Publications
The Pleasure Of Walking In A Neighbourhood: The Pedestrian Route Network And Its Fractal Dimension As A Tool For The Assessment Of The Right Balance Between Chaos And Order
Research demonstrates that the fractal dimension (FD) of pedestrian route networks can effectively assess walkability, with optimal values between 1.3 and 1.9 corresponding to perceived agreeableness and stress reduction. The study found that highly walkable urban quarters exhibit FD within this range at box edge lengths of 5–50 meters, aligning with typical decision-making distances for pedestrians. Investigations of car-oriented, walkable, and newly constructed quarters in Hamburg, Germany, as well as historical cities like Salamanca, Spain, and Harar Jugol, Ethiopia, confirmed that fractal behavior within this range correlates with perceived walkability. This approach provides a quantitative tool to evaluate the balance between chaos and order in pedestrian networks, offering insights for urban planning.
Monument, Memory, and Remembrance: Rethinking the Masjid Through Contemporary Heritage Regimes
Masjids in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Harar Jugol, Ethiopia, serve as dynamic spaces where spiritual significance and Islamic heritage intersect, reflecting processes of compromise, concession, and intervention. This study highlights how these sites navigate dual realities, balancing their roles as places of worship and cultural landmarks. It also explores the challenges faced by sustainable Muslim communities, such as New Gourna in Egypt, designed to preserve architectural and cultural legacies but ultimately failing, which raises questions about the 'embeddedness' of heritage traditions. Additionally, it examines contemporary trends like the 'Neo-Ottoman'-style mosques, exemplified by Ghana's National Mosque in Accra, which deviate from local mosque-building traditions and prompt debates on stakeholder involvement in defining heritage.
Mutually Beneficial: Heritage Conservation and Community Development in Ethiopia
A key finding from this study is the mutual benefit between heritage conservation and community development at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exemplified by Ethiopia's Rock-hewn Churches at Lalibela and Harar Jugol. The research highlights a shift in conservation strategies from top-down approaches to values-led, grassroots methods that integrate local traditions and communities. By analyzing the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s evolving perception of community roles, the study illustrates how these sites contribute to both cultural preservation and economic growth, particularly through tourism. It also underscores the importance of public policy advocacy to protect heritage sites and their associated communities, offering lessons for Ethiopia and other nations developing cultural tourist destinations.
A Study on the Living Environment of Harar Jugol, Ethiopia
Harar Jugol, Ethiopia's fortified historic town, stands out as a unique urban environment with a woman-headed society and strong social ties among residents. Unlike other historical Ethiopian cities, Harar maintains its traditional Muslim character while supporting comparatively wealthy inhabitants through a dense network of Harari people dispersed across the country. A study analyzing architectural heritage and housing conditions in central Harar revealed that some buildings date back to the 17th century, preserving their original character despite modern urban pressures. The research employed a case study approach, examining both building typology and resident demographics to highlight Harar's distinct living environment and cultural resilience.
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