IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

This research offers insight into the business case for urban amenities through a literature review—which included the collection, analysis, and synthesis of global case studies. A particular focus is placed on addressing key topics within urban amenity evaluation (including direct and indirect value) alongside contextual descriptors (such as climate, population, and average project costs) to ensure the studies collected are captured in an accurate and relevant way as per commonly used practices. Given the transdisciplinary nature of this research, this project addresses a knowledge gap on the evaluation and assessment of urban amenities’ economic value to cities and their municipal administrations. Through this lens, the project intends to expand the understanding of the catalytic opportunities inherent in the investment of the public realm and what economic impacts—on both cities and their citizens—such an urban development strategy can yield. The research presented in this project offers a comprehensive analysis of all value accrued from urban amenities, such as Total Economic Value (TEV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), revealing significant insights into the economic impact of 63 case studies spanning 9 countries, and 43 cities. The findings explore patterns across six urban archetype typologies as delineated by the Civic Commons Catalyst (CCC) Initiative framework (ecological, recreational, commercial, infrastructural, educational, and industrial). The recorded typologies’ successes further elucidate which types of projects present the most economic value to all parties involved, and whether direct or indirect value should be targeted.