Conceptualizing the Co-Existence of Formal and Informal Institutions Within Planning
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2018
Pages:
80-91
Received:
8 September 2018
Accepted:
4 October 2018
Published:
24 October 2018
Abstract: The background to this study is addressing how formal and informal institutions might intersect in planning. This article has at its aim addressing not only the effects that formal and/or informal institutions have but also how both shape each other. In fulfilling this aim, analysis in this study adopts qualitative research methods, including qualitative interviewing, direct observation and archival records, which are applied to the Nicosia Master Plan that is considered in this study as a particular case study because it arguably helps this study to fulfill its aims. The perspective of formal/informal ‘dialectics’, marked by a ‘mutual-shaping’ exercise, is applied to this case study. Its application reveals several arguments as follow. First, formal institutions are found in this study to be blocked from mobilizing any development, however, remain the key determinant. The second argument concerns informal institutions that have been found to adopt strategies capable of mobilizing development, nevertheless, these strategies could not obviate the central role of formal institutions. Thirdly, formal institutions formalize informal institutions by ‘absorbing’ the latter into their hierarchy while equally denying any degree of autonomy, nor a role assigned, to informal institutions. Altogether, the findings revealed in this study stress the importance of the political and economic contexts of power that are key to how the formal/informal ‘dialectics’ occur.
Abstract: The background to this study is addressing how formal and informal institutions might intersect in planning. This article has at its aim addressing not only the effects that formal and/or informal institutions have but also how both shape each other. In fulfilling this aim, analysis in this study adopts qualitative research methods, including quali...
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Reconsidering the Significance, Authenticity and Integrity of New Gourna Village within the Context of the World Heritage Convention
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2018
Pages:
92-101
Received:
30 July 2018
Accepted:
22 August 2018
Published:
1 November 2018
Abstract: Despite its location inside the World Heritage Site in Luxor, New Gourna Village has never been recognized as one of the elements that contribute to the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value. In order to consider New Gourna among the World Heritage Site’s contributing elements, it should enjoy an Outstanding Universal Value and should also satisfy the conditions of authenticity and integrity. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the possibility to recognize New Gourna as one of the elements that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site in Luxor. The previous aim was achieved by evaluating the level of significance of the heritage values that New Gourna enjoys, as well as their authenticity and integrity, using a proposed methodology. According to this methodology, the level of significance of the values that New Gourna enjoys was evaluated against a list of criteria that were largely derived from the world heritage criteria. Another methodology, which was based on the Operational Guidelines’ definitions of authenticity and integrity, was used to evaluate the authenticity and integrity of the village. The findings revealed the significant contribution of New Gourna towards the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value despite the decline of the village’s authenticity and integrity. The continuous demolition of the buildings designed by Hassan Fathy in the village and the replacement of these buildings by modern concrete buildings represent the major aspect that emphasizes the decline of the authenticity of New Gourna. On the other hand, the decline of the physical condition of the few remaining earthen buildings designed by Hassan Fathy in the village is the main aspect that emphasizes the decline of the village’s integrity. The study suggests revising the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site in Luxor so as to recognize New Gourna among its contributing elements and to undertake all the possible measures to preserve New Gourna.
Abstract: Despite its location inside the World Heritage Site in Luxor, New Gourna Village has never been recognized as one of the elements that contribute to the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value. In order to consider New Gourna among the World Heritage Site’s contributing elements, it should enjoy an Outstanding Universal Value and should a...
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