DOI: 10.5176/2301-394X_ACE16.23
Authors: Hugh D. Lester, Linda M.Thomas, Ellyn A. Lester
Abstract:
Rapid urbanization is one of the most significant issues confronting humanity in this century. How we face it, or whether we face it at all, will determine both our fates and the ecological health of our biosphere. In response to rapid urbanization, particularly in the developing world, a new form of urban fabric has been proposed [1]. This new type of city is designed to address the negatives associated with the informal settlements that result from rapid urbanization. The overarching goal is to provide developing countries an alternative urban strategy that will improve outcomes for those migrating to their cities. However, due to the sheer scope of the problem, i.e. the number of housing units that will be required to deal with this influx, implementation will necessarily be on the mega project continuum. How the constructors of this new urban fabric proceed during the implementation phase will be critical to the success or failure of the enterprise. Therefore, the manner in which this, or similar proposals, might be implemented is the focus of this paper. We proceed as follows: first, we outline why rapid urbanization is such a critical issue; second, we describe how the proposed urban fabric proactively addresses this issue; third, we consider barriers to successful implementation of mega projects; and fourth, we offer strategies for knowledge management and knowledge transfer to enhance operations and sustainability over the entire project life cycle.
Keywords: rapid urbanization; mega project; implementation; urban fabric; knowledge management
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