Abstract Body

This paper examined the features of sustainable neighborhoods: compact, integrated and connected to evaluate some of the residential neighborhoods in Sudan. The main objective of this study is to formulate a comprehensive frame work for future sustainable neighborhood developments in Sudan combining international knowledge with local experience, which would enable to find innovative solutions relevant to the local context. A case study approach was chosen to gather the necessary qualitative and quantitative data and detailed survey on existing development pattern was carried out for three neighborhoods: a traditional neighborhood -Abrouf, a contemporary neighborhood -Alryad and a low-cost neighborhood -ElWadi Elakhader. Each neighborhood has different opportunities and challenges for urban sustainability. The assessment of the neighborhoods was based on the empirical findings of the field work compared with UN Habitat principles of the sustainable neighborhood which include: Adequate space for streets , High density, mixed land-use, social mix and Limited land-use specialization. The paper found that these neighborhoods are not fully sustainable and self-contained according to UN Habitat principles although street network characteristics and mixed land-uses development are compatible with principles of sustainability. The analysis showed that there are other influential factors contributing to urban sustainability such as the role of the urban form in achieving better social sustainability. An additional opportunity lies in the unique nature of the social fabric of the Sudanese community concerning participation in social and community activities and interaction between various socio-economic and age groups.It was evident that socio-economic disparities and access to services had a direct impact in the development of neighborhoods and make differences from one neighborhood to the other. The paper presented a comprehensive frame- work to assess sustainability in neighborhoods that include other factors such as availability of green scape, provision of service centers and social services within a walking distance and access to quality transport. The paper recommended identifying key service gaps in these neighborhoods then build long-term resilience into infrastructure and planning by creating a participatory planning process that involves residents, community leaders, civil society organizations, technical experts and city officials.