Case Study

The second method is case study. Bennett defines a case study as ‘a well-defined aspect of a historical happening that the investigator selects for analysis, rather than

a historical happening itself.’374 He explains that originally, case studies have been defined ‘negatively’, that is relating to statistical methods. They have recently evolved to become defined ‘positively’ when scholars realised their distinctive logic, techniques, and comparative advantages. Yin describes a case study as an empirical enquiry that explores a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, particularly when “the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident”.375 The intention of a case study inquiry is to allow exploration into the distinctive situation in which there are many variables.

This method is not without shortcomings. Lee explains that case studies lack controllability; lack deductibility, lack repeatability and generalizability.376 Moreover, Kerlinger adds that the inability to manipulate independent variables, risk of improper interpretation and lack of power to randomise are also weaknesses of case study exploration.377 Understanding this method’s limitation provides insights into its appropriate use and further rationalises the need for a multi-method approach described earlier.

According to Benbasat et al, the strengths of employing the case study method include providing valuable insights into new and emerging topics; permit the researcher to understand the nature and complexity of a process taking place; and understand the state of the art and formulate theory from practice.378 Yin also explains that the rationale for choosing a case study as a research approach lies in the desire to understand the complex social phenomena of the investigated subject or event. According to Fellows and Liu this method allows holistic and meaningful characteristics of real-life to be retained by investigating a phenomenon within a context.379 Opposite to the experiment, where the investigator has a control over the investigated subject and where the subject is often detached from its real environment, case study exploration allows a deeper understanding of what is actually occurring. In this research, economics understanding of the business case of biophilic urbanism is complex and unclear due to its ad hoc application. This is the main reason for the case study research approach.

There are a number of issues that have to be considered while designing the case study approach. These are discussed below along with a description of how each item shall be addressed.

1. It has to be deliberated whether the case study should a longitudinal or a cross-sectional study: The longitudinal case study focuses on investigating a

study aims to capture the situation at the moment in the time; it is less time demanding and can be used to obtain findings more quickly.380In this research longitudinal case studies will allow for the analysis of a biophilic element(s) development over time. This will also allow for comparisons across case studies to identify compelling gaps and/or new knowledge.

2. What is the appropriate number of case studies? There are often benefits

from being able to gather and compare data from a number of related cases, which can affect the depth of investigation. The number of cases for this research is five, which is adequate for the time given to conduct the research. The rationale of choosing multiple case studies, with each providing an example of a particular biophilic element, lies in the fact that when collectively considered will help inform a comprehensive attempt to green a city i.e. biophilic urbanism. Additionally, Proverbs and Gameson explain that multiple case studies allow for more compelling results, hence assist in achieving the research aims of this dissertation.

3. How will case studies be identified and selected? Case studies were

selected from the literature based on: application of various biophilic element (preferably successful), invokes discussion and new ideas, international to capture various approaches to biophilic urbanism and were also informed by SBEnrc workshops.

4. How will the data be collected? The goal of reliability is to minimise the errors and biases in a study.381 Developing comprehensive case study protocol ensures its reliability. Within the case study exploration, a desktop review of the literature was conducted to capture available information. To ensure rigour and consistency across the five case studies, the following questioning route informed the desktop review of each of the cities being explored for their biophilic urbanism journey. Subsequently, the third method, semi-structured interviews, was conducted to provide further clarification and in-depth comprehension.

Figure 3-5: Case study questioning route

Pre-construction

•What was the initial problem that was trying to be addressed?

•Was financial support received for projects (i.e. a government grant)? If so, what was the compelling element that secured the funding?

Construction

•What were the direct and in-direct costs of the natural installations?

•Were unanticipated costs experienced during construction?

In Operation

•Was an in-operation cost-benefit analysis (financial and non-financial) conducted? If so, what were the key findings?

•What was the return on investment period? •Were economic multipliers identified and

quantified for the operation of the project •Have studies on occupant or pedestrian

experience been undertaken? And if so what were the key findings?

•What are the ongoing maintenance costs? Were unanticipated maintenance costs experienced?