Indiscriminate urbanization in the northeastern city of Derna and its impact on urban planning

Abstract

Slums are one of the global problems that pose a threat to the urban environment and its repercussions, which have prompted, clearly and urgently, to search for solutions and methods to address these problems and reduce their impact on urban planning, these methods differ in their treatment methods depending on the urban, topographical, social and economic conditions of the area.  The study area has witnessed terrible environmental pressure in recent periods, represented by increased urbanization, expansion, improper planning, and a lack of environmental awareness.  Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the random urban expansion in the city of Derna, in addition to identifying the impact of this change in the region in the period from 2010-2020. This study relied on satellite visuals, field visits, and contact with specialized interests. The study concluded that the study area in which slums grew significantly, especially in the period from 2010 to 2020, as the increase within the plan reached from 2.06 hectares in 2010 to 50.63 hectares in 2020. The study also showed that this increase was mostly in neighbourhoods that are not equipped for housing and have a heterogeneous urban texture, including what is based on illegal aspects as unplanned areas according to urban planning.