SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT, DENSITY TRENDS AND LIVABILITY ASPECTS FOR METROPOLITAN PLANNING: IMPLICATIONS FOR RAJSHAHI CITY
Keywords:
Spatial Growth; Urbanization; Density Shift; Livability Change; City Functionality.Abstract
Cities and adjacent settlements are in a continuous process of change, readjustment and evolution around the world. Due to rapid urbanization, migration and population growth Rajshahi is experiencing rapid density growth, transformation in city livability and spatial development. The aim of the research was to undertake an in-depth study of spatial development growth pattern, density gradients and livability attributes in Rajshahi Metropolitan area in order to formulate recommendations for improving city planning system and ensure sustainable growth of the city. The study explored the spatial development growth pattern using multitemporal and multi-spectral Landsat 8 OLI and Landsat 5 TM satellite data sets. Besides the change in land use pattern, density attributes (population, residential and structural density) with the help of BBS and RMDP GIS databases. In addition, sky view factor (SVF) and kernel density estimation were used for better understanding of density attributes. Moreover, the livability aspects were investigated using the questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions with the local residents. Results from the study reveals that, the built form of the study area has increased to almost twofold in last 30 years. Subsequently the decadal change in spatial growth clearly indicates that vegetation, waterbody and bare land portion is exhibiting decreasing trend gradually. The results also revealed that both the gross and net population density is rising steadily but the residential and structural density has been significantly increased in the last 20 years. Hence, livability of the study area is impacted to a great extent and demanding density planning for the city to increase the livability and functionality of the city.
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