Abstract

Chinas large public buildings (LPBs) often become problematic after only a few years' operation, leading to shortened building lifespans. Lacking architectural programming was identified by the industry regulators as a contributing factor to this. Despite a policy shift on the government side since 2007, little evaluation of the actual situation has been made. To raise awareness and attention to this pressing issue from the building industry, its regulators and the general public, a questionnaire survey focusing on the top-tier sector of professional practice in programming LPBs was carried out in Shanghai, China in 2009. The objectives were to evaluate current trends and pressing issues, identify major challenges and opportunities, and make recommendations for improvement. This paper presents a six-part analysis of the surveys findings from 57 professionals and clients who shared their hands-on experience on various programming issues and provided first-hand data of 90 LPBs developed in the 2000s. This pioneering study revealed significant gaps between the real and best practices as well as the mental reluctance and skill mismatch in delivering quality programming services. Given the persisting nature of identified problems, more research work should be done to catalyze a paradigmatic shift among industry players.

Abstract

Traffic congestion has become a critical issue in developing countries, as it tends to increase social costs in terms of travel cost and time, energy consumption and environmental degradation. With limited resources, reducing travel demand by influencing individuals’ travel behavior can be a better long-term solution. To achieve this objective, alternate travel options need to be provided so that people can commute comfortably and economically. This study aims to identify key motives and constraints in the consideration of carpooling policy with the help of stated preference questionnaire survey that was conducted in Lahore City. The designed questionnaire includes respondents’ socioeconomic demographics, and intentions and stated preferences on carpooling policy. Factor analysis was conducted on travelers’ responses, and a structural model was developed for carpooling. Survey and modeling results reveal that social, environmental and economic benefits, disincentives on car use, preferential parking treatment for carpooling, and comfort and convenience attributes are significant determinants in promoting carpooling. However, people with strong belief in personal privacy, security, freedom in traveling and carpooling service constraints would have less potential to use the carpooling service. In addition, pro-auto and pro-carpooling attitudes, marital status, profession and travel purpose for carpooling are also underlying factors. The findings implicate that to promote carpooling policy it is required to consider appropriate incentives on this service and disincentives on use of private vehicle along with modification of people’s attitudes and intentions. Document type: Article

Abstract

This study focuses on the characters of public perceptions on climate and cryosphere change, which are based on a questionnaire survey in the Ürümqi River Basin. In comparison with scientific observation results of climate and cryosphere change, this paper analyzes the possible impact of the change on water resources and agriculture production in the area. Perceptions of most respondents on climate and cryosphere changes confirm the main objective facts. For the selection of adaptation measures addressing the shortage of water resource, the results are as follows: most people preferred to choose the measures like “policy change” and “basic facility construction” which are mostly implemented by the government and the policy-making department, some people showed more preference to the measures of avoiding unfavorable natural environment, such as finding job in or migrating to other places. The urgency of personal participation in the adaptation measures is still inadequate. Some adaptation measures should be implemented in line with local conditions and require the organic combination of “resource-development” with “water-saving”. Deng, M., H. Zhang, W. Mao, et al., 2011: Public perceptions of cryosphere change and the selection of adaptation measures in the Ürümqi River Basin. Adv. Clim. Change Res., 2(3), doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1248.2011.00149.