Exploring the Urban Form and Compactness: A Case Study of Multan, Pakistan

Muhammad Nadeem (), Nayab Khaliq, Naseem Akhtar, Muhammad Ahmad Al-Rashid, Muhammad Asim, Merve Kayaci Codur, Enea Mustafaraj, Muhammed Yasin Codur () and Farrukh Baig
Additional contact information
Muhammad Nadeem: Graduate School of Urban Innovation, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
Nayab Khaliq: Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
Naseem Akhtar: School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan
Muhammad Ahmad Al-Rashid: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Built Environment, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Muhammad Asim: Department of City & Regional Planning, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore 54890, Pakistan
Merve Kayaci Codur: Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum 25050, Turkey
Enea Mustafaraj: College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
Muhammed Yasin Codur: College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait
Farrukh Baig: Department of City & Regional Planning, School of Architecture & Planning, University of Management & Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-22

Abstract: Sustainable development has become an immense challenge, one further complicated by rapid population growth in developing countries. Therefore, analyzing the existing compactness of urban areas is essential for guiding future urban development. Most of the previous research on urban compactness has been conducted in developed countries, whereas limited research has been conducted on urban compactness in developing countries. This study fills this research gap and contributes to the current body of knowledge by offering empirical evidence of compactness measurement based on the existing urban form using Multan city as its context. Multan is a metropolitan city in the growing phase, so measuring its compactness for the promotion of sustainable development is crucial. For this research study, various indicators are adopted from the literature, such as land cover changes, density, land use, road network, congestion index, walkability index, and shape performance index, in order to evaluate compactness. The above-mentioned indicators were analyzed using ArcMap and ERDAS IMAGINE software. This study concludes that Multan city presently lies between compactness and dispersion. To achieve full compactness, highly dense vertical development with a better public transport network should be encouraged. In addition, the prevailing building regulations should be revised to increase the floor area ratio, and incentives should be devised for developers to promote vertical infill development. Moreover, there is an emerging need to formulate and implement compact city policies. By retaining the compact character of Multan city, sustainable development will be promoted. Ultimately, this research study would be a valuable resource for urban planners, decision-makers, and relevant authorities in proposing future compactness policies for sustainable development. This research can be applied to other cities with similar demographic characteristics, population, area, geographical conditions, and structure to that of Multan.

Keywords: compactness; urban form; sustainable development; compact city development; Multan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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