The Framework as a Structuring Tool: Case Studies - Evaluating Sustainable Development in the Built Environment - page 163

Basden, 1997). This benefit has been already highlighted in the previ-
ous case studies reported in this chapter. A second important advan-
tage of this approach, as highlighted in this case study, is that it
provides a clear understanding of the interconnections between the
relevant aspects of a planning decision, so that it is possible to recog-
nise the main 'cause-effect' of an action. For instance, preservation of
the environmental quality of the urban area (Biological aspect) is
dependent on the 'sense of belonging' that citizens have towards their
urban environment. The latter is an issue of the Sensitive aspect which,
in turn, is connected to the Social problem of emigration of popula-
tion, an issue that the Municipality wishes to prevent. Unfortunately,
this is linked to the Aesthetical aspect ('it is not a nice place to live')
which, in turn, creates disaffection and a neglect attitude in the popu-
lation (Ethical aspect), asking for a new 'vision' of the place (Credal
aspect).
Case study 3: 'multi-stakeholder' urban
regeneration decision-making
In decision-making processes related to public and private sectors,
conflict often occurs when competing interests who value land in dif-
ferent ways, such as house-builders and amenity societies, seek to pro-
mote or prevent development of the same site. During the planning
process many public and private interests have to be considered, for
example, healthy environmental conditions for living and working, social
and cultural needs of the citizens, the demand for home-ownership
and social equality, mobility and conservation.
In general, urban planning laws protect the individual corporation
or citizen against disadvantages and encourage equal opportunities
and competition in the real-estate market and urban development.
However, in practice there are many problems, especially those of com-
munication, between public and private decision-makers who often do
not cooperate. There are often lengthy negotiations without any result.
In particular, there are few shared values concerning the development
of the urban area, nor is there agreement about measures to promote
development (Kaib, 1994; Koster, 1994). If the preferences of certain
groups are in conflict, it is usually necessary to know the comparative
'strengths' of the interests, generally expressed in terms of costs and
benefits, in order to increase the information available to assist in the
resolution of conflicts through the decision-making process (Lichfield
et al ., 1975; Lichfield, 1996).
In this case study, the multi-modal framework has been used as a
guide for analysing the various stakeholder decision-making proc-
esses that took place in relation to the redevelopment of an ex-industrial
area in Muggia (Trieste). The methodology involved a study of the