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Green Urbanism in Contemporary Cities: a Socio-Technical Transition Analysis

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Green Urbanism in Contemporary Cities: a Socio-Technical Transition Analysis Title page Green Urbanism in Contemporary Cities: A Socio-technical Transition Analysis Martin Larbi A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Architecture and Built Environment Faculty of the Professions The University of Adelaide December 2018 i | P a g e Table of Contents Title page ..................................................................................................................................... i Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. xi Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................... xii Abstract ................................................................................................................................... xiv Declaration .............................................................................................................................. xvi Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ xvii 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Preamble ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the problem .......................................................................................... 1 1.3 Research questions ..................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Research objectives ..................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Significance of study .................................................................................................... 4 1.6 Definition of key concepts........................................................................................... 5 1.6.1 Green Urbanism ................................................................................................... 5 1.6.2 Multi-level Perspective ........................................................................................ 6 1.6.3 Transition ............................................................................................................. 8 1.7 Structure of thesis ....................................................................................................... 8 2 Literature Review....................................................................................................... 10 2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Evolution of the green city concept: a historical analysis ......................................... 11 2.2.1 Phases of urban civilization................................................................................ 11 2.2.2 Responding to the challenges of the industrial city: perspectives of pioneer thinkers in urban planning ................................................................................................ 16 2.2.3 Summary ............................................................................................................ 24 2.3 A review of contemporary urban transformation theories: towards a framework for Green Urbanism ................................................................................................................... 28 2.3.1 Representative definition of Green Urbanism .................................................. 32 ii | P a g e 2.3.2 Principles of Green Urbanism: a theoretical and empirical analysis ................. 34 2.4 Gaps in the research.................................................................................................. 42 3 Research Methodology ........................................................................................... 44 3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 44 3.2 Theoretical framework .............................................................................................. 45 3.3 Research design ......................................................................................................... 47 3.3.1 System of inquiry ............................................................................................... 49 3.3.2 Research strategy ............................................................................................... 50 3.3.3 Research tactics ................................................................................................. 51 3.4 Ethical consideration ................................................................................................. 60 3.5 Limitations of data .................................................................................................... 61 4 Theoretical framework ........................................................................................... 63 4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 63 4.2 A review of transition theories in socio-technical and ecological systems .............. 64 4.2.1 Strategic Niche Management ............................................................................ 64 4.2.2 Transition Management .................................................................................... 66 4.2.3 Multi-phase concept .......................................................................................... 68 4.2.4 Socio-ecological transition ................................................................................. 69 4.2.5 Multi-level Perspective ...................................................................................... 71 4.3 A framework for assessing green urban transitions: application of the Multi-level Perspective ........................................................................................................................... 79 4.3.1 How may the MLP be applied to examine the drivers, opportunities, and barriers to green urban transitions? ................................................................................ 80 4.3.2 What are the potential pathways for green urban transitions, and what factors may influence these outcomes? ....................................................................................... 82 4.4 Application of the MLP to the current study ............................................................ 85 4.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 86 5 Context of application case study-Accra ....................................................... 87 5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 87 5.2 Profile of Ghana......................................................................................................... 88 iii | P a g e 5.3 Selection of study Area ............................................................................................. 90 5.4 Profile of Accra Metropolitan Area ........................................................................... 92 5.4.1 Physical features ................................................................................................ 92 5.4.2 Demography ....................................................................................................... 93 5.4.3 Education and literacy ....................................................................................... 95 5.4.4 Economy ............................................................................................................. 96 5.4.5 Governance ........................................................................................................ 97 5.5 Historical overview of planning and development trends in Accra ........................ 100 5.5.1 Accra under colonial rule ................................................................................. 100 5.5.2 Accra in post-independence era ...................................................................... 101 5.6 The Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in Ghana: implications for development trends in Accra.................................................................................................................... 103 5.6.1 Background ...................................................................................................... 103 5.6.2 Implications of SAP for Accra’s growth and development .............................. 104 5.7 A review of urban policies in Ghana ....................................................................... 108 5.7.1 Strategic Plan for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area ................................. 108 5.7.2 National Urban Policy and Action Plan ............................................................ 110 5.7.3 National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF).........................................
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