Browsing by Author "Amaratunga, D"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 43

item: Conference-Full-text
Adaptable built-environment as a potential strategy to sustain post-disaster resettlements in Sri Lanka
(2017) Sridarran, P; Keraminiyage, K; Amaratunga, D
In the recent decades, internal displacements occur in greater number across the world each year without drawing much attention. To minimise the causes and attenuate the consequences of displacement, governments and other concerned entities involve themselves in the process of resettlement to different degrees. However, the large-scale resettlements are often criticised for offering only temporary relief without meeting the long-term expectations of the affected communities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the potentials of an adaptable built-environment to provide durable solutions to sustain post-disaster resettlements. Based on previous case studies 14 long-term struggles in adapting to a new built-environment are identified. A Likert scale questionnaire survey was conducted in 4 resettlement schemes in Sri Lanka, to scale the level of severity of the identified factors. Collected questionnaires were analysed using factor analysis technique to identify the underlying concepts of the adaptability issues. The findings of this study show that the underlying structure of the identified factors that affect the adaptability of the built-environment of the displaced community includes less availability of social infrastructure, the unfamiliarity of the houses, difference in the location, non-flexibility of the houses, comfort of the houses, and less availability of utilities. Similarly, the underlying structure of the host community includes less availability of social infrastructure, different usage of the land, community relationship, and less availability of the utilities.
item: Conference-Full-text
Approaches for capacity building for disaster waste management
(2013-11-12) Karunasena, G; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Natural disasters such as Fukushima earthquake and tsunami in 2011, Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 were evident for large volumes of waste generated overwhelming existing solid waste capacities, requiring special approaches. This was further aggravated by prevailing improper Municipal Solid Waste Management practices with inadequate management capacities, specifically in developing countries. These resulted in social, economical and health issues such as unpleasant odor, ground water contamination and epidemics. This is also applicable to Sri Lanka which was severely affected by Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and prevailing dengue epidemic due to improper Municipal Solid Waste Management practices. In this context, this paper reveals approaches for capacity building over identified capacity gaps in disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Case study research approach was used and multiple cases were selected representing all stakeholders involved in disaster waste management. Data were gathered through fifteen semi structured interviews. Unavailability of a regulatory body, pre-planned frameworks and enforceable rules and regulations and capacity constraints are identified as major gaps in disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations with necessary levels of capacities can attain sustainable disaster waste management for future resilience in Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Architecture and the opening of satori : an oriental interpretation of architecture
(2014-06-06) Amaratunga, D
Satori is gained through an expansion of consciousness, uniting us in Nature.... No more a fragmented psyche; no longer alienation of being. This dissertation explores the relationship between built form and consciousness in order to identify the role that architecture could play in bringing about such an expansion of consciousness. In oriental thought life is a journey with many stations, where birth and death do not necessarily indicate a beginning or final release. The stations indicate temporary halting places for the purpose of transformation. This study seeks to identify these stages which the psyche journeys through, with one of its physical manifestations, architectural space. This study is therefore presented as an attempt to glimpse that inner space according to which the outer should be shaped if we are to come into a harmony with ourselves and nature.
item: Article-Full-text
Assessment of facilities management performance - What next?
(MCB UP Ltd, 2000) Amaratunga, D; Baldry, D; Sarshar, M
Facilities management operates on the premises that the efficiency of any organisation is linked to the physical environment in which it operates and that the environment can be improved to increase its efficiency. This has increasingly become an important function of the built environment. This paper looks at performance measurement of facilities management practices and argues that the future of performance assessment of facilities management will have to shift in emphasis towards a measurement and management system. It further discusses the potential for the application of such a management system, the balanced scorecard, through which facilities management performance assessment may be explored.
item: Article-Abstract
Attitudes and perceptions of construction workforce on construction waste in Sri Lanka
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rameezdeen, R
Purpose – The construction industry consumes large amounts of natural resources, which are not properly utilised owing to the generation of waste. Construction waste has challenged the performance of the industry and its sustainable goals. The majority of the causes underlying material waste are directly or indirectly affected by the behaviour of the construction workforce. Waste occurs on site for a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented, particularly by changing the attitudes of the construction workforce. Therefore, the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce can influence the generation and implementation of waste management strategies. The research reported in this paper is based on a study aimed at evaluating the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce involved during the pre- and post-contract stages towards minimising waste. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to understand and evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of the workforce. Four types of questionnaires were prepared for project managers/site managers, supervisors, labourers, and estimators. Findings – The findings indicate the positive perceptions and attitudes of the construction workforce towards minimising waste and conserving natural resources. However, a lack of effort in practising these positive attitudes and perceptions towards waste minimisation is identified. The paper further concludes that negative attitudes towards subordinates, attitudinal differences between different working groups, and a lack of training to reinforce the importance of waste minimisation practices have obstructed proper waste management practices in the industry. Originality/value – The paper reveals the effect of the attitudes and perceptions of the construction workforce towards waste management applications, which would be of benefit to construction managers in designing and implementing better waste management practices.
item: Conference-Abstract
Capacity building for post disaster waste management : research methodological perspective
Karunasena, GI; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Every year newspapers and television screens are dominated at some point by a natural disaster of international concern. In a disaster, generation of waste is unavoidable. This causes serious environmental and economic burden on normal living conditions, reconstruction as well as on general municipal waste collection processes. Within this context, waste management has emerged as a critical issue in responding to a disaster. This became a critical issue in Sri Lanka which was heavily affected by Asian Tsunami 2004. This was mainly due to inexperience, incapacity and lack of concentrated and effective planning and monitoring processes. In this context, it is vital to explore the capacities which need to be enhanced for effective post disaster waste management at national level in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this paper addresses research methodological aspects underpinning of this research looks into capacity building for post disaster waste management within the Sri Lankan context. Further, the paper illustrates how the philosophical issues such as epistemology, ontology and axiology directed the use of case studies as the suitable research approach. Case study design considerations associated with this research will also be discussed
item: Conference-Abstract
Capacity building towards sustainability : context of post disaster waste management
Karunasena, GI; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Concept of Capacity Building is an essential component in development theory and practice. In developing countries, it is identified as a key concept in achieving sustainability. In particular, in post disaster scenarios, focus has been placed upon local capacity building as a means of increasing resilience to natural hazards. In this context, this paper focuses on concept of capacity building and its role on achieving sustainable post disaster waste management. A literature review and pilot study have been conducted to gather information on post disaster waste management in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were held as the main data collection method and content analysis was used to analyse collected data. Unavailability of a centralized body, poor implementation of rules and regulations; lack of skills and confidence, inadequate funds, lack of communication and coordination were identified as prevailing capacity gaps in post disaster waste management. Thus, finally paper proposes a framework for capacity building for sustainable post disaster waste management
item: Article-Full-text
Capacity gaps in post disaster construction & demolition waste management
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2015) Karunasena, G; Amaratunga, D
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the identification of the existing capacities of post disaster C&D waste management in developing countries, with a special emphasis on Sri Lanka to determine the capacity gaps and related influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple case studies and expert interviews were conducted to gather primary information on the existing capacities of disaster C&D waste management. Three case studies, including 15 individuals and six experts representing government, non-government institutions and others, were selected. Findings – The results revealed the existing capacities, capacity gaps and influencing factors for post disaster C&D waste management in the areas of skills and confidence building, links and collaborations, continuity and sustainability, research and development, communication and coordination, organisational implementation and investment in infrastructure. Research limitations/implications – This study limited disaster C&D waste to debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of natural disasters or from demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or at early recovery stages. Originality/value – The research enabled an analysis of existing capacities and identified capacity gaps in post disaster C&D waste management with influencing factors developing countries.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Challenges and Obstacles of Post-Disaster Road Infrastructure Reconstruction in the Pre-Construction Phase
(2016-01-05) Hayat, E; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Purpose-The reconstruction of road infrastructure in the post-disaster context require different approach when compared with road projects in the normal development context. Disaster recovery projects are seen as having their own unique identity, particularly due to stakeholder issues, resource challenges, capability issues, and even long-term reliability concerns. This paper invites a discussion regarding the challenges and obstacles identified in the reconstruction of road infrastructure in a post-disaster reconstruction setting, and focuses the discussion on the pre-construction phase. Design/ Methodology/ Approach - The challenges and obstacles presented in this paper are based on the literature and the empirical evidence collected from the research in three case study districts in Aceh, Indonesia. Twenty-eight face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders of road infrastructure at the local, provincial and national level, and represented by respondents from the public works, planning agency, disaster management agency, consultant, contractors, and donor agencies. The findings were triangulated with the literature and consulted with five experts in the road infrastructure and disaster reconstruction area. Findings - The identified challenges and obstacles are divided into three groups of discussion; planning and programming, road design, and procurement. Whilst some of these challenges are not unique to post-disaster context, the scale of the risks had been undermined. Originality/ value - This paper identifies the challenges and obstacles of a road project in the post-disaster setting from the pre-construction perspective. Identification of these challenges and obstacles may help improve the implementation of post-disaster road infrastructure reconstruction projects in future recovery projects, particularly in the developing world.
item: Conference-Full-text
Challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA in urban development: Asian perspective
(2017) Dias, N; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Malalgoda, C
The world’s population is increasing rapidly, with more than half living in Asia, mostly in urban areas. Accordingly, it is vital to reduce the current and future vulnerabilities of disasters in Asia as a precaution to save human lives as well as to reduce the damage to the natural and built environment. Increasing change on climate also further surges the vulnerability for disasters. Global policies are important to unify different parts of the world. There are three main global policies that are currently in action in the global context. These are the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals and, the Paris Climate Agreement. However, integrating these global policies to the development agendas of Asian countries have become extremely difficult due to many governance, scientific and communication issues. Based on findings of a global analysis conducted as part of a research project entitled ESPREssO funded by the EU horizon 2020 programme, this paper provides a critical review of the existing challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA into the Urban Development in Asia. During the first phase of the study, a narrative desk based literature review was conducted and during the second stage an extensive primary data collection was conducted. Key primary data collection methods were semi structured expert interviews, expert focus group discussions and an online questionnaire survey. Findings reveal institutional issues, political willingness, information management are the prominent challenges in Asia to integrate global policies into the urban development.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Conceptual framework to understand the multi-hazard early warning mechanism in communication management
(IEEE, 2022-07) Shehara, PLAI; Siriwardana, CSA; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Rathnayake, M; Adhikariwatte, V; Hemachandra, K
A conceptual model development is a primary mechanism for defining dependencies among parameters. Here, the integration of concepts linked with Multi-Hazard Early Warning mechanism is captured. This became more significant when implementing Disaster Risk Reduction strategies emphasized by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Such a warning mechanism is required to ensure that the public at risk is timely alerted and adequately informed. In proper understanding of this mechanism, the conceptual model development is a significant approach. Here, the activity level sequencing was determined with the analytical illustration of the activity concentration and stakeholder level. Recent studies were considered in conceptual model development. For further verification, the reviews obtained from the pilot expert survey were considered. The developed model was checked for applicability considering disaster situations such as Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004, Cyclone Fani in 2019 and Meethotamulla garbage dump failure in 2017. Here, the activity level concentration variation is categorized based on stakeholder levels which define on the international to community level are captured along with time change. Based on the idealized conceptual framework, the policymakers and associated stakeholders can use this in integrating the guidelines and policy framework which are targeted at Disaster Risk Reduction.
item: Article-Abstract
Critical success factors of construction research and development
Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; HAIGH, R
Research and development (R&D) activities are important to the construction industry to successfully address the challenges placed upon it and to be competitive. Identifying the factors that influence the success of construction R&D activities is important as such identification would help the research team to concentrate on the most significant and influential factors and the proper management of them to enhance the performance of construction R&D activities. The critical success factors (CSFs) of construction research and development during its different phases namely initiation, conceptualization, development and launch and at the project management stage were evaluated. A questionnaire survey and a series of semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data from academic members and industrial partners who have been involved in construction R&D activities. It revealed that from the initiation to the launch of the R&D project, emphasis was placed on the stakeholders’ satisfaction. In contrast, less attention was given to satisfying the researchers’ requirements during the R&D project. The principal investigator’s role in leading the project and providing sufficient commitment; effective monitoring and controlling of activities, having a proper dissemination plan and effective dissemination of work were also elaborated.
item: Conference-Full-text
Defining critical infrastructure for Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2022-06-24) Randeniya, M; Palliyaguru, R; Amaratunga, D; Sandanayake, YG; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Gunatilake, S
In the last few decades, infrastructure has played a major role in supporting modern society. Moreover, there has been an increase in natural and human-induced disasters worldwide. In these situations, securing infrastructure is a major requirement. Confusion and misinformation can result if the boundaries of what constitutes critical infrastructure for a country are not clearly defined. Identification of critical infrastructure is the first step in the process of securing and protecting the available critical assets. This study aims to establish the infrastructure that can be classified as "critical infrastructure" in Sri Lanka. This includes establishing a clear margin for subsectors that fall within and operate within critical infrastructure and, consequently, ascertaining a clear definition for the critical infrastructure of the nation. This study adopted a mixed-method approach, which included an initial comprehensive literature analysis on infrastructure and the parameters involved in determining the criticality of infrastructure. Secondly, a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine which infrastructure sectors would be most critical to Sri Lanka. The most significant infrastructures with the parameters of national security, economic sustainability, quality of life, public health, and safety, the criticality of infrastructure were ranked in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios, and an appropriate margin for the Sri Lankan critical infrastructure was demonstrated. The emergency services sector was found to have the most significant infrastructure in both pre- and post-disaster situations. Accordingly, the study reveals emergency services, water, energy, transportation, telecommunication, and finance as the critical infrastructures for Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
DEVELOPMENT OF A PROFESSIONAL DOCTORAL PROGRAMME IN BUILT ENVIRONMENT TO ENHANCE SOCIETAL RESILIENCE TO DISASTERS
(2016-08-29) Babatunde, S; Ginige, K; Adeniyi, O; Perera, S; Amaratunga, D
Integrating disaster resilience into education is a key factor for reducing the adverse impact of future disasters. This paper in this context presents the methodology of developing an innovative professional doctoral programme (DProf) that integrates professional and academic knowledge in the built environment to enhance societal resilience to disasters. The DProf programme addresses the career needs of practicing professionals, particularly those in, or who aspire to, senior positions within the construction industry and caters for the researching professional. In developing the DProf programme, a detailed market needs analysis for built environment stakeholders to increase societal resilience to disasters was conducted capturing inter-disciplinary needs across a range of stakeholders and countries. A series of semi-structured interviews on current and emerging market needs with members of six built environment related stakeholders, namely, local and national governments; community; NGOs, INGOs and other international agencies; academia and research organisations; and private sector facilitated the aforementioned analysis. Qualitative data analysis techniques were employed in analysing the interview data. The findings of the interviews revealed the current and emerging needs and skills of the six stakeholders related to built environment professionals towards enhancing social, economic, technological, environmental and institutional dimensions of disaster resilience of societies. These findings were used to develop the appropriate learning outcomes and the content of taught and research components of the DProf programme.
item: Conference-Full-text
Development of a professional doctoral programme in built environment to enhance societal resilience to disasters
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2016-07) Babatunde, S; Ginige, K; Adeniyi, O; Perera, S; Amaratunga, D; Sandanayake, YG; Karunasena, GI; Ramachandra, T
Integrating disaster resilience into education is a key factor for reducing the adverse impact of future disasters. This paper in this context presents the methodology of developing an innovative professional doctoral programme (DProf) that integrates professional and academic knowledge in the built environment to enhance societal resilience to disasters. The DProf programme addresses the career needs of practicing professionals, particularly those in, or who aspire to, senior positions within the construction industry and caters for the researching professional. In developing the DProf programme, a detailed market needs analysis for built environment stakeholders to increase societal resilience to disasters was conducted capturing inter-disciplinary needs across a range of stakeholders and countries. A series of semi-structured interviews on current and emerging market needs with members of six built environment related stakeholders, namely, local and national governments; community; NGOs, INGOs and other international agencies; academia and research organisations; and private sector facilitated the aforementioned analysis. Qualitative data analysis techniques were employed in analysing the interview data. The findings of the interviews revealed the current and emerging needs and skills of the six stakeholders related to built environment professionals towards enhancing social, economic, technological, environmental and institutional dimensions of disaster resilience of societies. These findings were used to develop the appropriate learning outcomes and the content of taught and research components of the DProf programme.
item: Article-Abstract
Disaster risk reduction infrastructure requirements for South-Western Bangladesh
Wedawatta, G; Kulatunga, U; Amaratunga, D; Parvez, A
Purpose Development of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for communities at risk of being affected by natural disasters is considered essential, especially in the wake of devastating disaster events reported worldwide. As part of a wider research study investigating community perspectives on existing and potential strategies for enhancing resilience to natural disasters, community perspectives on infrastructure and structural protection requirements were investigated. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Patuakhali region in South-Western Bangladesh is a region significantly at risk of multiple natural hazards. In order to engage local communities and obtain their perspectives, focus group discussions were held with local community leaders and policy makers of at-risk communities in Patuakhali region, South-Western Bangladesh. Findings Infrastructure and structural protection requirements highlighted included multi-purpose cyclone shelters, permanent embankments and improved transport infrastructure. Much of the discussions of focus group interviews were focused on cyclone shelters and embankments, suggesting their critical importance in reducing disaster risk and also dependence of coastal communities on those two measures. Originality/value The research design adopted sought to answer the research questions raised and also to inform local policy makers on community perspectives. Local policy makers involved in DRR initiatives in the region were informed of community perspectives and requirements, thus contributing to community engagement in implementing DRR activities.
item: Conference-Full-text
Disaster risk reduction measures in Bangladesh
(2012-06) Kulatunga, U; Wedawatta, G; Amaratunga, D; Ahmed, P.; Biswas, R; Senaratne, S; Sandanayake, YG
Disasters damage the entire economy of the country when they predominantly take place in developing countries. While no country in the world is entirely safe, lack of capacity to limit the impact of hazards has made developing countries being the most vulnerable nations to natural disasters. Bangladesh is being identified as a country that is vulnerable to climate change and subsequent natural disasters every year. Dense population and poverty has reduced the adaptability of Bangladesh in disastrous situations thus further increasing severity of impact from disasters. Owing to geographical settings, Bangladesh is currently ranked as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries in the world. The frequent natural hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, floods, droughts, tornados, riverbank erosions, earthquakes, arsenic contamination of groundwater and landslides account for significant losses in human lives and physical assets while effects are further reflected in social settings, ecosystems and the economic well-being of the country. This paper evaluates the types of natural disasters Bangladesh is subjecting to, how they have affected the Bangladesh community and existing disaster risk reduction strategies. Paper also evaluates four main domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures namely physical, engineering, structural and organisational. Existing disaster risk reduction strategies adopted in Bangladesh are linked with the aforementioned four domains of disaster vulnerability reduction measures. A comprehensive literature review is used as the research method. Literature synthesis suggests that Bangladesh is being using a combination of disaster risk reduction measures ranging from technical to social measures.
item: Conference-Full-text
Emerging research on women's empowerment in post disaster Reconstruction
(2013-11-14) Thurairajah, N; Amaratunga, D
The seeming randomness of the occurrence of disaster, its impact and uniqueness of events demand dynamic, real-time, effective and efficient solutions from the field of disaster management and thus making this topic necessary. Although disaster management efforts are designed to benefit both men and women, in real practice a larger share of benefits and resources goes to men and women continue to remain marginalised. The lack of involvement of both men and women in disaster management has exposed them to more potential dangers. Recent studies have reflected the need for gender consideration in disaster management and emphasised its importance in building disaster resilient communities. Inclusion of women's contribution to the post disaster reconstruction is a major concern for policy makers and researchers in building disaster resilient communities. A mid-term review of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in the Yokohama world conference on natural disaster reduction highlighted the need for community involvement and empowerment of women at all stages of disaster management programmes as an integral part of reducing community vulnerability to natural disasters. Women are less likely to migrate to different places during post disaster phase due to their domestic responsibilities and other cultural systems which lead them to more vulnerable positions. This indicates the need to include women's needs and contribution in post disaster reconstruction. The concept of empowerment can be illustrated as a social process in addressing the above since it occurs in relation to others and as an outcome it can be enhanced and evaluated against expected accomplishments. In this context, this study seeks to identify and investigate the emerging research need in the knowledge on women's empowerment in the post disaster reconstruction in Sri Lanka. The study has been based on a theoretical as well as practical ideas obtained through a comprehensive literature review. It is expected that the study will serve as a platform for researchers who are interested in building disaster resilient communities in Sri Lanka.
item: Article-Full-text
Evaluating the network of stakeholders in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for multiple hazards amidst biological outbreaks: Sri Lanka as a case in point
(Elsevier, 2022) Jayasekara, R; Siriwardana, C; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R
Synergized impacts of simultaneous hazards amidst COVID-19 have called for the need for highly collaborative multi-sectoral approaches for disaster preparedness planning. In such a context, this study aims at evaluating the network of stakeholders in the National Early Warning System of Sri Lanka during preparedness planning. Social Network Analysis was used to visualise the network of stakeholders for selected hazard scenarios. Furthermore, a series of key informant interviews were conducted focusing on disaster preparedness planning during the recent multiple hazard scenarios. The findings highlight the need for a framework to guide the stakeholder coordination in preparedness planning for multiple hazards.
item: Conference-Abstract
An evaluation of the current urban design process in order to derive critical success factors for the creation of a potential new urban design process framework
Dias, N; Keraminiyage, K; Amaratunga, D; Curwell, S
The current urban design process is top-down, i.e., generally the urban designers or planners design the urban environment and at a later stage the community may have some involvement. There are serious criticisms of this process as it may not touch the “ground” level community, and therefore, there is a serious risk these projects will fail to create sustainable environments. Accordingly, in order to overcome the drawbacks of the current top-down process, researches have discussed implementing a bottom-up process in order to deliver sustainable urban designs. In the meantime the current top-down urban design process may have features which may positively affect for the creation of sustainable urban designs. Accordingly, this research paper discusses the critical success factors of the current top down urban design process which supports for a creation of a new potential urban design process framework. The research methodology adopted for this research is case study research reinforced by grounded theory where the researcher has evaluated a live urban design project process in North-West England. The evaluation has resulted deriving seven critical success factors. The “leadership” of the process has been identified as one of The current urban design process is top-down, i.e., generally the urban designers or planners design the urban environment and at a later stage the community may have some involvement. There are serious criticisms of this process as it may not touch the “ground” level community, and therefore, there is a serious risk these projects will fail to create sustainable environments. Accordingly, in order to overcome the drawbacks of the current top-down process, researches have discussed implementing a bottom-up process in order to deliver sustainable urban designs. In the meantime the current top-down urban design process may have features which may positively affect for the creation of sustainable urban designs. Accordingly, this research paper discusses the critical success factors of the current top down urban design process which supports for a creation of a new potential urban design process framework. The research methodology adopted for this research is case study research reinforced by grounded theory where the researcher has evaluated a live urban design project process in North-West England. The evaluation has resulted deriving seven critical success factors. The “leadership” of the process has been identified as one of the major critical success factors.