Towards Urban Renewal : Densification challenges in Pericentral Neighborhoods of Setif, Algeria.

Abstract

This thesis,titled "Towards Urban Renewal:Densification Challenges in Pericentral Neighborhoods of Setif, Algeria," explores the complexities of urban renewal through densification in Setif's pericentral areas. It addresses speculative transformations driven by housing shortages,land supply constraints,and gentrification, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. By promoting optimal densities, the study seeks to reconcile the needs of territories and users with environmental considerations. The research examines the effects of increasing built-up density, comparing the addition of new structures to building from scratch, and their impact on the built environment and social infrastructure. It advocates for comprehensive planning over individual interventions to harmonize land occupancy with housing typology proactively. The thesis highlights the importance of anticipatory measures and decision-support tools, strengthening regulations through incentives or coercive means to counterbalance the harsh urban landscape. It focuses on improving urban quality through morphological regulation, striving for homogeneity and equity to meet the needs of a growing and diversifying population. Additionally, the study explores the potential for progressive recycling of finite resources and infrastructures, addressing the challenges of sustainable urban renewal while maintaining resident communities amidst gentrification. It identifies unexplored potential in integrating densification operations with the urban morphology of existing fabrics to inform better design and planning practices.Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, sustainability indicator questionnaires, semistructured interviews,and focus groups,the findings reveal that profit-oriented land-use strategies drive the shift from single-family houses to multi-family buildings, leading to affordability issues and gentrification. This shift challenges socioeconomic cohesion and erodes neighborhood characteristics. The thesis offers a comprehensive overview of strategies for sustainable urban renewal in Setif's pericentral neighborhoods, emphasizing proactive, participatory, and inclusive planning methods aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).