Urban sustainability and equity: Examining urban infrastructure and green space distribution in Tirana, Albania

This thesis provides a comprehensive examination of spatial dynamics, land use, development patterns, social systems and natural geography in the Tirana Region of Albania, in order to assess green infrastructure and its viability for increased use. The research begins by analyzing the current conditions in Tirana including geography, transportation, land use, economy, and social constructs, focusing on green space and how urban networks correlate with regional characteristics like terrain, water bodies, and areas prone to natural hazards, such as floods. Employing the Land-Use Evolution and Impact Assessment Model (LEAM) from the University of Illinois, the study offers an in-depth spatial analysis of how population and employment trends relate to natural features, including green areas and water systems, essential for sustainable urban living. It projects future land use changes based on demographic, economic drivers, and physical geography, integrating future city plans sanctioned by the Municipality of Tirana to determine where and how urban development will occur, and its implications on the built environment, green spaces and green infrastructure. I use the model to work through land use conflicts and assess optimal future green infrastructure locations. The thesis identifies current disparities in land use and explores future urban plans to address these issues. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful integration of green infrastructure into urban planning to enhance environmental health and life quality. Advocating for strategies that support community growth and empowerment, the research provides strategic insights into sustainable urban planning, highlighting the importance of conserving natural elements and ensuring equitable access to resources. The study concludes by linking its findings to climate change implications, establishing a basis for further research into urban planning and its effects on greenhouse gas emissions. This exploration underscores the need for policies to mitigate the negative impacts of urban expansion, advocating for a balanced approach to urban growth that harmonizes development with environmental sustainability through green infrastructure development. This research contributes significantly to the field of sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the critical interplay between land use, natural features, urban development, and green space.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.U.P.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Urban Planning

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Tufina, Klaudia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Deal, Brian
• Pendall, Rolf

• Albania
• Leam(land-use Evolution And Impact Assessment Model
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Sustainable Urban Planning
• Green Infrastructure
• Spatial Dynamics
• Land Use Planning
• Urban Development
• Environmental Sustainability
• Tirana

Statement dc:rights

• © 2024 Klaudia Tufina

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125654

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125654