for recreation; [+]
5. Dog excreta collection bins
6. Garbage collection points: locations clearly visible. [+] (see locations on Fig. 1 above)
7. Traffic circle at intersection: it slows down traffic and prevents traffic jams. [+]
8. Underground parking lot with ventilation facilities: nearby & agreeable; [+]
9. Notice boards at the intersection providing rules of conduct and information about permitted recreational use of the area. [+](See photo below; locations are indicated on Fig. 1 above)
10. Disordered parking, some vehicles block the fire brigade access [-]
11. Vacant lot: empty green space creates a feeling of space in a densely built area. [+] However: the vacant lot is fenced so it can’t be used for recreational purposes. [-]
12. …
13. …