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The book addresses urban transformations towards sustainability in light of challenges of global urbanization processes and the consequences of global environmental change. The aim is to show that urban transformations only succeed if both innovative scientific solutions and practice-oriented governance approaches are developed. This assumption is addressed by providing theoretical insights and empirical evidence pointing particularly at 3 concepts or qualities which are determined here as being central for achieving urban sustainability: resource efficiency, quality of life and resilience. Urban case studies from several international research projects illustrate our conceptual approach of urban transformations towards sustainable development. Thus, the book reaches far beyond a mere additive description of single case studies. It incorporates the results of condensed synthesis, resulting from comparisons and evaluations. It provides, based on cross-cutting reflection of single cases and different scales and methods of analysis, general and transferable findings. They do not only consider the scientific sphere but deliberately go beyond it discussing transferability of knowledge into practice, governance options and the feasibility of policy strategies in order to pave the way for sustainable urban transformations to happen today and in the future.

Urban Transformations: Sustainable Urban Development Through Resource Efficiency, Quality of Life and Resilience

Urban Transformations: Debates, concepts, and how our approach stands out
Part 1: Conceptual dimensions of sustainable Urban Transformations
Dimensions of Urban Transformations
Linking transition theories with theories of institutions - implications for sustainable urban infrastructures between flexibility and stability
Efficiency-equity-tradeoff as a challenge for shaping urban
On the connection between urban sustainability transformations and multiple societal
Part 2: Resilience and Risk Assesment
Introduction
Resilience and urban transformation - different sides of the same coin?
Adapting built-up areas to climate change - assessment of effects and feasibility of adaptation measures on thermal comfort
Climate proofing in urban planning and permitting - a key to resilient urban development
Decision support on natural hazards management in complex urban settings
Is risk assessment the right approach or do we need decision heuristics?
Part 3: Quality of Life through Eco System Services
Introduction/Synthesis
Green infrastructure and clean air as decisive constituents of local residential quality
Socio-spatial distribution of airborne outdoor exposures - from environmental quality to quality of life and environmental justice
Can we enhance ecosystem services by protecting biodiversity in urban areas or do we just hope it is that easy?
Urban ecosystem services as proxy for quality of life: Santiago de Chile as a showcase city
Urban vegetation matters
Part 4: Governing Urban Resources
Introduction/Synthesis
Governing residential water demand in Amman: Sustainable transformation of urban water infrastructure in the face of unreliable public and unregulated private water supply
Green Infrastructure
Institutional Keys to Sustainable Urban Water Governance - Major Challenges, Fundaments and Innovative Approaches
Challenges of the "Wärmewende" in the context of urban areas
From shrinkage to regrowth: the nexus between urban dynamics, land use and ecosystem service provision
The TEEB Approach for Urban Transformations: Making Ecosystem Services' Values Visible
Part 5: Reflection and Perspectives
Transformations concepts and implementation strategies of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda
Reflection of current state of the art of urban transformation research and further perspectives